New Eastside News Nov/Dec 2015

VOL. 3 NO. 2

A NEWSLETTER FROM THE NEW EASTSIDE COMMUNITY

Got a story tip or question? Call 708-628-3652

November / December 2015

www.neweastsidecommunity.com

Dim Sum experts arrive in the New Eastside

FREE

Local Target serving alchohol

A glass of wine becomes part of the shopping experience Page 3

bKL Architecture and Design

MingHin Cuisine’s new location at 333 E Benton Place

MingHin Cuisine, the highest Yelp-rated dim sum destination in Chinatown, opened a new location at 333 E. Benton Place in September. Serving authentic Cantonese dishes and signature Asian cocktails in three separate rooms that create as many distinct moods, the taste is the same as its flagship restaurant, which received a 2016 Michelin Guide Bib Gourmond distinction.

Turn to page 4.

2016 Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand Distinction AUTHENITC CANTONESE CUISINE HONG KONG STYLE DIM SUM Lunch Special Monday - Friday 11:00 a.m. - 2 p.m.

20% OFF HAPPY HOUR Monday - Friday 2:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. (except holidays)

The worldwide firm based in the New Eastside.

Page 9

— GRANT PARK —

333 E Benton Pl · 312 228 1333

www.MingHinCuisine.com — CHINATOWN —

2168 S Archer · 312 808 1999

2 / NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2015 16 / NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

NEW EASTSIDE NEWS W W W. N E W E A S T S I DE C O M M U N I T Y. C O M

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 6:30 PM 2015

30 minutes. $15 per person

http://nespedwaytour2015.eventbrite.com

NEW EASTSIDE NEWS

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2015 / 3

NEWS

By Daniel Patton | Staff Writer

Tribune Tower goes up for sale Last month, the Chicago Tribune reported that the Tribune Tower was up for sale.

Stating that Tribune Media Company “has hired real estate investment banker Eastdil Secured to explore an outright sale or partnership,” the news prompted speculation across the web.

Crain’s estimated the price tag at $150 million, Market Business described Tribune Media as being “stricken by growing levels of debt,” and the Sun Times reported that the site is “zoned for up to 2.4 million square feet.”

The neogothic Tribune Tower, constructed in 1925, was designed

by New York architects John Mead

Howells and Raymond Hood, who secured the honor after winning a competition sponsored by the Tribune.

The Tower’s exterior contains several archaelogical treasures, including fragments from the Cave of the Nativity in Bethleham and stones from Washinton’s Landing Place at the Delaware River.

Recently discovered maps show Chicago’s earliest designs A collection of maps dating as far back as 1835 — discovered at an estate sale in the suburbs — reveal many of the plans that helped Chicago transform from swamp to metropolis during the 19th century.

Named “The Ogden Archive,” the 39 documents illustrate strategies

for expanding the city, which was inhabited by roughly 350 people at the time they were created, and for digging a canal that currently extends from the lake north of the Chicago River.

The collection is for sale by antique map dealer Harlan J. Berk, Ltd., and is estimated to be worth several hundred-thousand dollars.

Christmas tree moves to Millennium Park Chicago’s Christmas tree will move to a new home in Millennium Park after spending the last five decades of holiday seasons in Daley Plaza.

Located near the Bean and the skating rink at Washington and Michigan, the official lighting ceremony and Yuletide arboreal groundwarming party will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 24.

Illinois credit rating downgraded... again $26.8 billion of Illinois general obligation bonds were downgraded from Baa1 to A3 by Moody’s Inverstors Service in October. Translated into English, that means the bonds that the state issues to help cover its debts are hovering a little (more) closely to junk status.

The good news is that Illinois is not the worst state in the country to lend money to. According to a recent report

by Municipal Market Analytics, that dubious honor currently goes to the great state of Pennsylvania, where “17 school districts and two intermediate units instructing 169,000 students have borrowed more than $346 million and face a combined $11.2 million in interest fees on those loans.”

Target Express near Navy Pier serves beer and wine to customers

By Shanti Nagarkatti | Community Contributor

plates, with items like bacon-wrapped dates, truffle mac and cheese, flatbreads, and a cheese plate.

sun coming through ample windows and enjoying an unobstructed view of the Chicago River. Exposed-brick walls and open rafter ceilings lend industrial chic character to the space and

clientele to imbibe. In Chicago, Mariano’s and Whole Foods serve food and alcohol inside their stores. A Taco Bell Filling a basket or cart with groceries Cantina in Wicker Park has wine, beer, Although this Target is scaled down and sundries is a key component of and boozy freezes on the menu, while compared to traditional locations, it is any Target run. Relaxing in the store the Mag Mile Nordstrom with a glass of wine does not has added to its second floor enter into the experience, until Habitant, a casual lounge now, with the opening of a featuring light fare, wine, new, 24,000-square-foot Tarand handcrafted cocktails. At get Express at 401 E. Illinois the 101-year-old Three Arts Street.

Club building in the Gold The small format Target, Coast, a new, swanky Restohoused in the space formerly ration Hardware flagship has occupied by upscale grocer set up shop, unveiling six Fox & Obel, features an edited floors of furniture and home selection of merchandise décor. The store’s Arts Club shoppers often seek on a quick Café, on the first-floor atrierrand run. The new location um, includes a coffee shop, is Target’s first store to serve wine bar, and restaurant for alcohol on site, in a Starbucks. thirsty and hungry shoppers.

Customers can purchase wine These establishments and and beer at this Starbucks bethe prospect of more new ginning at 2 p.m. on weekdays entrants promise to promote Jenni Rizzo, Sam Mitroff, Taylor Brickman toast at Starbucks in the Streeterville Target Store. Photo: Daniel Patton (Monday-Friday) and 12 p.m. an interesting local shopping Saturday-Sunday. Alcoholic drinks and sipping scene. a convenient addition to the neighbor- make visitors forget that they are in a must be consumed only within the shrunken big-box store.

Target Express, 401 East Illinois café and may not be taken to any other hood, serving tourists, workers, and Street, (312) 894-1764, open 7 a.m. to condo and apartment dwellers.

Target’s in-store bar is part of a growpart of the store. The “Starbucks Evemidnight Monday through Saturday A recent Sunday afternoon saw several ing trend of traditionally “dry” retailnings” menu features wine and craft and 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday. ers testing the waters of allowing their guests seated in the café, taking in the beers as well as a selection of small

4 / NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2015

NEW EASTSIDE NEWS

MingHin Cuisine in the New Eastside Continued from page 1.

How to Contact Us info@neweastsidenews.com (708) 628-3652 Editor: Elaine Hyde info@neweastsidecommunity.com Managing Editor: Daniel Patton dpatton@southloopnews.com Copy Editors: Tracey Lewis, Shanti Nagarkatti, Kari Greczek.

Layout/Design: Daniel Patton Community Contributors: Jon Cohn, Ophelia Dodds, Tracey Lewis, Shanti Nagarkatti, Ainsworth Thompson New Eastside News is published bi-monthly be Eastside Enterprises LLC. New Eastside News uses and values community writers and contributors.

Views expressed by community contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of New Eastside News. New Eastside News does not take responsibility for third-party announcements or events. New Eastside News is independetnly owned and operated.

By Daniel Patton | Staff Writer The dim sum menu, available all day, offers a selection of more than 40 items ranging from dumplings to sweet custards, with dozens of buns, rolls, crepes, cakes and pot stickers in between. The shrimp and pork Siu Mai ranks among the most popular, the chicken feet with special sauce among the most unique.

Under the supervision of Chef Ming, who learned to cook when he was a teenager in Canton, all the items are prepared with fresh ingredients as soon as they are ordered. The authenticity and the process distinguish MingHin’s dim sum, which Manager Thomas Mun describes as “traditional Hong Kong style,” from the rest.

“We prepare everything by hand,” he says, “and we steam every single item after we receive the order.”

Besides dim sum, the menu contains an impressive variety of beef, pork, poultry, vegetable, and fried rice dishes. There are also more than twenty items listed under the Live Seafood designation. For aficionados making their first visit to MingHin, Mun recommends the Ginger and Scallion with Lobster.

Jaclyn Lapidus and her son, Hudson, enjoy dining at MingHin on Sunday mornings with husband / dad Michael (not pictured) as often as possible. Photo credit: Daniel Patton

choice, the roast duck — “so crispy,” he explains. MingHin also makes a “world famous” Beijing Duck that is prepared in the traditional two-course style but does not require the traditional super long wait. “You do not have to order it early,” Mun says. “We sell it like hot cakes.”

complements the cuisine, including signature cocktails mixed with lychee liqueur, the sweet nectar of the Asian passion fruit. Created and prepared

by Mun himself, the most popular is “probably the Lychee Martini,” but it doesn’t end there. “You call it,” he says.

“I make them.”

An ample selection of beverages

Since the restaurant sits on top of a hill that descends into Lake Shore East Park, the eastern windows overlook a vast and peaceful expanse of natural greenery that underscores the distant high rises along the river. Here, the main dining room seems to float over the landscape. The second dining room and the bar are on the other side, nestled in the walkway connecting to Randolph Street. The windows bring scenes of pedestrian bustle into the space, where natural woodwork and gentle lighting create the tranquility of a cozy hideout.

Copyright @2015.

All rights reserved.

But when it comes to favorites, he goes right for the barbecue, which includes pork belly, spare ribs and his top

Corrections

The main dining room at MingHin Cuisine overlooks Lake Shore East Park.

Photo credit: Daniel Patton

In the September issue a Segway story said a Chicago ordinance had not been passed to limit tour groups and reduce speed when in fact the ordinance was passed. Tour leaders should limit tour size to a maximum of eight devices per group. Where groups exceed more than three devices, the tour leader speed should not exceed more than 12 m.p.h.

Also in the September issue, the ‘Back to School’ story reported that Ogden International School is a private school when in fact it is a Chicago public school.

The New Eastside News regret these errors.

MingHin Cuisine is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Happy Hour is from 2:30 to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday (except holidays), and features a 20% discount off the total bill (dine in only). Delivery is available from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

NEW EASTSIDE NEWS

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2015 / 5

Get to know your neighbor:

Lieutenant Steve Serb, Chicago Fire Department Daniel Patton | Staff Writer

“I’ve been called out for plumbing problems, for water leaks in someone’s house, steam leaks from a radiator,” he continues. “Not really our stuff, but that person is having a bad day because they don’t know how to fix it.

We are calm about finding a solution.”

Like many officers in the Chicago Fire Department, Lieutenant Steve Serb lends support to short-handed stations whenever they need it.

We caught up with him at Engine Co. 13 on N. Columbus Dr. just as his wife, Susan, and their children, six-year-old Eamonn and six-month-old Elizabeth, stopped by to visit on their way to a costume party.

“Years ago, this was a lot of office space,” he says. “Now it’s a neighborhood where people live and eat and go to the park.”

The CFD, according to Lt. Serb, helped the area make that transition. “A fire house is where people can come together and meet and talk,” he explains.

“We love the community.”

His role as a father helps him work towards the goals of the department.

Of course, when it comes to the actual emergencies that Lt. Serb refers to as “our stuff,” he doesn’t hesitate to explain that “it takes a lot of faith to crawl into a flaming building.”

Lieutenant Steve Serb and son Eamonn at Engine Co. 13 (Steve is the taller one).

Photo credit: Daniel Patton

“There are a lot of paralells between being a fire fighter and being a dad,” he says. “When you’re dealing with emergency calls, it doesn’t matter how bad the situation is, it’s the worst day for the people who called.”

Although many of the calls turn out to be issues of simple household maintenance — “really, what we are is the problem department,” he jokes — the severity, or lack thereof, does not affect the service that the CFD provides.

Then, just as quickly, the 15-year veteran modestly insists that his job is not that much different from anyone other hardworking person’s.

“You can help people in any profession,” he says. “We all contribute and help as much as possible because we are human beings.”

“The help that I provide people —I don’t think it’s any greater, but it’s more dramatic.”

Doorperson of the month:

Razvan Badulescu, Aqua Condominiums Daniel Patton | Staff Writer

What do you like best about your job?

maintain some kind of security.

Razvan Badulescu arrived in the United States from Bucharest, Romania, by way of the 2001 “immigration lottery” sponsored by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

I like working with people. I like to interact with people. I probably deal with a thousand people a day.

I sometimes also help carry things upstairs, especially if someone has a lot of luggage and stuff. We always help them unload the car and carry things to the door and the elevator, but if they need help all the way up to their home, we do it.

He applied for the privilage after demonstrating admissibility to the country and was “working several jobs” and “starting university” when the department awarded him a green card.

How do you describe a typical day?

Besides greeting people, there are different things to do, like helping Razvan Badulescu. Photo: Daniel Patton

What is most challenging part of your job?

The Aqua is a condominium, apartment and hotel. People come from the hotel asking to be checked in.

I have to show them where to go. Same with the parking. That’s why we have two doorpersons all the time. We have a lot more to do than other buildings.

It’s a lot more crowded and a lot more complex.

How do you describe the residents?

“Razvan is wonderful,” she says.

The people are very nice. They always talk to you. They bring you stuff like food and sweets. It doesn’t matter the value or anything like that. What matters is the gesture, the fact that they think about you, that’s important.

You are the person who greets them every day when they come home. You understand what’s in happening in their life and they trust you.

“Attentive, friendly, respectful and, most importantly, fun.”

To nominate your doorperson, email info@neweastsidecommunity.com.

He became a doorperson at the Aqua Condominium building only six months after it opened in 2009.

Among the residents who are happy with his decision to pursue the opportunity is Margo Huston, a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist.

6 / NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2015

NEW EASTSIDE NEWS

What I miss about New Eastside

Ophelia Dodds and her daughter, Isla

By Ophelia Dodds | Community Contributor Having recently moved back to England after a very happy four years in the New Eastside, my editor asked me to describe what I missed most about our wonderful neighborhood.

My first thought was the easy access to wonderful theatres and restaurants.

My second was Mariano’s, Millennium Park, the Crown Fountain, and the beautiful Lakeshore East Park.

However, when I paused to think, I realized that what really miss are the people of Lakeshore East. There is a well-known saying, “It takes a village to raise a child,” believed to be an old African proverb. Nowhere is this more obvious than in New Eastside.

I trusted our doormen to look after my

daughter while I was collecting a bike or bringing a car round or hailing a cab. I trusted the other mothers in the park to make sure she was behaving and to hug her if she was hurt. We knew the people (and dogs) in the elevator that we met each day, and these meetings taught my daughter how to interact politely with adults.

This village of ours has educated and nurtured my daughter, and for that I will be forever grateful.

from the pumpkin patch. We all come together to bemoan drag racing around the park, noise pollution from parties and other community issues.

We stick together and we care about where we live.

So what do I miss most? I miss the glint of sun on the lake in the morning. I miss chatting to my doormen. I miss Mariano’s grocery store and their amazing selection of

fresh fruit and vegetables. I miss the fireworks over the lake. I miss chatting to my neighbors in the elevator. I miss petting dogs in the park. I miss the beautiful sunsets. I miss Sunday movie morning at the AMC River East with friends. I miss our community.

I miss the extraordinary things about Lakeshore East. But most of all… I miss the ordinary things.

Lake Shore East Park. Photo credit: Daniel Patton

Much of Chicago doesn’t even know that the New Eastside exists as a neighborhood as we know it. For those who choose to live here, there are a variety of reasons for that choice such as the convenient downtown location with access to restaurants, theaters and shopping in addition to its proximity to Lake Michigan and all its beauty. But why do we stay?

All of those reasons still count, but we stay for the people and the community.

We were all outraged at the theft of the pumpkins

New home care program matches seniors with seniors

By Daniel Patton | Staff Writer In September, Sylvie Hutchings launched a Chicago-based franchise of Seniors Helping Seniors (SHS), a home care service that hires people who are at least 50 years-old to help make life easier for seniors who prefer a more like-minded caregiver.

Hutchings screens, trains and equips her staff to visit the homes of clients and pitch in with tasks and chores — like many domestic nonmedical service providers — but the similarities between her franchise and the rest of the industry pretty much ends there.

SHS carefully matches the backgrounds, hobbies and interests of its employees with those of its clients.

Ideally, this leads to a mutually bene-

ficial relationship between “provider” and “receiver.”

“We employ people who instinctively volunteer their time to help in the community,” she explains. “All the people who work for me are saints.”

Although a typical day frequently involves light cooking and cleaning, SHS is committed to helping do “anything that needs to be done.”

“We can drive their car or take them to the grocery store or the doctor’s office or the pharmacy,” Hutchings explains.

“We can help organize decades of paperwork and memories.”

Hutchings completed several training sessions before opening the franchise, but it was a natural instinct

that inspired her to make it happen in the first place. Raised in a small town on the Atlantic coast of France, she thanks her parents, who were “always giving and generous,” for showing her the power of selflessness.

While caring for her father during his final years, she was inspired “to help older people.” The credentials of SHS cofounder, Kiran Yocom, caught her attention. “She actually worked with Mother Theresa for 14 years,” Hutchings explains.

Hutchings also grew to understand the resistance that people have to asking for help after having undergone major surgery herself. “It’s very challenging [for people] to call us. We all want our independence but sometimes you don’t have the choice. The elderly want to live their own lives,” she explains.

“We don’t want to take that independence away. We want to help.”

Pictured at left: Seniors Helping Seniors Chicago franchise owner Sylvie Hutchings.

NEW EASTSIDE NEWS

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2015 / 7

Fire station flower garden at Company 13

By Daniel Patton | Staff Writer

and they all sprouted little itty bitty flowers.”

David Sudler’s flower garden in front of Engine Company 13 at 259 N. Columbus Dr. represents more than a local resident’s green thumb: it is an achievement of determination, innovation and resourcefulness by a well-read extrovert who will not let any loose seed, discarded bulb or untended patch of earth go to waste.

Additionally, he has formed relationships with many of the companies that frequently revise building landscapes throughout the year and, according to Sudler, “junk” the old flowers and shrubs.

“I go and beg from them: you guys got a bucket of dirt? You got some mulch?” he explains. “They’ll always set something aside.”

“If there’s land,” says the retired shipbuilder, boilermaker, filmmaker, pharmaceutical executive and member of the prominent Chicago real estate family, “I want to plant something.”

Sudler has lived in the New Eastside with his wife for over two decades.

Although he cannot recall exactly when he began cultivating untended patches of the neighborhood, he can fondly list many past projects.

“I was growing potatoes twenty years ago behind Columbus Plaza and I had melons behind the Swissôtel,” he says.

“When they were redoing Michigan Ave, they threw away hundreds of hyacinths. I collected them and stored them behind some bushes nearby and used them when I needed them.”

The pumpkins that decorate the garden are salvaged from a patch that he planted, tended and nearly lost over the summer.

The garden at Chicago Fire Department Engine Company 13. Photo credit: Daniel Patton

His devotion to botanical rejuvenation is matched by a commitment to organic recycling. The Russian sage bushes, tiny flax blossoms and colorful mums in front of the fire station thrive in a bed that was little more than “mulch and clay and plastic” before Sudler first plowed into it years ago.

“I had to dig up the garden because it was all salt,” he explains. “I got some dirt from when they were excavating

the Wanda lot. They were loading it into the back of a truck and I said, “Hey, give me a load.’”

When he began sowing, a woman who lives in the area donated the Russian Sage bushes. Then came the flax seeds, which were leftovers from his wife’s good intention to enhance both of their diets. “She can’t stand them and I can’t stand them,” Sudler says.

“So I threw a few of them in the dirt

Located in an empty lot behind Fifth Third Bank at 400 E. South Water St., the harvest dwindled from a promising bumper crop in midsummer to little more than an empty rectangle of earth by fall. The majority of his yield — as well as the gardening tools he stashed nearby — literally disappeared into the night.

Undeterred, the resourceful New Eastsider rescued the ones that remained and made them part of the garden outside Engine Company 13.

Volunteering at Open Books Helping turn the page on illiteracy in Chicago

By Shanti Nagarkatti | Community Contributor

With busy lives, it can be hard to find time to volunteer. However, the benefits of volunteering are tremendous.

The right match can help you find friends, reach out to the community, learn new skills, and even improve your mental and physical health.

Open Books, a Chicago literacy nonprofit, operates a spacious, bright, and colorfully decorated bookstore in the Loop, featuring more than 50,000 books, nearly all of which are used and all of them donated. All book sales help support Open Books’ instructional programs, which reach more than 5,000 students each year.

Volunteers support everything at Open Books, and the organization in turn rewards its volunteers with enrichment opportunities and appreciation events. The level of enthusiasm is palpable, and anyone with a passion for reading who wishes to share their love of books will immediately feel at home. Since starting as a volunteer with Open Books over two years ago I have helped organize events to raise awareness and support the expansion of literacy programming in Chicago.

However, my most rewarding and fun connection with Open Books comes during the school year, with my participation in Creative Writing Workshops. These writing field trips, hosted

at Open Books headquarters are from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., are a chance for 3rd-12th grade students to develop their writing skills in a meaningful way. Each volunteer works within a small group of children to discuss texts and write their own prose and poetry.

At the end of the session, the students have an opportunity to perform what they have written in front of the classroom – all while wearing a pretty awesome pencil costume.

To learn more and get involved: Open Books, 651 W. Lake Street, (312) 4751355, www.open-books.org Pictured at left: student author wears the Open Books pencil costume.

Photo Credit: Olga Ivanidi

NEW EASTSIDE NEWS

8 / NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2015

The dangers of

crossing Lake Shore Drive on foot

By Jon Cohn | Community Contributor When you try to cross Lake Shore Drive (LSD) on foot at Monroe St., Jackson Blvd. or Congress Pkwy., the long wait at the light for your turn makes you feel a combination of anxious excitement and breathless anticipation.

Finally when it is your turn, the nerves and the rapid heartbeat of excitement while traversing LSD lies somewhere between jumping from

By Daniel Patton | Staff Writer

I spent some time at a few of these busy intersections recently on a particularly crowded weekend. Here is a sampling of what I saw, which many of our New Eastside residents are all too familiar with:

A New Eastside resident described the insufficient lighting, inferior design and impending sense of disaster on Columbus Avenue between the Fairmont Hotel and CVS, just north of the location where two streets emerge from the lower infrastructure. Another mentioned gouges in the sidewalk at Columbus and Randolph. A third expressed gratitude that a crack in the walkway of the Columbus Drive Bridge had been repaired.

• The wait at the light is long, sometimes stacking up people seven or eight deep on the sidewalks. The long wait makes people just a little bit edgy • When the light does finally turn and our friendly traffic person signals go, it is every man or woman for themselves. Darwin’s “survival of the fittest” applies here, and you best walk quickly or risk being trampled over by people behind you.

• Bicyclists seem to have their own rules. Some don’t bother with the light. They see an opening and they are gonzo. Divvy bike users seem to be the guiltiest here.

• Cars on the LSD are just as unpredictable as the crossing pedestrians. Some try to zoom through at the last second, while others pull U-turns out of nowhere.

One final note. In the adjacent story,

keep pedestrians safe

an airplane at 10,000 feet and riding a motorcycle. Weaving in and out of impatient pedestrians, while battling through crowds, makes the relief and exhilaration of finally getting to the other side almost tangible. It’s like a feeling of true accomplishment.

Information to consider before crossing Lake Shore Drive:

In short, for New Eastside residents, getting across Lake Shore Drive is one of the inherent challenges we face while living in our neighborhood. But as almost all of us know, the reward, the beauty of the lakefront and all its many offerings, is well worth the risk.

CAPS, CPD, CDOT, Alderman Riley help

we cover some of the things discussed at a recent CAPS meeting and how you can notify the city of Chicago about crosswalks and intersections that need repairs.

Until next time, look both ways and feel free to hold hands with a stranger while crossing.

Concern over potential collisions between automobiles and pedestrians at certain neighborhood traffic lights, crosswalks and intersections dominated the comments of attendees at a recent CAPS meeting in the 42nd Ward.

A Chicago Police officer at the meeting indicated that she had made and submitted reports of some of the residents’ concerns to the Chicago Department of Transportation — which bears responsibility for inspect-

ing, analyzing and, ideally, fixing the flaws. She also also said that she would forward reports about any additional concerns to CDOT. As a result, she continued, CDOT has and will launch traffic studies into a couple of the locations.

CDOT traffic studies generally take six to nine months to complete, the officer explained. The best way for a resident to initiate a study is by contacting CDOT directly and providing the exact location and, if possible, photographs of the area of concern.

CPD officers offered their help to residents who wished to initiate reports of additional pedestrian and traffic safety issues to CDOT. When reached for comment, a spokesperson for Alderman Riley’s office offered similar assistance.

The Chicago Department of Transportation can be reached at (312) 7443600 or cityofchicago.org/transportation.

Crosswalk of concern near the Fairmont Hotel on Columbus Dr. Photo credit: Daniel Patton

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2015 / 9

NEW EASTSIDE NEWS

Inside bKL Architecture and Design’s 3D world of ideas

By Daniel Patton | Staff Writer bKL Architecture and Design is home to a miniature neighborhood of some of the New Eastside’s most noteworthy buildings, all contained within their offices at 225. N. Columbus Dr. The company that conceived the GEMS Lower School and Coast at Lakeshore East presents its ideas to clients in the form of computer simulations as well as miniature physical replicas, a unique process in a time when most firms are ditching the 3D scale models and relying exclusively on digital renderings.

“A personal belief of mine,” says bKL Principal Tom Kerwin, “is that the only way to fully understand a design is by building a 3-dimensional scale model of the project.”

This dedication to old-school methodology has served Kerwin well. Since founding the firm with the support of

James Loewenberg in 2010, he has expanded bKL’s size to 60 employees and spread its vision across the globe.

Besides Chicago, the company’s designs are enhancing skylines in Toronto, Texas, Miami and Asia.

For residents of the New Eastside, bKL’s most visible work-in-progress is the 42-story mixed-use tower under construction at 200 N. Michigan Ave. Named “MILA,” it is a portmanteau of the streets that form the intersection where it stands, Michigan and Lake.

When completed, MILA will have two stories of retail space and a multiple-story light sculpture that hides the parking garage. Above that, 406 residential units on the remaining 36 stories will rise 400 feet into the air, ultimately reaching a rooftop that contains a terrace and a swimming pool.

According to Kerwin, MILA’s ap-

pearance should brighten the “heavy masonry and dark steel buildings” that create a “somewhat foreboding” stretch of Michigan Avenue between Randolph St. and the Chicago River.

But all of the details on the outside, appealing as they may be, were designed to accommodate the things happening on the inside.

The longest side of the building faces Lake Street because that offers more unobstructed southern and western views from the units above. The parking garage had to be built above ground because the foundations of nearby buildings prohibited underground excavation. This resulted in a dramatically appealing retail space.

Michigan,” says Kerwin, “but they have to park above the retail floors.”

The solution, an oval ramp that winds around the first and seond stories, required a feat of architectural “gymnastics” that Kerwin believes is easier to demonstrate than to explain.

“If I show you a model,” he says, “you can really understand it.” bKL’s scale model of 200 N. Michigan Avenue.

Photo and imagery credit: bKL Architecture LLC

“Cars enter the parking area from Lower

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10 / NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2015

NEW EASTSIDE NEWS

Don’t want to cook for Thanksgiving?

Eat out in the New Eastside Daniel Patton | Staff Writer There’s no sensation like dining out on Thanksgiving. Holiday menus, thoughtful decoration and bustling hospitality provide a uniquely warm reminder that someone else has to do the dishes.

This year, several restaurants in the New Eastside are committed to welcoming the last-minute procrastinators as well as the advanced reservation decision makers. From underground tacos to multicourse extravaganzas, here’s a list of nearby bistros that will be open for America’s autumn feast.

Filini Chef Carolina Diaz is preparNow Enrolling

Preschool through

8th Grade

Experience the Future of Education. Today.

Chicago’s Premier Preschool through 8th Grade International School Located in the heart of Lakeshore East, GEMS World Academy – Chicago’s inquiry-based curriculum empowers student exploration and critical-thinking. Our technologyrich campus helps students forge rewarding relationships in a valuesdriven environment. As students make connections to the world, they gain the solid academic foundation necessary to become successful life-long learners.

Schedule a Visit and Tour To learn more about GEMS World Academy - Chicago, meet with the admissions team, and reserve your spot, visit: www.gemschicago.org/eastside or call: 312-809-8910

ing a five-course epicurean journey from the Great Lakes to the Mediterranean Sea. Midwestern favorites like Sweet Rutabaga and Italian classics like Creamy Polenta Blend of Mushrooms stand out among the soup and side courses. For those who can’t decide on a region, the Homemade Pumpkin Gnocchi in the pasta course combines them both. Besides Roasted Organic Amish Turkey, the entrée list also offers Prosciutto Wrapped Stuffed Pork Loin. Dessert is a choice of cakes: Pumpkin Cheese or Apple Cranberry.

Cost: $80 per person ($95 with wine pairing) Hours: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Reservations: Require a credit card and will result in a $45 fee “if a reservation is a no-show or is cancelled after midnight the night before.”

221 N. Columbus Dr. · (312) 477-0234

The Palm at the Swissôtel is serv-

ing a traditional Thanksgiving meal in three courses prepared by veteran Chef Reuben Izaguirre. The choices begin with kale, radicchio or traditional salad and continue to include wild mushrooms, roasted butternut squash, and homemade cranberry sauce before arriving at the turkey and stuffing. Dessert is either pumpkin pie or homemade cheesecake. The menu features an option for kids and the bar has a couple of TVs, which enhance the restaurant’s reputation as a favorite family Thanksgiving destination.

According to host Michelle Labriola, “people have started making reservations already.”

Cost: $55 per adult, $24 per child under 12 Hours: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Reservations: highly recommended 323 E. Upper Wacker Dr. (312) 616-1000

Amuse in the Swissôtel is planning a feast to fit in with the relaxed atmosphere and great service that it offers throughout the year. The three-course menu, prepared by Chef Dan McGee, will include soup, turkey, gravy and mashed potatoes. “It’s a traditional Thanksgiving meal,” says Food and Beverage Manager Ben Quick, “with pumpkin pie for dessert.” After dinner, the lounge will shake and stir its upscale cocktails until midnight. “We’re a bar,” Quick says. “So we’ll have the TVs on.”

Cost: around $32 Hours: 6 a.m. to Midnight (dinner service approximately 4 p.m.)

Reservations: highly recommended 323 E Upper Wacker Dr. (312) 565-0565

Morton’s The Steakhouse

plans to stick with the trick it does best for Thanksgiving dinner, and that means steak. “Last year we didn’t serve any turkey,” explains Manager Chevalo Villalobos, “and we were busy.” From 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., he expects a carnivorous crowd to check in at random intervals and order regular menu favorites like the “very juicy” Chicago Style Bone-in Ribeye. The restaurant will also be showing the football game and employing its year-round mantra to spread the holiday cheer. “Our specialty is to make people happy,” says Villalobos.

Cost: regular menu Hours: 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Reservations: recommended 65 E Wacker Pl. · (312) 201-0410

Hoyt’s will spend the holiday work-

ing as hard as its founder, William H. Hoyt, who entered the hospitality industry as a Chicago food retailer with $89 in 1858. The cozy but swanky restaurant that now bears his name at the Wyndham Grand on Chicago’s Riverfront will serve breakfast until 11 a.m. and then offer its regular menu as well as a prix fixe Thanksgiving feast that includes soup, a full turkey dinner and dessert. A scaled down version

NEW EASTSIDE NEWS

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2015 / 11

Wanda Update 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilley hosted a community meeting about the Wanda Tower proposed for 381383 E. Wacker Dr. in late October. The Magellan Development Group was on hand to update neighborhood residents on the status of the project.

Eat out in the New Eastside continued from previous page. of the feast that inlcludes only the dinner. Select bottles of wine will be available for half price.

Cost: $28 (three-course prix fixe) $21 (turkey dinner only) Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Reservations: recommended 71 E Wacker Dr. · (312) 346-9870

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks offers a tra-

ditional two-course meal in both adult and kids portions prepared by veteran Executive Chef Stephen Hicks. The appetizer features a choice of Butternut Squash Soup or Walnut Peeled Mixed Green Salad. The entree is a turkey dinner with mashed potatoes and gravy, cornbread dressing, butternut squash, apple casserole and cranberry sauce. For those with enough room, pumpkin pie and the regular selection of desserts are available at the regular prices. A limited steak and seafood menu will also be offered and there are TVs at the bar. “We served about 800 people last year,” says Manager Tomi Matanovic, “so reservations are highly recommended.”

Cost: $25.99 for adults; $9.99 for kids

Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Reservations: highly recommended 1 E. Upper Wacker Dr. (312) 923-7226

Houlihan’s is “really busy on

ing. The normal Happy Hour discount will be suspended for the day, but the signature Asian mixed drinks will be served until closing.

Cost: regular menu Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Reservations: recommended 344 E. Benton Pl. · (312) 228-1333

Thanksgiving,” says Manager John Astle. “We do the whole turkey dinner with the pumpkin pie and everything.”

Besides the regular influx of holiday families, the place draws a lot of smaller parties who “don’t want to go to the suburbs” and a mix of professional travelers from nearby hotels. “You get people from Europe and people traveling and even some flight attendants,” Astle continues. It’s also a popular late-night destination for post-dinner drinks and TV.

Taco Fresco in the Pedway by the Metra Station will be open and serving, among other favorites, it’s popular steak taco, just like it has for the past seven Thanksgivings. According to Sam the Manager, the easiest way to get there is to take the stairway by the Cultural Center and keep walking straight ahead.

Cost: $18.99 Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Reservations: recommended 111 E. Upper Wacker Dr. (312) 616-3663

Cost: $2.75 for the steak taco; various prices for the rest of the menu Hours: 7 a.m until “early afternoon” Reservations: not required 151 N. Michigan. · (312) 565-1444

MingHin Cuisine’s new location at 333 E. Benton Pl. (pictured below) will be open and serving the dim sum that made it famous from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Thanksgiv-

Photos: This page, top — McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood and steak; Bottom, left to right — Hoyt’s, MingHin Cuisine, Houlihan’s.

Photo credits: Daniel Patton

The most notable details of Magellan’s presentation included a proposal to increase the height of one building and decrease the height of another, a proposal to connect E. Waterside Dr. to E. Wacker Drive via what appears to be a right-angled, s-type curve that goes directly through Wanda, and a bullet point emphasizing “no increase to overall Lakeshore East density.”

Changes implemented by Magellan since the last community meeting include new landscaping and plans to increase lighting and improve the entrance to the automobile impound lot.

12 / NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2015

NEW EASTSIDE NEWS

Something’s cooking at

Lake Shore Sports & Fitness Club

Happiness is the way

Local resident describes his path to happiness worry – and I view my life as glorious, successful, and free. As long as I maintain this state of existence, it seems as if I am achieving my life objective.

They teach the classes right out of their highly acclaimed restaurant, which is called The Press Kitchen.

Hey, part of fitness is eating healthy, so why not combine the workout with good cooking ?

For many years I thought that I needed an external stimulus such as a great job, a fancy car or lots of friends to achieve this state of mind. Now I realize that happiness exists within me and I can feel happy all the time by changing the way I think about life.

Head chef Michael Tsonton and his staff have put together some unique and fun cooking classes that are completely open to the public.

Among some of the recent offerings and ones coming up are: --Heart healthy cooking class

By Jon Cohn | Community Contributor We all know it as a fitness club with sports and recreational activities and of course all the latest in workout and exercise equipment but...

Did you know?

The Eastside’s very own Lake Shore Sports and Fitness Club also has some great cooking classes going on — all year round.

--Ramen cooking (101 things you can do with the Ramen noodle?)

-- Holiday cookie cooking class --Girls night out class -- Couples night out cooking class --Taco’s, Tequila and Tom class (not sure who and or what Tom is, but as for the other two—I’m in!)

Again all of these and more are open to the general public and information and full schedule of classes can be found at their website www.lakeshoresf.com. The Club is located in the Illinois Center at 211 N Stetson Ave. If cooking class is just not enough, you can always “adventure “out to some of their other offerings including: group outings; special event days; all kinds of fitness and exercise classes; a little basketball in the gym; or the popular Rock Climbing Wall, especially rock climbing. It’s not just for young kids but adults and beginners as well.

By Ainsworth Thompson | Community Contributor For many years I battled with myself about what makes me really happy and exactly what happiness is. To me it seemed that happiness is the main objective of our existence on earth.

When I experience happiness it’s like I am achieving my purpose for being here. A bright and humble energy is emitted from my being, and I gravitate toward situations of peace, love and deeper understanding. My thoughts are clear and I feel balance in all facets of my life. I envision my future with great optimism – free from fear and

It became clear to me that whatever I emitted from the inside would manifest itself on the outside. It was not the external stimulus that made me happy. Therefore, I try to maintain a happy state of mind by feeling good about myself and showing compassion to others.

Happiness is a state of existence that can be maintained by simply removing negative thoughts, words and actions from your life and replacing them with positive ones. Practice this and you will live a happy, prosperous, loving and fulfilling life. In the words of the Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hahn, “There is no way to happiness, happiness is the way.”

Cute pet alert

Classes and lessons are in full swing for all levels of indoor rock climbing. This is a fun and unique way to stay in shape during the cold winter months.

Finally, some friendly advice from your local community newspaper writer?

While both classes are great — do not take the tacos and tequila class and then do the rock climbing wall immediately after.

Big mistake.

Charlie, a five-year-old blue Shar-Pei who lives in the Loop, is a member of the breed that once guarded the Chinese Emperors. He gets along great with people and dogs, loves the fountains and lakefront around Lake Shore East Park, and appears to be doing just fine after a recent eye operation. Photo: Daniel Patton

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2015 / 13

NEW EASTSIDE NEWS

Events

Schedules are subject to change. Call venues to confim event information.

Friday, Nov. 6 Artisan Market Streeterville See 60 artists and a dozen vendors for pre-holiday shopping just east of the Mag Mile! The event will take place in the lobby and atrium of the Lurie Medical Research Bldg. 303 E. Superior at Fairbanks. Hours are: 2 to 8 p.m. on Fri, Nov. 6th, and 10 a.m. to 5 pm on Sat & Sun, Nov 7th & 8th. FREE For more information go to www.facebook. com/events/1627480674174579.

Until Nov. 8 SOFA (Sculpture, Objects, and Functional Art and Design) Check out an art fair dedicated to three-dimensional art. There will be international dealers presenting one-of-a-kind works for sale. General admission is $20. The event will be held at Navy Pier. www.sofaexpo.com Until Nov. 8

Nov. 7 - Dec. 24 Macy’s Santaland Have a word with Kris Kringle and commemorate it with an optional photograph package ranging from $16.99 to $39.99. Free. Macy’s. 111 N. State. 312 781 1000. http://www. macys.com/

Saturday, Nov. 7 River North Whisky Festival Try over 50 varieties of whiskeys, bourbons, and scotches from around the world. The event will be held at John Barleycorn and Moe’s Cantina River North, 149 W. Kinzie St. from 12 – 4 p.m. Ticket sales end Nov. 7. Prices start at $40 and can be bought online at www.eventbrite.com/e/river-northwhiskey-festival-tickets-17401011895 Pedway Brunch Tour Learn about history, pop culture, buildings and more as you tour the Pedway. Brunch Tours begin at 221 North Columbus - Radisson Blu Hotel - inside main lobby and ends at Macy’s Department store - 111 North State. There will be a delicious

breakfast buffet after the first hour of the tour. The tour lasts three hours with minimal walking. Tours begin at 221 N. Columbus. Ticket prices: Adults-$50, Seniors-$45, Children under 12- $40. Every Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 a.m.

Check the website for dates. www. chicagosfinesttours.com/wintertours/pedway-brunch-tour

Saturday, Nov. 7 Macy’s Great Tree lighting See the first twinkles of a 45 foot tall holiday tree festooned with 42 LED star ornamants. Free. Macy’s Walnut Room. 111 N. State. 312 781 1000. http://www.macys.com/

Nov. 8 - Jan. 11

CITY OF CHICAGO

Annual SpinOff Showcase The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) presents the third annual SpinOff Dance Showcase, November 5 - 21.

Featuring two world premieres, one Chicago premiere and a number of works-in-progress, the showcase offers performances by “emerging and mid-career Midwest-based choreographers and dance companies” at the

Cultural Center’s Dance Studio, the Storefront Theater on East Randolph and the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

Additionally, the Brooklyn-based collective CATCH adds a twist to the prorgram with the Chicago premiere of a series that the New York Times called “thoughtprovoking and irreverant.”

All events are free, but reservations are highly suggested.

And We Shall Be Rid Of Them November 5 - 7 · 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Chicago Cultural Center Dance Studio, 78 E Washington

Macy’s holiday windows Stroll down State and see Chicago’s version of the famous holiday retail tradition. Free. Macy’s. 111 N. State. 312 781 1000. http://www. macys.com/

Bottom’s Edge November 6 - 7 · 8:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Jay Pritzker Pavilion, 201 E. Randolph

Wednesday, Nov. 11

Stripetease November 20 - 21 · 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Storefront Theat, 66 E. Randolph

Chicago Loop Alliance’s Downtown Futures Series Recognized urban thought leaders discuss emerging downtown trends and their impact on Chicago’s Loop.

7:30 a.m. Gensler, 11 E. Madison St., third floor. $20 for nonmembers. www.LoopChicago.com/ DowntownFutures

Thursday, Nov. 12 Facing History and Ourselves Community Conversation with Lynsey Addario The Chicago office of Facing History and Ourselves and The Allstate Foundation present a free Community Conversation event on Thursday, November 12 at 6 p.m. with New York Times bestselling author, American photojournalist and human rights activist Lynsey Addario.

Addario will discuss her memoir It’s What I Do: A Photographer’s Life of Love and War, which is being produced as a feature

Catch November 13 - 14 · 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Storefront Theater, 66 E. Randolph

Works in Progress November 14 · 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

November 15 · Noon to 2:00 p.m.

Chicago Cultural Center Dance Studio, 78 E Washington

film starring Jennifer Lawrence by Steven Spielberg. The November 12 event marks the 10th anniversary of Community Conversations and will be held at AMC River East 21 (322 E. Illinois St., Chicago, IL).

Space is limited; reservations are strongly recommended at 312-3453203 or www.facinghistory.org/ communityconversations.

Friday, Nov. 13 McCormick Tribune Ice Rink To start the winter season, the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park will open and will remain open through March 6, 2016, weather permitting. Skate rental is $12. For hours go to www. cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/

supp_info/millennium_park10.html

Nov. 14 - Dec. 27 A Christmas Carol Dickens’ classic holiday tale featuring a villain who could shock the Grinch. $20 - $52. Goodman Theatre. 170 N. Dearborn. 312 443 3800. www. goodmantheatre.org/

Nov. 14 - Jan. 3 A Charlie Brown Christmas Emerald City Theatre and Broadway in Chicago present the Charles Schulz classic in a performace recommended for children ages 3 to 13. $29-$34.

Broadway Playhouse in Water Tower Place. 175 E. Chestnut St. 312 9771700.

14 / NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2015

NEW EASTSIDE NEWS

Events

Schedules are subject to change. Call venues to confim event information.

Saturday, Nov. 14 Gazebo Holiday Market Block 37 will feature local artists selling clothing, jewelry, and food. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. $10 suggested donation.

The event will take place on 108 N. State St., 3rd Floor Space. www. jlchicago.org/gazebo_holiday_market

Friday, Nov. 20 Christkindlmarket Attend the outdoor European-inspired holiday market in Daley Plaza. The event will feature traditional art, handmade gifts, German foods, choirs, carolers, and an opening ceremony.

FREE www.christkindlmarket.com Until Dec. 24

Saturday, Nov. 21 The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival The tree lighting parade will last from 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. and go south down Michigan Ave. from Oak St. to Wacker Dr. Enjoy the twinkling white lights as they are lit up on the Magnificent Mile. There will be floats, giant heliumfilled balloons, marching bands, classic characters from Walt Disney World and Resort and appearances from top musical artists. www. themagnificentmile.com/events/ lights-festival

Chicago Toy and Game Fair Don’t miss out on previewing and playing with games from around the world at Navy Pier. You can also meet toy and game inventors! 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 per child aged 3 to 12. Children under three are free. To find out more visit www.chitagfair.com Until Nov. 22 Randolph Street’s Holiday Market Shop for affordable vintage goods, antiques and modern goods. Gifts are priced in all ranges. Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The event will be held indoors at Plumbers Hall, 1340 W. Washington at W Randolph & Washington on Nov. 21, 22, 28, 29; Dec. 12, 13.

General admission is $8 or $10 at the gate. Children under 12 are FREE. FREE parking in Plumbers Hall lot! www.randolphstreetmarket.com/ holidaymarket Chicago Book Expo Columbia College, 1104 S. Wabash, will hold the fourth Chicago Book Expo. You will be able to purchase books from local presses and authors, as well as over 15 programs, readings, and workshops. FREE www. chicagobookexpo.org

Dancers Jeff Hancock and Molly Shanahan kickoff the SpinOff Dance Series with a performance of ‘And We Shall Be Rid of Them’ at the Cultural Center, November 5-7. Photo: Daniel Patton

NOVEMBER & DECEMBER

Autumn Races in the City Parks If you’ve got the stamina, resilience and desire to keep running while the daylight shrinks and the temperatures sink, Chicago’s got you covered.

From the first week of November through the beginning of the holiday season, there are enough outdoor events to satisfy the most dedicated athlete.

Hot Chocolate 15K/5K Sunday, November 8 · 7:00 a.m. · Grant Park Chicago’s Perfect 10 10M/10K Saturday, November 14 · 7:30 a.m. · Navy Pier Turkey Day 8K/5K Thursday November 26 · 7 a.m. · Lincoln Park Grant Park Turkey Trot 5K Saturday, November 28 · 8:40 a.m. · Grant Park Santa Hustle 5K Saturday, December 5 · 9 a.m. · Saturday, Soldier Field GoSantaGo 5K Sunday, December 6 · 9 a.m · Burnham Park 2015 Jingle Bell Run/Walk 5K Saturday, December 12 · 9 a.m. · Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Ugly Sweater Run 5K Saturday, December 12 · 11 a.m. · Soldier Field Rudolph Ramble and Donner Dash 8K Kids Run Sunday, December 13 · 7:30 a.m. · Lincoln Park

Tuesday, Nov. 24

Nov. 27 & Nov. 28

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Join the mayor as he lights the tree donated from a resident of Chicago at Millennium Park, near Michigan Ave. and Washington St. Live music and performances begin at 5:30 p.m. with the tree lighting taking place at 6:00 p.m. FREE www.choosechicago. com/event/Tree-LightingCeremony/19987/

Libation Tastin’ Calling all wine, beer, and spirit lovers.

There will be food, DJ dancing, and over 40 wineries, 40 breweries, and 20 distilleries to choose from. The event will take place at Block 37. Tickets are $50 plus a service charge. The event is held from Noon – 4:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. on both days. www. libationtastin.com

Thursday, Nov. 26 Thanksgiving

Thursday, December 3

Thanksgiving Parade The parade will feature floats, giant balloons, and marching bands that go north on State Street from Congress to Randolph. 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

FREE

The last speakeasy The Chicago HIstory Museum celebrates the mot anticipated events in American history. Get up in your best fedora hat or flapper dress and enjoy the 82nd anniversary of the repeal of prohibition. $85 - $150.

Chicago History Museum. 150 N. Clark St. 312 642 4600. http://www. lastspeakeasy.com/

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2015 / 15

NEW EASTSIDE NEWS

Events

Schedules are subject to change. Call venues to confim event information.

December 4 - 27

Saturday, Dec. 12

Saturday, Dec. 19

The Joffrey Ballet’s The Nutcracker The Joffrey Ballet presents Robert Joffrey’s The Nutcracker Chicago’s most popular holiday tradition and America’s #1 Nutcracker, to audiences for the 28th and final season. Set to Tchaikovsky’s score performed live by The Chicago Philharmonic, this is the last time audiences can experience the splendor and extravagance of this original production before Tony Award©-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon re-envisions a new Nutcracker. Tickets range from $32-$136. Performances run approximately 2 hours including one intermission. For more information please visit www.joffrey.org/

Pedway Brunch Tour Learn about history, pop culture, buildings and more as you tour the Pedway. Brunch Tours begin at 221 North Columbus - Radisson Blu Hotel - inside main lobby and end at Macy’s - 111 North State. There will be a delicious breakfast buffet after the first hour of the tour. The tour lasts three hours with minimal walking. Tours begin at 221 N. Columbus. Ticket prices: Adults-$50, Seniors-$45, Children under 12- $40.

Every Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Check the website for dates. www. chicagosfinesttours.com/winter-tours/ pedway-brunch-tour

Running of the Santas A contest of athletic and consumptive endurance through the lounges that make Rush and Division one of the most popular locations to do almost anything except have a running contest. The first leg begins at 4 p.m. at Mothers Too. The last leg begins “the hottest North Pole party in Chi-town” at McFadden’s at 8 p.m.

Along the way, there are “great drink specials” at Shenanigan’s, The Lodge and Coconuts. $15 per person. www. runningof thesantas .com/chicago/

Dec. 4 - Dec. 27 Twist your Dickens The Goodman Theatre teams up with Second City to perform an “irreverant and interactive seasonal satire” written by two former former writers for The Colbert Report and recommended for ages 16 and older. $20 - $45. Goodman Theatre. 170 N. Dearborn. 312 443 3800. www. goodmantheatre.org/

Friday, Dec. 18 Saturday, Dec. 19 Libation Tastin’ More than 100 breweries, distilleries and wineries help turn State Street’s Block 37 into a “libation lovers dream.”

Including food, music and “libation props,” this celebration puts a whole new spin on holiday shopping. General admission and VIP tickets availabe. $20-$75. www.libationtastin.com/

December 5 - January 10

Winter Wonderfest Beat the cold at Chicago’s 15th annual PNC Bank Winter Wonderfest featuring a dazzling light disply in 170,000 square feet of attractions including a train ride, a ferris wheel and a skating rink at historic Navy Pier. Discounted group tickets available on specific dates. Navy Pier. $7 to $10 per person. www.navypier. com/pnc-bank-winter-wonderfest/.

Saturday, Dec. 5 Skate with Santa at Maggie Daley Children at least 3 and less than 15 can skate with Santa from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at 337 E. Randolph St. You must provide your own ice skates or pay to rent skates. Go here to register. www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks/ maggie-daley-park/events/Skate-withSanta-at-Maggie-Daley/

The Fireball Santa Crawl Warm up to the holidays with an allday tour of all the bars that make River North the greatest and worst place to drink during an event sponsored by the cinamon-flavored spirit of winter in the Midwest. Admission includes a breakfast buffet, a santa hat and a t-shirt. $10-$20 plus service fee. www. chicagosantacrawl.com/

Saturday, Dec. 19 Sunday, Dec. 20 Handel’s Messiah The Apollo Chorus performs the nearly 300-year-old musical tradition at the Harris Theatre,where it has been “presenting this glorious masterpiece annually since 1879.” Although George Frideric Handel received only modest response after debuting the Messiah in Dublin in 1742, the German born British Baroque composer’s work has grown to become one of the most cherished expressions of the Holiday season and the timeless “Hallelujah” chorus that ends part II of the oratio is celebrated in churches around the world on Christmas Day. $30-$60. Harris Theatre Millenium Park, 205 E. Randolph Dr. www. harristheaterchicago.org/events/20152016-season/messiah-apollo-choru

Mariano’s New Eastside 333 E. Benton Pl. · http://www.marianos.com/lakeshoreeast

November 9

Miss Jamie Sing Along Everyone’s favorite grocery store vocalist leads a retail songfest for kids and adults.

3:30 p.m. · Free

Multiple dates

“Pop” corn on the cob Mariano’s invites everyone to stop by and “get ready for fall while decorating corn on the cob and tasting some of (the store’s) fresh made popcorn.”

Free

Multiple Dates

Tales for tots Enjoy storytime with the best snacks in the neighborhood.

Free

Multiple dates

Turkey hands!

Promising a “fun kids paper bag turkey craft,” the tradition of drawing America’s tastiest bird into the outline of a typical hand never gets old.

Free

Multiple Dates

Cereal necklace making!

Kids can create a colorful necklace out of their favorite breakfast food and enjoy it as a snack while mom and dad do the shopping.

Free

16 / NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2015

NEW EASTSIDE NEWS

The Juilliard-Nord Anglia Performing Arts Programme

British International School of Chicago is the only school in Illinois offering an innovative performing arts curriculum developed by The Juilliard School in collaboration with Nord Anglia Education. With our Juilliard collaboration, your child will gain the skills, curiosity and cultural literacy to engage with performing arts throughout their lives.

Learn more at www.bischicagosl.org.