Restaurant Review: A Michelin-Sized Squeal for The Purple Pig and Jimmy Bannos, Jr.

Dynasties are a real ‘thing’ with Chicago’s best restaurants. For example, the Lettuce Entertain You Group is well into its second generation in the Melman Family (RPM, etc.) There’s also Rick Bayless (Topolobampo, etc ) whose daughter Lane is also making a name for herself.

Just as important to Chicago restaurant dynasties are the Bannos Family, which is quietly (or not so quietly) leading into its fourth generation. Jimmy Bannos, Sr. made Cajun food a destination at Heaven’s on Seven. His son, Jimmy Bannos, Jr. is multiplying the Bannos influence with his 11-year-old, Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant, Streeterville’s Mediterranean-influenced The Purple Pig. 

As their website notes, Bannos, Jr. was dubbed the “Prince of Pork” by Dana Cowin (former Food and Wine Editor-in-Chief), and in opening The Purple Pig in 2009, Jimmy Jr.” brought his love for Mediterranean food to the Windy City in fun, inventive ways – at this rustic sharable plate restaurant, conveniently located on the Magnificent Mile.”

Offering the always-delectable combination of “cheese, swine and wine,” it’s highly recommended that diners start with their specialty, Roasted Bone Marrow, paired with herbs, capers, onions, and Maldon sea salt. Other starters include a Pork Liver & Bacon Paté, paired with fried sage and grape mostarda. Vegans and vegetarians alike will enjoy Hummus + Focaccia, a chickpea puree with roasted garlic, house-made focaccia, and fried rosemary.

‘’Snacks’ are unique to The Purple Pig, and include Tuna Tartare, made with Ahi tuna, avocado, pistachio, truffle + house-made cracker. They also pair wine recommendations, such as a Picpoul, with the Tartare. Crispy Pig’s Ear is paired withkale, pickled banana peppers and a fried egg. They recommend a sparkling Prosecco as a pairing. Arancini is a combination of prosciutto, Crescenza cheese, piquillo jam, and black olive puree, to be enjoyed with a nice Cava

As Mama always said, “Don’t forget to eat your vegetables!” At The Purple Pig, it’ll be a pleasure, with Goat Cheese + Mixed Greens, a sweet and salty mix of shaved pears, toasted almonds, cranberries, balsamic vinaigrette and fried goat cheese, to be served with a Xinomavro Sparkling Wine. Or, Mushroom 3 Ways, with grilled King trumpets, Shiitake au jus, pickled onion, truffle and mushroom puree, enjoy with Vermentino. 

Pastas in a Mediterranean restaurant are a must, especially when the pastas are made in-house. Squid Ink Chittara has scallops, shrimp, and cherry tomatoes, with a light Pinot Bianco recommended. A spicy take can be found in their Orecchiette, featuring Italian sausage, rapini, Napa cabbage, and calabrian chili, to be enjoyed with Godello.

Entrees include a succulent Pork Jowl, which pairs a Berkshire Pork Jowl with Frisee’, tomato, lemon aioli, toast and a fried duck egg, and recommended with Pinot Bianco. Chicken Thigh Kebabs are served with fried smashed potatoes and tzatziki, with a Tavel Rose.

Google reviews were near-perfect: 

“So many friends recommended this place so here we are. We were warned that the dishes could be a little bit too salty so we asked for less salt. It turned out great! My favorite is the half duck. Cut it and put it in the slider with the yogurt – tastes amazing. The duck meat is very tender. My second favorite is the mussels soaked in rich tomato soup. Love this place and will come again.”

“Very delicious restaurant. We sat at the kitchen counter and saw the cooks which was a fun experience. The staff was knowledgeable and helpful. We ordered mussels, pork ribs, and a goat cheese salad. Every item was delicious in it’s own way. If recommend everyone getting some of those ribs! We will definitely make sure to come back here in the near future!”

The Purple Pig is located at 444 N. Michigan Avenue. Their hours are Sunday-Thursday, 11am-9pm, and Friday and Saturday, 11:30am-10pm. Reservations are highly recommended. For more information and reservations, click here.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Can Diet Cure Depression?

Back as far as the early 20th century Doctors were contemplating and studying our diets’ effect on, as they referred to it then, malaise and melancholia. 

Unfortunately, at that time they referred to the microbiome as toxic. Now we know that our guts host a diverse colony of bacteria called the “microbiome”. But they were right about one thing: what we eat affects how we feel, not just physically but equally important, mentally!

Researchers are still figuring out the exact gut-brain connection, but they do know people who eat a plant heavy diet have more diverse gut bacteria and these bacteria make various chemicals that influence our mood. Fiber ferments in the gut and creates short-chain fatty acids.These regulate the immune system and influence gene expression in the brain and elsewhere throughout the body. Eating healthy fats increases production of proteins called neurotrophins that act as fertilizer to produce new brain cells. So, the connection between diet and mental health is certainly important.

Studies are showing the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is associated with reduced depression in adolescent girls, which is encouraging as half of all mental illnesses start in the teen years. The DASH diet emphasizes whole grains, fruits and vegetables. It contains lean protein, healthy fats and is low sodium. Check out dashdiet.org for more information.

Of course, no diet is a cure for mental illness. But food can be considered medicine along with other therapies. So don’t underestimate how it could help with your physical and mental health!

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago

Stylish & Budget Friendly Furniture Ideas for First-Time Homeowners

It’s a major transition from renting to buying a home, especially if it involves moving from a small, crowded apartment to a larger home. A new homeowner must deal with furnishing every room with chairs, couches, tables, and beds in addition to the endless stretch of blank wall space that needs to be filled.

Finding furniture entails not only filling space but also adhering to financial constraints because many first-time homebuyers are on a low budget. Fortunately, there are lots of reasonably priced solutions that will furnish those rooms without breaking the bank.

The first thing to understand is that nobody expects you to immediately have a house filled with furniture. Find the greatest appearance for each room by taking the time to comparison-shop. Make a list of your top priorities, starting with your basic need for food, sleep, and a shower. Until you have the money for an update, you can save money on a bed by forgoing the pricey headboard and footboard. Prioritize placing a bed without a headboard in guest rooms before focusing on other furniture pieces.

Choosing Within a Budget

Recognize that the decisions you make today do not necessarily have to affect the rest of your life in your new home. Accent tables, for example, can be cheaply bought and used while you shop for better options. You might even locate a cheap item that you like and can paint to match the style you desire for your home.

Multipurpose

Even if you have lots of room, furniture with several uses might be useful. A bed that serves as a desk and a dining room table that converts into a poker table for game night will give you more value for your money. Even a coffee table that makes it simpler to dine while watching TV is available. You will typically just pay a little bit more for two pieces of furniture than you would for one.

Be Thrifty

Thrift store shopping is more popular than ever thanks to the persistent shabby chic style. Tables, dressers, nightstands, and accent pieces are among the fantastic items that may be found at garage sales and thrift shops. As they downsize or upgrade to new furniture, homeowners frequently offer items for sale on Craigslist. You’ll probably be inspired by what you see while you browse, which will prompt you to decorate homes with the unusual furniture you locate.

Dorm Inspiration

Although seating can be pricey, if money is really tight, you might consider using furniture typically found in dorm dormitories. There are more appealing seating alternatives that are more reasonably priced if you’d like to go a little more posh. However, you’ll probably need to spend more money on a more expensive sofa or chair if you want real comfort. Look through yard sales and Craigslist for used furniture at bargain prices.

It can be difficult to furnish a new house, especially for first-time homebuyers with limited funds. You’ll be able to furnish your new home while staying within your budget by moving slowly and looking attentively for the greatest furniture deals.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Summer Holiday Nearing Its End?

Even though preparations are taking place for another new school year, there’s still many summer events left to enjoy what’s left of your summer holiday! Here’s what the second weekend of August has planned for you and yours!!

It’s the 93rd edition of the world’s largest and oldest African American parade celebrating Chicago’s youth just before another school year begins and is the second largest parade in the United States next to the Rose Bowl. The Bud Billiken Parade will once again begin in the Bronzeville neighborhood at 39th Street and Martin Luther King Drive concluding at 55th Street this Saturday from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. This year’s parade features colorful floats, bands, drill teams, and dance teams as well as this year’s grand marshal, the R&B singer and CPS alum Jeremih!  Afterwards, there will be a family-friendly festival that will include vendors, face painting, Zumba in the Park, and more!! This parade has inspired generations nationwide and continues to do so even today.

The South Loop’s most hip and cool art fest returns this Saturday and Sunday (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) with the Printer’s Row Art Fest on Dearborn Street from Harrison to Polk Streets as it celebrates its 4th year.  Welcoming over 100 juried artists from near and far, you’ll see incredible art from painters, street artists, up-cycling artists, jewelers, photographers, and more at all price points!  Also, on hand will be lots of live music along with local restaurants, cafes and bars offering a multitude of eating and drinking options!!  Admission is free and there is nearby parking as well as a convenient parking garage one block away on Harrison.

Are you ready for a blast from the past?  Look no further than the 25th annual Retro on Roscoe festival in the Roscoe Village neighborhood at 2000 W. Roscoe Street this Saturday and Sunday (12 p.m. – 10 p.m.). Three stages of live music will play oldies and throwbacks along with popular hits.  The beautiful tree-lined streets will set the scene for artisans, antique vendors, and merchants. Local top restaurants will serve up much desired summer treats, and the family area will offer prime inflatables, crafts, balloon artists, face painting, and more!  Plus, there’s an Antique Car Show featuring over 50 antique, classic and muscle cars all weekend long!!

Access Contemporary Music is proud to present the 7th annual Thirsty Ears Festival this Saturday (2 p.m.-10 p.m.) and Sunday (2 p.m. – 9 p.m.) at 1758 W. Wilson Avenue in the Ravenswood neighborhood. It’s Chicago’s only classical music street festival featuring 17 stellar ensembles and soloists performing music from Beethoven to Shostakovich to Reich and everything in between! There’s also craft beer from Dovetail, vendor booths, food trucks, and kid-friendly activities all weekend long. Oh, and the first 100 people to arrive early each day will receive a swanky swag bag!!

Of course, I saved the best for last!  It’s Dog Days this Saturday (11 a.m.- 4 p.m.) at Gallagher Way (3635 N. Clark St.) in the Wrigleyville neighborhood.  Round up your four-legged family member(s) and kick off the day with Dog Yoga from 11 a.m. – 11:45 p.m. Then stick around to get treats from local dog-friendly vendors, have some drinks, enjoy some lawn games for the humans, and a showing of “Best in Show” for the dogs!  Also, Alive Rescue will be on-site as well collecting supplies for dogs and cats in need!!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Neighborhood News- Who’s ‘thirsty’ this week in Wrigleyville, Lincoln Park, Roscoe Village, Lincoln Square

Ooh La La!… Gallagher Way at Wrigley Field, 3635 N. Clark Street, turns Parisian on Thursday, August 11, from 4pm-8pm as they host a French Market with a casual, European flair and vendors selling everything from macaroons to handmade pastas, imported cheeses, baked goods, jams, candles, soaps and more! Set to music by Chicago bluesman Dave Specter. For more information, click here.

Remembering the 80’s… 16 Candles does double duty, starting on Thursday, August 11 at 7pm.  They’re at Lincoln Park’s free, outdoor Sounds of Summer” Concert Series at NEWCITY,  1457 N. Halsted. For each event, NEWCITY highlights a local charity who will receive 100% of sales from beverages, raffles, and donations.  Participating organizations include Bike MS, One Tail at a Time, Lincoln Park Community Services (LPCS), The Payne Family Fund, etc. While there is limited on-site seating, there is plenty of room for blankets and chairs For more information, click here.

Going to the Dogs… On Saturday, August 13, the same Gallagher Way transforms into Dog Day at Gallagher Wayfrom 11am-4pm. Bring your best-behaved, leashed best friends for a day of fun, starting with Dog Yoga at 11am, and a screening of Christopher Guest’s mockumentary, ‘Best in Show.’ For more information, click here.

Go Retro… inRoscoe Village! In a six-block stretch along 2000 W. Roscoe, from Friday, August 12 to Sunday, August 14, the 25th Annual Retro on Roscoe Festival takes you back to the days of gearheads and other GenX markers of time. Three stages features music from headliners like 16 Candles, Too Hype Crew, and Headbangers Ball. The days of grunge, post-punk and heavy metal live on at Retro on Roscoe! Kids will love the prime inflatables, delectable crafts, balloon artists, face painting, music, and rides. Retro’s Antique Car Show will showcase over 50 antique, classic and muscle cars throughout the festival weekend. A $15 suggested donation benefits the community. For more information, click here.

Thirsty? Us, too…Chicago’s only classical music street festival is the star of this week’s neighborhood lineup. The Seventh Annual Thirsty Ears Festival takes place on Saturday, August 13 from 2pm to 10pm, and Sunday, August 14, 2pm to 9pm, on Wilson between Hermitage and Ravenswood. Seventeen stellar ensembles and soloists performing music from Beethoven to Shostakovich to Reich and everything in between on the main stage. See groups like Chicago Chamber Music Fest, or soloist Amy Gadd, and Wurtz-Berger Duo, among many others! The fest is free, but a suggested $10 donation benefits a local music charity. The first 100 people to arrive each day get a swanky swag bag! Kid-friendly activities and food trucks on both days. For more information, click here.

Movies with the Wizard… Not only are the movies under the stars free at Oz Park, 2021 N. Burling Street, your kids can enjoy the statues of The Tin Man, Dorothy and Toto,Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion, and play in Dorothy’s Playlot!  This Saturday night, they’re showingClue at 8:15pm. For more information and a complete list of Movies in the Park, click here.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Restaurant Review–Life’s a Beach: Savor it at The Waterfront Café!

The month of August brings a rare opportunity annually—water temperatures are high, Lake Michigan sparkles blue. The sunsets are pink and orange, just in time for dinner on the lake. What’s better than taking in the evening sunset over the Lake while dining at an outdoor table nearby?

One such restaurant is The Waterfront Café,  open seasonally and housed in a landmark coach house and attached to an historic mansion in the center of Edgewater’s lush Berger Park. The dining and performance venue is open to all, as the restaurant goes to great pains to explain that they serve “all ages, sizes, colors, genders, beliefs, religions, orientations and cultures.”

Start your meal with a shareable like Pesto Hummus, served with your choice of naan flatbread or tortilla chips, or Shrimp Ceviche, cured in citrus and served with tortilla chips. Move on to a delicious summer salad, served chilled with arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and your choice of naan flatbread or tortilla chips. 

Try a Roasted Sweet Corn Salad, with roasted sweet corn, orzo pasta, and diced vegetables, or for the vegetarian in you, a Sweet & Spicy Tofu Salad, with non-GMO soybean tofu, sriracha, sweet chili, garlic, ginger, and gluten-free soy sauce. Another favorite is the Tropical Tuna Salad, with albacore tuna, pineapple, cranberry, macadamia nuts & avocado aioli.

Their Waterfront Rolls are served with small batched kettle chips. Gluten-free bread substitution is an additional $2. Try their Beef, Bacon & Bourbon Sandwich with sliced beef, bacon, cheddar cheese, and bourbon bbq sauce on a brioche bun. Or, a Blackened Cajun Shrimp Roll, which pairs chilled grilled shrimp with avocado aioli on a New England grilled buttered bun. Brown Butter Crab Roll has chilled crab meat with lemon caper aioli on a New England grilled buttered bun.

‘Whippersnappers’ get their choice of a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich or a non-Chicago style Bagel Dog, with ketchup and mustard. Both are served with potato chips.

One five-star Google reviewer wrote, “Awesome place to grab a bite! The food was good but the seating and environment were unreal. The restaurant has done a fabulous job of integrating into the park in a way that makes it feel like it has always belong there and doesn’t disrupt local access. The entire café is on the water, close enough hear the waves but far enough to avoid any sand. The seating is casual and comfortable. The food is overall good. We got two salads and a shrimp roll in all. The tuna salad was great and comes with either chips or naan (was very filling), and the corn salad was similarly tasty and filling. All in all, great place. I will be back!”

The Waterfront Café is located at 6219 N. Sheridan Road. Their hours are Mondays,  5pm-9pm (closed for lunch) and Tuesdays- Sundays, noon to 9pm. Reservations are not accepted at any time. For more information, click here

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Practice Self Compassion

Everywhere we are seeing that more people are working on their mental health. Thankfully we are realizing that mental health is just as important as our physical health. Self-compassion does not lead to self-indulgence, nor does it take away your motivation to improve. Rather it has a positive effect on conditions like depression and anxiety. Self-compassion has three components: self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness. 

Self-kindness lets you be good to yourself rather than judging yourself. Thinking things like I’m so stupid, how could I screw up like that, is unproductive. With the thought of common humanity, you realize that everyone messes up sometimes. You are not the only one going through this. When you practice mindfulness, you see that you don’t actually identify with your painful thoughts. You acknowledge that they are there and painful but know they are just thoughts.

I know you think this sounds rather self-indulgent. Surely, we need more self-criticism in order to motivate us to improve, but research shows that this is a misconception. A group of students at Berkeley were given an extremely challenging exam; it was so difficult that everyone failed. But before the test they were separated into three groups and given 3 different messages after the test. The self-compassion group were told: “You’re not alone, it’s common for students to have trouble with tests like this”. The next group received a self esteem boost: “You must be so smart if you got into Berkeley!”. The last group received no message. They were then allowed to study for a retest. The self-compassion group ended up with higher scores and studied the longest. They showed the greatest motivation! When you tell yourself I did not do well, but neither did others, it is not so psychologically damning. You take more responsibility for your actions. 

Practicing self-compassion can be learned. Some will take longer than others but that’s ok. Start by being mindful of how you’re feeling in a specific moment. Say to yourself, “That’s hard, it’s painful. I’m suffering”.  Then you realize this is just part of the human condition, many people have been in your place. Then offer yourself a bit of self-kindness. You can do something as simple as holding your hands together or place your hand on your heart. It should be a physical touch. Then imagine if a friend would come to you with the same dilemma you are experiencing. How would you help them? Try treating yourself as well as you would a friend. 

So, try this sometime when you are criticizing yourself for some failure. See what happens! What good is that self-criticism doing you? If there was a way to get rid of that, wouldn’t that be awesome?

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago

6 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Windows

No matter how new your house is, window problems could arise at any time. They’ll eventually need to be entirely replaced. Windows don’t endure forever, even if they can last up to 20 years when they are of great quality and are maintained properly. Pay attention to them as they’ll show specific signs that it’s time to swap them for brand new ones.

Here are a few signs to watch out for so you can determine when a replacement is necessary.

1. Extremely High Utility Bills

Have you noticed a gradual increase in your utility bills? If nothing has changed, it’s possible that you’re losing energy from various sources, including your windows. Your HVAC system is working a lot harder than it needs to if there are window leaks that are letting too much indoor air out and vice versa. If your energy cost is significantly greater now than it was last year, it raises a concern.

2. They’re Warped or Decaying

If your windows are visibly decaying or damaged, it is one of the more obvious indications that they need to be replaced. They might only require a brief repair if the problem is quite minor. However, if the issue is more serious—for example, if there is a significant glass crack or frame bend—a replacement is usually a preferable choice. In addition to being unsightly, warped or rotting windows are likely causing energy loss, which may end up costing you much more money in the long run.

3. Outside Noise Is Not Effectively Suppressed 

Windows aren’t exactly sound proof, but they should be able to effectively drown out the majority of outdoor noise. If you’re trying to enjoy a quiet evening indoors and you can hear people’s conversations and passing cars as clear as a bell, maybe you need new windows with a more innovative and modern design. Single pane windows of yesteryear are certainly not going to be able to drown out the sounds coming from the outdoors like contemporary double pane windows would.   

4. Condensation Is Visible

Your windows may need to be replaced if they are frequently foggy and allowing condensation to build up. Thermal pumping causes double-paned windows to expand and contract continuously throughout the day. Sunlight heats up the space between the panes and causes the gas in there to heat up and expand. Pressure builds up between the two panes as a result of this. The space between the panes, on the other hand, shrinks at night as a result of the air between the panes cooling.

Over time, all of these frequent pressure changes can wear down the seal, resulting in minor fractures that allow air to enter and exit the gap between the panes. Condensation on your windows may be getting worse, which indicates that the glazing assembly needs to be replaced.

5. You Have Trouble Opening or Closing Them

Do you have to utilize every muscle in your body to just open or close your windows? If so, there is an issue. Sticking windows are not only a hassle, but you’re probably also wasting energy. Windows that don’t open or close correctly might also present a safety risk because they probably won’t be very successful at keeping scavengers out while you’re away.

6. They’re Old-Fashioned

In some cases, replacing your windows is only necessary due to a change in aesthetics rather than issues with energy loss or safety risks. If they’re outdated, swapping them out for newer, more contemporary ones can significantly transform the appearance of your house. You’ll not only make the interior appear much more upscale, but you’ll also improve the curb appeal.

The cost of replacing windows is high. Having said that, the money you can actually expect to save on electricity costs over time can help you recoup the money you first spent replacing them. The cherry on top is that you’re also reducing your carbon footprint on the globe.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – More Fun Coming – Let’s Get Going!

Ok, who blinked and brought us to the first weekend of August? Correct me if I’m wrong but didn’t summer just arrive!? Well despite the fact that summer is fading away from us we still do have more fun coming so let’s get going!!

Taking place in a parking lot outside the iconic United Center (1901 W. Madison St.) on the Near West Side is the return of the nation’s premier outdoor BBQ and country music festival the Windy City Smokeout hosted by Bub City and Joe’s Bar. This annual festival brings together some of the nation’s most talented pitmasters for the best BBQ as well as the best craft beer from around the country. It also features live performances from country music’s biggest names with Miranda Lambert and Sam Hunt topping the bill this weekend along with up-and-coming talent.  Don’t forget the ever popular All-You-Can-Eat BBQ Brunch on Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for an additional $50 where you can enjoy a variety of dishes from the Pitmaster Buffet and a special Bacon Bar sponsored by Illinois Pork Producers! It’s sure to be a finger lickin’ good time!!

Inspired by its namesake Grateful Dead song, Dancing in the Streets is set amid the Chicago Brewing District (1700-1800 W. Hubbard St.) in West Town this Saturday and Sunday (12 p.m. – 10 p.m.).  This one-of-a-kind festival features a variety of jam bands, curated craft beers, an array of local artisans and makers, local restaurants, retailers, and food trucks.  It also offers a variety of kid-friendly activities such as crafts, games, t-shirt tie-dying, and face painting for the whole family to enjoy! So, don your favorite tie-dyed shirt and get ready to dance because it’s all about Hot Jams and Cold Beer!!

It’s the return of the 40th annual Northalsted Market Days® to Halsted Street from Belmont Avenue to Addison Street in the Lakeview neighborhood this Saturday and Sunday (11 a.m. – 10 p.m.).  This ½-mile-long live music street festival celebrates the community with all-day lineups of live music on 6 stages plus 250+ unique vendors, arts, crafts, food and drink, DJ’s and dancing, sponsor booths, and more!  It’s been ranked in the top 10 Chicago festivals by BizBash!!

Join neighbors from every Chicago community and beyond at this year’s Sundays on State taking place on Sundays through September 4th from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on State Street between Lake and Monroe Streets. It’s a free, interactive block party featuring art, culture, active recreations, outdoor dining, shopping, entertainment, local attractions, and unexpected surprises in the heart of everyone’s neighborhood – The Loop!

The biggest geek party in the Midwest, C2E2 returns to the McCormick Place Convention Center (2301 S. King Dr.) in the South Loop this Saturday (10 a.m. – 7 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.). It’s the only comic, cosplay, and pop culture convention featuring your favorite celebrities, unique exhibitors, incredible comic artists, autograph sessions, panels, screening rooms, exclusives, After Dark events and more! Plus, you can kick-back in C2E2’s beer garden, The Yard, located on the show floor and featuring live music and trivia. It’s a weekend that is all about you!!

Pay homage to Bronzeville’s history as a hub for jazz and blues at this year’s Bronzeville Neighborhood Jazz Festival this Saturday (12 p.m. – 8 p.m.) on Martin Luther King Drive from 37th to 39th Streets. This fest features live music from local musicians alongside products from local vendors, and food trucks including Anointed Appetite, Harold’s Chicken and more!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Neighborhood News-Dancing, festing and more on the West Side, Lincoln Park, West Town, NorthHalsted, Museum Campus, Chicago Loop

The dog days of August are here, and Chicago is ready—to party! Street fests, Lollapaloozas of all kinds, and family-friendly fun await you, indoors and out! 

The Lollapalooza of Country Music…. Willie Nelson & Family. Turnpike Troubadors. Tim McGraw. Sam Hunt. Miranda Lambert. Kip Moore. Where can you find all these headliners in one place? The Windy City Smokeout, that’s where! The parking lot of the United Center is usually home to a sea of cars for Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks games. From Thursday, August 4 to Sunday, August 7, it becomes the backdrop for one of the largest country music festivals in the United States! Doors open at 2pm. Windy City Smokeout features renowned artists and up-and-coming talent in both music AND barbecue. Kick off your festival weekend with The Biggest Happy Hours of the Summer! The Smokeout is hosting two happy hours on Thursday and Friday from 2pm-5pm. Each event will feature $6 domestic and $7 craft beers with live music from up-and-coming artists. Access to each happy hour is included with Thursday, Friday, or 4-day pass. Drinks are a la carte.  The festival ends with a true country all-you-can-eat BBQ Brunch, with doors opening at 11am. For tickets and information, click here.

Everywhere Around The World… They’ll be Dancing in the Streets! West Town sponsors a great party from Friday, August 5,, 5pm-10pm, and Saturday and Sunday, August 6 and 7, from noon to 10pm on Hubbard Street between Paulina and Wood Streets. Some Trivia: The event is actually named for a Grateful Dead song and celebrates the life of founder Jerry Garcia. Come for nonstop dance music, followed by a cold one from their robust craft beer menu (over a dozen varieties from the Chicago Brewing District, which co-sponsors the event.) Cool down and energize with treats from local food vendors and food trucks, while browsing local artists and makers. All for a $10 suggested donation! For more information, click here.

The Lollapalooza of Bugs…Calling all bug enthusiasts… Bugapalooza 2022  onSaturday, August 6 at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, from 1pm-4pm. Get up close and personal with native insects and spiders, and visit the petting zoo while you’re there! Nerd out with our entomologist, watch insect pinning demonstrations, and learn to dance like a bee. Then, grab a net and head outside to discover the insects and spiders that call our prairie home. Ticket price includes museum admission. All ages are welcome. For tickets and more information, click here. 

To Market… to Market!  Save room for a trip north, celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Northhalsted Market Days® on Saturday, August 6 and Sunday, August 7. The music street festival celebrates community in Chicago’s landmark Northalsted/Lakeview district. The ½ mile long summer festival features all-day lineups of live music on 5 stages, 200+ unique vendors, arts, crafts, food and drink, DJs/dancing, and more! The festival runs from Belmont to Addison on North Halsted Street in America’s first recognized gay village and a Chicago LGBTQ+ historic landmark. For more information and VIP passes, click here.

Welcome to Jurassic World Dominion…Just one month remains to experience The Field Museum, 1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, ode to dinosaurs,Jurassic Oceans: Monsters of the Deep.Now throughSeptember 5, meet the underwater giants that lived 200 million years ago. As dinosaurs reached new heights, sea creatures became larger, faster, and fiercer. Experience what it’s like to stand (or swim) next to top predators like a plesiosaur—a reptile with flippers, a very long neck, and super sharp teeth. For tickets and more information, click here.

Never (Always!) on Sunday… Sundays on State returns on Sunday, August 7 from Lake to Monroe Streets, 11am-6pm. Bring your well-behaved, leashed pets and strollered babies and children to this free, interactive block party, while safely enjoying art, culture, active recreation, food, drinks, shopping, and local attractions. Lots of deals at local merchants, music and performances galore. Register to attend Sundays on State and be automatically entered for a chance to win a $1000 Loop Staycation package with a hotel stay at theWit Hotel Chicago. For the August 7 lineup, click here.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago