Welcome to October as we continue to celebrate fall favorites as well as preparing for the arrival of our first holiday at the end of the month, Halloween!  Until then, here’s a sample of what’s happening this first weekend.

Nothing says fall like another one of Chicago’s premier Oktoberfest street festivals.  That’s right, Oktoberfest on Division Street will transform Division Street from State and Dearborn Streets into a lively Bavarian block party this Saturday (12 p.m.-10 p.m.).  So, get your lederhosen and dirndls back on for some authentic Oktoberfest beer selections; delicious food offerings; a main stage with live music performances; DJs spinning Oktoberfest favorites as well as party hits; partake in classic German-inspired games and contests that include stein holding competitions, German musical chairs, and German word pronunciation challenges (good luck with this one), and more.  This festive celebration certainly brings the spirit of Germany to the heart of the Gold Coast neighborhood!

Embrace the fall season at the 9^th annual Lincoln Park Wine Fest this Saturday (11 a.m.-10 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m.-7 p.m.) at Jonquil Park (1001 W. Wrightwood Ave.) in the Lincoln Park neighborhood.  This beloved event transforms the park into a vibrant open-air market of wine and food pavilions offering wines from around the world and food from Pies of London, Taqueria Teotihuacan, and Kurtos R.  Plus, sommeliers and brand ambassadors will be on hand to assist you.  In addition, fest goers can enjoy tunes spun by a DJ and/or browse wine related craft and merchant vendors.  And don’t forget to bring your commemorative tasting glass home with you!

Join in on a celebration of the full moon and family reunion at this year’s Chinatown Moon Festival this Saturday (3 p.m.-9 p.m.) at the Chinatown Square Plaza located at 2130 South Archer Avenue.  This mid-autumn festival features colorful lantern displays lighting up the Square; live performances of music, dance, and martial arts; indulge in delicious mooncakes while learning about their symbolism; raise a glass of fragrant chrysanthemum flower wine which is a beverage steeped in tradition and culture; and enjoy the thrilling K-Pop Competition.  Bring your family and friends to enjoy a vibrant evening of tradition and joy.  It’s an experience not to be missed!

One of our many family-friendly Halloween events will take place daily during regular hours from October 4 to November 2 at the WNDR Museum (1130 W. Monroe St.) in the West Loop with their annual Pumpkin Lights & Playful Frights.  Come celebrate fall fun as the museum transforms into a bright and colorful wonderland featuring over 150 illuminated glowing pumpkins; themed trails such as the Pumpkin Path where costumed visitors can collect treats; a Pumpkin Patch workshop to decorate your own pumpkin tote; and more.  But beware, there are no scares here only treats!  In addition, this event also offers immersive art with a spooky twist, interactive experiences, and photo opportunities as well.  Plus, a special, after-hours experience happens on select evenings every weekend with the WNDR Mystery at the Museum: Masquerade Heist.  I’ve been informed that only the sharpest minds will solve the crime before the night is over!  Really?

Don’t miss the frightful fun at Boo! At the Zoo from October 4 through October 31 (10 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays & 10 a.m.-6 p.m. weekends) at Brookfield Zoo (3300 Golf Rd.) in Brookfield.  Once again, this event is packed with not-so-scary thrills, festive decorations, and plenty of fun for all ages.  Enjoy Halloween-themed food and drink, trick-or-treating in select retail locations, and visit your favorite animals.  Get ready to have a fang-tastic time!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

When I lived in Rogers Park, one of our go-to places was Candelite on Western Avenue. What always drew us to the location was their garishly 50’s-style neon sign, illuminated with a welcoming martini topped with an olive!  There were all kinds of personalized messages on the marquee below as well. 

Candelite is celebrating 75 years of bringing Tavern-Style Pizza and other delights to this far north end of Chicago, serving up some of the best cracker-thin crust pies in the city since 1950.

But for those in the know in Rogers Park, they’re so much more!!

As the catering partner for Northwestern University over the border in Evanston, their hearty, fresh comfort food would grace any training table or tailgate party. Take, for example, their Tailgate Beef Chili isslow-cooked ground beef chili, served in tomato-ey goodness with shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro and oyster crackers. Southern Fried Pickles are crispy, fried dill pickles slices served with a spicy aioli dipping sauce. I love their Parmesan Fries, coated with Parmesan cheese, cilantro, and served with marinara dipping sauce. I usually can’t decide between those and the healthier Veggie Hummus Plate, with roasted red pepper hummus, fresh vegetables and grilled pita bread. I’m also fond of their Chicken Quesadillas, a mix of grilled chicken, roasted red peppers, cilantro, pepper jack cheese,  served with sour cream and salsa on the side. 

For lighter appetites, you’ll also like their Candlelite Mini Wedge Salad, with iceberg lettuce, bacon, egg, tomato, blue cheese crumbles, and covered in onion straws and served with side of creamy garlic dressing. You can add grilled chicken or salmon for an upcharge. 

They were smart to partner with local meat  savant Hecky’s for their Pulled Pork Sandwich, which features Hecky’s BBQ slow-cooked pork, topped with onion straws on a brioche bun and served with cole slaw & Hecky’s BBQ sauce.  Their Candlelite Pub Burger comes with lettuce, tomato, onion straws, on a brioche bun, with your choice of American, Merkt’s Cheddar, Blue Cheese, Cheddar, Provolone, Feta, Swiss, Pepper Jack or Mozzarella cheese. 

And Candelite leaves it up to you whether you want your side with their sandwiches healthy or not, with a choice of fries, tots, broccoli, or  sauteed spinach. I’d recommend the sauteed spinach because it’s a fairly unique option among Chicago restaurants.

And now …Tavern-Style Pizza 

Candelite’s “Famous Cracker Thin Crust Signature Pizzas” are named so because they have both a thin crust firm enough to have a noticeable crunch and slices cut into squares, as opposed to wedges. Toppings run straight over the sides instead of stopping at the crust, which is my favorite part!

According to one narrative from Wikipedia sources, the pizza’s signature square slices were created so that a customer could hold that in one hand and a beer in the other. Another theory is that they made it possible for taverns without plates to instead set the pizza on napkins.

I’d still use a plate if I were you! 

Candelite serves quite a range of pizzas, including a full White Pizza menu. While you can create your own, there’s lots of unique options, including Sweet Soppressata, a red pizza with pizza sauce, soppressata (coarse salami,) basil, and Mike’s hot honey.  Taco Pizza features a roasted red pepper sauce and is covered in black beans, corn, tortilla strips, pepper jack, cheddar, chopped mixed greens, and mozzarella, topped with ranch drizzle and served with a side of salsa. The Angry Hawaiian has Buffalo sauce, Canadian bacon, pineapple, and fresh jalapenos. 

White pizzas include the BLT, with a buttermilk ranch base, bacon, tomatoes, and mixed greens tossed in red wine vinaigrette, and the Candlelite White with olive oil, whole roasted garlic, caramelized onions, fresh mozzarella, parmesan, provolone, and goat cheese. Popeye Pesto has basil pesto, baby spinach, and mozzarella.

Don’t forget dessert!

Desserts are ooey and gooey, and include the Fundae Sundae, two luscious scoops Homer’s vanilla ice cream, and whipped cream, with your choice of chocolate or caramel sauce (both for a nickel upcharge,) and your choice of M&M’s or sprinkles (both for a nickel upcharge.) Candlelite Cookie Skillet is a big chocolate chip cookie, with Homer’s vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, caramel and chocolate sauce.

Candelite is located at 7452 N. Western Avenue. They are open Monday – Thursday, 5pm – 10pm, Friday from 4pm – 1am, Saturday from 11am – 1am, and Sunday from 11am – 10pm. For more information, click here.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

When it’s time to sell, one of the biggest questions homeowners face is: “Do I put money into fixing my home, or sell it just the way it is?” The answer isn’t always simple—it depends on your goals, the market, and the condition of your property. Let’s break down both options so you can make the best decision for your situation.

Selling As-Is: The Pros and Cons

The Benefits:

• Saves Time and Effort – If you’re looking to sell quickly, listing your home without updates gets you to the market faster.
• Lower Upfront Costs – No need to spend thousands on upgrades or repairs.
• Attracts Investors – Many buyers are looking for fixer-uppers or investment opportunities.

The Trade-Offs:

• Lower Sale Price – Homes sold as-is typically sell for less since buyers factor repair costs into their offer.
• Smaller Buyer Pool – Many traditional buyers prefer move-in ready homes and may pass on a property that needs work.

Investing in Repairs: When It Makes Sense

The Benefits:

• Higher Sale Price – Even minor updates (like fresh paint, new fixtures, or landscaping) can significantly increase your home’s value.
• Broader Appeal – Move-in ready homes attract more buyers, often leading to quicker sales.
• Potential for Multiple Offers – A well-presented home can create competition among buyers.

The Considerations:

• Upfront Costs – Repairs, renovations, or staging require an investment, and not every update will pay off.
• Time to Market – Depending on the scope of work, repairs can delay your listing timeline.

How to Decide

1. Evaluate Your Home’s Condition – Are there major issues (like a roof replacement) or just cosmetic updates (like paint and flooring)?
2. Know Your Market – In a hot seller’s market, you may get strong offers even without repairs. In a slower market, updates can give you a competitive edge.
3. Consider Your Budget and Timeline – If you have the resources and time, strategic updates can yield a strong return. If not, pricing your home correctly as-is may be the smarter move.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—whether you should sell your home as-is or invest in repairs depends on your personal goals, market conditions, and the current state of your property. The best way to decide is to consult with a trusted real estate professional who can help you weigh your options, run the numbers, and choose the path that maximizes your outcome.

For more than a century, Filipinos in Chicago have had a significant impact on Chicago’s cultural vibrancy, economy, and social landscape. 

As WBEZ Chicago tells it, Filipino history in Chicago can be traced over three major waves of immigration to the city…first, in the early part of the 20^th Century, the second in the 1920’s, and the third in the 1960’s. 

Today, Filipinos are the fourth-largest group immigrating to the Chicago area, migrating from their roots on the South Side as Pullman porters to North and Northwest Sides, including Edgewater, Uptown, Albany Park, Irving Park, Lincoln Square, and West Ridge.

They’ve established community institutions like Lakeview’s Rizal Center and Filipino American Council of Greater Chicago (FACGC) serving as a place for cultural celebrations, community support, and social change initiatives, fostered a growing food scene, and contributed to fields like medicine, technology, and education, while also engaging in crucial activism for immigrant rights. 

Their descendants continue to build on that legacy through cultural events and robust food businesses. 

History

 “The first significant wave of Filipinos were the pensionados,” as James Zarsadiaz, told WBEZ earlier this year. He’s the author of Raising Hell in the Heartland: Filipino Chicago and the Anti-Martial Law Movement.

These Filipinos, he said, were mostly young men from wealthy families. They were unique among immigrants in the early 20^th century, as most from Asian countries were barred due to racist immigration policies. 

But the Philippines had just become a U.S. colonial territory after the Spanish-American War in 1898. Then, in 1903, after the Philippine-American War, the U.S. government began giving these students scholarships to attend American colleges. The goal: to bring American customs back to the Philippines.

According to Wikipedia sources, this group of Filipinos worked as laborers in hotels and restaurants, for the post office, and for Pullman’s menial jobs due to discrimination. By 1930, there were about 2,000 Filipinos in Chicago.  After the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 passed, Filipino immigration increased. 

Today, immigrant and minority rights are protected through the group AFIRE, whose mission is to create a political home to “confidently organize toward the liberation of immigrants, workers, domestic workers, queer and transpeople, and oppressed peoples everywhere.”

The Filipino American Council of Greater Chicago (FACGC) is guided by the Filipino traditions of pakiki-isa (solidarity) and pakikipagkapwa (embracing shared identity and caring for fellow beings), and is committed to American ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and inquiry.

Celebrating Cultural Heritage 

There is one place in Chicago that is considered by many Filipino Americans as their ‘home away from home.’  The Rizal Center, 1332 W. Irving Park Road, named after the Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, known for his influential role in advocating for political reforms under Spanish colonial rule through his writings, who was executed by a firing squad at age 35. Filipino culture thrives in Chicago through historical institutions like the Rizal Center and organized community groups such as the Filipino American Council of Greater Chicago (FACGC), which provide cultural, social, and economic support for the Filipino community, the seventh-largest in the U.S. Key cultural expressions include the annual Musika SamaSama Filipino Festival, the preservation of community history by the Filipino American Historical Society of Chicago, at the Hana Center, 4300 N. California Avenue, and the availability of Filipino cuisine at local restaurants and bakeries.  

One great example of Chicago’s Filipino influence on local restaurants is the restaurant Kasama, 1001 N. Winchester Avenue, the world’s first Filipino restaurant to earn a Michelin star.

Event

On Saturday, September 27, at Eugene Field Park, 5100 N. Ridgeway Avenue, 12pm – 4pm, the Chicago Park District is  celebrating Musika SamaSama Filipino Festival.  Bring the whole family to this admission-free festival to savor mouthwatering Filipino food, explore artisanal crafts, and enjoy an evening of live music and storytelling. Headlining the festival is Chicago’s premier Filipino folk fusion band, SamaSama Project.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

We call breakfast the most important meal of the day, but going to bed with an empty stomach can be as bad as skipping your morning meal! We don’t think of needing fuel for sleep, but there are many processes taking place while we sleep that restore us. Eating food that can help you sleep may be the difference between waking up tired or ready to take on the day. It can also play an important role in your sleep cycle and quality. Here are a few foods that are recommended for better sleep:

Tart cherry juice, besides other beneficial properties, contains a natural form of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep cycles. Try replacing your melatonin supplement with a glass of tart cherry juice. It will help you sleep and it’s a great anti-inflammatory!

Nuts and seeds contain two ingredients to promote sleep: magnesium that promotes muscle relaxation, and healthy fats which can keep blood sugar regulated throughout the night. Pumpkin seeds also contain tryptophan, an amino acid that converts to serotonin that imbues calmness and converts to melatonin. 

Dairy products can also aid sleep. Dairy contains casein, a type of protein that digests more slowly than others. It provides a steady supply of amino acids over several hours. This supports muscle recovery and growth. It also keeps blood sugar level for better sleep quality. 

Quinoa is a great alternative to try if you’re dairy free. It’s nutritionally similar to milk, it’s high in protein and also contains tryptophan.

Eggs are another food high in tryptophan. They are protein packed to keep you feeling full during the night. Studies have shown eggs may boost mood and fight depressive symptoms as the tryptophan converts to serotonin. (Fun fact: turkey also contains a small amount of tryptophan—not enough for sleep, but a few slices of turkey can’t hurt if you’re looking for more sources of protein!)

Chamomile tea contains an antioxidant called apigenin. It binds to receptors in the brain that promote sleepiness. So, how about a nice hot cup of tea before bed? But make sure to stick to chamomile or other herbal teas labeled for sleep, as most other tea contains caffeine!

Tuna and salmon are high in omega-3 fatty acid, which many don’t know is good for sleep. The fatty acids promote the conversion of tryptophan to serotonin. It is especially important for people over 40. 

Dark chocolate also contains omega-3 fatty acids. Its flavonals are thought to support cardio-metabolic functions and support a balanced circadian rhythm, essential for a good wake sleep cycle. 

Of course, there are also foods you should avoid to make sure you get a good night’s sleep. To name a few: 

Caffeine is a stimulant that makes it harder to fall asleep. No matter how soothing that warm cup feels, avoid it!

Alcohol may make you sleepy but it actually disrupts sleep later. 

Spicy and acidic foods can cause acid reflux that interferes with sleep. 

Low protein, high sugar snacks cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels. They will either keep you up or make you crash in your sleep!

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago