Restaurant Review – Roti Modern Mediterranean

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I LOVE Mediterranean food! Generally, it’s cheap and healthy; two things I’m always on the lookout for. This week took me to Roti Modern Mediterranean, a fast casual restaurant with locations all over the US; in DC, the greater Chicagoland area, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, Texas, and Virginia. I went to the location in Lincoln Park. The space is beautiful, with huge open windows, white marble topped tables, and plenty of seating. When you walk up to the counter, you can choose to try a “Modern Classic”, a fan favorite dish, or you can Build-Your-Own. I decided to build my own! You begin by choosing your meal: rice plate, salad, laffa wrap, pita sandwich, or flatbread pizza; I chose a salad. Then you choose from a list of proteins: chicken roti, chicken kabob, steak roti, salmon kabob, spicy lamb meatballs, falafel, or vegetable. I chose the chicken kabob. After you choose your protein, they ask if you’d like your salad mixed or plated; I chose mixed. Then you can choose any toppings you’d like! I added the Tomato and Cucumber Salad, Roti’s take on a classic Jerusalem Salad; fresh tomatoes and cucumbers diced and tossed in olive oil and lemon juice. I also added the Red Cabbage Slaw: red cabbage, carrots, and parsley tossed in their house Roti vinaigrette. Then I added Roasted Fresh Vegetables, lightly seasoned and tossed in olive oil. I added pickled onions and fresh cilantro as well! Then it was time to choose my sauce- one of my favorite parts. I chose the Dill, Yogurt, and Cucumber; made with low fat Greek yogurt. I also added the Red S’hug. S’hug is a popular condiment in the Eastern Mediterranean and is made with crushed red pepper, fresh garlic, and cayenne pepper. Then my salad was tossed to perfection! And man oh man was it good. Every ingredient is fresh and the flavors are all simple, yet tasty. I would order again from here in a second! I would love to try more menu items. 

Roti has 10 locations in the city, as well as 8 in the greater Chicago area. You can find more information about Roti’s locations here. Roti is also available for online ordering and catering services. 

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

Kathy’s Home & Garden Tips – Tips for Spring Jobs

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You might want to get a few jobs around the house done before the real heat sets in. Even inside jobs seem more fun when you can throw open the windows and enjoy the spring weather! Water plants early in the day before the summer heat. Watering too late can encourage fungus to grow. Spring rains should take care of the lawn but if there are 4-5 days without rain, make sure to water well. 

Check around the house for any peeling paint on doors, trim, and around windows. Scrape well, sand, and paint with paint rated for outdoors. Power wash your siding, always working from top to bottom. Move some of your houseplants outside to a covered deck or porch; making sure temperatures are steadily over 50 degrees at night. Clean the tracks on your sliding glass doors. Dislodge dirt with an old toothbrush then vacuum. See that weep holes are free of dirt. These holes allow excess moisture to drain away.

Check the outlets inside. If any regular outlets are buzzing or warm to the touch, have them checked by a licensed electrician. Test GFCI outlets with a small lit lamp. Plug it in and push the button; the light should go off. If not, it may need to be replaced. GFCI outlets also need to be installed within 10 feet of any water source. 

Vinegar is a big help around the house. It’s great for cleaning stainless steel. Dip a cloth in white vinegar and clean with the grain, then buff with a microfiber cloth. Clean old paintbrushes by soaking in hot vinegar then washing in soapy water. 

Clean your kitchen cabinets with an oil soap like Murphey’s. You can dilute it in a gallon of warm water or use a small amount on a slightly damp rag for grimy wood. Dry with a microfiber cloth. 

Change the water filter on your refrigerator water dispenser twice a year; this will ensure fresh, clean tasting water. Check the rubber gasket around the door and clean it regularly. Test with a dollar bill! First, close the door on the bill. If it comes out easily when you pull, you are losing energy and should replace the gasket. 

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

What To Negotiate When Buying A Home

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Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned veteran, the negotiation part of the transaction can be a little daunting and stressful. However, it is necessary to ensure you are getting the best possible deal for your money. So, what should you negotiate when buying a home?

Closing Costs
Your closing costs are determined by a variety of factors, but you can expect it to be between 2% to 5% of the purchase price. Ask the seller to cover some or all of the closing costs upfront or request a closing credit that can be used to make specific updates and fixes to the home.

Furnishings
Love how the seller has furnished and decorated the home? Buyers often negotiate keeping couches, fixtures, landscaping items, patio furniture, appliances, and more. And many sellers agree, wanting to make the home more appealing.

Inspection and Closing Timing
Buyer offers that include a quick inspection and close timeline are often more attractive to sellers who have been going through the process for far too long. Just ensure you allow yourself ample time to get your financing in place and complete proper, thorough inspections.

Home Warranty
Sellers will often agree to pay the premium on the home warranty at closing and then hand it off to the new homeowner, who is responsible for the deductible on any future claims.

Repairs
Your inspection may uncover small or large repairs needed to bring the home up to standard. You can negotiate to have these items fixed before closing or ask for a price reduction to cover the costs.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – It’s Time for a Fiesta and Summer’s Kickoff!

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Wow, what a weekend we have in store for us!  Not only are Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby on the same weekend, but Chicagoans are also kicking off summer!!

Commemorating the Mexican Army’s victory over the French empire at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, many Chicago establishments will be celebrating Cinco de Mayo on Saturday and/or Sunday.  Here are just a few:

Join the River North neighborhood this Saturday (12:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.) for their Tequila-N-Tacos Bar Crawl.  Tickets include a free t-shirt (while supplies last), a complimentary taco bar at check-in locations, entry up to 4+ venues and “no cover,” drink specials up to 40% off, gift cards, giveaways, and more! And the after party includes WAM! Live Inc. videographers & photographers, DJs at all venues, more prizes and giveaways, and take-home swag!!  Tequila, Margs, and Tacos- what more could you want?!

This ALL-NEW fest on Lincoln Avenue (2576 N. Lincoln) at Wrightwood Avenue in the Lincoln Park neighborhood is all about celebrating the holiday with Cinco! On The Street.  There will be plenty of tacos and tequila, DJ beats, face painting fun for kids, lucha libre shows (Mexican wrestling), mechanical bull rides, and more!

Join Bash Events, Tecate, and Dos Equis at these bar crawls on Sunday.  First up is the Wrigleyville Cinco De Mayo Pub Crawl at Cubby Bear Wrigleyville (1059 W. Addison St.) from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Then there’s the Division Street Cinco De Mayo Pub Crawl at The Original Mother’s (26 W. Division St.) on the Near North Side from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Both events will feature bar hopping at the neighborhood’s best bars, drinking beer, and eating tacos.  You’ll even have an opportunity to thumb wrestle a luchador, play Mexican pinko, shake maracas, take swipes at pinatas, and much more!  The hosts will supply t-shirts, sombreros, tacos, luchador masks, and tons of other Cinco-style giveaways for their participants!!  So grab your sombrero, dress to fiesta, call your amigos, and come celebrate Cinco de Mayo the right way!!!

Now if you prefer a freestyle pub crawl ,rather than a guided one, Cinco de Mayo Pub Crawl Wrigleyville is for you.  This type of crawl gives participants the freedom to stay at one bar or visit several during the day and takes place on Sunday (1:00 p.m.).  Participating vendors include Lucky Strike Social (1027 W. Addison St.), HVAC, Merkles, Nola Bar & Kitchen, The Stretch, and Houndstooth.  This crawl is a joyous celebration of tequila shots, lavish margaritas, and cold Corona beers!

Here’s a link to the remaining Cinco de Mayo Events – Chicago-style!

For those of you who prefer to wear big hats, sip on mint juleps, and spend a day at the races, check out these local Kentucky Derby Day Parties! Have a grand time celebrating the Derby as if you were in Louisville!

It’s time again for the Chicago Beer Classic at Soldier Field (1410 S. Museum Campus Dr.) in the South Loop this Saturday with two sessions (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. & 4:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.).  Sample beers from over 100 breweries, enjoy delicious stadium food favorites at various concession stands during the event, enter onto the grass of Soldier Field through the tunnel feeling like part of the team, compete in bocce, try your hand at Giant Jenga, visit the variety of sponsor booths in the concourse, and much more!  There’s even a traditional tailgate party at Gate 0 where you can grab a snack from various food trucks, purchase swag from Chicago-based vendors, or brush up on your beer pong skills!!  This is definitely the city’s can’t miss kickoff to summer!!!

Finally, join ComEd and the Chicago Park District as they Switch on Summer at Buckingham Fountain (301 S. Columbus Dr.) in The Loop on Sunday (12:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.).  Festivities include free giveaways, family-friendly activities, and live entertainment by local bands Sixteen Candles and Today’s Trade.  There’s even a Kid Zone featuring activities like face painting, costumed characters, giant kick darts, a 3-in-1 carnival, and much more!

It’s Fiesta Time!!

CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS: Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Bucktown and Wicker Park, River North, Chicago Loop, Oak Park

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Lakeview: The Retrospect Vintage Modern Fashion Market takes place from May 2 to May 5. The market features beautifully preserved clothing for women, men, and children from the 1890s to 1990s. The event kicks off Thursday, May 2 with a showing of Funny Face at the Music Box Theatre at 7 pm. Come dressed in your vintage best; the evening will open with a brief panel discussion led by noted and witty Chicago fashion historian Nena Ivon and friends. This weekend, shop vintage fashion and jewelry, enjoy bubbles and bites, watch a fashion show, listen to a DJ, and more. Find more information about the lineup here.

Lincoln Park: It’s time for Lincoln Park Uncorked 2019: An Armitage-Halsted Wine Stroll. On Thursday May 9 from 6 to 9 pm, get yourself to one of Chicago’s premier wine tasting events. Enjoy over 40 samples of red, white, and rose wines while strolling through one of the city’s most famous shopping districts in the heart of Lincoln Park. Participating businesses include Bliss and Belle Boutique, Blue Door Farm Stand, Oyster Bah, The Tie Bar, and many more. General admission tickets are $40 and can be purchased online.

Bucktown and Wicker Park: Tuman’s Tap and Grill hosts Pipeworks Brewing Company for an Illinois Craft Beer Week Tapping. On Wednesday, May 15 from 4 pm to 2 am, the tapping will feature five beers from this Chicago craft brewery. The lineup includes two rare and two new Pipeworks beers. Seismic Positivity, a Pipeworks collaboration with Hop Butcher For the World, a craft brewery located in Darien, Illinois, rounds out the lineup. There is no cover charge to attend and beers are between $8 and $10 each. The tapping is at 4 p.m.; you can meet the Pipeworks crew from 7-9 p.m.; and beers are available until 2 a.m. (while supplies last).  Food specials for the event include $4 wild boar tacos. Tuman’s is open from 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Wednesday, May 15 and the kitchen is open until 11 p.m. Find more information here.

River North: Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a River North Bar Crawl! Join Meet People Chicago and over 100 other margarita lovers as you crawl through River North enjoying great tequila and delicious Mexican food. The bar crawl begins at 4 pm and ends at 9 pm on Saturday, May 4. Participating bars include Hubbard Inn, Mercadito, Concrete Cowboy, and Trophy Room. Tickets are $15 each and can be purchased online. Find more information here.

Chicago Loop: Celebrate Mom with a Mother’s Day Upside Down Tea Party! At the Commons Club, settle in for an afternoon of bubbly, boozy tea, and nosh towers. All moms will be greeted with mimosas as they walk in the door! The event is Saturday May 11 from 1-4 pm. Tea reservations are required after you purchase your tea package. The team will reach out to you to book your table time. Check out the variety of packages available and purchase yours here.

Oak Park: Get your walk on with The Oak Park Hunger Crop Walk! This community event is for Oak Park, Forest Park, River Forest, and the Austin neighborhood in Chicago. It was started 36 years ago to help the hungry and has raised over $1.5 million helping people both locally and abroad. The 2018 walk raised $82,500! The walk is on Sunday, May 5. Registration begins at 1 pm and the walk begins at 2 pm at the Pilgrim Congregational Church UCC (460 Lake St, Oak Park, IL 60302). The walk is approximately 4.3 miles and there is a shorter 2.7 mile option. Find more information and donate here.

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

Restaurant Review – Jerry’s Sandwiches

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I absolutely love finding new favorite restaurants. This week, I found what is sure to be a staple in my monthly restaurant rotation: Jerry’s Sandwiches. Jerry’s boasts making “Curious, Thoughtful Sandwiches Since 2002”. Well sign me up!  Jerry’s has two locations, one in Andersonville and one in Lincoln Square. We went to the Lincoln Square location. They have a huge space, with an expansive seating area inside as well as a sizable outdoor patio. It was a beautiful day and all of the windows were open, which made for a lovely meal. One look at the menu and my mouth was already watering. Shishito peppers, beer-battered avocado, fried chicken poppers?! Yes please! But I always know my eyes are bigger than my stomach, so I decided to skip the appetizer and focus on my main meal. The menu is huge, with soups, salads, burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, turkey sandwiches, meatloaf and beef sandwiches, seafood sandwiches, grilled cheese, and more. I chose the Chickie Salad: zesty house chicken salad, roast poblano peppers, apple, cucumber, crouton, and ranch dressing. This was on a bed of house romaine, leaf, and frisee mix. The portion was gigantic and I was sure there was no way I could finish it. Spoiler alert- I did. Every ingredient was fresh, crispy, and delicious. The house chicken salad had a tasty chipotle mayonnaise and the poblano peppers added a lovely smoky flavor. My dad chose one of the specials, the Chaurice sandwich: Louisiana pork sausage, pimento cheese, fried onion, house pickle, and house barbecue sauce on a fresh baguette. Oh man did I immediately have food envy! This was marvelous. The pork sausage had a great spicy flavor, without being overpowering, and the pimento cheese was creamy and delicious. I love fried onions on a sandwich and the house barbecue sauce was the perfect balance of sweet and smoky. I would order this again in a heartbeat! 

Jerry’s is located at 4739 N. Lincoln in Lincoln Square and at 5419 N. Clark in Andersonville. They are open Mondays through Wednesdays from 11 am to 1 am, Thursdays and Fridays from 11 am to 2 am, Saturdays and Sundays (for brunch) from 10 am to 3 pm. Find more information here.

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

4 Repairs To Make Before You List Your Home

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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 our top five recommended repairs to make before selling your home.

1. 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.

2. 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!

3. 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.

4. 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.

Kathy’s Home & Garden Tips – Lawn Turn Around

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So you bought a new house and the lawn looks like it’s been neglected for years. It’s full of weeds with no good grass in sight. Your first thought might be to call the landscaper and have them replace the old lawn with new sod. This is a great idea- if you have a few thousand dollars laying around. But when you buy a new house, chances are good you will prioritize other things over new sod. But with a little elbow grease and a few tips, you can turn around a bad lawn with minimal cost. 

First things first: give the lawn a good rake. I’m talking arm killing, short, hard strokes. This is the best upper body workout you will ever get. You are aiming to rake up any dead material and rough up the soil. Apply a good weed and feed fertilizer. We are partial to Menards brand, it’s inexpensive and effective. Let it sit for a few weeks and water in slightly if no rain is forecast. 

It’s time to seed. Cover the entire lawn with a ½ inch or so of dry top soil. If you are in an area with heavy clay soil, add sand in 4:1 proportion. Toss out shovelfuls and spread with the back of a rake. Spread the seed evenly and cover lightly with more topsoil. The most important thing now is water. The seed needs to be moistened every day till it germinates. This can take up to 2 weeks depending on soil and air temperature. Usually you will see it sprouting in 7-10 days. Now water thoroughly (1 inch) once a week. 

As far as mowing goes, less is more. Or I should say longer is better. Grass should be no shorter than 2 1/2 to 3 inches. Encourage long, strong roots with good growth on top. Strong grass roots will also crowd out any weeds that want to hang around. The best weed preventative is a good strong lawn. 

Keep up the topsoil and seeding throughout the late spring into mid-summer. Grass doesn’t like extremely hot temps, so keep up with watering and adding topsoil. You really can’t add too much topsoil. Watch when you water, and when it rains, for low spots where water pools and add more topsoil there.  Chances are your soil was poor to start, that’s why you had so many weeds. Do another weed and feed mid-summer and again later in the fall. 

You should notice by the end of summer that you have more grass than weeds! Keep up your routine of fertilize, seed, topsoil, water, and proper mowing. You will be rewarded with a green, healthy lawn that cost a few hundred dollars instead of thousands.   

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

IS IT TIME TO UPSIZE YOUR HOME?

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Unfortunately, our homes don’t always grow with us. What may have initially worked fine for a single person, a young couple’s starter home, or a family with a newborn can quickly become too small as families expand and multiple generations live under one roof.

Remodeling and adding to your home is one option for creating more space, but it can be costly, and the size of your property may be prohibitive. That’s when moving to a bigger home becomes the best solution.

WHERE DO YOU NEED MORE SPACE?

The first thought when upsizing your home is to simply consider square footage, bedrooms, and bathrooms. But it’s important to take a more critical approach to how your space will actually be used. If you have younger children (or possibly more on the way), then focusing on bedrooms and bathrooms makes sense. But if your children are closer to heading off to college or starting their own families, it may be better to prioritize group spaces like the kitchen, dining room, living room, and outdoor space—it’ll pay off during the holidays or summer vacations, when everyone is coming to visit for big gatherings.

MOVING OUTWARD

If you need more space, but don’t necessarily want a more expensive home, you can probably get a lot more house for your money if you move a little further from a city center. While the walkability and short commutes of a dense neighborhood or condo are hard to leave beyond, your lifestyle—and preferences for hosting Thanksgiving, barbecues, and birthdays—might mean that a spacious home in the suburbs makes the most sense. It’s your best option for upsizing while avoiding a heftier price tag.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Spring-Like Temps Taking a Dip!

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After enjoying warm, spring-like temps this past Easter weekend, we would be so lucky to have them again this weekend.  That’s not going to happen though! However, there’s still a great lineup of activities to keep us in a spring frame of mind— despite temps taking a dip!!

Start stretching runners!  The 14th annual Race to Wrigley 5K Charity Run presented by ATI Physical Therapy returns this Saturday (8:00 a.m.) to Wrigley Field (1060 W. Addison St.) in the Wrigleyville neighborhood.  Runners will race through the Lakeview neighborhood before entering Wrigley Field’s friendly confines and crossing the finish line steps away from the Wrigley Field Marquee.  Participants will receive a special edition finisher’s medal, an exclusive Race to Wrigley performance shirt, a Cubs drawstring bag, and more!  Plus the first 50 people to raise $500 will receive a baseball autographed by a current Cubs player!!  So come on out and step up to the plate for Chicago’s kids!

Get ready!  The 2019 Miller Lite Chicago Bears Draft Party takes place this Saturday (12:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.) at Soldier Field (1410 S. Museum Campus Dr.) in the South Loop.  Go behind the scenes with locker room tours, participate in on-field activities, enjoy autograph opportunities with current players and alumni, and watch live NFL Draft coverage and analysis from Bears football experts in the United Club! Additional activities include music, entertainment, giveaways, sponsor displays, and more!!  It’s your best chance of the year to get exclusive access to the Bears!

The police have made a disturbing discovery!  Will you be able to crack a secret code to catch the killer of a murdered Watson Adventures staffer who left behind a startling clue?  Join The Murder in the Loop Scavenger Hunt this Saturday (2:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.) at the Daley Plaza (50 W. Washington St.) in The Loop to test your investigative skills.  Not only will you help to uncover the murderer, but you’ll also uncover the hidden history of The Loop!  On this wild whodunit, every answer turns out to be part of a curious code!!  Can you crack the secret code?

Sip delicious drinks from artisan-made cups at the Lincoln Square Pottery Studio (4150 N. Lincoln Ave.) in the Lincoln Square neighborhood this Saturday (6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.) at their 16th Anniversary Sale and Show.  They’ll be revving up their pottery wheels as their students compete in wacky clay competitions that will leave you in stitches.  You’ll also have an opportunity to admire and purchase one-of-a-kind ceramic creations by more than 50 artists such as spring planters, vases, mugs, sculptures, and more!  And their “buy-a-cup benefit” raises money to benefit the conservation of nature in the Chicagoland area.  So come out and support your local artisans and the environment!!

Time to waddle!  That’s right, waddle on over to Brookfield Zoo (8400 31st St.) in Brookfield this Saturday (10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.) to celebrate World Penguin Day.  This fun-filled event will feature activities for the entire family at The Living Coast Plaza (outside) and at The Living Coast-Rocky Shores (inside).  Zoogoers can attend special Zoo Chats to learn about the zoo’s Humboldt penguin colonies, partake in penguin-themed activities and crafts, and even meet a few of the fine-feathered birds up close!  And the first 1,000 children participating will receive a free World Penguin Day wrist band that is similar to the bands used to identify their resident penguins!!

Maybe May Will Act More Like Spring!