For the majority of homeowners today, having a large, bright kitchen could be a dream come true, but tight budgets and small kitchen spaces can be quite challenging to overcome.

Fortunately, there are resourceful methods to improve your kitchen’s appearance and feel without going over budget.

REMOVE A WALL

If your kitchen is separated from an equally small living room by a wall, consider knocking it down. In fact, knocking down a wall is one of the easiest ways to open up the space in the kitchen, especially for experienced renovators and contractors. Sure, it might be the more expensive suggestion on this list, but for the price, it makes a huge difference.

If the wall is not load-bearing, you can expect to pay anywhere between $2,000 to $4,000 to take it down. However, if the wall is bearing the load of the second story, you could be faced with a much bigger bill considering the fact that structural issues will need to be factored in. But it could well be worth the cost when you see the finished product. Homeowners spend thousands and thousands of dollars on a brand new kitchen, and sometimes tearing a wall down is all it takes to completely transform the space.

BREAKFAST BAR

Instead of completely knocking a wall down, you could just tear down the upper half and leave the lower half intact. But to make it useful, consider turning that half wall into a raised breakfast bar, which can provide the space with some great functionality and practicality for more casual meals. Making the bar counter height is a contemporary way to update  the kitchen while making it feel bigger at the same time.

PLENTY OF LIGHTING

Lots of light is always a good thing when it comes to opening and brightening up a small space. To maximize the effect that lighting has on your kitchen, consider adding layers of different fixtures throughout the room. Add a chandelier over the dinner table; hang pendant lights over the breakfast bar; install under-mounted lighting your cabinets; and brighten the inside of your cabinets with pot lights.

Keep the color of the lighting the same as the wall color and/or cabinets to boost the effect of the lighting in the kitchen. Lighter colors are always best in small spaces, as they reflect light and create a sense of space. When the same light colors are blended throughout various components, the effect of a larger space is even more enhanced.

CONSIDER THE SCALE

Having too many cabinets or an oversized dinette set will only make the kitchen look cramped. Instead, you should focus on things like a slim kitchen island, streamlined furniture pieces, and just enough cabinets to house all your utensils without taking up every square inch of the wall space. Everything that’s installed in the kitchen should fit to scale in order to avoid making the space look smaller than it really is.

CLEAR THE CLUTTER

Nothing encloses a space more than clutter. And when it comes to the kitchen, the countertops can be easily crammed with dishes, utensils, bills, and anything else that you didn’t have the time to put away. For a cleaner, more streamlined look, clear off the clutter. It’s easy, fast, and doesn’t cost a cent.

While there are invasive and expensive ways to enlarge your kitchen space – such as physically expanding your home – there are simpler, more affordable ways to do so. Use a little imagination, and play up visual illusions in your space to make your kitchen look and feel more spacious.

If there’s a theme to this week’s Neighborhood News, it’s FOOD! Chicago’s neighborhoods are home to world-renowned restaurants, quality street vendors and food trucks. But a museum devoted to ice cream? Yes, it’s all in Chicago, for your gastronomic pleasure! Enjoy tacos, pizza, and plenty of local restaurants at this week’s annual fests and fun!

Viva la Tacos… On Thursday, July 21, join several Clark Street restaurants and the Rogers Park Business Alliance for an afternoon of tacos, tacos and más tacos at the North Side’s Taco Crawl! From Clark Street between Devon and Rogers Avenues, from 3pm-7pm, 13 participating restaurants include Taqueria El Chorrito, 6404 N. Clark, El Pulpo Loco, 6619 N. Clark, and Taqueria El Charro, 6661 N. Clark. Eat your weight in carne asada, veggie, al pastor, and chicken tacos after picking up your $30 passport at 7056 N. Clark St. Restaurants stop serving at 7 p.m. For tickets and information, click here. 

Viva la Steppenwolf… This is the final weekend of the Tony-nominated Choir Boy at Chicago’s renowned Steppenwolf Theatre in Lincoln Park, 1650 N. Halsted Street. Now through Sunday, July 24, experience the emotional story of Pharus Young, a senior at the Charles R. Drew Prep School for Boys, an institution committed to building “strong, ethical Black men,” where he endeavors to be the best leader of the school’s prestigious choir in its 50-year history, as the website says. But in a world built on rites and rituals, should he conform to the expectations of his peers to gain the respect he desperately seeks? For tickets, click here.

Viva La Lincoln…Taste of Lincoln Avenuebegins Friday, July 22 from 3pm to 10pm and runs through Sunday, July 24 for the 39^th time, from noon-10pm on the diagonal Lincoln Avenue between Fullerton and Wrightwood Avenues. For just $10 at the gate per day, fest goers can enjoy samples of great food from local restaurants, arts and crafts, and musical groups like fest favorites 16 Candles and Rosie and the Rivets. For more information, click here!

Sing, dance and eat, Part 1… Wicker Park Fest makes its glorious return on Friday, July 22, from 5pm- 10pm and continues Saturday and Sunday, from noon – 10pm, on Milwaukee Avenue between Paulina St and North Avenue. The three-stage music, local food and arts festival offers something for everyone–headliners include Latin indie rockers Y La Bamba, grunge rockers Cherry Glazerr, Chicago favorites NNAMDÏ, along with Tukkiman, Lady Sol and Friends, and Ballet Folklorico de Chicago. A $10 donation benefits the local community, including the Wicker Park Chamber of Commerce and Burr Elementary School. For more information, click here.  

A World made of Ice Cream… At the newly opened Museum of Ice Cream, 435 North Michigan Ave, their dazzling, pink-hued, inclusive environments are “designed to inspire human connection and energize the senses, to reimagine the way we experience and love ice cream.” You can play in the sprinkle pool and ride on the Chicago Sprink-L line, eat all the ice cream you want (including a hot dog flavor soft serve on a pink bun!) And–learn the history of ice cream. For example, according to their blog, the oldest mentions of frozen treats stretch back about 3000 years. In some Middle Eastern sources, King Solomon was described as having a penchant for frozen fruit purees, and the Old Testament mentions frozen goat milk as a treat that Abraham enjoyed. In ancient Mesopotamia, snow was mixed with mashed fruit. The museum is open every day but Tuesday. For tickets and more information, click here.

Chicago is Pizza City… no doubt about it! Whether you love Chicago-style stuffed, deep dish, or thin crust, or foreign versions like New York slices, Sicilian, Detroit, or Artisan, you’ll have it all on Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24 from noon-9pm at Pizza City Fest Chicago at Plumber’s Union Hall in the West Loop, 1401 W. Randolph Street. The event brings together 39 of the region’s best pizza makers, including Pete’s Pizza, Nancy’s (the original stuffed pizza), and Vito and Nick’s. The event was created and is hosted by Steve Dolinsky – a 13-time James Beard Award-winning food reporter and author, and currently “The Food Guy” at NBC 5 Chicago. A $59 general admission ticket includes all-you-can-eat pizza from 18 different vendors, VIP panels, seminars, and demos, pizza-themed merchants and artists, live music and book signings. Lots more for VIPs! Kids under age 10 are admitted free. For tickets, click here.

Sing, dance and eat, Part 2… Sundays on State returns on Sunday, July 24, and runs from 11am-6pm. This free, safe, interactive block party brings the best of art, culture, active recreation, food, drinks, shopping, and local attractions in the heart of everyone’s neighborhood – the Loop. This weekend, the Monroe Stage alone features performances by the Trinity Irish Dancers, the Brazilian Cultural Center, the Real Pretenders, and the Cash Box Kings. On another stage, you and your family can learn Ballroom Basics, Ballet, Fitness, and Jazz. Lots of food and drink choices, including Mexican cuisine from Caseras Sabor Real, ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery, local brewery Crushed By Giants, southern specialists Cynthia’s Gumbo Express and the Walnut Room for cocktails and bites. For a complete lineup, click here.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

We all have habits. Unfortunately, for many of us the habits are often not too good for us. I ran across this list a while back and I think it contains a good cross section of habits that will certainly make you healthier, organized, and just better all around. I’m doing a few already and plan to take on more soon. 

Start strength training with weights 3 times a week. As we get older, we lose muscle mass, and our bones suffer too. Strength training helps this while also preventing injuries and increases energy. Work out different muscles each workout. You can do upper body and then lower body. Consult with your physician and start out small. Even a 2.5-pound weight can produce results. 

Look into intermittent fasting. That is where you refrain from eating for 15-16 hours. You could do this by skipping breakfast or not eating after midafternoon. Eat a lot of unsaturated fat and protein and whole unprocessed foods as much as possible. Again, consult your physician. Certain people with health concerns need to eat more often.  

Sleep a minimum of 7 hours per night. I can hear many of you saying, “Oh, I do fine with 5 hours!”. No, you do not. 95% of the population needs 7, better yet eight hours for optimum mental and physical health. Stay off the devices in the evening and get to bed early if you need to get up and perform. 

Have a night routine. Journaling helps many people get their thoughts together and helps you sleep better just getting your thoughts down. Lay out your clothes for the next day. I know, that’s for little kids. But it makes getting ready in the morning so much easier. Write down your priorities for the next day the night before. Again, it makes the day smoother. As you line out each task completed it gives a lot of satisfaction working towards your goals. 

Be present. Have you ever said, “When I achieve this, I will be happy.”? You are becoming stuck in the future and happiness will always elude you. Remind yourself every day that you should enjoy the now. In your nightly journal write down at least 3 things you are grateful for. You have more to be happy about than you think. 

Love and be kind to everyone you meet however hard that can be. Treat love as if it is a precious resource that we can’t deplete. Love never runs out. You can give away as much as you like. Don’t expect anything in return. Give love and kindness away every day. You have enough to give.

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago

Have you been enjoying Chicago’s summer thus far?  I hope so because we’re already half-way through July and the kids will be back at school before you know it!  So, get out there and enjoy every moment of what summer has left to offer us!!

They’re firing up the grills for the Midwest’s best Patty Party at the Roscoe Village Burger Fest!  It’s returning for its 15^th annual mouth-watering year this Saturday and Sunday (11 a.m. – 10 p.m.) at Belmont and Damen Avenues.  Besides serving up succulent beef patty cuisine from more than a dozen local restaurants, two stages of rockin’ music, arts & crafts, and an action-packed Kid’s Zone area are all part of the fest as well! Don’t forget to vote for Chicago’s Best Burger as the winner will receive the prestigious Visitors’ Choice Award!!

Green Curtain Events is proud to announce the return of its annual Tacos y Tamales Festival this Saturday and Sunday (12 p.m. – 10 p.m.) to South Peoria Street and West 16^th Street in the Pilsen neighborhood.  This street affair takes its inspiration from the Tianguis which is a traditional Mexican and Central American bazaar. As its name suggests, patrons will be able to sample the best and most authentic tacos Chicago has to offer along with a wide variety of tamales from several regions of Latin America and handmade tortillas. There will also be multiple performance stages featuring live music and DJs with traditional acts, interactive performances, and high energy Latin rock.  Plus, patrons can cruise vendor stalls, tour stunning art installations, and sip a cold one inside the Modelo beer garden! It’s an arena of tastes and smells to satisfy all your desires!!

An array of original artwork that includes paintings, ceramics, jewelry, photography, furniture and more, at all price points, goes on display this Saturday and Sunday (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) at Michigan Avenue and East Lake Street in the Loop during the annual Millennium Art Festival.  Festival food, live music by French singer, Michelet, and artist demonstrations add to the festive vibe of the show as well! Guests will also be able to speak with more than 120 juried artists from near and far!!

Showcasing the best up-and-coming music from around the world, as well as special performances from touring stalwarts and legends alike, the Pitchfork Music Festival returns to Union Park (1501 W. Randolph St.) in the West Loop this Saturday and Sunday (gates open at 12 p.m.).  This festival also features diverse vendors, as well as the CHIRP Record Fair (specialty records), the Flatstock Poster Fair (posters), the Renegade Craft Fair, and a Music House-Kids Zone!  Since 2006, this music festival has consistently proven to be one of the most welcoming and reasonably priced weekends of music around!!

The Chicago Cubs host the New York Mets on Saturday and Sunday (1:20 p.m.) at Wrigley Field (1060 W. Addison St.) in the Wrigleyville neighborhood.

Dozens of movies will screen in parks all over Chicago as part of the city’s annual Movies in the Parks program. You’re sure to find something good to watch for free beneath the stars this summer.  Screenings typically begin at 8:30 p.m. each evening.  Here are this Saturday’s choices: “Imagine That” at Paschen Park (1932 W. Lunt Ave.) in Rogers Park, and “Space Jam: A New Legacy” at Grand Crossing Park (7655 S. Ingleside Ave.) in Greater Grand Crossing and Ellis Park (3520 S. Cottage Grove Ave.) in Douglas.

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Ce’st Magnifique! (It’s Magnificent) Chicago’s French Restaurants are celebrating Bastille Day. Why do we celebrate? Because the Bastille, a prison in France, had come to symbolize the harsh rule of the Bourbon monarchy in 1789. French peasants overtook the guards and released the prisoners. According to Brittanica.com, the taking of the Bastillesignaled the beginning of the French Revolution, and it thus became a symbol of the end of the ancient régime. 

Not unlike the United States’ July 4, Bastille Day—July 14—also earns a special celebration. One such restaurant is the new-ish Venteux, (In French: windy) established in 2021. Located in the Pendry Hotel in Michigan Avenue’s historic Carbide & Carbon building, Executive Chef Joseph Mosconi serves classic French fare with a contemporary twist. The bright, airy, green-hued café boasts lush botanical murals, creating a romantic atmosphere. Venteux’s cafe reminds some of France’s Impressionist paintings, and their cuisine strikes a delicate balance between the classic and the unexpected, which you’ll notice both on the menu, and in the presentation of each dish.

From July 14-16, Venteux will celebrate France’s day with special drinks and classic French fare. Urban Matterreports that they will be serving a special Bouillabaisse, the traditional Provençal fish stew, featuring rich broth piled high with lobster, clams, mussels, white fish, tomatoes, and saffron, during weekday brunch and evening dinner service.

At breakfast in the Café, start with a traditional Baguette with seasonal jam, or Overnight Oats, sweet with Black walnut syrup, seeds, and seasonal fruit.  Popular also is the Croissant Sandwich, with Hook’s cheddar, bacon, and avocado. Weekend brunches features such delicacies as Duck and Waffle, withhoney, butter, and sumac, their Croissant Egg Sandwich, with Hooks cheddar, bacon, and avocado, or the Croque Monsieur withMornay, ham, and brioche, or Chicken Paillard, withParmesan, arugula, and gastrique. Dinner selections include Duck Liver Mousse, withseasonal jam, mustard seed, and fennel, Eggs 5 Ways, with Délice de Bourgogne, leek, and potato, or Steak Tartare, withsmoked egg yolk and mustard. Escargot (snails) are served with garlic, shallot, and butter.

Desserts, pastries, and sweet stuff are legendary. Try a s’mores tarte, or a freshly baked madeleine, or a souffle, if you have a sweet tooth. 

Reviews, while mixed, have been gushy. “The BEST croissant sandwich I’ve ever had!” declared a Google reviewer. “Latte was delicious and reasonably priced. The food was a bit pricey but expected for the location downtown and how nice the place is. Front room is a glass cafe this is bright and beautiful. I went for breakfast but haven’t tried the dinner. I glanced in the main dining room, and it does look beautiful!”

Another wrote, “Oyster bar with a French twist. The food has interesting and unusual flavors. We ordered a number of small plates. My favorite was the “Egg 5 ways” which was kind of an omelette, but with strong flavors and very creamy. The souffle dessert was the best, as one person described it – it’s like eating a cloud. The service was great, our waiter was fun and informative, very knowledgeable about the menu. Would recommend this place and will certainly come back.”

Venteux is located at 224 N. Michigan Avenue (Michigan Avenue & E. South Water Street) They are open for breakfast, brunch, happy hour, and dinner. Hours are Monday- Sunday, 7am–4pm; Tuesday–Thursday, 7am–9pm; and Friday and Saturday, 7am- 10pm. For reservations and more information, click here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago