Ok, who blinked and brought us to the first weekend of August? Correct me if I’m wrong but didn’t summer just arrive!? Well despite the fact that summer is fading away from us we still do have more fun coming so let’s get going!!

Taking place in a parking lot outside the iconic United Center (1901 W. Madison St.) on the Near West Side is the return of the nation’s premier outdoor BBQ and country music festival the Windy City Smokeout hosted by Bub City and Joe’s Bar. This annual festival brings together some of the nation’s most talented pitmasters for the best BBQ as well as the best craft beer from around the country. It also features live performances from country music’s biggest names with Miranda Lambert and Sam Hunt topping the bill this weekend along with up-and-coming talent.  Don’t forget the ever popular All-You-Can-Eat BBQ Brunch on Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for an additional $50 where you can enjoy a variety of dishes from the Pitmaster Buffet and a special Bacon Bar sponsored by Illinois Pork Producers! It’s sure to be a finger lickin’ good time!!

Inspired by its namesake Grateful Dead song, Dancing in the Streets is set amid the Chicago Brewing District (1700-1800 W. Hubbard St.) in West Town this Saturday and Sunday (12 p.m. – 10 p.m.).  This one-of-a-kind festival features a variety of jam bands, curated craft beers, an array of local artisans and makers, local restaurants, retailers, and food trucks.  It also offers a variety of kid-friendly activities such as crafts, games, t-shirt tie-dying, and face painting for the whole family to enjoy! So, don your favorite tie-dyed shirt and get ready to dance because it’s all about Hot Jams and Cold Beer!!

It’s the return of the 40^th annual Northalsted Market Days® to Halsted Street from Belmont Avenue to Addison Street in the Lakeview neighborhood this Saturday and Sunday (11 a.m. – 10 p.m.).  This ½-mile-long live music street festival celebrates the community with all-day lineups of live music on 6 stages plus 250+ unique vendors, arts, crafts, food and drink, DJ’s and dancing, sponsor booths, and more!  It’s been ranked in the top 10 Chicago festivals by BizBash!!

Join neighbors from every Chicago community and beyond at this year’s Sundays on State taking place on Sundays through September 4^th from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on State Street between Lake and Monroe Streets. It’s a free, interactive block party featuring art, culture, active recreations, outdoor dining, shopping, entertainment, local attractions, and unexpected surprises in the heart of everyone’s neighborhood – The Loop!

The biggest geek party in the Midwest, C2E2 returns to the McCormick Place Convention Center (2301 S. King Dr.) in the South Loop this Saturday (10 a.m. – 7 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.). It’s the only comic, cosplay, and pop culture convention featuring your favorite celebrities, unique exhibitors, incredible comic artists, autograph sessions, panels, screening rooms, exclusives, After Dark events and more! Plus, you can kick-back in C2E2’s beer garden, The Yard, located on the show floor and featuring live music and trivia. It’s a weekend that is all about you!!

Pay homage to Bronzeville’s history as a hub for jazz and blues at this year’s Bronzeville Neighborhood Jazz Festival this Saturday (12 p.m. – 8 p.m.) on Martin Luther King Drive from 37^th to 39^th Streets. This fest features live music from local musicians alongside products from local vendors, and food trucks including Anointed Appetite, Harold’s Chicken and more!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

A restaurant serving German and Italian specialties? Could these seemingly disparate cuisines co-exist under one roof?

Let’s just say that the results of this ‘fusion’ has been a thin slice of Himmel’s (Heaven) ina cozy German-Italian restaurant in Lincoln Square, thanks to sisters/owners Carol and Diana Himmel, who formerly ran Pizza Doc.  

The restaurant has earned praises from diners and critics alike. One reviewer wrote, “When you’re craving a perfectly executed Roman-style pizza AND a Bavarian pork shank with dumplings, head to Himmel’s.”

Former Chicago Tribune food critic Phil Vettel was equally smitten, saying, “An Alpine, forever-Christmas décor with twinkling lights, Himmel’s exists as a German-Italian hybrid, where the menu lists Wiener schnitzel right below saltimbocca alla Romana. Himmel’s is a non-Italian restaurant that creates a craveworthy pizza…loved it.”

Here, you can mix and match your experience to fit your mood. You could start with a Lachs Toast, which is smoked salmon on pretzel toast, hard boiled egg, and caviar. Or, for your Italian counterpart, try Shrimp Wrapped In Prosciutto, served on a bed of mixed greens with a balsamic reduction.

Salats (salad) include a summery Pear Salad, where spring mixed greens are tossed with pears, Gorgonzola cheese and walnuts in a balsamic vinaigrette.Or, Himmel’s Gemischter Salad pairsromaine lettuce, mixed greens, tomato, cucumber, carrots, olives, extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar. 

Pastas are staccato. Try the Bucatini All’ Amatriciana, pairingonion, guanciale (smoked Italian bacon), extra virgin olive oil, spicy tomato sauce, and Parmigiano and Romano cheeses.

Entrees are hearty, yet delicately prepared. Champignon Rahm Schnitzel are pork tenderloin medallions, seared and sauteed in butter and finished in a shallot mushroom cream sauce, served with spätzle and red cabbage. Chicken Parmigiano is pan-fried breaded chicken breast, smothered in tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese, and served with fresh vegetables and spaghetti marinara.

“Himmel’s is the best,” wrote a Google reviewer. “Great food, great atmosphere, and the best staff.  So attentive to our table.  So much food…enough for a full meal the next day.  Pretzel bread served on the table.  Delicious…  I recommend this place to everyone.”

“Best Schnitzel anywhere. A dish that’s often given a pass because it’s hard to do right. This isn’t the heavy, greasy dish you might be thinking of. It’s filling and satisfying but without regrets.”

Himmel’s is located at 2251 W. Lawrence Avenue Wednesdays and Thursdays, they are open 5pm–8pm. On Fridays, they open for lunch from noon-3pm, and open again for dinner from 5pm to 8pm. Saturdays and Sundays, they are open from noon-8pm. They are closed Mondays and Tuesdays. For information and reservations, click here.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

There’s probably something in your home that needs updating especially if you can’t even recall the last time you switched things up. What could have been hip back in the day is undoubtedly displeasing today.

Here are 8 features in your home that are unquestionably making it look outdated, along with quick fixes for each.

WALL COLORS

The color of your walls is one of the first things guests will see when they enter your house. It’s time for a change if your walls are still painted in blush, dusty rose, or even yellow. Fortunately, this is a simple remedy that just needs a few cans of paint and a little labor.

Think about painting the walls with a more timeless neutral color that will suit everyone’s tastes. Alternately, if you want to experiment with something currently in style, like a gray-green or something earthy, go for it. You can always repaint it next year.

WALL-TO-WALL CARPETING

More and more homeowners are replacing their wall-to-wall carpeting with more contemporary flooring, including hardwood, vinyl, or ceramic. In many cases, carpeting is acceptable, but you might want to think twice if it is soiled, shaggy, or has an uncomfortable bold color.

In this situation, you may choose to simply pull out the outdated carpeting and replace it with something more stylish and current. Thankfully, engineered hardwood has increased the number of accessible flooring options available today. You can create long-lasting, aesthetically beautiful floors that closely resemble wood with these materials.

OVERSIZED ENTERTAINMENT CENTER

What we’re discussing here is most likely familiar to you. Those enormous entertainment centers, large enough to accommodate your massive tube TV, a VCR, stereo system, and CD player. There was probably enough space to store VHS videos and books too.

These huge, out-of-date entertainment systems are no longer necessary because televisions are as flat as they possibly can be these days. Since they are usually installed on walls or over fireplaces, the use of these antique pieces of furniture is not justified. Replace that outdated entertainment center with floating shelves or another delicate, understated, and less imposing option.

OUTDATED FURNITURE

A sleigh bed. oversized sofas. You see what we mean. These antiquated furnishings can significantly age your house. It can be expensive to replace furniture with more contemporary pieces, but the time and money are well spent.

You might also consider refurbishing what you currently have if you don’t want to make a sizable dent in your bank account. Consider painting wooden furniture items a deep, rich color, or, for a more modern appearance, cover any loudly patterned sofas and chairs with a solid color slipcover.

LAMINATE COUNTERTOPS

Cheap sheet laminate countertops are a surefire way to make your kitchen look dated, especially if they are peeling apart. Yes, these materials are quite cheap, but saving a few dollars shouldn’t come at the expense of style.

There are other reasonably priced solutions that are more contemporary. For instance, granite is a stylish, modern material that is also getting more affordable every day. You should also think about quartz, soapstone, and even wooden butcher blocks for your kitchen counters.

OUTDATED WINDOW TREATMENTS

Remember back in the day when Grandma had valances and window treatments with pink and green flower patterns all over her house? Even while it could bring back some pleasant memories, these window decorations have no place in a contemporary house. Take down the cloth if you are guilty of using it on your windows, especially if it has fringed trim and tassels.

If privacy is not a concern, leave the windows open and take in the view while letting the light in. Alternately, take into account something more modern and classic, such draping drapes across a rod in a more muted and neutral fabric and print.

BRASS AND GOLD

Shiny brass or gold is just tacky, whether it’s used for bed posts, cabinet hardware, or lighting fixtures. When these items are taken out and replaced with ones that have other finishes, such brushed nickel, black, or chrome, you’d be shocked at the change that results. Simply go to your neighborhood home improvement store, where you can choose from a wide selection of the newest trends.

OLD WALLPAPER AND BORDERS

Even if it was popular three decades ago, this feature is also very out-of-date. Wallpaper borders are the epitome of excessive decorating from the 1980s. When they are placed immediately on top of wallpaper, they appear particularly antiquated. It’s time to scrape off any remaining wall bordering that has flowers, stars, vines, or other ugly patterns in order to give your walls a more consistent appearance.

Replacing these out-of-date features can significantly improve the overall look and feel of your home, whether you’re trying to improve its marketability or just want a fresh look for your personal aesthetic appeal.

“If music be the food of love, play on”

William Shakespeare, ‘Twelfth Night’

And on…and on…this weekend offers the best music throughout the city. Have fun at crowded Lollapalooza, purse your lips at ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ and finish your weekend with a Venetian Boat Parade! 

Play that funky music… Metallica. Dua Lipa. J.Cole. Green Day. Put these headliners together, and what do you get? All together now…LOLLAPALOOZA! Nine stages of entertainment makes this the greatest music festival in the Midwest! The festivities start in Grant Park, 337 E. Randolph Street, now through Sunday, July 31. If the headliners weren’t enough, they are joined by acts like J-Hope, Machine Gun Kelly, Lil Baby and Steve Aoki and Kygo. The original and the best! For tickets, click here.

Sailing Takes Me Away … The oldest boat parade in the Midwest returns to the Chicago River on Saturday, July 30 from 7pm-10pm! Find a spot on the Riverwalk on Wacker Drive and the Chicago River for a magnificent view of twinkling lights and decorated yachts and boats on Venetian Night! Theparade honors retiring Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White.

Chicago Riverwalk, Between Franklin & Lake St – South Side of the River Walk

Based on the Riverwalk, Chicago’s Venetian Night brings the charm of the famous Venice boat decorated boats, entertainment and a grand fireworks display at Navy Pier.  As dusk begins on Chicago’s lakefront, the Boat Assembly and kickoff by Secretary of State White gets underway, followed by entertainment on the Riverwalk, and finally, against the twinkling stars above Lake Michigan, the parade processions. Fireworks complete a dazzling evening on the lake. For more information, click here.

I Don’t Know How to Love Him …A short run celebrating Jesus Christ Superstar’s 50^th Anniversary comes to an end at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph Street. As the website says, with lyrics and music by Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony winners Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, Jesus Christ Superstar is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, ‘Gethsemane’ and ‘Superstar’. For tickets, click here.

The B*** is Back … Hello, Miranda Priestly! Andy Sachs here. From 70’s fashionista and rock legend Elton John comes The Devil Wears Prada, The Musical. The James Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph Street, dares portray the story of the supreme authority of the high-fashion world, and the new home of assistant Andy Sachs. ”It’s a position a million people would kill for, but under the sharp stilettos of Runway’s legendary editor-in-chief, Miranda Priestly, the job is no dream, up against Miranda’s blistering leadership and stratospheric expectations.” That’s all. (Purses lips). For tickets, click here.

I’ve Had…The Time of My Life. Looking ahead to next month, don’t miss free Movies at Millennium Park, now through September 6 at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion at 6:30pm. On Tuesday, August 2, celebrating the Year of Chicago Dance, watch no one put Baby in a corner as ‘Dirty Dancing,’ swings with Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey. Movies are presented on the state-of- the-art, 40-foot LED screen. Enter the Park on Randolph Street, Monroe Street and Millennium Garage entrances. For more information, click here.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Galit (in Hebrew, Fountain) is a Middle Eastern Restaurant in Lincoln Park, owned and operated by Andrés Clavero and James Beard Award-winning chef Zachary Engel. It’s not every day that you can find a restaurant with a sense of humor with a Michelin star, but Galit has found the sweet spot in balancing outstanding cuisine with a true sense of humor. The menu itself, according to the website, focuses on a seasonal and localized approach to dishes of the Middle East and Israel’s immigrant cuisines, alongside a unique and forward-thinking beverage program. (Truly unique… Baby I Compare You to a Kiss from A Rose on the Gray Tea?) 

Here’s where they earned the Michelin star, I think. This is a restaurant unafraid of pairing a sense of humor with a (currently) $78 prix-fixe, 4-course menu where they urge you to “choose your own adventure! “

We’re always game for an adventure. Take, for example, their ‘Over Coal’ (grilled) selections. Carrota hasa

Cuminy orange glaze, Bulgarian feta, hazelnut duqqa. Try the Iraqi Kubbeh Halab–a crispy saffron crust lamb, with golden raisins and almonds. Or, for a a real nosh, try the Armenian-Meets-Brooklyn Pastrami, with urfo Caesar, radicchio, and malawach. 

The restaurant has earned amazing reviews from Google and perfect 5.0 ratings on other sites:

“Some of the best Middle Eastern and Israeli food I have had!”

“Lots of options and very affordable compared to other Michelin star restaurants. Nothing out of the ordinary, so a very comfortable dining experience all around…Simple Middle Eastern staples across the menu. Pita is made to order in a hearth oven. Very affordable. Hip place that’s great for sharing food in a group or on a date. You will leave full. Impressive wine selections, especially from the MiddlEast…The Pastrami and the Carrot Cake is to die for!”

“Galit was amazing. Went here with the girlfriend for her birthday. It was our first Michelin star restaurant we’ve ever tried. Great atmosphere. We sat at the kitchen bar. The fixed menu is easy. Server was really knowledgeable. Wine menu was very unique with a lot of middle eastern wines you don’t see many places.

Galit is located at 2429 N. Lincoln Avenue. They are open Tuesdays-Thursdays, 5pm–9pm, Fridays and Saturdays, 5pm–9:30pm. They are closed on Sundays and Mondays. For information and reservations, click here.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago