THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Enjoying the Spirit of the Season!

/in /by

Now that we have Thanksgiving behind us, Chicago will focus on some post-Thanksgiving assistance and pre-holiday events so we can continue enjoying the spirit of the season!

For all my Black Friday shoppers out there, why not end your day at the Black Friday Night Craft Market? It’s hosted by Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro (3905 N. Lincoln Ave.) in the North Center neighborhood on Friday from 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.  Join for a fun evening of shopping local handmade products including candles, soap, knitwear, jewelry, leather goods, and more!  Then stick around for some delicious food and drink at Mrs. Murphy’s!!

Ok, so the turkey wasn’t the only one overstuffed on Thanksgiving!  Get yourself over to the Grant Park Turkey Trot 5K/10K on Saturday (8:30 a.m.) at Arvey Field, Grant Park (1501 S. Lake Shore Dr.) in The Loop for a post-turkey workout.  Run or walk a 5K or 10K along a beautiful course through Grant Park all the way to the finish line for some free beer, hot cider, and some soft, gooey, delicious cinnamon rolls!  Participants will also receive a commemorative event gear pullover to keep them warm (like that turkey was in the oven) and a medal (made to flaunt) for every finisher.  Your overstuffed belly will thank you for this!!

Perhaps you still need a little push to get into the spirit of the season.  Maybe one of these pre-holiday events will do the trick!

Returning for its annual appearance at the Symphony Center (220 S. Michigan Ave.) in The Loop, the Vienna Boys Choir will perform a joyful program of traditional and contemporary vocal selections entitled “Christmas in Vienna” on Saturday at 2:00 p.m.!

ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo (2200 N. Cannon Dr.) in the Lincoln Park neighborhood has been a Chicago tradition for 24 years and kicks off the holiday season on Friday (4:30 p.m.) and runs through December 31st.  It’s a one-of-a-kind experience offering fun, free, family-oriented holiday celebrations featuring luminous themed displays and incredible seasonal activities all under the glow of 2.5 million lights!  There are several ticketed events as well like a Holiday Market (Nov 27), an adults-only night (Nov 29), a live performance of music from A Charlie Brown Christmas (Dec 9) and a Zoo Year’s Eve celebration (Dec 31)!!

Parkway Bank Park (5501 Park Pl.) in Rosemont will kick off its winter programming on Friday with the opening of the Chicago Wolves Ice Rink and Light Up the Park tree lighting event, featuring a spectacular display of over 80,000 lights throughout the park!  Free festive activities include ice skating (11:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.), tree lighting (5:30 p.m.), visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus (3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.), strolling carolers (5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.), and sleigh rides!!  Plus, restaurants will be open for lunch and dinner throughout the day.

See trees light up in a sea of color at The Morton Arboretum (4100 Illinois Route 53) in Lisle (suburb of Chicago) at their popular winter event Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum now through January 1, 2019.  Enjoy a walk down a one-mile paved, illuminated path through the forest, admiring the magical displays and seasonal music.  New features at this year’s event include art from HYBYCOZO – amazing treelike sculptures that spread intricate designs of light, and surprising new sights as well!  Hug a tree to change its colors, marvel at ever-changing, interactive lighting designs then warm up by a crackling fire with a cozy drink and s’mores!!

Enjoying the Spirit of the Season Yet?

9 Ways to Make Your Kitchen Appear Larger

/in /by

Not everyone is blessed with ample space in their kitchen. But just because your kitchen might be a little short on square footage doesn’t mean you can’t implement a few savvy tricks of the eye to make the space appear larger than it really is.

Here are a few tactics that designers use all the time to help visually expand the size of a kitchen without having to go through the hassle and expense of an addition.

1. Install Streamlined Appliances

If you can get away with it, consider installing appliances that are little more streamlined and slender in nature as opposed to oversized, bulky appliances. Doing so will make your kitchen feel less cluttered and will help to take up less space and open up the room a little more.

2. Furnish With Smaller Pieces to Open up the Floor Space

Along the same lines as installing more slender appliances, consider furnishing the space with pieces that are more sleek in design. Rather than outfitting the room with chunky tables and chairs, choose pieces that are smaller and more slender in stature. Picking models that are smaller in size will help to open up more floor space, which will also help to open up the room and make it appear larger.

3. Make Good Use of Lighting

Lots of light brightens up a space and makes it feel airy and spacious. Whenever possible, allow as much natural light in as you can. To do this, be sure to hang sheer window treatments over your windows so that any natural light is not obstructed.

At the same time, make good use of artificial lighting to serve the same purpose. Layer your lighting with pot lights, pendant lamps, and undercabinet lighting tracks. Accent with ambient lighting to provide much-needed light during evening hours after the sun sets.

4. Lay Flooring Planks Length-Wise

If you’re laying flooring in your kitchen, consider laying your floor materials to run with the length of the kitchen. This will help to make the room look longer, as opposed to laying the flooring material sideways which can actually make the space seem smaller and shorter.

5. Use Light Colors

This is nothing new, but using light colors as opposed to darker ones can help open up a space and make it seem larger. People who want to appear slimmer often wear dark clothes, and the same concept works with interiors. Darker colors tend to tighten a space, while lighter colors can do the opposite.

6. Go Easy on the Accessories

Decor is great for bringing out the style factor in your kitchen. But having too many little artifacts out can not only make a room look cluttered, it can also make it feel smaller. Fewer items out on countertops and tables is much better for making your kitchen seem bigger than it really is.

7. Consider Glass-Front Cabinet Doors

Cabinet doors have a way of enclosing a space, especially if they’re dark in color. One great way to offset this effect is to consider using a few glass-door cabinet doors to help make the room seem larger.

Not only will they help to add more depth to the room, but they’ll also help to visually expand the space by offering a reflective surface. These types of surfaces and others, like shiny metal or mirrors, bounce light off of them and can make any space feel bigger. And the more reflective cabinet doors and other reflective surfaces you have, the more they’ll feed off each other and make your kitchen feel even larger.

8. Avoid Color Blocking

Stick to just one color in your kitchen (hopefully a light one). If you throw in a different color that’s in stark contrast to the rest of the room, you risk breaking up the space and making it look smaller.

For instance, an accent wall in a much darker shade can create such strong contrast that it actually makes the space look as if it’s being broken up into smaller areas, which is the complete opposite of what you’re trying to achieve. Instead, use just one light color throughout the entire room.

9. Install Ceiling-Height Cabinets

Installing cabinets that extend as close to the ceiling as possible can help to draw the eye up and make the room seem larger and the ceiling seem higher.

The Bottom Line

Short of ripping down walls to add more square footage to your kitchen, there are a few design tricks you can employ that can help open up your kitchen space and make it seem bigger than it truly is. If your kitchen is a little short on space, consider any one of the above-mentioned tips to help make it appear larger.

CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS: Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Bucktown and Wicker Park, Lincoln Square, Edgewater, Portage Park

/in /by

Lakeview: Join Lux Cantorum, Chicago’s premier sacred choral music ensemble, to celebrate the holiday season with songs of light from across the globe! Catch their performance of Light of the World on Thursday, December 13 at 8 pm at Saint Luke Church Chicago. This concert will feature holiday favorites, as well as music that may be new to you. Tickets are $15.75 in advance, $20 at the door, and free for children 10 and under. Buy your tickets here!

Lincoln Park: It’s time for the 2018 Jingle Bell Run! So put on your favorite holiday costume, tie jingle bells to your shoes, and be part of the longest-running holiday-themed 5K race series! This race raises funds and awareness for The Arthritis Foundation. Get together a team of friends, family, and co-workers to run or walk, all while spreading smiles and good cheer! 100% of your registration feee and fundraising efforts go to this great cause. The event is on Saturday, December 8 and begins at the Chicago History Museum at 9 am. Registration and packet pick-up begin at 7:30 am. Registration prices range from $30 to $75. It’s not too late! Register here, today!

Bucktown and Wicker Park: This is the 20th anniversary of the Bucktown Holiday ArtShow! This holiday show brings together artists who make one-of-a-kind works of art for sale for an audience of holiday shoppers. The show features media, photography, textiles, watercolors, oils, jewelry, ceramics, and more. It takes place at the Holstein Park Fieldhouse on Saturday, December 8 on Sunday, December 9 from 12 pm to 5 pm. Find more information here.

Lincoln Square: Shop local and handmade for the holidays! Waters Craft Market is on Saturday, December 1 from 10 am to 3 pm. The market is located at Waters Elementary School and admission is free! Invite your friends and family to shop local with fantastic hand crafted selections from local artists. There will be tons of fun activities for the kids, including a Giving Tree, Cake Walk, and food vendors for the whole family! Find more information here.

Edgewater: Are you looking for unique, thoughtful Christmas gifts? You’ve got to check out A Vintage Holiday Market! This amazing event is on December 1 and features vintage holiday merchandise, jewelry, antiques, decor, coats, clothing, toys, vinyl, and more. It’s one day only— so don’t miss your chance! The event is at St. Andrew’s Church (5649 N Sheridan Rd) in Edgewater from 11 am to 6 pm. Admission is $6. Bring your appetites too— this is best Greek food and spinach pie you can find! All food proceeds benefit the church. Find more information here.

Portage Park: The Portage-Cragin branch of the Chicago Public Library is hosting “An Adult Book Discussion: The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood”. Held on Monday, November 26 from 6:30 to 7:30 pm, this adult book club will discuss this fascinating novel, set in the near future. The novel has also been turned into a popular TV series, now filming its third season. Find more information here.

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

Restaurant Review – Corona’s Cafe

/in /by

I love local coffee shops. There’s just something about the coziness of a warm coffee shop on a cold winter’s day! This week took me to Corona’s Cafe, located at 909 W Irving Park Rd. The shop is very intimate, with just a few tables. They do have an outdoor patio that would be lovely during the summer, but you won’t find me out there in 30 degree weather! I was very impressed with the size of the menu. For such a small cafe, they have a ton of options! They have smoothies, breakfast wraps, skillets, sandwiches, omelettes, bagels, lunch paninis, subs, foccacia, wraps, and salads. My first choice was deciding if I wanted breakfast or lunch. I decided on lunch and settled on the Big Italian Panini. The sandwich is loaded with salami, pepperoni, lettuce, tomato, onion, and mozzarella cheese. You also get your choice of side, either chips, a house salad, or house pasta salad. I chose the house salad, which comes with a lovely and light balsamic vinaigrette. This sandwich was absolutely delicious! The portion is huge; I easily could have shared this with someone. The flavors are simple and spot-on. The richness of the meats was complemented by the creamy mozzarella and the bright, fresh vegetables. The side salad was very fresh as well! My mom chose the Chicken Pesto Panini: grilled chicken breast with pesto dressing, tomato, spinach, and mozzarella cheese. She had chips as her side. This was a great sandwich as well! The bread was perfectly crispy and I really loved the pesto. You just can’t go wrong with pesto and mozzarella! With so many other options on the menu, I know I’ll be back.

Corona’s is open Mondays through Fridays from 7:30 am to 5 pm, Saturdays from 7:30 am to 4 pm, and Sundays from 8 am to 3 pm. You can find more information on their Facebook page.

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

Kathy’s Home & Garden Tips – All New Thanksgiving Leftovers

/in /by

The big dinner is over and of course (if you are like me) you have more leftovers than you know what to do with. I buy disposable containers to send food home with guests, but I still have a lot of leftovers. My husband will only do Thanksgiving part deux once (doing the meal over again). I’ve created a few recipes in the past that add a little twist to the usual sandwiches.

Speaking of sandwiches, I have two that are very tasty; one hot and one cold. For the hot one, use pretzel buns and spread Dijon mustard on top and bottom. Layer on sliced turkey and asiago cheese. Heat open faced in a medium oven (350 degrees) till cheese is melted. Make a fresh turkey salad for the cold one. Combine cooked, crumbled bacon and cubed turkey with butter lettuce, avocado, onion, and tomato. You can go two ways with the dressing. You can use straight mayo for a more traditional salad. For a lighter, tastier dressing mix olive oil and balsamic vinegar with some crumbled blue cheese. Stuff into fresh pocket pita bread.

Turkey hash is a new dish for breakfast. Cube new red potatoes and boil briefly, for 3 minutes or so. Sauté some onions in olive oil till soft. Add one chopped red pepper and chopped garlic (2-4 cloves, depending on taste). Cook 3 more minutes, adding a sprig or 2 of fresh thyme. Add potatoes and cubed turkey and cook on medium for 5 minutes. Add ¼ cup water and cover loosely while you cook the eggs.

Got leftover ham? I’m not a big ham eater but if you add cheese, I’m game! Lay out puff pastry sheets on a parchment covered baking sheet and cover with a thin layer of pizza sauce. Layer on sliced ham and provolone cheese, roll into a log, and seal with beaten egg. Brush the rest of the log with the remaining egg. Slice into pinwheels with a serrated knife and secure each with a toothpick. Bake till golden, ten minutes or so. Great for an appetizer or add a salad for a light meal.

Turkey can work in spaghetti too! Add cooked turkey to sautéed onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Add 2-3 cups of your favorite marinara sauce and simmer for 15 minutes. Serve with plenty of parmesan and crusty bread. This sauce works well with studier pasta, like mosticcioli.

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

5 Open House Myths, Debunked

/in /by

Open houses have long been a part of the real estate process for sellers. These small windows of opportunity give prospective buyers a chance to scope out homes on the market to see what’s out there, even if they’re not necessarily ready to buy just yet. More importantly, they give sellers another platform to market their property in order to get as many eyes on their listing as possible.

But even though we all know what open houses are and why they exist, there still persists some myths about them. Whether you’re on the buying or selling end, it’s important to get familiar with some of these myths and the truth behind them.

1. They’re a Waste of Time

Since most buyers typically take to the internet to begin their home search, aren’t open houses outdated and simply a waste of time? After all, buyers have the internet at their fingertips and are able to search multiple listings within a short period of time thanks to high-resolution photos, virtual tours, and video of properties on the market.

But as convenient and innovative as such digital marketing platforms certainly are, there’s no substituting for being there in person. Even though online marketing may grab the attention of prospective buyers, that rarely seals the deal. The next logical step in the process would be to view a property in person. And although buyers can make an appointment to view a home they’re interested in, open houses provide another opportunity for buyers to check out homes on the market.

Open houses are also great for buyers who may not necessarily have started their home search just yet. And by coming across an open house, that may be just enough to pique their interests and get the ball rolling when it comes to getting serious about buying and putting in an offer.

2. They Don’t Lead to Real Sales

Open houses might get a lot of traffic. They might even get a lot of prospective buyers to consider putting in an offer soon if they like what they see. But does that mean they will lead to a sale?

Sometimes they do, and sometimes they don’t. It all depends on the market, the home itself, and the unique situation. There is no guarantee that an open house will definitely lead to a sale. One thing is for certain, however: more traffic means more people will see the home, which can’t be a bad thing. The more eyes on the home, the higher the odds of receiving an offer.

In fact, a recent Inman survey revealed that about one-third of those polled said that an open house played some sort of role in the sale of a property. While a sale as a result of an open house isn’t exactly a sure thing, it can certainly help increase the odds.

3. They’re Mandatory

Open houses usually take place shortly after a listing goes live in order to generate as much interest as possible. A listing’s interest level is usually highest and hottest during the first few days after the listing has been put up on the market, so the idea behind holding an open house during this time is to strike while the iron is hot.

But just because the tactic of holding an open house soon after a listing hits the market exists doesn’t mean there’s no option of forgoing the open house altogether. For many sellers, open houses are not an option.

Whether sellers prefer some level of privacy or anonymity while their house is on the market, or don’t like the idea of having masses of complete strangers meandering throughout their home all at once, they have the option to waive the open house if they so choose. There’s nothing written in a real estate contract that states that an open house is a mandatory part of the process.

4. They’re a Security Threat

The idea of strangers walking throughout the home and snooping behind all doors and drawers can make a seller feel uncomfortable, and understandably so. In fact, security is certainly a crucial factor to consider and account for before any open house takes place, so this particular myth isn’t exactly completely unfounded. But with the right measures in place, open houses are usually pretty safe.

Before an open house takes place, sellers are encouraged to lock up or remove any valuables, medications, or sensitive paperwork that would be an attraction for thieves. Agents hosting the open house are encouraged to keep all windows and doors locked, aside from the main entrance to the open house to make sure others are not able to enter from anywhere else. A sign-in sheet is also recommended so that agents can keep tabs on exactly who visits.

As long as the right measures are taken to secure both the home and the agent, there’s little need to use the potential threat of safety as a reason not to hold an open house at all.

5. Only Nosy Neighbors and Tire-Kickers Will Show Up

Sure, it’s highly possible and even probable that neighbors might show up with the sole intention of just seeing what’s behind closed doors. There may even be those who may have just been passing by and happened to see an open house sign, and decided to pass some of their time checking the place out.

But in addition to these possible visits, there will more likely be those who are considering making a home purchase in the near future and may even be interested in the house in question.

The Bottom Line

There are plenty of advantages of holding an open house. In fact, they’re usually more of a benefit than a nuisance. That said, they’re not mandatory, so sellers can choose whether or not to have an open house after they put their homes up on the market. Savvy real estate agents know exactly how to hold a successful open house and make the most of these two-hour windows of time in order to maximize their use.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Pulling Out All the Stops To Welcome The Holiday Season!

/in /by

I’ve been warning you and now they’re here!  Chicagoans will be pulling out all the stops this weekend to welcome in the holiday season!

Chicagoland’s favorite holiday tradition since 1996 returns to the Daley Plaza (50 W. Washington St.) in The Loop with Christkindlmarket Chicago 2018!  Christkindlmarket offers visitors a unique holiday shopping experience.  Offerings include traditional German food like bratwursts and sauerkraut, potato pancakes, leiberkäse, and of course mulled wine.  Shop German handmade items like beer steins, cuckoo clocks, ornaments, and other crafts.  A German/European candy shop is also a must-see.  The Christkindlmarket is no longer just a German tradition, it has become a Chicago institution!  Don’t forget to pick up some candied nuts made on-site before you leave!!

The 105th Annual Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting takes place Friday at Millennium Park’s Wrigley Square (201 E. Randolph St.) in The Loop.  Miguel Cervantes, star of Hamilton, will serve as the emcee for the ceremony featuring music, special guests, and fireworks after the lights go on at 6:30 p.m.!  Even Santa Claus will be there!!

The 27th annual BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival rings in the 2018 holiday season with two days of free, family-friendly activities.  The festival begins Friday (4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.) at the Lights Festival Lane in Pioneer Court (401 N. Michigan Ave.) on the Near North Side with a full lineup of activities.  Continuing Saturday at 11:00 a.m. is an interactive wonderland of holiday-themed activities, a Kids’ Zone, and samples from crowd favorites Garrett Popcorn, Frango, The Eli’s Cheesecake Company, and more!  The fun culminates with the grand Tree-Lighting Parade down North Michigan Avenue with grand marshals Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse direct from Walt Disney World® Resorts in Florida!  Keep your eyes out for Santa Claus as well!!

The Madison Square Garden Company presents a limited holiday engagement of Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas-The Musical at The Chicago Theatre (175 N. State St.) in The Loop from November 16-25.  It’s a heartwarming, whimsical holiday classic live on stage!

Perfectly timed as the kickoff to the holiday shopping season, the 16th annual Chicago Toy & Game Fair returns to Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Ave.) in the Streeterville neighborhood on Saturday (10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.) and Sunday (10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.).  It is an unsurpassed celebration of play for kids, parents, and grandparents; as well as toy and game enthusiasts with hundreds, if not thousands, of toys and games!  Costumed characters, deep discounts for the hottest toys and games for the holidays, giveaways, stage events, magic shows, contests, and more are all part of the fair as well.  After all, it’s the largest playdate in the world at the largest toy store you’ve ever seen; so come out & play!!

Come out and enjoy a fun-filled game of bowling at Pinstripes’ Bowl A Turkey, Give A Turkey, Get A Turkey located at 435 E. Illinois Street in the Streeterville neighborhood on Saturday & Sunday.  Help raise money and awareness for No Kid Hungry and its mission to end childhood hunger!

It’s Turkey Time on Thursday, November 22nd, and Uncle Dan’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (new sponsor this year) kicks off the holiday season with a fun-filled morning (8:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.) in the heart of downtown Chicago on State Street from Congress to Randolph!  As usual this parade features the nation’s best marching bands, giant popular inflatable balloons, spectacular performance acts, and much more!!  It’s a great way to begin your Thanksgiving Day!!!

Tired of hosting Thanksgiving dinner?  Well, here’s Chicago’s Thanksgiving Dining Guide as an alternative!

HAPPY GOBBLE DAY!

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

/in /by

Lincoln Park: The holiday season is fast approaching! Mark your calendars for December 5 and get yourself to Theater on the Lake for an evening of red wine, great food, and holiday fun! Theater on the Lake is completely renovated and is partnering with Jackson Family Fine Wines for an evening of walk-around tasting of cabernets, red blends, and pinot noirs. Misericordia will also be displaying a variety of holiday gift options. Your purchase directly supports their mission to support their residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. All wines will be available for purchase from Vin Chicago! The Lakefront Restaurant’s Executive Chef Cleetus Friedman has put together a menu of lovely wine samples and food bites for you to enjoy during the evening. You can look forward to meats and cheeses, slow cooked short ribs, roasted butternut squash polenta, seared pork tenderloin, and a portobello mushroom and bleu cheese dip. Admission is $30 per attendee. Find more information and purchase your tickets here.

Bucktown and Wicker Park: Is there any better way to celebrate the holidays than by seeing a  holiday show? Join The All Fools Company for their production of “The Greatest Holiday Show Alive Ever Live!” This farcical vaudeville romp is a love letter to everything Looney Toons, Borscht Belt, and Monty Python. The show is performed at The Den Theatre every Saturday night at 8 pm from November 24 through December 29. Tickets are just $25! Purchase yours here.

Lakeview: The Nutcracker is a timeless, classic show for the holiday season! The story is inspiring, the music is gorgeous, and the choreography is charming. Join Ballet Chicago for their production of The Nutcracker at the Athenaeum Theatre. The show opens on Friday, December 7 at 7 pm and runs through Sunday, December 16. Tickets range from $17 to $47. Find the full show schedule and purchase your tickets here.

Chicago Loop: The Apollo Chorus’ rendition of Handel’s Messiah has been performed every December since 1879. This is the 139th year of performing this timeless and beautiful work! This year, Apollo welcomes outstanding soloists Jamie Rose-Guarrine (soprano), Annie Rosen (mezzo), Josh Lovell (tenor), and Evan Boyer (bass). You only have two chances to catch this amazing concert! Saturday, December 15 at 7 pm and Sunday, December 16 at 2 pm at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance. Tickets range from $35 to $70 and can be purchased here.

Andersonville: You don’t want to miss the St. Lucia Festival of Lights on December 13! One of Andersonville’s many traditional Swedish events, the festival begins with a torch-lit procession down the sidewalks of Clark Street at 4:45 pm, beginning at the Swedish American Museum. Children and adults are welcome to join the procession! Afterwards, everyone is invited to the Lucia celebration at the Museum. There will be a telling of the Lucia legend, family entertainment, and Swedish holiday treats. Admission is $1 or a can of food to benefit Care for Real, Edgewater’s food pantry. Find more information here.

Oak Park: The Animal Care League is hosting their 33rd Annual Holiday Bazaar on Friday, November 30, Saturday December 1, and Sunday December 2! Hours are Friday from 3 pm to 9 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 3 pm, and Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm. Shop for new holiday decor, lights, gift wrap, fresh baked goods, and much more! The Bazaar will also feature fantastic, new pet items for your four-legged friends. You can also sign up for the basket raffle, enjoy a relaxing chair massage, listen to local musicians, and snack on baked goods and refreshments. There will also be pictures with Santa on Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm and Sunday from 12 to 2 pm. All proceeds benefit Animal Care League in their efforts to care for local homeless animals looking for a second chance. Find more information about this awesome event here!

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

Restaurant Review – Uncommon Ground

/in /by

This week took me to a charming new spot: Uncommon Ground. Uncommon Ground is a huge, multi-facetted space, located at 3800 N Clark St. in Lakeview. Not only are they a restaurant; this location also houses Greenstar Brewing, the first certified organic brewery in the state of Illinois. Their Edgewater location, 1401 W. Devon Ave., features an organic rooftop farm. 100% of the produce is utilized in both restaurants. The farm also hosts annual urban agriculture internship opportunities each summer, as well as educational and private tours by appointment. Additionally, both locations feature live music and events every night! After reading all of this on their website, I was even more excited to go! We popped into the Lakeview location on a Friday afternoon around 2 pm. There were just a few tables occupied, so we were seated right away. We were pleasantly surprised to learn that brunch is served until 3 pm! The brunch/lunch menu is sizable, but not overwhelmingly so. I love fall brunch foods, so I decided to order the Autumn Vegan Vegetable Hash: carrots, onion, mushrooms, delicata squash, kale, sweet and russet potatoes, vegan chorizo, piperade, and an egg. Piperade is a typically Basque dish from Spain prepared with sautéed onions, tomatoes, green peppers, and red Espelette pepper. This was absolutely fantastic! The vegetables were perfectly sautéed and each bite was more succulent than the last. I’ve never had vegan chorizo before, but it was pretty darn good! I loved the rich and spicy flavor of the piperade as well. My mom decided to order the Uncommon Huevos: black bean cakes, eggs over easy, ancho chili sauce, chihuahua cheese, cilantro, lime, and tortilla chips. She also ordered a half Greens + Grain Salad to share: roasted apples, winter squash, arugula, kale, quinoa, toasted pepitas, and fried rosemary tahini dressing. The Uncommon Huevos were marvelous! The black bean cakes were crispy and flavorful. And smothered in cheese, eggs, and chili sauce— how could it get better?! I loved the salad as well. All the ingredients were super fresh and it was a great compliment to the warm brunch dishes.

The Lakeview location is open for brunch, lunch, and dinner every day. Brunch is Monday through Friday from 11 am to 3 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 3 pm. Lunch is Monday through Friday from 11 am to 5 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm. Dinner is Sunday through Thursday from 5 pm to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday from 5 pm to 11 pm. For more information, check out their website.

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO