THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Rain or Shine the Weekend Goes On!

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summer and rainy season paper art vector illustration

Our April showers were in full force this past week with torrential downpours and may well continue into our weekend.  So, pull out your raincoats and goulashes (just in case) as this weekend’s activities take place rain or shine!

This Saturday offers those of us with minimal athletic running skills to reap the rewards that a trained athlete would receive on a 5K or 10K run to partake in The Lazy Run 0.5k “4-20 Edition” at Lottie’s Pub (1925 W. Cortland St.) in the Bucktown neighborhood from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  A race entry ticket gets you one Race Bib; complimentary Lottie’s Pub pizza; complimentary doughnuts and hot beverages; prizes for Best Costume, Best Spirit; and more.  The actual race begins at 11:30 a.m. as the racers take their marks and are off with a Shotgun Start at 11:35 a.m. with a .31 mile walk or run down the block then once around Churchill Park, and back to Lottie’s.  Plus, Hydration Stations are located along the way just in case you need to hydrate yourself from the strenuous walk.  And to top it all off, your post-race after party begins with sports and drinks with your fellow Lazy Racers!

Watson Adventures wants to know if you would kill to own a Leonardo da Vinci priceless painting recently purchased by the museum.  Find out by joining their Murder at the Art Museum Scavenger Hunt this Saturday (2 p.m.-4:30 p.m.) at the Art Institute of Chicago (111 S. Michigan Ave.) in the Loop.  Nothing is more exciting than a sordid tale about greed, lust, pride, revenge, and treachery as you and your team try to crack a secret code left in the victim’s appointment calendar to figure out who killed him.  In addition, you’ll get a grand tour of the Art Institute as the victim’s secrets are contained in the works of art.  Hopefully, it’s not you!

Here in Chicago, we take part in Earth Day (Weds, April 22) by celebrating and bringing awareness to ways we can help to protect our planet for present and future generations to come.  If you’re interested in joining in, here’s what’s taking place this weekend:

This Saturday (11 a.m.-2 p.m.) the Garfield Park Conservatory (300 N. Central Park Ave.) in East Garfield Park will be hosting their Earth Fest.  This celebration hosts a series of activities for all ages throughout the conservatory featuring Budding Botanist activities; a sculptures exhibition by Cody Norman; a Leaf Town story hour with authors Beth and Kathleen Rooney (11:30 a.m.); a Toddler Zone; a photo booth; a Wellness Market; and much more!

This Saturday and Sunday, check out the Chicago Park District Events celebrating Earth Day at various parks throughout the city.  In addition, there’s early bird walks at North Village Park; a run Chicago at Warren Park; Kassandra at the Top of the World at Berger Park; and more!

The Chicago Cubs return home to host the New York Mets this Saturday and Sunday (1:20 p.m.) at Wrigley Field (1060 W. Addison St.) in the Wrigleyville neighborhood.  Saturday’s gate giveaway presented by Reynolds and Hefty is a Ron Santo Bobblehead to the first 10,000 early arriving fans and subject to availability.  In addition, Sunday’s kid-friendly promotion is a Scouting America & Girl Scout Patch; however, a special ticket purchase is required!

Enjoy your Weekend – Rain or Shine!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Neighborhood News: Chicago celebrates International Jazz Day on April 30

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Jazz Band playing on Stage stock photo

“I’m excited that Chicago, my hometown, is hosting International Jazz Day 2026. It was in my Chicago high school auditorium that I discovered jazz, an event that sparked a lifelong passion and commitment to this powerful art form. Jazz opened doors to creativity, self-expression and freedom.”

HERBIE HANCOCK, Chicagoan, Grammy and Academy Award winning jazz musician

DID YOU KNOW…that April is International Jazz Month? And  that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially designated April 30 as International Jazz Day?

Chicago Jazz History : “Born in New Orleans, grew up in Chicago”

Herbie Hancock owes his own estimable legacy to predecessors like Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong and Dizzy Gillespie. 

According to Wikipedia sources, the “Chicago style” of jazz originated in Southern musicians moving North after 1917, bringing with them the New Orleans “Dixieland” or sometimes called “hot jazz” styles.  Dixieland largely evolved into Chicago style in the late 1910s and the new style was popularly called that name by the early 1920s.

Chicago became a global jazz capital in the 1920s through the Great Migration. Key artists like Armstrong, his mentor, Joe “King “ Oliver, and Jelly Roll Morton transformed hot jazz into a solo-driven, polished style, centered in Bronzeville and, in Uptown, at the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge.  White musicians, or “alligators”, attended Oliver’s performances in order to learn how to play jazz. Louis Armstrong’s recordings with his Chicago-based Louis Armstrong and his Hot Five and Hot Seven band came out in the years 1925 to 1928 and were popular with both black and white audiences.

These recordings marked the transition of original New Orleans jazz to a more sophisticated type of American improvised music with more emphasis on solo choruses instead of just little solo breaks

In the 1920s, the clubs, lounges, and theaters that lined State Street on Chicago’s South Side jumped with the uptempo sound of jazz music. This fusion of African and European musical traditions started in the Southern United States, but it flourished in Chicago and turned the Windy City into the jazz capital of the world.

As WTTW noted, music lovers also listened and danced to the jazz greats who played in Chicago such as Earl “Fatha” Hines, Erskine Tate, Fats Waller, and Cab Calloway. Louis Armstrong’s recordings with his Hot Five and Hot Seven bands between 1925 and 1928 set the standard for modern jazz, emphasizing individual solos over ensemble playing.

This emphasis on solos, faster tempos, string bass and guitar (replacing the traditional tuba and banjo) and saxophones also distinguish Chicago-style playing from New Orleans style. When Chicago musicians started playing four-beat measures, they laid the foundation for the swing era. The Lindy Hop was originally danced to four-beat Chicago style jazz and went on to become one of the iconic features of the swing era.

Into the Modern Era

From the 1930’s tothe 1950’s, Chicago’s style continued to evolve to include big band swing. Major venues such as the Regal Theater and Sunset Café showcased artists like Benny Goodman.

From the mid 1960s to the present day,  the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians has nurtured “Great Black Music: Ancient to the Future”.

Jazz Clubs and Celebrations Today 

Today, Chicago’s jazz scene includes the annual Chicago Jazz Festival,  which has its origins in the 1970s. The Chicago Jazz Festival is a free, annual music festival held over Labor Day weekend in Millennium Park, featuring jazz legends, modern masters, and new talent on multiple stages, including the Pritzker Pavilion and the Chicago Cultural Center. 

Festival performers have included the modern masters of bebop, smooth, Dixieland and progressive jazz, including Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins, Ornette Coleman, Benny Carter, Ella Fitzgerald, Anthony Braxton, Betty Carter, Lionel Hampton, Chico O’Farrill’s big band, Jimmy Dawkins, Von Freeman, Johnny Frigo, Slide Hampton, and Roy Haynes.

In the South Loop, The Jazz  Showcase, 806 S. Plymouth Court, is the oldest historic jazz club in Chicago, founded  in 1947 by Joe Segal, now owned and operated by Wayne Segal (Joe Segal’s  son). The greatest names in Jazz have played  here, including Gillespie and Count Basie.  There’s a show seven days a week, including their family-friendly matinee on Sundays when kids get in free.

In River North, as Choose Chicago notes, Andy’s Jazz Club has been packing the house since 1977. Whatever day of the week, you can find music lovers enjoying live music, craft cocktails, and Cajun-inspired fare. If you’re here on a weekend, then stop in for brunch between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. when admission is free.

Plus, the Green Mill remains a top club, retaining its 1920s and 30s feel with low lighting, murals, and a classic bar, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Restaurant Review: In Wicker Park, Dove’s Luncheonette delivers Michelin-listed Tex-Mex treats

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Tex-Mex Restaurant Chile Con Queso Dip in cast iron skillet with guacamole, salsa and tortilla chips stock photo

As their Michelin Guide listing says, Wicker Park’ s Dove’s Luncheonette, 1545 N. Damen Avenue, took its name from Nelson Algren’s  ‘A Walk on the Wild Side.’  The upscale 41-seat diner (no reservations) pays homage with Chef de Cuisine Tom Carlin overseeing such favorites as Bacalau Fritters with habanero and green olive aïoli, and Brisket Hash, an oft-mentioned delight for local reviewers. 

