We spend more than one third of our lives in bed. More than 30 years on average. So, it is important to keep our beds and surrounding areas as clean as possible. It can also influence getting a good night’s sleep. All of us could use that. But how often is enough? Is it just the bedding we need to worry about?
Your bedding can get dirty quicker than you think. It collects body oils, sweat and skin cells nightly. Dust mites also contribute to the mess feeding on our dead skin cells, yuck! Pillowcases will get much of the grime. We do drool in our sleep and along with hair products, sweat, dirt, bacteria, oils, and dead skin cells. When you sleep rubbing your face on that pillowcase at night can cause acne if not cleaned regularly. Always remove all makeup and wash your face before bed to minimize the grime on your pillowcase. Bedding should be changed at least weekly, twice a week if you can. Wash bedding in hot water to kill dust mites and bacteria instead of just giving them a bath. If you can dry your bedding in the sun do so. The smell is awesome, and the UV light kills micro-organisms.
Other bedding items need less frequent cleaning. Pillows, not the cases, need to go in the washer every 4-6 months. Believe it or not, a third of your pillows’ weight is dead skin, dust mites, bugs and more! So, cleaning often is important. Between washes tumble in a hot dryer to kill bacteria, mites, and bugs. Add some dryer balls to fluff them up. Duvets and blankets can be done every six months. If your duvet is too large for your washer get it dry cleaned. Washed ones may not dry properly if too large and will become musty.
Keeping the surroundings around your bed is important also. Keep dust at bay along with minimizing items that collect dust like curtains and knickknacks. It is good to shower at night to get rid of grime and pollution you absorb all day, it follows you to bed at night. Pet lovers, you need to keep the pets off the bed and out of the bedroom entirely if possible. Keep eating in bed to a minimum. Bedroom carpets are a breeding ground for dust and mites. Vacuum frequently, twice weekly at least. Wearing slippers will lessen the amount of dust and dirt we bring into bed.
So let us bring our bedroom cleaning up a notch. You will be rewarded with a pleasant and good nights sleep.
Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago
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There’s a certain appeal of having guaranteed access to a vacation property in a spot that you enjoy visiting frequently on your holidays, which is precisely what timeshares offer. Simply pick up and go without having to jump through hoops to make sure the place is available when you feel like ditching the concrete jungle in favor of something more serene for a little while.
And even when it comes time to sell, there are typically always a pool of buyers who are willing to pay for these conveniences.
But not all resale timeshare sales transactions are good deals. In fact, many of them are downright scams.
While there are plenty of honest sellers who are trying to unload their timeshares to willing buyers, there are also plenty of scammers out there waiting to rip off unsuspecting people.
In fact, this practice is so rampant that the Federal Trade Commission has actually had to step in and cease hundreds of deceitful resale timeshare scams that have been responsible for stealing millions of dollars. When timeshare owners are anxious to get rid of their vacations properties quickly for whatever reason, scammers are lurking in the shadows waiting to pounce.
Before selling or purchasing a timeshare, it’s critical that you do some research first to find out exactly how they work, and how to decipher between what’s a legitimate deal and what isn’t. Scams in the timeshare resale realm are varied and can take on many faces, so it’s important to be wary of them to avoid getting caught in the current.
“I’ve Got Cash Buyers Ready to Purchase”
Lots of timeshare sellers have heard this line. Scammers offer the promise of having a buyer ready to purchase the timeshare, or promise that they can definitely sell it quickly. All sellers need to do, they’re told, is pay an up-front amount to cover expenses like maintenance fees, closing costs, taxes, and so on. Once that money’s been wired over, sellers never hear a peep from the tricksters again – or their money.
Without a paper trail or any contract signed, there’s little recourse for sellers. All they’re left with is a loss of hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
“Been Scammed? We Can Help Recover Your Stolen Money”
Scammers are smart, and they often come up with new and more savvy ways to swindle a buck out of unsuspecting victims. Changing the game up a little helps avoid a trail left behind, so they can continue fattening their bank accounts with little chance of getting caught.
In the case of the first type of scam, many thieves continue on with the act by contacting the victims and promising to help get the stolen funds back. But of course, this service comes with a fee. And once the victim is convinced of the legitimacy of this service, more money is wired to the con artists, after which the initial funds are never recovered.
“We Help Connect Buyers in Mexico With Sellers in the US”
It seems there’s nothing a crook won’t do to get their hands on illegitimate funds. A scam that’s recently become pretty popular involves scammers claiming to be the go-between for buyers in Latin America who want to get a visa by purchasing property in the US. By putting their name on title – so the scam goes – these agents acting on behalf of the buyers claim to help them obtain the green card they’ve been longing for. All that needs to happen to get the ball rolling in this purchase is for the seller to send over a transaction fee.
The story ends like the others . . . with the sellers left with a lot less in their pockets.
Many Scammers Are Engaging in Identity Theft to Appear Legit
While there are a lot of people out there who are easily fooled, fraudsters don’t rely on their naiveté to make sure they get away with their nefarious plans. As such, many of them go so far as to steal the identity of trustworthy and reputable names in order to appear legitimate in the eyes of their prey.
Many timeshare scammers hide behind the names of established companies or even government officials in order to extort money from sellers. They even have fake websites, professional-sounding titles, and phony addresses to keep up the facade. Many are putting themselves out there as real estate licensees and use an actual broker’s name and license number in order to make it appear as if the sales transaction is real.
What Can You Do To Protect Yourself?
It can be pretty scary to think about the lengths that scammers will go to in order to rip off timeshare sellers, especially when identity theft is involved. Being vigilant is inevitably the best thing in order to protect yourself. It’s better to be highly skeptical with a legitimate service than be gullible with a fraudulent one.
First and foremost, be very suspicious of people who ask for money up front. If the deal is authentic, any fees owed will usually be payable after the transaction is done. And once the fees are due, money should NEVER be wired, nor should they be paid in cash. Instead, funds should only be transferred through a legitimate attorney where a valid and easily-tracked paper trail is left. The former two methods will only make it impossible for law enforcement to recover the lost money.
Speaking of attorneys, you should always have one carefully review any documents involved with sales transactions to make sure you don’t sign anything illicit. Everything should be in writing and reviewed in detail before any sales transaction is finalized.
Even if the reseller seems legitimate with a company name or title that sounds genuine, check into them in more detail to find out if they truly are who they say they are. And if the timeshare being sold is in a resort, call and ask if the resort has a resale program of their own, or if they’ve ever dealt with this particular reseller who’s been in touch with you.
By being cautious and aware of the potential scams floating around out there, you can make sure that the people you’re paying for a resale timeshare are the real deal.
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We’re one month away from summer’s official arrival here in Chicago! Which means it’s time to welcome our pre-summer events with plenty of outdoor attractions and activities for the entire family to enjoy. Check out what’s happening this weekend!!
Bark in the Park returns to Soldier Field at the Stadium Green (1410 S. Museum Campus Dr.) in the South Loop this Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring your pup along for a 2.5 mile walk along Chicago’s beautiful lakefront followed by the best pup-party in town with beverages, food, micro-music fest, family activities, and more. Featured drinks include coffee from Starbucks and puppaccinos for your furry friend, Miller Lite products at the beer tent starting at 10 a.m. with your first beer being free, and non-alcoholic beverages at the Athletic Brewing tent. Some of the free food items include Bacci Pizza, Portillo’s chocolate cake, Go-Go Squeeze, Corey’s Bagel Deli Bagels, and Hill’s Pet Nutrition Pup Treats. There are also tons of activities with all kinds of fun things going on for you and your pup! Afterall, your pup deserves to celebrate the arrival of summer too! Plus, all proceeds raised from this event benefit the Anti-Cruelty Society.
Chicago Mayfest kicks off the summer festival season this weekend (12 p.m. – 10 p.m.) on Armitage at Sheffield Avenue in the Historic District of the Lincoln Park neighborhood. This annual street party features Chicago’s top party bands on the west end and their Artist’s Lounge on the east end. In addition, Mayfest offers delicious summertime food and all the libations needed for a weekend of endless fun! Plus, $5 Mimosas will be available from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. each day and FREE wine-tastings will happen all weekend as well!
Welcome to a new northside event, Lincoln Roscoe Spring Art & Craft Fair, launching this weekend (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) on Lincoln Avenue from Roscoe to School Streets in the Lakeview neighborhood. This event features art for the home including fabulous paintings, fiber pieces, and sculptures as well as décor, jewelry and much more, all hand made by artists and artisans. Also on hand will be festival food, a broad selection of brews curated by Bitter Pops for purchase, and live music all weekend long. There’s even a Kids Art Tent filled with fun art activities hosted by local businesses! Help make this a fun-filled must attend annual event!!
Everyone is invited to Chicago’s Greektown area on Halsted Street this Sunday from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. for their Greek Independence Day Celebration. After last year’s virtual celebration, the Greek Heritage Parade returns to Halsted Street at 2:30 p.m. with colorful traditional costumes, floats, and marchers representing churches and organizations from across the Chicagoland area. Before and after the parade, visitors can visit the Greektown Agora (marketplace) featuring Greek vendors selling Greek gifts, art, jewelry, and crafts at Elysian Field (corner of Halsted and Van Buren Streets); meet ancient Greek Warriors; watch traditional Greek dance performances; and enjoy Greek music! Since 1964, the Greek American community has made this event a fun time for all to enjoy! Don’t be left out.
Finally, the Chicago Cubs are hosting the Arizona Diamondbacks this Saturday and Sunday at 1:20 p.m. at Wrigley Field (1060 W. Addison St.) in the Wrigleyville neighborhood. Also, Saturday is a promotion day with the first 10,000 fans receiving a Patrick Wisdom Bobblehead!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
https://www.deanteamchicago.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/84/2022/05/article-weekend-052022.jpg7201280adminhttps://deanteamchicago.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/84/2015/09/dean-moss-logo.pngadmin2022-05-20 14:29:162022-05-20 14:29:18THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Pre-Summer Events Brings Us Outdoors!
Several sure signs of summer are returning this week to our fair city. Street festivals, arts and crafts fairs, World Turtle Day,🐢 and Greek Independence Day highlight Chicago’s neighborhood adventures this week!
Signs of Summer Part 1…LincolnPark’s annual kickoff to summer is MAYFEST, 1000 W. Armitage (@Sheffield) celebrating its 25th season from Friday, May 20 to Sunday, May 22. Friday’s opening night runs 5pm-10pm, and Saturday and Sunday runs from noon to 10pm. Music and entertainment on two stages showcases Chicago’s most acclaimed musicians. Mayfest offers delicious summertime food, and “all the libations needed to light up your weekend,” according to the organizers. They recommend $5 Mimosas on Saturday afternoon and free wine tastings on Saturday and Sunday. A suggested donation of $10 supports local charities. For more information, click here.
Signs of Summer, Part 2… It’s a very special Saturday, May 21 at Lincoln Park’s Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive. From 2pm-4pm, celebrate World Turtle Day by getting “up close and personal with the Museum’s resident turtles as well as several special guest species!” Meet reptile experts and learn how the Museum is working with the endangered Blanding’s turtle in the Chicago region, then take part in a very special Blanding’s feeding! Plus, make your own turtle-y awesome craft to take home! For tickets, click here.
Signs of Summer, Part 3…Down the road from Mayfest, at Lincoln and Roscoe, a new event premiers on Saturday and Sunday, May 21 and 22, from 10am-5pm. The Spring Lincoln Roscoe Art & Craft Fair features paintings, sculptures, and fiber pieces, décor, jewelry and more; all handmade by artists and artisans. The festival also hosts live music, festival food and fun art activities for kids hosted by local businesses. Bring your gently used wall art to the festival to donate to the Chicago Furniture Bank, a nonprofit that distributes furnishings and art to those leaving shelters and moving into permanent housing. The event is hosted by the Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce. Free! For more information, click here.
A Summer Reckoning…Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterwork, ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ starring Richard Thomas (‘The Waltons’) as Atticus Finch, an upstanding, widowed lawyer dedicated to justice for all in a small town, at the James Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph Street. Shows run through Sunday, May 29. Audience members are required to wear masks. Other requirements may be added or relaxed based on evolving guidance. For tickets, click here.
Summer’s Promise…”The web of our life is of a mingled yarn, good and ill together.” At Navy Pier’s Courtyard Theater, 600 E. Grand Avenue, the plot of Shakespeare’s rarely-seen dark comedy, ‘All’s Well That Ends Well,’ revolves around the notion that no challenge can match the power of a determined woman, who is in love with a young man who does not return her affection. As the website says, “The resourceful Helena will go to any length to turn her visions of romance into reality—only to discover that happy endings are never as simple as they seem in fairy tales.” So true. Through May 29 at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. For tickets and information, click here.
A Victorious Summer…Celebrate the 200th anniversary of Greek Independence on Sunday, May 22, at 2:30 p.m. with the Greek Independence Heritage Day Parade on South Halsted. According to the organizers, during this parade celebration, visitors can see colorful traditional costumes and hear historical Greek melodies. The Greektown Agora (‘marketplace,’) runs from 12pm-6pm at Elysian Field at the corner of Halsted and Van Buren Streets, features vendors selling Greek gifts including art, jewelry, and crafts. For more information, click here.
Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago
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As a dog parent, I look for places my entire family can have a great meal out. Where can I take my dogs, so they can feel like part of our larger family group?
Chicago is a great city for dog- friendliness. Many restaurants, especially during summer and fall, cater to our friends. For suggestions, click BringFido.com.
One highly recommended, casual, family-friendly spot in Irving Park elevates fried chicken to an art form, while its patio welcomes our furry friends. This is Honey Butter Fried Chicken.
Recently, they posted a cute picture on their Facebook page, “We ❤️ our furry friends here at HBFC! With the warm weather this week, come hang out with them on our patio!”
It certainly helps to have a beautiful, welcoming patio that is both kid-friendly and pet-friendly. But the key to its longevity lies in attentive service and using antibiotic-free, cage-free, and humanely-raised chicken.
Even the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler took notice. “Honey Butter Fried Chicken’s interior feels artsy and industrial, with exposed ducts and wired metal light fixtures offset by wood-paneled walls and a cartoonish mural of the Chicago skyline,“ they intoned. “The full menu is listed on a blackboard behind the register, and the unmistakable aroma of freshly fried poultry permeates the air. “
A Google reviewer agreed. “Lovely outdoor patio, heated patio and indoor dining space. Order is placed on kiosks and it’s pretty self-service from there. Staff is friendly and takes great care of special requests. Chicken sandwiches are delicious to the last bite. One thing I liked is that they have multiple sandwich options to choose from based on fillings and not just heat level like other chicken spots. I just wish they had fries.”
Try ”The Bubbe” Fried Chicken Sandwich, with fried chicken strips, “Everything Spice” mayo, and house-made dill pickles. Or, for adventuresome palates, “The Original” Fried Chicken Sandwich, is made with fried chicken strips and candied jalapeño mayo, and served with crunchy slaw.
Vegans and vegetarians have a place here as well. Their Fried Tofu Honey Butter Sandwich has local non-GMO fried tofu and Honey Butter. Their Fried Tofu Buffalo Sandwich also has local non-GMO fried tofu, blue cheese, honey buffalo sauce, and a carrot and celery giardiniera.
Unusual sides include Buffalo Mac ‘n Cheese, which combines pimento mac ‘n cheese, fried chicken, buffalo sauce, and “fried crunchies.”Pimento Mac ‘N Cheese has Wisconsin cheddar and breadcrumbs.
Over the weekend, Honey Butter Fried Chicken serves brunch from 11am-3pm. Try their ‘brunched-up’ sandwiches with farm eggs, unique corn cake waffles with chicken, and southern style biscuits and gravy. Their homestyle cooking goes great with locally roasted coffee, and Honey Butter Fried Chicken’s Bloody Marys!
Another Google reviewer wrote, “The honey butter fried chicken sandwich is soooo good. The crispy chicken outer edges with the moist tender chicken on the inside combined with the honey butter works really well together. We ordered other dishes such as the French toast with chicken and the multi-piece chicken meals and they were also quite good. I would return for the sandwich alone. The service was excellent – you could tell the girl that was working there enjoyed being there – so nice to see that! She was attentive and sweet. We highly recommend this place for the great service and yummy food.”
Honey Butter Fried Chicken is located at 3361 N. Elston Avenue. They are open Sundays, and Tuesdays-Thursdays, 11am-9pm, and Fridays and Saturdays from 11am-10pm. They are closed Mondays. For information and reservations, click here.
Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago
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Cast iron is the original nonstick cookware that can withstand extreme temperatures even in the oven. It comes in all types from regular skillets, grill pans, to griddles. Your grandmother used one way before nonstick coatings became all the rage. Then we found out the older nonstick pans were actually toxic. The pans made today are safe but do not offer the versatility of cast iron nor its’ heat resistance.
Cast iron does need a little extra care but it will last for years with proper seasoning. Seasoning is what happens when fats are heated to a point where they reorganize into something that bonds to the metal and gives you a nonstick surface. Oil is the best friend to the cast iron. It keeps it protected, keeping rust causing moisture away. Heat plus oil builds the patina and acts like moisturizer on your skin.
Some new cast iron comes pre-seasoned, and you can cook on it right away. Test for it by heating a tablespoon of oil for 3 minutes then cooking an egg. No major sticking? You’re good to go. Seasoning an older skillet can take more times for the best results. Older skillets have smooth surfaces whereas new ones have a slightly pebbled surface. The pebbled surfaces are said to hold onto seasoning better.
Contrary to popular opinion you can use a little mild soap to clean a skillet. Nor will metal utensils damage your surface. Cast iron will put up with a little abuse, it’s been around for hundreds of years. It is easy to maintain the surface of your cast iron. After cleaning return the pan to medium low heat. Rub it down with paper towels until it is smooth and shiny with no visible residue. You can also heat in the oven at 200 degrees for 15 minutes. Non saturated oil is best. Sunflower and soybean are affordable options. If you are short on time and cannot reheat at least wipe a thin film of oil to protect the surface, buffing till all greasy spots are gone.
Lodge is a good source for cookware and all the knowledge you need to cook with and care for your cast iron. Go to www.lodgecastiron.com and click on cast iron 101 for all the information you need.
Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago
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If you’re planning on selling your home, you might have a relative who might be showing interest in buying it off of you.
That could potentially make things a lot easier for you, considering the fact that there’s no need to market your property, and you can close the deal quickly.
Or, it could turn into an ugly mess that can leave you both on awkward terms with one another.
You want to make sure you get what your home is worth in the current market, but you also don’t want to compromise the relationship with the relative you’re selling to. When it comes to money, anything can happen.
Keep the following tips in mind when selling your house to a relative or close friend so you can keep the relationship intact while getting the most out of the sale.
Be Up Front About Your Relationship
If you or your relative don’t want to land in any hot water with the government, you’d be well-advised to disclose the nature of the relationship between the two of you with your lender. Anyone who fills out an application for mortgage insurance with the Federal Housing Authority will typically be asked to submit an Identity of Interest Certification form if there’s a relationship between the buyer and seller.
It’s not exactly common to have a mortgage denied as a result of family ties, but failure to reveal this information can point to mortgage fraud, which will lead to a denied loan application.
Make Sure Both Sides Are Getting a Good Deal
Your relative might confront you about taking your home off your hands with the intention of getting a hefty discount. And perhaps you might want to help them out in that way.
On the other hand, you might want to get the most out of the deal as possible. But if your relative can get a much better deal on the house down the block, there’s no sense in wheeling and dealing with you.
Either way, dealing with price points on a real estate sale between two parties who are close to each other can lead to major tension.
The best solution to this potentially sticky situation is to have a mutually agreed-upon appraiser come in and evaluate the home for both of you and provide an unbiased opinion of what the home is presently worth under today’s market conditions. That way no one is low-balling anybody, and only the fair price is being worked with.
If you do decide to offer a discount, make sure you’ve got an experienced real estate agent in your corner to help ensure that both parties benefit from the transaction.
Make Sure They Can Afford the House
Even after you and your relative agree on a price for the home, you still have to make sure they’ve got the finances to back up the purchase. It would be pretty awkward if you both go so far as to have a legal contract drafted up to complete the real estate transaction, only to find out shortly after that they can’t get approved for a mortgage.
Never assume that they’ll be able to find a lender who is willing to loan out the funds needed to finance a big purchase like this. Regardless of whether they’re buying off of someone they know, or a complete stranger, they’ll need to get approved for a mortgage.
If you fail to inquire about whether or not your relative is good for the cash before agreeing to sell to them, you could wind up back in square one if they fail to qualify for a loan.
Act as if you’re selling to any other buyer, and not just a relative, and ask for a pre-approval letter from their lender before you start negotiating on a price.
Get a Home Inspection
Even if the person buying from you has spent a ton of time in your home, that doesn’t necessarily mean they know all the nitty gritty about it, including any potential problems that may be lurking.
Maybe you aren’t even aware of some of the possible issues that might be hiding in your home. If any problems pop up after they’ve bought and moved into the home, it can cause some tension in the relationship.
To prevent that from happening, make sure you have your home inspected by a professional home inspector that you both agree to hire. That way any issues will be uncovered and laid out before the buyer. Not only will this help them make a more informed decision, it’ll also keep things kosher between the two of you.
Deal With Special Tax Issues
If you decide to arrange a seller take-back mortgage with the buyer, make sure you dot your “i’s” and cross your “t’s” with the IRS. That’s because they’ll calculate “imputed interest” when seller-backed mortgages for relatives are involved.
Even if no interest was charged on the mortgage, the IRS will consider interest to have been paid for tax reasons. They calculate imputed interest as a means of collecting tax revenues on mortgages that aren’t attached to any interest, or if the interest rate is extremely low.
Simply put, you could be subject to mortgage interest revenue if you carry a no-interest mortgage for your relatives, and they in turn could owe money in the form of capital gains taxes if the house is flipped for a quick profit.
While plans to sell to a family member have worked for many Americans, they’ve also turned out to be relationship killers for others. To make sure you’re part of the former group, make sure you seek the advice of a real estate agent and mortgage broker to protect both you and the buyer to avoid any problems in the near future.
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The roller coaster of temps from cold to hot are settling down to where they should be just in time for another beautiful May spring weekend here in Chicago! So, kick-back, relax and enjoy what this weekend has to offer!!
This year marks the return of in-person events with Illinois Craft Beer Week from May 13 through May 20. This event celebrates Illinois craft brewers and the robust network of enthusiasts, team members, suppliers and partners that support the industry across the state. It also features a powerhouse lineup of in-person, fan-favorite festivals with a mix of taproom events, special promotions, advocacy outreach, and more! Plus, complementing the in-person festival will be a series of hybrid events. This Saturday’s hybrid event is Patio Parties (enjoy the taproom outdoor patios now open) while Sunday’s is Small Brewery Sunday (craft beer fans are encouraged to make a beer run to a neighborhood brewery rather than the grocery store to support economic growth in your neighborhood).
Join MPC Events for The “606” Trail Bar Crawl this Saturday (4 p.m. – 7 p.m.) meeting up at Humble Bar (3018 W. North Ave.) in the Humboldt Park neighborhood. The 606 Trail is commonly called the Bloomingdale Trail and is a former Chicago dilapidated railroad line that is now one of Chicago’s new jewels! Participants will visit 3 bars along the 606 where you’ll stop for drinks and grab bites to eat, and in between the stops you’ll walk The 606 Trail exploring the neighborhoods of Wicker Park, Bucktown and Humboldt Park. It’s a great way to meet people, explore Chicago, and have fun!!
Immerse yourself in locomotive history at the Pullman Railroad Days this Saturday and Sunday at the Historic Pullman Foundation Exhibit Hall (11141 S. Cottage Grove Ave.). Visitors will get to explore four historic Pullman Cars from different eras at the 111th Metra station which includes Amtrak’s 1981 George M. Pullman (the final passenger car built by the Pullman-Standard Company), as well as the new exhibit “Railroaders: Jack Delano’s Homefront Photography” which is a striking visual exploration of the hard work and heroism of railway workers in the yard, on the trains and in the station during World War II. Plus, don’t miss the. guided tours of the factory site, the historic Pullman neighborhood, and the Hotel Florence as well as the virtual reality experience that guides viewers through the technology powering America’s freight railroads! It’s a mix of free events and a single ticket for entry into others – All Aboard!!
Want to catch a baseball game this weekend? Here’s who’s in town:
The Chicago White Sox are hosting the New York Yankees this Saturday at 6:10 p.m. and Sunday at 1:10 p.m. at Guaranteed Rate Field (333 W. 35th St.) in the Bridgeport neighborhood.
The Chicago Dogs will be taking on the Gary SouthShore Railcats this Saturday at 6 p.m. and the Lincoln Saltdogs this Sunday at 3 p.m. at Impact Field (9850 Balmoral Ave.) in Rosemont. Fans of all ages are welcome for a one-of-a-kind experience where every day is fan appreciation day!!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
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Spring, thy name is now Chicago! It’s time to explore new worlds and boldly go where you haven’t before. And Chicago’s neighborhoods are stepping up with awesome new activities and gatherings to bring us all together.
In Lincoln Park…share a ‘Night of Ideas 2022’ at the Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark Street, on Thursday, May 12, from 6pm to 11pm. This ‘Marathon of Ideas’ ponders the theme “Where are we going?” According to the website, participants can explore the Museum after hours while engaging in intellectual talks, panels, and workshops on topics like living together in a city, social justice, education, urban planning, climate change and more. Guests include Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Erin Harkey, social justice artist Tonika Johnson and Chicago historian Sherman ‘Dilla’ Thomas.For more information, click here.
Still Gogh-ing…extended by popular demand through July 30, theImmersiveVan Gogh’s works – includes the Mangeurs de pommes de terre (The Potato Eaters, 1885), the Nuit étoilée (Starry Night, 1889), Les Tournesols (Sunflowers, 1888), and La Chambre à coucher (The Bedroom, 1889) continues at Old Town’s Lighthouse Art Space, Germania Club Building, 108 West Germania Place. Date night packages and Yoga are available. For tickets and information, click here.
Through the Lookingglass Alice! It’s back! Lewis Carroll’s classic tale is reimagined by the Lookingglass Theatre,this is a story about “birth and becoming, transition and transformation, and holding fast to the fantastic in the face of it all. It’s the anthem of Theatre Without a Net. And after a 7-year hiatus, the beloved story of a 7-year-old girl is back – painted in a fresh coat of magic for a new generation (audience and artist) to discover.” Lookingglass Alice is running now through July 31 at Water Tower Water Works building, 821 N. Michigan Avenue. For tickets, click here.
Penguins Walking… Remember the cute penguins that toured Chicago’s great landmarks during the pandemic? They’re back for The Great Penguin Party at the Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, on Friday, May 13, from 6:30pm–11pm! The Museum Campus’ 21+ event has a 1920’s-era vibe, swinging to the Green Mill’s (Chicago’s original speakeasy) Alan Gresik Swing Orchestra. Add in delicious hors d’oeuvres and a beer and wine open bar (cash bar for cocktails) in the $100 per person ticket…it’ll be an awesome night! For tickets and information, click here.
Au Revoir, Moulin Rouge! Say a fond au revoir to the James M. Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph Street’s production of ‘Moulin Rouge’ which performs its last Chicago production at the Nederlander on Saturday, May 14. “Enter a world of splendor and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur, and glory! A world where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment.” Welcome to Moulin Rouge (trans: ‘red mill’). A colorful feast for your eyes and ears, the musical features modern and classical tunes from the last 60 years. For tickets, click here.
Write on…The inaugural American Writers Festival on Sunday, May 15, coincides with the American Writers Museum’s fifth anniversary. The free literary festival will be held at four stages inside the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington Street, and one stage at the American Writers Museum, 180 N. Michigan Avenue, 2nd Floor. More than 75 contemporary authors, artists and playwrights will attend, including Cristela Alonzo (Music to My Years), David W. Blight (Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom),Soyica Diggs Colbert, (Radical Vision: A Biography of Lorraine Hansberry), Joy Harjo, the 23rd Poet Laureate of the United States (Poet Warrior), andEvan F. Moore, (Game Misconduct: Hockey’s Toxic Culture and How to Fix It). As the website states, The Festival will host discussion panels and author signings with leading contemporary writers across various genres, including children’s and young adult fiction, science fiction, history, biographies, poetry, and satire, who will share their insights into their craft. For more information, click here.
Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago
https://www.deanteamchicago.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/84/2022/05/article-neighborhood-featured-051222.jpg7201280adminhttps://deanteamchicago.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/84/2015/09/dean-moss-logo.pngadmin2022-05-12 14:04:292022-05-12 14:04:31Neighborhood News - Lincoln Park, Old Town, Magnificent Mile, Museum Campus, Chicago Loop
Chicago weather has sure been crazy these past few weeks! From 80 degrees this week to April snow, area restaurants have needed to prepare for the best and worst of times during the spring season.
With the weather so warm, I looked for all-ages outdoor dining options this week. One restaurant that captures the moment, rain or shine, is The Piggery. Just a mile from Wrigley Field on Irving Park Road, the Piggery has the Triple Crown of outdoor dining options: a rooftop bar, a fairy-lit tent and a blazing fire pit for dining and drinking pleasure.
During the week, sandwiches, ribs, and daily specials dominate an extensive menu. Start with gluten-free Pig Pen Fries, with chili, chorizo, queso, caramelized onions, and pico de gallo. Or Pulled Pork Nachos, with guacamole, olives, sour cream, jalapeño and queso.
The Piggery earned raves for their specialty-The Piggery Cuban, pairing pulled pork with ham, bacon, chorizo, Gouda cheese, pickles, a fried egg, and chipotle dressing, and served with fries. For those who prefer chicken or fish to pork, there’s a roasted BBQ Chicken, which gives you a half bird, prepared with Cajun rub and The Piggery’s own BBQ sauce, or Blackened Tilapia, served with avocado over roasted tomato sauce. Both the chicken and tilapia are served with your choice of two sides.
One Google reviewer wrote, “Great local place. Friendly service, amazing beer selection on tap (mostly local) and the pulled pork is awesome. Weekly specials plus taco Tuesday and weekday rib specials make this a solid week day choice as well. A+ restaurant. Also dog-friendly on a massive patio, so good place to go if mask mandates come back, or if you just like being outside.”
Weekends were made for brunches like this. On Saturdays and Sundays, from 10am to 2pm, customers can feast on many brunch options. Along with $15 bottomless mimosas, there are Swedish pancakes filled with lingonberries and Nutella banana crepes. Triple Berry Sourdough Pancakes combines fresh blueberry, raspberry, strawberry and mixed berry compote. The Piggery’s Breakfast Sandwiches are served on a croissant with scrambled eggs and hash browns. True to its porcine roots, there’s a Breakfast Sausage Sandwich, pairing a pork patty with cheddar and pico de gallo. The BLT is bacon, tomato, and lettuce bathed in chipotle dressing.
While reviews averaged 4.3 stars, there were more than a few that rated The Piggery a five. One Google reviewer was rapturous. “This was a life changing experience… I swear when the waiter came out she was Jesus! I could have kissed everyone on the mouth despite Covid. Duck + BBQ sauce = the secret to my 3rd marriage. 😉”
The Piggery is located at 1625 W. Irving Park Road. Their kitchen hours are Mondays-Thursdays, 11am to 9pm, Fridays, 11am to 10pm, Saturdays, 10am to 10pm, and Sundays, 10am to 9pm. For reservations and more information, click here.
