Labor Day may mark the unofficial end of summer, but you’d never know it from the remarkable array of activities in Chicago. Enjoy the days with a slew of amazing summer festivals and events!

A Labor Day tradition returns!  Who makes Chicago’s Best Burger? Taste and judge the creations of a dozen Chicago eateries at the Roscoe Village Burger Fest, at Belmont & Damen for a mouth-watering Labor Day weekend Friday, September 3- Sunday, September 5. Far more than a burger fest, the streets of Roscoe Village are alive with two stages of rockin’ music, arts & crafts and the action-packed “Kids Zone” ‘Guests even have the opportunity to vote for Chicago’s Best Burger! A $10 suggested fest donation benefits the programs and services of the Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce.

The City of Chicago presents a special evening of Gospel music on Friday, September 3, as part of the City’s ‘Chicago in Tune’ series at Millennium Park from 5:30–8:30pm. Hosted by Jonathan McReynolds and Inspiration 1390’s Sonya Blakey and DeAndre Patterson — the program includes a special award to producer Sasha Daltonn and feature LaShon Brown; a celebratory music tribute to Rev. Dr. Clay Evans, Pastor Maceo Woods, Bishop Willie James Campbell and ArchBishop Lucius Hall featuring The Carson Sisters, Nicole Harris, and Illiana Torres.

The annual Chicago Jazz Fest is a Chicago institution, but in lieu of the four-day event, Chicago in Tune, along with the Jazz Institute, presents a free night of jazz in Millennium Park on Saturday, September 4, 5:30–8:30 pm, featuring Ari Brown, Marquis Hill and Lizz Wright. Featured performer Ari Brown is a composer, arranger, tenor saxophonist, pianist and educator. He has performed with many music greats including Anthony Braxton, Muhal Richard Abrams, Lou Rawls, B.B. King, Chuck Berry, Elvin Jones, Andrew White, Della Reese and Billy Eckstein.

Travel the 30-mile loop of the newly renamed Jean Baptiste du Sable Lake Shore Drive on Sunday, September 5 at Chicago’s annual Bike the Drive. All ages and skill levels are welcome. You can start the ride anytime between 5:30am and 9:30am, but organizers recommend starting no later than 7:00am to get the most out of your time on the Drive. Regardless of vaccination status, participants must wear a mask in the festival & rest stops and whenever you can’t maintain a distance of 6 feet from others. Admittance to a post–ride festival with food, live music and fun activities for kids is included in the admission price of $18 kids, $60 adults. Meet at Butler Field, 235 S. Columbus Drive, Chicago..

Hey, Pitchfork Music Festival fans! Prepare for the 2021 festival with the Pitchfork Music Film Series, at the Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave, Chicago, from  Monday,  September 6 (Labor Day) to Wednesday, September 8. Pitchfork and the Music Box showcase some of our most beloved music films, presented with extraordinary guests in conversation with Pitchfork editors. Films include ’20 Feet from Stardom’  with special guest Jamila Woods at 7pm. Ahead of the screening, Jamila will be in conversation with celebrated journalist and Pitchfork contributor Adrienne Samuel Gibbs. All Wilco fans will enjoy ‘I am Trying to Break Your Heart’ with Special Guest Glenn Kotche, Tuesday, September 7th at 7pm. On Wednesday, September 8, the 20^th Anniversary of ‘Josie and the Pussycats’ will be celebrated with co-director and writers Deborah Kaplan and Harry Elfont,  with Pitchfork Staff Writer Quinn Moreland. Tickets are $15 apiece for each movie. 

Alison Moran and Dean’s Team Chicago

Offices are opening up and many are now required to work in-office as opposed to remotely. This may prove to be a challenge for those who have gotten used to communicating via Zoom. This can be especially true for introverts. The art of small talk is a skill that even the most accomplished have trouble with. However, it is a necessary skill to have in today’s business world. Whether around the conference table before a meeting or at a business cocktail party; you’ll want to hone in on this skill. Avoid the following mistakes to ensure your small talk is top tier.

First, never assume no one wants to talk to you. People, especially now, are eager to make a connection. I know many of us feel very shy; but if possible think of the other person, as opposed to thinking of yourself. Think that you are doing a service. After months with so little interaction, we need the small talk. 

Do not try to start a conversation without something to say. If you see someone lost in thought, ask if it’s ok to talk to them. Make sure to have a formed sentence or comment ready when they answer in the affirmative. A simple “How do you like being back in the office?” or “I’m so glad to be out of the house” will give a comfortable opportunity for someone to respond.

Do not barge in. Wait for a lull in an existing conversation to enter. When you have someone’s attention, you can offer your thoughts. Also be aware of your spacing, especially now. No one is expecting six feet but do not stand too close. 

Stay away from controversial subjects. It is hard to do that now with so much of our daily lives tied up in the pandemic. It seems, unfortunately, what is a public health crisis has thrown us all into two or more camps that only care to hear what they want. So, keep it light. 

Do not be hard to understand or follow. Those of us who speak many languages can speak slower and try to enunciate carefully. Those of us who only speak English, should also speak clearly and avoid slang expressions that others may not understand. If you are asked what you do for a living, do not take five minutes to answer. Have a simple two or three sentence explanation. 

Be aware if you are getting too personal. There is a saying that people love to talk about themselves, and this is generally true, but if you get the sense your questions are not particularly welcome, back off a bit. Perhaps ask them if they have been out to any restaurants or what was their favorite new pastime during quarantine.

Do give all your attention, don’t waste peoples time. Maintain eye contact. Put your phone on silent and put it away for a bit. Don’t look over their shoulder as if you need to be rescued. Be present. 

Some people view small talk as insincere or an old-fashioned nicety. But every friendship or business deal begins with an initial conversation. No, it may not have been profound but at least you made a connection.

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago

Summer seems to be slowly melting away from us as it’s already the final weekend of August.  However, that doesn’t mean we have to accept it. In fact, there’s still a variety of ways to make what’s left of our summer weekends memorable!

Returning for its 31^st year, Taste of Greektownis the city’s largest celebration of Hellenic cuisine and culture taking place along Halsted Street between Adams and Van Buren Streets this Saturday and Sunday (12 p.m.-10 p.m.).  Enjoy authentic Greek cuisine like feta, tzatziki, roasted chicken, gyros, and more signature Mediterranean dishes cooked by some of the neighborhood’s most beloved restaurants.  Then stick around for performances from lively Greek bands, dance troupes, local musicians, and The Jesse White Tumblers.  There’s even a gyro eating contest!  OPA!!

Celebrating its 8^th year, the Edgewater Arts Festival 2021 will take place at 1100 W. Granville Avenue in the Edgewater neighborhood on Saturday and Sunday (11 a.m.-7 p.m.).  Spend the weekend exploring art from over 70 artists booths in all mediums; from photography to painting to sculptures to jewelry and more.  Then catch amazing live performances by great cover and original bands at the festival’s Beer Garden stage.  Plus, this year’s family area will feature “The School of Rock” stage with many interactive and safe activities for kids and their families!

Hitting the streets of the West Loop neighborhood for its 8^th year is Motoblot.  This urban moto street festival will be a jam-packed weekend featuring two live music stages, four blocks of vendors, a motorcycle and car show, the Motoblot pin-up contest, the Ace High VIP Lounge, and many signature highlights only found at this event.  It’s a Motorcycle and Hot Rod Street rally not to be missed!

Join the friendly Gladstone Park neighborhood at its 5^th annual pre-Labor Day Throwback Music Fest on Milwaukee Avenue between Elston and Peterson Avenues this Saturday (11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m.-9 p.m.).  Enjoy cool tunes from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s performed live by local artists.  In addition, there’s also great food, arts & crafts, kids’ activities, a vintage car display, a pet parade, and a cool Miss Throwback contest.  It’s time to get retro!

It’s one part horror convention and one-part dark arts – The Oddities and Curiosities Expo takes place at McCormick Place Convention Center (2301 S. King Dr.) in the South Loop this Saturday (10 a.m.-6 p.m.).  This expo features over 150 local/national vendors and small businesses showcasing taxidermy, original horror and Halloween-inspired artwork, antiques, handcrafted oddities, and much more.  Plus, you can have a true carnival sideshow experience at the expo’s Freak Show ($5) and gaze upon many real wonders of nature with your very own eyes!

Quench your thirst at Brookfield Zoo’s 10^th annual unique beer-tasting event ZooBrew this Saturday (12 p.m.-7:30 p.m.) sponsored by Hop Valley.  Enjoy 3-ounce samplings from a selection of over 80 beers, lagers, and ales.  Designated driver tickets are also available for unlimited soft drinks.  All tickets include commemorative swag and admission to the zoo.  Photo ID is required upon entry.  Enjoy a day of bears and beers, lions and lagers, anteaters and ales!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

One restaurant providing a touch of Sicily to the culture and arts mecca that is Wicker Park is OsteriaRusticana, whose owners promise to invoke “a welcoming atmosphere and flavorful menu, inviting sunshine, sea-kissed beaches, abundant farmlands, and a rich, long-standing food culture, infused with the unique and special tastes and fragrances only found on this beloved Italian island.” 

Osteria Rusticana has garnered rave reviews, with a near-perfect 4.7/5-star rating on Google. One particularly laudatory review reads, in part, “If you see a rating less than 5 stars on this place, this is probably from somebody who hates America and freedom and therefore cannot be trusted.”

Another reviewer says, “I only review The Best of the Best, and these are trying times to say the least. Whether you pick up, eat in, or have it delivered, you will not be disappointed.”

The best words to describe the food at Osteria Rusticana are ‘abbunnanzza divertimentu.’ In Sicilian, it means ‘abundant pleasure!’

Several unique starters are amply portioned and great for sharing, including the Arancini di Riso, which combines saffron rice balls with Sicilian meat ragout, and another filled with seasonal vegetables and fontina cheese, or a Polpette in Salsa di Ciliegino: beef, ricotta and zucchini meatballs in ciliegino tomato sauce. For a lighter start, there’s an Insalata Pantesca— Heirloom tomatoes, novelle potatoes, onions, capers and olives in a zesty lemon dressing, or an Insalata Mediterranea, integrating Hearts of romaine with grape tomatoes, red bell pepper, zucchini and cucumber in Sicilian olive oil. 

And then…there’s the pasta. Osteria Rusticana offers a wide variety of ancient Sicilian grains, including timilia, russello, perciasacchi, and gluten-free options such as taggliatelle, rigatoni, and fusilli. Favorite entrees include Gnocchi al Pesto Trapanese, which pairs whole handcrafted gnocchi in roasted almond-basil pesto sauce. Rigatoni al Ragu Siciliano is a Russello rigatoni with Sicilian meat sauce ragu. One specialty mentioned by several reviewers is the Tagliatelle Rusticana, combining handcrafted tagliatelle, sausages, rapini (broccoli rabe), grape tomatoes, and seasonal mushrooms in a white wine sauce. Or the Cavatelli alla Norma, which has Perciasacchi cavatelli, diced eggplant and ricotta salata in a tomato sauce. Another unique entrée is Paccheri in Salsa di Pistacchio–paccheri, Tiger prawns, zucchini and grape tomatoes in Sicilian-Bronte pistachio sauce.

Other entrees include Vitello alla Contadina, a tasty combination of pounded veal, seasonal mushrooms, artichokes, diced asparagus and peas in au jus, and Bistecca ai Ferri- a grilled, center-cut NY strip, sautéed mushrooms served with sage potatoes. 

All entrees can be paired with the restaurant’s selection of fine Italian wines and beers, or a specialty cocktail crafted to your specifications.

The perfect meal always ends with the perfect dessert. Selections include a highly rated tiramisu, panna cotta or fruit sorbet. Pistachio Tiramisu is a variation on the classic, and Semifreddo Nutella is a rich, chocolate/hazelnut mousse. You can pair your dessert with an expansive selection of cappuccinos and expressos for a maximum Sicilian experience!

A wide variety of pizzas are available for takeout and delivery only.

Osteria Rusticana is located at 2114 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622, and is open Monday-Thursday 5–9 pm, Friday & Saturday, 5-10 pm, and Sunday, 5-8 pm. Reservations are recommended. More information is available here.

Alison Moran and Dean’s Team Chicago

When you’re getting ready to list your home, it’s of the upmost importance to ensure you are showing it in the best light. Taking time to highlight its strengths and fix up some of its possible weaknesses can make a big difference in how fast it sells. Here are top five recommended repairs to make before selling your home.

Repaint walls. Giving your home a fresh coat of paint is one of the most cost-effective ways to spruce it up, and generally, it can be a do-it-yourself project. Make sure cover any walls with scratches and chips and consider updating any accent walls with a more neutral coat.

Repair floors. Hardwood floors are a very desirable feature in a home, so you want to ensure they look their best by fixing scratches or dull areas. If your carpet is worn or stained, consider replacing them. And don’t forget the tile in your kitchen or bathrooms. Re-grouting can go a long way in making dingy tile work look brand new!

Refresh the landscaping. Show buyers your home is the full package by dressing up the outside as well as the in. Clean walkways and driveways, plant seasonal flowers and plants, trim hedges and trees, install outdoor décor pieces and fill in mulch and gravel.

Fix your fixtures. Leaky faucet? Rusted drains? Loose drawer handle? Making these small fixes can make a big difference to potential buyers with detailed-orientated minds.

Improve your kitchen. An outdated kitchen can be a real eyesore in a home. Updating cabinetry, repairing or replacing countertops, and installing new faucets and sinks may be worth the investment.