Two holidays down and one left to go!  It’s time to get into the Christmas spirit with the following holiday events for this weekend.

If you’ve missed Chicago’s 110^th Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony this past Friday, don’t fret.  The City of Chicago Christmas Tree will remain on display until early January at Millennium Park (55 N. Michigan Ave.) near Washington Street and Michigan Avenue in the Loop.  This year’s tree is a 45-foot Colorado Blue Spruce donated by the De La Cruz family of Darien, IL and is decorated with tons of twinkling lights and crowned with an illuminated star!

The largest outdoor and indoor holiday experience is being held at Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Ave.) in the Streeterville neighborhood through December 31^st.  Light Up The Lake features dazzling outdoor lakefront light displays, an outdoor ice skating rink with a breathtaking backdrop of Lake Michigan, toasty firepits to cozy up at while roasting s’mores, fireworks on Saturdays, and more.  The indoor winter fun is held at the gigantic 170,000 square foot Festival Hall featuring kiddie train rides, a regulation-size Alpine ice-skating rink, a 600,000-bulb light show made up of themed sculptures, a Winter Wonderfest Forest, and more.  Embrace the holiday season with this perfect balance of free and ticketed activities for guests of all ages!

Check out the new and exciting displays, photo ops, and interactive programming for this year’s ZooLights held at Lincoln Park Zoo (2400 N. Cannon Dr.) in the Lincoln Park neighborhood now through January 7, 2024.  Once again, over 2.5 million LED lights including hundreds of luminous LED displays, and a variety of seasonal experiences will be featured along with carolers, glow toys, hot chocolate, firepits for roasting s’mores, and professional ice carvers!

A one-of-a-kind experience awaits you at Gallagher Way (3635 N. Clark St.) in the Wrigleyville neighborhood now through January 7, 2024.  Wintrust’s Winterland at Gallagher Way offers wintry attractions inside historic Wrigley Field which includes a 12,000 square foot ice rink for ice skating and ice bumper cars, on-field games, a miniature infield train, carnival rides and games, and more!

Explore rich holiday traditions from around the globe at this year’s Christmas Around the World at the Museum of Science & Industry (5700 S. Lake Shore Dr.) in the Hyde Park neighborhood now through January 7, 2024.  Once again, its four-story Grand Tree is surrounded by over 50 trees representing Chicago’s various communities showcasing their holiday celebrations.  For more seasonal cheer, visit the Holidays of Light exhibit recognizing the traditions of Chinese New Year, Diwali, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, Hanukkah, Visakha Puja Day, and St. Lucia Day.  Don’t forget to stop by and visit Santa in his festive photo studio for your holiday souvenir photo!

Finally, Chicago’s original Hanukkah bar returns by popular demand for its third year in a row.  8 Crazy Nights takes over The Graystone Tavern (3441 N. Sheffield Ave.) in the Wrigleyville neighborhood now through January 7, 2024.  In addition to Graystone’s customary 14,000+ blue and white lights and Hanukkah decorations throughout the indoor area, its beer garden has been weather-proofed for those who wish to take their celebrating outdoors.  Plus, guests can dine on Hanukkah classics such as matzo ball soup, latkes, and more, as well as play board games like Mitzvah Match, Schmear Build-A-Bagel card game, Jewish Guess Who, and more!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

If you’re tired of turkey and stuffing after this week’s celebration, a great alternative for dining on Friday or any other night might be Gyu-Kaku, a charming Japanese BBQ in the West Loop. 

It was at Gyu-Kaku that I learned that “small plates” are a universal phenomenon.

My friends and I sampled from the Happy Hour menu (Monday–Friday 2pm–5pm,) where prices are reduced, sometimes by half, on their regular menu. And for someone like me, who’s never experienced Japanese BBQ before, it was a great introduction!

Gyu-Kaku, or “Horn of the Bull” in Japanese, according to its website, provides an authentic Japanese yakiniku (grilled barbecue) dining experience where customers share premium cooked meats over a flaming smokeless grill, while sipping on Japanese sake, shochu, and frosty cold beers. (Or, one of their tasty tropical drinks! I recommend their Tropical Sunshine!)

We shared several small plates from their huge menu, including Yuzu Shishito Peppers which were fried shishito chili peppers in Japanese yuzu citrus sauce. While they promise that they’re “almost always mild,” my friend warned me that every ninth or tenth might be …spicy! Delicious, tangy and tender. Another friend had their Napa Kimchi Napa Kimchi, which was lightly spicy pickled cabbage. Another friend had us salivating over their Spicy Addicting Cucumber, which was fresh cucumbers in crunchy garlic chili oil, with a dash of Shio Tare, sesame oil, and sesame seeds.

I was crazy for their Vegetarian Bibimbap, a huge bowl of seasoned rice festooned with lightly steamed asparagus, mushrooms, broccoli, and other vegetables. I also appreciated the handy guides and attentive servers who told you exactly how long meats and fish should cook. 

My friends and I enjoyed cooking proteins such as fresh shrimp, spicy pork, and thinly sliced steak. We shared it all while laughing and talking. 

A word about the service: they’re attentive, yet not intrusive. They work overtime to make sure you understand their cooking concept and make sure you enjoy the process as much as their food. 

I wished I’d had room for dessert! S’mores sounded like such a fun way to use the smokeless barbecue to end the meal. Also, they had mochi and tea ice cream, and several other selections. Next time!

I’m not the only one who’s impressed. So is this Open Table reviewer:

“Always a fun experience as a date or with a group great meal prices for what you get the cocktails are sweet. It is a great interactive experience. I personally enjoyed going on a date or bringing a group of friends and it’s always fun and the flavor is always up to par.”

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ is located at 1364 W. Randolph. They are open Sunday–Thursday from 11am–10pm, and Friday and Saturday, 11am-11pm. Reservations are recommended. Click here.

Thankful for you!! 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

It’s no secret that any water that’s pooled in any part of your home will cause nothing but problems. And if there are drainage issues in your home, you’ll likely experience these problems pretty quickly. That’s why it’s critical that any drainage issues be nipped in the bud before they turn into total catastrophe. Yet while some issues are obvious, other’s aren’t.

To save yourself the headache and the money trying to fix major problems that arise as a result of poor drainage in your home, keep an eye out for any one of the following 6 red flags.

1. Water Stains

One of the most telling signs that there’s an issue with the drainage in your home is water stains. Whether they’re on the walls, ceilings, or floors, any water stains are surface signs that something awry is lurking where you can’t see.

The location of the water stain will also be an indication of whether or not the problem is the result of surface water, or water moving underground, the latter of which is typically a much bigger problem. If the stain creates a line around the basement, it’s more likely the result of a moving water table. In this case, inquiring about basement waterproofing might be warranted after the issue has been rectified.

2. Spewing Gutters

If you notice that your gutters are running like a raging river, there’s probably something obstructing the free flow along the gutters. Even if you don’t actually see the water gushing out of the gutters, you can still tell this is happening if the grass or dirt at the opening of the gutters seems like it’s been dug out by powerful flows of water, or if you notice mud splatter marks on the exterior walls near the gutters. If this problem persists, you could be dealing with rotted exterior siding or even structural damage.

3. Downspouts That Dump Too Much Water Near the Foundation

The basement of your home can become flooded with water if your downspouts are dumping hoards of rainwater too close to the foundation. As such, the water will make its way into the basement and wreak havoc on the basement walls, floors, and any items you have in the water’s way.

If the downspouts are too short, they can literally dump gallons of water around the foundation walls of your home. As the water is soaked in by the soil, it puts pressure on the walls, and eventually causes them to crack. Adding gutter extensions that help carry the water a minimum of 5 feet away from your foundation walls can really help.

4. Mold in the Attic

The presence of mold in your attic is a sure sign that there’s a drainage problem with your home. It may sound odd that drainage issues can actually show signs of trouble way up in that part of the house, but moisture from the water in the basement can rise up through your home. The bathroom fans and vents will then blow hot, damp air right into the attic space, which can cause mold and mildew when it condenses on the colder side of the roof. Failure to deal with this issue early on can lead to rotted roof sheathing and shingles, which would then need to be replaced.

5. Crusting on Basement Walls

Any flaking or crusting on your basement walls could very well be a sign that your home’s drainage is inadequate. This crusting is caused by the mineral deposit residue that is left behind after water has evaporated and condenses. This might not necessarily be a huge problem if these deposits go no deeper than half an inch. Any more than that, however, could spell real trouble that may involve a compromised foundational structure.

6. Cracks on the Foundation Wall

It’s normal for foundation walls to experience cracks over the years as the house settles after being built. However, any cracks that are very wide – over 1/8 of an inch – or that are uneven might need a closer look into what could be causing them. It might very well be a drainage problem behind these cracks. If that’s the case, you’ll need to find out what exactly is behind the inadequate drainage and fix it.

The Bottom Line

If you notice any one of the above signs, you should deal with them immediately. A qualified plumber or structural engineer will be able to suggest the best course of action to fix the problem before it gets any worse. Identifying drainage problems when they’re not as serious and are easier to rectify can save you a lot of hassle and thousands of dollars over the long haul.

One hallmark of every holiday season is the performance of ‘The Nutcracker.’ For 130 years,  Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet has been a Christmas tradition everywhere.

Now, thanks to the company that gave us ‘Immersive Van Gogh’ and ‘Immersive Mozart,’ the magic that is West Town’s Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago, 108 W. Germania PIace, brings Chicagoans ‘Immersive Nutcracker: A Winter Miracle.’  The show runs from Friday, November 24 through Sunday, January 7.

The Story of ‘The Nutcracker’ 

As the Chicago Loop Alliance describes it, ‘The Nutcracker’ is based on E.T.A. Hoffman’s 1816 fairy tale ‘The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.’ 

As Smithsonian Magazine recounts, the story involves a little girl, Marie (some who follow the ballet may know her as Clara), who, through the conjuring of her godfather, Herr Drosselmeier, is given a nutcracker doll who becomes a prince, (as well as) a Christmas tree that grows like Jack’s beanstalk, toy soldiers battling mice, and a blizzard,” wrote Laura Jacobs for Vanity Fair. “Act Two alights in the Land of Sweets, where the Sugarplum Fairy reigns.” 
Sweeping music features iconic selections like “The March of the Toys” and “The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” as they are immersed in holiday wonder. 

The Nutcracker has become a holiday classic, taking the form of ballets, films and more. 

Expansive Technology 

The Immersive Nutcracker: A Winter Miracle is the newest rendition of this timeless classic, using the latest projection mapping technology. According to their website, the 30-minute, immersive experience of whimsical animated characters alongside footage of professional ballet dancers is composed of over 1 million frames of video across 500,000 cubic feet, captivating audiences from opening scene to the epic finale. 

Lighthouse Immersive was founded in 2019 by Toronto-based producers, Corey Ross and Svetlana Dvoretsky and Toronto-based developer – Slava Zheleznyakov, Lighthouse Immersive is the first experiential entertainment multi-plex, aiming to cultivate community and creativity through large-scale events and exhibitions of all art forms. For tickets and information, click here.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

If you’re taking on Thanksgiving this year, don’t panic! With some organization you can pull this off with a minimum of fuss. From getting the house ready to the actual meal, here are some guidelines and handy tips to make everything go smoothly:

Get help. Now is the time to get a little help! A house cleaning service is not as expensive as you think. It’s worth the money to have the house cleaned professionally before guests arrive. Ask friends and family for referrals or maybe your friendly neighborhood Realtor! If guests offer help, take it. From appetizers, liquor, or side dishes, you’ll be happier if you accept the help. I often ask people to bring drinks and desserts. There’s more variety that way and it really helps. 

Create a list. Next is your master list. I am a paper person, so I use a yellow legal pad. Of course, your phone or a tablet will work well too. The first list will be the menu, including everything from appetizers, drinks and snacks to every menu item for dinner. On the first column on the left list every dish. Next column write down everything needed to prepare the dish. Include everything like spices and herbs too. This will be your shopping list. Now is a good time to buy fresh spices and dried herbs. They are always the best fresh, so this is the time to buy.  Highlight items you need to purchase. Shop for all your non-perishables early. If using a frozen turkey, give yourself enough time for safe thawing. A large bird can take several days. Shop for perishables 2 days before. 

Organize. Take your menu list and organize all pots, pans and utensils needed for preparation. It’s not good to need another pot on Thanksgiving morning! All the stores have these items on sale now, along with dishes and serving pieces. Next, organize the table. Clean off the dining room table and put every serving dish you will need there. Appetizers, snacks, and all menu items with serving tools for each. Add plates, glassware and utensils for each guest. Cover with a clean sheet to keep the dust off. 

Prepare drinks. If you are having cocktails, arrange a bar area on a decently sized table. Include mixers along with 3 or 4 different bottles of liquor. Glassware including wine, rocks and tall glasses for mixed drinks. Use a nice ice bucket for drinks. Keep beer and soda in a cooler with ice. Most of this can be set up early in the week and again covered to keep clean. 

Schedule and time everything. Prepare your day by scheduling at least a week ahead. Make note of every menu item, what time it needs to be started and when it will be done. Some things can be prepared early and either frozen or kept in the refrigerator. Dips, rolls, vegetable dishes, stuffing, casseroles and appetizers can all be made days in advance. For example, mashed potatoes can be prepared and kept warm in a slow cooker, just add a little hot cream and butter before serving. Many items cooked in the morning can be warmed in the microwave just before serving. 

If you want to get through this holiday stress free, be as organized as possible! Don’t forget to accept help from others, before and on the big day. Many hands make light work as the old saying goes. You should be able to have some fun too and enjoy the day with your guests. Does anyone else have holiday hints for a smooth and fun day?  

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago