Welcome to another Chicago summer weekend!  As usual, this weekend offers a variety of events that are sure to please everyone for an unforgettable summer July weekend!!

Chicago’s favorite BBQ and Country Music Festival, Windy City Smokeout, returns this summer to a parking lot outside of the United Center (1901 W. Madison St.) on the Near West Side this Saturday and Sunday (1 p.m.-10 p.m.) to celebrate its big anniversary.  This annual festival brings together some of the nation’s most talented pitmasters as well as some of country music’s biggest stars.  Saturday’s headliner is Luke Bryan while Sunday’s is the Zac Brown Band!  Also, exciting events will be happening throughout the weekend to enhance your Smokeout experience!!

Returning for its 10^th flavor-packed year, the Chicago Craft Beer Festival sets up at its new location, Jonquil Park (1001 W. Wrightwood Ave.) in the Lincoln Park neighborhood this Saturday (11 a.m.-10 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m.-7 p.m.) for a weekend extravaganza of craft brews.  Multiple sessions will be held each day but are limited to 600 people per session, so get your tasting ticket secured, and then grab a bite to eat before you begin sampling!

One of the city’s most beloved art shows of the summer, the Millennium Art Festival takes place at Michigan Avenue and East Lake Street just steps from Millennium Park in The Loop this Saturday and Sunday (10 a.m.-5 p.m.).  Guests will be able to enjoy the original artwork of 140 juried artists from all over the country that include an array of ceramics, jewelry, paintings, photography, and more, at all price points.  Also, be on the lookout for the Kid’s Art Stop where they can participate in “Draw for the Troops” where they color a special picture for our brave men and women serving our country in both the U.S. and abroad.  Plus, the kids can also enjoy some art fest bingo, spin art, coloring, face painting, and a graffiti wall.  In addition, live music and food from neighboring restaurants will also be featured.  It’s a family-friendly show not to be missed!

Calling all beachgoers!  Get ready for 16 hours of music and 14 incredible artists at this year’s Volleywood taking place at North Avenue Beach (1600 N. Lake Shore Dr.) in the Lincoln Park neighborhood this Saturday and Sunday.  This event boasts live music, local food, full-service bars, and interactive experiences for an unforgettable time on the sand.  Ticket options include a general admission ticket or spring for a cabana for you and 11 of your friends which is stocked with beer, refreshments, and offers private restrooms.  It’s Chicago’s only beach front music fest!

Voted the #1 Best Cultural Festival for two years in a row, the Water Lantern Festival takes place at Lincoln Park’s South Lagoon (2045 W. Lincoln Park West) in the Lincoln Park neighborhood this Saturday (5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.).  This floating lantern festival features activities, food trucks, games, music, and vendors.  Then at 8:30 p.m. it’s time to design your lantern adorned with letters of love, hope, happiness, healing, peace, or connection for launching at 9:30 p.m. as guests Light the Water together!  This family-friendly event is a great way to create a fun, peaceful, and memorable experience!!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Separated from the adjacent Goodman Theatre by a glass door, Petterino’s is unique among pre-theatre dinner choices thanks to its proximity to both the theatre and parking.

The clubby, 40’s-style atmosphere and décor reminds me of an upscale supper club, something like the old Pump Room at the Ambassador East in River North. It’s the place to “see and be seen,“ while trying to identify the caricatures of famous people lining virtually every coral-toned wall who have dined there before… actors, politicians, etc. The caricatures are also a great conversation-starter if you happen to be lacking conversation topics with dinner (or lunch, or brunch) companions. 

My ride-or-die and I recently went to Petterino’s before seeing the magnificent ‘Tommy The Musical ‘ next door. On a busy Sunday evening, with no reservation, we were seated within five minutes. 

While Petterino’s is known for “steak, seafood & other Italian-esque American eats, in a swanky setting,“ my friend and I chose slightly different options from the usual pasta experience. My friend chose the Randolph Street Cheeseburger, a chuck and brisket blend with iceberg lettuce, beefsteak tomato red onion, and cheddar cheese on a brioche bun, served with their crispy, seasoned French fries (more than enough for two, I might add). On the specials list that day was an intriguing Warm Calamari and Crab Salad. When our waiter first presented it, I thought “This looks so small for $19!” But I was wrong… the layered salad unfolded on my plate to reveal a surprisingly good, sweet lemon-horseradish dressing, which clung to a summer mix of greens, large, chewy chunks of calamari, crab, red onion, and other crunchy vegetable delights. One slight discrepancy: the salad wasn’t so much warm as it was not cold. Room temperature would be a better description. That said, I enjoyed the salad for what it was, and it certainly proved much more filling than I originally thought. And the dressing was sweeter than I expected, and just about took the place of dessert for me.

