Streeterville News JUNE 2019

VOL. 2 NO. 6

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June 2019

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CUSTOM FARM TO CONDO Farmer’s markets customize shareholder boxes

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Headache Foundation honors Nobel laureate neurobiologist Connection Cure seeks end to loneliness Page 7

Streeterville residents get crime, safety update Page 4

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Great grill tips from the pros Page 9

The SOAR farmer’s market will return to Streeterville in June. Photo courtesy SOAR

CrossFit comes to Streeterville

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Doorperson of the Month: Lavelle Barnett

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Ryan Evans has his eye on the pizza pie

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How to Contact Us info@neweastsidecommunity.com

200 E. Randolph St. Suite 5100 Chicago, IL 60601 (312) 690-3092 Editor: Elaine Hyde elaineh@neweastsidecommunity.com Managing Editor Jesse Wright Staff Writers: Elizabeth Czapski Angela Gagnon Stephanie Racine Elisa Shoenberger Copy Editors: Vivien Lee Bob Oswald Layout/Design: Bob Oswald

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news that 20,000 counts are you on their page? local readers a month.

Community Contributors: Jon Cohn

Eastside Enterprises LLC is the publisher of New Eastside News and Streeterville News. Eastside Enterprises has provided local community news to the Chicago area since 2012.

New Eastside News and Streeterville News are monthly papers that use community writers and contributors. The views expressed by community contributors are their own. Eastside Enterprises does not take responsibility for third-party announcements or events. Eastside Enterprises is independently owned and operated.

Published June 1, 2019 Copyright Š2019. All rights reserved.

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Index News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4, 6, 12 Community Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-10 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13-14 News Break . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

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| NEWS BRIEFS | Navy Pier’s free wellness series, Summer Fitness returns to Navy Pier For the third consecutive year, Navy Pier visitors will have the opportunity to participate in the Pier’s popular outdoor wellness series, Summer Fitness presented by LifeStart, featuring free workout sessions and yoga classes every Tuesday evening from June 4 through Aug. 20 on the Polk Bros Park Performance Lawn.

Led by certified instructors, the series offers fun, action-packed cardio, strength and conditioning exercises during Rush Hour Workouts, followed by stress-reducing poses to calm the mind and energize the spirit during Sunset Yoga.

Rush Hour Workouts include high-energy Werq and Zumba exercises, and are held from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., followed by Sunset Yoga’s Vinyasa Flow classes from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., set to the zenful backdrop of the Chicago skyline at sunset.

Guests are encouraged to bring their own mats to the guided yoga sessions, which string postures together and use breathing techniques to create seamless, flowing movement.

For a complete listing of workouts, visit navypier.org.

Northwestern University police to patrol in Streeterville Northwestern University Police have agreed to expand their scope of operations in Streeterville after talks with aldermen Brendan Reilly and Brian Hopkins.

The officers agreed to patrol the area bounded by East Chestnut Street, East Ontario Street, North Michigan Avenue and North Lake Shore Drive. There are approximately five officers and two patrol cars dispatched throughout Northwest University’s patrol boundaries 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

As part of the agreement, the campus police will act as first responders to 911 calls for incidents on the public right of way. Additionally, university police will now be issuing traffic citations within their boundaries.

“Downtown Chicago, and Streeter-

Rush Hour Fitness returns to Navy Pier this summer. Photo courtesy James Richards IV Photography

ville in particular, is home to thousands of businesses and residents, as well as some of the world’s most iconic cultural attractions,” said Second Ward Alderman Hopkins. “It’s crucial that we collectively work to ensure their safety and security.

I’m proud to join Alderman Reilly, CPD and NUP to develop collaborative, creative solutions that will ultimately lead to enhanced safety measures in the Streeterville community.”

largest rooftop lounge in the country. It is on the third floor of the Pier’s Festival Hall and it will be open all year long.

The deck is glass-enclosed in parts and offers firepits and areas for viewing Lake Michigan and the city. A kitchen serves American cuisine and is led by chef Michael Shrader.

Acron Group developed the rooftop lounge and they plan to add a four-star hotel at the Pier and a deck.

New rooftop lounge, Offshore, opens at Navy Pier

The Langham now offering picnic baskets

A new, 36,000 square foot rooftop lounge called Offshore opened at Navy Pier in May. Developers say the deck is the

The view from Offshore, a new deck and bar at Navy Pier. Photo Courtesy Offshore

Travelle at The Langham is now offering picnic baskets for guests to enjoy outside the restaurant throughout the summer.

Turn to News Briefs, Page 4

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| NEWS |

Streeterville residents hear from safety experts

By Jesse Wright The Streeterville Organization of Active Residents (SOAR) held a safety forum in May that allowed nearly a hundred residents to get information from safety and security experts.

The forum included police commander Daniel O’Shea, computer security expert Andy Jaw and John Graeber, director of security at Navy Pier.

Residents mostly expressed concerns about crime. Two women in the audience told O’Shea they or their families had been recent victims of violent crime. Others expressed concern over perceived crime in the area, including flash mobs, wherein large groups of young people have spilled out of the red line and onto Streeterville streets to wreak havoc and, in some cases, assault pedestrians.

Police commander Daniel O’Shea talks with Streeterville residents at a SOAR safety forum in May. Photo by Jesse Wright

NEWS BRIEFS Continued from Page 3 Whether dining al fresco along the Chicago River, taking in a movie at Millennium Park, or traveling to Ravinia to enjoy a concert, these picnic baskets include everything needed for enjoying the warm weather in the great outdoors. With three different options to choose from.

The contents of the picnic baskets range from stroll-worthy snacks and beverages to gourmet sandwiches and alcoholic pairings including wine and champagne.

City Tour Picnic Basket ($42 per person): The lightest of the baskets includes a variety of snacks and beverages for guests exploring the sights of Chicago during the day

Millennium Park Picnic Basket ($85 per person) include gourmet sandwiches and beverages with an option to add alcoholic beverages.

Magnificent Mile Picnic Basket ($190

O’Shea said police are handling those incidents.

“For large groups of kids that come down, we have a plan in place,” he said.

O’Shea said officers monitor social media looking for plans for a mob gathering, and then police will swarm downtown. In addition, O’Shea said if cameras catch a large group of young people jumping turnstiles to get on public transportation, the trains will stop and the police will order the group off.

“We’ll have that train stopped at the next station and have them all taken off,” he said.

O’Shea added that public school students get public transportation passes and some use those on the weekends to go downtown. And, he said, police do not want to profile people by age.

“We don’t want to arrest a bunch of kids,” O’Shea said. “We

want them to come down and enjoy downtown just like everybody else. But we’re not going to allow criminal activity.”

O’Shea urged residents to remain alert when they’re in public and to report crime and file a complaint if they are the victims. O’Shea said some robbers use weapons specifically because many retail stores have policies that forbid engagement with strong-arm robbers, meaning that store personnel won’t physically stop a thief with a weapon.

“The store employees will approach them to stop them and then they’ll pull out mace and it’s become a strong-arm robbery,” said O’Shea.

The commander encouraged residents to get involved with the CAPS program to stay abreast of local police issues and join the court advocacy program through CAPS.

per person) include a dinner for two complemented by wine or champagne.

To order a picnic basket call 312-9237713; extension 4236.

Shedd Aquarium, Lincoln Park Zoo seeking volunteers to care for animals, the earth Join the Shedd Aquarium, Lincoln Park Zoo, and the Brookfield Zoo for Party for the Planet: Spring into Action, going on now through June 8 (World Oceans Day).

Sponsored by the Disney Conservation Fund, in partnership with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the series of events will provide local communities with opportunities to volunteer and take action for animals and our planet.

The Shedd Aquarium and local Zoos will host a series of volunteer stewardship

Party for the Planet Spring into Action gives citizens a chance to volunteer to clean up the city.

Photo courtesy the office of Alderman Brian Hopkins

events, called Family Volunteer Days, throughout the Chicagoland area where volunteers can come together to remove litter from Chicago’s Lake Michigan and Chicago River coastlines, plant native plant species, remove invasive plants, and help collect data through citizen sci-

ence projects.

Volunteers will receive special prizes for participating, such as reusable water bottles, and tickets to visit the zoos or aquarium and more.

Dates and locations for the Family Volunteer Days are at sheddaquarium.org.

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| NEWS |

NEW IN 2019 Find upscale dining cruises and architecture tours on the Chicago River. Use code STREETER15 to take 15% off Chicago River dining cruises.* *Not valid on fireworks or specialty cruises.

Lavelle Barnett is the Streeterville doorperson of the month and he works at 850 N. Lake Shore Drive. Photo by Jesse Wright

Doorperson of the Month

Lavelle Barnett at 850 N. Lake Shore Drive.

By Jesse Wright Lavelle Barnett has been a doorperson since 1996 and at 850 N. Lake Shore Drive since 2013. He said he particularly likes 850 Lake Shore Drive because of its storied past. Once known as the Lake Shore Athletic Club, it was built in 1927 though by 2005 it sat empty and faced demolition until developers turned it into luxury apartments.

Barnett works first shift, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and he’s the head doorperson, overseeing five other staff members.

“It’s hard work, but we get it done; we’re a team,” Barnett said. “And everybody around here treats each other with respect.”

Barnett said the building has about 240 residents who make up a small community he is happy to be a part of. For most of his career, he’s worked in the Gold Coast and Streeterville areas and he said he’s learned a lot from watching residents.

“I can say this community raised me,” he said. “I learned a lot just watching the way the people I worked for, how they would raise their children. It taught me what makes a good school and how my child can take a test to see how far her academics can go.

They taught me life lessons, to save money,

OdysseyCruises.com |

be grateful and be good to people who are good to you and all of those little things.”

Barnett said it’s important for the doorperson—especially the first shift doorperson—to set the tone for residents in the morning by being cheerful and helpful. He said he likes that part of the job.

“It gives me pleasure,” Barnett said. “I think I was bred for service. I love providing service, I do.”

Barnett said the work isn’t for everyone, because being a doorman means not thinking about personal issues and not bringing frustration, anger or even pain into work.

He recently lost a child, but when he was at work, he focused on the residents.

“You can’t bring it in here,” he said. “I’m speaking from experience. You can’t take it in. You got a lot of people depending on you and you have people who have already had a bad morning and when they come past, they have to see you in good spirits to let them know everything is going to be alright.”

To nominate your favorite doorperson, email info@neweastsidecommunity.com with the door person’s name and why you think they should be the doorperson of the month. Each winner will receive a $25 gift card to Mariano’s.

888.957.2634 | #finditonthewater

Join us for a very special “Run Aground Day” event to celebrate the day that Cap Streeter ran his boat aground and staked his claim (and his name) on the Streeterville neighborhood.

Where: Streeterville Pizzeria & Tap 355 E Ohio St When: July 10, 2019 at 5:00 PM

(312)925-7668

Gail@StreetervilleProperties.com

“YOUR STREETERVILLE EXPERT”

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Lightfoot sworn in with message of hope, compassion

By Jesse Wright On May 20, US District Judge Susan Cox swore in Lori Lightfoot as Chicago’s mayor during a ceremony attended by thousands at the Wintrust Arena.

Lightfoot is the city’s first African American female mayor. The significance was not lost on Lightfoot.

“I can’t help but feel the spirit of the late, great mayor, Harold Washington,” she said.

Washington was the city’s first African American mayor when he stepped into office in 1983. He served until his death in 1987. Lightfoot’s mention of Washington drew a standing ovation.

But it was a historic day for others, too, as Lightfoot noted. Melissa Conyears-Ervin was sworn in as city treasurer and Anna Valencia was sworn in as city clerk. All are African American women and this is the first time voters elected African American females to all three citywide positions.

The city’s aldermen were also sworn in.

For her first speech as mayor, Lightfoot’s message was an optimistic and firm promise to unite the city and work for the betterment of those who need help. In addition, she promised to end aldermanic privilege after the inaugura-

Mayor Lori Lightfoot delivers her first address May 20 at Wintrust Arena. Photo by Jesse Wright

tion ceremony.

“I’m looking ahead to a city of safe streets and strong schools for every child regardless of neighborhood or zip code,” she said. “A city where people want to grow old and not flee. A city of sanctuary against fear where no one must hide in the shadows. A city that is affordable for families and seniors and where every job pays a living wage. A city of fairness and hope and prosperity for the many, not just for the few—a city that holds equity and inclusion as our guiding principles.”

She also promised Chicago would fight for women’s rights and reform at City Hall.

She told the audience she would sign an executive order

ending aldermanic privilege, a tradition that allows aldermen to pass or block city government actions that could hurt or benefit their wards. Critics have charged the system allows for corruption, favoritism and inconsistent application of ordinances around the city.

“It means this,” she said. “It means ending their unilateral and unchecked control over every single thing that goes on in their wards. Aldermen will have a voice but not a veto.

This is the time of a new era of trust.”

This promise drew some of the loudest, most sustained applause.

Following the ceremony, City Hall hosted an open house for the public.

Reorganized GPAC looking for community input

By Jesse Wright The newly-reorganized Grant Park Advisory Council met in May to seek input from area residents and to announce meeting dates.

President Leslie Recht said the council will meet the third Wednesday of every month, aside from July and December, at the Maggie Daley Field House. Recht said the group will soon have a Facebook page and website, and she welcomes community input.

“You should be able to attend a number of meetings,” she told the audience of about 20. “They

will be here at 6:30 in the evening.” She said GPAC will not call last-minute meetings.

Recht also announced Maggie Daley Park will host a party for the park district.

“This is the 85th birthday for the Chicago Park District and Maggie Daley was chosen as one of the party sites, and we’re celebrating June 20 with [the movie] ‘Ralph Breaks the Internet,’” she said.

Movies begin at sundown.

During the meeting, various subcommittee heads offered updates. GPAC vice-president and safety and security committee co-chair Jim Wales, a former

police officer, encouraged residents to make suggestions and get involved with the group.

“We are looking for people who have an interest in that specific area in Grant Park and if you want to serve on any committee—and you’re not precluded to serving on more than one committee.”

Subcommittees include safety and security, maintenance and infrastructure, permits and leases, cultural affairs, long-range planning, skateboard park and recreation and special interests.

Contact the group at their email address gpacchicago@ gmail.com.

Richard Ward, a member of the re-configured GPAC, address the audience at the May meeting. Photo by Jesse Wright

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Headache Foundation honors Nobel laureate neurobiologist Eric Kandel

By Jesse Wright The Chicago-based National Headache Foundation honored pioneering neurobiologist Dr. Eric Kandel in May as part of their annual gala fundraiser.

Kandel, a longtime resident of the Gold Coast neighborhood of Chicago, won a Nobel Prize in Medicine in 2000 for his work showing how memories can physically alter the brain. Kandel will be 90 in November and, in an exclusive interview with the New Eastside News and Streeterville News, he talked about his current research.

“I’m studying age-related memory loss,” he said.

Through experiments he has shown older adults can offset memory loss and improve memo-

Dr. Eric Kandel, a leading neurobiological researcher, was honored in May by the National Headache Foundation.

ry through the release of osteocalcin, a hormone released from the bones. The best way to get it is by exercise and movement. Kandel said his discovery changed his life.

“I walk everywhere,” he said.

“I now walk to work, and I walk back [from] work, and I walk

more than I used to.”

While Kandel said he personally hasn’t done extensive research in headaches, early in his career he studied spreading depression, which is thought to be the underlying cause of migraines.

“Headaches are a universal

The Connection Cure helps battle loneliness

By Stephanie Racine Staff Writer The Transition Network hosted a talk in May, entitled, “The Connection Cure,” focused on building community, with positive psychology practitioner, Lisa Daron Grossman.

The Transition Network is a national nonprofit for women 50 years and older.

The group offers educational, social and volunteer opportunities for members.

There are events and meetups, including book clubs, movie clubs, and dinner clubs available to women. The organization realizes older women go through a number of changes, according to Membership Committee Co-Chair Veronica Buckley, and the Transition Network is there for support.

Anyone can be affected by loneliness, Grossman said during “The Connection Cure” presentation. According to a Cigna study Grossman cited, nearly half of Americans “sometimes or always feel lonely,” and 43% of Americans feel their relationships are not meaningful. Loneliness creates a biological response in the body, according to

Grossman, with responses such as increased heart rate, contracted muscles, possible adrenal fatigue and immune suppression.

Fortunately, there are ways to combat loneliness.

“We are not alone in our loneliness,” Grossman said. Turning to other people can combat the biological responses of loneliness, in simple exchanges called micro-moments, a term coined by social psychologist Barbara Fredrickson.

To begin a micro-moment, Grossman suggests being aware of when people are giving you an invitation to know them, talking about feelings instead of facts, and sharing stories while also asking and listening.

“The human body has been designed to connect,” Grossman said. The benefits of micro-moments include the brain releasing oxytocin, which is the “feel good” hormone; heart rate becoming regulated; and the vagus nerve is stimulated, which regulates the internal systems.

For more information on The Transition Network, visit thetransitionnetwork.org/ chapters-chicago

problem,” he said.

Among migraine sufferers is his granddaughter. During the awards ceremony, Kandel said he might have changed his research if he was aware of her condition earlier in his career.

“Had I known one of my grandchildren would develop migraine headaches, I would have continued to study migraines,” he said. “But, I’m still relatively young.”

Headache Foundation Executive Chairman Seymour Diamond praised Kandel’s work before awarding him the Lifetime Achievement Award.

“His work has contributed in so many ways to understanding headaches,” Diamond said.

The evening raised $225,000 for headache research.

Dr. Eric Kandel, left, with his granddaughters, accepts a lifetime achievement award at the National Headache Foundation’s annual gala.

Photos by Jesse Wright

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Blackwood BBQ Illinois Center Blackwood BBQ is open Monday-Friday from 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. making it the perfect place for a workday barbecue pick-meup. The menu includes St Louis-style ribs, pulled pork, brisket and chicken with a variety of regional sauces and homemade sides. The brisket offers a choice of “fatty, lean or inbetween” to create a customized platter. Because they open early, the menu features a breakfast barbecue bowl or wrap.

“The breakfast bowl is great,” according to Joe Jones, who works nearby and occasionally stops for a morning meal. “It’s filling and delicious and perfect with the Chicago-Style sauce.”

There’s limited seating and payment is cashless.

233 N. Michigan Ave., in the Pedway blackwoodbbq.com.

Green Street Smoked Meats Offering a hip, casual dining experience with indoor and outdoor seating, the West Loop’s Green Street Smoked Meats offers Texas-inspired barbecue, including

III Forks, Southern Cut chefs share their secrets

beef short ribs, brisket and chicken drumsticks served over the counter by the half pound. Sides are vegetable focused and each meal comes with a serving of sliced white bread. Wash it all down with a cocktail, beer or wine.

“Besides the off-the-chart brisket barbeue at Green Street, I personally love it for its classic old-fashioned barbecue atmosphere, yet at the same time it has the feel of a modern restaurant,” patron Sang Kim said. Kim dined on the outdoor patio with his family on a beautiful spring evening.

Open Sunday and Monday 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday 11 a.m.-midnight, and Thursday through Saturday 11 a.m,-1 a.m.

112 N. Green St. greenstreetmeats.com.

Southern Cut BBQ This casual Streeterville smokehouse from the owners of Chicago Cut Steakhouse serves three meals daily. With an elegant country feel, the main dining room provides a cozy and casual atmosphere for diners to try some perfectly smoked ’que.

There is also a full bar so you can pair your hearty meal with whatever microbrew, bourbon or beverage suits you. Try the sliders to start, which offer a choice of applewood smoked pulled pork or chicken, or the cherrywood smoked brisket. The “Pitmaster” sandwich is also a popular choice or go with the smoked meats by the half pound. Open Monday-Sunday 7 a.m.-Noon.

198 E. Delaware Place, in the Hilton Magnificent Mile Suites Chicago. southerncutbbq.com.

JUNE 2019 / 9

GRILLING TIPS FROM THE PROS Grill Out,

Best barbecue in the neighborhood Downtown Chicago might not immediately conjure up images of delicious meats being smoked slowly over logs or woodchips, but urban pitmasters have been busy honing their craft within city parameters for years.

So even in the heart of downtown, there’s no shortage of authentic barbecue in the metropolitan area. Here’s a look at some of the best barbecue in the area.

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By Angela Gagnon Staff Writer

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By Jesse Wright The weather is warm and the coals are hot.

But what to grill? And how?

Grilling doesn’t need to be complicated, but it takes some planning.

Shane Timmons, the executive chef from Southern Cut Barbecue in Streeterville, said the best cooks are prepared cooks.

“Always be prepared and always have a destination for everything,” Timmons said. “When it comes off the grill, it will go off the grill and go onto this plate with these tongs. I always keep tongs and plates that handle raw and cooked meat separate. The more organized you are, the quicker and better your grilling will be. It’s the same thing with any restaurant, they call it ‘mise en place,’ which means ‘everything in its place.’”

Timmons said especially if cooks are grilling vegetables, they need to have one cutting board

for raw meat, one for cooked meat and another for vegetables. All of these need to be set out ahead of time to avoid confusion, contamination and possible illness.

Timmons said depending on what is being grilled, cooks should come prepared.

“Obviously when you are grilling steak you want a nice hot grill. No matter what you’re using, it has to be hot enough to give it a quick sear,” he said. “You don’t want the temperature to be too low or it will end up chewy. I like to pull it out of the refrigerator an hour or so before I grill it to get to room temperature.”

Timmons said he likes to season steaks with salt, pepper and some garlic and onion powder, though he said steak seasoning is mostly up to personal preference.

While cooks are waiting for the steaks to get to room temperature, he recommends working on the sides, like baked potatoes.

Cruz Almanza, the grill chef at

III Forks in New Eastside, said he doesn’t generally season a steak until after it’s off the grill, and a good cut doesn’t need seasoning.

“If you pair a nice cutlet with a side of mash potatoes, you don’t need anything else,” he said. “But if you want to put a crown on the steak, we offer king’s butter so that puts a little extra on it.”

King’s butter is foie gras, truffles with a touch of honey, but outside of III Forks, Cruz said he doesn’t use it.

“At home I just grill a nice cut of meat,” he said.

Marinating, too, requires forethought. Timmons said it’s best to marinate overnight, though at a minimum, cooks should marinate chicken and shrimp for four hours. He recommends wiping off any oil used in the marinade before grilling the meat, otherwise the open flame will ignite the oil and burn the meat unevenly.

Besides meat, vegetables go

well on the grill and work great as sides. Corn is a standard go-to, but other vegetables can be grilled with good result, Cruz reports.

“There’s something I love about grilling onions,” he said. “I grew up in central Mexico and if we’re doing a carne asada or barbecue at home we have hot grilled onions.”

Cruz recommends cooking them in a very hot cast iron skillet with beer or even whiskey to flambé them until they’re caramelized, maybe adding a pinch of brown sugar and salt or Worcestershire sauce.

He also recommends grilling peppers.

“I love the grilled serrano peppers and banana peppers grilled are fantastic,” he said. “It’s not a big thing until you taste it, and sometimes we stuff them with cheese too. Some grilled banana peppers with some chihuahua cheese, that’s a great pairing with your steak.”

Why not grill the dip? Barbecue ingredients for smoky-flavored guacamole Guacamole is a popular side at any barbecue. While it’s usually cooked with raw ingredients, grilling the avocado, onion, pepper, garlic and tomatoes can add a complex, smoky flavor that improves the end result.

Anthony Ivone grills out on a recent day in May at his residence in downtown Chicago. Photo by Stephanie Racine

Ingredients: 1 medium red onion, skinned, cut in half 2 small tomatoes, halved 1 jalapeno pepper, halved (seeded, if you don’t want a lot of heat)

2 large ripe avocados, halved and pitted 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped 1-2 large cloves of garlic not skinned The juice from one lime (or 1/2 depending on taste) Cumin to taste Salt to taste Chop up the cilantro and set it aside in a bowl.

Add a dash of cumin and some salt.

On a grill over medium

While guacamole is delicious raw, grilling it adds a whole new flavor profile.

heat, place the avocados face down, so the flesh is exposed to the heat. Toss the rest of the vegetables—

including the limes—face down to the heat.

The avocadoes and onion will take 3-5 minutes to char, but the tomatoes, garlic, and jalapeno should be turned regularly, exposing all sides to the heat. The lime should be checked and, once it begins to char, taken off the grill.

Once all vegetables have been charred, scoop the avocado flesh from the skin into the bowl with the cilantro. Remove the garlic

skin (after it’s cooled) and add that to the bowl. The garlic should be soft, but if not, mince it first. Mince the onion and add to mixture. Squeeze in the juice of half a lime. Add chopped up jalapenos and roughchopped tomatoes.

Mix everything together by hand with a large spoon or fork or a pestle. Taste and add more lime juice, salt, cumin as needed.

Serve immediately with chips.

Chicago

By Stephanie Racine Staff Writer

For grill masters and amateurs, there are several public parks and beaches that allow grilling.

“Grilling must be confined to enclosed metal containers and may only take place within dedicated grilling areas,” according to the Chicago Parks website.

The parks also stress all hot coal must be watered and any remains should be disposed of in designated red receptacles.

Chicao parks and beaches that allow grilling Oak Street Beach 1000 N. Lake Shore Drive

North Avenue Beach 1601 N. Lake Shore Drive

Montrose Beach 4400 N. Lake Shore Drive

Loyola Beach 1230 W. Greenleaf Ave.

Riis Park 6100 W. Fullerton Ave. Rules: $50 fee to grill, must bring own grill.

Burnham Park Promontory Point 5491 S. Lake Shore Drive Rules: Public fire pits or bring your own grill in designated areas.

Humboldt Beach 1400 N. Humboldt Drive For more information about the parks and beaches, visit chicagoparkdistrict.com

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Urban Growers turn Chicago’s front yard into a farm

By Elisa Shoenberger Staff Writer It’s a farm on the front yard of Chicago.

That’s how Erika Allen, co-founder of Urban Growers Collective (UGC), explains Art on the Farm, located in Grant Park at the intersection of Congress and Columbus.

This urban farm grows over 150 varieties of edible flowers and vegetables, including swiss chard, leeks, edible pansies, celery, tiny peppers, sunflowers, and more.

The produce is then loaded onto UGC’s Fresh Moves Mobile Market, city buses doubling as mobile farmers markets, and sold around the city.

Besides farming, UGC offers agriculture-related education programs for high schoolers and Art on the Farm hosts afterschool and six-week summer programs for teenagers to work on the urban garden.

“It’s public land [on which] we are using a portion of the city’s landscape budget to grow food,” Allen said.

She pointed out that by being in the proverbial front yard of the city, the program signals to the world the importance of the garden program.

The SOAR farmer’s market will return to Streeterville in June and run every Tuesday through October at the steps of the Museum of Contemporary Art. Photo courtesy SOAR

Farmer’s markets customize shareholder boxes

By Jesse Wright

Urban Growers Collective works with youth to turn Grant Park into a food garden. Photo by By Elisa Shoenberger

Residents and tourists stop by the farm and talk to UGC volunteers and staff and UGC offers tours. The farm is also visited by birds. Allen noted a regular visitor to the farm, a Kirtland’s Warbler, was making waves amongst Chicago’s birding community for its rarity.

Allen founded Art on the Farm in 2005 through her organization, Growing Power. Adam Schwerner, former Director for the Department of Cultural and Natural Resources at the Chicago Park District, was instrumental in helping

Allen make the project happen. When Growing Power closed in 2017, Allen and co-founder Laurell Sims opened Urban Growers Collective in 2017.

Allen said one challenge has been balancing the farm’s productivity with its beauty. The farm started with straight beds, though now the beds are arranged in various shapes and Allen said the best view is probably from above.

For more information about UGC, their tours, products and other programming, visit their website, urbangrowerscollective.org.

With summer comes fresh, local produce.

In Streeterville, this means the Streeterville Organization of Active Residents’ (SOAR) annual farmer’s market will return June 4 and continue through the end of October, opening every Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Museum of Contemporary Art’s front plaza.

But, if Tuesdays are inconvenient, residents can get fresh, home-delivered produce thanks to a new and customizable straight-fromthe-farm delivery service, courtesy of Angelic Organics. That service is set to begin June 24.

John Peterson is a farmer who owns Angelic Organics, one of the very earliest community supported agriculture (CSA) farms in the area. The farm is in Caledonia, two hours outside of Chicago.

Angelic Organics relies on “shareholders” to sign up for weekly fresh produce boxes and Peterson said he’s happy to pack and substitute whatever clients want.

“We’re now doing customized boxes,” he said. “People choose ahead of time the vegetables they like and they don’t like and they don’t get what they don’t want.”

Peterson said his boxes are filled with the same range of vegetables available at a farmer’s market.

Shareholders get 20 weekly deliveries or 10 bi-weekly deliveries of a ¾ bushel box,

which Peterson said is about 1.5 paper grocery bags filied with vegetables. Each delivery is $40, though there is an extra $12 for home delivery service.

There are no pickup sites in Streeterville or New Eastside, though the delivery service does deliver to the neighborhoods.

To find out more, visit angelicorganics.com.

In the meantime, if residents can’t wait until the end of June to get fresh veggies, SOAR president Deborah Gershbein said all the vendors from last year are returning to this year’s market.

“We have about 45 tents out on the plaza with a variety of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables and herbs and baked goods and prepared foods and beautiful flowers,” Gershbein said.

Gershbein said as the months continue into fall, the produce will change so residents should check out the market each week.

“As the season warms up then we get asparagus, onions and those types of things, and then we get into strawberries,” she said.

This year will feature chef demonstrations.

On June 25 the chef from SPACE 519 will prepare a dish made from market ingredients. A season opening ceremony for the market’s fifth season is set for noon, June 18.

“We will celebrate with a huge Eli’s Cheesecake, topped with fresh locally grown strawberries,” Gershbein said.

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In May Urban Real Estate spent the day serving food at the Ronald McDonald House. Photo courtesy of Urban Real Estate

Urban Living — Urban Giving focuses on community, giving back, making a difference

By Urban Real Estate New Eastside real estate brokerage Urban Real Estate has continued to grow and expand its areas of giving through its “Urban Living — Urban Giving” initiative. In May, the Urban team proudly spent the day cooking lunch for families staying at the Streeterville Ronald McDonald House (RMH).

“There is no greater gift than being able to bring even the smallest sense of joy to families away from their homes, their lives, and dealing with the heartbreak of a sick child,” said Matt Farrell, managing partner, Urban Real Estate. “We all felt privileged to spend time with these incredible families, along with the staff and volunteers, who run an awe-inspiring operation.”

Organizations or groups can request to sign-up for an RMH near them, along with the meal they wish to prepare, hosting around 60 people for lunch, and more for dinner, depending on weather and the schedules of patient’s families. The

Urban team had the opportunity to take a tour of the facilities, bringing awareness of all that RMH has to offer to the many coming from across the map.

Michael Emery, senior partner, believes every local group should make the commitment and get involved. “Our team wanted to do something meaningful and impactful. As brokers who help people find homes, we also have a duty to make a difference in the communities we serve. The RMH in our own backyard is deserving of every resource that can be sent its way.”

“The Urban Living — Urban Giving initiative is a reminder that one of our core values is giving back where we live, work, and play. As a partner in our community, we have every intent to continue to make a difference in any way we can, and hope we inspire others to do the same. The New Eastside and surrounding downtown neighborhoods have been the pinnacle of our success,” Farrell added. “And we try every day to show our gratitude by paying it forward to our neighbors and friends who need us the most.”

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| NEWS |

Ryan Evans has his eye on the pizza pie

By Jesse Wright Ryan Evans has pie-in-the-sky dreams.

Well, pizza pie-in-the-sky dreams.

Evans, executive chef at Streeterville Pizzeria and Tap, in May unveiled the neighborhood eatery’s new menu complete with some ambitious new flavors he hopes will rake in awards— and maybe national attention.

Evans knows pizza.

“My grandfather and I used to make pizza when I was a kid,” he said. “My very first memory is pouring water into the mixing bowl.”

He’s long since graduated from his home kitchen and, at almost 33, he’s been making pizzas professionally for more than 17 years (he had to get a waiver to begin his kitchen work as a minor) and last year won his first award at a Las Vegas pizza

competition. He placed third in the mid-America pizza classic division.

