Chicago Neighborhood News: Virtual Edition

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Just because many warm-weather events are canceled doesn’t mean all hope is lost to have a great summer in Chicago. While we slowly and cautiously try to get back to a new normal, there are plenty of cool happenings going on virtually or safely in person via social distancing. Let’s take a look at some of the fun and exciting goings-on you can take part in this month.

While many movie theaters are still closed, there are great options to get out of the house and enjoy a flick while practicing social distancing. One of these is the Navy Pier Water Flicks Summer Film Series, which runs every Monday from July 20 thru August 24. Now in its fourth year, this free outdoor movie screening takes place at the Lake Stage in Polk Bros Park. Located at 600 East Grand Avenue, the Navy Pier Summer Film Series has plotted out social distance circles on the lawn to maintain safety for all guests. Upcoming screenings include Moulin Rouge, Frozen 2, Casablanca, and Coco. Find more info here. 

If you’re tired of watching movies, Navy Pier also provides an excellent live music series taking place throughout the summer. Every Friday night at 6:30 pm from now until August 21, head over to the Lake Stage in Polk Bros Park located at 600 East Grand Avenue to hear some amazing jazz performances put on by some of the genre’s current greats. The next scheduled performance is Friday, July 24, when the talented Greg Ward and his Rogue Parade deliver an evening of great jazz. The best part? It’s free. Find more info here. 

Chicago’s only major chalk art festival returns this year virtually. In its second year, Chalk Howard Street sees artists creating amazing 3D chalk art on Howard Street in Rogers Park. This summer sees the art fest moving online via a Howard Street Chicago Instagram live event. On Friday, July 17, at 11am check out noted 3D chalk artist Nate Baranowski produce table-top 3D art at Badou Senegalese Cuisine. On Tuesday, July 21, at 11 am the chalk art continues at Lost Era. Baranowski will formulate a piece featuring a product from the antique store that is sure to amaze. Find more info here.

This year West Town’s annual West Fest is coming to you virtually. From July 15 through the 22nd, West Fest will provide a wide variety of musical talent you can stream from the comfort of your home. The live-streamed music kicks off at 6 pm this Friday with performances from Mother Nature, Choir Boy, Automatic, and Ric Wilson. Also, Pet Fest, a staple of West Fest, will offer adoption opportunities virtually via One Tail at a Time and Alive Rescue during the fest in addition to plenty of puppy videos to get your fix of our four-legged friends. A $10 donation is suggested to attend. Find more info here. 

Check out these events either in person or virtually and make the most of your summer in Chicago while practicing social distancing.

ERIC KAPLAN AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

Restaurant Review: The Darling

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Just because restrictions have lifted and indoor dining is happening again in Chicago doesn’t mean everyone is rushing for the next open table at their favorite restaurant. COVID-19 is still a huge issue, and while it’s great that the Windy City has done a solid job of decreasing corona cases, many of us are still hesitant to venture out in this new normal.

So what is a cautious Chicagoan to do when they crave fine dining amid the pandemic? The Darling, located at 905 West Randolph Street in the West Loop, has created the best combination of aesthetics and safety with private greenhouses in their outdoor space.

Each of The Darling’s ten outdoor greenhouses, called the Rose Garden, can seat two to four guests, providing a safe hub to enjoy their impressive food and drink menu. The best part? The entire dining experience is totally contactless. Guests make reservations online and can browse The Darling’s menu via their phones, ensuring no hassles when it comes to upkeeping social distancing protocols. A $10 deposit is required to book your reservation for the Rose Garden experience, which is available for seating Friday thru Sunday. 

If you have never visited The Darling, this opportunity is perfect for taking in the European-style eats offered at the nearly two-year-old restaurant. During previous visits, I have immensely enjoyed the short rib stuffed beignets featuring a delectable peanut dipping sauce. The traditional British sausage rolls are a favorite as well. The entree that really gave my taste buds a refreshing jolt is the cauliflower crust pizza featuring pesto, pecorino cheese, bacon, red onions, and cherry tomatoes. 

The drink menu at The Darling is a real standout with numerous cocktails that appeal to even the most exclusive tastes. If you’re looking to have drinks with friends while in the West Loop, you can’t go wrong with a pitcher of their English Rose concoction featuring Prosecco and Grey Goose vodka highlighted by Elderflower syrup, mint, and lime. Keeping with the roses motif, The Darling’s pitcher of Desert Rose is another liquid highlight definitely worth visiting. The libation is a tour de force for tequila fans, consisting of tequila, jalapeno-infused Mezcal, and a mixture of blood orange juice and lemon juice with agave-tajin syrup. 

Rum aficionados can’t go wrong with the Darling Buds of May cocktail perfectly mixed with passion fruit puree, basil, and apple cider. Of course, sometimes there is nothing more satisfying than a good old Old Fashioned. The Darling serves them up with the choice of bourbon, scotch, or Oaxacan. 

The Darling’s interior is something to be seen with the entrance resembling a flower shop and opening up to an English-style mansion with large fireplaces amidst the European furniture and live entertainment ranging from magicians and dancers. However, to have a night on the town while staying safe, the Rose Garden is the ideal settings for an intimate, socially distant dining experience with great food and impressive cocktails.

Be sure to call ahead or make reservations online for the Rose Garden greenhouse experience and enjoy a great and safe night out in the West Loop.

ERIC KAPLAN AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

Kathy’s Home & Garden Tips – Decluttering is Good for Your Well Being

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We have always talked about how decluttering is good for the soul, but it turns out it really influences our brains. We often use cleaning and straightening up to get out of a funk or to de-fuzz our minds. It gives us a sense of accomplishment. We know our brains do better processing in a clean and organized space. We love an area that’s predictable and calm. But science shows there is a psychological effect as we live longer in the clean space. 

Decluttering can also help you to let go of certain possessions that may be holding you back. After one day of cleaning, you may feel a range of emotions. You may feel sad at first when giving up some possessions, but this will pass. Then relief and invigoration sets in. You will feel energized as you work. You feel a sense of accomplishment and mastery. Just looking at a messy environment raises our cortisol level, the stress hormone. So, the effects are physiological as well.

After a week or so, you will likely be looking for your next decluttering or organizing project. These things really build upon themselves. Your brain will be looking again for that rush of accomplishment felt the first time. Of course, there can be a few pitfalls like forgetting where you put something, but that is minor. You will have a new narrative, a fresh positivity. I am not a mess; I am clean and organized.

After a while, say 3 months or so, you will feel less stressed, more in control, and less overwhelmed. You will feel empowered. You will realize that often the anticipated difficulty of the task can be quite different than the reality of actually doing the work. The sense of competence can have a positive effect on other areas of your life. Give it a try. 

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

Why You Need To Work With A Buyer’s Agent

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The home buying process can be exciting and fun, but also complicated, stressful, and overwhelming. Maximize your chance of success and minimize the amount of time spent trying to keep track of all the details by working with a buyer’s agent. There is a plethora of benefits to using a buyer’s agent, and here are the top four!

They can find the right properties for you. When starting your search, generally you will already have a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves for your new home. Your buyer’s agent will have access to extensive search resources and all the new listings hitting the market, so they can ensure you are looking at homes that meet most, if not all, of your criteria.

They know the background. Experienced buyer’s agents have a breadth of knowledge on different neighborhoods in the area. They can let you know what similar homes in the area have recently sold for, if there are any new commercial projects on the horizon, what the nearby schools have to offer, and more.

They are in your corner during negotiations. A buyer’s agent is your advocate when it comes time to put in an offer and negotiate. They have your best interest in mind, understand what you are looking for, and can help you get the best price and terms for the home.

They provide trusted recommendations. Buyer’s agents that have been in the business for several years have likely built strong relationships with professionals in other parts of the industry. Turn to your agent when you are ready to find a home inspector, moving company, lender, and more.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Summer in Full Swing!

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As we all know, Chicago’s summer festival season looks different this year, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on some of your favorite fests. The city has us covered all summer long with tons of virtual festivals and socially distanced events as summer is in full swing here!

Usually, at this time of year, the city hosts the Taste of Chicago, which is the nation’s premier free-admission food festival. Since the festival will not be taking place in Grant Park this year, the city will continue to showcase the diversity of Chicago’s dining scene with Taste of Chicago – To Go through Sunday. This virtual event will also feature free cooking demonstrations with local chefs; host virtual music and dance events; offer for purchase limited-edition, official artist-designed t-shirts, and merchandise; hold a Food Truck Procession from downtown to various locations; and have an expanded Taste of Chicago “Community Eats” program supporting 25 neighborhood restaurants and food trucks to provide free meals to nonprofit organizations serving healthcare and other frontline workers! A day of family fun and amazing food awaits you!!

The CHI-Together team has prepared a fun-filled summer entertainment series with Chi-Together: Drive-in Movies & Music! Enjoy drive-in movies plus live music in a socially distant event that also gives back to the Greater Chicago Food Depository. This weekend’s featured films are Grease (Saturday) and Shrek (Sunday). Your evening of fun takes place at Soldier Field (1410 S. Museum Campus Dr.) in the South Loop with doors opening at 7 p.m. and the movie beginning at 8:30 p.m. Each ticket includes a 90-minute music showcase by a locally featured musician or DJ, followed by the movie on 3 jumbo screens for up to 6 people and includes a bucket of popcorn for the group!!

This year’s FanCon is a three-day, all-digital extravaganza celebrating all things comics and pop culture from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. This all-ages event features crafts and drawing workshops at Fandom Crafts, a scavenger hunt, trivia, video game competitions with YouTuber Tamara Lynn Chambers, panel discussions, a virtual game lounge and much more!

For those choosing safety first, here are a few ideas for fun things to do at home, both inside and outdoors:

Try a New Recipe: Dig into that stack of cookbooks or browse Best Dinner Recipes, and experiment with cooking. Hopefully, your family will appreciate a new recipe!

BBQ in the Backyard: Casual dinners at home should include build-your-own burgers and other Best Grilling Recipes for all you grill masters out there!

Put Together a Jigsaw Puzzle: Getting bored with playing games? Consider Best Jigsaw Puzzles for a more time-consuming activity and turn it into a family competition by assembling more than one puzzle to see who completes theirs first!!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Chicago Neighborhood News: Virtual Edition

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It’s been quite a while since we could provide you with neighborhood news due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Chicago has done a great job of following social distancing guidelines. Still, most events are either canceled or postponed for the foreseeable future to ensure everyone’s safety. Of course, that doesn’t mean Chicago has closed its doors to learning and entertainment. As you probably know, many events have moved from physical to virtual. Let’s take a look at some cool happenings going on remotely that you can check out while staying safe.

Fans of the macabre and architecture can kill two birds with one stone at the Architecture of Mysterious Chicago Virtual Tour taking place July 12 from 10 am to 11:30 am. Author Adam Selzer will guide you virtually through the dark history of many of Chicago’s iconic structures with an in-depth focus that is second to none when it comes to entertainment and research. The streaming event is free with suggested donations and takes place live on the Mysterious Chicago Facebook page. Find out more here. 

If you require a bit more mystery, stick around on the 12th for a Virtual History Tour of Lincoln Park starting at 5 pm. For $15, participants will join author Adam Selzer from Mysterious Chicago Tours for an exciting virtual tour of the many secrets and history of the area surrounding the Lincoln Park Zoo. Find out more here. 

The Flossmoor Public Library and award-winning author David Clark will present Digging Deep: Foundations of Chicago Architecture on July 15 from 7 pm – 8 pm via Zoom. This virtual session will cover the roots of many of the city’s amazing buildings and how the” Chicago School” of builders figured out innovative measures to create them. Architecture buffs will enjoy the many stories that describe the developers and their works highlighting Chicago’s skyline. Find out more here.

Laughter often is the best medicine, and during times like these, we can use all the humor we can get. Instead of relying on Netflix to tickle your funny bone, why not try your hand at creating your material? Check out Multilog! – Live Joke Writing Workshop presented by The Scene Shop on July 15 from 2 pm – 3 pm. Whether you’re an aspiring stand up or behind closed doors comedian, pitch your jokes and pick up some tips at this fun and free event. Find out more here. 

Beer aficionados rejoice! On July 25, from 9 pm to 11 pm, take part in Chicago’s first virtual beer fest. The Chicago Beer Fest will be a steaming event this year. Tickets are $30 and provide you with a case of ten special beers supplied by local and regional breweries, which can be picked up at select locations. Then enjoy the tastings in the comfort of your home while sharing the experience with others, including the actual brew masters, via streaming on the 25th. Interactive games and band performances round out the entertainment. Find out more here. 

ERIC KAPLAN AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

Baseball Returns to Chicago…Finally

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Whether you’re a South Sider or North Sider, Chicago is a serious baseball town. Thankfully, Major League Baseball is finally making its way back to Chicago and throughout the country after a long delay due to COVID-19. 

While we should have been near the midpoint of the season by now, the pandemic and many attempts to figure out how to restart the season has put America’s pastime on the backburner. Finding an agreement between players and owners hit many snafus before they reached a deal, and now Cubs and White Sox’s fans can finally root for their team, albeit in a shortened season, the like of which baseball has never seen.

As of this writing, the MLB season will officially kick off on July 24. The Cubs will face the Milwaukee Brewers for a night game at Wrigley Field. The White Sox play against the Minnesota Twins at Guaranteed Rate Field the same day.

So what will baseball look like in Chicago for the 2020 season? Let’s take a look at all the changes facing both of the city’s teams amidst a global pandemic and what it means for their fans. 

The 2020 MLB season has been drastically reduced due to COVID-19. The regular 162 game season is now condensed to a mere 60 games. Furthermore, to hopefully lessen the risk of infection and keep travel to a minimum, both the Cubs and White Sox will only play against Central Division teams in the American and National League. 

The big question on fans’ minds is, can they be in attendance during the games? The state’s current Phase IV guidelines allow for no more than 20% seating capacity for outdoor sports.

As of now, fans will not be permitted to attend games. There is a possibility that a limited amount of fans may attend games as the season progresses, however, based on each state and cities own guidelines as they see fit given the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic at the time.

So while a classic lazy summer day at the ballpark is most likely not in the cards for Chicagoans this summer, at least we have baseball back again. All hope is not lost watching baseball live, though. Chicago Cubs fans can watch games from the Wrigleyville rooftops, which will host fans at 25% room capacity.  

The 60-game season allows for many potentially exciting scenarios for our two Chicago teams. With so few games played, a solid run can see the young and hopeful White Sox make a deep run. Likewise, the talented Cubs can see themselves reaching the playoffs and maybe more. Of course, injuries and slow starts can be the kiss of death for any MLB team, making this shortened season so compelling.

Fingers are still crossed that baseball can actually make it through the season with COVID-19 cases spiking in many states. Numerous variables are up in the air as we try to navigate this new normal in our everyday lives. But at least for right now, baseball is set to return to Chicago, which is welcome news for Cubs and White Sox fans who have been yearning for to hear these two magic words: Play ball!

ERIC KAPLAN AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

Kathy’s Home & Garden Tips – Minimalize Your Kitchen Space

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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

THE PRICE IS RIGHT: What You Should Know About Pricing Your Home

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One of the most daunting parts of selling your home is deciding what to price it at. You don’t want to price too high and get little to no traction but you don’t want to price too low and undervalue your home. There are so many things to take into consideration, so we’ve outlined the top things you should do before you list.

Enlist the help of a local expert. Local agents have years of experience in the market you are selling in, plus have a lot of industry expertise to bring to the table. They will factor in the unique offerings of your home and neighborhood and your wants and needs for the sale of the home to help you properly price.

Research homes for sale in your neighborhood. It’s always a good idea to do a little recon on homes for sale in your area. View current and past listings online to find homes that have similar features and were built around the same year as yours to get an idea of prices. Open house in your neighborhood? Take time to pop by in person and get a feel for what their home has to offer at what price.

Remove the emotion. Whether it’s your first or fourth home, it is the setting of so many amazing memories and holds a special place in your heart. Unfortunately, emotional attachment to your home can cloud your judgment when pricing it. Try to place your personal feelings about your home on the back burner and focus on tangible features of your home that add great value.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Celebrating America’s Birthday!

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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