My friend’s burger was so large and meaty, and stacked with so many condiments, it was a meal on a brioche bun! 

We washed it all down with a couple of Arnold Palmer’s… half iced tea, half lemonade. We could taste both, so it was well-blended. 

I will say that they are used to serving theatre-goers. When I told our waiter we had to be next door before 7:30pm, we had our food at 6:34pm and were out the door by 7:10pm. 

That said, I wonder if we missed a couple of steps. Other reviews, like this one from Google, mentioned a bread basket? Never saw one. But maybe it only comes with pasta:

“One of the best Italian pastas I’ve had. We got the rigatoni vodka and bolognese. The bolognese was my favorite. Also free bread that was warm and delicious. The decoration and service was also really good. Never had to ask for a refill. One of my favorites in Chicago.”

Pastas, of course, are the draw here. Made fresh every day, Spaghetti E Polpette pairs spaghetti and prime beef meatballs with marinara sauce. Ravioli is made with imported burrata, pomodoro sauce, parmesan and basil. Fettuccine Alfredo is made with creamy besciamella and house- made fettucine pasta.

But do try their pizzas! Margarita Pizza is just a little bit spicy with chili flakes, buffalo mozzarella, cherry tomato, and pomodoro. 

Petterino’s is located at 150 N. Dearborn Street. They are open Sunday and Monday, 11am-8pm, Tuesday-Thursday, 11am-9pm, and Friday and Saturday, 11am-10pm. And just a note about parking: A discounted $18 rate is available with validation at the Theatre District Self-Park Garage, 181 N. Dearborn. Other special rates for valet parking are also available. Check their website for details. For reservations, click here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

A garden is inherently “green” in nature, so how is it possible to make it any more eco-friendly than it already is?

The truth is, there are plenty of ways that a garden can be both wasteful and even harmful. From the pesticides that can be used to all the water spent keeping plants hydrated, some gardens can use a total revamp when it comes to being more friendly to the environment.

Follow these tips to make sure your garden is as green as it can be.

1. Generate Your Own Organic Compost

Good quality soil costs a pretty penny, but creating your own compost can minimize the expenses of nourishing your plants. Not only is composting exactly what your landscaping craves, it’s also incredibly easy. In fact, a lot of the items you’d otherwise toss in the trash can be diverted to your compost instead.

Food scraps like egg shells, coffee grounds and leftover vegetables are perfect additions for homemade compost. And all that landscaping debris that you need to get rid of – including dead leaves and bush trimmings – can be added to your compost instead of discarded with the trash.

Organic compost brings healthy microorganisms that break down to fuel plant growth, prevent plant disease, aerate and moisten the soil, and provide a safer solution to chemical fertilizers. Once you’ve built up your compost, place it in a warm, partly sunny area of your garden, which will help stimulate decomposition of all the items you’ve included.

2. Attract the Right Type of Bugs

While you obviously don’t want to be pestered with mosquitos and other bothersome insects while you’re outdoors enjoying your garden, that doesn’t mean you should scare off all bugs altogether. Certain bugs like beetles, ladybugs and lacewings are helpful in warding off all the potentially harmful bugs that can destroy your plants and flowers.

For instance, ladybirds and lacewings eat black flies. If these particular bugs are a major problem in your garden, add some marigolds and sunflowers to draw the attention of these good bugs to protect your garden.

3. Recycle Your Rainwater

Particularly in drought-sensitive areas like California, conserving as much water as possible is essential. Luckily, there are easy ways to harvest rainwater to minimize excess use.

All that rainwater that winds up in your landscaping can be captured to water your lawn and garden. You can even use this recycled rainwater to wash your cars and polish your windows. Consider adding a barrel to collect rainwater that can be later used to hydrate your landscaping.

When you’re actually designing your garden, consider incorporating elements such as permeable paving and dry creek beds to minimize runoff that wreaks havoc on storm drains and pollutes bodies of water. 

4. Create Shade With Trees and Shrubs

All those trees and shrubs that you plant to beautify your exterior can serve more than one purpose. While they certainly are esthetically appealing, they can also be strategically positioned to provide shade just where you need it the most.

Large trees that spread out and drape over can be placed on the south and west sides of your home where the most intense sun tends to beam down. Planting shrubs adjacent to these exterior walls can also help to keep the temperature comfortable. Trees and shrubs can effectively cut down on the energy needed to cool your home, and inevitably slash the cost of your utility bills.

5. Attract Birds For Plant Protection

Much like certain bugs can add a layer protection to your landscaping, so can many types of birds. Not only can many bugs destroy your garden, so can grubs, snails and slugs. Birds love to prey on these pests, so attracting them to your garden can help add natural protection to your greenery.

Incorporate nesting boxes and bird feeders will help create a more inviting environment for birds, which will get rid of the need to use toxic insecticides that are dangerous both for the environment and for anyone who frolics in your garden.

6. Choose Native Plants

Whatever plants happen to be native in your area, consider adding these breeds to your garden. Whether it’s Mountain Lilacs in California or Coneflowers in Florida, adding native greens to your garden can help cut down on the care and maintenance needed to keep them healthy, since they’re already adapted to the climate and conditions in your area. Not only will this cut down on time and effort on your part, it’ll also reduce the amount of water and fertilizer needed, as well as minimize pest infestation.

Your garden is meant to be a natural space, so make sure it’s as eco-friendly as it can be by incorporating these tips to cut down on waste and chemicals, and even create an inviting habitat for friendly wildlife.

Named for President and former Illinois resident Ulysses S. Grant, the center of activity in downtown Chicago is a 319-acre playground, proudly referred to as “Chicago’s Front Yard.” Grant Park, 331 E. Randolph St. (Columbus Drive), is located in Chicago’s central business district in the Loop Community area. Grant Park’s most notable features include Maggie Daley Park, Buckingham Fountain, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum Campus.

And of course, ‘The Bean. ‘

Grant Park today is bordered on the north by Randolph Street, on the south by Roosevelt Road, on the west by Michigan Avenue and on the east by Lake Michigan. The modern day park is famous throughout the world for its performance venues, sculptures, gardens, art work, sporting, and harbor facilities. It hosts public gatherings and several large annual events.

In the Beginning… 

According to the Encyclopedia of Chicago History, Grant Park at the turn of the nineteenth century was originally deeded to the commissioners of the Illinois & Michigan Canal in 1835. The boundaries of the park were Randolph Street on the north, 12^th Street on the south, Michigan Avenue to the west, and Lake Michigan to the east. 

At first, as the website says, ‘Lake Park,’ as it was called, was a mix of squatters’ homes and refuse sites for over 40 years, despite a ban on building out this public land. Initially, the Illinois Central Railroad ran parallel to the park in the Lake. Landfill eventually brought the railroad tracks into the park. Aaron Montgomery Wardbrought suit against the city in 1890, demanding that they clean up the park and remove the many structures which had arisen over the past several decades. The one exception was for the Art Institute of Chicago, constructed in 1892. 

In the early 20th century, according to Wikipedia sources, Grant Park was expanded with further landfill and developed with a very formal landscape design by Edward Bennett. More landfill in the 1910s and 1920s provided sites for the Adler Planetarium, Field Museum of Natural History, and Shedd Aquarium, which were linked together as the Museum Campus in 1998. In 2004, a section of northern Grant Park, previously occupied by Illinois Central railyards and parking lots, was covered and redeveloped as Millennium Park.

There’s Something Happenin’ Here

Since its redesign and development as a civic gathering place for citizens and travelers, the park has been the site of many events.

Did you know…it served as the staging ground for the city’s funeral procession for President Abraham Lincoln in 1865? Nearly 150 years later, the park was the location for President Barack Obama’s Election Day victory speech on the night of November 4, 2008. In 1911, the park hosted the major Chicago International Aviation Meet. In 1959, to celebrate the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway and a related International Trade Fair, Queen Elizabeth II, disembarked here from the Royal Yacht Britannia, giving the park’s “Queen’s Landing” its name. 

In 1968, the park gained infamy as the scene of clashes between Chicago Police and demonstrators during the 1968 Democratic National Convention. On a much more peaceful note, Pope John Paul II celebrated an outdoor mass to a large crowd here in 1979. 

More recent history included several championship celebrations for Chicago teams; for the Chicago Bulls during the 1990s, the Chicago Blackhawks after winning the Stanley Cup in 2010, 2013, and 2015; and for the Chicago Cubs for their World Series Championship on November 4, 2016, with an estimated 5 million people. In 2015, Grant Park also hosted the first outdoor National Football League (NFL) draft and related festival. 

The Crown Jewels of Grant Park

Opened in 1927, Buckingham Fountain is the centerpiece of Grant Park. It was modeled after one of the extravagant fountains at Versailles, and includes four sets of Art Deco-style seahorses representing the four states bordering Lake Michigan. Operating from May through October, there’s a dazzling light and water display each hour, complete with music and a center jet that shoots up 150 feet in the air.

Millennium Park, according to Choose Chicago, is a modern take on the traditional town square. Your first stop, they say, has to be Cloud Gate, aka ‘The Bean.’ Next, splash about at the interactive Crown Fountain, hear live music and watch movies at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, and surround yourself with nature at the beautiful Lurie Garden. Or, enjoy a concert at the Petrillo Music Shell. 

Opened in late 2014, Maggie Daley Park became an instant success due its unique “Skating Ribbon” and magical “Play Garden”. Additions to the park in 2015 include the rock climbing and bouldering walls, an 18-hole miniature golf course, and picnic groves. The 3-acre Play Garden, a first of its kind in Chicago is in the spirit of Alice in Wonderland and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Events-Movies in the Park

The annual Millennium Park Summer Film Series takes place on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. and admission is free. Gates open at 5pm. Guests may take a seat at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion or lounge on the Great Lawn. The series gets started next Tuesday night, July 11, and runs through late August. The July schedule includes:

• Tuesday, July 11: Fast Five (130 minutes, PG-13)
• Tuesday, July 18: Turning Red (100 minutes, PG)
• Tuesday, July 25: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (161 min, PG-13)

Grant Park is open from 6am-11pm seven days a week. For more information, click here.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

You may think you take care of everything that needs to be cleaned in the kitchen, but some surfaces get particularly germ filled and grimy and need special attention. Just cleaning some surfaces may not be enough. Some need disinfecting and sanitizing.

All the handles in your kitchen should be wiped off every day. Just think of all the people touching them! Especially the cook who may have been handling vegetables and meats that can be contaminated with all sorts of germs and bacteria. I use a paper towel soaked in soapy dish water. Follow that up with a quick Lysol spray. 

Speaking of materials used to clean and dry surfaces: I keep a dedicated cloth that is used only on dishes. I don’t have a dishwasher so I hand wash everything. I use a clean cloth every two days to wash and dry. I tend to stay away from sponges as they harbor a lot of bacteria no matter how careful you are. All other surfaces I use paper towels that are disposable. 

Your sink is the next dirtiest place in the kitchen. Think about all the vegetables and meat that comes in contact with the sink! All that bacteria can sit in the trap if not cleaned properly. Wash after each use with hot water and soap. Follow up with Lysol spray. Lysol also makes a kitchen cleaner made just for this. Cleans and disinfects in one step. I am a big fan of Lysol products. They kill germs and are safe on most surfaces. 

The countertops and island in your kitchen can also be a germ filled nightmare. Imagine all the things that come in contact with these surfaces in a day! From backpacks to grocery bags, these surfaces can be a danger, so clean with hot water and soap. After drying, wipe them down with Clorox sanitizing wipes. Don’t forget other surfaces too like chairs and stools. All can benefit from a sanitizing wipe down daily. 

I carry a reusable water container every day. I’m afraid I used to neglect it horribly until my husband brought it to my attention one day. He was thirsty and didn’t have his usual bottle of water. I offered him a sip from my glass, and he said no way was he drinking from that nasty thing! Wow! Now I wash it daily in hot water and soap. The top and straw I clean with a bleach cleaner and rinse with hot water. 

Let’s all spend a little more time everyday taking care of the surfaces we come in contact with everyday to prevent the spread of illness in our families! 

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago