THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Is Summer Melting Away?!?!

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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 31st 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 8th 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 8th 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 5th 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 10th 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

Community News

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It’s the e last weekend in August, and our city remains committed to summer fun and festivals! Among the many options this weekend:

Rom-Com Thursdays at Navy Pier asks an age-old question…Can men and women really be friends? Come find out at Water Flicks’ free screening of “When Harry Met Sally,” starring Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal, on Thursday, August 26 at 6:30pm at the Lake Stage in Polk Bros Park at Navy Pier. You’ll leave saying “I’ll have what she’s having!” Masks are required. Also, closed captioning (CC) will be available. Times and schedule are subject to change.

Lincoln Park Zoo is known for family-friendly outings nearly every day of the year, but once a year, it’s the adults’ turn! On Thursday, August 26, the Zoo hosts ‘Adults Night Out: Summer Block Party’ from 6:30 pm – 10:00 pm. The 18+ event invites you to celebrate block-party style among wildlife and gardens! Activities Includes a classic grill-out with burgers, veggie burgers, and more, Hopscotch, Four Square, and chalk art at Foreman Pavilion, Cornhole, foosball, and giant Jenga, music, and much more! Tickets are $35 each.

Free rides on the AT&T Endangered Species CarouselFor more than 30 years, the Bucktown Arts Fest, held Saturday, August 28 and Sunday, August 29 from 9 am to 6 pm at Holstein Park 2200 N Oakley Ave, has been a neighborhood tradition and one of Chicago’s premier arts festivals, showcasing close to 200 juried artists who work in oil, watercolor, photography, textile, sculpture, jewelry, and so much more! The fest showcases old textures, animals and vintage design elements. Combine that with music and performances, interactive theater, food, beer & wine! ll proceeds from the Fest go to fund, develop, and support arts education programming at Holstein Park and in Bucktown classrooms. 

“On State Street, that great street, l just wanna say!” Come see what Frank Sinatra once sang about at ‘Sundays on State,’ a free, interactive city-wide block party, where you and your friends and family can safely enjoy art, culture, active recreation, shopping, food, drinks, and local attractions. On Sunday, August 29, from 11 am-8 pm, Chicago’s most iconic street closes to traffic from Lake to Madison, transforming into an open street market full of surprises. This Sunday, you can participate in a live mural painting, learn to bellydance with a professional bellydancer, receive business and life coaching from area executives, dance to the music of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s and so much more! Click here for Sunday’s schedule!

Preview the upcoming Lyric Opera season during ‘Sundays in the Park with the Lyric’s Rising Stars’ this Sunday at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park! This free performance features the Lyric Opera Orchestra will feature such rising talents as tenor Martin Luther Clark and soprano Mathilda Edge. The Lyric’s new music director, Enrique Mazzola, conducts a program that includes excerpts from Verdi’s Macbeth, Mozart’s The Magic Flute and Puccini’s Tosca. Bring a picnic dinner and blanket with you to witness an amazing evening! The first 2,000 people in attendance will receive free Lyric swag! The concert is part of Chicago In Tune, a citywide festival celebrating our city’s legendary music community.

Alison Moran and Dean’s Team Chicago

Restaurant Review – Osteria Rusticana

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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

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Garden Produce Preservation

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It is that time of year when the amount of produce we are harvesting from the garden, surpasses what we can eat every day. There are several easy ways to preserve these vegetables and retain their flavor and vitamins for months to come. 

Tomatoes tend to ripen like crazy and the main crops are ready to pick. Tomatoes freeze well in its whole form and in sauce with just a little preparation. Use firm, blemish free tomatoes. Remove the skin in a hot water bath. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cut a small X with a sharp knife in the bottom of each tomato. Drop the tomatoes in the hot water, 3 or 4 at a time. When you see the skin start to pucker remove with a slotted spoon and place them in a bowl of water, full of ice. Core the tomatoes and quarter them over a large bowl to catch any juices. Divide into quart size freezer bags and freeze flat. Date the bags and rotate the use of them. Use the tomatoes that have been frozen the longest first.  Each bag will be the equivalent of a 29 oz. can of tomatoes in any recipe. Fresh tomato sauce is delicious, quick and freezes well. It is so wonderful in the middle of winter to thaw out a bag of sauce for that fresh summer taste over pasta. Sauté 1 medium onion in 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. After the onions are soft, add 4 cloves of garlic (to taste) and sauté until fragrant. Add a quart of peeled fresh tomatoes. You can chop them first or use a masher while cooking for a smoother sauce. Season with salt, pepper and oregano. A good pinch of red pepper flakes gives a nice heat. Cook briefly until the tomatoes collapse. Use as you would any fresh sauce on pasta. Freeze in plastic freezer bags as you would do with the plain tomatoes. 

Other vegetables like beans and peas need to be blanched before freezing. Wash and trim the vegetables. Boil one gallon of water and add beans one pound at a time. Simmer small thinner beans 2 minutes and larger beans 3-4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and place them into an bowl of water with ice in it. Drain well and blot with paper towels to remove as much water as possible. Pack into freezer bags. Most vegetables will work with this method. 

Cucumbers and hot peppers can be canned without boiling using a quick pickle method. Sanitize your mason jars and lids by boiling in a large pot of water for two minutes. Remove and put them on a towel to drain and cool. Fill the jars with clean hot peppers. Boil equal parts vinegar and water and add to the jars leaving a little space at the top. Cap and screw on rings snug but not too tight. Store out of light and heat, use within a year.  Quick pickles are not actually preserved but will last in the refrigerator up to a month. You can leave cucumbers whole, speared or sliced. I prefer sliced, I think they’re more flavorful. Boil 1 cup vinegar with 1 1/2 cups water and 1 tablespoon kosher salt. When salt is dissolved remove from heat and let cool. Add 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, 5 sprigs fresh dill, and 3 cloves garlic to a clean (boiled) mason jar. Pack the jar tightly with the sliced cucumbers. Pour the vinegar mixture in the jar so the cucumbers are completely submerged. Refrigerate at least 24 hours before serving for flavors to meld. 

The old method of preserving fruits and vegetables, canning, is coming back into vogue. You can scour farmer’s markets now and find all sorts of veg and fruit to preserve. You will need to invest in some equipment but after the initial investment it will last for years. You can go online and find a good site for additional instructions. Canning is safe; but some procedures must be followed to prevent food borne illness. Check out www.freshpreserving.com/canning-recipes. This site from Ball and Kerr jars explains which vegetables and fruits can be preserved in a water bath and which need to be pressure cooked. You can click on the menu tab here for recipes and guidance. 

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago

What To Repair Before You List

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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.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Taking Off Into a “Fest-Full” Weekend!

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This weekend brings Chicagoans a “Fest-Full” of adventures and things to do! There’s a new twist on an old favorite. We’ll also outline festivals for food, animal and music lovers this weekend!

In lieu of our annual Air and Water Show, the city will host a solo demonstration from the U.S. Navy Blue Angels on Saturday and Sunday (12 p.m.-1 p.m.) at the lakefront between Oak Street Beach and Fullerton Avenue in the Gold Coast neighborhood.  Their mission this weekend is to showcase the teamwork and professionalism of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps through flight demonstrations.  This aerobatic squadron of Navy planes is known for their synchronized flight shows and has never disappointed their spectators!  Look, it’s a bird, it’s a plane, no, it’s a Blue Angel!!

Your delectable Saturday morning can begin at Lincoln Park Zoo’s Breakfast with the Animals from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. presented by Nutella.  Guests will enjoy a delicious family-friendly morning meal dining on pancakes, fruit, coffee, juices, and more alongside spectacular animals like cheetahs, giraffes, and hippos.  Private chats with Zookeepers at various exhibits to hear anecdotes, exciting facts, and what their furry, scaly or feathery friend might eat to start their day is also on the menu!

The annual Gold Coast Art Fair returns to Grant Park’s Butler Field (337 E. Randolph St.) for its 64th year on Saturday and Sunday (10 a.m.-6 p.m.).  Billed as one of the biggest art fairs of the summer, this award-winning Art Fair welcomes 200 juried artists from across the country showcasing their beautiful artwork in all mediums and at all price points.  Plus, attendees can catch live demos and talks from the presenting artists!

The popular Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest returns in-person to the Glenwood Avenue Arts District in Rogers Park for its 20th year on Saturday (11 a.m.-9 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m.-7 p.m.).  This Arts Fest features a diverse selection of over 120 juried artists and craftworkers in all mediums of artwork which are also available for purchase; live music on two stages with over 30 acts; a Kid Fest area with artmaking activities; three craft beer stations; and food from local restaurants such as Badou Senegalese Cuisine, JB Albertos Pizza, Smack Dab, Black Dog Gelato and others.  Plus, there’s a live art demonstration area called Outrageous Open Arts which will feature performance arts and artists demonstrating techniques and works-in-progress!

Take a tour of Latin American food and wine at the 6th annual Sangria Festival Chicago as it returns to Humboldt Park (1400 N. Sacramento Ave.) on Saturday (12 p.m.-10 p.m.) and Sunday (12 p.m.-9 p.m.).  Humboldt Park will be transformed into an outdoor tapas bar pairing bites from local restaurants. You’ll find pitchers of red wine and chopped fruit. Tacos, paella, ceviche, and more delicious dining options will be added to the mix as well. You may also enjoy watching live salsa, dancing to Brazilian dance music, or putting color on a canvas at the festival’s painting station!

This weekend’s big live music draw takes place at Douglass Park in the North Lawndale neighborhood on Saturday and Sunday (12 p.m.-10 p.m.) with Summer Smash Festival 2021.  Billed as the premier hip-hop music festival in the Midwest, this festival is presented by Lyrical Lemonade and SPKRBX and offers an exciting lineup that pairs hip-hop superstars alongside some of today’s hottest up-and-coming acts.  This year’s headliners include A$AP Rocky, Lil Baby and Lil Uzi Vert in addition to many other acts!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

COMMUNITY NEWS

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Summer in the city remains vibrant with music, art and community events that inform and entertain the whole family!

Ruido Fest is one of the only large-scale events in the city that champions the diverse sounds of Latin American pop, electro and rock, En Español. Headlining acts include Argentine ska band Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, Mexican ska act Panteón Rococó and Mexico City alt-rockers Café Tacuba. Other highlights of the lineup include Venezuelan funk outfit Los Amigos Invisibles, Mexican indie rockers Little Jesus and Chicago’s very own singer-songwriter Kaina. Ruido Fest takes place in Union Park, Three-day passes available, August 20-22 in Union Park 1501 W Randolph St. Any questions? Send an email to info@ruidofest.com.

Paint Southport is a unique event, harkening back to artists lining the streets to paint as they did 100 years ago in Paris. The one-day plein air conpetition, features Chicago-area artists drawing and painting the summer scenery along Southport Avenue. You can see paintings come to life before your eyes, while enjoying the businesses and restaurants on Southport! Painting will start at 1 pm on Southport between Byron and Roscoe. At 4 pm, artists will put down their brushes, frame their work, and bring it to the parking lot at 5/3 Bank at Addison and Southport, to be judged for four awards: Best of Show; Second Place; Honorable Mention; and a ‘People’s Choice’ award, voted on by event visitors. The judge will review the work both during its creation and in final form. Finished paintings on display at the end of the event’s may be sold directly to the public by the artists. 

Get exclusive access and information about your favorite animals at Lincoln Park Zoo on Saturday, August 21, from 9–11 am, while you Breakfast with the Animals. Curator of Mammals Mike Murray will be your guide to learn about the social dynamics and behaviors of the African Painted Dog while dining on vegetarian-friendly pancakes with chocolate/hazelnut Nutella, fruit, coffee, juices, and more at Bird’s Eye Bar & Grill, a stone’s throw from the zoo’s African Painted Dog habitat. Tickets are $50 per person and include a complimentary sample of Nutella® hazelnut spread and recipes to try at home.

Look, up in the sky…It’s a bird? No, it’s a plane! And they’re diving, flying upside down, sideways and coming right at you (or, so it seems!) In 2021, a new and reimagined free air show takes the place of the Chicago Air and Water Show. This year, the City of Chicago presents a spectacular show courtesy of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. The show features special solo demonstrations by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels along the lakefront on August 21 & 22 from 12–1pm. You can also see the Blue Angels practice on Thursday, August 20, from 10am–2pm. The City of Chicago recommends that for the best viewing, gather between Oak Street and Fullerton Avenue along Chicago’s spectacular lakefront!

 The Grant Park Music Festival at Millennium Park ends its 2021 season this weekend with tributes to Handel and Mozart, with a nod to pre-eminent woman composer Gabriela Lena Frank. On Friday, August 20 and Saturday, August 21, from 6:30-8 pm, conductor Carlos Kalmar leads this free, soaring musical celebration at Jay Pritzker Pavilion. The concert opens with “Andean Elegy” by Gabriela Lena Frank, followed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 3 with violinist Vadim Gluzman, and George Frideric Handel’s Dettingen Te Deum with the Grant Park Chorus. David Govertsen bass-baritone, is featured.

Alison Moran and Dean’s Team Chicago

Restaurant Review- Cobblestone

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“The idea is simple: to nurture well-being in others through hospitality, connection, and excellent food and beverage service”

The owners of Cobblestone Restaurant

From its cobblestone doorway to its spacious sidewalk café and backyard patio bedecked with foliage, Cobblestone is a little piece of European gastropub in Lincoln Square. And like a true European café, the menu and service create an ambience of community. Opened in 2020 by owner/neurosurgeon Dr. Markus Chwajol in the former Northman spot, Cobblestone is a gem of a gathering place for families and friends, where people can relax and enjoy great food, drink, and conversation. 

What better way to create community than over a shared meal? It starts with shareables like herb frites with garlic aioli, savory banana nut bread with graisse de canard, toasted walnut, and whipped bourbon butter, or a seared porcini spaetzle featuring foraged mushrooms, heirloom cider jaeger, and aged parmesan. Delectable entrees include a battered fish & frites, cider-braised pork belly with crisped skin, smoked pink lady apple sauce and rye maple glaze. Pescetarians will enjoy Cobblestone’s takes on grilled shrimp and mussels. And for carnivores, there’s a braised short rib, and a unique lamb/beef Cobblestone Bistro burger. The menu sensitively lists vegetarian options like cauli-mac, grilled Romaine, and Farro-Arugula salad. 

Drinks pay homage to the Northman’s roots as the first hard cider bar in Chicago, offering over 50 ciders from around the world, including cider flights and imaginative cocktails like the Bourbon Renewal, which combines bourbon with fresh lemon juice, crème de cassis & angostura

Conclude any meal in true European fashion with traditional coffee service, and scrumptious desserts like skillet apple crisp, or a llwarm butterscotch fudge bar, and other delectable desserts.

Over the weekend, there’s a motto at Cobblestone- “Work Hard, Brunch Harder!” Cobblestone’s owners unveiled a hard-working, tasty brunch menu on August 14. From 10:30 am-2:30 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, family and friends can feast on unique items like schnitzel and waffles, which is a combination of chicken-fried pork loin, lemon- poppyseed waffle, citrus ricotta, and maple molasses. Or, a clever Latke benedict, which combines fried potato cakes with scorched ham, poached egg and cider hollandaise.

Cobblestone Restaurant is located at 4337 N Lincoln Ave Chicago, IL 60618 They are open for dinner Wednesday and Thursday, 5–11 pm, Friday, 5 pm—12 am, Saturday, 10:30 am–12 am, and Sunday, 10:30 am–10 pm. For more information, click here.

Alison Moran and Dean’s Team Chicago