As their website promises, Dove’s delivers the Southern-inspired Mexican cuisine, alongside a tequila and mezcal-focused bar program,  set to the sounds of 1960s and 70s Chicago soul and blues.

Start with an appetizer like Deviled Eggs, made Tex-Mex with a mix of chipotle, scallions, and hot sauce. Or Pimento Cheese with Hook’s 2-year cheddar, pepper jelly, b&b pickles, and served with very unique Fried Saltines. (You gotta try them to believe!) 

Dove’s Burnt Ends Hash is one of their most popular entrees, with crispy potatoes, brisket burnt ends, chipotle aioli, queso fresco, two scrambled eggs, scallion, and Texas toast. 

The other most popular entrée is Chicken Fried Chicken with buttermilk fried chicken, chorizo verde gravy, sweet peas, and pearl onions.

Taco Norteño finds another tasty way to serve smoked brisket, this time with crispy cheese, salsa aguacate, and salsa mexicano, served on an open-faced large, house made flour tortilla. 

For a sweet-savory-spicy experience, try Dove’s Masa Pancakes, with mole-spiced maple syrup, and whipped agave butter. 

A truly unusual twist on a shrimp cocktail, the Back To Life Cocktail, is chock full of pescetarian delights. Savor the spicy mix of shrimp, mussels, crab, avocado, abd cilantro in a tomato-habanero salsa! 

Mine is not the only positive review. 

“Excellent food and immaculate vibes,” said one Google reviewer. “Dove’s was exactly what we were looking for: a chill spot with an interesting menu and solid service. I had the brisket hash, coffee, and one of their cocktail specials, and my wife had the tlayuda, all of which were fantastic. The service was perfect and the servers were personable and very chill. I’m already looking forward to coming back!”

Another wrote, “Dove’s is an unassuming “diner” serving killer modern, Mexican-inspired dishes. Put your name on the wait list, enjoy the surrounding area, and come back for an excellent meal. Chicken fried chicken, brisket hash, masa pancakes. Everything was fresh, bursting with flavor, and clearly made with care. Love the informality, eclectic vibe, and super friendly service. Huge portions at very reasonable prices. Dove’s is truly a standout in a neighborhood full of great options.”

Dove’s Luncheonette is open Monday – Wednesday from 9am to 3pm, Thursday and Friday from 9am to 9pm, Saturday from 8am to 9pm, and Sunday from 8am to 3pm. Their Happy Hours are Thursday – Saturday: 3pm to 6pm. Seating is on a first come, first served basis. For more information, click here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – 6 steps to re-potting your house plants

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Woman home gardener transplanting white peace lily in flowerpot stock photo

Spring is finally coming to the Chicagoland area! Time to get some spring cleaning done, so when the weather finally does turn we won’t have to worry about it and can get right outside. 

Something you should add to your spring cleaning chores is re-potting those houseplants that have outgrown their homes. Roots grow so long and full that they really take up all the room in the pot. Here are the steps to make sure your repotting is successful:

Step 1: Get the right sized pot

When you go up in size go up only 2 inches. For example, if you’re coming from a 4-inch pot go to a 6. If your plant is extremely root bound, you can go up 4 inches. I had a plant once that had hardly any soil, it was all roots!

Step 2: Prep your pot

Make a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water. If the new pot is plastic or glazed, just scrub it with this solution and let air dry. 

If it’s terra-cotta or another porous material, soak in the solution for 6-8 hours to thoroughly kill any bacteria, then let it dry completely.

Once clean, place a coffee filter in the bottom. This will help keep the soil in place when re-potting.

Step 3: Water

Water the plant one hour before you plan to re-pot. This will loosen the roots and make it easier to remove the plant. 

Step 4: Take your plant out gently

Take a dull butter knife and run it around the inside of the pot. Turn the pot on its side and gently work it out, don’t pull on the stem. 

While you are holding the plant, loosen the root structure by gently massaging them and letting the dirt fall away. If the ball is too tight you can make three or four vertical cuts to loosen and redirect the growth. Be careful and don’t overdo it!

Step 5: Place soil in the bottom of the pot

The plants root ball should be 1-1.5 inches below the pot rim. Place soil in the bottom of the pot accordingly. Add enough soil to cover the plant up to the crown (where the foliage meets the roots. 

Step 6: Water again and let it sit!

Water the plant in its new home until the water runs out of the drainage holes. Add more soil if needed. Let the plant get acclimated in its new pot before placing it in direct sunlight; about a week or so. 

Then, display your freshly potted plant for the world to see!

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago

Confessions of a Listing: Why Some Homes Sell and Others Sit

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Chair with pillow, coffee table, vase in a living room stock photo

If homes could talk, some would brag about the bidding wars they sparked within days, while others might quietly wonder why the open house traffic never quite turned into offers. The truth is, every listing tells a story—and the difference between “just listed” and “still available” often comes down to a handful of key factors that buyers notice immediately (even if they can’t always explain why).

Let’s pull back the curtain and hear what those homes might confess.

“I Thought My Price Was Close Enough…”

One of the biggest reasons homes linger on the market is pricing. It’s tempting to aim high “just to see what happens,” but today’s buyers are more informed than ever. They’ve seen the comps, watched the market trends, and know when something feels off.

A home that’s priced just right creates urgency. A home that’s overpriced creates hesitation.

And here’s the catch: the longer a home sits, the more buyers start to wonder what’s wrong with it—even if the only issue was the initial price.

“I Didn’t Make a Great First Impression”

Buyers often decide how they feel about a home within seconds of arriving. Curb appeal, lighting, smells, layout flow—it all adds up fast.

Homes that sell quickly tend to feel:

  • Clean and well-maintained
  • Bright and inviting
  • Neutral enough for buyers to picture themselves living there

On the flip side, homes that sit might be sending subtle signals:

  • Too much personalization
  • Deferred maintenance
  • Cluttered or poorly staged spaces

It’s not about perfection—it’s about making it easy for buyers to say “yes.”

“My Photos Didn’t Do Me Justice”

In today’s market, your first showing isn’t in person—it’s online.

Listings that stand out usually have:

  • High-quality, well-lit photos
  • Thoughtful angles that show off space and flow
  • A clear, compelling description

Homes that struggle often have dark, outdated, or minimal photos that fail to capture attention. If buyers aren’t excited by what they see online, they won’t schedule a showing.

“I Missed My Moment”

Timing matters more than most sellers realize.

The first week on the market is critical. That’s when a listing gets the most attention—new alerts, fresh eyes, motivated buyers. If a home hits the market overpriced or underprepared, it can miss that initial surge of interest.

And once that moment passes, it’s hard to recreate the same level of excitement.

“I Didn’t Stand Out”

In a competitive market, buyers aren’t just choosing a home—they’re comparing options.

Homes that sell tend to offer something memorable:

  • A move-in-ready feel
  • A standout feature (updated kitchen, great backyard, flexible living space)
  • A sense of value compared to similar listings

Homes that sit often blend into the background. They’re not necessarily bad—they just don’t give buyers a strong enough reason to act.

“I Made It Hard to Say Yes”

Sometimes it’s the small things:

  • Limited showing availability
  • Complicated terms
  • Lack of transparency

The easier it is for buyers to see and understand a home, the more likely they are to make an offer.

The Bottom Line

Homes don’t sell just because they’re listed—they sell because they’re positioned well.

The right price, strong presentation, strategic timing, and a clear understanding of what today’s buyers want can make all the difference between a quick sale and a long wait.

If your home were to confess, what would it say?

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Back on Track with Spring Weekend Activities!

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Children's feet with a pattern of paints smile on the green grass

Now that Passover and Easter are behind us, we can now get back on track with our usual spring weekend activities!  Here’s what’s on the agenda for this weekend.

Returning for its 13th edition at Navy Pier’s Festival Hall (600 E. Grand Ave.) in the Streeterville neighborhood this Saturday and Sunday, EXPO Chicago will host over 170 of the world’s prominent contemporary galleries from 36 countries.  Not only does this show feature works by artists from around the globe but it also features towering installations, sprawling canvases, intriguing sculptures, and more.  Attendees will also have an opportunity to have conversations with the artists themselves.  In addition, and new this year, is a curated section highlighting the upcoming Obama Presidential Center!

A unique scavenger hunt for adults is taking place this Saturday (2 p.m.-4 p.m.) at the Art Institute of Chicago (111 N. Michigan Ave.) in the Loop with Watson Adventures’ Fright at the Art Museum Scavenger Hunt.  All you need to do is solve some tricky questions, hunt for hidden details among morbid masterpieces, search for skeletons, skulls, hideous monsters, severed heads, freaky beasts, and more on this spooky tour.  Museum admission is included in the price, and advance purchase is required.  Hopefully, you’re not spooked by things that go bump in the night!

Need some suggestions to enhance your spring garden?  Now through May 10, the Garfield Park Conservatory (300 N. Central Park Ave.) in East Garfield Park is hosting their Spring Flower Show: Showers of Flowers from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  This year’s show highlights over 80 hanging baskets demonstrating vertical possibilities featuring trailing vines like bushy asparagus ferns, ivy, and sweet potato along with colorful, seasonal favorite flowers like pansies, petunia, and calibrachoa.  Other spring favorites such as azaleas, cymbidium orchids, hydrangea, tulips, and others will add even more color.  There are endless possibilities to be had here for your green thumb!

Even though I’m a big fan of coffee, I will never forget about the myriads of tea lovers out there!  This Saturday and Sunday (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) brings the Chicago Tea Festival to the Copernicus Center (5216 W. Lawrence Ave.) in the Jefferson Park neighborhood.  Immerse yourself in the world of tea as you explore the exhibit floor offering a wide array of teas and tea ware from 30 vendors; participate in focused tastings of unique teas from around the world; engage in workshops; attend educational sessions ranging from the art of brewing to tea history; and more.  This festival is designed to inspire curiosity and promote engagement with tea in all its forms!

The Chicago Cubs will host the Pittsburgh Pirates this Saturday and Sunday (1:20 p.m.) at Wrigley Field (1060 W. Addison St.) in the Wrigleyville neighborhood.  The promotion for Saturday’s game will be a Ben Zobrist Bobblehead, which will be given to the first 10,000 early arriving fans, and subject to availability!

The Chicago Blackhawks will host the St. Louis Blues this Saturday (4:00 p.m.) at the United Center (1901 W. Madison St.) in the West Loop.  At this game, the Blackhawks will be launching their inaugural Hall of Fame Celebration as part of this year’s Centennial Celebration, with the first induction ceremony.  The inaugural class includes Duncan Keith, Steve Larmer, and Troy Murray who will be honored with a permanent exhibit at Fifth Third Arena!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Neighborhood News: Springing up! Early Chicago Farmer’s Markets showcase the Midwest’s best in fresh food, community

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Greengrocer selling organic fresh agricultural product at farmer market stock photo

With Spring in full bloom, take advantage of the warming temperatures to browse through an array of fresh foods and flowers, from the Midwest’s best farms at Chicago ‘s local Farmer’s Markets! Often, you’ll stroll to the tune of local musicians as part of the experience. 

Green City Markets in Lincoln Park and West Loop 

Every Saturday, from 8am-1pm, Lincoln Park’s Green City Market, 1817 N. Clark Street, features the best of the Midwest with dozens of local, sustainable farmers and food producers, community programs for all ages, and more, April through November.  

What Do They Have That I Can’t Get at the Store?

As they say on their website, Green City Markets are dedicated to expanding access to nutritious, local, sustainably-produced food.

What’s in season now: All kinds of vegetables!  Take your pick among arugula, beans, beets, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery root, collard greens, eggplant, fennel, garlic, herbs, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce/greens, microgreens, onions, peppers, potatoes, pumpkins, radishes, scallions, spinach, sweet potatoes, turnips, winter squash

Fruits/nuts: apples, pears, plums, grapes, chestnuts

Meat/seafood/protein: beef, chicken, goat, lamb, pork, perch, salmon, sausage, trout, turkey, walleye, whitefish

All season long: breads, cheeses, cured meats, dried beans, eggs, flours, grains, honey, hot sauce, jams, lentils, maple syrup, mushrooms, pasta, pesto, pickled vegetables, popcorn, sauces, tea, vinegar

Drinks: apple cider, fresh-pressed juice, locally-roasted coffee, hot tea, bone broth

Ready to eat: donuts, sandwiches, pastries, pies, soups, tofu salads, quiches

Plants + flowers: potted herbs and plants, seedlings, dried lavender, cut flowers

Note:  They welcome and triple match Link (also known as SNAP or EBT) up to $25. When you spend $25 of Link with Green City Market, you automatically get $50 more to spend to make your benefits go further.

Stay tuned for the opening of Green City Market in the West Loop at Mary Bartelme Park, 900 W. Monroe Street.  

Logan Square Farmer’s Market

Since 2005, The Logan Square Farmers Market (LSqFM) has been an open-air food market and weekly community gathering.  

This Farmers Market has earned its reputation, offering a wide variety of fresh produce, baked goods, cheeses, prepared foods, and handmade items. They highlight the large selection of vendors, including those with vegan and gluten-free options, and the opportunity to enjoy a picnic on the grass. 

Every Saturday until April 25th, Logan Square is continuing to host its Indoor Farmers Market at the Avondale Collective, 2800 N. Milwaukee Avenue, on the 1st Floor. 

THEN …When the Outdoor season starts, they’ll go to a new outdoor location. 

Sunday Event: Dry Run at New Location!

All Chicagoans, whether you’re from Logan Square or not, is invited for a Farmers Market Dry Run at their new location, 2579 N. Milwaukee Avenue, this Sunday, April 12 from 8:30am to 3pm.

You can stock up on your greens early and get a sneak peek at where your favorite vendor booths will be for the upcoming market season!

Get Their Mobile App

Download their mobile app to ensure you’re up to date on the latest vendors by clicking here. 

Stay tuned to Dean’s Team Chicago for the openings of Farmer’s Markets in Chicago’s Loop, Lincoln Square, and other locations!

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Restaurant Review: In Bridgeport, Chicago White Sox’s tasty offerings for the 2026 season

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Chicago White Sox's Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago, IL. stock photo

“White Sox! White Sox! Go Go White Sox!!”

The Chicago White Sox,  333 W. 35th Street, have earned their reputation as the “best food in baseball!” Every year, Delaware North (their Sportservice division) and Levy Restaurants put their already -estimable reputation on the line. 

Their creativity knows no bounds, focusing on the whimsical, the unusual, the tributes to players, and Chicago’s diverse communities to come up with tasty creations that sustain fans through nine innings of compelling baseball action!

In 2026, their new selections include:

Wingman – Section 101

Chicken Wings & Fries- crispy chicken wings are served with fries, as well as dry rubs and sauces, including Buffalo, mango habanero, garlic pamesan and lemon pepper.  

Jibaritos – Section 104

Try their new Jibarito, a fried plantain sandwich with steak, lettuce, tomato, cheese and special sauce.

Machete – Section 111

“Giant Quesadilla” made with chicken chorizo, queso Oaxaca and orange salsa. A vegetarian option is also available.

Specialty Hot Dogs – Section 113

Fajita Dog Foot-Long Vienna Beef Hot Dog, Sauteed Onions, Sauteed Peppers and Avocado Crema. 

Gourmet Burgers – Section 126

Two Bagger Smash Burge is 1/2-Pound Beef Patty, Vienna Beef Sausage, Guacamole, Grilled Jalapeño and Poblano-Aioli Slaw. 

Vegetarian Emparogi Polombia/Fusion – Section 152

For vegetarians, Section 152 is the place to be! 

Veggie Arepa Burger

Other Veggie Options:

Additionally, you can find vegetarian burgers and dogs at the following stands:

Impossible Burger Grill Stands – 122, 140, 160 & 544

Impossible Dog Classics & Creamery – 538

Classic Stand – 112, 130, 152 & 160

Nachos (Plant based Chorizo) at Buenos Nachos – 160 & 529

Fusion – Section 152

And your non-vegetarian option is a good one …the Arepa Burger comes with corn griddle cakes sandwiching honey-glazed pork belly, sofrito, coleslaw, garlic aioli and aji sauce. 

Lucky’s – Section 154

Korean Dog “Papas Freedom” pairs a Vienna Beef hot dog with hash browns and spicy chipotle ketchup. 

Rainbow Bubble Waffle has vanilla ice cream, gummy bears, Nerd clusters and sprinkles. 

Tonkatsu Dog is a  Vienna Beef hot dog rolled in panko, topped with Kewpie mayo, teriyaki sauce and Bonito flakes.

Soba Noodle Stir Fry has a chiili  crunch marinade,  carrots, mushrooms, cabbage and sesame seeds. 

La Esquinita Boricus –Section 155

Puerto Rican Rice Bowl is Puerto Rican rice with your choice of grilled steak or roasted pork, topped with jalapeños, hot sauce, sofrito aioli and pickled onions.

Topo Chico Hard Seltzer Cantina –Section 159

In 2024, Rate Field went viral with their gooey, Instagram-worthy Campfire Milkshake in a souvenir cup, In 2026, Campfire Milkshake 2 goesshareable! The  S’mores-inspired dessert, upgraded to a bigger size with two straws. It features Prairie Farms Belgian chocolate ice cream, graham crackers, and toasted marshmallows, topped with whipped cream and chocolate-rimmed souvenir plastic cup!  And remember…SHARE! It comes with two straws for you and your loved one! 

300-Level Treats

Please note: to access the 300 Club Level, guests are required to have a 300 Level ticket. 

DB Kaplan’s Express – 330 & Stadium Club Bar

For Chicagoans “of a certain age,” DB Kaplan’s Delicatessen at Water Tower Place (1978-1995) was THE PLACE to go for creatively named sandwiches piled high with meats, cheeses and veggies, along with sloppy cocktails that ruined you for the afternoon.

Back then, as a Chicago Tribune article recalled, they had a Mike Royko (Vienna pepperbeef); the Hugh Hefner (topless club sandwich); the Bob Sirott (salami and bologna on rye); and a Dr. Ruth (sausage platter).

The Chicago White Sox are recreating the magic in Section 330 with their 35th St. Muffaletta…dry-cured salami, mortadella, prosciutto, provolone cheese, and house-giardiniera olive spread on sun-dried tomato focaccia.

They’reresurrecting an oldfavorite with Turkey in the Slaw, made with house-roasted turkey, applewood smoked bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, Louie dressing, and Mrs. Levy’s coleslaw on challah bread. 

For dessert, try their moist, spicy Mrs. Levy’s  Original Carrot Cake with cream cheese frosting and toasted coconut. 

Stadium Club Bar

Chicken & Waffle is a meal in itself with a Belgian liege waffle, house-buttermilk fried chicken and local honey. served with seasonal fresh fruit and DB Kaplan’s latkes (don’t miss them!)

For a complete list of Rate Field ‘s food offerings for the 2026 season, click here.

Here’s to a great season!! 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – What is the best sleep position? The pros and cons

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Young male sleeping in free fall position with his girlfriend occupied the whole bed, wearing pajamas, near bedside table with candles

Unfortunately, the answer is not so clear cut. Here are the pros and cons of different positions (plus a few tips to improve them):

On your back. Sleeping on your back can be good if you have a good supportive pillow that keeps your neck and spine in a neutral position. This generally keeps your airway open letting you breathe easier. However, if you suffer from sleep apnea that causes your breathing to stop and start it can be detrimental! Your throat muscles become too relaxed, and your tongue can fall to the back of your throat. So, if you’re a back sleeper try placing a pillow under your knees to keep your spine aligned. 

On your side. Side sleepers are different depending on which side you choose. 

Lying on your right side may be better for blood flow as well as lower pressure on your heart. 

Left side sleepers may be better for clearing waste from your brain. The glymphatic system washes away harmful metabolic by-products like proteins that are linked to Alzheimer’s disease. 

More important is your position on your side. If you do the fetal position to ease lower back pain, be careful not to curl up too much. It can compress your chest and restrict your breathing. It’s best to be as linear as possible. Place a pillow between your knees or use a whole-body pillow to align your spine. 

On your stomach. While sleeping on your stomach is generally considered the least healthy position, it can provide a sense of security and some temporary pain relief for the lower back. However, stomach sleepers should be wary of strain on their spine and place a thin pillow under their hips for better alignment. 

So, in the end there is no perfect sleeping position. Most of us move around and shift positions multiple times throughout the night, but the most important thing is to find the best position that will keep your airway open. Always remember the ABCs of respiratory therapy: airway, breathing and circulation. 

If you notice you’re still tired after what seemed like a good night’s sleep, it probably has something more to do with your breathing rather than your sleep position. 

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago

Tiny Habits, Big Impact: How Daily Routines Improve Your Home Life

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Young african american making a bed stock photo

When people think about improving their home, they usually picture big projects—fresh paint, a kitchen remodel, maybe even new landscaping. But the truth is, the way your home feels day to day has a lot less to do with major upgrades and a lot more to do with the small things you do consistently.

Tiny daily habits might not seem like much in the moment, but over time, they shape your space, your stress levels, and even how much you enjoy being at home. The best part? They don’t require a big budget or a free weekend—just a few intentional minutes each day.

Why Small Habits Matter More Than Big Projects

A beautifully renovated home can still feel chaotic if it’s not maintained. On the flip side, even a modest space can feel calm, functional, and inviting when it’s cared for regularly.

Daily habits create a baseline. They prevent clutter from building up, keep maintenance issues from snowballing, and make your home feel consistently “put together” instead of something you’re always trying to catch up on.

Think of it this way: instead of resetting your home once a week (or once a month), you’re doing small resets every day.

The 10-Minute Reset Rule

One of the simplest habits you can adopt is a quick daily reset—morning, evening, or both.

In just 10 minutes, you can:

  • Clear kitchen counters
  • Put away stray items
  • Wipe down surfaces
  • Fluff pillows and fold blankets

It doesn’t sound like much, but it keeps your home from drifting into disorder. You wake up or wind down in a space that feels intentional, not overwhelming.

Make Your Bed (Yes, It Actually Matters)

It’s a classic for a reason. Making your bed takes less than two minutes, but it instantly makes your bedroom feel cleaner and more pulled together.

It also sets the tone for the day. Starting with one completed task creates a small sense of momentum—and that tends to carry into other areas of your home and routine.

Clean as You Go

This habit is a game-changer, especially in high-traffic areas like the kitchen.

Instead of letting dishes pile up or crumbs accumulate, handle small messes in real time:

  • Wash or load dishes right after meals
  • Wipe counters while cooking
  • Put ingredients away as you finish with them

You’re not adding more work—you’re just spreading it out. The result is a space that never feels out of control.

The “One-Touch” Rule

If you pick something up, put it where it actually belongs—right then and there.

Mail doesn’t sit on the counter. Shoes don’t linger by the door. Jackets don’t drape over chairs for days.

This habit alone can dramatically reduce clutter, because it eliminates the need to “deal with it later”—which is usually when things pile up.

Stay Ahead of Maintenance

Homes don’t fall apart overnight. Most issues start small—then grow when they’re ignored.

A few simple daily or weekly check-ins can save you time and money:

  • Notice leaks, drips, or unusual sounds early
  • Keep an eye on filters, vents, and appliances
  • Tackle minor fixes before they become bigger repairs

These aren’t glamorous tasks, but they protect your home’s value and keep everything running smoothly.

Create a “Drop Zone”

Life gets busy, and not everything has to be perfect. That’s where a designated drop zone comes in—a spot for keys, bags, mail, and everyday essentials.

The habit here isn’t just having the space—it’s actually using it. When everything has a go-to place, your home naturally stays more organized without extra effort.

End the Day with a Reset

There’s something underrated about waking up to a clean, calm space.

Taking a few minutes each night to reset your home—clearing surfaces, dimming lights, maybe even setting out what you need for the next morning—makes a bigger difference than you might expect.

It turns your home into a place that supports you, instead of one that immediately demands your attention.

It’s Not About Perfection

Here’s the key: these habits aren’t about keeping your home perfect. They’re about keeping it livable.

Some days you’ll skip the reset. Some weeks things will get messy. That’s normal. What matters is having a simple system you can return to without feeling overwhelmed.

Over time, these small actions add up to something bigger—a home that feels easier to manage, more enjoyable to live in, and ready for whatever life throws your way.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a renovation to fall back in love with your home. Often, it just takes a shift in how you move through it each day.

Tiny habits won’t transform your home overnight—but stick with them, and you’ll start to notice something: your space feels lighter, calmer, and more like a place you actually want to be.

And that’s a pretty big impact for something so small.