Restaurant Review – Dash of Salt and Pepper Diner

A dash of salt, a dash of pepper…and a lot of heart! Just steps away from Oz Park, a community inside Lincoln Park,  the Dash of Salt and Pepper Diner  serves hearty, upscale comfort food and favorites in a space celebrating all things Chicago.

The two year old spot is run by best friends Brandy & Chassity They explain on their website how Dash came to be. “Our experiences from working and eating at  some of the best Chicago has to offer (the Palace Grill and Milk And Honey Café among them), we proudly serve up a Dash of Salt and Pepper Diner with a whole lot of love.”

Breakfast offerings reflect Chicago’s diverse communities. Southern inspired Biscuits and Gravy–house-made sausage gravy served over warm buttermilk biscuits, stand next to Chilaquiles, a combination of eggs on top of tortillas, sautéed in green chile sauce, with sour cream, and mozzarella cheese, followed by a full Irish Breakfast, with two pieces each of Irish bacon, Irish sausage, black pudding, and white pudding served with beans, eggs, fries, and your choice of toast or pancakes. 

Cleverly named, three-egg omelettes pay tribute to Chicago’s rapid transit lines and are served with your choice of hash browns, grits, or fruit and toast or pancakes (gluten-free options are available for an upcharge.) The Green Line combines spinach, green pepper, onion, tomato, mushroom, and Swiss cheese. The Pink Line isaclassic ham and American cheese. The Red Line pairs ham, salsa, jalapeños, onions, tomatoes, and pepper jack cheese. The Blue Line is a meat-lover’s delight–bacon, sausage, ham and American cheese.

More Chicago themes resonate through their sandwiches. Sweet Home Chicago celebrates Chicago-style bbq, with house-made shredded chicken, bathed in Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce, and served on a French roll. 

The Uptown Chick is a marinated grilled chicken breast with roasted red pepper, spinach, red onion, avocado, and feta cheese served on a bun or in a wrap. The Wicker Park serves the grilled chicken breast on sourdough with grilled tomato, bacon, lettuce, and bleu cheese. The OZ Burger has pepper jack cheese, bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and grilled onions topped with BBQ sauce. 

But…save room for their milkshakes and floats, which come in unusual flavors like Dreamsickle, Coconut, and Cinnamon, piled high in sprinkles and whipped cream. 

One recent Google reviewer gushed. “Great food, amazing vibe, and friendly, charismatic staff. Impossible to not come back here” 😊

A Yelp reviewer was equally impressed. “Dash of Salt and Pepper Diner in Lincoln Park is such a hidden gem guys. They have cute Chicago-themed decor everywhere, great diner breakfast and lunch options, and a hot sauce wall!!”

Dash of Salt and Pepper Diner is located at 2201 N. Lincoln Avenue. They are open Sunday-Thursday,  8am-3pm, and Friday & Saturday:  8am-8pm. Their Facebook page offers updates on special menu items and hours. For more information, click here.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Try not to let your emotions get the best of you!

Have you ever become extremely angry for seemingly no reason? Some days it seems like I am on my last nerve, and everyone had better stay out of my way! 

I have been learning how to better assess my emotions and realize where they’re coming from. I ran across a method this week which may be helpful for you too.

The method is called HALT. It originates from the thought that people make poor decisions when they are Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired. Often, when we engage in negative behavior, one of these emotions is likely the underlying cause! Using a mindfulness technique like this one can regulate your emotions. If you feel off, ask the HALT questions:

Are you hungry? Being hungry often involves low blood sugar which can affect your decision-making abilities as well as your physical well-being. In short, you do not have the energy to regulate your emotions. Chemicals released in your brain change when hungry which can lead to anger and hastiness in decisions. Identify hunger signals like headaches, stomach rumbling, and irritability. Eat something ASAP. Include some protein like yogurt and a complex carb like nuts or whole grain cereal. A small meal is best, and try to avoid things high in sugar which will raise you fast, but the crash comes quickly.

Are you angry about something specific? Anger can make you impatient and can stimulate adrenaline and the part of your brain that involves threat stimuli also becomes involved. When you are becoming mindful of your emotions you can recognize that you are angry and use a technique to bring calm and self-awareness. Deep breathing is one good method. Sometimes vigorous exercise is best as it can use some of that adrenaline your anger churned up. 

Are you lonely? We are social beings and when we become lonely it can lead to anxiety and depression as well as making poor decisions because we feel disconnected. Loneliness is a little harder to manage. Try to reach out to someone with whom you can be your authentic self. Face to face connection especially promotes nervous system regulation that can move you back to a good baseline. 

Are you tired? Most of us feel tired more often than we ever have before. Life is so incredibly fast paced we seem to think we need to be working 24/7. Unfortunately, the result is exhaustion. You feel foggy and increased stress, especially when decisions need to be made. We need to prioritize our tasks and the decisions we need to make, and acknowledge we do not need to get everything done all at once. Prioritize a good night’s sleep, and the occasional break or walk outside can be beneficial. 

HALT is helpful for many people whether you have anger management issues or have chronic stress. It can help you pause and identify where your emotions are coming from and choose a less harmful route!

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago

Simple Ways to Boost Privacy in Your Yard

Whether you’re playing with the kids, enjoying a family meal, or even just catching some rays, the last thing you want is to be put on display in your own backyard. The demand for outdoor living space among homeowners has grown over the years, making privacy that much more important. If your yard is exposed to the neighbors, you might want to come up with tasteful and functional ways to add a subtle barrier between your yard and others around you.

Keep these simple tactics in mind to create a secluded sanctuary in your backyard.

Plant Hedges

Lining your property with a row of hedges is an easy and clean way to add a divide between your lot and the next. Privacy planting like these can create privacy and drown out the chatter from next door.

To plant a new hedge, dig a trench about two feet wide and two feet deep, and allow about a foot between each shrub planted. Add enough soil to reach the branching trunk, and be sure to water frequently within the first year. Keep in mind that hedges require regular trimming in order to keep them neat and tidy.

Layer Your Greenery

If the space permits, try layering your greenery to create a wonderful display of plants, flowers, shrubs, ornamental grass, and trees while shielding your outdoor area from the neighbor. Start with the tallest greens in the back, then gradually step them down in height to create depth, visual appeal, and texture.

If the neighbors beside or behind you are perched up higher than your lot, or have a raised deck or terrace, plant tall-growing shady trees to block out the neighbors view into your yard.

Install a Fence

A fence is an obvious way to add privacy to your property, but it doesn’t have to be so cold and dull. You can dress it up with some paint, vines, shrubs, perennials, or hanging planters to make it more pleasing to the eye compared to a long line of plain wood.

Fences are perfect for year-round screening and for side yards where space is particularly limited. Just be sure to check with your local jurisdiction to see if a permit is needed, and what height restrictions you’ll have to adhere to.

Install Lattice or Ornamental Screens

If the thought of a fence is just too severe for your tastes, then lattice is the next best thing. It’s the perfect way to add seclusion without entirely shutting your property off.

Lattice is also an ideal way to add some of your favorite vines or climbing flowers for a decorative and tranquil space. You don’t have to ward off the entire yard with lattice, either. Instead, consider adding it only to specific areas where privacy is especially craved, such as in the corner or against the eating area.

Add a Retaining Wall

While a little more expensive and labor-intensive, adding a decorative stone retaining wall is a fantastic way to seclude your yard. If you don’t want to look at a complete wall of stone, you can erect a shorter retaining wall, then mount some decorative trees or shrubs along the top half to break up the monotony.

Keep in mind that locations with poor drainage will require deeper excavation to reach below the frost line, as well as piping installation to allow for adequate water drainage from the footing.

Build a Pergola

If you’ve got defined spaces in your yard, such as an outdoor kitchen or patio, you might want to focus your screening to these specific areas rather than your entire yard.

Pergolas work wonderfully in defined spaces like these, while offering shade from the sun. You can even take things a step further by installing an enclosure around the pergola to create a higher level of intimacy and privacy while enjoying a family meal or entertaining guests.

Plant Some Trees

Even just one single tree can be enough to block a view and offer you the privacy you desire. Choose a wide-growing tree, such as a dwarf maple or birch to both shield your yard while acting as a decorative focal point to your overall landscaping scheme.

You can also plant a row of columnar trees around the perimeter of the property or in specific areas if your yard is smaller in scale; they grow quite tall, but don’t take up too much horizontal space.

Add a Fountain

In addition to blocking the view into your yard, you’ll likely want to shield it from surrounding noise as well. Whether it’s the chatter of the neighbors, the loud play of neighborhood kids, or traffic from the street, a decorative fountain can work quite well at drawing out unwanted noise.

You can go as simple or as elaborate as you desire. The pleasant sound of trickling water can block out noise while creating a tranquil sanctuary right in your own backyard.

There are no hard-fast rules that dictate that you should use only one of the above strategies to boost privacy in your yard. You might even want to consider incorporating several tactics to increase solitude and create a secluded retreat for you and your family to enjoy.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – At Least Spring Events Are Blooming!

It may be spring but it sure doesn’t look or feel like it here in Chicago. But at least our spring events are beginning to bloom this April weekend despite the dreariness around here!

Add some bloom to your weekend at one or both of these shows:

The Lincoln Park Conservatory (2391 N. Stockton Dr.) in the Lincoln Park neighborhood is hosting its Spring Flower Show: Pillars of Spring now through May 8th.  Visitors will get some inspiration for planting vertically especially if you live in an urban area where there are no yards to grow plants and only have limited space like a balcony. This year’s show covers over a dozen free standing pillars with flowers like fuchsias, geraniums, nemesias, snapdragons and more. Also, azaleas and camellias will fill the room with beauty and elegance for added visions of spring!

The Garfield Park Conservatory (300 N. Central Park Ave.) in the East Garfield Park neighborhood is hosting its Spring Flower Show: Knock Knock now through May 8th. This year’s show features an array of tulips, hydrangeas, daffodils, and hyacinth. Plus, you’ll find vintage doors from the Rebuilding Exchange hanging throughout the display with an abundance of knock knock jokes throughout the show house! Warm weather may seem like a distant memory but this fun, playful spring flower show will definitely bring a reprieve from the long Chicago winter!

Thriftkindl Vintage Spring Market is back and being hosted by various Chicagoland vintage resellers at the beautiful Wildwood Studio Chicago (2138 W. Roscoe St.) in the Roscoe Village neighborhood this Saturday from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. On hand will be mid-century home décor for sale, colored vintage glassware including Viking swung vases in every color, Fenton fairy lights, vintage clothing, handmade artisan candles in vintage vessels, as well as lots of vintage treasures at affordable price points! It’s the best secondhand shopping day you’ll have and it’s all under one roof!!

The Pozole Cook Off returns for its 4th annual, two-day event celebrating community with 20+ pozoles, prizes and beer this Saturday and Sunday (1 p.m. – 5 p.m.) at the Lo Rez Brewery & Taproom (2101 S. Carpenter St.) in the Pilsen neighborhood. Come cast your vote for the People’s Choice Pozole Cook Off Winner. First place receives the Pozole Trophy and Private Tour & Tasting. Second place receives a four pack of Lo Rez beer to go. Third place receives a round of beer for the winner and 3 friends. May the BEST pozole win!

Immerse yourself in a dazzling cat-themed world like you’ve never seen before at POP Cats this Saturday (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m. – 5 p.m.) at Artifact Events (4325 N. Ravenswood Ave.) in the Ravenswood neighborhood. This fun-packed experience is fueled by the spirit of cats, pop, and art!  They will unveil six colorful cat playgrounds, a cat art exhibition, music, photo ops, brands, cat adoptions and much more. Plus, a portion of the profits will benefit participant cat organizations! Meow!

With Easter around the corner, the Norwood Park Egg Hunt will be blooming this Saturday (10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) at 5900 N. Nina Avenue on the school grounds.  This year’s hunt is going from 6,000 eggs to 10,000 eggs along with a mini donut truck, face painting, balloon twisting, live music and pictures with the Bunny which will be $15 per picture. It’s an Epic Eggstravaganza not to be missed!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Neighborhood News – Streeterville, Old Town, Ravenswood, Logan Square, Lincoln Park, City-Wide

On Friday, we welcome a new month. April brings ever-warming temperatures, longer days, and more reasons than ever to enjoy Chicago’s amazing communities and events!

…And no fooling allowed! On Friday, April 1 and Saturday, April 2, from 7:30pm- 9pm, the renowned Giordano Dance Chicago opens its 59th season by returning to the Harris Theater of Music and Dance at Millennium Park, 205 E. Randolph, with the world premiere of Autumn Ekman’s Retroverse, featuring an original score by Dan Myers. For tickets, click here

At Second City’s e.t.c. Theater, 230 W. North Ave, in Old Town, there’s “no time for regrets” in the 45th e.t.c. revue, ‘The Best Decision You’ve Ever Made.’ Shows start Thursdays at 7pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 7pm and 10pm, and Sundays at 5pm. As e.t.c.’s website says, “This choose-your-own comedy (mis)adventure explores the choices we make and how they impact our world in a hilarious, heartfelt, and interactive way…We’re not just addressing the elephants in the room—we’re inviting them to the dungeon basement dance party.” But if you find a few, there’s no drink minimum. For tickets and information, click here.

Dot Kane The Storyteller entertains in a free show at Ravenswood’s Brush Park Gym this Saturday, April 2, 4646 N. Rockwell Street, from 10:30am-11am. The storyteller, according to Brush Park’s website, entertains and engages children’s minds, bodies and imaginations by using songs, props and comedy…while teaching important life lessons. For more information, click here.

HELLO, KITTY! POP Cats 2022, at the Ravenswood Artifact Events Center, 4325 N. Ravenswood Avenue, described on its website as “a cat convention meets cat café,” on Saturday, April 2, from 10am to 5pm and Sunday, April 3rd, from 11am to 5pm. Bring the family and enjoy cat playgrounds, artists, music, photo ops, artisans,  cat adoptions, and more! You can even ink ‘Cat-toos!’A portion of profits benefits participant cat organizations. For tickets, click here

Brave Space, at Logan Square’s Aloft Circus Arts, 3324 N. Wrightwood, on Sunday April 3, 7pm –8pm, according to its website, “grows to encompass a world of wondrous circus that includes juggling, cyr wheel, duo trapeze, a rope act like no other, and awe-inspiring feats of balance and strength.” They invite the audience to sit nose-to-nose with an all-female cast of bold acrobats to build the world we want to live in, even for only a few shared moments. Limited to 100 people, participants must sit on the floor, stand up, and walk around for the duration. For tickets, click here.

Just in time for Easter….relive or learn about the funny side of Catholic school days in ‘Late Nite Catechism,’  now through April 16 (Easter Saturday) at Lincoln Park’s The Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Avenue. As the website says, “You, the audience members, are part of Sister’s class. She’ll take you back to the days of the Latin Mass, meatless Fridays, and remind you about that good old ruler across the knuckles!” Ahhh, memories.  Performances start at 5pm on Saturdays and 2pm on Sundays. For tickets, click here

Chicago Restaurant Week enters its second full week, where diners can enjoy special prix-fixe menus from restaurants throughout Chicago and nearby suburbs. Multi-course meals are $25 for brunch or lunch, and $39 and/or $55 for dinner (excluding beverages, tax, gratuity, and delivery fees). The prices are also valid for takeout/delivery options. For a list of participating restaurants, click here.

April Dates to Remember:

2-Ramadan 

10-Palm Sunday

15-Good Friday 

15-Passover

17-Easter

22-Earth Day

24-Easter (Orthodox)

27-Administrative Professionals Day

29-Arbor Day

Note: Most indoor events require proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test prior to entry, and wearing a mask  inside the venue. Check for details before you go. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Restaurant Review – The Bagel

For nearly 70 years, North Side customers eager to get their nosh on have relied on The Bagel, a venerable Lakeview institution, for fresh lox, bagels and unusual creations featuring cured meats, fresh vegetables, fresh cheeses and freshly baked bread. 

Chef Danny Wolf and his family continues the tradition of home-style cooking and hospitality established by their parents and grandparents. And, according to The Bagel’s patrons, they have mastered the art of ‘building’ a sandwich. 

As Bon Appétit Magazine opined about building a perfect sandwich: “What makes it sing? Architecture. The balance of flavors and textures that make each bite harmonious. The care for logistics that keeps a tomato from sliding out. There’s a reason it’s called “building” a sandwich.”

The proof can be seen in The Bagel’s Reuben Sandwich, with sliced, lean corned beef and sauerkraut piled high and topped with melted Swiss cheese on grilled rye, served with Thousand Island dressing, coleslaw and your choice of side. Or, Grilled Salami and Cheese on rye bread with coleslaw and your choice of side. For something completely different, try one of their Hot Open-faced sandwiches, like their Brisket of Beef, served on white bread with mashed potatoes and gravy. Danny’s Five Star Deluxe combines turkey, salami, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato and thousand island dressing; served on rye with your choice of side and coleslaw. Barb’s Bonanza has corned beef and chopped liver, served on rye with your choice of side and coleslaw. Among your choices: French fried potatoes, fresh fruit, pasta avocado salad potato salad, and potato pancake, made to order and served with sour cream or apple sauce. 

While their sandwiches often reach lofty levels of goodness, the large menu offers so many other worthy combinations for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their Hoppel-Poppel Omelette pairs diced frankfurter or salami, potato, green pepper and onion. Or, Broiled Kippers (smoked herring) with eggs. Chopped Liver is served with raw onion and a tomato slice. 

Fish delicacies are served with dairy-fresh cream cheese, sliced red tomatoes, raw onion, cucumber, green pepper, black olives and your choice of bagel. The Lox Spread pairs cream cheese, blended with smoked salmon and onions, served with tomato slice and a bagel. Or, try their Smoked Whitefish Salad Platter, served with sliced red tomato, raw onion, cucumber, green pepper, black olives and your choice of bagel, sans cream cheese.

Savory Specials include Chicken in the Pot, which is one-half of a tender spring chicken, served in golden chicken broth with matzo ball, kreplach, noodles, rice, cooked carrot and boiled potato.

Google reviewers were often rapturous. 

“Excellent breakfast, lunch and dinner deli/ bakery/full menu restaurant,” wrote one. “First class staff, and owner take care of each customer like they’re the only customer.  Monday special is wild caught salmon.  Thursday is BBQ chicken…vegetable soup is a meal in itself.  My favorite sandwiches are the chicken salad,  and the pastrami. Can’t go wrong here!”

Another said, “Wonderful deli food, good service, reasonable prices, free parking. I ordered a half pastrami sandwich on rye with a bowl of sweet and sour cabbage soup. They know how to please. I left with a smile.”

The Bagel is located at 3107 N. Broadway. They’re open daily from 8am-9pm, and their free parking lot is on Barry. While reservations aren’t mentioned, you can find out more by clicking here.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Spring Cleaning Your Brain

It has been an extremely stressful couple of years for everyone. After coming out of the pandemic we now face extreme inflation along with a devastating war in Ukraine. While we may have little control over what our leadership decides, we do have control over how we manage the stress. Here are a few ways to keep the stress to a minimum.

First, we need to be mindful of the stress and act quickly before it can take over. Mindful meditation can return you to the present when we become distracted. When our minds begin to race, we can become anxious and need to refocus. Try to stop as soon as you notice your mind wandering and notice the sensations in your body. Do you feel the sun and the ground beneath your feet? Return your awareness and pay attention to your breathing until you come back to the present. 

With our 24/7 news cycle we are bombarded from all sides with information and news. This is definitely overwhelming. It can leave us feeling helpless, anxious, and even angry. Reduce your consumption to no more than twice daily. Pick a reputable source for your news and check it sparingly!

Start a journal and write in it every day. While keeping you mindful it also lets you see what is working for you and what keeps you happy. You will see a pattern that shows you which experiences give you the most joy and where you need to focus. Re-evaluate how you are spending your energy and time. 

Your physical surroundings have a definite effect on your cognitive ability. Living in a messy space can have a distorting effect on your emotions that can decrease your productivity. Of course, you can hire a professional organizer to help but that can be costly. Invite a good friend over who also needs to de-clutter. Help each other work on getting rid of the mess and what you can keep. Play music while you sort to make it a pleasant experience!

If you find your mind as cluttered as your house, it is good to reconnect with the people that you love and make you happy. Throughout the pandemic we have lost touch with so many friends and loved ones. Now that restaurants are back open you can get together; even just going out for a cup of coffee could be great. Don’t feel awkward when you call, everyone understands. Just say how you miss them. Believe me, everyone is waiting for that call!

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago

Tips to Decorating an Odd-Shaped Living Room

An odd-shaped living room can be a decorating nightmare. Whether you’ve got harsh angles, recessed walls, or columns in the middle of the room, it can be tough to arrange furniture, decorate, and create a functional space.

But rather than seeing these weird features as obstacles, look at them as opportunities to get creative and decorate with some flamboyance.

Here are some ways to get around your irregular-shaped living room to create an awesome space that’s both functional and stylish.

Break the Room Down Into Segments

Living rooms with unorthodox layouts can be tackled by separating them into different segments, if the space permits. Then you can arrange specific furniture pieces and décor in these different areas to suit various tasks.

For example, one section could be reserved for a sofa and television, while another space can be dedicated to an office/study area. Or, you might choose to create a reading area with a chaise, small table and bookshelf.

If the room allows for different functions, then make use of this space accordingly so even the most bizarre spots can be functional without leaving them bare.

Arrange Around a Focal Point

Take the attention away from peculiar spots in the living room by creating a focal point. You can literally make this central point whatever you wish, whether it’s a large coffee table, fireplace, chandelier, wall art, or an area rug.

Once you’ve decided what you want your focal point to be, decorate around it. Just make sure that it’s placed in an easily visible spot. Going this route will draw attention to the center of the space, rather than showcase its unusual edges and corners.

Use Rounded Furniture Pieces For Harsh Angles

Sometimes you wonder what was going through the minds of the architects and builders when they designed and built a home with rooms that feature corners and edges with no rhyme or reason. Whatever the case may be, it’s now up to you to work around it.

And when it comes to harsh corners and angles, one of the best ways to tackle this issue is to place furniture pieces with rounded edges to soften the area. Pieces with equally sharp edges will only accentuate the severity of the angled walls and corners. The opposite is true with round furniture; these pieces work to soften the angles and take the focus off of them.

Be Consistent With Repeated Elements

If you’re going to have elements in the space that will be repeated, such as molding or window treatments, make sure to keep them consistent throughout the room. This will help to take the attention off the irregular shape of the room and make it appear more conventional.

All the trim should be consistent, and every window covering should be the same. While this might not sound like a lot of fun, it can be really effective at normalizing the layout of the room.

Give Purpose to Tight Corners

What are you supposed to do with a corner that’s less than 90 degrees? Simple. Transform it into a space of its own by placing items such as reading chairs, potted plants, tall vases, or small accent tables. While you might not necessarily hang out in that corner much, adding elements such as these can breathe life into the corner and give it some purpose.

Create Balance With Free-Standing Shelves

Rooms that have strange layouts can often appear off kilter. Your job is to bring back a sense of balance in the room, which can effectively be done by placing a free-standing bookshelf wherever the space calls for it. By including a shelving unit that can be accessed from all sides, it can make the room appear more symmetrical.

Make Odd Walls or Columns a Feature

Lots of older homes tend to comes with a random column in the middle of the room, or an unexpected wall protruding from the perimeter. If you’re faced with one of these traits, use them to your advantage and make them features in the room.

You might want to paint the wall or column a different color than the rest of the walls in the space, or use it as an area where you hang all your collective art pieces. Turning it into a feature is a much better option than trying to camouflage it in some way, which can actually make it stand out even more.

An oddball living room definitely makes it more challenging to outfit, but you’re really only limited to your imagination when it comes to making it work. In fact, an unusually shaped room can even turn out to be the most memorable part of your home if it’s used properly.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Welcoming First Full Weekend of Spring!

Welcome to the last weekend of March and the first full weekend of spring!  It may not be exactly the spring temperatures we were hoping for, but at least we’re out of hibernation.  In the meantime, though, kick back, relax and have some fun at these weekend events!

Sometimes you just need to unwind with some choice libations.  If that’s the case, head on over to Gourmet Expos’ 5th annual West Loop Spirits & Wine Festival this Saturday (11 a.m.-6 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m.-5 p.m.) at Plumbers Hall (1340 W. Washington Blvd.).  Not only does this festival showcase dozens of local, national, and international producers of fine spirits and wines under one roof, it also features renowned purveyors of artisanal chocolates and specialty treats; an opportunity to chat with the representatives and artisans about their process; watch experts as they give informational demonstrations showing you the best practices of pairing beverages and foods; continuous live music by Big Dog Mercer Blues Band; and more!  Ticket packages start at $45 with limited free on-site parking.  Plus, 100% of the tastings and sales net proceeds will benefit Voice of Care which embraces, empowers, and engages those who experience disabilities and their families!

This Saturday, Eataly Chicago (43 E. Ohio St.) on the Near North Side will be celebrating all things Italian wine with their Vino & Food Festa.  This festa features two time slots from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. with unlimited tastings of over 25 regional Italian wines, a tasting of meats, cheeses, and bites, and a bottle of prosecco to take home with you!  Plus, enjoy a special 10% discount in their marketplace (valid on day of event only) to bring home your favorites and more!!

This Sunday only from 3 p.m.-5:30 p.m., enjoy Jurassic Park in Concert at the Chicago Symphony Center (220 S. Michigan Ave.) in The Loop.  Relive the magic of Jurassic Park on the big screen with a thrilling performance of John Williams’ iconic score by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.  Visually stunning imagery and groundbreaking special effects will be featured as well.  Your ticket also includes a free pre-concert conversation featuring Richard Kaufman in Orchestra Hall 75 minutes prior to the performance and will last approximately 30 minutes.  Welcome to Jurassic Park!!

The biggest night in films takes place this Sunday evening with the 94th Annual Academy Awards and can be viewed LIVE only on ABC7.  However, there are several Oscar viewing parties being held around town if you prefer to go all out and celebrate in true Hollywood style!

The Chicago Actors Studio (2040 N. Elston Ave.) in the Bucktown neighborhood will be hosting their Oscar Viewing Party with doors opening at 5:30 p.m.  This event offers free admission, snacks, and drinks along with an Oscar Pool, but you need to enter before 7:00 p.m.  There’s also free parking at Best Buy located a ½ block north of the building!

The Oscar Party 2022 is being hosted at the Lark Bar Chicago (3441 N. Halsted St.) in the Lakeview neighborhood.  Their Red Carpet begins at 6 p.m. and features free award ballots and popcorn, $19 bottomless champagne (2-hour limit), and $5 Bud Light drafts.  Plus, all screens have sound!

The Academy Award Oscar Party is being hosted at My Buddy’s (4416 N. Clark St.) in the Ravenswood neighborhood from 6 p.m.-11 p.m. with tons of giveaway prizes and a ballot competition!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Neighborhood News: Happy Spring from Belmont-Central, Lincoln Square, Chicago Loop, River North, Ravenswood

Spring has sprung, and with it, new opportunities for fun in Chicago. Don’t miss any of Chicago’s awesome opportunities to come out and enjoy all that our unique communities offer this week!

Take the kids to see the Stahl Family Theater’s latest production, ‘The Ugly Duckling’ premiering Wednesday, March 23, through May 6. Located at 5900 W. Belmont, in the Belmont-Central neighborhood, the one-hour musical tells the story of a new student, who “isn’t quite like the other ducklings on her first day at Lucky Ducky School.” The musical also provides age-appropriate lessons about uniqueness, bullying and becoming “up standers” rather than bystanders, featuring a script by Jesus Perez, with original songs composed by Paige Coffman. For tickets and information, click here.

For a relaxing 90 minutes in a busy, stressful world, Lincoln Square’s Bloom Yoga Studio, 4663 N. Rockwell, presents Playful Yoga at the Wall on Thursday, March 24, from 6:30pm-8pm. The instructor prominently features wall work in standing, back bending and inverted shapes. Cost is $35, unless a Studio Member, where the rate is $25. For more information, click here.

Welcome to…. ‘Jurassic Park!’ The Steven Spielberg-directed 1993 classic featured an amazing score by Oscar winner John Williams. On Friday, March 25 at 7:30pm, and Sunday, March 26 at 3pm, relive the movie on the big screen at Orchestra Hall, 220 S. Michigan Avenue. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra recreates Williams’ haunting orchestral score. Starring Sam Neill, Laura Dern, and Jeff Goldblum, the adventure pits man against prehistoric predators in the ultimate battle for survival. Ticket holders are invited to a free preconcert conversation featuring Richard Kaufman in Orchestra Hall 75 minutes before the performance. The conversation will last approximately 30 minutes. No additional tickets required. Tickets start at $85. For tickets and information, click here.

At the James M. Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph Street, and Spiegeltent ZaZou – Cambria Hotel – 32 W. Randolph Street, the cast of Teatro Zinanni invites you to experience “the finest fine diner in the Chicago Loop.” According to Broadway in Chicago, the chef-Madame Z (Chicago’s own Bethany Thomas) and head waiter, Doily (Kevin Kent), have assembled a hardworking restaurant crew of unemployed circus artists from around the world. An old friend comes roaring up on his motorcycle, ready to bring their dreams to life. What will they wish for? Included in this theatrical production is a multi-course gourmet feast, including vegan options. NOTE: Ticket price does not include the $10 per person hospitality fee, beverages, or additional menu items and additional gratuity. A treat for all the senses! For tickets, click here.

Chicago Restaurant Week is in full swing, and at Eataly, 43 E. Ohio Street, is celebrating at their Vino & Food Festa. On Friday, March 25 and Saturday, March 26, you can enjoy unlimited tastings of more than 25 regional Italian wines, salumi, formaggi, and chef-curated bites. And… each ticket includes one bottle of prosecco to-go! The festa is taking place in three of Eataly’s private event spaces: La Scuola, Il Salone, and La Birreria. For tickets and information, click here.

Art lovers are invited to Ravenswood’s Cornelia Art Building, 1800 W. Cornelia Avenue, on Friday March 25 from 6pm to 10pm, and Saturday March 26, 11am to 3pm, to their first Open House of the new year!

The building has undergone extensive remodeling and welcomed many new artists. With one-of-a-kind artwork and special artisan-made gifts by the building artists, the event offers something for the whole family. Featuring the works of Nelson Armour (photography), Judy Zeddies (printmaking), and Tiphanie Spencer (painting and drawing). Many, many more! For more information, click here.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago