Restaurant Review – Southport Grocery

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This week took me back to a favorite: Southport Grocery. This cafe and grocery store is so charming (and so tasty!), it definitely warrants a revisit. The atmosphere is warm and cozy, with a small number of oak tables, booths, and high tops. Running the center of the restaurant are wire shelves packed with delicious grocery goodies. They offer a wide variety of artisan foods, focused on local suppliers. There are house-made preserves, rotating wines, pasta sauces, bitters, soup mixes, spices, chocolate sauce, spreads, drink mixes, beans, hot sauces, and more. Behind these well stocked shelves is a pastry case, filled with scones, cookies, cupcakes, brownies, muffins, hand pies, and more. We came in for a late lunch- around 1:30 on a Tuesday afternoon. We had just missed the lunch rush, so we were seated right away. For such a small place, the menu is sizable! They offer both breakfast and lunch all day, as well as their delicious baked goods. I wanted to try something new and was overwhelmed by the options. I finally decided on The Hash: roasted local potatoes, red onion, mushroom, peppers, and red barn heritage white cheddar cheese; all topped with two organic cage-free eggs and scallion sour cream. I was trying to keep things a little lighter, so I ordered without the cheese or sour cream. This was fantastic! The potatoes were cut shoe-string style, so they came out crispy on the outside and perfectly squishy on the inside. The veggies were plentiful and were sautéed to perfection. I ordered my eggs over-easy, which was perfect for mushing around into the hash. My friend was in the mood for lunch and chose the Grilled Cheese: pickled green tomatoes, local apple, taleggio, white cheddar, and arugula; served on grilled tuscan bread with house made pickles on the side. She was generous enough to let me have a bite and it was marvelous! The pickled green tomatoes were so unique and flavorful. I also loved the combination of the apple and the white cheddar- perfectly savory and sweet. Southport Grocery has been a favorite of mine for a while and this visit confirmed it! I will absolutely be back. 

Southport Grocery is open Mondays through Fridays from 7 am to 3 pm; Saturdays and Sundays from 8 am to 4 pm. The kitchen closes 30 minutes prior to closing. Find more information on their website.

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

Kathy’s Home & Garden Tips – Start the New Year on the Right Path

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Many people start the new year with “Resolutions”. Many involve losing weight, eating better, or spending less money. Most of these good intentions tend to be forgotten before the end of January. Most resolutions fail because there is no plan. 

First, we need to call them by their right name: goals. Next, we need to put them down on paper. Start jotting down the things you really want to work towards. They can be personal or work related, but keep them separated. Look over your list and pick two that are the most important to you. Try to make the goal as simple as possible. I used to think I needed pages of goals and plans but the simpler, the better. Goals also need to be measurable in some way. Losing some weight sounds good but how can you tell if you’re successful? Losing 10 pounds in the first quarter of 2020 is measurable. Then you can decide your strategies. 

Strategies are the action plans that get us to our goal. Say you are in sales. Meeting more contacts is your bread and butter. One of your priorities could be to meet X number of new people per week to increase your client base. One strategy could be to attend more functions with your family, like school and sporting events. Another is to go to more networking meetings. Practice your scripts with others in your office to become proficient. A strategy for losing weight could be setting a specific number of workouts per month- say 25. Knowing you have to get those 25 done in one month will keep you from putting one off, thinking you have plenty of time. 

Tell others about your goal plans. It’s called accountability and it increases the likelihood that you’ll stick to your plan. Keep track of your progress; this is why we make progress measurable. This also helps you reassess. Maybe you need to course correct by changing up a few workouts or figuring out new ways to meet people. It’s better to realize in February you need to change things, instead of waiting till October and finding out your goals are out of reach. 

So try out a new goal plan for this new year! Check out different goal plans online for more ideas on structuring a goal plan to fit with your wants and needs. Remember to keep it simple, have a way to measure your progress, and DO so often. 

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

What Affects Your Home Insurance?

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Research suggests that about 1 in 20 homeowners will make an insurance claim each year. So while it may seem that your monthly home insurance expenses aren’t worthwhile, the chances of needing your insurance are higher than you might think.

There’s are countless factors that influence your insurance rates, so here are few examples—some you’ve probably considered, and some that might be surprising.

Location: Some areas are simply naturally more prone to damage than others. Potential for weather and natural disaster-related damage will factor into your insurance, as will crime rates and fire protection.

Home value: This may seem like a no-brainer at first glance, but there are some extra considerations. The value of your home and the cost to replace your home from a total loss may not be the same—it can often cost more to rebuild.

Pets: Just like certain HOAs and neighborhoods forbid specific dog breeds, your insurance company may also increase your premiums for a specific breed. Breeds with reputations for being aggressive (fair or not) like pit bulls, German Shepherds, and rottweilers can cost you more.

Trampolines and swimming pools: All that fun comes at a price! Insurance companies see trampolines and pools as big risks for injury and even death, and that’ll affect your insurance rates.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – GUESS WHO’S COMING TO TOWN!

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Guess who’s coming to town?  Looks like Santa Claus will be here this weekend but won’t be delivering any gifts, yet!

Thousands of Santas will hit the streets of Chicago for the 11th annual Santa Hustle® Chicago 5K and Kids Dash this Saturday at Soldier Field (1410 S. Museum Campus Dr.) in the South Loop.  Santa Hustlers will jingle their way through cookie and candy stations along the course to fuel their holiday cheer!  They will also receive a Santa hat, beard, and a finisher’s medal – and new this year – men’s, women’s or unisex hoodies, along with an option to add a Santa shirt, full Santa suit, or Mrs. Claus packages.  The Kids Dash (known as the Rudolph Run) is recommended for ages 2-10 years old.  Kid participants will receive a Santa hat, Santa beard, a race bib, and a finisher’s ribbon.  Afterwards, head on over to Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Ave.) in the Streeterville neighborhood for the traditional after party which includes an awards ceremony, medals for top finishers, drinks, and food.  It’s a magical experience and really has something for everyone!!

Santa is not done yet!  He’ll then be heading over to the 14th annual SantaCon Chicago this Saturday at the Tavern Tap Pub, Congress Plaza Hotel (520 S. Michigan Ave.) in the South Loop.  This is a weird and wonderful annual bar crawl through the heart of downtown Chicago.  Everyone 21+ is welcome, and you can join the festivities at any point and at any time!  You just need to check in or register and the key is to show up in a full Santa suit.  But if you haven’t had time to grab a Mr. or Mrs. Claus costume, just get into the spirit of the event and join the fun!  Be sure to check the website for the complete schedule.

Too early for Santa Claus?  Perhaps one of these events will suit your weekend needs:

See 90 small Christmas trees and religious displays at the 16th annual Christmas Trees from Around the World highlighting different ways of celebrating the holidays at the County Treasurer’s Office (118 N. Clark St., Rm. 112) in The Loop through January 2nd.  Three-foot-high trees are decorated by members of ethnic and religious communities to represent their heritage.  Also, on display are a Christian Nativity scene, an African American Kwanzaa Kinara, a Hindu Prayer Thali and a Jewish Menorah!

Don’t feel like going to The Loop for your glühwein fix?  Then head on over to the Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville at Gallagher Way (3637 N. Clark St.) now through December 31st.  This authentic German-style outdoor market gives visitors the opportunity to continue their holiday shopping and tasting of traditional German and international foods while enjoying family-friendly entertainment!  The Christkindlmarket has been a winter mainstay since its debut in the Chicago Loop in 1996!!

The Swedish American Museum (5211 N. Clark St.) will be hosting their Julmarknad this Saturday and Sunday in the Andersonville neighborhood.  This annual Christmas Bazaar features traditional Scandinavian and modern handicrafts for purchase, Scandinavian food, and traditional entertainment.  Visit the Children’s Museum for crafts, games and a special visit from Santa!  It’s entertainment for the whole family!!

Ho-Ho-Ho!

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

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Lincoln Park: What better way to get into the holiday spirit than with a party that ALSO gives back? It’s time for the Santa Claws Toy Drive on Saturday, December 21 from 5 to 8 pm. At the Tonic Room (2447 N Halsted), you can drink White Claws, take a photo with Santa, listen to music provided by The Bloodshot DJs, and more. It’s free to attend! Just bring a packaged toy for donation. Find more information here.

Bucktown and Wicker Park: Christmas shows aren’t your thing? That’s ok! Check out Always… Patsy Cline at The Den Theatre. Firebrand Theatre presents this musical about the friendship between Patsy Cline and fan Louise Seger. Seger took Cline into her home one night after a show and they struck up an unlikely friendship that lasted until Cline’s death. The show runs Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 3 and 7:30 pm, and Sundays at 3 pm until December 15. Find more information and get your tickets here.

Lakeview: Wrap up the year with holiday cheer! On Saturday December 14 from 12 to 3 pm, head to the Capital One Cafe on Southport. Here you’ll join your neighbors and friends for an afternoon of holiday gift wrapping. The cafe is hosting a complimentary gift wrapping station and providing refreshments, while supplies last. It’s free to attend! There is a suggested donation of canned goods or non-perishable items for The Lakeview Pantry, but it is not required for participation in the gift wrapping station. For more information, email Kristine Coronado. 

Chicago Loop: Get yourself to the Goodman Theatre for a Christmas classic- A Christmas Carol! Actor Larry Yando is returning for his 12th appearance as Ebenezer Scrooge in this annual family-friendly show. The show runs Tuesdays through Thursdays at 7 pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, and Sundays at 2 and 6 pm. It runs until December 29. Find more detailed ticket information and pricing here.

Lincoln Square: It’s time for Damen at Night- the Holiday Edition! Stay up late on Thursdays in December with the businesses on Damen Avenue. Participating businesses will be open until 9 pm, serving up refreshments and special deals. Knock out your holiday gift list by shopping locally! Find details about participating businesses and specials here.

Oak Park: Get your farmer’s market fix during the off season with Sugar Beet’s Winter’s Farmer’s Market Series! This monthly market is hosted by Sugar Beet Co-op and is on Saturday, December 14 from 10 am to 2 pm. This is a European style farmer’s market with a variety of producers, growers, and makers selling food, body care, and more. Featured vendors for this month include John Bailey Honey, Chanticlare Farm, Opportunity Knocks Pickles, Sitka Salmon, Little Buddha, and more. Find more information here.

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

Restaurant Review – Carol’s Pub

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This week took me to a Chicago institution: Carol’s Pub. Carol’s was established in 1972 and closed in September of 2016. This North Side dive bar was a popular spot for cheap beer, great food, and live country music for decades prior to its closing. The new owner, Ed Warm, also owns Joe’s on Weed Street and experienced considerable challenges with renovations prior to the bar’s re-opening. In addition to structural and decorative updates, Warm also staffed the kitchen with a cook from Fatso’s Last Stand (a popular hot dog stand in Ukranian Village). Skeptics were concerned about the remodel, worried that the character of the old dive would change. Well, even though I had never been to Carol’s prior to the renovation, I can wholeheartedly say I loved it. From the first step in, you feel at home. It simultaneously feels modern and old, with classic bar decorations, like stained glass lamps and beer memorabilia. There’s a central circular wooden bar, with smaller high top tables scattered about. The menu is small, with Sandwiches, Wings & Chicken Tenders, and Bar Snacks. We were hungry, so we decided to start with an order of Fried Pickle Chips: hand-breaded dill pickle chips served with Carol’s sauce. These were fantastic! The breading was crispy and light and the pickles came out piping hot. I don’t know what is in Carol’s sauce, but I want to bathe in it. It was a little spicy, a little sweet, and a LOT tasty. I ordered the BLT, a classic, and added a fried egg. Firstly, it was huge! It had at least 5 pieces of bacon, lots of lettuce and tomato, and a generous spread of mayo. And it was delicious! The bacon was crispy in the middle, soft on the ends; just how I like it. The fried egg was a great addition as well! My boyfriend ordered Carol’s Burger: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, and Carol’s sauce. He’s not normally a fan of sauces on his burgers, so he ordered his without and added American cheese. This was a great burger! It was cooked perfectly to medium rare, juicy, and flavorful. I definitely want to come back and try more food here! The Fried Bologna Sandwich caught my eye- I think that will have to be my next choice. 

Carol’s is open Sundays from 12 pm to 4 am, closed on Mondays, Tuesdays from 4 pm to 12 am, Wednesdays from 4 pm to 2 am, Thursdays and Fridays from 4 pm to 4 am, and Saturdays from 12 pm to 5 am. They feature live music multiple nights a week, as well as karaoke. Find more information on their website.

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

Kathy’s Home & Garden Tips – Know Your Pet Expenses

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So you want to bring a pet into the family. Be aware that you are taking on a big responsibility to care for that pet for their lifetime. In return, they will give you more joy than you can imagine. In 2016, $66.8 billion was spent on domesticated pets. Half of this cost was food and another quarter went to vet expenses. 

Vet bills can range from a minor ear infection (at around $300 dollars) to removing a foreign object from a dogs’ intestine (around $1600). Broken bones from a car accident could run thousands of dollars.  Regular vet visits with routine treatments like heart-worm and shots will cost several hundred dollars per year. Insurance for pets is becoming increasingly more popular as costs rise. There are many levels of coverage separated by what’s covered, deductibles, and reimbursement rates. Many won’t cover preexisting conditions or hereditary diseases, like hip dysplasia. Carefully review coverage and enroll pets as young as possible before conditions present themselves. Check sites like petinsurancereview.com and petinsurancequotes.com. 

When you are looking for a pet, purebreds can cost several thousand dollars. Always buy from a reputable breeder; never a pet store. Ask the breeder if the dog has been genetically tested for hereditary diseases common to the breed. You can find registered breeders on the American Kennel club website. Adopted dogs can still have some hereditary diseases, like pure bred dogs, but your initial output can be $350 or less. It usually comes with shots and spaying or neutering. Check for free adoption days and adopt an adult dog for even more savings.

Check your homeowners’ insurance for coverage for dog injuries. More than one third of all homeowner claims were dog bites and dog related. The average payout was over $33,000. Some insurers exclude dog liability coverage or won’t cover what they consider “dangerous” breeds, like pit bulls and Rottweilers. The best thing is to read your policy carefully and ask questions to make sure you are covered. Even with good coverage, you could be dropped after a dog incident.

It’s always best to have a well-trained dog to avoid those dog related incidents. Private trainers are pricey, costing up to $600 for a six-session course. The AKC has a six-week program ending with a test and certificate that runs about $100. It will usually satisfy condo boards, homeowners’ associations, and rental boards that require dog certification. Look for local programs at akc.org.

For everything else you need for your pet, it’s a good idea to comparison shop. From medicine like heart-worm and flea preventative (cheapest at Walmart and Chewy.com) to special diet  food (often cheapest at the vet who can offer it at cost), it pays to shop around. With medicine, ask if generics are appropriate. Most pharmacies will fill pet prescriptions. Check goodrx.com for best prices locally. 

So go out and find that pet that’s just right for you and your family. Just go in with your eyes wide open and realize this is a lifetime commitment. 

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

Thinking About Buying Soon? Make Sure Your Credit Is In Order

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There’s no more important time to work on your credit score than when you’re about to apply for a mortgage. Improving your credit can save you a ton of money—we’re talking about thousands of dollars over the life of the loan. Here are the actions you can take that will have a notable impact on your score.

Pay Down Your Credit Card Balances

Credit utilization is one of the biggest factors in determining your credit score. Your credit utilization should at least be less than 30 percent of your limit, and it’s even better if you can get it below 15 percent. This rule applies to both individual cards and your overall credit limit.

It may even be worthwhile to use some of the cash funds you were planning to use for a down payment to pay off credit card balances.

Do No Harm

While you certainly want to improve your score if possible, at the very least you’ll want to keep it steady. Avoid opening new lines of credit if you’re applying for a mortgage in the very near future. This will cause a hard inquiry to show up on your credit report.

Take Care Of Negative Items

It’s good practice to check your credit report for negative items a few times a year—you can get one free report from each of the three major bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) per year.

If you find any negative items (collections, late payments, etc.), write a letter to the original creditor. Explain the circumstances that led to the negative item, and request that it be removed from your report. It can be surprisingly effective, and removing a negative item will improve your credit score in a hurry. You can find some good templates for a request letter online.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – OFFICIALLY IN HOLIDAY MODE!

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Now that another Thanksgiving is behind us, the city of Chicago is officially in holiday mode bringing weekends packed with fun and holiday cheer!  Let’s see what’s in store for us this weekend!!

If you’re on a mission for unique Christmas gifts, you might want to visit one of the following events:

The 24th annual Christkindlmarket is back at the Daley Plaza (48 W. Washington St.) in The Loop through December 24th.  This free, open-air, European holiday market is stocked with everything from nutcrackers and cuckoo clocks to beautiful hand-painted ornaments and toys for the kids.  It also features German foods, choirs, and carolers as you shop the day away.  It’s an annual holiday tradition here in Chicago not to be missed!

Swing by the Made in Chicago Market:  Winter Edition this Saturday (10 a.m.) at Journeymen Plumbers Hall (1340 W. Washington Blvd.) on the Near West Side.  It’s Chicago’s premiere place that highlights the best local and handmade products Chicago has to offer.  All vendors are based locally and produce everything from apparel to accessories, art to home décor, skin care to paper goods, pet products, and so much more!  Also featured are local food and drink vendors, fun activities, and opportunities to learn more about our city.  Come discover something new!!

Get in the holiday spirit and shop away at Home for the Holidays:  Andersonville & Lincoln Square recurring weekly on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through December 22nd.  Hop aboard a charming trolley for a 4 hour magical holiday-tinged tour of Lincoln Square and Andersonville, with their German and Swedish roots respectively.  The trolley leaves from East Delaware St. across the street from the Westin Michigan Avenue Hotel.  It includes a tour of both neighborhoods; an insider’s tour of the DANK Haus German-American museum; complimentary wine tasting from the Chopping Block; gelato tastings from FRIO Gelato; discount offers from various area shops, museums, and restaurants; and more!  Don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of time to explore and shop in the many unique and locally owned shops!!

If you simply want to get in the holiday spirit, then perhaps these events might do the trick:

Returning to Union Station (225 S. Canal St.) in the West Loop on select dates through December 29th is The Polar Express Train Ride.  Passengers will relive the magic of the classic story by Chris Van Allsburg as they are whisked away on The Polar Express™ for a magical one hour trip to meet Santa.  During your trip, characters will lead passengers in an immersive onboard experience- just like in the movie!  Hot chocolate and a delicious cookie will be served by dancing chefs and Santa & his elves will greet you with the first gift of Christmas.  And each passenger will take home a keepsake sleigh bell and souvenir golden ticket!  It’s a magical trip!!

Join Isabella as she is whisked away to an upside down, inside out world where she meets characters inspired by the original timeless poem Twas the Night Before … by Cirque du Soleil.  This festive show is held at The Chicago Theatre (175 N. State St.) in The Loop on Wednesdays through Sundays (ending on December 8th) and is Cirque du Soleil’s first ever Christmas show filled with Christmas cheer, rip roaring fun, and hugely lovable characters to spark lasting memories this holiday season!  It’s time to discover what happens before Santa drops in!!

Are You Ready to Get in the Holiday Mode?

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

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Lakeview: The Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus presents their Annual Holiday Show! There are three performances: December 6 (8 pm at the Athenauem), December 7 (8 pm at North Shore Center), and December 8 (3 pm at the Beverly Arts Center). Experience this unforgettable show complete with all the tantalizing glitz and glamour that the holidays bring. Shiny disco balls and bell bottoms kick off a festive season with disco renditions of your beloved holiday favorites. You won’t be able to sit still for this one! Tickets start at $15 and can be purchased here.

Lincoln Park: You’re invited to the 3rd Annual Oz Park Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony! On Saturday, December 7 at 5 pm, the neighborhood will be lit up at this cheerful holiday celebration. Singers from Lincoln Park High School will be performing songs of the season. Bring a cup of hot cocoa, your friends and family, and get in the spirit! Find more information here.

Bucktown and Wicker Park: What better way to get in the holiday spirit than with the Annual Cookie Walk?! Homemade holiday cookies and pet treats will be sold by the pound on Saturday, December 14 from 9:30 am to 4 pm and Sunday, December 15 from 12 to 3 pm. There will be a limited supply of gluten free cookies, in addition to traditional and ethnic favorites. The event is at Holy Trinity Cathedral, 1121 N Leavitt St. Donations of non-perishable food items will be accepted for the parish’s collection benefitting local food pantries.  Proceeds from the annual Cookie Walk provide financial support of the Cathedral’s continuing restoration work. Find more information here.

Edgewater: It’s time for the Edgewater Holiday Mixer! On Thursday, December 5 from 6 to 9 pm, you’ll celebrate the end of 2019 surrounded by your friends, family, and community. Whether you want to network, make new connections, help raise money for your Chamber’s programs and events, meet new Edgewater residents or hang out with old acquaintances, the Holiday Mixer is the perfect event for you. The evening includes bites, booze, and a fabulous silent auction. Light appetizers and desserts will be provided by Farm Bar, DAK, Pearl’s Southern Comfort, Edge of Sweetness, and more. The featured breweries and wineries are Alarmist Brewery, Chasing Harvest, Greenstar Brewery, and Half Acre. Don’t wait, get your tickets here!

Logan Square: Go to a holiday party with a great cause! It’s Party for the Park! On Thursday, December 5 from 6 to 10 pm at Weegee’s Lounge, this party is a benefit to support Unity Park. Your $20 donation includes a beverage, a buffet, and a raffle entry! Food and beverages are provided by local businesses and the raffle includes amazing items.  This is a 21 and up event. Find more information here.

Evanston: Rembrandt Chamber Musicians present their annual Holiday Baroque Concert! On Sunday, December 8 at 7:30 pm, this tradition signals the start of the holiday season. Against the beautiful backdrop of the stained glass windows in Northwestern University’s Alice Miller Chapel, Rembrandt will perform some of the season’s most beautiful music by Bach, Handel, and Telemann. Tickets range from $10-$38. Kick off the season with a gorgeous evening of music! Get your tickets here now!

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO