Your Pain and Suffering Are Real
Dr. Kuan Su of Acupuncture North Clinic uses the time tested art of Acupuncture to help each patient relieve pain, improve sleep, and reduce chronic issues that other modalities have struggled to help.
Acupuncture has been around for thousands of years and has been used to treat a variety of issues. Dr. Su has specialized in treating the more complex conditions including stubborn neuropathy, chronic pain, reactions to high stress/anxiety, sleeping disorders, and men’s health issues such as erectile dysfunction and urinary issues.
Gale from Wilmette had been struggling with both migraines and insomnia for 7 years. “I had tried botox to help with the migraines but it only helped for a little while and I used sleeping pills because I could not fall asleep for hours. I missed having natural restful sleep. After seeing Dr. Su for a month, both started to vanish. My migraines turned into a minor headache once every other week and now I sleep like a baby.”
He works with a variety of cases and understands how important the partnership between patient and practitioner is. “I’m always looking forward to my days in my clinic because no two patients are exactly the same. Many times patients come in with a variety of issues happening at the same time. Last Tuesday, I was treating a patient for neuropathy in both feet, chronic fatigue, and insomnia and he reported that all three were improving. Understanding the importance of checking in regularly and participating in his own health have sped up his recovery and I am so excited for him!”
Georgette from Highland Park shared, “Dr. Su is so great to work with. I had been suffering from tinnitus for 11 years and doctors said nothing could help. The sound was too much but once I started seeing Dr. Su, not only did my tinnitus start to go away, my digestion was doing so much better. I felt like I could be me again. Like I could go out and have lunch with the girls and really enjoy my time being social again.”
What once was a missing link in complementary alternative healthcare is now easily accessible to the residents of the North Shore area. If you have been struggling with chronic issues or issues that have been labeled as idiopathic or untreatable, call Dr. Kuan Su at Acupuncture North Clinic today to schedule your consultation.
I am always up for a challenge but what I enjoy the most about my work is when patients come in after their treaments to tell me how things are changing, how they are feeling better, and how other symptoms that they have been struggling with are going away.”
Dr. Su shares the typical stories from patients. “A recurring story that people share with me is that they have tried conventional means, they have tried new fads, they have tried medications and seen specialists yet have struggled to get any results. They say that I’m their last hope. I am always up for a challenge but what I enjoy the most about my work is when patients come in after their treatments to tell me how things are changing, how they are feeling better, and how other symptoms that they have been struggling with are going away.”
Dr. Su is accepting a limited number of new patients due to high demand. In an effort to protect his current patient base, he is limiting the number of new patients to 8 before the end of May.
DR. KUAN SU
$ 76+ million sold & under contract - 2024*
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LIFESTYLE & ARTS
LAST BUT NOT LEAST
John Conatser FOUNDER & PUBLISHER
Jennifer Sturgeon ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Gaven Conatser ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
Michelle Crowe, Erin Donaldson, Dustin O'Regan, Kemmie Ryan, Megan Weisberg
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Allison Duncan, Mitch Hurst, Bill McLean
DESIGN
Linda Lewis PRODUCTION MANAGER/GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Natalie Phillips ADVERTISING COORDINATOR/GRAPHIC DESIGNER
PHOTOGRAPHY AND ART
Monica Kass Rogers
PHOTOGRAPHY
Tom Bachtell, Barry Blitt
ILLUSTRATION
Cheyanne Lencioni ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
250 W. LAKE FRONT DR. | BEVERLY SHORES, IN Historical Home | Built for “Homes of Tomorrow” Exhibition at 1933 World Fair | Designed by Robert Law Weed 575 LAKELAND DR. | LAKE BLUFF, IL Architectural Masterpiece Set on 2.8-Acres on Lake Michigan | An Ode to Modernism Featured in Architectural Digest | Lake Views from Every Room
NORTH SHORE DOINGS
EDITED BY CHEYANNE LENCIONI THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
NOW THROUGH AUGUST 28
HIGHWOOD EVENING GOURMET MARKET
WHERE: Everts Park Highwood’s Evening Gourmet Market has returned, running every Wednesday from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The market features a variety of 60 incredible food, beverage, and artisan craft vendors alternating each week. A calendar of musicians and themed nights is available online. celebratehighwood.org
NOW THROUGH AUGUST 29
FOOD TRUCK MONDAYS
WHERE: Kenilworth Park District
Enjoy Food Truck Mondays weekly from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Food will be provided by Billy Bricks & Rio Bamba Food Trucks. Music will be provided by The Heavy Sounds and there will also be cornhole league, bocce ball league, margaritas, and family fun. kenilworthparkdistrict.org
NOW THROUGH AUGUST 30
SUMMER ON THE NORTH SHORE
WHERE: Central Station Coffee & Tea, Wilmette Celebrate Summer and
the 100th anniversary of the North Shore Art League with a pop-up show. Stop by and support the work of NSAL member artists that are on display. northshoreartleague.org
NOW THROUGH SEPTEMBER 7
CIRCUSVILLE: PLAY UNDER THE BIG TOP
WHERE: Chicago Children’s Museum
Bring your kids to the Chicago Children’s Museum to play at the circus! Children can try their hands at all of the vital roles in a circus—star of the show, ticket taker, acrobat, hot dog vendor, and more. Props and costumes for families will be provided. chicagochildrensmuseum.org
NOW THROUGH SEPTEMBER 22
THE CHICAGO ALLIANCE OF VISUAL ARTISTS
ANNUAL MEMBER SHOW
WHERE: North Shore Art League
The Chicago Alliance of Visual Artists (CAVA) will hold its annual show on the first and second floor galleries of the North Shore Art League (NSAL). More than 100 works of art will be displayed. During the run of the show, there will be a Show & Tell Salon from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on August 29 and a Learning Symposium from 1 p.m.
to 5 p.m. on September 22. The Symposium will feature two speakers sharing their experiences. Everyone is welcome to attend and an RSVP is required for both events. RSVP emails can be sent to events@wearecava. org. Non-members can pay the $10 admission fee for one or both events through PayPal.
NOW THROUGH SEPTEMBER 22
LOST & FOUND
WHERE: Chicago Botanic Garden
Experience plant conservation success stories through art and science this summer at Chicago Botanic Garden. Engage in hands-on experiences, art installations, After Hour Buzz events, and other engaging activities inspired by restoration stories of plants once lost and forgotten. Original art pieces will be on display throughout the garden including “A Summer Journey,” “Gleanhouse and Prismatic Landscape,” “Color Writing,” “Rhizomatic,” and “Through The Eye of the Unicorn.” These pieces represent conserving what has been lost over the years through development, natural disaster, and expansions. Tickets are included with the cost of admission. chicagobotanic.org
NOW THROUGH SEPTEMBER 24
SUNSET YOGA
WHERE: Mellody Farm
Nature Preserve Immerse yourself in the beauty of Lake Forest Open Lands Association’s (LFOLA) Mellody Farm
Nature Preserve while relaxing into a gentle, restorative yoga session that will incorporate breathwork and mindfulness. All abilities are welcome! Instructor, Ana Holland Krawec, is a
certified 200 RYT instructor, a Reiki healing master, and Sudarshan Kriya Breathwork instructor. Her practice focuses on adaptive yoga, incorporating gentle movements, restorative poses, breathwork, and mindfulness to help students work on core strength, flexibility, and balance and to find tools for becoming centered and peaceful. This program is for adults only and takes place in the evenings. lfola.org
NOW THROUGH SEPTEMBER 26
FOOD TRUCK THURSDAYS
WHERE: Ravinia District Food Truck Thursdays return to downtown Ravinia this summer. A variety of food trucks and vendors will sell their wares from 4:30 p.m. until dusk each Thursday night throughout the summer. These evenings will also include live music, food, beer, and wine tastings from local restaurants. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs or dine on a picnic bench in Jens Jensen Park. Each Thursday will feature a different theme of music and its respective performers. enjoyhighlandpark.com
NOW THROUGH OCTOBER 11
LAKE BLUFF FARMERS
MARKET
WHERE: Lake Bluff Village Green
Enjoy the Lake Bluff Farmers Market Friday mornings through October 11. The market will be open from 7 a.m. to noon. A variety of local vendors will be selling their offerings— from food and beverages to flowers and dog treats. There will also be live music and children’s entertainment. business.lflbchamber.com
NOW THROUGH OCTOBER 13
“SHTETL IN THE SUN”
WHERE: Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center
In the late 1970s, photographer Andy Sweet took numerous photos of Holocaust survivors living hopeful and joyous lives in South Beach, Florida. Through his images, it provides a poignant display of life after tragedy. The Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center’s exhibit, “Shtetl in the Sun: Andy Sweet’s South Beach 1977-1980,” celebrates Sweet’s work as a tribute to those who lived during that time. The exhibit will run through October 13. ilholocaustmuseum.org
NOW THROUGH FEBRUARY 25, 2025 “KENILWORTH CENTENNIAL HOMES”
WHERE: Kenilworth Historical Society
Explore the history of Kenilworth’s oldest homes and celebrate their architectural significance with a dynamic exhibit that chronicles the evolution of residential development in the village. The homes featured in this exhibit were built between 1889 and 1924. kenilworthhistory.org
AUGUST 17
DRAW TOGETHER
WHERE: The Art Center of Highland Park
The Art Center of Highland Park hosts its biggest
Bagpipes & Bonfire
The Chicago Alliance of Visual Artists Annual Member Show
event of the summer with a sidewalk chalk festival, running from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Live entertainment throughout the day includes Ralph Covert of Ralph’s World, a meet and greet with the WTTW’s Nature Cat, performances from Bach to Rock, and a visit from the Dolores Kohl Education Foundation’s StoryBus. There will also be art demos from Art Center instructors and lunch will be sold from The Fat Shallot food truck and an ice cream truck. Participants can even take part in the fun from home by picking up a Chalk Box from the Art Center and sharing their sidewalk creations online by tagging #DrawTogetherTAC and #tachp. theartcenterhp.org
AUGUST 17
CELEBRATE PHYLLIS DILLER
WHERE: Northfield Public Library
Celebrate the life and career of stand-up comedienne and actress Phyllis Diller through the presentation of Ellie Presents. From 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., Ellie will give a dramatic performance providing a glimpse at the backstage Phyllis while delighting in her onstage antics as well. Registration is required for this adult program. wnpld.org
AUGUST 17 TO 18
46TH ANNUAL MIDAMERICAN BONSAI EXHIBITION
WHERE: Chicago Botanic Garden
The Midwest Bonsai Society’s August Exhibition will showcase its 46th year with an exhibition that runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on August 17 and 18. It is one of the largest regional shows in the nation. Centered at the Chicago Botanic Garden's (CBG) Permanent Bonsai Collection—which features over 150 worldclass trees—it’s a showplace of Bonsai from across the Midwest and beyond. Na-
tional enthusiasts bring their trees to be judged in the main hall at the Garden's Regenstein Center. There will be 30 vendors selling trees, tools, pots, stands, suiseki, scrolls, soil, fertilizers, and more. The exhibition will include plenty of workshops and lectures, including a Children's Bonsai Styling workshop. The show is free, but CBG parking and entry fees apply. midwestbonsai.org
AUGUST 17 TO 18
EVANSTON ART & BIG FORK FESTIVAL
WHERE: Downtown Evanston
Enjoy the artistic and food delights the city of Evanston has to offer. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday, browse thousands of art pieces from 150 juried artists showing paintings, jewelry, sculptures, mixed media, photography, and more. Take a break at the extensive tasty food area, try a painting class, or visit the Kids Art Zone. Entry is free. amdurproductions.com
AUGUST 18
BLOODY MARY FEST
WHERE: Everts Park
Spend the day trying different concoctions of the classic Bloody Mary from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Vendors will compete for the “Proud Mary” award. Mixologists from competing bars and restaurants have the opportunity to share their one-ofa-kind recipes while creating the ultimate tomato-based cocktail. The public can vote for their favorite until 4 p.m. and the winner will be announced at 4:30 p.m. For those not interested in a Bloody Mary drink, there will be other refreshment options available, including non-alcoholic drinks. There will also be live music throughout the day. celebratehighwood.org
AUGUST 20
AFTERNOON BOOK CLUB
WHERE: Lake Bluff Library
Join Carol at the Lake
Bluff Library for a monthly book discussion from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. August’s book will be The Narrowboat Summer by Anne Youngson. This book club is an adult program and they will meet in the Spruth Room. lakeblufflibrary.org
AUGUST 22
HABITAT HELPERS AT MALLINCKRODT PARK WORKDAY
WHERE: Mallinckrodt Park
Connect with the earth and get your hands dirty from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Participants will weed native plant beds at Mallinckrodt Park. Bring drinking water, gardening gloves, and dress for the weather. Trowels and tools will be provided by the Wilmette Park District. wilmettepark.org
AUGUST 22 & 29
SIT & KNIT
WHERE: Northfield Public Library
Spend the afternoon with fellow knitters in the Community Room at Northfield Public Library. From 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. adults of all levels of experience are welcome. Basic supplies will be provided and library staff will be present to assist. Registration is required. wnpld.org
AUGUST 22 & 29
AUGUST SCAVENGER HUNT: GRAPHIC NOVELS
WHERE: Evanston Public Library
Hunt for some of your favorite graphic novel characters throughout the Children’s Room. Kids can grab a clue sheet at the desk and search around the Children’s Department to find them all. Names and phone numbers can be written on the back of the sheet and turned in at the front desk to be entered into a raffle. The chosen card will win a prize. epl.org
AUGUST 24 TO 25
PORT CLINTON ART FESTIVAL
WHERE: Highland Park
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., enjoy the weekend with paintings, sculptures, mixed media work, and more. There will be thousands of art pieces from 260 of the best artists in the country. Kids can check out the Kids Art Zone. There will also be cold beer, specialty coffee, tasty treats, and live music. amdurproductions.com
SEPTEMBER 8
I SEE STARS – ATC’S FALL GALA
WHERE: Chevy Chase Country Club, Wilmette Join the Actor’s Training Center for their annual fundraising gala. A silent auction and cocktails begin at 5 p.m., dinner and programming are at 6:30 p.m., and the night will conclude at 8 p.m. This is an adultonly event and cocktail attire is suggested. Tickets are on sale now. ATC stars. givesmart.com
SEPTEMBER 14
GOODFEST 2024
WHERE: St. John’s Wilmette
From 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., enjoy an evening of music from Antler Chandelier and Tributosaurus while partaking in mouthwatering BBQ. Tickets are $30 if purchased prior to the event and $40 at the door. All proceeds benefit Family Promise, North Shore, a local cause that provides resources for families who are without a home. This is a family fun event and kids under 12 are free. eventbrite.com
SEPTEMBER 14 TO OCTOBER 6
RIGOLETTO
WHERE: Lyric Opera Chicago
Partake in an evening showcasing Giuseppe Verdi’s sensation, Rigoletto. Sung in Italian with projected English titles, the breathtaking piece is based on Victor
Hugo’s play. Composer Music Director Enrique Mazzola, a much-acclaimed Verdian, brings astounding intensity to the story of Rigoletto, a court jester who is tragically consumed with the vengeance of his daughter Gilda’s dishonor. lyricopera.org
SEPTEMBER 27
100TH ANNIVERSARY GALA
WHERE: Community House
Celebrate North Shore
Art League’s 100th anniversary at 6 p.m. with a festive gala, held on the second floor of the Community House in Winnetka. Enjoy libations, live art, music, and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets are on sale now. northshoreartleague.org
SEPTEMBER 29
BAGPIPES & BONFIRE
WHERE: Middlefork Farm Nature Reserve
Celebrate this fall tradition with games, activities, and entertainment for all ages. Enjoy a complimentary donut from Firecakes Donuts. Feel the warmth of the community bonfire and gather to watch Highland
games and the procession of the marching pipers on the field. General admission reservations are now on sale! Pack a dinner and refreshments and be a part of the community picnic. Or join as a Grand Tartan, Order of the Tartan, or Patron and enjoy a gourmet picnic dinner provided by LFOLA. lfola.org
OCTOBER 24 TO JANUARY 5, 2025 PHOTOGRAPHING FRANK
LLOYD WRIGHT
WHERE: Driehaus Museum
Explore the fascinating collection of Wright’s early photography in this brandnew exhibit. It will include images by leading photographers who documented his work as well as photos taken by him. Wright’s fascination with photography allowed him to pursue his hobby and use it as a technique of making his architecture accessible to the public. This exhibition offers insight into how photography influenced public perception of his work. driehausmuseum.org
To submit your event for consideration, please email events@nsweekend.com.
Photographing Frank Lloyd Wright at the Driehaus Museum
Lake Forest will become the epicenter of the culinary universe next month as top chefs and winemakers from around the country descend on the city to tickle the taste buds of foodies near and far.
Founded last year by the popular Food Network regular, Chef Beau MacMillan, and the husband-and-wife team who own Lake Forest restaurants The Gallery and The Peanut Gallery—art curator Cecilia Lanyon and James Beard-nominated chef Dominic Zumpano—Revelry Food and Wine Festival returns on September 19, running through September 22.
While there’s no shortage of activities in Lake Forest during warmer months, the founders of the festival have high hopes for it to become a late summer staple on the North Shore.
“This is a great community and there are a lot of fun things to do throughout the summer and Lake Forest does a fantastic job with Music in the Park and car shows and activities at the beach,” Zumpano says. “We recognized there was a gap because there wasn’t anything that was really food-centric. We had a tremendous outcome last year.”
That enthusiastic interest led to the expansion of this year’s festival to four locations in Lake Forest. In addition to an opening reception at The Gallery, events will be hosted at Gorton Center, Elawa Farm, and Adrian
community-based and lifestyle event here in Lake Forest,” says Zumpano.
Lanyon agrees. “Having two businesses here, and being fortunate enough to grow up and live here, you realize there’s such a rich, deep history here,” she says. “To be able to bring people from out of town and other parts of the country to participate in our events, and have guests travel to Lake Forest who might not otherwise visit is really special.”
Before transplanting to Lake Forest, Zumpano was a sous chef for Beau MacMillan, or Chef Beau as he’s known in the kitchen. They worked together at Elements, the highly regarded restaurant in Scottsdale, Arizona, where MacMillan was the chef. Well-known for his many appearances on the Food Network, MacMillan is also a familiar face in the culinary festival world.
and Nancy Smith’s David Adler estate. “We’re really trying to grow this as a
MacMillan established the Nirvana Food and Wine Festival in Paradise Valley, Arizona, one of the premier culinary festivals in the world. When the idea for Revelry emerged, it was natural for the three to partner together. The festival capitalizes on MacMillan’s profile and expertise, Zumpano’s local ties to Lake Forest restaurants, and Lanyon’s experience
as Executive Director of the Deer Path Art League—where her primary role was to produce The Art Fair in the Square, one of the oldest and largest art fairs in the country.
“I know Dominic and Cecilia and we always stayed in touch. We’ve remained in touch and have a ton of respect for each other,” MacMillan says. “Then I started coming to Lake Forest to cook for charitable events and fell in love with the community. They said, ‘we’d love to put something together’ and I said I’d be glad to help’.”
That partnership is perhaps best reflected in the festival’s opening event on September 19 at The Gallery. “Palate to Palette,” hosted by celebrity chef Jonathon Sawyer and MacMillan, brings together four artists and four renowned chefs for an art-infused culinary experience. The reception-style event will allow guests to mingle with the artists and chefs throughout the evening.
Kosta; and a boozy Italian brunch with James Beard-award winning chef Sarah Gruenberg at the Smith’s David Adler estate.
The Revelry Food and Wine Festival is the culmination of a year’s worth of planning and for MacMillan it’s about telling the story of the Lake Forest community. A portion of
the proceeds from ticket sales support a local charity.
Other events include a country-themed evening at Elawa Farm with music from Nashville and chef’s dishes inspired by the great small farms of the U.S.; a burger contest at Gorton Center MC’d by former Chicago Blackhawk Jeremy Roenick; a fivecourse chefs’ dinner with MacMillan, Zumpano, and Top Chef Winner Joe Flamm, and hosted by award-winning winemaker Dan
“You look at a culinary event like this in a smaller community like Lake Forest and it makes you feel blessed because life is all about relationships,” MacMillan says. “We’re bringing in superstar talent, we have the engagement, and we’re just really proud of that.”
The Revelry Food and Wine Festival takes place on September 19 to 22 in Lake Forest. Tickets for events are sold separately and range from $150 to $350, depending on the event. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit revelryfoodandwine.com.
BY MITCH HURST
Burger Battle Competing Chef Todd Stein of Sophia Steak. Photo courtesy of Cecily George
Chef Ryan Clark, Chef Dominic Zumpano, Chef Brian Kane, Chef Beau MacMillan at Masters of Taste. Photo courtesy of Caitlin Saville
Musicians Kathleen and Nic of the Nic Barnum Band with Chef Fabio Viviani at Palate to Palette. Photo courtesy of Erin Loughlin
#HASHTAG
EDITED BY STELLA GRIFFIN ILLUSTRATION BY TOM BACHTELL
#ON MY NIGHTSTAND
I am reading The Women by Kristin Hannah for my book club, which highlights female heroes during the Vietnam War—a period I haven’t read much about. I’m also reading about “how to survive as an empty nester” as my baby is headed to college. And lots of “what to pack for college—the girls’ version” lists.
#ON MY MOBILE
I follow a million cooking blogs, but I love Ina Garten the best. She really got me into cooking with her first The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook. I have a lot of her recipes memorized and I use them repeatedly. Chicago Food Girl is another favorite of mine—Mina Im talks all about food, travel, and beauty; and I love all her Chicago restaurant recommendations.
#IN MY EARBUDS
Mostly country music these days (Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, Kenney Chesney, and Zac Brown Band—love going to all these concerts with my daughter, but I also love The Beatles, ‘90s alternative, and some random current rap that I listen to with my son. I love listening to live music in any venue (my favorite is Wrigley Field— any concert there is amazing).
BABS started Babs Boards about three years ago following a 25-year career in the corporate accounting and finance world. She has always enjoyed entertaining friends and family, so this was an easy transition. Expanding from preparing charcuterie boards to teaching more than 100 charcuterie, grilling, and entertaining classes, Babs has really found her passion—teaching! Some of her highlights over the last three years include mentoring six amazing interns, teaching a charcuterie class at Wrigley Field, launching “Girls who Grill” classes, and preparing numerous grazing tables. The “Girls who Grill” class is perfect for grilling beginners who have never turned on their grill before or for those who need a refresher class. When Babs is not grilling or in the kitchen, she loves spending time with her husband, Matt, 19-year-old son, 18-year-old daughter, and their puppy. She loves golfing, skiing, traveling, and hosting dinner parties. Here is how this grilling guru stays current between classes and creating charcuterie boards.
Set in a prime location and lushly landscaped, 999 Hill Road is known as one of Winnetka’s most impressive French country homes. Designed by renowned architect Jerome Cerny, and built to the highest standards, this pristine 5 bedroom, 4.1 bath home has undergone meticulous renovations and expansion to seamlessly blend formal and casual living spaces. This exquisite home was renovated with the utmost care and quality. Employing the finest trades and materials, care has been taken to preserve the original Cerny specifications, from paneling to door hardware, door casings and window details. All this while updating the house for modern living. 999 Hill Road is the best of both worlds – an ultra-private oasis in desirable Crow Island School District, New Trier High School and close to downtown location.
LOBSTER AND AVOCADO SALAD
BY MONICA KASS ROGERS
For a light summer lunch that’s elegant and satisfying, this salad is just what you’re looking for. A silky combination of lobster, avocado, butter lettuce, and basil, with piquant hearts of palm and sweet red pepper for balance, this salad is a bright update of a recipe from the late great James Beard. The creamy lemon dressing, given extra body by whipping with an immersion blender, is the perfect complement.
Be sure to use just-ripe, firm and unblemished avocados. Don’t open and slice them until the rest of the ingredients are prepped and serve the salad immediately after making.
INGREDIENTS
FOR THE SALAD
• 2, 1 ½ to 2 lb. lobsters
• 2 to 3 heads of butter lettuce (I used hydroponically grown) large enough to fill a big salad bowl
• 4 green onions, root ends discarded
• 3 large, ripe, unblemished avocados (You’ll use two cubed, and one sliced into fans as the garnish)
• 1 14 oz. can hearts of palm
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
FOR THE CREAMY LEMON DRESSING
• Juice from two large, fresh lemons
• 2 garlic cloves, finely grated with a microplane
• 2 tsp good quality Dijon mustard
• 2 Tbsp fresh snipped chives
• 1 tsp coconut palm sugar
• ½ cup olive oil
• 1 Tbsp water
• Salt and pepper to taste
METHOD
PREPARE THE LOBSTER
Heat a large pot of water to boiling. Add lobsters and boil for 12 minutes. Remove pot from heat, leaving lobsters in water, and let stand for five minutes. Drain lobsters and cool.
PREPARE THE SALAD
While the lobsters cool, prep vegetables. Wash, core, and de-seed pepper. Cut into small dice and set aside. Drain hearts of palm and slice into coins. Set aside. Slice green onions. Set aside. Wash and core lettuce, patting leaves dry.
REMOVE LOBSTER MEAT FROM SHELL
Crack open lobsters and remove tail and claw meat from shell. Cut into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
MAKE CREAMY LEMON DRESSING
In a bowl, combine lemon juice, grated garlic, Dijon mustard, snipped chives and coconut
palm sugar. Whisk in olive oil until beginning to emulsify. Using an immersion blender, pulse and blend until well emulsified and slightly thickened. Stir in 1 Tbsp water. Add salt and pepper to taste. Pulse again with immersion blender to finish.
PREP AVOCADO
Peel, halve, and remove pits from avocados. Cut two of the avocados into cubes. Slice the remaining avocado into thin slices, dividing into three-slice fans.
ASSEMBLE SALAD
Tear and pile lettuce leaves in a large bowl. Gently toss with basil, green onion, and cubed avocado. Dot with hearts of palm coins and diced red pepper. Top with bite sized pieces of lobster. Garnish with thinly sliced fans of the remaining avocado. Serve immediately with creamy lemon dressing.
THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA KASS ROGERS
VIVA LAS LOGAN
Twenty-year-old Elvis tribute artist Logan Ramey has been bringing the house down at venues—not including jailhouses— for more than half his life. One of his annual North Shore tour stops is Wilmette Theatre.
BY BILL MCLEAN ILLUSTRATION BY BARRY BLITT
Logan Ramey was four years old when his father, Craig, introduced him to Johnny Cash songs.
But another music icon caught little Logan’s ear—and eye.
“Nobody looked cooler than Elvis Presley,” says Ramey.
Ramey turned 20 on July 23. It’s an evening in early August, inside Taylor’s on Toft, a cozy bar and grill in Antioch. In 90 minutes, the respectful Ramey—clad in a snazzy silver jacket and black pants, and sporting dyed, jet-black hair, eyeliner, and fake mutton chops that look like real sideburns—will start performing as an eerie-good Elvis tribute artist.
“It’s all mine,” he says of his magnificent mane, which isn’t quite arranged in a pompadour but still screams “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.”
The Beach Park resident, who grew up in the village of Winthrop Harbor, later notes he’s scheduled to entertain 51 more audiences (mostly in the Midwest) this year, including those attending a private event in Highwood in mid-September. Ramey has donned a white jumpsuit for the second of his show’s two acts at annual gigs held at Wilmette Theatre.
“I love performing there,” Ramey says of the 140-seat space on Central Avenue.
Ramey’s road to a career as a professional singer began 16 years ago, shortly after he moved on from Cash and gripped a hairbrush to serve as a pretend microphone during his mini-Elvis shows at home. He won an Elvis contest at a Winthrop Harbor Carnival well before he blew out candles on his fifth birthday and, at the age of 10, topped another field of competitors in Branson, Missouri.
“I learned all I could about Elvis, reading books about him, watching all 32 of his movies, and watching documentaries on him,” says Ramey, whose mother, Shelly, serves as stage assistant
for Logan’s vigorous “Tribute to the King” shows. “I studied his look and the way he walked, in addition to his movements and mannerisms on stage. Elvis had so much charisma and commanded every room he entered.
“I’m living the dream, and I’m always looking to honor Elvis’ legacy better as I get older as a tribute artist. Singing Elvis songs brings joy to his loyal fans. The most rewarding part of the day or the night I perform is looking out at a crowd of people in the middle of a song and seeing smiles.”
Ramey’s sense of humor drew rounds of laughter from patrons several times at Taylor’s on Toft earlier this month. As a couple exited the establishment after about five songs, Ramey—in a spot-on Elvis voice—asked, “Hey, where are you going? I’m just getting started.” An International Elvis Tribute Artist Hall of Fame inductee in 2022, Ramey then faced his audience and muttered, “Must be Beatles fans.”
The bulk of that night’s Elvis Presley/ Logan Ramey fans stuck around for the rest of the show that would last nearly three hours.
Elvis Presley had a signature way of acknowledging his adoring fans’ applause after songs. His “Thank you very much” was more of a rapid Thankyouverymuch , and Ramey mimicked it perfectly after several tunes, including Ramey’s all-time favorite, I Just Can’t Help Believing Moments after concluding a song during which he danced ferociously while still managing to maintain his powerful singing voice, Ramey, breathing heavily and feigning a wince, admitted, “I’m getting too old to do that.”
More laughter ensued.
Startlingly, especially to anyone who has watched him interact smoothly and warmly with his audience, Ramey says he was “a loner” in high school. He attended Antioch Community High School for two years, Warren Township High School in Gurnee for six months, and then com
“I’m living the dream, and I’m always looking to honor Elvis’ legacy better as I get older as a tribute artist.”
pleted his Secondary Education online.
“I was so into researching Elvis and working on my Elvis tribute shows in high school, which meant little time for anything else,” says Ramey, who recently added a blue version to a jumpsuit collection that now numbers 11 and traveled to Tennessee to perform twice and compete
in two more Elvis tribute contests. “Did you know Elvis was a humanitarian who donated money anonymously to organizations?”
Ramey also immersed himself in Elvis’ upbringing surrounded by Black musicians in Tupelo, Mississippi, and how it influenced Elvis’ trademark sound and
ultimately the birth of rock and roll.
None other than Billy Stanley, one of Elvis’ stepbrothers, is a fervent Logan Ramey fan. Stanley’s moving reaction to a Ramey rendition of an Elvis song appears on Ramey’s website.
“When I heard (Logan) … now if I close my eyes, that’s Elvis,” Stanley begins.
“It touched my heart. The only person I’ve ever heard sing like that was my brother, and (Logan) was real close—scary, that’s how close it was.”
For more information about Logan Ramey and his upcoming Tribute to the King shows, visit loganrameyeta.com.
Logan Ramey
