Neighborhood News – In Lakeview, Uptown, River North, Lincoln Park, North Center/Roscoe Village, Grant Park

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‘HOPPY’ DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN!

Indoors, outdoors, and all-around town, it’s Easter/Passover Weekend, and throughout Chicago’s diverse communities, the Easter Bunny will be making many appearances! Or, come view a piece of history at the Music Box Theatre.

In Lakeview, it’s the ‘Sounds of Silent(s)’ at the Music Box Theatre 3733 N. Southport Avenue, on Saturday April 16. Presented by the Chicago Film Society, the 1926 classic ‘The Fire Brigade,‘ will be shown at 11:30am. The film is “M-G-M’s extra-patriotic ode to civilian firefighters.” Live musical accompaniment on the famous Music Box organ by Dennis Scott, Music Box House Organist. General Admission Tickets are $12. Music Box Members are in for just $9. For tickets, click here. 

At Montrose Harbor, 601 W. Montrose Drive, in Uptown, “C’mon get HOPPY!” On Saturday, April 16, Bunny Rock Chicago’s 5K and Kids Egg Dash leaps to the forefront at 9am, followed by the Egg Dash at 10:15am. Event planners promise “Great swag, Easter festivities, and 80’s vibes that will have you rockin’ out for the rest of the day!” For registration and more information, click here.

In River North, Art on theMART, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, features a lively program of dance with a message, is on view nightly at 8:30pm and 9 pm. Presented in partnership with Shedd Aquarium, this new program features the premiere of two climate change-themed projections:  ‘Floe’ by Carrie Hanson, featuring contemporary dance company The Seldoms, marks the first of Art on theMART’s Year of Chicago Dance projections and will run alongside ‘Choral,’ a piece spotlighting marine life, by Marlena Novak and Jay Alan Yim. Free. The show runs through June 29.

At Lincoln Park Zoo, 2234 N. Cannon Street, you can still sign up for the waitlist for children at their annual Easter Egg-Stravaganza at 9:30am. All other times are sold out! Tickets for the Egg Hunt are $35.00 per child, with a $2.05 service fee. A basket full of fun family activities await the lucky recipients, including photos with the Easter bunny and other spring characters, free rides on the AT&T Endangered Species Carousel and Lionel Train Adventure, and outdoor activities and games. Each ticket includes one $5 Bunny Bucks voucher. These Bunny Bucks vouchers will be accepted at Park Place Café during the Easter Egg-Stravaganza event. For more information, click here.

In North Center/Roscoe Village, take your kids to a special celebration surrounding Easter Bunny Photo Sessions at the Belmont Bunny Hop at Wintrust Bank 3234 N. Damen Ave from 10am-2pm. Belmont Bunny Hop Easter Bunny Photo Sessions include a meet and greet with the Easter Bunny, a 5-minute photo session with Mark Brown Photography and one complimentary digital download from the session. Participating businesses are hosting special crafts and activities. Photos are $30 per session, and tickets can be booked here. 

You can do something good for the environment at Grant Park. On Saturday, April 16, the Rotary Club of Chicago’s Rotary Earth Day Cleanup at Grant Park needs volunteers to spend the morning cleaning up the front yard for the City of Chicago,…Grant Park! Trash bags and gloves will be provided. If signing up a group of more than 10, please email Jim Wales at jim.rotary6450passport@gmail.com, or to sign up, click here.

Here’s to a happy, safe, and healthy weekend!

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Restaurant Review – Happy Holiday Meals from Dean’s Team Chicago!

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For the first time since 1991, there’s a convergence of celebration days in April. As reported by the Chicago Sun-Times, Easter (Christian and Orthodox) Passover (Jewish) Ramadan (Muslim) Vaisakhi (Sikhs) Mahavir Jayanti (Hindu) Theravada New Year (Buddhist) and the Gathering of Nations (Indigenous Americans) all provide an opportunity to strengthen family and friendships over a special meal. Or, to celebrate something completely new and different! 

The Bagel, 3107 N. Broadway in Lakeview, is serving a dine-in Traditional Passover Dinner for $39 per person, starting with your choice of a chopped egg/onion salad or chopped liver, their special gefilte fish with horseradish, followed by golden chicken broth with matzo ball. Entrees include brisket of beef au jus and roasted tender spring chicken, served with carrot-sweet potato and prune Tzimmes, green bean and onion Almondine, coconut macaroons and a coffee, tea or fountain beverage. For more information, click here.

Streeterville’s Beatrix, 671 N. St. Clair Street, is offering both Passover and Easter Brunch for dine-in or pick up. Their Passover meal, for $52.95 per person, include House-made matzo crackers, Suzy Friedman’s vegetarian chopped liver, the traditional gefilte fish and matzo ball soup, Roasted Chicken with garlic herb marinade, Slow-Braised Short Rib with sherry jus, green beans, potato pancakes and flourless chocolate cake. Additionally, Easter specials feature scrambled eggs, baked French Toast with fresh berries and whipped cream, melon & berries, maple chicken sausage, brown sugar bacon and fresh-squeezed Valencia orange juice adorn their dinner menu and are also available to go. For their Easter and Passover ‘happenings,’ click here.

In Lincoln Square, Cafe Selmarie, 4729 N. Lincoln Avenue, is open for limited indoor dining with proof of vaccination. According to Choose Chicago, the restaurant will be offering Easter and Passover bakery specials. Brunch will be served on Easter Sunday, no reservations required. You can pre-order Easter brunch to go and find out more information by clicking here.

Easter on the water? At Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Avenue, City Cruises is hosting a 2-hour Easter Signature Brunch Cruise on Lake Michigan. The $84.90 for adults and $64.90 children (over the age of two) tickets  include a brunch buffet with freshly prepared entrees, salads, and desserts, unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea, and water, while a DJ entertains. For tickets and information, click here.

etta is celebrating with a robust Easter menu at their Bucktown, 1840 W. North Avenue, and River North, 700 N. Clark Street locations. Their menu includes such favorites as the etta chopped, with grilled baby artichokes, rhubarb, mustard greens, hot smoked salmon, red onion, champagne vinaigrette, dill, yogurt, everything bagel spice, avocado, egg, grains & seeds. Your choices of plates include a breakfast sandwich, with a farm egg atop an English muffin, with cheddar, pork belly, sausage, fluffy greens, crispy potatoes, maple-glazed bacon, challah French toast, and so much more! For information and reservations, click here.

Anmol Restaurant, 2858 W. Devon Ave, in West Ridge, serves “the most delicious South Asian Cuisine (Indian & Pakistani) in Chicago,” they say. “Our passion for great quality food and ingredients, paired with our culinary background, allows us to bring you the most tasteful, flavor-packed food. We provide a great variety of options for everyone!” Entrees include Chicken Karahai, a stir fry spicy and savory with tomatoes, ginger, jalapeno, and cilantro, or Frontier Chicken Strips, with tandoori masala, grilled onions, peppers, ginger, and jalapeno peppers. So much more! For more information, click here.

Amitabul, 6207 N. Milwaukee Avenue, in Forest Glen, is run by brothers Bill and Dave Choi, and gets vegetables from their Buddhist temple for them to make their vegan Bi Bim Bop. Their restaurant “is a vegan merging of traditional Korean preparation and Western taste.” For more information, click here.

Happy holidays to all!

Alison Moran-Powers andDean’s Team Chicago

Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Preparing soil for the garden

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Now that we are finally getting warmer weather around Chicago we can get out and work around the yard! 

Cleaning up should be your focus. Clean up any old mulch. Pull weeds as they surface. Try not to disturb the soil too much around flower beds and shrubs to avoid bringing more weed seeds to the surface. This is different from a vegetable garden. 

To begin, it is a good idea to know what kind of soil you have. We will talk about clay type soil today as that is commonly what we deal with in and around Chicago. You can tell clay soil from other types by grabbing a fistful of damp soil. Clay soil will hold together and actually feel like “clay.” It is difficult to manipulate, and it can hinder root development. It does however hold nutrients and moisture better than sandy soil. 

The best cure for clay soil is to add organic material. Starting in the fall is a good idea as breaking down clay soil can take a few years at best. In the fall clear out all old plant debris and pull out any visible weeds. Work soil to a depth of 8-12 inches. Lay down four inches of composted manure and top with an inch or two of fresh topsoil. Leave over the winter and work it in well before planting in the summer. Cover crops also add nutrients to the soil while providing structure for the roots of your garden plants. Sow clover, rye, or oats in the fall. These crops germinate quickly in the cooler weather. Let them die over winter and work it in before planting in the spring. 

This is the best way to transform your soil, but it can take quite a while to see results. There are liquid soil amendments on the market now that claim to shorten this timeline immensely, but I have not tried them. If anyone has had any success with them let me know! 

While you are waiting for your soil to get better you can do what I call “pot in the garden”. For each plant you will dig a hole at least three times as big as you think. Loosen the soil to at least twelve inches, toss in a little all-purpose plant food. Add enough garden soil to complete planting. This gives the plants their own growing medium and adds organic material to the soil. 

Pay attention to the suggested dates for safe planting in your region. These are given for a reason. Also known as the frost line, it gives you a date for when the danger of killing frost is past. As anyone who lives in the Midwest knows, heavy frosts in May can wipe out a newly planted vegetable garden or have you out in the cold covering thirty plants hoping it works. My date in Chicago is May 15, but I usually wait a week beyond that!

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago

Understand a Few Things Before Buying an HOA Home

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If you want to live in a community where your property is taken care of without you having to lift a finger, or where you have a variety of amenities to use at your disposal, then a homeowners’ association (HOA) might be perfect for you.

But before you jump in with both feet, there are a few things about HOAs that you should be aware of.

After all, buying a home is a huge investment – most likely the biggest one you’ll ever make. And as such, you want to be sure the choice you make is the right one for you.

Buying an HOA is Like Buying a Lifestyle

When it comes to an HOA, a certain amount of conformity is involved. If you’re not too keen on keeping in line with the standards of a particular HOA, it could be a nightmare for you if you actually buy into it.

There’s a certain price tag that comes along with the scrupulously manicured lawns, the well-maintained exteriors, and the consistently paved roadways. Every HOA has their own set of conformity rules that homeowners need to abide by in order to maintain this level of care among the properties and the common areas.

Before you scoff at these rules, you should understand the reasoning behind them: they help keep property values up over the long haul. In fact, the main goal of an HOA is to protect the investments of homeowners within the community and ensure that property values are maintained and increased over time, rather than allowing the area to go down the tubes like many American neighborhoods have.

So, if you’re OK with keeping your garage door color the same as your neighbors, or putting a limit on the number of lawn chairs you plop on your front lawn, then an HOA just might work for you.

HOA Fees Encompass Different Things in Different Complexes

It’s common knowledge that living in an HOA involves paying fees on a monthly basis. These fees go towards a bunch of different things, namely the maintenance and upkeep of common elements of the community. This can include anything from cutting the grass to cleaning the pool.

You’re basically paying someone else to maintain your property so you don’t have to. It’s a pretty good deal: you don’t have to physically maintain the property yourself, and the community as a whole is always in pristine condition.

But the HOA fees in one complex might not necessarily cover the same things in another one. Not only that, but the fees themselves might vary drastically from one complex to another. The average HOA fees usually range between $200 to $400 per month, but the more well-to-do the building is, and the more amenities it’s got, the higher you can expect the HOA fees to be.

In general, these fees cover services like water, sewage, garbage removal, lawn maintenance, repairs to the outside of condo buildings, and the care of common area amenities. Make sure you find out precisely what the monthly HOA fee is, and what exactly is covered under these dues.

Ask questions. How are increases in HOA fees determined? How often do they occur? How many times have they already been increased in the past? Is cable included?

Compare these fees to the average dues in surrounding neighborhoods. Are they at par? Or are they a lot higher? It’s worth noting that you’ll be paying for the complex’s amenities even if you don’t use them. If you’re not going to use the swimming pool or the on-site tennis court, ask yourself if you’re OK with financially contributing towards their upkeep. If not, it just might make sense to choose an HOA that doesn’t have such amenities, which will be reflected in their lower fees.

