This weekend is all about women and wine with an event thrown in for the men.  Also, be sure to make the most of your last “extra hour” this Saturday as Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday!

Saturday is International Women’s Day!  Celebrate the strength, wisdom, and perseverance of women at the following two events taking place this Saturday.

Enjoy a day-long International Women’s Day at Gallagher Way (3635 N. Clark St.) in the Wrigleyville neighborhood from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Join all-ages activities by starting your day with Power Yoga (9:30 a.m.) followed by Dance Cardio (10:15 a.m.).  Then continue your day by browsing through products from women-owned businesses at the pop-up marketplace, waking up your creativity gene with craft projects, posing at the photo ops with your besties, and sampling specialty cocktails in honor of your day.  Adding to the excitement is the Women’s Movie Marathon with Brave (11 a.m.), Barbie (1 p.m.), and Legally Blonde (3 p.m.).  So, gather up your girl gang for a day that’s honoring women!

Join Read & Run Chicago for their Running Tour of West Loop Women for International  Women’s Day.  Meet up will be at Madison Street Books (1127 W. Madison St.) with doors opening at 9:45 a.m.  Then at 10:10 a.m. the 4-mile, easy-paced guided running tour with several stops will take place.  The route and content are inspired by Connie Fairbanks’s Chicago’s West Loop Then and Now that celebrates 10 influential women in West Loop history.  Afterwards, it’s social time back at Madison Street Books for snacks, drinks, and the opportunity to purchase books.  Best of all, there’s no prior reading required to join this event!

The Uncorked: Chicago Wine Festival taking place this Saturday (7 p.m.-11 p.m.) has a new home this year at the Field Museum (1400 S. Lake Shore Dr.) in the South Loop.  Guests will be able to swirl & sip over 100 wines and bubblies from across the globe while exploring everything the incredible Field Museum has to offer.  There are three types of tickets: the VIP ($110), the Early Admission ($85), and the General Admission ($70) that all include your wine tasting.  However, only the VIP includes the food while the others will have food available for purchase.  In addition, a perfectly curated playlist by a DJ will have you dancing the night away.  Plus, new this year, is a fun Zero Proof lounge with non-alcoholic offerings.  It’s a complete experience for wine lovers!

On a smaller scale, there’s the Chicago Wine Fest at Hubbard Inn this Saturday (5 p.m.-8 p.m.) located at Hubbard Inn (110 W. Hubbard St.) in the River North neighborhood.  A ticket for this one-of-a-kind venue includes 15 tastings of a variety of wines, live tunes, giveaways, and more.  Whether you consider yourself a wine sommelier, or an oenophile, there will be something new for you to discover!

For the men who are left to their own devices while their women celebrate themselves, the annual Haymarket Sausagefest takes place this Saturday (12 p.m.-4 p.m.) at the Haymarket Pub & Brewery (737 W. Randolph St.) in the West Loop.  Guests will have the opportunity to sample a variety of encased meats and craft brews.  Plus, guest sausage makers and brewers will be paired up to compete for the People’s Choice Awards as voted on by you.  Enjoy the best sausages and beers in Chicago!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Mardi Gras 2025 may be over, but the spirit of the southern festival is alive year-round at Roscoe Village’s Southern gastro pub, Reclaimed Restaurant and Bar, on the corner of Western and Waveland Avenues. 

Co-owners Craig Bell and his wife Adrienne Fasano designed Reclaimed around “building something new and reclaiming our love and passion for food, booze and music.”

To accomplish their mission, the team pairs carefully selected local spirits, beautiful wines and craft beer “to provide a connection to the area we live in and to give back to the local community.”

Begin your Southern adventure with signature starters such as tangy Applewood Smoked Wings, herb-brined wings served with a duo of Alabama Sauce and BBQ Sauce. Or, Deviled Eggs, with black truffle, scallions, cayenne pepper, and bacon brittle. And Bacon Brittle itself makes a great starter, made with Applewood smoked bacon coated with a sweet and spicy candied Cayenne crust. Lighter appetites will enjoy their Shaved Fennel & Green Apple Salad or Blueberry Chevre Salad with arugula, Chevre cheese, pecans, blueberries and lemon champagne vinaigrette. Frankly, the blueberry salad also works well as a shareable dessert for my money!

Entrées include a Southern take on a Lamb Burger, made with ground leg of lamb, cucumber relish, basil aioli, pickled red onions, and Chèvre cheese. They’re served with Rub Me Tender Fries, seasoned with their secret ‘Rub Me Tender’ blend and a side of basil aoili. Shrimp and Grits are made with brown butter-seared shrimp, heirloom grits, Manchego cheese, tomato, and onion. Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese has their signature pulled pork, bourbon love BBQ sauce, and of course, their mac and cheese. Their Cajun Burger is a hot blend of Cajun aioli, mixed greens with bacon viniagrette, pepper jack cheese, and roasted red peppers, served on a toasted Brioche bun and served with their Rub Me Tender Fries. Shrimp Tacos are two tacos with fried shrimp, carrot habanero salsa, and cabbage with refried beans. 

And…save room for their Delta Mud Pie, a gooey flourless chocolate cake!

Revealing Reclaimed’s Hidden Secret – a Speakeasy!

Discover the hidden gem at Reclaimed – our exclusive Speakeasy. Host your private event with a touch of class, featuring exquisite cocktails, wines, champagnes and delectable cuisine crafted by Chef Craig Bell.

Special Events

Sometimes, Spring Break just isn’t enough! Join Reclaimed’s Teacher Happy Hour on Thursdays and Fridays!  Bring in a school ID and from 3:30pm – 6pm, to enjoy half-priced beer and wine. 

Other People Like Reclaimed 

Mine is not the only positive review. Google reviewers also enjoy this locally owned gem:

“If you’re craving expertly smoked wings and pork, Reclaimed Bar and Restaurant is the place to be. Their wings and pork are perfectly cooked, packed with smoky, savory flavor that will keep you coming back. Pair that with their Old Fashioned, crafted with just the right balance of sweetness and strength—absolutely spot-on! The friendly, attentive service rounds out a dining experience that feels both elevated and welcoming. Reclaimed is truly a Chicago gem!”

“Reclaimed is a great local bar and eatery with great music and a good homey vibe. We had dinner there tonight and the service was incredible and the food extraordinary. The manager (owner?) Checked in on us often concerned that they were lightly staffed. Though appreciated, we were thrilled with all elements. The smoked chicken wings and deviled eggs were incredible. Burgers perfectly cooked and prepared. Shrimp Tacos were super tasty. We understood their kitchen was being lead by their 17 year old line cook as the kitchen manager was out of town. That young man rose to the occasion and more. Reclaimed is a quiet and cozy place with tasty food on a busy street. Highly recommended.”

Reclaimed is located at 3655 N. Western Avenue. They are open Monday-Thursday, 5pm -10pm, and Friday and Saturday from 4pm –11pm. They are closed Sunday. For more information, click here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

As homeowners, we are always looking for ways to enhance our living spaces, add value to our properties, and create environments that foster relaxation and enjoyment. One of the most rewarding additions you can make is a sunroom. This delightful space not only bridges the gap between indoor and outdoor living but also offers a multitude of benefits that can improve your quality of life. Here are several advantages to consider when thinking about adding a sunroom to your home.

1. Increased Natural Light

Sunrooms are designed to maximize natural light, making them perfect for anyone who wants to bring more sunshine into their lives. The large windows and open layout create a bright and airy atmosphere that can uplift your mood and decrease feelings of stress. This influx of natural light can also reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day, helping you save on energy costs.

2. Year-Round Enjoyment

One of the best features of a sunroom is that it allows you to enjoy the beauty of nature all year round. In summer, it can be a tranquil spot to enjoy morning coffee or read a book while basking in the sun. In winter, a sunroom becomes a cozy retreat, where you can observe the snowy landscape without feeling the chill. Modern sunrooms are often designed with insulation and heating options, allowing you to enjoy this extra living space regardless of the season.

3. Enhanced Curb Appeal

Adding a sunroom can significantly increase the aesthetic appeal of your home. A well-designed sunroom complements the exterior of your house, enhancing its overall architecture and curb appeal. This can be particularly advantageous if you plan to sell your home in the future; potential buyers are often drawn to homes with attractive and functional spaces.

4. Versatile Use

Sunrooms are incredibly versatile. They can serve multiple purposes based on your lifestyle and preferences. Whether you envision a serene reading nook, a vibrant play area for kids, a home office, or even a dining space, a sunroom can be tailored to suit your needs. This flexibility makes it an invaluable addition that can evolve with your family’s changing requirements.

5. Connection to Nature

Creating a sunroom allows for a seamless connection between your interior space and the natural world outside. It provides the perfect setting for enjoying the sights and sounds of nature, whether that be the rustling leaves, chirping birds, or the tranquility of rain. This connection can foster a sense of peace and well-being that is often missing in more traditional rooms.

6. Increased Property Value

Investing in a sunroom can also be a strategic financial decision. Many real estate experts agree that a well-constructed sunroom can yield a high return on investment. As prospective homebuyers look for properties with additional living spaces and unique features, a sunroom can give your home the edge it needs in a competitive market.

Bottom-line

In summary, a sunroom may just be the perfect addition to your home, offering unmatched benefits ranging from increased natural light to enhanced property value. Whether you’re looking to create a peaceful retreat, a functional multi-purpose space, or simply want to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors from the comfort of your home, a sunroom is worth considering. With careful planning and design tailored to your preferences, you can create a sunroom that enriches your home for years to come.

As spring arrives, with longer days, better weather, and the urge for adventure returns…where, on a clear day, can you find jaw-dropping views of the City of Chicago, the suburbs and four states?  

From the Skydeck and The Ledge on the 103^rd floor of the Willis Tower, 233 S. Wacker Drive, that’s where! It’s listed as the highest observation deck in the United States, and offers a full day of entertainment for all who venture there. 

Skydeck’s History 

According to its website, in 1969, Sears Roebuck and Company was the largest retailer in the world, with about 350,000 employees. They decided they needed one large office space for their many employees. 

Architects Skidmore, Owings and Merrill were commissioned to design what would become one of the largest office buildings in the world. Fazlur Khan, the structural engineer, designed the “bundled tube” design that handled both wind and gravity.  

The Skydeck was part of the original plan for the Tower, which opened in 1973.  Sears had originally planned it as a way “to give back to the city and provide visitors with an unparalleled view of Chicago.” The Skydeck opened in 1974, and now attracts more than 1.7 million visitors annually. It’s now ranked as the most popular tourist attraction in Chicago. 

The structure was known as the Sears Tower from its construction until the naming rights were included in a 2009 lease with the Willis Group. 

Step Out On The Ledge!

The inspiration for The Ledge, the glass-floor observation box, according to its website, came from “the hundreds of forehead prints visitors left behind on Skydeck windows every week. “

Named a Tripadvisor.com World’s Top 10 Attraction, ‘The Ledge’ includes five glass floor balconies extending 4.3 feet from Willis Tower and stand 1,353 feet above Wacker Drive. They’re made up of three layers of half-inch thick glass laminated into one seamless unit.

Now, Skydeck “dares visitors to stand on ‘The Ledge’ and feel the city hum from 103 floors above Wacker Drive and the Chicago River for a unique, unobstructed, and unforgettable aerial view of Chicago.”

After undergoing extensive renovations a while back, Skydeck Chicago now also features an interactive, immersive world-class museum that celebrates the unique personality, history, neighborhoods and sites of Chicago and a new Skydeck Marketplace. 

Tour the Museum! 

At the Museum, visitors  discover the history of Chicago, encounter the Great Chicago Fire, and walk through a glowing Chicago River tunnel, all while learning about the city during its formative years. Other features include:

Architecture: This section showcases an interactive fly-through video tour of the city known for its skyline, ending at the Willis Tower. Guests will then have the chance to pose next to floor-to-ceiling Tower antennas to capture the perfect social media shot. 

‘L’ Train: Visitors can hop aboard a full-scale ‘L’ train replica and tour a plethora of vibrant Chicago neighborhoods by viewing the windows’ pass-through video displays. 

Taste of Chicago: Here, visitors can strike a pose on the larger-than-life deep-dish pizza platform or grab a seat on the nine-foot long, Chicago-style hotdog bench.

Characters: Guests will have the opportunity to tell jokes on a Second City stage and pose with Chicago icons, such as Michael Jordan and Oprah Winfrey. 

Streetscapes: This section allows visitors to connect with some of the city’s landmarks, including the legendary Wrigley Field marquee, Cloud Gate (The Bean) and more. 

Urban Playground: This vibrant area immerses visitors into the city through animations of Chicago moments and celebrations, leaving a lasting impression of what makes the energetic metropolis so extraordinary.

 The transformation on the 103^rd floor observation deck includes an Interactive sequin wall where guests are invited to leave a mark on the city through creating drawings or messages. 

Make a day of it with Lunch and Dinner Packages at Willis Tower Restaurants

How about lunch, happy hour, sunset, or dinner with a view? Skip the hassle of figuring out when and where to go to lunch or dinner after visiting  Skydeck by ordering a package of great activities and food:

• Enjoy a prix fixe lunch or dinner after experiencing the views from the 103^rd floor. 
• Choose from Not A Smash Burger, the Hearth Bowl, or another restaurant in Willis Tower. The $65 adult/$45 youth lunch package, for example, includes:
• General Admission access through the museum and the United States’ highest observation deck
• Access to The Ledge

The Skydeck and The Ledge are open 365 days a year. From March – September, their hours are Sunday to Friday 9am – 10pm, and Saturday, 8:30am – 10pm. The last entry 30 minutes prior to close. For tickets, click here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

With the price of groceries these days, we really want to get our money’s worth and not waste perfectly good food. Not to mention the problem of billions of pounds of edible food going into landfills! But of course, we don’t want to make our families ill either. Much of this is common sense, but often labels can be confusing. 

Expiration is not always finite and is sometimes confused with a “best by” date. In general, it is the date where food is considered to be no longer safe to eat. This is especially true for quickly perishable foods like dairy and meat. Vegetables and bread are easy to see. Vegetables will be wilted and bread becomes stale, but they can still be eaten safely as long as there is no visible mold. On the other hand, eggs can be eaten safely up to 3 weeks past expiration if they are refrigerated!

A “sell by” date is the last day an item can be kept on a grocery store shelf. Many foods are still safe to consume as long as you store them safely, especially dairy and meat or poultry. You can still consume these for a few days to a week past the sell by date. 

“Best by” date only applies to taste and quality. It is a manufacturer’s date that they recommend you consume their product for the best flavor and texture. Food may not be as flavorful after that date, but can be repurposed like using stale bread for breadcrumbs or stuffing. Or, use some less than fresh canned vegetables in a soup or stew. 

A “freeze by” date is pretty straightforward. You need to freeze these items by that date to avoid rapid deterioration and spoilage. This most often applies to meat and poultry. These food items last only a few days in the refrigerator but will last months in the freezer. Keep freezer items dated and rotated in the freezer. I don’t recommend using frozen meat held longer than 6 months; 3-4 months if it’s ground meat. Use proper storage containers like heavy duty freezer bags and containers labeled “for freezer use”. 

Here are a few recommended storage times for common foods:

• Bread: 4 days at room temperature. 3 months in the freezer. 

• Hard cheese: 3-4 weeks opened and refrigerated. 6 months unopened. 

• Eggs: 3-4 weeks refrigerated.

• Fish: 1-3 days refrigerated. 2-4 months frozen. 

• Grains like oats and rice: 2 years or more in an airtight container. 

• Brown rice: 6 months. 

• Milk: 5-7 days, open and refrigerated. If unopened, 5-7 days past sell by date. 

• Onions and potatoes: 2-3 months at room temperature, but don’t store them together. 

Of course, we all know the old saying: when in doubt, throw it out! No one wants to make anyone sick, but we can certainly save a few dollars by not throwing out perfectly good food.

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago