Are you ready for this weekend as we welcome the arrival of April 2025 as well as America’s favorite past time?  Ready or not, here we go!

The friendly confines open their gates for the first home series of the 2025 season as the Chicago Cubs host the San Diego Padres from Friday, April 4 through Sunday, April 6 at Wrigley Field (1060 W. Addison St.) in the Wrigleyville neighborhood.  Giveaways include a Cubs Flannel at Saturday’s game and Scouting American and Girl Scout Patch at Sunday’s game.  Couldn’t score a ticket, or is the weather just too dreadful for you to attend?  Well, you don’t have to miss any of the exciting action this weekend, just grab a seat at one of the Best Sports Bars in Chicago!  Go Cubbies!!

For those who aren’t into baseball, here’s what this first weekend of April has to offer you, especially if you have kids.

There’s a new adventure in town the little ones might enjoy, even you.  PAW Patrol Live! “A Mighty Adventure” takes center stage this Saturday with shows between 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday shows between 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. at The Chicago Theatre (175 N. State St.) in The Loop.  It’s time for the paw-some-est street party ever; however, Supervillain Scientist Victoria Vance feels left out.  Needless to say, Victoria will be unleashing her latest invention to crash the party and steal the spotlight for herself!  But can the Mighty Pups with their Mighty Pup Powers stop her?  Find out with heroic action, catchy tunes, and loads of interactive fun by attending PAW Patrol’s electrifying new adventure!

It’s National Robotics Week, and this Saturday (9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.) is the last day to celebrate the annual Robot Block Party at the Griffin Museum of Science & Industry (5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr.) in the Hyde Park neighborhood.  Interact with technology that includes programmable swarmbots that mimic swarming insects and flocking birds; a soft-body robot known as Noodlebot that learns how to crawl solely from physical interaction with the ground; a humanoid robot known as Baxter who mimics the arm gestures of guests; and more!  You’ll also discover the many ways robots are becoming part of our everyday life.  Best part of all, all activities are included in your Museum Entry fee!

With Easter approaching in a few weeks, the Easter Bunnies will be hopping out to spend time with the kids.  In fact, The Bunny at 900 is back at 900 North Michigan Avenue Shops (3^rd Level) on the Near North Side now through April 19.  Reservations are required and include a designer-inspired Spring setting with the Bunny; a keepsake digital photo delivered via email; one $25 USD Psycho Bunny gift card; and a voucher for Bunny Open Play at Bubbles Academy on Level 6.  Plus, three hours of $12 parking in the adjacent 900 Shop parking complex is included by requesting a validation ticket onsite at The Bunny set!

Another celebration taking place is the Greek community’s liberation from 400 years of Ottoman and Turkish occupation on March 25, 1821, with their annual Greek Heritage Parade kicking off at 2:30 p.m. this Sunday between Halsted and Randolph Streets in Greektown.  The parade commemorates the anniversary of the Greek Declaration of Independence by featuring rich traditions of Greek culture with costumes, dance and music troupes, and floats.  It’s suggested that you arrive early to claim your prime viewing spot, then capping off the afternoon’s festivities with a flavorful Greek meal at one of Greektown’s famous restaurants such as Greek Islands or Athena’s.  OPA!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

“There are two kinds of people – Greeks, and everyone else who wishes they were Greek.”

Gus Portokalos (Michael Constantine) ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’  (2002)

Greektown is located on the Near West Side, along Halsted Street, between Van Buren and Madison Streets. It’s home to restaurants and cultural institutions devoted to preserving the history and vibrancy of Greek culture. 

As Chicago’s Greek community prepares to celebrate Greek Independence Day at the annual Greek Heritage Parade down Halsted Street on Sunday, April 6 at 2:30pm, it’s great to remind ourselves that the strength of our diverse cultural communities are what makes Chicago strong.

The symbolic heart of Greektown is the National Hellenic Museum, 333 S. Halsted Street. The nationally recognized building, as Wikipedia sources note, features permanent and rotating exhibition halls, a library and archival research center, a classroom for children of all ages, and an oral history center featuring the National Hellenic Museum’s Oral History project. 

The museum also features a rooftop garden terrace with dramatic views of the Chicago skyline during the summer months. 

Founded in 1983, the Museum occupied several spots in downtown Chicago until opening the majestic, 40,000 square foot institution in 2011. The museum promotes understanding of the rich cultural traditions of ancient and contemporary Greece, as well as the Greek-American immigrant experience.

The origins of Greektown 

The original Greektown district on Halsted Street began with Jane Addams Hull House, which acted as a meeting point for the Greek population within Chicago and provided a basis for community to be built from 1889. According to Wikipedia sources, this house was used as a hub for the Greek community, and saw further small business expand within this area. By 1930, the area which had become known as the “Greek Delta,” held a foreign and native-born population of over 30,000. Greektown had been nicknamed the “Greek Delta” because it was located North and west of the Hull House on Blue Island, Halsted, and Harrison Street, which created a triangle that resembles a Delta. 

After World War II, an influx of Greeks immigrated to the US under the Displaced Persons Act, and an even more enormous amount entered in 1965 when the National Origins Act was repealed. This population continued its growth and expansion with the district growing in size and area.

This continued until 1960, when the opening of the University of Illinois Chicago campus, as well as the construction and opening of the Eisenhower Expressway, forced the neighborhood to move North along Halsted street to its current location along Halsted Street between Van Buren and Madison streets. From the 1970’s-1990’s, the area grew again with the establishment of authentic Greek restaurants, cultural institutions, and community organizations preserving Greek culture.

Today, according to Greektown Chicago, Old World traditions are prevalent in the many establishments of Greektown. The language is still heard in the neighborhood, and the community comes out in full ethnic pride during the annual Greek Independence Day parade, the Taste of Greece and the days surrounding Greek Easter. 

Current Museum Exhibitions

Reaching for the American Dream: The Greek Story in America The museum ‘s core exhibit encompasses thousands of unique experiences that portray the successes and hardships that contribute to the American mosaic, and includes objects, photographs, and personal stories that reflect the Greek-American experience.

Legacy, Renewal & Unity: Celebrating 100 Years of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America  Using a captivating blend of artifacts and interactive displays, this exhibition follows the development of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America (GOA) from its founding in 1922 to the present.

Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate: Protecting the Future of Faith  This multimedia experience highlights the Archon’s work to defend the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, an ancient center of Eastern Orthodox Christianity, and religious freedom around the world.

CHANGE: The Story of Coins features 29 coins, which date from the Hellenistic Period to the early Roman period (336 BCE-55 CE). Accompanying these coins is a section focusing on Alexander the Great’s impact on the spread of Hellenism.

Storytelling in Cloth and Light The exhibition displays textiles (all taken from NHM’s expansive collection of more than 10,000 Greek American artifacts) meticulously woven in Greece, largely by women, and brought across the ocean to the United States. Accompanying this brilliant needle work are photographs taken by Chicago-based Greek American Diane Alexander White during her 1977 trip to Greece.

The National Hellenic Museum is open Thursday-Sunday, from 10am – 4pm. For tickets and information, click here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Probably way more often than you do. From the bacteria that live naturally in your mouth to the bacteria naturally growing in room temperatures, you might be surprised at just how much is living in your bottle. Of course, the type also depends on what is in your bottle. Tap water naturally contains microbes but even boiled tap water (which should kill most of the bacteria) can still rapidly grow bacteria populations as they are used during the day. Anything containing sugar will exponentially increase bacteria growth; protein shakes and smoothies are the worst. 

Try keeping your bottle in the fridge between uses. That would help a bit as the bacteria grows a lot at room temperature. Bacteria counts at midmorning on average are around 75,000 per ml to 1-2 million by the next morning. 

Wash your hands before using your bottle. Seems obvious, but can have a huge effect. Dangerous bacteria like E. coli can hitch a ride on our hands, transfer to our water bottles and end up on our lips. Thankfully, most bacteria are harmless. But it is still possible to get an infection or a stomach bug, especially if you’re immunocompromised. 

Disinfect your bottle regularly. Many of us give a perfunctory rinse with hot water when we notice the water tasting a bit bad, but that is not enough. Use hot water, over 140 degrees, and dishwashing liquid. Swirl it around and let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing with hot water. Lids should be soaked in a container with soapy water and brushed. You can find special brushes online that will get into all the nooks and crannies. Then, leave it to air dry. Water only drinkers can do this 3-4 times a week. Tea, coffee or juice drinkers should wash your bottles daily. 

Scientific literature has yet to trace serious illness back to reusable water bottles, as identifying single point sources of infection is notoriously difficult. Nevertheless, keeping your water bottle clean is important, if only for the gross factor. 

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago

It’s that time of year again where NCAA basketball mayhem takes center stage this weekend in Chicago with March Madness.  As it’s said, Let the Madness Begin!

One place to cheer on your school during March Madness is at Time Out Market Chicago (916 W. Fulton Market) in the West Loop.  The Market will be showing every game of the tournament for days filled with fun, food, and of course, basketball on their multiple TV screens.  Plus, there’s enough space for large groups as well as tons of food and drink options.  In addition, you can help determine their next month’s drink special by going to their Instagram account to vote in their Bar Menu Bracket Face-Off throughout the tournament!

Remember there are plenty of great sports bars and taverns with food; however, not all of them cater to March Madness.  So, here’s a link to Chicago’s Best Bars to Watch March Madness.

As you may or may not know, this Saturday’s and Sunday’s games are the Elite Eight.  Then the Women’s Final Four takes place on Friday, April 4, with the Final on Sunday, April 6, and the Men’s Final Four takes place on Saturday, April 5, in San Antonio (6:09 p.m. and 8:49 p.m. on CBS) with the National Championship Game on Monday, April 7, in San Antonio (8:50 p.m. on CBS).

So, how’s your bracket holding up?  If not so good, there’s always next year!

For those who prefer not to partake in or even know what March Madness is, here are some suggestions for your weekend entertainment.

There’s still time to grab special discounts and prix fixe menus from participating businesses as the 2^nd annual West Town Restaurant Week wraps up this Saturday.  Enjoy some mouthwatering favorites such as Korean chicken nuggets, Alaskan king crab legs, savory samosas, and more as both your taste buds and wallet will thank you.  It’s your last chance to taste the best of Chicago’s buzzy West Town neighborhood!

Join Saatchi Art’s touring art fair, The Other Art Fair, this Saturday (11 a.m.-7 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m.-6 p.m.) at Artifact Events (4325 N. Ravenswood Ave.) in the Lakeview neighborhood where they reframe art and how you experience it.  This art fair combines affordable (prices start at around $100) and original artworks from over 115 emerging artists with immersive installations.  Plus, in between browsing sessions, grab a snack and drink while enjoying performances and DJs.  Here, art is for everyone not just the elite!

Another art form takes place this Saturday (11 a.m.-11 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m.-8 p.m.) with the 15^th annual Chicago Tattoo Arts Festival at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center (5555 N. River Rd.) in Rosemont.  This biggest tattoo convention returns with renowned tattoo artists in the industry; a wide range of vendors offering everything from jewelry to clothing to artwork; thrilling sideshow entertainment; live human suspension; and more.  Here’s your opportunity to celebrate and show off your body art and perhaps even add a few new ones from nationally known artists who have been featured on the Ink Master TV series!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Those familiar with the musical ‘Sweeney Todd’ will remember savory meat pies, but this British-inspired Pilsen café elevates the meat pie with a menu of farm-to-table fare, baked goods, brunch and Sunday tea service. Today, Pleasant House Pub is a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant, a prestigious honor for quality restaurants with lower prices. 

It all started n 2011, when husband and wife Art and Chelsea Jackson opened the Pleasant House Bakery, a small pie shop,   specializing in Royal Pies-their own version of handmade, artisanal meat and vegetable savory pies. In 2016, they expanded their signature British-inspired, locally sourced menu to their current Pilsen location, which also features a full bar and café. 

Michelin took notice and awarded the Jacksons a Bib Gourmand, which celebrates restaurants that offer good food at a moderate price, emphasizing value and accessibility. There are two main criteria to qualify for a Bib Gourmand: 1) the food must be delicious, and 2) it must cost less than a set amount for three courses.

Royal Pies, a highfalutin, round version of British pasties, is the house specialty at Pleasant House Pub for a good reason. They’re handmade and have their own flaky, buttery pastry. In fact, Bon Appetit Magazine took notice as well, calling them “British-y pies to die for.” 

Start your British adventure with some classic English starters, such as a Pickled Egg, served with a pack of crisps.  Or, a Scotch Egg, which is a medium-boiled egg wrapped in pork sausage, coated in breadcrumbs and fried, then served with grainy mustard. Welsh Rarebit has a tangy, creamy beer cheese smothered on toasted sourdough. Currywurst has their signature curry chips with curry sauce, scented with mint and lemon zest, in a whole smoked German sausage packed with curry spices. 

Luscious luscious Royal Pies 

The chief attraction here are the Royal Pies. Take, for example, Steak & Ale Royal Pie, their savory, rich beef stew is filled with carrots, shallots, and herbs. Chicken Balti is a fragrant stew with chicken, tomatoes, and ‘proprietary’ curry spices. Mushroom & Kale hasassorted mushrooms and kale in a white wine and parmesan cream sauce. Rockin’ Vegan Pie is a blend of zucchini and yellow squash, chickpea, sweet potato, and golden raisins in a North African spiced-tomato sauce. 

NOTE:  For an upcharge, you can ‘Crown Your Pie!’ with fluffy mashed potatoes and gravy. Worth it for a full meal! 

Pub Plates 

Pub Plates include a Crispy Buttermilk – Fried Chicken Sandwich, a lemon and herb-marinated, buttermilk-fried chicken breast, zucchini pickles, chipotle mayo,  served with chips. Bangers & Mash are classic British-style banger sausages, mashed potatoes, pea shoots, and onion gravy.  For lighter appetites, Royal Pub Salad is filled with local greens, cucumber, spiced pickled carrot, shaved apple, radish, cranberries, pepitas, Shropshire blue cheese, and honey mustard and dill dressing. 

The dessert list is small but inviting. The classic Sticky Toffee Pudding teams a date cake with toffee and custard sauces. Chocol – Oaty Lace Cookie is a crispy oatmeal-lace cookie sandwiched with dark chocolate. 

Mine is not the only good review. One Google review said “The atmosphere here is wonderful, and just screams cozy English pub. Our server was also great tonight and we never felt ignored or left wanting. But the food, god damn the food here is amazing. We split a scotch egg and curry wurst with the table, and both had great flavor. My only critique would be I wish there was more sauce on the fries. We finished with the Steak and Ale pie, crowned with mash and gravy, and it was just divine. Love that they have a beer selection from the UK as well. Can’t wait to come back again.”

Another wrote: “Classic pub fare in a wonderfully cozy space, especially in the patio area. The curry chips are well spiced, the Scotch eggs delightfully runny and crispy, and the steak pot pie is pure comfort with its buttery, crisp crust and hearty beef filling. A satisfying and heartwarming meal.”

Pleasant House Pub is located at 2119 S. Halsted Street. They are open Sunday-Thursday from 10am – 9pm, and Friday and Saturday, starting with brunch, from 10am–10pm. For reservations, click here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago