THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – More Fun in the Sun Continues!

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Smiling Sun Cartoon Character With Sunglasses And Summer Cocktail

Are you ready for yet another weekend of more Fun in the Sun?  We certainly hope so since this weekend is offering just that!

The multi-genre music festival known as the Pitchfork Music Festival returns to Union Park (1501 W. Randolph St.) in the West Loop this Saturday and Sunday (gates open at 12 p.m.) showcasing some of the best up-and-coming music from around the world as well as special performances.  This year’s headliners are Bon Iver, Big Thief, and The Smile.  Plus, in between sets grab a bite to eat from Chicago’s best restaurants, attend live artist interviews, browse through the craft fair and/or on-site vinyl shop, and more!

The 38th annual Taste of Lincoln Avenue will line Lincoln Avenue between Fullerton and Wrightwood Avenues in the Lincoln Park neighborhood this Saturday and Sunday where local restaurants will be offering up some of their most famous dishes.  Beyond that, one main music stage with regional and local entertainment, arts & craft vendors galore, and a kids carnival area stocked with activities are all part of this iconic street fest.  And don’t forget the fest’s whiskey tasting curated by Delilah’s offering 16 samples of Midwestern spirits!

The Ravenswood neighborhood is hosting its annual Ravenswood On Tap Festival this Saturday (12 p.m.-10 p.m.) and Sunday (12 p.m.-6 p.m.) on the stretch of Ravenswood Avenue known as Malt Row at Ravenswood and Berteau Avenues.  This street fest features craft beer from the neighborhood’s diverse craft brewers, cocktails from KOVAL Distillery, delicious street food from local restaurants, shopping vendors, incredible live music, axe-throwing, and games!

Summer wouldn’t be the same without Modelo’s 7th annual Tacos y Tamales Festival at 16th and Peoria Streets in the Pilsen neighborhood this Saturday and Sunday (12 p.m.-10 p.m.).  Enjoy the best and most authentic tacos and a wide variety of tamales from several Latin American regions that Chicago has to offer.  In addition, this festival features multiple performance stages with live music, DJs, and dance performances; an Art Alley filled with amazing live art displays and merchant vendors for the best local shopping; a Beer Garden featuring Modelo’s portfolio of products; and much more!

All pets, kids, family, and friends are welcome to attend PetCon this Saturday and Sunday (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) at Morgan Manufacturing (401 N. Morgan St.) in the West Town neighborhood.  This pet lover’s paradise offers guests the opportunity to meet and greet their favorite pet influencers as the world’s most famous pets come to the Windy City.  There will also be speaker sessions, an agility course, pet massages, an adoption garden, food trucks, a full bar, shopping, and much more!

Look out, those pesky red birds are back this weekend as the Chicago Cubs host the St. Louis Cardinals this Saturday and Sunday (1:20 p.m.) at Wrigley Field (1060 W. Addison St.) in the Wrigleyville neighborhood.

Finally, this Saturday’s (8:15 p.m.) Movies in the Parks are:

“The Wiz” – Rosenblum Park (7547 S. Euclid Ave.) — South Shore
“Black Adam” – Brooks Park (4542 S. Greenwood Ave.) — Kenmore
“Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” – Commercial Club Playground (1845 W. Rice St.) — West Town

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Neighborhood News: Every Day is ‘Free Day’ at Lincoln Park Zoo!

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A portrait of a lioness looking into the lens with Trees in the background

“Everything we do is rooted in our mission: to connect people with nature.”

Lincoln Park Zoo

I never realized how lucky I was as a kid. 

When I was little, my mom knew how to keep the three of us entertained. Not far from our apartment was Lincoln Park Zoo, Cannon Drive at Fullerton Parkway. She’d push our stroller along the paved sidewalks while pointing out giraffes, polar bears, and lion cubs. We all laughed as we tried to pronounce ‘rhinocerous,’ and ‘meercat.’

I credit my mom’s family for the generational transition. When my mom was a little girl, her family had done the same for her. The 155-year-old zoo has served generations of families. At 96, Mom still remembers the massive Bushman, (1931–1951), the gorilla who now resides, stuffed by a taxidermist, at another Chicago institution, the Field Museum.

I passed the tradition to my own kid when they were young. So did my brother, to his children. 

I suppose it’s no wonder our family ended up founding an animal rescue years later! 

These are a few of my favorite things… 

To this day, my favorite place to go is their Farm-in-the-Zoo. 

As their website notes, Farm-In-The-Zoo opened in 1964, and today, incorporates domestic farm animals in their Main Barn, Livestock Barn and Dairy Barn has outdoor yards for cows, goats, pigs and ponies.

The Best Things in Life are Free… 

As Choose Chicago notes, The Lincoln Park Zoo is admission-free and open to the public seven days a week (It’s only closed on Christmas Day). It’s one of only three major free zoos left in the country. 

But…that doesn’t mean your food, drink, and souvenirs are free, nor is the vintage carousel inside the park, which is a must for kids! Those support the Zoo in their research and development work throughout the world, as well as keeping the animals cared for 24/7, 365 days a year. It also employs literally hundreds of Chicagoans annually. 

But what is free, and best about the Lincoln Park Zoo is that it is home to nearly 200 unique species from around the world, and to 1,200 animal residents, self-guided tours, and interactive activities with seals, polar bears, and penguins. You can also see “critically endangered eastern black rhinoceroses to thought-to-be-extinct Jamaican iguanas,” according to their website. 

And the Zoo receives new animals Some new arrivals include Kevin, an 11-year-old male Asian small-clawed otter at their Small Mammal-Reptile House.

In the beginning…it was a cemetery! 

According to the Encyclopedia of Chicago History, there was a cemetery at the site, active from the 1840s, which did not cease burials until 1866. When Lincoln Park was named in 1865 to honor the assassinated president, the honor anticipated a more park-like setting than existed at the time. 

Lincoln Park Zoo was founded in 1868, according to Wikipedia sources, when the Lincoln Park Commissioners were given a gift of two pairs of swans by Central Park’s Board of Commissioners in New York City. 

Other animals were soon donated to the park, including, a puma, two elk, three wolves, four eagles, and eight peacocks. As the Encyclopedia of Chicago Historynotes, the early decades of the twentieth century saw the development of the Lion House (1912), with its great hall, and the Primate House (1927).  This was a period of formal growth and organization for the zoo, by then a recreational destination and city treasure. 

It was also a media phenomenon in the early days of television. In 1945, Marlin Perkins  became the Zoo’s  director, hosting ‘Zoo Parade,’ and later, ‘Wild Kingdom, ’ bringing the Zoo to a generation of Baby Boomers. He created the Lincoln Park Zoological Society, which supports the Zoo’s mission to this day. As Wikipedia sources note, the facility underwent a dramatic transformation in the 1970s and 1980s, with the additions of many new, naturalistic exhibits. In 1995, the Zoological Society assumed management of the zoo from the Chicago Park District, which remains the owner. The Zoo would undergo major renovations and upgrade exhibits over the next 27 years, and continues today.

A must see is the Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo, which, as the website says, “blends expert animal care, interactive learning elements, and tactile experiences to teach visitors of all ages about the interdependency of living things. This kid-friendly home for North American animals lets visitors get nose to nose with red wolves, black bears, North American river otters, and American beavers. “

Event: Play! At Farm-in-the-Zoo

On Wednesdays through September 27, from10 am–12 pm, children ages 1–5 with a caregiver can “explore the sights, smells, and textures that nature has to offer during this free, open-ended experience. Take in a tall tale during story time, get messy at the process art station, sift and scoop at the sensory bin, or make music.” For more information, email learning@lpzoo.org or call 312-742-2056.

Summer Wine Fest

On Friday, July 28, from6:30pm–10pm, a decidedly more adult event is the Summer Wine Fest, featuring 50 wines from lead winemaking regions. For more information about this and other events, click here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Restaurant Review: For ‘Barbenheimer’ Weekend, Wrigleyville’s Alamo Drafthouse delivers dinner AND a movie

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Popcorn and various snacks, 3D glasses, TV remote on a brown wooden background

With the twin releases of the highly anticipated ‘Barbie’ movie, a live action film about the iconic doll, and  ‘Oppenheimer,’ a very serious look at ‘The Father of the Atom Bomb’ on Friday, July 21, Chicago movie theaters are gearing up for record-breaking weekend, as Variety.comdescribes it, “the battle of the bomb vs. the bombshell.” 

Dinner and a movie is a time-honored tradition, but how about dinner AND a movie in one place? The AMC movie chainshave already cornered the market with their dine-in menus delivered to your seat, but there are others who follow their lead and surpass expectations.

“Forget dinner and a movie, it’s all about dinner AT the movie.”

Another national chain serving dine-in movie goodness is Wrigleyville’s Alamo Drafthouse. The six-screen, 372- seat theatre, opened earlier this year, is going all out with a special Barbie Brunch, which may still have openings at on Saturday, July 22. Their tasty brunch menu includes such specialties as the Breakfast Club, an enticing Blueberry Donut French Toast Bake, or Breakfast Tacos. They suggest pairing these specialties with a brunch cocktail classic like Desert Spring Water or the Coming Up Rosé Fizz. The Barbie Brunch is available to order along with Alamo Drafthouse’ full menu at this special brunch screening. For tickets, click here. 

‘Oppenheimer’  has no special menu, but the Alamo Drafthouse has a full, multi-course menu “prepared from scratch specifically for you.” Yes, you could have a ‘Bottomless Bucket of Popcorn,’ paired with a Bottomless Soda, Iced Tea or Coffee and call it a day, but why? Favorites here include the ‘Royale with Cheese’ Burger,  their Omnivore, Carnivore or Brussels Sprouts Pizzas, or Salads like their Alamo Bowl, freshly made with quinoa, roasted sweet potato, brown rice, black beans, cherry tomato, avocado, and a serrano lime dressing, topped with toasted pecans. Recommended desserts include “fresh-from-the-oven, just-the-way-you-love-them warm chocolate chip cookies.” Pair those chocolate chip cookies with a Salted Caramel Milkshake, and you’ll go home happy! 

There Are Rules

The Alamo Drafthouse tells you to arrive at the theater up to 30 minutes early. That way, you can enjoy their custom-made, ad-free preshow and browse through the menu “while the lights are still on.” 

Arriving early, they say, also lets you reserve your favorite seat, though you can always reserve your seats ahead of time online or through our app.

A word of caution: you may not enter a movie after it has started. The Alamo Drafthouse will happily exchange your ticket for another showtime. 

Alamo Drafthouse is located at 3519 N. Clark Street, Suite C301. For information, movie times, and tickets, click here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Freezer mistakes we are all guilty of

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Frozen vegetables in a plastic bag. Healthy food storage concept.

Many people think putting something in the freezer assures freshness forever. This is sadly not the case. You are not saving money buying bulk packages if the food becomes freezer burned or inedible after too long in the freezer. Here are some mistakes to avoid.

Frozen food’s freshness first depends on how it is prepared and packaged. If you are really into buying in bulk or making meals ahead of time and freezing, it’s best to invest in a good vacuum sealer. They eliminate most of the oxygen and open spaces that cause freezer burn. If you don’t have one the three-layer approach works too. First wrap in plastic, then tightly in foil, squeezing as much air out as possible. Then stash it in a heavy-duty freezer bag. 

The freezer needs to be as cold as possible. Frozen food suffers when the temperature fluctuates too much. This can be a problem more often in freezers attached to refrigerators rather than stand alone deep freezers. Freezers should be set at 0 degrees. A fluctuation of a degree or two is ok but not more than that. Avoid opening the freezer frequently, especially in the summer. 

Always label and date all your freezer items. You may think you will remember and be able to identify everything but it’s not that easy. Dates also are extremely important. Always use the FIFO principle: first in first out. Rotate constantly and twice yearly go through everything in the freezer checking for freezer burn and items that may have slipped through the cracks. Foods also do not last indefinitely in the freezer. Some items need to be used in three months or even less. Check out the National Center for Food Preservation. There you will find all you need to know about safe freezer preparation and storage. That is also an excellent resource for all kinds of food preparation from canning to simply storing. 

How you freeze initially is also important. Cool hot items to room temperature, then refrigerate before packaging and freezing. Putting hot food in the freezer can cause unsafe temperatures and can damage other frozen foods. Also freeze individual items separately before storing. It’s not nice to freeze individual meatballs or cookie dough balls only to open the bag and find a large solid brick! Place on cookie sheets, cover it with plastic and freeze. When frozen, double bag in heavy duty freezer bags. 

Lastly, a few more tips. Your freezer works best when not too full or too empty. Air needs to circulate around the food, but you don’t want large empty spaces. That never seems to be my problem! But too full is not efficient and can be unsafe as some items may not be staying at proper temperature. Also be sure to properly defrost. Always use the refrigerator to safely thaw food. If necessary, you can defrost in the microwave. Defrost in 1-minute intervals rotating till thawed. You can also immerse in cold water in a freezer bag, changing the water every 30 minutes till thawed. Freezers have a good airtight seal. If you have a prolonged power outage do not open the freezer. The food inside will be safe for at least 2 days. If food is still solid it is safe but don’t refreeze anything that’s thawed. 

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago

Clever Landscaping Ideas for Tiny Front Yards

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Worker is paving a place in the garden.

If you’ve got a teeny tiny front yard, you may have already discovered that landscaping can be pretty challenging. Having limited square footage doesn’t mean you should completely ignore this small piece of land – curb appeal is extremely important to the appeal and value of a home, so investing a little time and effort into landscaping the front yard is very important, regardless of its size.

Here are a few creative landscaping ideas for petite front yards to help you come up with a charming landscaping solution for your home.

Plant an Abundance of Flower Patches

There’s always room for flowers, even in the smallest of spaces. Plant a generous row of roses, hydrangea or other flowers of your choice along the street side of your front yard. Not only will it look lovely to those strolling along the sidewalk in front of your home, but it will also provide your property with a certain degree of privacy. Throw in a mini white picket fence to give the flowers something to hang over for added decor.

Take the Patio to the Front

An easy and low-maintenance solution for a diminutive yard is to pave the space with large flagstone and gravel to create a patio area that will require no watering or grass-cutting. Add a couple of chairs and small table and you’ll have the perfect place to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee with a friend while watching the passersby. If you are absolutely missing the greens, you can always throw in a couple of potted plants on top of the flagstone.

Create a Flower-Lined Pathway

Consider adding a pathway leading up to the front door with interlocking stone, lined with low-growing plants and/or flower beds. This will help to emphasize your front door while creating a visually appealing space. Fill the areas on other side of the pathway with grass or river stone.

Plant Dwarf Trees

Small trees added to an equally small front yard can provide a welcoming addition. To really boost the sense of depth to the space, plant the trees on each side of layered stepping stones leading up to the front door of the home. You can scale the look up or down by varying the size of the trees you plant, according to the exact size of your front yard. 

Build a Stacked Stone Retaining Wall

A classic stone wall can help create a more formal and polished look to the front of your home, especially when paired with finely-manicured hedges and bushes. The majesty of the stone wall, there’s really little else needed to complete the look of your landscaping – the wall should suffice all on its own.

Place Planter Boxes Along the Street Side

This is a great idea if your front yard is literally a couple of feet away from the curb. In this case, add a row of planter boxes along the street side and fill them with tall grass and plants that can handle minimal maintenance.

Hang Flower Baskets

Flower baskets that are hung under your front porch add color without taking up valuable ground space in the yard. The great thing about these hanging baskets is that you can change them every year to create a different look each time.

Limited space in the front yard doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice on curb appeal. Follow some of these ideas to create the perfect little oasis in your front yard that’s welcoming and adds extra value to your property.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Another Summer July Weekend to Enjoy!

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Beach goers at North Avenue Beach in Chicago, Illinois

Welcome to another Chicago summer weekend!  As usual, this weekend offers a variety of events that are sure to please everyone for an unforgettable summer July weekend!!

Chicago’s favorite BBQ and Country Music Festival, Windy City Smokeout, returns this summer to a parking lot outside of the United Center (1901 W. Madison St.) on the Near West Side this Saturday and Sunday (1 p.m.-10 p.m.) to celebrate its big anniversary.  This annual festival brings together some of the nation’s most talented pitmasters as well as some of country music’s biggest stars.  Saturday’s headliner is Luke Bryan while Sunday’s is the Zac Brown Band!  Also, exciting events will be happening throughout the weekend to enhance your Smokeout experience!!

Returning for its 10th flavor-packed year, the Chicago Craft Beer Festival sets up at its new location, Jonquil Park (1001 W. Wrightwood Ave.) in the Lincoln Park neighborhood this Saturday (11 a.m.-10 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m.-7 p.m.) for a weekend extravaganza of craft brews.  Multiple sessions will be held each day but are limited to 600 people per session, so get your tasting ticket secured, and then grab a bite to eat before you begin sampling!

One of the city’s most beloved art shows of the summer, the Millennium Art Festival takes place at Michigan Avenue and East Lake Street just steps from Millennium Park in The Loop this Saturday and Sunday (10 a.m.-5 p.m.).  Guests will be able to enjoy the original artwork of 140 juried artists from all over the country that include an array of ceramics, jewelry, paintings, photography, and more, at all price points.  Also, be on the lookout for the Kid’s Art Stop where they can participate in “Draw for the Troops” where they color a special picture for our brave men and women serving our country in both the U.S. and abroad.  Plus, the kids can also enjoy some art fest bingo, spin art, coloring, face painting, and a graffiti wall.  In addition, live music and food from neighboring restaurants will also be featured.  It’s a family-friendly show not to be missed!

Calling all beachgoers!  Get ready for 16 hours of music and 14 incredible artists at this year’s Volleywood taking place at North Avenue Beach (1600 N. Lake Shore Dr.) in the Lincoln Park neighborhood this Saturday and Sunday.  This event boasts live music, local food, full-service bars, and interactive experiences for an unforgettable time on the sand.  Ticket options include a general admission ticket or spring for a cabana for you and 11 of your friends which is stocked with beer, refreshments, and offers private restrooms.  It’s Chicago’s only beach front music fest!

Voted the #1 Best Cultural Festival for two years in a row, the Water Lantern Festival takes place at Lincoln Park’s South Lagoon (2045 W. Lincoln Park West) in the Lincoln Park neighborhood this Saturday (5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.).  This floating lantern festival features activities, food trucks, games, music, and vendors.  Then at 8:30 p.m. it’s time to design your lantern adorned with letters of love, hope, happiness, healing, peace, or connection for launching at 9:30 p.m. as guests Light the Water together!  This family-friendly event is a great way to create a fun, peaceful, and memorable experience!!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Neighborhood News: The Goodman Theatre, home to great drama, comedy

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The Goodman Theatre is a professional theater company in downtown Chicago

Many years ago, I was a young teen writing about drama for my high school newspaper. One Sunday, I went to my first ‘adult’ play with my friends. It was Peter Shaffer’s ‘Equus,’ with Richard Burton, at the Goodman Theatre. While slack-jawed throughout the performance, its sheer psychological force hit me between the eyes. I realized I was witnessing professional acting at its finest.

I felt the same way last weekend, when I saw ‘Tommy The Musical‘ at their 170 N. Dearborn Street location. 

Since 1925, ‘The Goodman,’ as it’s referred to, has built its reputation on  quality of its productions. As Wikipedia sources tell it, “Chicago’s oldest and largest not-for-profit theater, has won international renown for the quality of productions, the depth and diversity of artistic leadership, and the excellence of its many community and educational programs.”

Why It’s Called The Goodman 

Chicago playwright Kenneth Sawyer Goodman died in the Great Influenza Pandemic in 1918. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. William O. Goodman, donated $250,000 to the Art Institute of Chicago to establish a professional repertory company and a school of drama at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and is now an independent entity. The drama school affiliated with the Goodman Theatre was acquired by DePaul University in 1978.

As the Goodman’s website notes, three of Goodman’s one-act plays were presented at the theater’s dedication ceremony. Two nights later the Goodman began its first regular season with John Galsworthy’s ‘The Forest.’ Their first artistic director, Thomas Woods Stevens, built the new theater’s repertory with a mix of classics, contemporary hits and experimental and new plays, a formula that the theater has generally adhered to ever since.

The Goodman Drama School built a formidable reputation over the following decades and graduated many stellar theater artists, including Karl Malden, Sam Wanamaker, Geraldine Page, Linda Huntand Joe Mantegna.

Thousands of Chicagoans got their first taste of theater at the Goodman’s weekend children’s matinees.

Goodman ‘Falls’ Under An Artistic Spell

In 1986, the Goodman hired Robert Falls as Artistic Director. As WBEZ tells it, under his leadership, the Goodman produced more than 150 world premieres. It also sent more than two dozen shows to Broadway, where they garnered 22 Tony Awards by the theater’s count. Falls won his own Tony in 1999 for his direction of “Death of a Salesman,” starring Brian Dennehy. Under Falls’ stewardship, the Goodman also collected a whopping 160 Joseph Jefferson Awards (the local version of the Tonys). With Goodman executive director Roche Schulfer as point man, Falls helped steer the theater’s monumental 2000 move from a subterranean space behind the Art Institute to a $46 million, two-theater campus in the heart of the Loop. 

Falls also created several special events, including the Goodman’s annual holiday production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, a Yuletide tradition for thousands of Chicago families since 1978, and the annual New Stages Festival, a showcase of new work.

Today 

The 2022-23 season was Falls’ final season. Schulfer remains as Executive Director, while Susan C. Boothcarries the distinction of being the first woman Artistic Director at the Goodman. 

Special Free Event This Weekend 

This summer, four plays written by members of the Goodman’s 2022/2023 Playwrights Unit are showcased in live readings. 

On Saturday, July 15, CAMPY; THE SEARCH FOR SUMMER’S CAMPIEST CAMPER, by Dillon Chitto, and directed by Bo Frazier, concerns Chicago friends returning to a gay summer campground to continue their annual tradition of competing to be named “Summer’s Campiest Camper.” As the competition draws closer, the campers are forced to reveal their true selves and confront their hidden feelings. 

ST. MILES by Jarrett King and directed by Gabrielle Randle-Bent, on Sunday, July 16 at 7:30pm. What are protests if not a form of prayer? Five years ago, the Ellis family lost one of its members, a young Black man named Miles, to an act of police violence. Now Miles’s mother Opal wants him to be recognized as a saint. As the Ellises navigate the arduous canonization process, the family clashes and battle lines are drawn. Is true salvation on the other side of it all? 

For tickets and information on all the Goodman’s upcoming performances, click here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Restaurant Review: In the Loop, Petterino’s is a pre-and post-theatre delight

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Pasta with meat, tomato sauce and vegetables on wooden background

Separated from the adjacent Goodman Theatre by a glass door, Petterino’s is unique among pre-theatre dinner choices thanks to its proximity to both the theatre and parking.

The clubby, 40’s-style atmosphere and décor reminds me of an upscale supper club, something like the old Pump Room at the Ambassador East in River North. It’s the place to “see and be seen,“ while trying to identify the caricatures of famous people lining virtually every coral-toned wall who have dined there before… actors, politicians, etc. The caricatures are also a great conversation-starter if you happen to be lacking conversation topics with dinner (or lunch, or brunch) companions. 

My ride-or-die and I recently went to Petterino’s before seeing the magnificent ‘Tommy The Musical ‘ next door. On a busy Sunday evening, with no reservation, we were seated within five minutes. 

While Petterino’s is known for “steak, seafood & other Italian-esque American eats, in a swanky setting,“ my friend and I chose slightly different options from the usual pasta experience. My friend chose the Randolph Street Cheeseburger, a chuck and brisket blend with iceberg lettuce, beefsteak tomato red onion, and cheddar cheese on a brioche bun, served with their crispy, seasoned French fries (more than enough for two, I might add). On the specials list that day was an intriguing Warm Calamari and Crab Salad. When our waiter first presented it, I thought “This looks so small for $19!” But I was wrong… the layered salad unfolded on my plate to reveal a surprisingly good, sweet lemon-horseradish dressing, which clung to a summer mix of greens, large, chewy chunks of calamari, crab, red onion, and other crunchy vegetable delights. One slight discrepancy: the salad wasn’t so much warm as it was not cold. Room temperature would be a better description. That said, I enjoyed the salad for what it was, and it certainly proved much more filling than I originally thought. And the dressing was sweeter than I expected, and just about took the place of dessert for me.

My friend’s burger was so large and meaty, and stacked with so many condiments, it was a meal on a brioche bun! 

We washed it all down with a couple of Arnold Palmer’s… half iced tea, half lemonade. We could taste both, so it was well-blended. 

I will say that they are used to serving theatre-goers. When I told our waiter we had to be next door before 7:30pm, we had our food at 6:34pm and were out the door by 7:10pm. 

That said, I wonder if we missed a couple of steps. Other reviews, like this one from Google, mentioned a bread basket? Never saw one. But maybe it only comes with pasta:

“One of the best Italian pastas I’ve had. We got the rigatoni vodka and bolognese. The bolognese was my favorite. Also free bread that was warm and delicious. The decoration and service was also really good. Never had to ask for a refill. One of my favorites in Chicago.”

Pastas, of course, are the draw here. Made fresh every day, Spaghetti E Polpette pairs spaghetti and prime beef meatballs with marinara sauce. Ravioli is made with imported burrata, pomodoro sauce, parmesan and basil. Fettuccine Alfredo is made with creamy besciamella and house- made fettucine pasta.

But do try their pizzas! Margarita Pizza is just a little bit spicy with chili flakes, buffalo mozzarella, cherry tomato, and pomodoro. 

Petterino’s is located at 150 N. Dearborn Street. They are open Sunday and Monday, 11am-8pm, Tuesday-Thursday, 11am-9pm, and Friday and Saturday, 11am-10pm. And just a note about parking: A discounted $18 rate is available with validation at the Theatre District Self-Park Garage, 181 N. Dearborn. Other special rates for valet parking are also available. Check their website for details. For reservations, click here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Keep your houseplants healthy

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Happy and sad houseplant graphic

Are you noticing that your houseplants are not looking too perky? Do they have yellow leaves or brown spots? Do they seem like they aren’t thriving? There are several things here that could be causing your problems. Here are the main four things that could be affecting your plants’ health:

Proper light. We think that most plants need a lot of sun to thrive, but this is not necessarily true. Know the proper names of your plants so you can assess the proper light for them. Do you see brown spots? Likely the plant is getting too much light. Try moving it to a spot where the light is indirect. This will likely take care of the problem. Trim the plant to remove the spots. On the other hand, if you notice a plant that seems relatively healthy but growth seems slow, you may need more light. I had a plant that was languishing in a somewhat dim corner in my living room for years before I realized it needed more light. I moved it to an east facing window and it took off immediately! Light is one of the most important aspects of plant care.

Water is the next thing that can cause problems. In the water category, overwatering is usually more problematic than underwatering. Water your plant when the soil is dry, two inches down. Is it a small plant in a four-inch pot? You might need to water these twice a week. A twelve-inch floor pot probably can go 10 days to two weeks before watering. Again, know your plant and its needs. Some plants will like to be watered from the bottom, so fill the bottom tray with water and the plant will take it up.

Humidity can also be a concern, especially in the winter when indoor heat reduces the humidity in the air. Misting with a spray bottle works well for most plants, but some like African Violets don’t like water on their leaves and it can cause spots. Any plant with fuzzy leaves should not be misted! Placing a large tray filled with water and pebbles will give you more humidity on a steadier basis than misting. The pebbles will keep the plant pot bottoms out of the water so be sure to not completely cover with water!

Fertilizing should be done carefully. Plants will require different levels or types of fertilizer. We are so lucky now to have the internet. All the information we need is at the tip of our fingers. I have been able to find any information I need just by googling the plant name. 

There are also apps that you can take a photo of your ailing plant and they will tell you what to do!

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago

6 Ways to Make Your Garden More Eco Friendly

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Selective focus of a Ladybug on a green garden leaf

A garden is inherently “green” in nature, so how is it possible to make it any more eco-friendly than it already is?

The truth is, there are plenty of ways that a garden can be both wasteful and even harmful. From the pesticides that can be used to all the water spent keeping plants hydrated, some gardens can use a total revamp when it comes to being more friendly to the environment.

Follow these tips to make sure your garden is as green as it can be.

1. Generate Your Own Organic Compost

Good quality soil costs a pretty penny, but creating your own compost can minimize the expenses of nourishing your plants. Not only is composting exactly what your landscaping craves, it’s also incredibly easy. In fact, a lot of the items you’d otherwise toss in the trash can be diverted to your compost instead.

Food scraps like egg shells, coffee grounds and leftover vegetables are perfect additions for homemade compost. And all that landscaping debris that you need to get rid of – including dead leaves and bush trimmings – can be added to your compost instead of discarded with the trash.

Organic compost brings healthy microorganisms that break down to fuel plant growth, prevent plant disease, aerate and moisten the soil, and provide a safer solution to chemical fertilizers. Once you’ve built up your compost, place it in a warm, partly sunny area of your garden, which will help stimulate decomposition of all the items you’ve included.

2. Attract the Right Type of Bugs

While you obviously don’t want to be pestered with mosquitos and other bothersome insects while you’re outdoors enjoying your garden, that doesn’t mean you should scare off all bugs altogether. Certain bugs like beetles, ladybugs and lacewings are helpful in warding off all the potentially harmful bugs that can destroy your plants and flowers.

For instance, ladybirds and lacewings eat black flies. If these particular bugs are a major problem in your garden, add some marigolds and sunflowers to draw the attention of these good bugs to protect your garden.

3. Recycle Your Rainwater

Particularly in drought-sensitive areas like California, conserving as much water as possible is essential. Luckily, there are easy ways to harvest rainwater to minimize excess use.

All that rainwater that winds up in your landscaping can be captured to water your lawn and garden. You can even use this recycled rainwater to wash your cars and polish your windows. Consider adding a barrel to collect rainwater that can be later used to hydrate your landscaping.

When you’re actually designing your garden, consider incorporating elements such as permeable paving and dry creek beds to minimize runoff that wreaks havoc on storm drains and pollutes bodies of water. 

4. Create Shade With Trees and Shrubs

All those trees and shrubs that you plant to beautify your exterior can serve more than one purpose. While they certainly are esthetically appealing, they can also be strategically positioned to provide shade just where you need it the most.

Large trees that spread out and drape over can be placed on the south and west sides of your home where the most intense sun tends to beam down. Planting shrubs adjacent to these exterior walls can also help to keep the temperature comfortable. Trees and shrubs can effectively cut down on the energy needed to cool your home, and inevitably slash the cost of your utility bills.

5. Attract Birds For Plant Protection

Much like certain bugs can add a layer protection to your landscaping, so can many types of birds. Not only can many bugs destroy your garden, so can grubs, snails and slugs. Birds love to prey on these pests, so attracting them to your garden can help add natural protection to your greenery.

Incorporate nesting boxes and bird feeders will help create a more inviting environment for birds, which will get rid of the need to use toxic insecticides that are dangerous both for the environment and for anyone who frolics in your garden.

6. Choose Native Plants

Whatever plants happen to be native in your area, consider adding these breeds to your garden. Whether it’s Mountain Lilacs in California or Coneflowers in Florida, adding native greens to your garden can help cut down on the care and maintenance needed to keep them healthy, since they’re already adapted to the climate and conditions in your area. Not only will this cut down on time and effort on your part, it’ll also reduce the amount of water and fertilizer needed, as well as minimize pest infestation.

Your garden is meant to be a natural space, so make sure it’s as eco-friendly as it can be by incorporating these tips to cut down on waste and chemicals, and even create an inviting habitat for friendly wildlife.