THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Could It Be Carnival Season?

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Festival, the parade of carnival floats with dancing people on streets of Viareggio

Not only does the month of March bring us Daylight Savings Time (9th) and the beginning of Spring (20th) but it also brings us a variety of events for our weekend entertainment!  Here’s what the first weekend in March has in store for you.

Couldn’t make it to New Orleans for Mardi Gras this year?  Well, it just so happens that Time Out Market Chicago (916 W. Fulton Market) in the West Loop will be hosting a Back to Bourbon Street Mardi Gras Pop-up this Saturday and Sunday (11 a.m.-8 p.m.).  Noted local chefs Lizzy Gilmore (Southern Bites) and Darnell Reed (Luella’s Southern Kitchen) team up to create a taste of Southern comfort just like in New Orleans.  Their menu includes muffuletta, crawfish empanadas, chicken and sausage gumbo, catfish po’boy, beignets, and praline and bourbon pecan bread pudding.  In addition, on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. the fun begins with a live performance by Chicago-based zydeco band La Travalliant.  Cajun cuisine, live music, and tons of beads, what could be better!

Navy Pier’s Global Connections series continues this Saturday (1 p.m.-5 p.m.) with International Carnivale held in the Pier’s Aon Grand Ball Room in celebration of this festive season leading up to Lent.  This high-spirited event features the colorful revelry of Carnivale with live music, dance performances, elaborate costumes, and interactive art making for guests of all ages while sampling traditional carnival dishes.  Or, stop at Lirica Restaurant for a specially curated menu of Latin-inspired dishes prepared by Executive Chef Ricky Amaya.  Best of all, admission is free to attend this event!

Head to the historic Greektown neighborhood along Halsted Street for its 4th annual Greektown Restaurant Week where many of the Greek restaurants are family-owned businesses that have been open for 25-50+ years.  Feast on specials from restaurants like Athena Restaurant offering free saganaki with any entrée order, or 9 Muses Bar & Grill offering 50% off Greek wine and a complimentary trio of spreads, along with many others.  By the way, when ordering, don’t forget to mention “Greektown Restaurant Week” to score deals!

Come join thousands of friends and supporters who will brave the cold and icy waters of Lake Michigan to raise money for Special Olympics Illinois at the 25th annual Chicago Polar Plunge this Sunday at North Avenue Beach (1601 N. Lake Shore Dr.) in the Lincoln Park neighborhood.  All participating plungers will receive a souvenir T-shirt and towel when exiting the water plus free parking at Lincoln Park Zoo.  Be sure to pack warm clothes, shoes (required to participate), and perhaps an extra towel or two.  Or perhaps you prefer to wear a costume to participate in their costume contest.  It’s an incredible winter event that supports a great cause!

Engines are revving up for this weekend’s Monster Jam at the Allstate Arena (6920 N. Mannheim Rd.) in Rosemont.  Colossal trucks will slam, crush and perform stunts as the world’s best drivers battle for the Event Championship in four competitions.  Start your day of fun at the Monster Jam® Pit Party (10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.) where you can see these massive trucks up close, meet your favorite drivers and crews, get autographs, take pictures, and enjoy other family-friendly activities.  There’s also the Monster Jam® Post-Event Driver Meet and Greet, which is your most exclusive opportunity to meet and mingle with the drivers shortly after the event.  However, space is limited for this post-event so get your tickets now.  I must warn you though that you may become a fan for life after experiencing Monster Jam® live!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Neighborhood News: On a clear day Willis Tower’s Skydeck showcases Chicago’s panoramic vista, interactive museum

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Skydeck Chicago direction sign on the building in Chicago

As spring arrives, with longer days, better weather, and the urge for adventure returns…where, on a clear day, can you find jaw-dropping views of the City of Chicago, the suburbs and four states?  

From the Skydeck and The Ledge on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, 233 S. Wacker Drive, that’s where! It’s listed as the highest observation deck in the United States, and offers a full day of entertainment for all who venture there. 

Skydeck’s History 

According to its website, in 1969, Sears Roebuck and Company was the largest retailer in the world, with about 350,000 employees. They decided they needed one large office space for their many employees. 

Architects Skidmore, Owings and Merrill were commissioned to design what would become one of the largest office buildings in the world. Fazlur Khan, the structural engineer, designed the “bundled tube” design that handled both wind and gravity.  

The Skydeck was part of the original plan for the Tower, which opened in 1973.  Sears had originally planned it as a way “to give back to the city and provide visitors with an unparalleled view of Chicago.” The Skydeck opened in 1974, and now attracts more than 1.7 million visitors annually. It’s now ranked as the most popular tourist attraction in Chicago. 

The structure was known as the Sears Tower from its construction until the naming rights were included in a 2009 lease with the Willis Group. 

Step Out On The Ledge!

The inspiration for The Ledge, the glass-floor observation box, according to its website, came from “the hundreds of forehead prints visitors left behind on Skydeck windows every week. “

Named a Tripadvisor.com World’s Top 10 Attraction, ‘The Ledge’ includes five glass floor balconies extending 4.3 feet from Willis Tower and stand 1,353 feet above Wacker Drive. They’re made up of three layers of half-inch thick glass laminated into one seamless unit.

Now, Skydeck “dares visitors to stand on ‘The Ledge’ and feel the city hum from 103 floors above Wacker Drive and the Chicago River for a unique, unobstructed, and unforgettable aerial view of Chicago.”

After undergoing extensive renovations a while back, Skydeck Chicago now also features an interactive, immersive world-class museum that celebrates the unique personality, history, neighborhoods and sites of Chicago and a new Skydeck Marketplace. 

Tour the Museum! 

At the Museum, visitors  discover the history of Chicago, encounter the Great Chicago Fire, and walk through a glowing Chicago River tunnel, all while learning about the city during its formative years. Other features include:

Architecture: This section showcases an interactive fly-through video tour of the city known for its skyline, ending at the Willis Tower. Guests will then have the chance to pose next to floor-to-ceiling Tower antennas to capture the perfect social media shot. 

‘L’ Train: Visitors can hop aboard a full-scale ‘L’ train replica and tour a plethora of vibrant Chicago neighborhoods by viewing the windows’ pass-through video displays. 

Taste of Chicago: Here, visitors can strike a pose on the larger-than-life deep-dish pizza platform or grab a seat on the nine-foot long, Chicago-style hotdog bench.

Characters: Guests will have the opportunity to tell jokes on a Second City stage and pose with Chicago icons, such as Michael Jordan and Oprah Winfrey. 

Streetscapes: This section allows visitors to connect with some of the city’s landmarks, including the legendary Wrigley Field marquee, Cloud Gate (The Bean) and more. 

Urban Playground: This vibrant area immerses visitors into the city through animations of Chicago moments and celebrations, leaving a lasting impression of what makes the energetic metropolis so extraordinary.

 The transformation on the 103rd floor observation deck includes an Interactive sequin wall where guests are invited to leave a mark on the city through creating drawings or messages. 

Make a day of it with Lunch and Dinner Packages at Willis Tower Restaurants

How about lunch, happy hour, sunset, or dinner with a view? Skip the hassle of figuring out when and where to go to lunch or dinner after visiting  Skydeck by ordering a package of great activities and food:

  • Enjoy a prix fixe lunch or dinner after experiencing the views from the 103rd floor. 
  • Choose from Not A Smash Burger, the Hearth Bowl, or another restaurant in Willis Tower. The $65 adult/$45 youth lunch package, for example, includes:
  • General Admission access through the museum and the United States’ highest observation deck
  • Access to The Ledge

The Skydeck and The Ledge are open 365 days a year. From March – September, their hours are Sunday to Friday 9am – 10pm, and Saturday, 8:30am – 10pm. The last entry 30 minutes prior to close. For tickets, click here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

2025 Chili Day

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Restaurant Review: Little Village’s The Black Vegan Restaurant Celebrates Culture with Taste

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Stock photo of Soul food

As we near the end of Black History Month, we want to continue celebrating the restauranteurs that bring unique flavors to Chicago and its communities. 

At Dean’s Team, we pay homage by  highlighting restaurants like Little Village’s The Black Vegan, which, as they say on their website, helps people “transition into vegan eating while still tasting the flavors they love.” 

As Plant-Based Tamika noted in her blog, this black woman-owned spot is located on Chicago’s west side in the Little Village neighborhood, and offers vegan eats with lots of gluten-free options. 

Sparkle Le’Star Rucker, the owner, serves vegan versions of classic comfort food, like a portabella gyro, BBQ ribs, loaded fries and more.

Rucker offers an easy way to mix and match the experience at The Black Vegan Restaurant by offering a  $25-$45 Build Your Own Sampler Platter…the smaller platter, at $25, offers your choice of two entrées and a large side, while the $45 platter provides three entrées and two large sides. Their side choices include homemade fries with your choice of seasoning, Mac and Cheese, and Southern Greens. 

Jackfruit Sliders, available in Jerk or BBQ, are topped with kale and come with their Carolina Gold sauce. 

Fried Banana Blossom has a delicate, crunchy texture and is served with your choice of sides. 

Black Vegan’s Famous 290 Burger is worth the drive, is a NEW sulltry Beyond Burgerlant based provolone cheese, homemade nut free cheese sauce, oyster mushroom based Italian beef, crushed red pepper and parsley.

Chicagoans are known for their Italian Beef, but The Black Vegan’s Italian Beef Sandwich is made with Italian oyster mushroom and served with a nut-free cheese sauce. 

10-Pieces Portabella Wings, their #1 most-liked dish on Doordash, is served with fries. And you can choose from a variety of flavors including mild, spicy buffalo, BBQ, Carolina Gold, or combinations. Loaded Italian Beef Fries are topped with spicy Italian beef, peppers, homemade cheese sauce, crushed red pepper and parsley. Hot-cha-cha! 

 BBQ Ribs areTofu-based, and fried in their fryer with wheat items. Sauce can be made without wheat upon request

And as we often say here, save room for dessert! Vegan Banana Pudding is made with coconut milk, while Vegan Cheesecake is smooth, creamy and delicious. Flavors vary, but their lemon and blueberry mini-versions are tops! 

Google reviews of The Black Vegan are stellar:

 “Sparkle is my fave 💜 the atmosphere was like a meditative movie scene and the food had my tastebuds doin da happy dance. i ordered the 290 Burger. thank you for this lovely experience!!! i will be back with friends”

“This is the first ever vegan restaurant I have ever gone to and oh god I love it, I 100 percent recommend it to everyone even if you’re not vegan just get it. The lady was amazing and supper friendly, the place was small but beautiful. Definitely coming back again 🩷”

The Black Vegan is located at 2300 South Kedzie Avenue. They are open Thursday and Friday from 4pm-7pm, Saturday from 3:30–7pm, Sunday from 3–7pm, and Monday from 4:30pm–8:30pm. For more information, click here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Food expiration dates explained

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Expiration date label on a bagel package reading best before 060922

With the price of groceries these days, we really want to get our money’s worth and not waste perfectly good food. Not to mention the problem of billions of pounds of edible food going into landfills! But of course, we don’t want to make our families ill either. Much of this is common sense, but often labels can be confusing. 

Expiration is not always finite and is sometimes confused with a “best by” date. In general, it is the date where food is considered to be no longer safe to eat. This is especially true for quickly perishable foods like dairy and meat. Vegetables and bread are easy to see. Vegetables will be wilted and bread becomes stale, but they can still be eaten safely as long as there is no visible mold. On the other hand, eggs can be eaten safely up to 3 weeks past expiration if they are refrigerated!

A “sell by” date is the last day an item can be kept on a grocery store shelf. Many foods are still safe to consume as long as you store them safely, especially dairy and meat or poultry. You can still consume these for a few days to a week past the sell by date. 

“Best by” date only applies to taste and quality. It is a manufacturer’s date that they recommend you consume their product for the best flavor and texture. Food may not be as flavorful after that date, but can be repurposed like using stale bread for breadcrumbs or stuffing. Or, use some less than fresh canned vegetables in a soup or stew. 

A “freeze by” date is pretty straightforward. You need to freeze these items by that date to avoid rapid deterioration and spoilage. This most often applies to meat and poultry. These food items last only a few days in the refrigerator but will last months in the freezer. Keep freezer items dated and rotated in the freezer. I don’t recommend using frozen meat held longer than 6 months; 3-4 months if it’s ground meat. Use proper storage containers like heavy duty freezer bags and containers labeled “for freezer use”. 

Here are a few recommended storage times for common foods:

  • Bread: 4 days at room temperature. 3 months in the freezer. 
  • Hard cheese: 3-4 weeks opened and refrigerated. 6 months unopened. 
  • Eggs: 3-4 weeks refrigerated.
  • Fish: 1-3 days refrigerated. 2-4 months frozen. 
  • Grains like oats and rice: 2 years or more in an airtight container. 
  • Brown rice: 6 months. 
  • Milk: 5-7 days, open and refrigerated. If unopened, 5-7 days past sell by date. 
  • Onions and potatoes: 2-3 months at room temperature, but don’t store them together. 

Of course, we all know the old saying: when in doubt, throw it out! No one wants to make anyone sick, but we can certainly save a few dollars by not throwing out perfectly good food.

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago

The Ultimate Kitchen Upgrade: Must-Have Gadgets for 2025

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Modern pot with multicooker and products on kitchen table

As we move further along into 2025, the kitchen continues to evolve into a multifunctional space that showcases innovation, convenience, and style. For homeowners looking to elevate their culinary experiences, investing in the right kitchen gadgets can make all the difference. Here’s a look at some of the must-have kitchen gadgets that promise to streamline your cooking process while adding a touch of modern flair to your home.

1. Smart Refrigerator

The backbone of any kitchen is the refrigerator, and the 2025 version boasts advanced technology that provides more than just food storage. Smart refrigerators come equipped with touch screens, internal cameras, and Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to check your inventory remotely, plan meals, and even create shopping lists right from your phone. Models featuring family hubs also enable to-do lists, calendars, and recipe sharing, making it easier to stay organized and connected.

2. Multi-Cooker

This versatile cooking gadget has been a game changer for countless home chefs. In 2025, the multi-cooker takes this a step further. Equipped with smart technology, these devices can be programmed to cook meals for you while you’re away. With options like pressure cooking, slow cooking, and sautéing, you’ll save time without compromising on taste. Look for models that offer app connectivity, allowing you to control settings and receive notifications from your smartphone.

3. Precision Cooker

Sous-vide cooking is becoming increasingly popular among home chefs, and for good reason. The precision cooker allows you to cook food to the perfect doneness every time. By immersing sealed food in a temperature-controlled water bath, you can achieve restaurant-quality dishes at home. With user-friendly interfaces and app integration, many modern sous-vide cookers let you set temperature and cooking time from your smartphone, ensuring a hassle-free culinary experience.

4. High-Tech Food Processor

The food processor has long been a staple in kitchens, but in 2025, the latest models are elevating functionality to new heights. Featuring smart sensors, these food processors can automatically determine the best settings for chopping, mixing, and puréeing, resulting in perfectly prepared ingredients every time. Some advanced models even include a built-in scale for accurate measurements, while others offer various attachments for shredding, slicing, and kneading dough, making meal prep easier than ever.

5. Smart Oven

The traditional oven is being redefined with smart technology that allows for a seamless cooking experience. In 2025, you can expect ovens equipped with features such as voice control, temperature probes, and recipe integration. These smart ovens enable you to preheat remotely and monitor the cooking process through an app, ensuring your meal is cooked to perfection every time. Models with convection technology also help reduce cooking times, making it ideal for busy households.

6. Automatic Pan Stirrer

For those who want a little extra help in the kitchen, an automatic pan stirrer is the perfect addition. This gadget stirs sauces and other dishes for you, ensuring even cooking without the need for manual intervention. With adjustable speeds and a built-in timer, it’s a unique countertop tool that saves time and effort, allowing you to focus on other tasks while your meal comes together.

Bottom-line

Upgrading your kitchen in 2025 is all about embracing technology that enhances your cooking experience. From smart refrigerators and multi-cookers to precision gadgets and automatic stirrers, these innovations not only offer convenience but also inspire creativity in the kitchen. As you consider your next kitchen upgrade, integrating these must-have gadgets will help transform your culinary adventures into memorable experiences. Embrace the future of cooking, and watch as your kitchen flourishes!

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – The Polar Vortex Big Thaw!

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Illustration of a polar bear on a melting iceberg

Join in the celebration of Chicago’s “Big Thaw” this weekend with the following events to get us out and about again as we also bid farewell to this past week’s polar vortex – Good Riddance!

Come be a part of something great at this year’s Cupid’s Undie Run this Saturday (12 p.m.-4 p.m.) at Slugger’s Sports Bar (3540 N. Clark St.) in the Lakeview neighborhood.  The day kicks off with drinking and dancing, then at 2 p.m. it’s time for the chilly one-mile jog (at your own pace) then back to Slugger’s for the epic dance party.  This annual tradition raises money for neurofibromatosis (NF) which is a genetic disorder causing tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body.  So, toss on a pair of your best skivvies for this brief fun run and let’s get this party started for the 1 in every 3,000 births affected with NF!

It’s simply a bacon lover’s paradise at the Chicago Bacon Fest this Saturday (12 p.m.-5 p.m.) at the Old Crow Smokehouse (3506 N. Clark St.) in the Wrigleyville neighborhood.  A general admission ticket includes admission to the fest, a complimentary bacon-back whiskey shot and a bacon cocktail, access to special bacon cocktails and mocktails, a special bacon focused food menu, live music from Garrett Hicks, bacon photo ops, giveaways, and other sizzling fun stuff.  Plus, there may even be a surprise visit from Mr. Bacon Dude himself.  There’s no “hold the bacon” at this fest since there’s bacon on everything!

Enjoy all the wonders of nature at Polar Adventure Day this Saturday (11 a.m.-3 p.m.) at Big Marsh Park (11559 S. Stoney Island Ave.) in the South Deering neighborhood.  Enjoy this free journey as you explore the park to see Husky teams sled around the park; watch ice carvings being made; make nature-inspired winter crafts; meet live animals; take in a roaming puppet show; and more.  In addition, enjoy some live music, sip on hot cocoa, and/or purchase food onsite as you warm up.  It’s a great way to celebrate winter in Chicago without the polar vortex!

Sunday brings the Best Margarita Competition to Time Out Market Chicago (916 W. Fulton Market) in the West Loop from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in celebration of National Margarita Day.  Hosted by Time Out and powered by Patron Tequila, Chicago’s top restaurants and bars will be competing to see who makes the best version of the cocktail, as voted on by you.  The power is in your hands as the winner will receive a trophy, a cash prize, a Time Out article, and bragging rights.  Join us in raising a glass to National Margarita Day as we crown the #1 Best Margarita!

Heading back to Chicago for their first show of the season is MagicCon Chicago this Saturday and Sunday at McCormick Place Lakeside Center (2301 S. King Dr.) in the South Loop.  Once again, they’ll be bringing you the best play events, the coolest merch, and the most exciting experiences that the world of Magic has to offer.  One such unique experience is the Art of Magic where an abundance of amazing Magic artists will be in attendance for you to get cards signed or to pick up unique merch spotlighting your favorite art.  In addition, Dungeons & Dragons join the party to take you on an epic journey as you become characters you create, battle deadly foes, uncover secrets, and find treasures.  Plus, new this year is the Target Permanent Tattoos where you can get tattooed right on the show floor.  However, appointments are limited and must be made in advance.  This can’t miss event gives you the opportunity to create memories to last a lifetime!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Neighborhood News: Loyola University’s Newhart Family Theatre, named for comedy legend, trains new generations of talent

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An audience in theatre chairs with a stage and blue lighting in the background

“Go for your passion, fall on your face, and keep going.“

Actor/Comedian Bob Newhart (1929-2024)

Chicago-born comedy legend Bob Newhart created many memorable characters and comedy routines in his lifetime, but his legacy lives on in Loyola University’s Newhart Family Theatre, 1020 W. Sheridan Road,  located on the second floor of the Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts. 

The versatile entertainment venue provides a platform for a variety of performances, including plays, musicals, and live music events, showcasing local talent and providing a space for the community to come together and enjoy cultural experiences. With its welcoming atmosphere and diverse programming, Newhart Family Theater offers something for everyone to enjoy.

About Bob Newhart 

Born in Oak Park, Illinois on September 5, 1929, Newhart was “known for his deadpan and stammering delivery style,” as noted by Wikipedia sources. 

His ties to Loyola University Chicago took root early, as Newhart graduated from Loyola’s Quinlan School of Business in 1952, then was drafted by the Army into the Korean War.

After the war, according to Wikipedia sources, Newhart worked for United States Gypsum as an accountant. He later said that his motto, “That’s close enough,” and his habit of adjusting petty cash imbalances with his own money showed that he lacked the temperament of an accountant. 

In 1958, Newhart became an advertising copywriter for Fred A. Niles, a major independent film and television producer in Chicago There, he and a co-worker entertained each other with long telephone calls about absurd scenarios, which became the basis for his solo work in stand-up and making records, notably winning an historic Grammy Award for ‘The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart” in 1960, the first comedy album to make number one on the Billboard charts.

He transitioned to acting in television, including ‘The Bob Newhart Show,’ set in Chicago, in the 1970’s and ‘Newhart’ in the 1980’s. Younger audiences will remember him in the holiday classic ‘Elf’ and on ‘The Big Bang Theory.’

He received numerous accolades, including three Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award, and a Golden Globe Award. He received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2002.

In 1975, according to Loyola Today, Loyola bestowed upon Newhart the Sword of Loyola, which symbolizes spiritual qualities associated with St. Ignatius of Loyola—courage, dedication, and service. 

“When I graduated from Loyola University Chicago in 1952, it would never have occurred to me that one day there would be a Newhart Family theatre on Loyola’s campus,” Newhart told the Loyola Student Dispatch in 2012. “It is a great source of pride and honor for all our families.”

Besides Newhart, all three of Newhart’s sisters attended Mundelein College, including Joan Newhart, BVM, who also served as an administrator at Mundelein, according to articles written by the Loyola Student Dispatch at the time of the dedication.

History of the Newhart Family Theatre

Dedicated in 2012, the Newhart Family Theatre was designed as the new “main stage” home for Loyola University Chicago’s theatre program. The 215-seat theatre is located on the second floor of Mundelein Center, in the space that used to be the gymnasium of Mundelein College. There is flexible seating for an additional 20 people, and features state-of-the-art scenic, lighting, and costume shops,  rehearsal hall/performance classroom, and a flexible-seat experimental theatre in the lower level and additional support and workshop spaces for theatre. The space also Includes a recital hall, additional practice rooms, and applied music and recording studios for music. 

Events

‘Notes from the Field’ runs through February 23. Anna Devere Smith’s documentary theatre performance tackles incarceration, police brutality, and systemic educational issues with heart and hope. For tickets and more information, click here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Restaurant Review: Andersonville Restaurant Week extends bargains, quality from February 21-March 2

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Andersonville Water Tower stock photo

Andersonville is known for being “a little bit of Sweden — the eccentric bit to be exact,” according to Choose Chicago. 

However, what locals love about Andersonville is its artisanal flair and one-of-a-kind charm, Midsommarfest in June and St. Lucia Day celebration in December. And all that will be celebrated February 21 – March 2 at Andersonville Restaurant Week.

Presented by the Andersonville Chamberof Commerce, it showcases the abundance of great restaurants throughout the district. It’s a great way to try a new spot, and explore the diverse cuisine and fine dining in Andersonville, which ranges widely for all tastes and sizes.

The  restaurants will offer $30 / $45 / $60 special prix fixe menus to enjoy. (NOTE: Prices vary by location)

Take, for example, Uvae Kitchen & Wine Bar, 5553 N. Clark Street, offering a $60 per person menu featuring  their Cauliflower Bisque with chili oil and black pepper, Parmesan Bites, andWedge Salad with green goddess dressing, cherry tomatoes, lardons, scallions and smokey blue cheese. That’s followed by your choice of Salmon with garlic roasted potatoes, spring pea puree and asparagus, or Smoked Short Rib with goat cheese and creamed corn grits and horseradish slaw, or Jackfruit with hoisin glaze, quinoa, and pineapple ginger salsa. Finish off with Coconut Ladoo with green tea and strawberry. 

A few blocks down, Replay Andersonville, 5358 N. Clark Street, offers a variety of comfort foods at its sports bar. Their $45 per person menu includes such favorites as your choice of Wisconsin Cheese Curds, battered, fried and served with ranch dipping sauce, Crispy Cauliflower, deep fried, rice-flour coated cauliflower, spicy curry, and pickle salad, or Fried Pickles, which are panko-breaded fried pickle chips ser with Chipotle buttermilk ranch dressing. Entrées include their Double Smash Burger, a mammoth two quarter pound hamburger patties, applewood smoked bacon, American cheese, caramelized onions, tomato, arugula, and fried dill pickles on a buttery bun, or for vegetarians, an Impossible Burger Deluxe combining an Impossible Burger with smoked tomato aioli, avocado and provolone cheese, topped with lettuce, tomato, onion and dill pickle on a buttery bun. Their house-made desserts include Apple Bread Pudding house-made apple bread pudding made with Challah bread, topped with candied walnuts, bourbon caramel, and vanilla ice cream, or a Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet  (NOTE: Please pre-order, requires 30 minutes to bake,) a chocolate chip cookie baked in cast iron skillet, topped with vanilla ice cream and bourbon caramel. 

Many more restaurants are participating. For a complete list of restaurants and menus, click here.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – 7 bad habits to break in 2025

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Network of pins and threads in the shape of a cut out heart inside a human head

When we think of self-improvement, we often think of things we need to do better. But we don’t often think of the things that we should stop doing! Some are habits and behaviors that we do unconsciously, so it can be hard to change. Here are a few things you might not even realize are holding you back:

Comparing yourself to others. We all see, especially on social media, that everyone seems to be doing better than us. But this is not helpful and causes stress and anxiety. Celebrate your victories and strengths, even small ones, to increase your self-esteem and happiness. 

Collecting injustices. Sometimes, we pay too much attention to what isn’t going our way, or keep track of every wrong done toward us (real or imagined). Instead, try to appreciate those who come through for you and embrace gratitude. It will increase your happiness and even your longevity. 

Thinking only you can get the job done. You can delegate. So what if no one can do it better than you? Letting others help reduces stress! Many times, we don’t realize that some things can work just as well without our input. You might be pleasantly surprised by how it ends up. 

Constantly checking your phone. When you are with friends and family, keep it a no phone zone, even if you’re just streaming a show on the couch. Focusing on your phone shortens your attention span and too much social media has been connected to anxiety and depression. Practice mindfulness and being in the moment. 

Chasing “happiness”. The boost we feel from superficial things fades quickly. Being with your grandkids or having a good time with friends is what really creates lasting joy, not that piece of jewelry or that fancy vacation. Nonmaterial joys and intangibles really make us feel good. 

Overthinking. Overthinking leads to agonizing over events beyond our control. Focus on what’s in your control. If it is under your control, you should take a certain amount of time to take action. Then reward yourself. 

Holding a grudge. Holding on can raise your blood pressure and can increase your risk of coronary heart disease. When you forgive, it improves your mental health. See where others are coming from. If that’s not possible, at least you can decide it’s not your problem, it’s theirs. 

Many of these behaviors are unconscious, but by being mindful we can realize when an unhelpful habit rears its ugly head and do something about it. 

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago