THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – It’s A Fiesta-Filled Weekend!

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Fun carnival event, fiesta holiday party symbol with bright color splashes and confetti

I can’t believe it’s the last summer weekend of July already.  Can you?  Anyway, make the most of this weekend by getting out there to any of the following fiestas!

One of Chicago’s top-drawing festivals, Wicker Park Fest is celebrating its 20th anniversary this Saturday and Sunday (12 p.m.-10 p.m.) on Milwaukee Avenue from North to Ashland Avenues in the Wicker Park neighborhood.  This fest attracts thousands of visitors with its fantastic music line-up of some of the summer’s most sought-after acts along with great food from local restaurants, arts and crafts, retail vendors, and a family-friendly kid’s area packed with activities.  And joining in this year’s festivities will be Pet Fest featuring activities such as paw painting, pet portraits, a “musical sits” contest, a dog ice cream eating contest, and much more.  It’s one of Chicago’s most anticipated summer festivals that celebrates Wicker Park’s unbeatable culture!

One of the largest Latino fests in the Midwest, Fiesta del Sol is celebrating its 52nd anniversary this Saturday and Sunday (11 a.m.-10 p.m.) on Cermak Road from Ashland Avenue to Morgan Street in the Pilsen neighborhood.  This free, family-friendly fest can draw as many as one million visitors as it offers live, traditional entertainment; delicious local food; art exhibits; performing arts; a soccer tournament; activities for the kids; carnival rides; and more!

Celebrating its 40th annual street festival, the Lincoln Park neighborhood’s Taste of Lincoln Avenue takes place this Saturday and Sunday (12 p.m.-10 p.m.) on Lincoln Avenue (2500 N.) between Fullerton and Wrightwood Avenues.  Not only will local restaurants be bringing out their most famous dishes for tastings, but this fest also features a music stage with an amazing line-up of bands from all over the Midwest, arts and crafts galore, and a kids’ carnival packed with non-stop activities such as face painting, games, and more.  Plus, don’t forget to try the afternoon whiskey tasting offering 16 samples of Midwestern spirits curated by Delilah’s.  This iconic fest should be at the top of everyone’s list when enjoying Chicago’s summer!

The Chinatown Summer Fair is celebrating its 45th festive year this Saturday (12 p.m.-10 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m.-7 p.m.) at Wentworth Avenue and Cermak Road.  Once again, this popular and iconic celebration of Far East culture opens with a traditional lion dance procession at 12:30 p.m. and continues with kung fu demonstrations, a K-pop breakdance competition, samplings from Chinatown’s restaurants, arts and crafts exhibits, street vendors, a children’s area, and more.  In addition, Sunday (2:45 p.m.) brings the 3rd annual COPI Fish Ball Eating Contest with $500 going to the 1st Place winner, $300 going to the 2nd Place winner, and $100 to the 3rd Place winner.  Best part, admission is free!

Finally, there’s the Bantu Fest taking place this Saturday and Sunday (10 a.m.-10 p.m.) at Midway Plaisance Park (1130 Midway Plaisance North) in the Hyde Park neighborhood.  Besides sampling dishes from around the globe provided by over 50 different countries, this fest is also known for its diverse music provided by live bands and DJs, and its diversity in products and merchandise which includes their variety of beers.  In addition, their Children’s Village offers a variety of fun activities such as face painting, a bouncy house, drum & dance classes, games, and more.  It’s a one-of-a-kind experience for all who attend!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Neighborhood News: Cracker Jack is a Chicago treasure…with a prize inside!

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delicious sweet popcorn with lots of caramel

“Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack…I don’t care if I ever get back!”

“Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” by Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer

Chicago is known for its great popcorn (Hello, Garrett’s!) but the first and best-known of all of these is Cracker Jack. The delectable combination of molasses, popcorn, caramel and peanuts is a true Chicago creation, of German immigrant Frederick William (F.W.) Rueckheim and his brother Louis. 

According to What’s Cooking America,Rueckheim’s great granddaughter saidthe reason the boxes are red, white, and blue is because, coming off World War I, great-grandfather was German.  There was some talk that he wasn’t patriotic enough or something like that.  So he started using all red, white, and blue so the public could see he was a patriotic American.

Who invented Cracker Jack?

According to Wikipedia sources,there are two legends of how Cracker Jack originated: The older attributes it to Charles Frederick Gunther (1837–1920), also known as “The Candy Man” and “Cracker-Jacks King”; the other attributes it to Rueckheim, a German-born Chicago immigrant known informally as “Fritz”, who sold popcorn at 113 Fourth Avenue (now known as Federal Street), beginning in 1871.  The Rueckheim popcorn was made by hand, using steam equipment. In 1873, Fritz bought out his partner William Brinkmeyer and brought his brother, Louis from Germany to join in his venture, forming the company F. W. Rueckheim & Bro. They operated out of a factory in Bronzeville. 

The Rueckheim brothers produced a new recipe, including popcorn, peanuts, and molasses. Around this time, Louis offered the popcorn-peanuts-caramel mixture to a salesman, who declared, “That’s a crackerjack” (a popular slang term meaning very good), hence the name. 

It may (or may not) not have happened at the World’s Fair

Many sources connect the popularity of Cracker Jack to its presence at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. According to What’s Cooking America, it was billed as “Candied Popcorn and Peanuts.”  People at the Worlds Fair didn’t like the stickiness of the early Cracker Jack because the molasses was too sticky.  Louis Rueckheim (1849–1927) invented a secret process that kept the caramel dry and crispy. 

However, the Rueckheim’s participation at the Fair has been disputed by other historians, citing a lack of a mention of the product in official records from the Fair.

In 1896, the first lot of Cracker Jack was produced, the same year the product’s name and tagline “The More You Eat, the More You Want” were registered. 

The Song 

In 1908, Cracker Jack was immortalized in a song that was to become a favorite of baseball fans, according to Encyclopedia.com. In “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” lyricist Jack Norworth (1879–1959) penned the line, “Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack.” That said, multiple sources say neither man had ever been to a baseball game. The song was first performed by Norworth’s wife, soprano Nora Bayes at the Ziegfield Follies and, by 1910, was a staple at all big league ballparks in America. The cry, “Getcha’ peanuts, popcorn, and Cracker Jacks!” is still heard at sporting events and carnivals in America.  

Where’d they get that prize?

Prizes were included in every box of Cracker Jack beginning in 1912.  One of the first prizes was in 1914 when the company produced the first of two Cracker Jack baseball card issues, which featured players from both major leagues as well as players from the short-lived Federal League. Early “toy surprises” included rings, plastic figurines, booklets, stickers, temporary tattoos, and decoder rings. 

Today, the prize inside has gone digital, with a link inside the box to a digital game. 

Today: Introducing Cracker Jill

Today, Cracker Jack has been a household name for more than 125 years. Since 1997, he Cracker Jack brand has been owned and marketed by Frito-Lay. According to Mashed, the latest addition to the Cracker Jack family is Cracker Jill, introduced in April 2022. 

Though it’s the same product with new packaging, Cracker Jill celebrates women in sports and swaps out Sailor Jack on each package for different variations of a new mascot, Sailor Jill. The Sailor Jill packaging is a special-edition option, Frito-Lay says, available only in professional ball parks or when consumers make a $5 or larger donation to the Women’s Sports Foundation (via a special link) while supplies last. In conjunction, Cracker Jack has pledged to donate $200,000 to the Women’s Sports Foundation and even hired music artist Normani to record a new version of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” that features Cracker Jill in place of Cracker Jack in the lyrics.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Restaurant Review: Margie’s Candies a year-round ice cream treat in Bucktown and Ravenswood

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father and daughter having a good time at an ice cream shop, giving gelato each other

In 1921, on the corner of Western and Armitage, a Greek immigrant named Peter Poulos opened a sweet shop in the Chicago community of Bucktown. Initially known as Security Sweet Shop, it became Margie’s Candies, soon to become a Chicago landmark. Just look for the giant, multicolored and layered ice cream cone outside its doors on hot summer nights!

Since then, they’ve been serving generations of children and families with their special brand of hand-dipped chocolates, English toffees and ice cream delights. As well as a limited menu of sandwiches and salads reminiscent of the ice cream parlors of yore.

According to Wikipedia sources, the senior Poulos soon handed the business to his son, George. Chicago mobster Al Capone allegedly patronized the sweet shop During its early years, he renamed it Margie’s Candies in honor of his wife in 1933, who ran the shop until her passing in 1995, and is now run by their son Peter. Their décor in Bucktown features original Tiffany lamps, a marble soda fountain, and a small number of old-fashioned booths with miniature jukeboxes. The old-fashioned feel of the entire experience is enhanced by the old-fashioned, unusually shaped sundae bowls and soda glasses, as well as walls adorned with newspaper clippings, stuffed animals, and aging photographs of past customers. 

I’ve visited the Bucktown location numerous times. It’s always crowded and ALWAYS, ALWAYS worth the wait! Their Ravenswood location has a similar menu and is decorated with old-fashioned pictures and ambience. 

Less known but always enjoyable are their luncheon and dinner entrees, including deluxe sandwiches such as Tuna Salad with your choice of bread with lettuce, tomato, pickle and chips. Or their Tuna Salad, Melted Cheese & Tomato for a unique change of pace. Egg Salad Sandwich is made fresh daily. Lean Corned Beef Sandwich is kosher style with Swiss cheese, or plain on your choice of bread, topped with lettuce, tomato, and pickle and served with chips. An Olde-Bucktown treat is a Sliced Turkey Breast Sandwich. A slice of your choice of cheese tops the turkey nicely.

Lighter fare includes their Breast Of Chicken Plate with lettuce, tomato, pickle and chips, and their Hawaiian Plate with cottage cheese, pineapple sherbet, toast and lettuce. Or a traditional Julienne Salad made with strips of turkey, ham, American cheese and Swiss cheese, covering mounds of crisp lettuce and tomatoes. Stuffed Tomatoes come with your choice of chicken or tuna salad.

But for those young and old, there’s nothing like Margie’s Candies’ decadent, delectable ice cream creations. Take, for example, The Worlds Largest Terrapin for your crowd. Fifteen scoops of French vanilla ice cream are topped with kettle-fresh fudge and caramel, whipped cream, nuts, bananas and a cookie! The Atomic Buster is popular, a fruits and fudge delight and plenty for two-plus people. Eiffel Tower is a “Parisian fantasy in ice cream with bananas,” four scoops of your choice of fresh ice cream flavors, and a tower that’s straight up. Oo la la, indeed! Soda aficionados will love the shareable Zombie, which Margie’s bills as the “Worlds Largest Soda.” Your choice of flavor, with French vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, nuts, cherry and a cookie. One way to mix Margie’s handmade delights is the English Toffee Sundae, festooned with Margie’s home made toffee. 

My personal favorite is the Cherries Jubilee sundae with French vanilla ice cream, loaded with saucy cherries, and bananas, topped with whipped cream, nuts and a cookie. No one else makes it (that I know of,) and it’s the perfect blend of creamy, sweet, tangy and crunchy surprise.

Even the waffle cones are special and handmade, then hand dipped with Margie’s own kettle-fresh chocolate, with your choice of two scoops of ice cream flavors, whipped cream, nuts and cherry.

Margie’s Candies in Bucktown is located at 1960 N. Western Avenue. Dine-In Hours are Monday to Thursday, 9am–11am, and Friday to Sunday, 9am-11:30pm. In Ravenswood, 1813 W. Montrose Avenue, with their hours being Monday-Friday, 9am–11pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 9am-11:30pm. For more information, click here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Have a better smelling house in the summer

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Man holding hi nose from a bad smell from an air conditioner

You would think that summertime would bring more pleasant smells into our houses, but that is often far from the truth. Your house can end up smelling worse in the summer if you don’t keep up with maintenance and home cleaning. Even with air conditioning there is more moisture in the air that encourages the growth of odor causing microorganisms. Warmer temperatures and humidity amp up any lingering odors and cause bacteria to grow quickly. Here are some sources to pay attention to in order to stay ahead of odor and bacteria. 

Garbage disposal. Your garbage disposal works hard to grind up food scraps, but some lingering scraps can start smelling in the warm months. There is an easy fix. Pour boiling water down the drain followed by one cup of white vinegar and half a cup of baking soda. Let it sit for five minutes then rinse well with boiling water. For an even fresher scent mix equal parts lemon juice and baking soda and let it sit for an hour, then rinse with boiling water. 

Trash cans. Garbage cans are another smelly place in both winter and summer. A good weekly wash with soap and hot water should keep odors at bay, but if not try washing with one cup of baking soda in a gallon of warm water. Many bad smells are acidic in nature and the baking soda will neutralize that.  

Refrigerator. The refrigerator is another place where bacteria can grow with the moisture of summer — not to mention the many times it is open. A weekly wipe down with baking soda and water will help. The old-fashioned box of baking soda open in the fridge really works well too to reduce odors. Expose as much of the surface as possible to help with odor absorption. 

Microwave. The microwave is one of the most used appliances in the kitchen. Wipe up spills as soon as possible before the humidity increases the odor. Place a cup of white vinegar in a microwave safe bowl along with a couple tablespoons of lemon juice. Heat on high for 5 minutes. Leave in the microwave for another five minutes then remove and wipe down the interior with a damp cloth. 

Rugs and carpets. These can harbor a lot of bacteria and pollutants, and this can cause odors especially in the warmer months. It’s best to remove shoes when in the house to lessen tracked in bacteria and dirt. Vacuum at least twice a week and steam clean every 6 months.

Couches and chairs. Our seats get a workout in the summer. Vacuum and turn over couch and chair cushions weekly. You’ll be surprised at how much dirt and crumbs collect there. Clean yearly. Check for a code on one of the cushions. Code W means it can only be cleaned with a water based cleaner. Code S can only be dry cleaned, and it should only be professionally cleaned. 

Decorations. Curtains and throw pillows also accumulate dust and odors from around the home and should be cleaned seasonally or at the least vacuumed. Check the care instructions to see if you can toss them in the washer or if they must be dry cleaned. 

Pets. Pet beds and blankets need to be laundered weekly. Wipe down crates regularly. If you smell pet odors on upholstered furniture, use an enzyme cleaner. You can use a handheld steamer for older stains, combining the water with white vinegar. Litter boxes should be washed monthly when you replace the litter

Bedroom. While you are sleeping your body is shedding dead skin, not to mention sweating and releasing saliva! Wash your bedding regularly. Vacuum your mattress and follow with fabric spray. 

Bathroom. Your bathrooms of course are a haven for bacteria raised by moisture year-round. Ventilate as much as you can to cut down the humidity. Use an all-purpose cleaner and pay attention to what’s going on behind hanging towels or pictures. 

Air conditioning. And lastly, have your HVAC system serviced yearly to keep it working efficiently. Replace filters regularly. Make sure your system is the right size for your needs, since an improperly sized system can cause organic growth like mold and mildew. 

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago

Affordable Home Improvements: Enhancing Your Space for Less

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Large kithchen with white countertops, grey cabinets, stainless appliances, large white porcelain double sink farmhouse style

Enhancing your living space doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. With a bit of creativity, resourcefulness, and strategic planning, you can transform your home on a budget. Let’s explore a variety of affordable home improvement tips and tricks to help you upgrade your space without breaking the bank. From DIY projects to smart shopping strategies, discover how you can achieve a stylish and functional home without spending a fortune.

Budget-Friendly Tips for Home Improvement

Let’s be real, who doesn’t want to upgrade their space without breaking the bank? Here are some savvy tips to spruce up your home on a budget.

Repurposing and Upcycling Furniture

Turn that old dresser into a chic TV stand or transform those neglected pallets into a trendy coffee table. Get your creative juices flowing and give new life to old furniture pieces.

Affordable Alternatives to Costly Materials

Who says you need to splurge on fancy materials to make your home look fabulous? Consider budget-friendly options like laminate flooring or peel-and-stick backsplash for a high-end look without the hefty price tag.

Prioritizing Projects for Maximum Impact

Not all home improvement projects are created equal. Focus on areas that will give you the most bang for your buck, whether it’s updating the kitchen cabinets or giving the front door a fresh coat of paint.

Maximizing Impact with Minimal Cost

When it comes to home improvements, it’s all about making a big impact without draining your wallet. Here’s how you can transform your space on a shoestring budget.

Strategic Renovations for Big Changes

Sometimes, a few key renovations can completely transform a room. Swap out outdated light fixtures, replace cabinet hardware, or add a fresh coat of paint for a dramatic change that won’t break the bank.

Enhancing Curb Appeal on a Budget

First impressions matter, so sprucing up your home’s exterior can make a world of difference. Simple fixes like adding potted plants, updating the mailbox, or painting the front door can instantly boost your home’s curb appeal.

DIY Home Improvement Projects on a Shoestring Budget

Who says you need a hefty budget to tackle home improvement projects? With a little creativity and some elbow grease, you can DIY your way to a more stylish and functional home.

Easy and Cost-Effective Upgrades

From painting accent walls to installing shelving units, there are plenty of DIY projects that can elevate your space without draining your bank account. Get your hands dirty and watch your home transform before your eyes.

Tools and Resources for DIY Success

Don’t let a lack of tools or know-how hold you back. Hit up your local hardware store for affordable supplies and check out online tutorials for step-by-step guidance. Who knows, you might just discover a hidden talent for DIY projects.

Creative Ways to Enhance Your Home Without Breaking the Bank

Who says you need to spend a fortune to make your home look like a million bucks? Get creative with these budget-friendly tips to elevate your space without emptying your wallet.

Incorporating Budget-Friendly Decor and Accessories

From thrift store finds to DIY artwork, there are plenty of ways to decorate your home on a budget. Mix and match affordable decor pieces to create a personalized and stylish space without breaking the bank.

Utilizing Paint and Color for Transformation

Paint is a powerful tool when it comes to home improvement. Give outdated furniture a fresh coat of paint, add an accent wall for a pop of color, or repaint old cabinets for a budget-friendly transformation that packs a punch.

Affordable Solutions for Upgrading Your Living Space

Budget-Friendly Lighting and Fixtures

Let there be light! Enhancing your living space doesn’t have to burn a hole in your pocket. Opt for affordable lighting solutions like LED bulbs or budget-friendly fixtures to instantly brighten up your home. A well-placed lamp or stylish pendant light can completely transform the ambiance of a room without breaking the bank.

Low-Cost Updates for Kitchens and Bathrooms

Looking to give your kitchen or bathroom a facelift without draining your savings? Consider simple yet effective updates like swapping out cabinet handles, giving walls a fresh coat of paint, or installing a new faucet. These budget-friendly upgrades can breathe new life into your space and make a big impact without costing a fortune.Incorporating these budget-friendly home improvement ideas can not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your space but also increase its functionality and comfort. With a mix of creativity and frugality, you can revamp your home without straining your finances. Remember, it’s the little changes that can make a big difference, so start implementing these affordable solutions today to create a home that reflects your style and personality while staying within your budget.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Music, Food, Brews Headline Weekend Fun List!

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Illustration of musician performer on stage at an outdoor public party

It wouldn’t be summer without our annual music, food, and brew festivals which, by the way, are headlining this weekend’s fun list. Come join us!

Showcasing the best up-and-coming music from around the world, the Pitchfork Music Festival returns to Union Park (1501 W. Randolph St.) on the Near West Side this Saturday and Sunday (gates open 12 p.m.).  Plus, in between sets, attendees can check out Chicago’s best restaurants, an on-site vinyl shop, a posters fair, and so much more.  In addition, this festival also hosts a lively marketplace in partnership with the Renegade Craft Fair showcasing today’s artists and modern makers from Chicago and beyond.

Chicago’s only beachfront music fest, Volleywood, takes place this Saturday at North Avenue Beach (1600 N. Lake Shore Dr.) in the Lincoln Park neighborhood.  Enjoy a day of live music, interactive experiences, and mouthwatering food from local vendors serving up the best bites Chicago has to offer.  In addition, the Midwest’s biggest beach volleyball tournament will take place featuring over 300 teams that include some of the region’s top players.  Tournament Teams will be guaranteed 3 matches of play, and fantastic prizes as well!

Returning for its 17th year, the Roscoe Village Burger Fest takes place this Saturday and Sunday (11 a.m.-10 p.m.) at 2000 West Belmont Avenue (Belmont and Damen Aves.) in the Roscoe Village neighborhood.  Besides enjoying succulent, beef patty cuisine from local restaurants preparing their own grilled creations, this fest boasts two stages of rockin’ music, arts & crafts, and an action-packed Kids’ Zone.  Furthermore, visitors have the opportunity to vote for Chicago’s Best Burger winner.  This mouth-watering event certainly goes to extraordinary lengths to impress burger aficionados!

Come experience the best of everything the River North neighborhood has to offer as they host their Taste of River North this Saturday and Sunday (11 a.m.-10 p.m.) at 627 North Wells Street (between Ontario St. and Chicago Ave.).  This foodie fest offers spectacular food from River North restaurants along with tunes from local cover bands, artists, local merchants, and a family fun area.  In addition, the 2nd annual Dog Parade will be held on Saturday, so be sure to sign up your furry friend in any of the following categories:  Best in Show, Best Rescue, Best Large Breed, Best Small Breed, and Best Costume.  Do you believe your fur baby has what it takes to strut its stuff!

Enjoy all the best and most authentic Latin cuisine Chicago has to offer at this year’s Tacos y Tamales Festival this Saturday (12 p.m.-10 p.m.) and Sunday (12 p.m.-9 p.m.) at West 16th Street and South Peoria Street in the Pilsen neighborhood.  Guests can sample plenty of tacos and tamales from the city’s best Mexican restaurants using techniques from across Latin America.  This food festival also features local merchant vendors, stunning art installations, a Modelo beer garden, and plenty of high energy live Latin music.

Malt Row, one of the most prolific craft brewing communities in the country, is hosting its annual Ravenswood On Tap this Saturday (12 p.m.-10 p.m.) and Sunday (12 p.m.-6 p.m.) at 4200 North Ravenswood Avenue (Ravenswood and Berteau Aves.) in the Lakeview neighborhood.  In addition to spotlighting beers from Malt Row’s breweries, this event also features live music, delicious street food, local artists and artisans, axe-throwing, and more.  This outdoor festival is all about local!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Neighborhood News: Lincoln Park’s Facets Multi- Media protects and promotes independent, international film

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Show font set collection, letters and numbers symbols

Since 1975, Lincoln Park’s FACETS Multi-Media, 1517 W. Fullerton Avenue, has been described as a “temple of great cinema” by film critic Roger Ebert and “a giant in the rarefied world of art-house films and cultural education.”

FACETS‘ mission is to “create cinematic experiences for youth and adults that foster vital conversations and community action through film exhibitions, media education, and film resources.” To this end, they:

  • Maintain an unparalleled movie rental library of 65,000 titles, available to rent in person or by online nationwide mail-order.
  • FACETS Film School presents opportunities for adults to develop and deepen their film knowledge through lectures and classes presented by film teachers and scholars. 
  • For 40 years, their Children’s Programs produced the annual Chicago International Children’s Film Festival (on hold for 2024) and continues to offer year-round media education programs in schools and other public facilities.
  • Facets Video is one of the largest distributors of foreign film in the United States.
  • Created Summer Film Camps to build  filmmaking and storytelling skills for children ages 8-17. 
  • Created the Anime Club, presenting an exclusive double feature screening for Film Club Members celebrating all things anime. Anime Club screenings are a Film Club Member ($15 /month or $150 /year) exclusive perk and include two free tickets. This film series encourages community building and discussion around all things anime, featuring built in intermissions every month where members are invited to hang out in the FACETS Studio or Lounge.
  • Created the Speakeasy Cinema to view overlooked classics such as this Saturday, July 20 presentation of the trailblazing pre-code gangster film “City Streets” (1931) starring Gary Cooper and Sylvia Sidney. 

History of FACETS

FACETS was created by Czech-born immigrant Milos Stehlik in 1975 at The Drama Shelter. According to a Chicago Sun-Times obituary, Stehlik left his native Czechoslovakia in the early 1960s, and started screening films as a 20-something owner of a bookstore near Halsted and Webster. When he learned a neighboring theater company – the Drama Shelter – was having trouble filling seats, he decided to try and help, using a 16mm projector and a bedsheet.

Here, according to an article on FACETS website,  Stehlik and a group of volunteers screened “anything he could find for cheap or for free to borrow, ”including silent films, German Expressionism, Czech films that were available in 16mm, the format FACETS used to screen everything.”  

As screenings became more popular than the theater’s live shows, FACETS got kicked out of the space and moved to a rented hall at the Resurrection Lutheran church. The church got 10% of the box office. This collaboration kicked off with a festival of Latin American and Spanish Cinema.  Every film screened in Chicago had to go through this board and get approved. 

Some notable films screened were “Reed: Insurgent Mexico” and the American debut of the film “Ossessione” by famous Italian director Luchino Visconti. 

By 1977, FACETS as a cinema had already gained a lot of traction in the film community, hosting screenings seven days a week and retrospectives from directors such as Louis Malle, Alain Tanner, Claude Jutra, and Jan Kadar. Finally, it seemed like a perfect time to get FACETS cinema running in its own designated space. The first films screened in the building at 1517 W. Fullerton were for their festival for New French Cinema. 

Over the years, according to Stehlik’s obituary in Variety in 2019, devoted Facets customers included “such bold-face names as Martin Scorsese, Stephen Sondheim and Cher, as well as hundreds of university and public libraries. In a 1998 New York Times article, Roger Ebert opined, “If you can’t find it at Facets, chances are you can’t find it. He’s [Stehlik] really making a difference nationally and worldwide.”

For more information about FACETS memberships and upcoming screenings, click here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Restaurant Review: In the ‘dog days’ of summer, take them to Wicker Park’s The Perch Kitchen and Tap!

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Beautiful smiling Woman holds small dog in hands sits at table in restaurant with cup of coffee

The months of July and August generally mark the ‘dog days’ of summer. Our furry friends enjoy spending time with their families as much as our kids do, so now’s the time to take everyone out—including Fido—for brunch, lunch or dinner!

With their unique offerings of exclusive in-house brewed beers, wood-fired meats and veggies, and carefully crafted cocktails, Wicker Park’s The Perch Kitchen and Tap takes pride in creating an inviting atmosphere, where natural light fills the space during lunches and weekend brunches. 

They have a separate menu for your furry friends (and your kids!) and a spacious patio where the family can enjoy their time together, featuring a wood-fired grill and house-brewed craft beer.

Start with appetizers like IRON SKILLET CORNBREAD, served hot with maple-honey butter, or CROQUETTES, which are bacon potato cakes, smoked paprika aioli, and chive. LOBSTER DEVILED EGGS are three halves, lightly seasoned, and loaded with lobster.

Summer days are salad days, and The Perch has such favorites as the WRIGHTWOOD, which pairs Rotisserie chicken with tomato, craisins, avocado, goat cheese, corn, almonds, cornbread croutons, roasted red pepper, and green onion, with citrus vinaigrette. KALE & PEANUT SALAD is a mix of kale, mint, red cabbage, grapes, covered in peanut vinaigrette. GRILLED TUNA is Ahi tuna served rare, mixed greens, mango, avocado, black sesame seed, and ponzu, in a cilantro-lime vinaigrette. 

Not to be missed on their ‘Woodfired’ menu is TUNA NO. 8, whichis Nori-crusted tuna served with kimchi rice, soy-ginger teriyaki, and peanuts. STEAK FRITES is a marinated skirt steak bathed in chimichurri butter, served with parmesan fries.Vegetarian palates will enjoy their ROASTED VEGETABLE PLATE, a Chef’s fresh selection of fire roasted vegetables, or their CAVATELLI & BURRATA, which is fresh semolina pasta, vodka sauce, red peppers, zucchini, asparagus, and burrata. Their PORK CHOP isn’t just any chop…it’s a 12-ounce Duroc pork chop, covered in grilled peach pico de gallo, chipotle-honey glaze, and served with mashed potatoes. ATLANTIC SALMON is citrus-marinated, served with grilled broccolini with a ginger-sesame vinaigrette. MARYLAND CRAB CAKE is fresh jumbo lump crab, and remoulade, served with fries and slaw. 

Weekend Brunch 

Overthe weekend, guests can feast on IRON SKILLET BLUEBERRY CORNBREAD, served hot with maple-honey butter, LEMON BLUEBERRY PANCAKEShave a tangy lemon pancake batter, loaded with blueberries, lemon curd, and covered in warm blueberry syrup. Their WICKER PARK OMELET has sundried tomato, basil pesto, and smoked provolone cheese. DIVISION ST. OMELET has mozzarella, provolone, Italian sausage, bacon, and caramelized onions. AVOCADO TOAST features a blistered tomato, cucumber, cotija cheese, and a sunny egg.

Puppies feast as well!

Their puppy menu includes such original combinations as HEFE-WOOF-ZEN, a healthy drink combining chicken stock with organic molasses.  SCRUFFY SCRAMBLE Eggs, broccoli, chicken (NOTE: available only during brunch). PUPPY POWER BOWL has protein, spent grains, and spinach. PUPSICLES are honey yogurt, peanut butter, banana

The Perch Kitchen and Tap is located at 1932 West Division Street.  They are open on Sunday for brunch from 9am – 2:30pm, reopening for dinner from 3pm–10pm. Monday-Thursday, they are open from 11:30am–10pm, Friday from 11:30am–11pm, and Saturday for brunch from 9am–2:30pm, and dinner from 3pm–11pm. Reservations are recommended, and can be made by clicking here.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

2024 Hot Dog Day

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Chicago Home and Lifestyles – 6 reasons why you’re waking up at night

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Man awake at night lying on bed sleepless with eyes wide opened suffering insomnia

We all have small moments where we wake up throughout the night, but we usually return to sleep before we realize we were awake. We move through different stages of sleep that typically take 90 minutes to cycle through, then speed up towards morning. For most of us it’s entirely normal, but for some there are other factors disrupting sleep. Here are a few things that could be the issue and some tips on what we can do.

Caffeine. This is often thought to be the culprit. Most people underestimate just how long the effects of caffeine really last. It’s best to stop consuming caffeine by early to midafternoon to assure there’s no effect. Also, some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others so noon may be a safer cutoff. Water intake during the day can also be a factor. Going to bed even mildly hydrated can affect your sleep in a positive way. Of course, don’t wait too late to hydrate as you’ll be waking up to use the bathroom. 

Alcohol. It can give you an initial crash, so you fall asleep, but it causes spikes in blood sugar and cortisol levels.

Late night snacking. Foods high in sugar or those that cause gas or heartburn can also be a problem. A good bedtime snack will have a small amount of protein and carbs. Whole grain toast and peanut butter is a good choice. Following an anti-inflammatory diet limiting processed foods, red meats and alcohol while favoring fruits, vegetables, lean meats, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats can improve sleep apnea. 

Exercise routine. Normally, exercise is good and aids sleep. But too close to bedtime can actually be problematic for some. 

Bedroom boundaries. Unfortunately, our bedrooms have turned into home cinemas, offices and even dining rooms. This trains us to associate your bed with wakefulness. Try to create boundaries around the bedroom. If you do wake up and struggle to get back to sleep, get up for a bit. Tossing and turning is counterproductive. And try not to look at the clock! 

Racing thoughts. Many of us have little time during the day to process our thoughts. A good idea is to journal in the evening but not later than an hour before bed. Do it somewhere you can relax your body and mind, not the bedroom. Managing stress and anxiety during the day is key to a restful and good night’s sleep. 

Hopefully these tips will help you improve your sleep, but try not rely too heavily on fitness trackers and sleep apps. They often give you inaccurate data that you obsess over. We all have blips in our sleep, no one sleeps perfectly all the time! However, check with your GP if you feel you’re waking up too many times during the night as there can be underlying health problems.

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago