Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Landscaping Tips For The Beginning of Fall!

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Although most of the country has been in some state of drought this year, it’d be smart to take steps that will preserve your landscape and the integrity of your home – before the ground freezes! Here are some helpful tips:

Water your trees and shrubs thoroughly. This is essential before the ground freezes. Water long and slowly, trickling an open hose around the dripline (a circle around the tree or shrub where the outermost branches reach). Slow watering is a must, as it ensures all the water is actually going to the tree. If the water is running off, turn down the hose until water is only trickling out. 

Smaller trees and shrubs can do with two hose placements on either side; large trees take 3 to 4. Water each area for two hours minimum. Keep watering the lawn one inch per week to supplement any rain. 

Pro Tip: use a “winterize fertilizer” now to keep the lawn fresh and give it a boost in the spring!

Check all your drains. Take a close look at the drains around and near outside the house, checking for debris, leaves or anything that looks amiss. Then clean all around and clear those suckers out! That way when it rains, the drains can do their job of keeping water outside and not in your basement. Likewise, gutters and downspouts need to be clear and free flowing. Fallen leaves often get trapped and can cause damage to your foundation and roof. 

Pro Tip: do not tackle gutters unless you absolutely know what you’re doing! If you don’t have experience, or a proper ladder for that matter, call a professional. You can also check out systems that are designed to keep leaves out! 

Safety proof for the kids. Halloween is this week, so make sure your home is safe for trick-or-treaters! Clear your walkway and lawn by putting away hoses, tools, and lawn furniture. If you have elaborate decorations, (‘tis the season!) ensure anything electronic is properly set up; keep spooky specters out of the path up your walkway; check hand railings on the stairs for stability and keep the stairs clear of other trip hazards. Remember: there will be excited little ones racing with each other to get to the door! 

Pro Tip: to keep the porch well lit and kid-friendly, use LED lights in the pumpkins rather than candles. 

As fall settles into full swing, your lawn and the parents in your neighborhood will be grateful for your forethought!

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago

How To Make Small Spaces Seem Bigger

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It may seem inconvenient or difficult to decorate a small space in your home, but there are a variety of strategies to make that smaller area seem much bigger. Here are some ideas to help you maximize the space in smaller rooms in your home.

The first step for making your small space seem bigger is to clear out all unnecessary items in the room. It’s very hard for any space to look big when there is an assortment of unorganized things thrown around the room. You’ll also want to make sure that there are clear walkways that aren’t obstructed by any pieces of furniture.

The color scheme is very important for maximizing the space in a small room. Dark and warm hues can make a room feel closed off or intimate, so it’s important to choose soft colors for smaller rooms. Lighter colors give rooms a more airy, open feeling and this can be enhanced by choosing similar soft colors for the furniture, curtains, or other items in the room. If your room accessories match the color of the wall, the room will seem more expansive.

Let in as much light as possible. Well-lit rooms always seem larger and you can achieve this with thinner drapes or by making sure all windows are unobstructed. If your small room doesn’t have any windows, you can use mirrors to reflect light from lamps and overhead lighting and give the room a more open feeling. Another way to enhance the light is to use transparent pieces of furniture. Light will flow unobstructed when you have furniture made of glass or lucite.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Getting in the Spirit for Halloween!

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Not ready or in the spirit for Halloween? Well, this weekend before Halloween can change that! Here’s what’s in store for you in Chicago!

The return of the Music Box of Horrors to the Music Box Theatre (3733 N. Southport Ave.) in the Lakeview neighborhood will definitely send a chill creeping down your spine this Saturday and Sunday. This celebration of scary films is a 24-hour marathon of movie madness featuring the spookiest, creepiest, and rare cult oddities such as Strait-Jacket starring Joan Crawford plus many others. In addition, there will be Q&As, special guests, vendors, giveaways and much more to round out your experience at this spooky fest!

If you don’t think you can stay up for the Music Box Theatre’s 24-hours of horror movies, there’s always the Music Box of Horrors: Dawn of the Drive-In at the ChiTown Movies Drive-In (2343 S. Throop St.) in the Pilsen neighborhood. Once again, you’ll be able to catch single and double features with a carload of your friends as well as enjoying specialized movie intros, hilarious pre-show content, filmmaker Q&As and vendors selling their spooky wares! Beware though, I’ve been told the films are terrifyingly good!

Treat yourself this Halloween season at Deuce’s Major League Bar (3501-05 N. Clark St.) in the Wrigleyville neighborhood as it transforms into Nightmare on Clark Street through October 31st. This spooky pop-up comes complete with themed cocktails such as Michael Meyer’s Michelada, festive snacks and plenty of ghoulish décor for photo ops if you’re all decked-out in costume!

There are also several fun, family-friendly events this weekend for the kids (even the furry ones) as well.  Here are just a few:

BooPalooza will be held Saturday (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) at Wicker Park (1425 N. Damen Ave.) in the Wicker Park neighborhood. The Park is transformed into a Halloween haven that includes tons of activities such as seasonally themed games, face painting, pumpkin patches, and a pumpkin show. Plus, there’s the kids’ costume parade and the dogs’ costume parade for a double whammy of cuteness!

Clark Street Spooktacular will be held Sunday (1 p.m. – 4 p.m.) at 2224 N. Clark Street in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Embrace the spooky season and celebrate Halloween at this favorite trick-or-treat extravaganza! Participating businesses on Clark Street from Armitage to Diversey transform into trick-or-treat stops featuring candy and surprises for the whole family!

Logan Square Halloween Parade takes place Sunday (5 p.m.) beginning at the Illinois Centennial Monument (3200 W. Logan Blvd.) in the Logan Square neighborhood and brings out costumed kids and adults for a festive celebration. This Halloween procession marches south on Kedzie to Fullerton then looping back to Lula Café for hot cider and cookies. Once again, punk rock marching band Mucca Pazza will be leading the festivities with their spooky soundtrack!

Lakeview Halloween Pupcrawl will be held Saturday (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) in the Lakeview neighborhood.  Trick-or-treat with your dog in costume along north Halsted Street from Belmont to Cornelia with Miss Foozie. Just register at the Sherwin-Williams Paint Store (3311 N. Halsted St.) and show off your dog(s)’ best costume while gathering a bucket full of treats.  There also will be giveaways, prizes, a photobooth and more. Afterwards, have lunch with your pooch at Lark’s on their dog friendly patio!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Neighborhood News-Gold Coast, Chicago Riverwalk, Lincoln Square, North Park, Lincoln Park

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Halloween is for everyone, especially children and pets! On the next to last weekend in October, take your furry babies out for their own treats! Plus, spook-tacular events for you and your family!

As the 150th anniversary of the Chicago Fire comes to an end, Beyond the Mansion: Great Chicago Fire Walking Tour holds its last tour of the season on Thursday October 21, from 3:30-5:30pm. n 1879, the Chicago Daily Tribune headline announced, “Something New in Houses— A Fire-Proof Residence.” Built on the ashes of the Great Chicago Fire, the former Nickerson residence, now the Driehaus Museum, 40 E. Erie Street, the walking tour will begin inside the Museum, with a look at the engineering innovations that made this Marble Palace fire-proof, and continue with a stroll around the neighborhood. Tickets are $30 each.

Giddy up lil’ doggies! On Friday, October 22, the Northman Beer & Cider Garden on The Riverwalk233 East Riverwalk, Chicago, 4th Annual National Pug Day, dress in your best western gear with your pugs in tow.  There will be specialty beer tappings, Pug Day glassware, dog bandanas, stickers, and more! A portion of each Maplewood pint sold will go to Wild Hearts, a non-profit providing comprehensive care to animals with mobility issues and the people who love them. 

Bring your furry babies to Lincoln Square for Pup-O-Ween on Saturday, October 23, from 10am-2pm at the Ainslie Arts Plaza, 4844 N. Lincoln Ave. Treats and promotions aplenty for your dog as you Trick-or-Treat! And… the fun isn’t just for your pup. Dog parents get treats, too! Halloween activities are planned based on current local and state COVID-19 mandates for public events. Pup-O-Ween Costume contest begins at 12pm, Howl-o-ween themed photo booth with costume props. And goodie bags! Admission is free (while supplies last.)

North Park Village Nature Center Park 5801 N. Pulaski Rd, celebrates its 30th Annual Fall Festival on Saturday, October 23, and Sunday, October 24, from 10am–3:30pm. Enjoy a fall walk through the Natural Area, build a scarecrow, visit the children’s arts and crafts station, and much more! To keep your family safe in the parks, registration is required with 6 different timed-entry options across both days. In accordance with Be Safe Chicago Guidelines for Parks and Recreation Activities, participants will be required to wear a mask and practice social distancing at all times while participating. Free admission.

Spooktacular on Clark Street, Lincoln Park’s favorite family-friendly trick-or-treat extravaganza – transforms participating businesses on Clark Street from Armitage to Diversey, and Orchard to Lakeview into Halloween candy havens! On Sunday, October 24, from 1-4pm, be amazed by spooky specials throughout the day, creepy stilt walkers, and incredible magicians! Plus, celebrate our resilient business community and stroll along the street to take in festive window decorations!  Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there will NOT be a costume contest. 

The Museum of Illusions, 25 E Washington St., is decking out its space with themed décor for Halloween, making it a go-to destination for the holiday! Playing into the illusions throughout the exhibits, such as Head on a Platter, Vortex Tunnel, Infinity and Anti-Gravity Room and more. The Museum is open Monday – Thursday, 10am – 9pm, Friday, 10am – 10pm, Saturday 9am – 10pm, and Sunday, 9am – 9pm. Tickets range from $15-$65.

Alison Moran and Dean’s Team Chicago

Restaurant Review – Batter & Berries

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Batter & Berries in Lincoln Park was founded by Dr. Tanya & Craig Richardson in 2012 as an eclectic breakfast, lunch and brunch restaurant, providing a world-class dining experience like no other brunch/lunch menu. It’s a bright cafe with creative pancakes, omelets and other delectable breakfast fare, plus sandwiches and unusual lunch fare selections.

Several online reviewers were rapturous about their World Famous French Toast Flight, which combines four signature flavors of batter-dipped Brioche. They also specialize in hand-shredded B&B Cheese- Crusted Hash Browns, house-made B&B Maple Chicken & Apple and B&B Spicy Pork sausage.

Each week, Batter & Berries special French Toast changes, while some toasts are repeats. Other Chef Specials are created to highlight seasonal, cultural or other preparations.

One Google reviewer chimed in, “The French toast lives up to its reputation. I got a Super Flight, which includes the French Toast flavor of the week. This week’s flavor was cookie butter. It was delicious. Definitely don’t skip a side of cheese-crusted hash browns, as they were the most amazing thing I’ve put in my mouth. Fast service. Expect to wait or put your name on the list online. It is worth the wait.”

Another said, “The French toast is really that good. The staff is amazing and in such good spirits! The service is good. The food delicious.”

Currently, Batter & Berries is featuring Snickers French Toast, with a Snickers-infused batter and topped with Snickers pieces, caramel and chocolate sauces. With a nod to autumnal wonder, try the Apple Cider Donut French Toast, infused with spiced Cider, and topped with Cider donut pieces and spiced cider cream.

As great as the French Toast selections are, there’s an entire menu that features unique lunch and brunch items, including the ‘Movin’ on Up’ Executive- ribeye steak, grilled onions, mushrooms, and Cabernet sauce, two eggs, and their special hash browns. Or a ‘Cluck ‘n Gautre, a sweet potato waffle stuffed with fried chicken, topped with a buttermilk herb-fried chicken breast and spicy nutmeg sauce.  

Lunch items are equally creative, offering a La Colombe Brisket Hash, with Louisiana Brisket, caramelized onions, cheddar-crusted hash browns, fried egg, and Ancho coffee sauce. Or, try a Cider Pulled Pork Sandwich with Cider BBQ sauce, and pickle chips on a pretzel roll. Vegetarian options include the Bella Hash, made with Portobello mushroom, zucchini, yellow squash, and red onions, over a brown sugar and sage sweet potato, with maple Dijon sauce.

Weekend brunches are special, too. Selections, based on market offerings, include a Lobster Executive, Peach Porter Braised Short Ribs, Peppered Shrimp Omelets, and Creole Salmon Benny (Eggs Benedict).

Batter & Berries is located at 2748 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago. The restaurant is open Friday-Monday, 8am-3pm, and Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9am-2pm. They are open for dine-in with limited seating, carryout and delivery, per the current restaurant restrictions in Chicago. Reservations are highly recommended and are made online via their website. For more information, click here. 

Alison Moran and Dean’s Team Chicago

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Busting Myths About Exercise

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Unless you’re a gym fanatic, exercise can seem like a daunting challenge to add onto an already busy schedule.That’s why those of us who live in higher income countries, like the US and UK, don’t get the recommended amount of exercise per week! 

On top of that, when faced with quarantine during the pandemic, most of us chose making sourdough bread over working on our abs (understandably). I can attest to this, having gained more than a few pounds during the last 18 months or so! 

So what can we do to break the streak? Let’s investigate a few obstacles that make regular exercise seem like an impossible task:

Our ancestors. We have to put a stop to this myth that our ancestors were these uber fit specimens with x-men-esque abilities. According to research, most hunter gatherers were reasonably fit, only spending 2 or 3 hours a day in vigorous activity. They were strong enough to survive, only active when it was necessary or rewarding. Exercising for the sake of fitness was unheard of! 

Exaggerated statistics. Some information out there is designed to do only one thing: scare us. We sit too much! It’s as bad as smoking! Yes, sitting too long can be unhealthy, but so can too much exercise, or too much of anything. Balance is the key!

Pro-tip for those who might have jobs that require them to sit for long hours: getting up and walking around your office three times an hour wakes up your metabolism!

Guilt. Let me set the record straight: you’re not lazy just because you don’t love to exercise! Our ancestors evolved to avoid needless exertion, conserve their energy, and simply survive. So, believe it or not, your less-than-enthusiastic view of exercise is a natural instinct and can be hard to overcome. 

Getting older means less excercise. In the past, many parents and grandparents lived into their seventies and needed to stay active to provide food for the children and grandchildren. Nowadays that isn’t the case, but that doesn’t mean there’s no reason to keep active! 

Exercise is healthier the older we get, and getting just enough can reduce chances of rapid deterioration and disease. It can also be fun, so get out there with the kids or grandkids and move!

A set amount of exercise is needed for everyone. This particular myth is probably one of the worst obstacles. Recommended amounts of exercise vary depending on dozens of factors like age, level of fitness, and injury history! For some, as little as 10 minutes a day can yield substantial benefits. It’s best to vary the amount and kinds of exercise you do according to your circumstances. 

In our modern world we do not have to be as physically active to survive like our hunter – gathering ancestors, nor do we share the anxieties of our not-too-distant predecessors who faced a shorter average life span. 

Without the stress of guilt or exaggerated expectations, get the right amount of exercise you need and enjoy the benefits! 

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago

Renovate Vs. Relocate

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Is it worthwhile to improve your property, or is moving a better choice?

Unless you built a custom home, you probably have a long list of things you’d like to improve in your current home. Browsing online listings might get you in the mood to upgrade to a new home, or you might be thinking about renovating your current home after binging on HGTV. The answer to renovation vs. relocation depends greatly on what you’re trying to fix.

Thinking about a new kitchen?
If you’re dreaming of a chef’s kitchen with new appliances and beautiful cabinets, renovating your own kitchen gives you incredible ROI and is less costly than moving. You’ll increase the value of your own home if you ever decide to sell, and there’s a great sense of accomplishment that comes with completing a custom renovation.

Need more space?
If you’re running low on bedrooms, there may not be a lot of options. Converting an existing room to a bedroom doesn’t create any new space. If you’re in a condo, an addition is probably impossible. And additions can be expensive even if it’s a possibility. Moving is usually the best option.

If the neighborhood isn’t ideal
You may have seen some potential for your neighborhood when you first moved there, but perhaps it still isn’t welcoming the shops and restaurants you expected. If that’s the case, consider moving. There’s no sense in waiting years for the neighborhood to improve, especially if you can move to a house in the same price range in a more preferred part of the city.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Pumpkin Patch Time!

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Can you believe we’re halfway through October already and only two weeks away from Halloween!  I say it’s time to pick your own pumpkins at a local pumpkin patch and partake in pre-Halloween festivities this weekend!

Once again, Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Ave.) in the Streeterville neighborhood is transforming into a fall spectacle with nearly 1,000 pumpkins for their Pier Pumpkin Lights now through October 31st (10 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.)  As guests wander around the glowing, spooky spectacles with elaborate jack o’lantern towers and light displays, they’ll also be able to catch deals from the Pier’s many restaurants and bars and also enjoy other seasonal and Halloween festivities fit for the whole family! Remember, the pumpkins are best experienced after dusk!

The biggest pumpkin patch pop-up, Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up, is located in the heart of Chicago at 1467 N. Elston Ave. in the River West neighborhood now through October 31st. This newest interactive pop-up experience is on over 2 acres of land where guests can experience a larger than life, outdoor, multi-sensory adventure in the city rather than traveling to the suburbs. This event brings you Chicago’s largest corn maze, thousands of pumpkins, food trucks, three full-service bars, axe throwing, carnival games and more!  There’s an experience here for everyone!

JoJo’s Shake Bar (23 W. Hubbard St.) in the River North neighborhood will be transforming their 5,000 square-foot outdoor patio into JoJo’s Pumpkin Patch now through November 1st (11 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.) where you will find hay bales, festive lights and “pumpkin domes” outfitted with tables of six or less for dining and hanging out. And, besides hand picking your own pumpkin, guests can enjoy a menu of special seasonal dishes that include gourmet caramel apples, pumpkin and apple pies, spiked ciders, and hot chocolates as well as their decadent Pumpkin Patch Shake that’s topped with a slice of pumpkin pie, a taffy apple, roasted marshmallow and a Reese’s pretzel Best part is you can take all these fall favorites home with you!

It’s back for its 9th year! The annual Rosehill Cemetery ‘Crypt’ 5K Run/Walk is fall’s most spirited event taking place on the grounds of the north side’s historic Rosehill Cemetery (5800 N. Ravenswood Ave.) this Saturday at 7 p.m. Run or walk this candle-lit 5K course on Rosehill’s sprawling 350-acre Victorian-era cemetery that opened back in 1864. Not only will you come across monuments, mausoleums, and scenic paths, but you may also be greeted by some of the famous eternal spirits who reside in Rosehill!  

Afterwards, head on over to the Fireside Restaurant located right across from the start/finish area for the post run/walk party. Enjoy a complimentary sponsored beverage and delicious food (for an additional charge) while the overall and age group winners are announced. Then stick around for the band playing some spook-tastic tunes! Everyone is welcome, not just the participants!

Join tens of thousands of fans as they converge at the 2021 Wizard World Chicago this Saturday (10 a.m. – 7 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center (5555 N. River Rd.) in Rosemont. This event celebrates the best in pop culture: movies, comics, cosplay, video gaming, collectibles, contests and more! It also features non-stop live entertainment throughout the evening hours, gaming, exclusive Q&A sessions with top celebrities, movie screenings, anime, a kids’ zone and more!

If you wish to partake in a real scary pre-Halloween event, the Chicago Bears are hosting the Green Bay Packers this Sunday (12:00 p.m.) at Soldier Field!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Neighborhood News-Chicago Loop, North Park, Lakeview, Lincoln Park

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With Halloween just a couple of weeks away, now is the time to bask in scary movies, eat great treats, and enjoy the beauty of the autumnal outdoors. Chicago knows how to celebrate the season!

Campfire Horrors, an outdoor horror movie series featuring spooky classics and campfires for roasting marshmallows, celebrates the season with free screenings of the scariest movie classics. Screenings will be held at 7pm on every Friday of October, as well as select Saturdays at Dvorak Park, North Park Village Nature Center. This weekend, Scream will be shown on Friday, October 15, at Northerly Park, 1521S Linn White Drive, at 7pm.The Nightmare Before Christmas will shock on Saturday, October 16, at North Park Village Nature Center, 5801 N Pulaski Rd., at 7pm. Masks are required, and the Chicago Park District recommends dressing warmly. Free admission.

The 57th Chicago International Film Festival, North America’s longest-running competitive film festival, kicks off Wednesday, October 13 and runs through October 22. Over 80 feature films and 60 film shorts from around the world will be screened in theaters, at the drive-in, and streaming. Films ranging from heart-wrenching dramas to eye-opening documentaries to midnight shockers, at the AMC River East 21, at the Music Box Theatre on Southport, and the Gene Siskel Film Center on State Street—plus drive-in screenings at ChiTown Movies in Pilsen. Ticket and pass prices vary, check website for details.

The Lincoln Square Farmers Market features over 40 vendors each week at the Lincoln Thursday afternoon on Lincoln and Leland Avenues, from 3-7pm. The market connects local farmers, artisans, and food purveyors to the Northside of Chicago. Vendors include Elsie Mae’s Canning & Pies, a small family bakery using local produce and family recipes passed down through generations to preserve traditional style baking and canning, and Copacabana, a local, fair trade, ethically sourced chocolate truffles and gianduja chocolate spreads. Free admission.

Join Lincoln Park’s Lakeshore Sport & Fitness, 1320 W. Fullerton, for their Falloween Fest! On Saturday, October 15, from 2-5pm, families can enjoy Euro Bungee, a 90ft inflatable obstacle course and a 40ft inflatable slide. Families can also enjoy ghoulish performers, carnival games, pumpkin painting, cotton candy & snow cones. Admission is free, but some attractions, activities and food & drink do require tickets that can be purchased the day of the event. The event will be held outdoors in both the parking lot and on the rooftop. If the weather proves to be ghastly, we will move to the indoor tennis courts. Lakeshore members will RSVP on the MyLSF App. A limited amount of tickets are available for non-members and should be reserved in advance through Eventbrite.

Alison Moran and Dean’s Team Chicago

Restaurant Review – Summer House Santa Monica

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Located in Lincoln Park, Summer House Santa Monica presents an escape to the warmth and laid-back vibes of the West Coast. The California-inspired menu highlights simple, market-driven ingredients with a focus on local & sustainable farming. Chef Ben Goodnick highlights seasonal specialties made from scratch, with locally sourced produce and fresh ingredients, along with market-driven pastas, artisan pizzas, and antipasti. Summer House Santa Monica offers a taste of summer any time of the year! 

What better way to start your California adventure than with Guacamole & House-Made Chips? The California treat has a Hass avocado, Pico de Gallo, tomatillo salsa, and ranchero sauce. Or a Handmade Burratta with local cherry tomatoes, avocado, and arugula pesto. The Parmesan Fries are also highly recommended by reviewers. Raw starters with that California vibe include Ahi Tuna & Watermelon Tartare, which is paired with guacamole, Thai chili, and house-made chips. Mexican Shellfish Ceviche has fresh avocado, tomato-lime jugo, tajin crackers, house-made chips, and shellfish. 

Currently, the menu’s seasonal specials include Rossa Pizza, a tasty combination of spicy tomato sauce, fresh herbs, and arugula salad, a Malibu Peanut Noodle Salad, with sesame, lime, and sweet peppers, and Wood Grilled Hawaiian Ahi Tuna Sandwich, with spicy mayo, avocado, ponzu, and pickled ginger.

Fresh, unique vegetable offerings include a Wood-Grilled Heirloom Globe Artichoke with herb remoulade, Caramelized Brussel Sprouts with balsamic vinegar and parmigiano reggiano, and Wood-Grilled Shishito Peppers with a sweet soy glaze, shichimi togarashi seasoning, and toasted sesame. 

The restaurant is also known for its salads, including a Knife and Fork Caesar, with hearts of romaine, garlic croutons, and parmesan. Other unique salads include a Shaved Brussels Sprouts with manchego cheese, bacon, avocado, toasted almonds, and peas, with a mustard vinaigrette, and a Wilshire Blvd Cobb with grilled chicken, egg, corn, cucumber, tomato, point reyes blue cheese, bacon, and celery, dressed with an herb vinaigrette.

Entrees include a Loch Duart Salmon, with a sweet chili glaze, and served with herb mashed potatoes, and Crispy Fish Tacos, made with local corn tortilla, crunchy slaw, chipotle crema, and salsa verde.

Pizzas are a must-have, according to online reviewers. Each day, the restaurant handcrafts dough with California milled flour, filtered water, sea salt, and fresh yeast, and rests it for 18 hours to ensure a crisp crust and unique flavor. Try an Organic Sausage & Fennel with fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, and fennel pollen, or a Hobbs Pepperoni with fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, and parmesan. Spicy Salumi & Burratta pairs garlic, fresh mozzarella, whipped burratta, and tomato sauce.

The restaurant also boasts several unique desserts, including a Banana’s Foster Waffle, with house-made crispy waffle pieces, toffee sauce, bananas, vanilla ice cream, and whipped cream. 

Weekend brunches are replete with traditional items and Cali-Mex specialties, including Breakfast cilantro with pulled chicken, silky black beans, ranchero sauce, jack cheese, and sunny-side-up eggs. Mexican Hash Browns include two sunny-side-up eggs, with tomato salsa, Oaxaca cheese, avocado, and cilantro.

Summer House Santa Monica is located at 1954 N Halsted St. Limited indoor dining and patio table reservations are available.  Hours are Monday – Thursday: 11am – 10pm, Friday: 11am– 11pm, Saturday: 9am-11pm and Sunday: 9am– 9pm.  Brunch is served on Saturday & Sunday: 9am –3pm. Per government mandate, all persons are required to wear a mask, to be removed only while seated at your table. For more information, click here.