We are all into getting rid of clutter these days. There is even a fancy name for it, minimalizing. The kitchen, unfortunately, is one place where we seem to have great difficulty paring down. It is great to keep an old Dutch oven from your grandma but not so good to hang onto those old non-stick scratched up frying pans. These can be bad for you, BTW. 

What do we really need to keep? Any home chef needs these basics. 

• Start with a good set of knives. 
• Three pots of varying sizes from stockpot to a 2-quart saucepan. 
• Two frying pans, 9-inch non-stick omelet, and 12-inch. 
• Make sure you enough plates and silverware to serve eight people. 
• Baking? 13X9 and 8X8 baking pans will get you through most anything. 

Goodwill and Salvation Army can use any gently used appliances and other kitchen tools. Any young relative moving into their first apartment can use these items too. Give away your duplicates, after all, how many measuring spoons and cups do you need? Two sets will do, one dry and one liquid.

When is the last time you used that pasta machine and waffle maker? Goodbye! Currently, I know I have at least three or four travel mugs I never use. The same goes for too many souvenir cups. How about specialty baking pans, cake pops anyone? You get the idea. It is like your closet. If you have not used a kitchen item, no matter what it is, in a year, it must go. 

Unfortunately, we also keep many things that are simply past their usefulness. Ratty oven mitts that burn your hands and threadbare and stained kitchen towels need to be tossed. Those all-metal tongs are a burn waiting to happen. Get rid of all those scarred plastic containers. I use disposable ones now. Toss them or wash and reuse; it does not matter! Stained and chipped coffee mugs? Gone! Look through your spice cabinet. Anything older than 6 months is past its prime and not at top flavor. You will be surprised at how good fresh spices taste. 

Go through your pantries and cabinets, all the way back and to the highest shelf. Be merciless, donate what you can, and toss the rest. You will love the minimalist life!

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

One of the best times to be in Chicago is the Fourth of July when we celebrate America’s birthday! However, don’t expect any large gatherings this year. Still, the city is adjusting its Fourth of July Celebrations with safe and fun activities for this weekend. Here are a few other ideas as well!

What better way to keep the little ones occupied than with Patriotic Crafts. Afterward, deck out your home in red, white, and blue for the holiday. You may even want to get crafty with the kids yourself while celebrating American freedom inspired by these crafts!

If you’re planning on staying at home to celebrate or couldn’t secure a table for in-house dining now available, why not support our local restaurants by purchasing one of their July 4th Takeout Options. Some kits include BBQ meals, ready-to-grill meats, and more!

Turn your backyard barbecue or indoor gathering with family into a star-studded occasion with some easy and delicious Fourth of July Red, White, and Blue Desserts. And, with the arrival of hot summer temps, there are even a few no-bake dessert options, so you’re not baking yourself over the oven. Have a few family members bake something as well and turn it into a bake-off contest! After all, you can’t celebrate America’s birthday without some red, white, and blue desserts!!

A Fourth of July tradition here in Chicago is the Grant Park Music Festival’s Independence Day Salute featuring the Grant Park Orchestra and conductor Christopher Bell. Since they can’t perform live this year, they will be broadcasting a virtual evening of all-American favorites such as the 1812 Overture, America the Beautiful, Stars and Stripes Forever, and more classics from 7:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Just tune in on YouTube at 6:00 p.m. on July 4th!

Since our Fourth of July fireworks at Navy Pier have been canceled, why not end your holiday evening with a Backyard Movie Night. Just set-up a screen TV with some cozy seating and pick-out an All-American movie! And don’t forget the popcorn!!

Finally, while it’s best to leave the fireworks to the professionals, which isn’t happening this year, here are a few Fireworks Safety Tips for the consumer fireworks so we can all be safe and injury-free while celebrating the Fourth of July with a bang!

Reminder for those who will be out and about: All individuals must wear masks/face coverings over nose and mouth (exceptions can be made for people with medical conditions or disabilities that prevent them from safely wearing a face covering). Physical distancing is encouraged. Check with tour or attraction for additional health and safety guidelines.

Have a Happy and Safe Fourth of July, Everyone! I Know I Will!!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

It’s been months since we were able to write a restaurant review. Thanks to Chicagoans doing a great job of social distancing, the city has been able to reopen restaurants, and many other attractions that remind us of what normal was like before COVID-19. So it is with great pleasure that I made my way to a local eatery in my neighborhood last weekend and once again enjoyed a great meal in the presence of friends.

Gulliver’s Pizza & Pub, located at 2727 West Howard Street in Rogers Park, has been a long-standing establishment in the neighborhood. Known for their delicious pan pizza, Gulliver’s has been in operation since 1965, making it practically a North Side landmark. It had been months since I dined on their pizza, and I was eager to return to a spot that has long offered great food and a one of a kind atmosphere.

With both indoor and outdoor dining now available, my friends and I decided to enjoy the weather and eat outdoors in Gulliver’s spacious and relaxing outdoor patio. Seating followed social distancing protocols, and we didn’t have to wait long to get a table.

Whether you’re a first-timer or seasons regular to Gulliver’s, you simply can’t go wrong their award-winning pan pizza baked to perfection in a brick oven. We ordered a pepperoni and sausage pan pizza and an appetizer platter featuring chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, and potato skins. Needless to say, after months relegated to being stuck indoors, calories and carbs were not a concern.

The appetizer platter offered high-quality finger food with the mozzarella sticks clearly being the highlight on the plate. We debated ordering another round of the gooey sticks before realizing that the real treat, Gulliver’s legendary pan pizza, was on the way. 