There’s This Thing Called an ‘Assessment’

Not only do you have to pay HOA fees on a monthly basis, you’ll also be responsible for contributing to an extra ‘assessment’ if there’s not enough money in the HOA’s reserve funds to pay for major expenses, like replacing the building’s roof or repairing its foundation. If money in this reserve fund is a little short, the HOA could charge you an extra assessment to cover the added expenses, that can be pretty pricey.

Before you buy, inquire about any assessments that are in the works for the near future. If there are, you need to be prepared to dish out a little more than what the current HOA fees demand.

You Have a Say

If you don’t like some of the rules within your HOA community, then do something to change them.

The ideal HOA encourages residents to get involved and have a say in how the rules are implemented and what changes can and should be made. The HOA will advertise their meetings that residents are allowed to attend, so consider going to them when your schedule permits so you can voice your opinion and put in your two cents about what is working and what isn’t. You might even consider running for a seat on the board to fight for the changes that you and fellow residents want.

Learn about the process for making any changes to rules or adding new ones. If you think the rules are too restrictive, you might want to look elsewhere.

If you want to live in a community where your property is taken care of without you having to lift a finger, or where you have a variety of amenities to use at your disposal, then a homeowners’ association (HOA) might be perfect for you.

But before you jump in with both feet, there are a few things about HOAs that you should be aware of.

After all, buying a home is a huge investment – most likely the biggest one you’ll ever make. And as such, you want to be sure the choice you make is the right one for you.

Buying an HOA is Like Buying a Lifestyle

When it comes to an HOA, a certain amount of conformity is involved. If you’re not too keen on keeping in line with the standards of a particular HOA, it could be a nightmare for you if you actually buy into it.

There’s a certain price tag that comes along with the scrupulously manicured lawns, the well-maintained exteriors, and the consistently paved roadways. Every HOA has their own set of conformity rules that homeowners need to abide by in order to maintain this level of care among the properties and the common areas.

Before you scoff at these rules, you should understand the reasoning behind them: they help keep property values up over the long haul. In fact, the main goal of an HOA is to protect the investments of homeowners within the community and ensure that property values are maintained and increased over time, rather than allowing the area to go down the tubes like many American neighborhoods have.

So, if you’re OK with keeping your garage door color the same as your neighbors, or putting a limit on the number of lawn chairs you plop on your front lawn, then an HOA just might work for you.

HOA Fees Encompass Different Things in Different Complexes

It’s common knowledge that living in an HOA involves paying fees on a monthly basis. These fees go towards a bunch of different things, namely the maintenance and upkeep of common elements of the community. This can include anything from cutting the grass to cleaning the pool.

You’re basically paying someone else to maintain your property so you don’t have to. It’s a pretty good deal: you don’t have to physically maintain the property yourself, and the community as a whole is always in pristine condition.

But the HOA fees in one complex might not necessarily cover the same things in another one. Not only that, but the fees themselves might vary drastically from one complex to another. The average HOA fees usually range between $200 to $400 per month, but the more well-to-do the building is, and the more amenities it’s got, the higher you can expect the HOA fees to be.

In general, these fees cover services like water, sewage, garbage removal, lawn maintenance, repairs to the outside of condo buildings, and the care of common area amenities. Make sure you find out precisely what the monthly HOA fee is, and what exactly is covered under these dues.

Ask questions. How are increases in HOA fees determined? How often do they occur? How many times have they already been increased in the past? Is cable included?

Compare these fees to the average dues in surrounding neighborhoods. Are they at par? Or are they a lot higher? It’s worth noting that you’ll be paying for the complex’s amenities even if you don’t use them. If you’re not going to use the swimming pool or the on-site tennis court, ask yourself if you’re OK with financially contributing towards their upkeep. If not, it just might make sense to choose an HOA that doesn’t have such amenities, which will be reflected in their lower fees.

There’s This Thing Called an ‘Assessment’

Not only do you have to pay HOA fees on a monthly basis, you’ll also be responsible for contributing to an extra ‘assessment’ if there’s not enough money in the HOA’s reserve funds to pay for major expenses, like replacing the building’s roof or repairing its foundation. If money in this reserve fund is a little short, the HOA could charge you an extra assessment to cover the added expenses, that can be pretty pricey.

Before you buy, inquire about any assessments that are in the works for the near future. If there are, you need to be prepared to dish out a little more than what the current HOA fees demand.

You Have a Say

If you don’t like some of the rules within your HOA community, then do something to change them.

The ideal HOA encourages residents to get involved and have a say in how the rules are implemented and what changes can and should be made. The HOA will advertise their meetings that residents are allowed to attend, so consider going to them when your schedule permits so you can voice your opinion and put in your two cents about what is working and what isn’t. You might even consider running for a seat on the board to fight for the changes that you and fellow residents want.

Learn about the process for making any changes to rules or adding new ones. If you think the rules are too restrictive, you might want to look elsewhere.

The Bottom Line

There are definite perks too living in HOA community. You’ve got access to some great amenities, and you don’t have to worry about having to mow the lawn or trim the bushes. You also don’t have to worry about annoying neighbors who like to park their cars on their front lawns or let their weeds grow out of control – the HOA won’t allow that sort of thing.

But, like any other investment, a little due diligence is required on your part to make sure the one you’re making is right for you. Don’t buy into anything that you’ll regret shortly after moving in.

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Let the Better Days Ahead Begin!

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Better days are just ahead as Chicago is once again coming back to life this weekend!

With Easter fast approaching, here are a few early activities around town for the kids to enjoy:

The Great Chicago Egg Hunt takes place Saturday (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.) at Maggie Daley Park (337 E. Randolph St.) in The Loop. This event is filled with activities that include an Egg Hunt, music, coloring, and much more family fun! The Egg Hunt will be rolled out in four waves (10:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.) so it’s a must to be present for the time you register for. Each wave will accommodate about 250 children. The Egg Hunt will take place on the Great Lawn while all other activities will take place in the picnic groves.

Eggventures in Wonderland takes place Saturday (2 p.m. – 5 p.m.) at NEWCITY (1457 N. Halsted St.) in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Here’s your chance to travel down the rabbit hole for a day of family fun featuring your favorite Alice in Wonderland characters, egg hunts, face painting, music, prizes, and more!  Must pre-register for the Easter egg hunt which is limited to guests ages 16 and under.

Egg Hunt at Commercial Club Playground on Saturday (10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.) at 1845 W. Rice Street in the West Town neighborhood. This event is for kids ages 10 and under with an egg hunt broken up into three sections by age along with crafts, music, and games!

Egg Hunt at West Lawn Park this Saturday (11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) at 4233 W. 65th Street in the West Lawn neighborhood. This fun-filled egg hunt is recommended for ages 3-11!

Returning to Navy Pier’s Festival Hall (600 E. Grand Ave.) in the Streeterville neighborhood on Saturday and Sunday is EXPO Chicago 2022 (known as the International Exposition of Contemporary and Modern Art). Marking its first in-person return since 2019 and celebrating its 9th edition, this event welcomes over 140 leading galleries representing 25 countries and 65 cities from around the world. On display will be towering installations, sprawling canvases, intriguing sculptures, and more cutting-edge art!  Also presented are conversations with artists, public art installations and more ways to immerse yourself in the creative spirit of the event!

Discover a new frontier of immersive experiences and unique encounters unlike anything you’ve seen before at Star Trek: Mission Chicago on Saturday and Sunday at the McCormick Place Convention Center (2301 S. King Dr.) in the South Loop. This ultimate Star Trek fan experience is for all ages and loaded with celebrity guests, exclusive merchandise, and exciting announcements!  A few of the celebrity guests include William Shatner, George Takei, and Walter Koenig from the Original Series; Kate Mulgrew from Star Trek: Voyager and Star Trek: Prodigy; Michelle Hurd from Star Trek: Picard and many, many others.  Beam me up Scottie!!

Can you believe it?  It’s time to Play Ball – Live in Person! The Chicago Cubs are hosting the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday and Sunday at Wrigley Field (1060 W. Addison St.) in the Wrigleyville neighborhood for some good ‘ole baseball. Hope you remember how to get there!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Neighborhood News from Wrigleyville, Lincoln Park, Streeterville, Chicago-wide, Near North Side

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Baseball is back! The Chicago Cubs open their 119th season on Thursday, April 7 at the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field, 1060 W. Addison Street. The Cubs take on their National League Central rival Milwaukee Brewers at 1:20pm. Kyle Hendricks starts as pitcher, and fans will have their first look at offseason marquee signing Seiya Suzuki. For tickets and information, click here. 

Chicago White Sox fans will have their Opening Day vs. the Seattle Mariners at Guaranteed Rate Field on Tuesday, April 12 at 3:10pm. For tickets and information, click here. 

Prom Night Revisited! Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark Street, closes down the kiddie parts on Thursday, April 7, for Adults Night Out, a post-prom party from 6:30pm-10pm, complete with boozy punch, a live DJ spinning throwback tunes, outdoor fun, themed photo ops, lawn games, food and drinks for the 21+ crowd. Dress in your prom-date best. You can even build your boutonnière or corsage! All tickets must be purchased in advance and will not be available at the gate. For tickets, click here.

Hail, ‘King James!’ This is last weekend for the Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s acclaimed ‘King James,’ which ends its month-long run in Lincoln Park, 1650 N. Halsted Street, on Sunday, April 10. The play tells the story of 12 years of LeBron James’ life, through the eyes and relationship of two friends, from his rookie season to the NBA Championship. Written by ensemble member Rajiv Joseph, King James, according to Steppenwolf’s website, is “an intimate exploration of the place that sports occupy in our lives and relationships.” For tickets, click here.

Kidchella? Hella, yah! At Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Avenue, on Sunday, April 10, ‘The Amazingly Outrageous Family Party‘ a free event, starts at noon and goes to 6pm. The organizers encourage you to come in your best costume, wild hats, anime outfits or best party outfit! Artisan vendors, the Kidchella festival, giant games, entertainment and Grammy nominee Steve Silk Hurley round out the event. For information, click here.

The 15th Annual Chicago Restaurant Week 2022 ends Sunday, April 10. It’s your last chance for multi-course meals at $25 for brunch or lunch, and $39 and/or $55 for dinner (excluding beverages, tax, gratuity, and delivery fees). For a list of participating restaurants, click here.

Immerse yourself in a life-affirming yoga class at the site of Immersive Frieda Kahlo, 108 W. Germania Place, on Sunday, April 10, from 9am-9:45am. All classes take place in the multi-sensory Immersive Frida Kahlo exhibit space.  According to the instructors, “Each workout is designed to challenge the body and inspire the mind; choreographed in harmony with the music, sounds, light, and moving images from Frida Kahlo’s vast catalog of masterpieces.”  After class, you are invited to stay and experience the art around you for an additional 25 minutes. April offers a buy one-get one free option. For tickets, click here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Restaurant Review – Dash of Salt and Pepper Diner

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A dash of salt, a dash of pepper…and a lot of heart! Just steps away from Oz Park, a community inside Lincoln Park,  the Dash of Salt and Pepper Diner  serves hearty, upscale comfort food and favorites in a space celebrating all things Chicago.

The two year old spot is run by best friends Brandy & Chassity They explain on their website how Dash came to be. “Our experiences from working and eating at  some of the best Chicago has to offer (the Palace Grill and Milk And Honey Café among them), we proudly serve up a Dash of Salt and Pepper Diner with a whole lot of love.”

Breakfast offerings reflect Chicago’s diverse communities. Southern inspired Biscuits and Gravy–house-made sausage gravy served over warm buttermilk biscuits, stand next to Chilaquiles, a combination of eggs on top of tortillas, sautéed in green chile sauce, with sour cream, and mozzarella cheese, followed by a full Irish Breakfast, with two pieces each of Irish bacon, Irish sausage, black pudding, and white pudding served with beans, eggs, fries, and your choice of toast or pancakes. 

Cleverly named, three-egg omelettes pay tribute to Chicago’s rapid transit lines and are served with your choice of hash browns, grits, or fruit and toast or pancakes (gluten-free options are available for an upcharge.) The Green Line combines spinach, green pepper, onion, tomato, mushroom, and Swiss cheese. The Pink Line isaclassic ham and American cheese. The Red Line pairs ham, salsa, jalapeños, onions, tomatoes, and pepper jack cheese. The Blue Line is a meat-lover’s delight–bacon, sausage, ham and American cheese.

More Chicago themes resonate through their sandwiches. Sweet Home Chicago celebrates Chicago-style bbq, with house-made shredded chicken, bathed in Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce, and served on a French roll. 

The Uptown Chick is a marinated grilled chicken breast with roasted red pepper, spinach, red onion, avocado, and feta cheese served on a bun or in a wrap. The Wicker Park serves the grilled chicken breast on sourdough with grilled tomato, bacon, lettuce, and bleu cheese. The OZ Burger has pepper jack cheese, bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and grilled onions topped with BBQ sauce. 

But…save room for their milkshakes and floats, which come in unusual flavors like Dreamsickle, Coconut, and Cinnamon, piled high in sprinkles and whipped cream. 

One recent Google reviewer gushed. “Great food, amazing vibe, and friendly, charismatic staff. Impossible to not come back here” 😊

A Yelp reviewer was equally impressed. “Dash of Salt and Pepper Diner in Lincoln Park is such a hidden gem guys. They have cute Chicago-themed decor everywhere, great diner breakfast and lunch options, and a hot sauce wall!!”

Dash of Salt and Pepper Diner is located at 2201 N. Lincoln Avenue. They are open Sunday-Thursday,  8am-3pm, and Friday & Saturday:  8am-8pm. Their Facebook page offers updates on special menu items and hours. For more information, click here.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

2022 Opening Day

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Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Try not to let your emotions get the best of you!

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Have you ever become extremely angry for seemingly no reason? Some days it seems like I am on my last nerve, and everyone had better stay out of my way! 

I have been learning how to better assess my emotions and realize where they’re coming from. I ran across a method this week which may be helpful for you too.

The method is called HALT. It originates from the thought that people make poor decisions when they are Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired. Often, when we engage in negative behavior, one of these emotions is likely the underlying cause! Using a mindfulness technique like this one can regulate your emotions. If you feel off, ask the HALT questions:

Are you hungry? Being hungry often involves low blood sugar which can affect your decision-making abilities as well as your physical well-being. In short, you do not have the energy to regulate your emotions. Chemicals released in your brain change when hungry which can lead to anger and hastiness in decisions. Identify hunger signals like headaches, stomach rumbling, and irritability. Eat something ASAP. Include some protein like yogurt and a complex carb like nuts or whole grain cereal. A small meal is best, and try to avoid things high in sugar which will raise you fast, but the crash comes quickly.

Are you angry about something specific? Anger can make you impatient and can stimulate adrenaline and the part of your brain that involves threat stimuli also becomes involved. When you are becoming mindful of your emotions you can recognize that you are angry and use a technique to bring calm and self-awareness. Deep breathing is one good method. Sometimes vigorous exercise is best as it can use some of that adrenaline your anger churned up. 

Are you lonely? We are social beings and when we become lonely it can lead to anxiety and depression as well as making poor decisions because we feel disconnected. Loneliness is a little harder to manage. Try to reach out to someone with whom you can be your authentic self. Face to face connection especially promotes nervous system regulation that can move you back to a good baseline. 

Are you tired? Most of us feel tired more often than we ever have before. Life is so incredibly fast paced we seem to think we need to be working 24/7. Unfortunately, the result is exhaustion. You feel foggy and increased stress, especially when decisions need to be made. We need to prioritize our tasks and the decisions we need to make, and acknowledge we do not need to get everything done all at once. Prioritize a good night’s sleep, and the occasional break or walk outside can be beneficial. 

HALT is helpful for many people whether you have anger management issues or have chronic stress. It can help you pause and identify where your emotions are coming from and choose a less harmful route!

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago

Simple Ways to Boost Privacy in Your Yard

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Whether you’re playing with the kids, enjoying a family meal, or even just catching some rays, the last thing you want is to be put on display in your own backyard. The demand for outdoor living space among homeowners has grown over the years, making privacy that much more important. If your yard is exposed to the neighbors, you might want to come up with tasteful and functional ways to add a subtle barrier between your yard and others around you.

Keep these simple tactics in mind to create a secluded sanctuary in your backyard.

Plant Hedges

Lining your property with a row of hedges is an easy and clean way to add a divide between your lot and the next. Privacy planting like these can create privacy and drown out the chatter from next door.

To plant a new hedge, dig a trench about two feet wide and two feet deep, and allow about a foot between each shrub planted. Add enough soil to reach the branching trunk, and be sure to water frequently within the first year. Keep in mind that hedges require regular trimming in order to keep them neat and tidy.

Layer Your Greenery

If the space permits, try layering your greenery to create a wonderful display of plants, flowers, shrubs, ornamental grass, and trees while shielding your outdoor area from the neighbor. Start with the tallest greens in the back, then gradually step them down in height to create depth, visual appeal, and texture.

If the neighbors beside or behind you are perched up higher than your lot, or have a raised deck or terrace, plant tall-growing shady trees to block out the neighbors view into your yard.

Install a Fence

A fence is an obvious way to add privacy to your property, but it doesn’t have to be so cold and dull. You can dress it up with some paint, vines, shrubs, perennials, or hanging planters to make it more pleasing to the eye compared to a long line of plain wood.

Fences are perfect for year-round screening and for side yards where space is particularly limited. Just be sure to check with your local jurisdiction to see if a permit is needed, and what height restrictions you’ll have to adhere to.

Install Lattice or Ornamental Screens

If the thought of a fence is just too severe for your tastes, then lattice is the next best thing. It’s the perfect way to add seclusion without entirely shutting your property off.

Lattice is also an ideal way to add some of your favorite vines or climbing flowers for a decorative and tranquil space. You don’t have to ward off the entire yard with lattice, either. Instead, consider adding it only to specific areas where privacy is especially craved, such as in the corner or against the eating area.

Add a Retaining Wall

While a little more expensive and labor-intensive, adding a decorative stone retaining wall is a fantastic way to seclude your yard. If you don’t want to look at a complete wall of stone, you can erect a shorter retaining wall, then mount some decorative trees or shrubs along the top half to break up the monotony.

Keep in mind that locations with poor drainage will require deeper excavation to reach below the frost line, as well as piping installation to allow for adequate water drainage from the footing.

Build a Pergola

If you’ve got defined spaces in your yard, such as an outdoor kitchen or patio, you might want to focus your screening to these specific areas rather than your entire yard.

Pergolas work wonderfully in defined spaces like these, while offering shade from the sun. You can even take things a step further by installing an enclosure around the pergola to create a higher level of intimacy and privacy while enjoying a family meal or entertaining guests.

Plant Some Trees

Even just one single tree can be enough to block a view and offer you the privacy you desire. Choose a wide-growing tree, such as a dwarf maple or birch to both shield your yard while acting as a decorative focal point to your overall landscaping scheme.

You can also plant a row of columnar trees around the perimeter of the property or in specific areas if your yard is smaller in scale; they grow quite tall, but don’t take up too much horizontal space.

Add a Fountain

In addition to blocking the view into your yard, you’ll likely want to shield it from surrounding noise as well. Whether it’s the chatter of the neighbors, the loud play of neighborhood kids, or traffic from the street, a decorative fountain can work quite well at drawing out unwanted noise.

You can go as simple or as elaborate as you desire. The pleasant sound of trickling water can block out noise while creating a tranquil sanctuary right in your own backyard.

There are no hard-fast rules that dictate that you should use only one of the above strategies to boost privacy in your yard. You might even want to consider incorporating several tactics to increase solitude and create a secluded retreat for you and your family to enjoy.