“I prepared for a couple of months,” Evans explained. “That was in 2018 and I went out to Las Vegas and met some really good people and did pretty decent. I really used that as an opportunity to meet the higher ups in the pizza community.”

One of those people was Leo Spizzirri, a master pizza instructor at The Scuola Italiana Pizzaioli in Lisle. The school is one of two such pizza schools in the United States affiliated with the oldest pizza schools in Italy. Evans, of course, signed up for a course.

“It’s five days, 40 hours and it teaches fundamental dough chemistry, the physicality of working in a pizzeria and a whole bunch of hands-on chemistry,” he said.

Following the course, Evans worked

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with Spizzirri as an assistant for six months, where he dove into dough chemistry and worked out what he believes is the best blend of dough for Streeterville Pizzeria. His dough is part fermented whole wheat dough, sourdough and high-gluten King Arthur dough for a crust that’s slightly sour and sweet and it takes five days to make.

Evans has spent his time at Streeterville Pizzeria tinkering away, redeveloping the pizza menu, with emphasis on a Detroit-style pie that is simple and delicious. He tries to follow the Italian rule for pizzas—the toppings can, at most, include five ingredients, two of which are sauce and cheese.

“So Detroit-style pizza is a rectangle or square pizza,” he said. “It’s an inch of fluffy focaccia bread with a golden crown of cheese baked around the side. It’s deli- Ryan Evans, executive chef at Streeterville Pizzeria and Tap, added ambitious new flavors to the menu. Photo by Jesse Wright cious and it’s pretty unique in Chicago.”

Gym first to offer unique fitness program to Streeterville

By Jesse Wright Frank Dowie, owner of MagMile CrossFit, likes to think his new CrossFit gym has something for everyone and every part of everyone can get fit.

Since the gym opened in late April at 7 E. Illinois St., Dowie has seen a steady stream of various clients.

A traveler can lift kettlebells or do calisthenics in the morning, as a trio of business travelers from Mexico did one recent morning for less than $30. For the locals who love workouts, there’s a $240 option offering unlimited access to the facility and courses. There’s an $80 a week option or for $100 users get five classes.

Dowie’s gym is as versatile as CrossFit, a branded fitness program that aims to work out the whole body, combining fitness philosophy with community. Greg Glassman developed CrossFit in 2000 and in the last 20 years, the workout has developed a dedicated cult following.

“A big part of CrossFit is CrossFitters love CrossFit,” Dowie said. “They don’t

MagMIle CrossFit gym owner Frank Dowie shows off the first CrossFit gym in Streeterville. Photo by Jesse Wright

want to go to a traditional gym. It doesn’t scratch that itch.”

Dowie said he got into the CrossFit program in 2011, and fell in love with it.

CrossFit doesn’t include many machines.

Rather, it may involve lifting weights or throwing weighted balls and other activities that combine aerobics along with muscle development. But it’s also about mutual support and interacting with other people.

Dowie said people don’t workout at a CrossFit gym wearing earbuds, and there are no mirrors on the wall, so members don’t focus on themselves. It is about other people.

“CrossFit is built on community,” Dowie said. “These people become your friends.

This isn’t the kind of thing where you put your headphones in. You encourage each other. It’s a very positive environment and I loved that aspect of it.”

Dowie, a Streeterville resident, said he opened MagMile CrossFit in the community because there’s not another CrossFit gym in Streeterville.

“I’m a resident here and I love this neighborhood,” he said. “I’m excited to bring our community to the community. I think it would be a benefit to the neighborhood.”

For more information, visit magmilecrossfit.com, email info@magmilecrossfit. com or call 312-577-9669.

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| STREETERVILLE EVENTS | Schedules are subject to change. Call venues to confirm event information. To submit events or advertise on this page, email info@neweastsidecommunity.com.

Tuesdays

Tuesday Trivia Test your Knowledge every Tuesday with trivia at Streeterville Pizzeria & Tap. Maybe all those Jeopardy! marathons will finally pay off. 7-9 p.m., free, Streeterville Pizzeria & Tap, 355 E. Ohio St., 312-6313393, streetervillepizzeriatap.com SOAR Farmer’s Market Weekly farmer’s market offering produce and goods from local farmers and producers. A great place to stop for lunch. 7 a.m.2 p.m., free, MCA Plaza, 220 E. Chicago Ave., 312-280-2596, soarchicago.org

Wednesday and Saturday through Aug. 31

Aon Summer Fireworks Enjoy Chicago evenings on Navy Pier with astounding fireworks shows set to music.

This takes place every Wednesday and Saturday evening throughout the spring and summer. Wednesdays 9:30 p.m., Saturdays 10:15 p.m., free, Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., 312-595-7437, navypier.org

Wednesdays

Glow Flow Yoga Unleash your inner yogi every Wednesday with this unconventional glow-inthe-dark yoga class. 6-7 p.m., $5, W Chicago-Lakeshore, 644 N. Lake Shore Drive, 312-943-9200, marriott.com

Thursdays

Acoustic Thursdays Enhance your evening with live acoustic music every Thursday at the Albert. 5-8 p.m., free, the Albert, 228 E. Ontario St., 312-471-3883, thealbertchicago.com

Every Third Thursday of the Month

Adler After Dark Experience the planetarium over drinks and unique entertainment every month.

Each event has a different theme, making it a fun (and educational) date spot.

21+, 6:30-10:30 p.m., $20, Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Dr., 312-9227827, adlerplanetarium.org

Fridays and Saturday through October

Magician David Watkins at the Palmer House Hotel Magician David Watkins is performing magic Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. and Saturday, 4:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. All tickets for the magic show are $79 and $89 and include wine, beer and soft drink selections. Cocktail attire is suggested for this upscale event and the show is best for ages 12 and up. The Palmer House Hilton Hotel is at 17 E. Monroe St.

Through June 9

Hamlet Director Barbara Gaines brings Shakespeare’s classic tragedy to life in the Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s Courtyard Theater. See website for full schedule, tickets from $78, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand Ave., 312-5955600, chicagoshakes.com

Through July 6

Cirque du Soleil VOLTA See Cirque do Soleil’s VOLTA under the big top at Soldier Field South Lot, 1410 Museum Campus Drive, Chicago, May 18–July 6, 2019. Tickets start at $49, and can be purchased by visiting cirquedusoleil.com/volta or calling 1-877-9CIRQUE (1-877-924-7783).

Through Sept 1.

Live on the Lake Come see local musicians, new musicians and national favorites at Navy Pier.

See the website for dates and times, free, Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., 312-5957437, navypier.org

June 4

Cheese and Honey Tasting Honey experts from The Hive Supply worked with Eataly’s master cheesemonger to put together a selection of tastings and wines. Members of the Chicago Slow Food Chapter will also discuss the Slow Food Movement. 6:30-8 p.m., $45, La Scuola at Eataly Chicago, 43 E. Ohio St., 312-521-8700, eataly.com

Movie night at the Mid-America Club The Mid-America Club will show “Loopers: The Caddie’s Long Walk” at 6 p.m. with popcorn, snacks and beverages. To RSVP, call the Club at 312-861-1100.

June 6

Liquid Passport: Greece Skip the flight and experience Greece on the 80th floor of the Aon Center at The Mid-America Club. Enjoy an evening of delicious Greek cuisine, live entertainment, traditional Greek beverages and more. 5:30-7:30 p.m., $25 per person.

Business-casual attire. RSVP to the Club at 312-861-1100 or email: Melissa.czyz@ clubcorp.com Author Simon Balto Simon Balto will come to Harold Washington Library to discuss his new book “Occupied Territory: Policing Black Chicago from Red Summer to Black Power,” which examines race relations and policing in the city from the early 20th century until today. 6-7:30 p.m., free, Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State St., 312-747-4300, chipublib.org

June 7

GEMS World Academy Grade 8 celebration dance Eighth graders at GEMS World Academy celebrate their transition to high school with a dance at school, June 7 from 7 to 9 p.m. at 350 E. South Water Street.

June 7-Sept. 9

Movies in the Parks Bring a blanket and some snacks and watch your favorite movie in a local Chicago park. All movies begin at dusk (check your local weather), the movis are free and see website for locations and full schedule, 312-742-1134, chicagoparkdistrict.com

June 8

Emirates F1 Chicago Festival Chicago’s Soldier Field will host a Formula One race from 11 am. to 9:30 p.m. at Soldier Field. The event is free.

June 11

Tuesdays on the Terrace Chicago jazz artists perform every Tuesday on the Anne and John Kern Terrace Garden at MCA Chicago. On June 11, Mike Reed, percussionist, composer, and director of the Pitchfork Music Festival, will play two sets with special guests Tim Stine on guitar and Jason Roebke on bass. See website for other Tuesday performances. 5:30-8 p.m., free, Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, 220 E. Chicago Ave., 312-280-2660, mcachicago.org

Wednesdays June 11-August 28

Jazzin’ at the Shedd Head to the Shedd Aquarium every Wednesday this summer to experience live jazz music, drink cocktails, and learn more about the aquatic creatures that call the Shedd their home. 5-10 p.m., $19.95 Chicago residents, $24.95 nonresidents, free for members. Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. Lake Shore Dr., 312939-2438, sheddaquarium.org

June 13

Move it or Lose it with Movement Med SOAR’s Wellness and Wellbeing Series starts with a presentation by Movement Med about their Pilates programs for all ages. Drinks and appetizers will be served. 6-7:30 p.m., free, Movement Med, 230 E. Ohio St., Suite 408, 312280-2596, soarchicago.org

Select dates between June 13 and August 15

Millennium Park Summer Music Series Millennium Park is a hub of activity during the summer, and this series of free concerts in Jay Pritzker Pavilion is no exception. Come hear local, national and international artists perform in the heart of Chicago. See the website for the concert schedule. 6:30 p.m., free, Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St., chicago.gov Events continue on page 14

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| STREETERVILLE EVENTS | Schedules are subject to change. Call venues to confirm event information. To submit events or advertise on this page, email info@neweastsidecommunity.com

June 15

Summer Solstice Party Skyline Village Chicago is proud to honor Jonathan and Sandy Miller, founders of the Sounds Good Choir and Good Memories Choir. Given the scientific evidence that chorus singing strengthens the brain, the Millers dedicate their time and talent to creating choirs for people with early stage memory loss. Light refreshments. Parking available. 5-7:30 p.m., $50, 200 E. Delaware Pl., RSVP at info@skylinevillagechicago.org

June 16

Father’s Day Cruise Celebrate the fathers in your life with a special cruise on Lake Michigan or the Chicago River with Odyssey Cruises. See website for pricing, schedule and more, 866-391-8439, odysseycruises.com Steak and eggs with dad Don’t break the bank buying a meal for dad—bring him to Cupitol for Steak and Eggs (with a beer) for Father’s Day $15.

Bring dad in for prime skirt steak, salsa verde, queso fresco and two eggs, plus a beer from 11 a.m.-close. Cupitol, 455 East Illinois Street, (312) 414-1400.

June 17

Young Professionals Networking Night Build connections and expand your network with fellow young professionals at this monthly event. Complimentary beer, wine and appetizers from 6-7 p.m.

6-8 p.m., free, Streeterville Social, 455 N. Park Dr., 312-280-2596, soarchicago.org

June 21

JuneFest Eataly’s summer kickoff festival features unlimited food, drinks and entertainment. Pizza, pasta, cannoli, limoncello and more awaits you. DJ Matt Roan will be spinning beats all night long. 7:30 p.m.-midnight, $78, Eataly Chicago, 43 E. Ohio St., 312-521-8700, eataly.com Blindfolded Beach Yoga There’s hot yoga, aerial yoga and now, for this year’s summer solstice, blindfolded yoga. Experience your yoga practice in a

June Races Chicago Undy Run/Walk 5K, 1 mile - 9 a.m., Saturday, June 1 - Lincoln Park Dash for Detection 5K/Kids run - 9 a.m., Saturday June 1 - Montrose Harbor Cancer Survivors’ Celebration Walk/5K - 9:15 a.m., Sunday, June 2 - Grant Park Paws Chicago 5K - 9 a.m., Sunday, June 2 - Montrose Harbor Strides for Peace Race against Gun Violence 8K/5K/2 mile/kids run - 6:30 p.m., Thursday, June 6 - Grant Park Chicago Beer 5K - 9:30 a.m., Saturday, June 8 - Grant Park Imerman Angels Brunch 5K Run/walk - 8:30 a.m., Saturday, June 8 - Montrose Harbor Girls on the Run 5K - 8 a.m., Sunday, June 9 - Butler Field, Grant Park Gibbons 5K/3K walk - 6:25 p.m., Thursday, June 13 - Grant Park Gino’s East 5K - 6:30 p.m., Thursday, June 20 - Montrose Harbor Miles for Melanoma 5k run/walk - Saturday, June 22 - Grant Park Proud to Run 13.1/10K/5K - 7 a.m., Saturday, June 29 - Montrose Harbor Purple Stride 5K run/walk - 10:30 a.m., Saturday, June 29 - Soldier Field Chicago 10K - 8 a.m., Sunday, June 30 - Grant Park new way. RSVP online. Bring a mat and something to blindfold yourself with.

9-10 a.m., free, Athleta Oak Street, 101 E. Oak St., 312-640-0223, athleta.com

June 21-22

Chi-Soul Fest This free festival presents two days jampacked with soul music. Get ready to get your groove on. See website for concert times, free, Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., 312-595-7437, navypier.org

June 21-28

Chicago Bike Week The 28th annual Chicago Bike Week is a great opportunity to break out the bike and get rolling. The event includes the Bike to Work Challenge, June 12-19. On June 12-14, there is the Bike Valet at the Chicago Blues Festival in Grant Park from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. On June 18 there is the Chicago Triathlon Checkpoint Challenge at Millennium Park’s Cloud Gate, aka The Bean. This starts at 6 p.m.

June 22

Vegandale Food and Drink Fest From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. the Vegandale

Food and Drink Fest will be in Grant Park. Tickets are $10.

June 24-Aug. 9

Family Fun Festival This family-friendly fest fills a tent in Millennium Park with music, arts and crafts and games for kids of all ages. The event is free and open from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Wednesdays through Sundays, June 27–Aug. 24

Chicago SummerDance Get into the groove with 48 different live bands and DJs in this series of free events. Get there before the show for free dance lessons, then practice your moves when the music comes on. Grant Park and other locations, see website for schedule and details, chicago.gov

June 29

’90s Beach Party Dance to 90s hits at North Avenue Beach for this throwback party. There will be drinks and party games. Don’t forget your fanny pack. 21+,11 a.m.-7 p.m., tickets from $5, North Avenue Beach, 1600 N. Lake Shore Dr., chicagosocial.com

KIDS’ LIST Thursdays

Play Late Thursdays Spend your Thursday night at the Chicago Children’s Museum. On the first Thursday of the month, the Great Hall is transformed into a kiddie-style cabaret with an open mic and a dance party.

4 - 8 p.m., $14.95, Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave., 312-5271000, chicagochildrensmuseum.org

June 1-26

Woodshop PLUS Foster creativity and curiosity in this kid-friendly workshop, where little ones can play with tools and building materials.

For ages 3 and up. Free with admission, during opening hours, Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave., 312-5271000, chicagochildrensmuseum.org

June 5

MCA Chicago Stroller Tour These guided tours for caregivers of little ones are meant to allow you to be mindful of wandering children while still enjoying and learning about the artwork in the museum. 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m., free with admission, Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, 220 E. Chicago Ave., 312-280-2660, mcachicago.org

June 15

Sensory Saturday This event is designed especially for families and children with disabilities and sensory processing needs. Learn, create and play with sensory tools and tactile opportunities. Register online. 9-10 a.m., free, Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr., 312-922-9410, fieldmuseum.org

June 20

85th Birthday Party at Maggie Daley The Chicago Park District is celebrating its 85th birthday with a circus performance by CircEsteem, party games, arts and crafts, and more. 6:30-8 p.m., free, Maggie Daley Park, 337 E. Randolph St., 312-742-7529, chicagoparkdistrict.com

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| NEWS BREAK |

Outdoor grilling: A guide to make sure we all get along

S

ummertime is upon us, and with it comes one of the great pleasures of the long days and warm weather: outdoor grilling.

That scrumptious smell of steak, burgers, chicken or fish cooking on the grill. Rubbing them all with your favorite saucJon Cohn es, maybe some grilled veggies COMMUNITY and, of course, the sound of one’s CONTRIBUTOR favorite beverage popping open.

It all sounds great, and it usually is.

But there are some challenges, especially for those living in the city with shared grilling areas and much closer quarters than suburban backyards. This requires a little common courtesy and understanding with the neighbors.

For instance, those living in condo buildings with designated areas often find themselves in situations where the

number of grillers is greater than the number of grills.

I have seen instances where more than the grill gets overheated.

Occasionally, the group cooking experience looks more like a rugby scrum, complete with pushing shoving, and a few far less-than-polite verbal jabs. People get caught up in the conflict and, tragically, the meat on the grill gets neglected.

Cooking on your own balcony comes with its own challenges. Respecting nearby neighbors, keeping the area clean as possible and bring sound down to a minimum.

And don’t sweep any excess off the balcony onto floors below. That is a huge condo no-no.

When it comes to safety, Chicago Fire Department Chief Walter Schroeder said it’s best to grill in the shared grilling facilities, but if a balcony must be used then an electric grill is best.

“Obviously charcoal grills are very dangerous on a balcony,” he said. “That’s not something that should be

utilized in that type of an environment.”

He added propane grills are both dangerous and illegal in most apartments and condos.

“It acts like a bomb if it should have a leak,” he said of propane tanks.

And no matter what sort of grill is used, Chief Schroeder said cooks need to remember some basic safety tips.

“We want to make sure you’re practicing fire safety,” he said. “Don’t leave the grill unattended. Don’t leave it too close to the building. Don’t let children or pets around it. Sometime pets can knock it over. Really, those are all common sense practices, but sometimes we forget these things and get carried away.”

Beyond safety, downtown residents will want to remember courtesy, too—especially when using a shared space.

With a dash of patience and a pinch of friendliness, common courtesy will make the outdoor grilling season more enjoyable for everyone.

Out and About in May

Jumble DATAYCUI OEDITUS REELPTI TIIGYAL GENOHU

What goes up but never comes down?

Send photos and captions to info@neweastsidecommunity.com for a chance for your photo to be featured.

The May answer is: Q: HOW DOES LAKE MICHIGAN SAY HELLO? A: THE LAKE WAVES

A June riddle: Why did they call the police during the summer beach concert?

A: Something fishy was going on.

Got a great joke or riddle? Send it in and make us laugh at info@neweastsidecommunity@gmail.com.

Where am I?

This month’s Where Am I is an ornate parking entrance on an ornate building.

Do you know where it is?

If you think you know, email us at info@neweastsidecommunity.com.

Answer to the May Where am I? Congratulations to reader Eric Stepanovic for recognizing last month’s Where Am I as the light fixture on the outside of One Bennett Park building on Grand Avenue in Streeterville.

Aja Phillips and Karen Scott attended the 10th anniversary of Sunda.

Missy Green (left), a correspondent from Pizza Magazine Quarterly, and Heather Cray visit Robert’s Pizza in Streeterville at the restaurant’s grand opening. Photos by Jesse Wright

Alejandra Loera (left) and Paul Joanes attended the BP Student Ideas Competition at the Chicago Architectural Biennial event.

Dallas and Brett Efimov attend the 33rd annual National Headache Foundation’s gala.

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The Back is the New Front On 10,000 coffee tables near you.

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