Our server brought the mouth-watering pie to our table and served each of us are perfect slice that oozed with gooey goodness thanks to the two layers of cheese baked in this pizza powerhouse. Each slice felt like a meal in itself. When I thought I could not handle anymore, my taste buds strongly disagreed and took control of my limbs as I reached for another piece. I offered no resistance.

With full and happy stomachs, my friends and I enjoyed some cold beers while the sun basked down on us. For a long moment, it seemed like the pandemic actually left the headlines of our minds, and we laughed as if it was just another summer day. It was a delight to be back outside, sharing stories and smiles along with some of the best pan pizza around. 

The service was excellent, and the environment was picture perfect. I highly recommend Gulliver’s patio, but one should definitely make it a point to dine in as well. The legendary collection of antiques, statues, and lamps that adorn the dining room make this spot a perfect setting for a date night or any family outing.

If you find yourself on the North Side, be sure to grab a bite at Gulliver’s. Heck, even if you’re nowhere around Rogers Park and crave delicious pizza, put Gulliver’s in your GPS and make your way there. It’s worth the travel.

Gulliver’s Pizza & Pub is open Monday thru Thursday from 11 am to 10pm, Saturday from 11am to 11 pm, and Sunday from 11am to 9 pm.

ERIC KAPLAN AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

Using plants as décor is a great way to add a little color and a natural, bright feel to any room. There are endless types of plants to choose from and various ways to display each one, but here are a few of our favorite combinations.

Geometric pots. Find geometric pots or planters of various sizes and plant small succulents of different styles and colors in each one. Then group a few pots together on a window sill or shelf or use them individually to adorn a side table or center of the dining room table.

Long, hanging plants. Purchase a larger, draping plant like eucalyptus, fern, or ivy and hang it from the ceiling using a macramé plant hanger or place it on a high shelf or ladder. These plants are perfect for the corner of your living room or room with a large, plain wall that is in need of a little pop of color.

Plant corner. Have a large corner in the dining or living room and need ideas on how to fill it? Consider turning it into a small plant sanctuary. Select plants of all different sizes, heights, colors, and style and purchase either matching pots or a mix of designs. Consider the use of a stool or small table to create additional levels and strategically place each one in the corner.

Air plants. Air plants are universal and can be included in DIY wall art, hung from the ceiling or on the wall inside geometric metal prisms, or placed inside beautiful glass terrariums alongside other plants and colorful rocks or sand.

Chicago is set to begin Phase 4 of reopening the city on Friday. With this expansion, there are plenty of questions from entertainment-starved citizens on what will open, in what capacity, and what guidelines must be followed to ensure everyone’s safety. Let’s take a look at what to expect as we attempt to get back to something resembling our regular routines.

Businesses reopening on Friday include indoor movies and theaters, gyms, museums and zoos, and indoor dining. Fifty is the target number now concerning gatherings at these establishments. Either 50 people or 50% room capacity is what the new Phase 4 guidelines allow. 

Movie theaters: While drive-ins have been brought back during Phase 3 of the city’s reopening plan, indoor movie theaters will be reopening in Phase 4. Again, attendance is cut off at 50 people or 50% of the theater’s screening room capacity. Theaters in the suburbs of Elmhurst, North Riverside, Fox Lake, and Elk Grove Village are set to screen films starting Friday. However, many theaters will remain closed, so be sure to check ahead before heading out to catch a flick. 

Gyms and fitness centers: Many of us have been going stir crazy since gyms shut down back in March. Thankfully, we, as a city, have done our part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and now can finally return to our local gyms. These establishments must limit capacity to 50% for the time being. Of course, face coverings and social distancing are a must. Check with your fitness center for any specific rules they may have regarding returning to work out. 

Museums and Zoos: Many of the Chicago area’s amazing museums and zoos will be allowed to open again during Phase 4, but many are not ready to do so just yet. For instance, the Shedd Aquarium will reopen to the public on July 3, and the Field Museum will open in the next few weeks. Capacity must be limited to 25%, and interactive exhibits will remain closed for the time being. The Lincoln Park Zoo will reopen June 29, but you will need to make reservations ahead of time. Find more info about visiting the Lincoln Park Zoo here. The Chicago Botanical Gardens will be open by reservation only. Check out how to preregister for a visit here.

Live performance venues: With virtually every summer concert canceled due to COVID-19, there won’t be any significant changes. Small venues can reopen Friday but must limit capacity to 50 or fewer, which for many spots won’t help due to not enough money coming in to cover costs. For the time being, any club that packs in audiences like sardines will remain closed until we reach the final phase, signaling a true return to normal. 

Indoor dining: We have been cooped up for so long that dining indoors almost seems like a dream. Well, wake up because Chicago has allowed indoor dining to return, but not without restrictions. Restaurants, bars, and breweries can reopen on Friday. Still, they must limit capacity to 25% with groups of 10 or less allowed. Be sure to call ahead if you plan on dining indoors any time soon to find out if reservations are required before visiting your favorite Chicago eatery. 

While we are thrilled to enter Phase 4 of reopening in Chicago, it is vital to uphold social distancing measures and protect ourselves. We have made great strides in bringing down the COVID-19 mortality rates and decreasing the number of new cases. The only way to continue our progress until a vaccine is produced is to keep up the good work we have done so far. So go have a great time out this weekend, Chicago. But be careful out there.

ERIC KAPLAN AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO