Kendall County MAGAZINE
FALL 2021
CREATIVE FALL FLAVORS
Autumn isn’t for pumpkin alone, especially at these local cafes
PAGE 18
LIVING IT UP AT 160
The Gray’s Mill Estate has transformed into a community gathering space for everyone
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Trendy
& Classic FIND ONE-OF-A-KIND GIFTS, HOME DECOR, JEWELRY AND MORE AT VELVET GRACE IN OSWEGO — PAGE 6
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Editor's Note
Kendall County MAGAZINE
KENDALL COUNTY MAGAZINE
Happy fall! This is my favorite time of year. It’s the season of soup, crunchy leaves, harvest celebrations and more. As I write this, I find myself thinking about making peach cobbler for dessert — which, of course, will ideally follow a dinner centered around late summer tomatoes. Autumn also signals the arrival of what is often the busiest time of the year. What starts as pumpkin picking and scarecrow decorations snowballs into Halloween, which is quickly followed by Thanksgiving. Suddenly, Christmas music is playing in stores, and it’s time for holiday shopping! As fun as the race to the holidays is, it can also be a lot to plan. This fall edition of Kendall County Magazine is meant to alleviate some of the stress. Looking for a nice restaurant to take your visiting relatives? Check out our dining section, which features Monte Carlo Steakhouse and Bar as well as cafes with creative flavors. You might need a
coffee date with a friend to plan the season and take advantage of all the events listed on our October calendar, P. 5. Simply clip it out and hang it on the fridge! Don’t forget to take time for yourself in this busy season, either. Might I suggest a trip to Breathe Salt Therapy for some time in the new spa space? Or a trip to Velvet Grace for some retail therapy? You’ll find those stories on P. 24 and 6, respectively. These pages hold so much celebration of the fun and community that I love about Kendall County. I hope you feel the same way. Thanks for reading!
Published by Shaw Media Phone: 630-553-7034 news@kendallcountynow.com
PUBLISHER Daily Chronicle & Suburban Weekly Group Laura Shaw lshaw@shawmedia.com EDITOR Hannah Hoffmeister 630-427-6263 hhoffmeister@shawmedia.com ADVERTISING Kristin Hawkins 630-385-4404 khawkins@shawmedia.com Shannon Eldridge 630-845-5347 seldridge@shawmedia.com
Hannah Hoffmeister, Editor
DESIGNER Allison LaPorta 630-427-6260 alaporta@shawmedia.com CORRESPONDENTS Kevin Druley, Vicki Martinka Petersen, Melissa Rubalcaba Riske, Diane Krieger Spivak and Chris Walker
on the
COVER Velvet Grace in Oswego is the perfect place to do your holiday shopping. Read more on P. 6. Photo by Wendy Greenslade, Locked In Photography. est. 1851
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THE MICHEL MICHELLE AND AMBER TEAM BUYING, BU SELLING OR INVESTING You can count on us for all your Real Estate needs. Michelle Mueller-Cundiff
Licensed Realtor Phone: 630-450-0888 mmuellercundiff@coldwellhomes.com
Amber Mueller
Licensed Realtor Phone: 630-222-7859 amueller@coldwellhomes.com
INSIDE
OUT & ABOUT
5 CALENDAR Fall festivals, Halloween events and more — here’s what’s happening in Kendall County
HOME & LIFESTYLE
6 TRENDY & CLASSIC You’ll find one-of-a-kind gifts, home decor, jewelry and more at Velvet Grace in Oswego 10 DELIGHTFUL SOAP FOR YOUR SKIN Skin care is top of mind at Ginger Thomas Soap Company
DINING & ENTERTAINING
13 HAVE YOUR CAKE & EAT IT TOO Switching careers is “twice as nice” for this baker 14 COMFORT FOOD Katie McCall honors the healing power of eating, season by season
16 SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE AT NEW STEAKHOUSE Greek flavors, decor shine at Monte Carlo Steakhouse and Bar
18 CREATIVE FALL FLAVORS Autumn isn’t for pumpkin alone — try these tasty concoctions at local cafes 20 LIVING IT UP AT 160 On the edge of the Fox River in Montgomery, The Gray’s Mill Estate has been recently transformed
HEALTH & WELLNESS 24 TAKING TIME FOR YOURSELF If you’ve never experienced halotherapy before, head to Breathe Salt Therapy
BUSINESS & CIVIC
26 YOUR CHILD’S FUTURE Tom McCartney and Sharon Piet on creating a savings plan for higher education
Please note that all photos in this issue were taken before COVID-19 or in accordance with proper safety guidelines. 4 KENDALL COUNTY MAGAZINE
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calendar
OCTOBER
SUN
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Clip this page out
all that Hang it on your fridge so you can celebrate d of time ahea e onlin k chec e Pleas ! October has to offer s. eline for public health guid
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THU
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Yorkville Public Library hosts story time at 10:30 a.m. each Friday. All ages are welcome!
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Spend an afternoon outdoors at Oswego Brew at the Bridge, 1-7 p.m. at Hudson Crossing Park.
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Small Business Saturday is Nov. 27!
Have you seen “Kinky Boots” at the Paramount Theatre yet? It’s showing through Oct. 17.
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Head to downtown Oswego for Fox Fall Fest! You’ll find good food, activities and music.
Start your Sunday morning with an hour of yoga at Little White School Museum. Bringing a mat is advised.
Put on your running shoes: It’s time for the 11th annual Healthy Driven FraidyCat 5K, Ghost 8K and Meow Mile.
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This day marks Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Columbus Day.
Check out the Scarecrow Walk at Yorkville’s Riverfront Park. They’re on display through Halloween!
Happy Halloween!
Halloween is less than a week away… have you carved a jack-o’-lantern yet?
OUT & ABOUT
SAT
1
ars Mark your calend in advance!
Compiled by Hannah Hoffmeister
We’re looking ahead to fall festivals and Halloween events — here’ s what’s happening in Kendall County
Break out your golf clubs for the third annual Scarecrow Scramble in Plano.
Celebrate National Dessert Day with something sweet — maybe involving candy corn?
Plano Area Chamber of Commerce holds Treats on the Streets, starting at 4 p.m. Yum!
Enjoy live music, craft beer and more along the Fox River at Yorkville’s Yorktoberfest, starting at 11 a.m.
Time for trickor-treating! The Yorkville Area Chamber of Commerce hosts “Biz Boo!” business trick-or-treat event, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
30
Blackberry Farm in Aurora puts on a Halloween-themed movie night, 7-10 p.m. Bring a blanket or chair and snacks.
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y d n Tre & Cllass assic
VELVET GRACE 4025 U.S. Route 34, Oswego 630-636-6570 www.velvetgrace.net
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You’ll find one-of-a-kind gifts, home decor, jewelry and more at Velvet Grace in Oswego By Chris Walker Photos provided by Velvet Grace and by Locked In Photography
N
estled in two charming, historic log cabins near the entrance of downtown Oswego, Velvet Grace is a destination.
“You look at these towns like Glen Ellyn and downtown Wheaton and their cute little shops and those are destinations,” says Kendall County resident Misti Fredstrom. “People want to go there. Velvet Grace can be that. It’s very cool, especially in a little town.” Since opening in 2015, Velvet Grace has won over countless customers with its combination of unexpected home decor, trendy women’s apparel, stunning jewelry, fashion accessories and a unique mix of gifts that you likely will not find elsewhere. Velvet Grace is also a proud retailer of the easy-to-use Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, and staff can guide you with your first project.
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Co-owners Mary Blanchflower and Nicole Menard have spent much of their lives in Oswego and are committed to enriching those of their customers, helping beautify their homes, find new outfits and accessorize as well as unearth the niftiest gifts that overjoy their lucky recipients. “People are encouraged to touch, feel and experience our products as opposed to searching pictures online and getting a box at their front door,” Blanchflower says. “We take pride in our superb customer service and product knowledge. In addition, we offer one-on-one, in-store design services. Bring in your measurements and a few pictures of the area you are working on, and we will play and create right in the store.” With the holidays approaching, many will be on the prowl for gifts. It’s never too early to get started.
HOME & LIFESTYLE
“Currently, the boutique is set up with fall decor, but soon it will turn into a winter wonderland,” Blanchflower says. “With just the right amount of sparkle!” Are you ready for curling on the couch with a soft throw, flannel shirts, cozy sweaters and the soothing scents of the holidays? Velvet Grace celebrates the beginning of the holiday season with its sixth annual Holiday Open House, scheduled Oct. 28-30. The boutique will be dancing with rich color schemes, natural textures and the essence of a comfy home. The Velvet Grace Studio will feature brand-new winter apparel, which will combine classic, trendy, elegant and cozy with sizes ranging from small to 3X! The jewelry is a stunning ensemble of mixed metals and gemstones that create the perfect accessory for any outfit. When she drops in, Velvet Grace regular Katie
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Fogarty is reminded of days gone by. She recalls when her adult sons were just little boys whose eyes seemingly popped out of their heads at FAO Schwarz and Toys R Us. Today, that’s her at Velvet Grace.
into every aspect of the shop and boutique. It’s apparent as they wow visitors with revolving merchandise and displays, offering a warm, comfy environment where you truly feel at home, hanging out with a bunch of your friends.
says. “People will come to my house and say ‘Where’d you get that?’ and that’s another thing I like about Velvet Grace because besides the welcoming atmosphere they have some unique pieces that not everyone is going to have.”
“That’s how I feel whenever I go there,” she says. “It smells so good and they’re so friendly and authentic. It’s not salesy at all. It feels like home to me.”
“Shopping at Velvet Grace is very fulfilling because these ladies know their craft and it fulfills my heart that I can support their dream,” Mickelberg says. “My home has a plethora of Velvet Grace decor for every season. A few statement pieces are transitional into a few seasons, which I love.”
Not everyone goes gaga over aromatherapy, but many do, and Velvet Grace boasts a fine collection of candles for soothing ambiance.
Recently, when Fogarty needed gifts for three coworkers, she knew exactly where she was headed. “One is 70 (years old), the other is 32 and another is 20 so they’re all different,” she says. “It’s so easy. Velvet Grace is your one-stop shop and the pricing is great that there’s something in your budget. You can spend a lot or a little and there’s something for everybody.” Oswego’s Kathy Mickelberg says Velvet Grace pours the talents of its owners as well as staff
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There’s no doubt that the way people can shop has changed because of technology. Of course, some of the opportunities are beneficial, but as for jewelry, apparel, home decor and gifts, there is no substitute other than strolling into Velvet Grace and perusing. “I think people need to get back to small, boutique shopping because online shopping can be junk with no personality and no warmth,” Fredstrom
HOME & LIFESTYLE
“One of our big sellers, especially during the holidays, is our scented candles, and we carry popular brands such as Capri Blue and Rewined,” Menard says. “I have always had a love for beautifully scented candles, and we continue to reorder them because people keep coming back for more.” Coming back is a common trend for those who grace Velvet Grace with their presence. “Everybody leaves with a little grace,” Blanchflower says.
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Delightful soap
for your skin
Skin care is top o mind at G f in Thomas S ger oap Company
By Kevin Druley | Photos by Tue Cramer Photography
S
tirred awake by the occasional dream, Michelle George keeps a pen near her bedside so as not to lose her train of thought.
“I tease people and say that’s absolutely embedded in my DNA,” she says.
The downtown Oswego shop offers an impressive selection of artisan bath and body soaps, body butters and other products made from natural ingredients. Hospitality remains in full supply, too, with George and Co. wishing customers, “Happy skin, happy life,” upon exiting and passing the two large, yellow trumpet flowers — also known as Ginger Thomases — situated in the front window.
A third-generation soap-maker who spent much of her upbringing in the U.S. Virgin Islands, George connected her family’s geographical background with its vocational one by opening Ginger Thomas Soap Company in September 2020.
“It’s just a neat local business with good people running it and a good product,” customer
In the daylight hours, chances are good George’s mind reverberates with reflections of one thing: soap.
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HOME & LIFESTYLE
Brian Bella of Oswego says. George, who works alongside her husband and “No. 1” of 40-plus years, Russell, says, “Ginger
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Thomas is sweet and whimsical and very welcoming to all who come and visit,” whether they be first-timers or returning guests. She affectionately has dubbed the latter group “Ginger snaps.” Still, not everything about the shop is influenced by whimsy. George admits plenty of intentional thoughts about the organization and layout of Ginger Thomas rested in her head, and likely on dream notes, for years. That includes the business phone number, 630-551-2284. Rummage for the nearest rotary phone and you’ll find the final four digits spell B-A-T-H. “Let’s see. By design, or was it meant to be?” George laughs. “Hmm. I just think it was meant to be. It was written in the stars.” Asked what spurred the opening of the shop at this time and location, George
takes a similar approach. Though she scouted other possibilities in other suburbs, “it just felt absolutely right” in downtown Oswego, she says. Her own assessment of the handmade soap scene in the region prompted Thomas to deliver on a longstanding dream. “It was something that I just absolutely felt a necessity to do,” Thomas says. “Soaps and bath and body care products, they come a dime a dozen, but there is definitely a need for natural products, natural soaps and body butters and products of that nature. It’s needed.” You’ll get no argument from customers of all ages. Thomas calls her 3-year-old grandson, Jaxon, “our brand ambassador,” giggling about his penchant for examining inventory, which includes unscented baby products.
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HOME & LIFESTYLE
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Bella’s daughter, Autumn, discovered the shop with her family around Christmas. The 9-year-old transformed into a Ginger snap almost instantly, raving about the company to everyone she met and often toting neighbors or out-of-town guests on the Bellas’ jaunts downtown. “They just have very simple soaps,” Autumn says. “Not very scratchy soaps. It’s just very simple.” George recently created something more ornate for Autumn’s birthday: mermaidshaped soap for her to give friends at her party. The girl and third-generation soap-maker alike acknowledge their connection as special, although that hasn’t kept Autumn from offering friendly business advice. “She gives out free samples too much,” Autumn says. “She doesn’t make money from them.” George can’t help it. She merely feels
blessed to practice her craft and bring her handiwork to an eager clientele. “It has been a heck of a ride, but I’m going to tell you, through COVID-19, through the whole thing, we’re so grateful for the support and for the encouragement of our community,” George says. “And not just of the community, but individuals that travel from far and near. We’re just so thankful that individuals love our soaps and they continue to come back over and over and over again. “As much as we make a great product, we just couldn’t do it without the love of others, and we’re very grateful for that.” GINGER THOMAS SOAP COMPANY 58 Main St., Oswego 630-551-2284 Facebook: Ginger Thomas Soap Company
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12 KENDALL COUNTY MAGAZINE
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HOME & LIFESTYLE
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Have your cake
S
CHIN T I W
& Eat it too!
G CA R E E R S I S “ T WICE
By Diane Krieger Spivak | Photos provided by Twice as Nice Cake Design
ER AS NICE” K A FOR THIS B
H
ad Anna Brooks been able to find a bakery to supply the cake she wanted for her son’s first birthday 15 years ago, she might still be working at a desk job instead of producing her sought-after cakes.
The difference in Brooks’ offerings from others, as she sees it, is that, “Customers have more of a hand in the design. A lot of people want certain colors and ideas. I love the creativity and the interaction with the customer. If I’d been able to get a cake for my son’s first birthday, I would have wanted to have had input into it. The ability to get people’s ideas and put them into a product is rewarding.”
Brooks began baking cakes from her home as a hobby. “There were no cake places so I decided, ‘I’m going to make this myself,’ and it was a disaster. I look at the pictures now and say, ‘No!’ Then, I got a little better and started to enjoy it. I started doing it for friends and family.” In 2017 Brooks decided to host a cupcake baking class out of her home. “That was when I got my first order,” she says. “I made a couple here and there, then I got to that point where I couldn’t really juggle both my full-time job as a designer for an engineering company and cake-making. I had to either go all in or keep it as a hobby. I started leaning toward loving what I’m doing now, and I enjoy this much more.” Brooks, who moved to Oswego five years ago, started plans to open a brick-and-mortar location right before the pandemic. Those plans are finally coming to fruition with a September opening of Twice As Nice Cake Design at 1067 Station Drive. Her | FALL 2021 |
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The company has received some unusual requests, like a baby shower cake that depicted giving birth. “People have been ordering a lot of COVID cakes that look like toilet paper,” she says. “I’ve also made a lot of military cakes for people being deployed.” Children’s cakes come in trends, according to Brooks. “I’ve done a whole bunch of unicorns,” she says. planned initial inventory is cake and cupcakes, but she’ll “feel out foot traffic to decide what other items to offer.” Brooks’ favorite creations are wedding cakes. “They have their own little table and they’re kind of the center of attention. I set up my first five-tier wedding cake last year. That one was terrifying,” she says. Birthday cakes are naturally a popular item. She’s also done custom anniversary cakes, recreating vintage wedding photos on the cakes. “Those are fun,” she says.
DINING & ENTERTAINING
Brooks feels people seek more creativity in cakes nowadays. “My customers give me unique ideas and I’ll do a dry run to see how it comes out. My menu is open to anything you want to put in or on a cake,” she says. “I’m still a designer, just in a different medium now.” TWICE AS NICE CAKE DESIGN 708-257-2473 www.twiceasnicecakedesign.com KENDALL COUNTY MAGAZINE 13
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a fresh take
COMFORT FOOD
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very year, I look forward to September more than any other month. Not because it happens to be my birthday month, but rather, it’s always marked the natural transition to my favorite season: autumn.
Most often, we trade out the sandals for socks; sticky, humid weather turns cool and crisp; and the crunch of golden leaves on the sidewalk or a bonfire popping and crackling in the backyard are music to my ears. Let’s not forget it’s pumpkin spice everything and I can officially drape a
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DINING & ENTERTAINING
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But perhaps, more than anything, it welcomes a transitional time for food — both the way we prepare and eat it. All too often we rush through the act of cooking a meal, and some go as far as guilting themselves for indulging in foods that are comforting, dismissing their healing powers and ignoring how seasonal eating is therapeutic. In springtime, I relish in doing anything outdoors after a long winter: seeking signs of green during a rainy walk, stumbling upon budding violets, foraging for mushroom in the woods, picking asparagus in the fields and planting a garden. The food I consume tends to be restorative, fresh, bursting with herbs and bright flavors. Summer then lends itself naturally to the bounty of the season. We’re blessed with juicy heirloom tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, peppers, green beans, beets, sweet corn, melon,
peaches — you name it. The grill and porch instantly become our kitchen, as my family and I prepare and eat more meals outside than in. By fall (in my mind, September, regardless how hot it may be) and winter, I’m ready for comfort food. Soups, casseroles, pasta, roasted vegetables, homemade bread, hot tea, baked goods … anything that feels like a warm hug. I’m fortunate that my birthday falls at the end of the month when the weather leans toward chilly and many of these dishes find their way to the table. In all honesty, I’m not a big birthday person; it’s simply an excuse to get my immediate family together to share a special meal. Weather permitting, we dine alfresco on the screened-in porch or down in the garden. The home-cooked, seasonally inspired meal typically consists of an enormous salad studded with late summer veggies from the garden, velvety squash soup, roasted herb potatoes, grilled chicken
for the meat eaters, some kind of delicious homemade bread and dessert — always dessert. We gather around a long table that’s set with vintage tablecloths, mismatched china and vases filled with just-picked wildflowers from the garden, which over the course of the meal begin doing soft backbends above our glasses of wine and lemon-mint water. Birds chatter in nearby trees, crickets chirp, frogs croak and we do our best to ward off mosquitoes with citronella candles. It sounds like a styled photo shoot in a glossy home and garden magazine, but the truth is that it’s one hundred percent authentic.
Photo by Victoria C Photos
blanket over my shoulders and call it fashion.
Katie McCall, former owner of Two Wild Seeds Baking Co., is a bona fide Midwestern girl. Raised on four acres of rural property in Yorkville, she was always taught to respect nature and all of its bounty. From foraging morel mushrooms in the woods to picking wild black raspberries for homemade jam, Katie feels most at home when in nature and preparing food for others. When she’s not creating new dishes in the kitchen (and writing about them) she can be found nose-deep in cookbooks, exploring the outdoors with her family — and eating … always eating.
For me, it’s far beyond a meal. It’s the experience of passing a bowl to the person sitting next you, sharing stories, reconnecting, catching up while slowing down, celebrating multiple generations together and honoring those who used to sit around the table. Season by season, this is the greatest gift I could ever ask for.
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DINING & ENTERTAINING
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SOM
It
has been a long time in the making, but the wait has proven to be worthwhile for those craving a delicious meal in a beautiful setting as Monte Carlo Steakhouse and Bar opened in May.
This upscale restaurant in Plano was the dream of the late Steve Kapas and his mother, Pauline Kapas, whose family has been serving the folks of Plano for nearly 75 years. Many of those years were spent at the Town & Country Restaurant (1948-2004), which they lost when the state widened Route 34.
After Pauline’s husband, George, died in 2004, the family invested in several properties, but they could not find the same joy of serving others or the same energy of the restaurant business. “They’ve done a really nice job,” says Plano’s Greg Hurst.
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DINING & ENTERTAINING
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METHING for
e n o y r eve
Greek flavors and decor shine at Monte Carlo Steakhouse and Bar By Chris Walker | Photos provided by Monte Carlo Steakhouse and Bar
“I’ve known the family and knew Steve well so I was excited for them. They have excellent food and the menu is nice. It’s a very nice setting with a nice selection at the bar. It’s a good place to try.” The family-friendly menu offers something for many tastes while also paying homage to the Kapas family and Greece, with dishes such as souvlaki and saganaki — Greek cheese, brandy flamed and finished with fresh lemon, served with pita. “All items are prepared by our chef and served with Turano’s bread and a glass of our house wine,” says Salvatore Amico, manager of the Monte Carlo and brother-in-law to Steve Kapas, who passed away in mid-June. With product from Inboden’s Gourmet Meats & Specialty Foods in DeKalb and a wide-ranging menu
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featuring a variety of salads, steaks, pork chops, chicken Parmesan, pastas, seafood and more, diners have plenty of options. Gail Naranjo, who moved to Plano in April, is a big fan of the seafood. “I eat there almost every day,” she says. “I really like the crabcakes and salmon and feel like it’s well worth the price because I know it’s much higher at other places.” A quiet, dark bar area offers a high-class drinking experience with reasonable prices. “We personally researched the downtown Plano area and spoke to many locals to ensure we have something for everyone,” Amico says. “So don’t be surprised if you find beverages like Busch Light or Remy XO and traditional bar food and fried snacks like our meaty back ribs and breadless bone-in wings to
DINING & ENTERTAINING
chicken fingers and mac ’n’ cheese bites.” The restaurant is adorned with murals depicting scenes of the Greek islands along with white, Mediterranean arches. While patrons may be more than 5,000 miles away from Santorini and Mykonos, they can experience a taste of what that’s like from not only what’s on their plate or in their glass, but also from the unparalleled ambiance that Monte Carlo has created. “There is no way you can go wrong at the Monte Carlo Steakhouse and Bar and there is something for everyone at a reasonable price,” says Amico. MONTE CARLO STEAKHOUSE AND BAR 209 W. South St., Plano 630-332-7700 Facebook: Monte Carlo Steakhouse and Bar Inc.
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CREATIVE FALL FLAVORS AUTUMN ISN’T FOR PUMPKIN ALONE — TRY THESE TASTY CONCOCTIONS AT YOUR LOCAL CAFES By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske Photos provided by The Village Grind and Kafe Du Monde
ozy fall days are even better with a warm cup of coffee in hand. Local shops have some tasty flavors and treats to make every sip worth savoring this autumn.
C
While it’s easy to grab and go, visitors prefer to linger when they order coffee at The Village Grind in downtown Oswego. The Village Grind opened 25 years ago inside a home that’s more than 100 years old. After owners Jodi and Dave Behrens took over the business 19 years ago, they expanded it with additional rooms, creating plenty of space for their customers to find a comfy corner to sip their coffee throughout the day. “This place has a really good hometown feel,” Jodi Behrens says. As the leaves turn colors, the baristas at The Village Grind switch to a seasonal menu. While there are more well-known pumpkin spice drinks, Behrens suggests trying the toasted marshmallow pumpkin latte. For those who prefer their coffee cold, they created the white pumpkin frappe, 18 KENDALL COUNTY MAGAZINE
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a coffee mixed with ice and blended for a smooth, delicious flavor. This drink can also be made without the espresso. Not everyone goes for pumpkin flavoring, so the crew also created what they call the Lovin’ Life Latte, a blend of different flavors and a touch of brown sugar. “When it comes to the different drinks, we all come together, make it and taste. We all work together as a team,” Behrens says. Of course, these delicious drinks are best enjoyed with food. For that, The Village Grind has a daily assortment of homemade pastries. When customers want to stay home and enjoy their coffee in their jammies, they can stop in to purchase roasted beans. Speaking of beans, coffee connoisseurs can also check out Select Coffee Crafters, where longtime Oswego resident Bill Helgeson is sharing his air roasting talents with customers around the country. Helgeson’s company roasts to order, ensuring customers have the freshest beans. | FALL 2021 |
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His coffee beans hail from 13 different countries; with those beans, he makes 11 different blends. They’re delicious on their own, or you can choose to infuse with natural flavoring, including pumpkin spice, blueberry, Michigan cherry, salted caramel, amaretto and more.
add a designer image to your latte. (Customers have requested their pup’s picture and company logos.) The machine was designed for creating printing in beer foam in Europe, but staff is having fun using it in lemon bars, macarons and lattes, crafting images in the foam of the drinks.
In addition to the roasting business, one can sample the coffees at My Sister’s Lil Donut Shoppe, which Helgeson recently acquired. He’s brewing up an Ethiopian blend and one he calls Doughnut Shop at the location.
And as for tasty coffee treats, his baristas have challenges to create new menu items — some of the flavors that have won over the customers are sweet treats made with Ferrero Rocher and Kinder Bueno candies, made as a latte or frappe. Another one growing in popularity is the Abuelita, a treat designed after the popular Mexican hot chocolate that combines cocoa and cinnamon.
If you’re feeling a quick road trip, make the drive to check out Kafe Du Monde in Bolingbrook, where owner Johnny “B” and his team are frothing up some interesting designs and flavors in the small shop just off Boughton Road. At Kafe Du Monde, the baristas can
Whichever taste is up your alley, there’s nothing much better than a fall drink on a cool, crisp autumn day.
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HEATING COOLING AIR DUCT CLEANING MAINTENANCE INSTALLATION CONSULTATIONS
DINING & ENTERTAINING
Top Rated Local Service
630-731-1550 KENDALL COUNTY MAGAZINE 19
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LIVING
IT UP AT 160 On the edge of the Fox River in Montgomery, you’ll nd The Gray’s Mill Estate, transformed into a beer garden, event space and more
By Diane Krieger Spivak | Photos provided by The Gray’s Mill Estate and Shaw Media
W
hen you’ve got good bones, 160-plus years is nothing.
Take The Gray’s Mill Estate, for example. The 1850s four-story building nestled along the Fox River
OSWEGO BREW
BRIDGE
SAT, OCT 9 1:00-7:00pm CRAFT BEER | MUSIC | FOOD
Hudson Crossing Park • Oswego
rolled with the times as a flour mill that fed Union troops during the Civil War, a mica mill, bottling facility, motor repair shop and a plethora of retail establishments before being left to nature several years ago.
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AAREN PEST CONTROL BrewAtTheBridge.com 20 KENDALL COUNTY MAGAZINE
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630-897-2100 • www.aarenpestcontrol.com buglady51@aol.com
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DINING & ENTERTAINING
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Even in its overgrown, unkempt state, the structure’s 3-foot-thick limestone walls and original timbers spoke to Mike Baum. He visualized the greatness in the abandoned behemoth, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the bestpreserved mills in the country. “It’s a drop-dead gorgeous architectural marvel and right on the corner in Montgomery,” says Baum. He partnered with Brian Dolan and Phil Cullen last fall to revive the neglected giant and turn it into a multifaceted project, including an event and wedding venue, beer garden and 1920s-themed speakeasy. Incentives from the village encouraged the trio, “and we bought this sleeping beauty, and spent a considerable amount of money getting it in shape.”
Its ribbon-cutting was in August. “The key is a loft over the river that turned into Baum’s Biergarten that’s absolutely stunning,” says Baum. “There’s a beautiful bend in the Fox River that’s gorgeous. There’s no finer outdoor eating area anywhere in the valley.” Tables are 5-inch-thick ash slabs from an old sawmill. The bar is a gigantic maple timber cut in half, and other tables are made of packing crates from Frankfurt, Germany. “We’re not on the Rhine, but we’re on the Fox, and it really has a European look to it,” says Baum. The main floor houses Danny Boy’s Neighborhood Speakeasy, which, much like the iconic TV show “Cheers,” has become a gathering place for local residents. Two floors above are large open rooms for events and weddings. In the works
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Plumbing Heating & Cooling Drain Cleaning Sewer Repair Serving the Fox Valley
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SM-CL1916735
DINING & ENTERTAINING
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KENDALL COUNTY MAGAZINE 21
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Proud to help all my neighbors. Janna Misek Insurance Agency Inc.
Janna Misek, Agent 1136 Douglas Road • Oswego, IL 60543 Bus: 630-554-1540 • Jannamisek.com
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is a huge addition for up to 300 off the third floor — an outdoor deck with retractable roof, overlooking the river, and a multipurpose area with bakery, pizza oven and rotisserie chickens. And the fourth floor? “The fourth floor is for our ghost,” says Baum. Oh, yes, there’s a ghost. “I don’t believe in ghosts, but there is a ghost,” he admits. “He’s a friendly ghost who turns on the stereo system, and when we turn the lights out in that room we get in our cars and see the lights go back on.” A diehard Bears fan, Baum is planning the ultimate tailgate party for all Chicago Bears games. “I was the first guy with a bus and went to every home game for years,” he says. The plan includes a tailgating buffet with stew, chili, ribs and bloody marys — and, of course, gigantic TVs outside. When it comes to the food, “Everything is house-made,” says Cullen, who owns a number of other restaurants. “We have several burgers and great appetizers.” A big seller is the beef sandwich with lots of onions on a nice roll. So are the different breads, including a popular cheese-stuffed roll that Cullen says is “out of this world.” Desserts include carrot cake and a waffle tower with ice cream, caramel and chocolate. The pork belly fries, covered in pork belly and cheeses “is a killer,” says Cullen. Their biggest selling burger — the onion burger — is a half-pound Angus beef patty made
to order, topped with grilled onions, on an onion roll and served with oldfashioned onion rings. The full bar specializes in highend drinks. “We serve 12 specialty cocktails,” says Cullen. “One is our Old-Fashioned we smoke, which gives it a smoother flavor. We follow strict recipes for all of our cocktails.” Cullen, with 18 years of bar experience, handpicks the whiskey and other spirits. Baum’s Biergarten serves six kinds of authentic, imported German beer on draft. There’s free ’70s, ’80s and ’90s acoustic music outside Thursday through Sunday. “Sitting outside in the beer garden with music is totally transforming and magical,” says Baum. “Phil, Brian and I technically own the building, but we are just caretakers,” says Baum. “This building belongs to the citizens of Montgomery and surrounding area.” Baum says he tries to be on hand nightly to greet guests. “Almost every table tells me how glad and happy they are that the Mill is back in action,” he says. “Folks really care about the Mill as if they have ownership in it. They seem to really want us to succeed. We have strong winds behind us.” THE GRAY’S MILL ESTATE 211 N. River St., Montgomery 630-692-3182 www.graysmillestate.com
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Suzy’s Live Music Concert Calendar Friday Oct 1st – Metrofern Friday Oct 8th – Interstate 90’s Saturday Oct 9th – Industrial Drive Friday Oct 15th – Blue Sky Saturday Oct 16th – Rex Manning Day Friday Oct 22nd – Blink 182 & Foo Fighters Tributes (What’s Our Age Again & Smells Like Dave Grohl) Saturday Oct 23rd – Paramore & Fall Out Boy Tributes (Fueled by Emo) Friday Oct 29th – The Telltale Hearts Saturday Oct 30th – Cannonball (2021 Halloween Bash) Friday Nov 5th – Shooter McGavin Saturday Nov 6th – Serendipity Friday Nov 12th – Leroy Winn Power Trio Saturday Nov 13th – Coverlicious Friday Nov 19th – Wait What? Saturday Nov 20th – Pinion Wednesday Nov 24th – Crash Friday Nov 26th – Redline Audio Saturday Nov 27th – Sushi Roll
Voted 2021 One of the Best VIDEO GAMING
in the Kendall County area!
Suzy’s Bar & Grill
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4353 T Rd Yorkville, Y k ill IL 60560 • (630) (63 553-6500 • suzysyorkville.com Tuma Rd,
A Facility That’s All About Canine Care At Woofbeach Bay, it’s our passion to provide exceptional grooming that keeps dogs happy and healthy. Without a doubt, we put a lot of compassion and patience into each of our grooms. As a result, that assures the experience will be very pleasant fro your dog. This applies to both grooming and our obedience training classes.
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Everyone on the WoofBeach Bay staff receives training in the safe handling and proper dog grooming techniques. In addition, we use only the very best quality shampoos, products and trimming equipment. When it comes to our facility. WoofBeach Bay presents the same pleasant beach-like atmosphere of our other locations. It’s a joy being a dog owner and we intend for our clients to enjoy their appointments with us.
Woofbeach Bay 2124 Galena Blvd. Aurora IL 630-686-8050 woofbeachbay.com | FALL 2021 |
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TAKING TIME FOR
yourself IF YOU’VE NEVER EXPERIENCED A FLOTATION SPA OR HALOTHERAPY BEFORE, HEAD TO BREATHE SALT THERAPY TO TRY SOMETHING NEW By Vicki Martinka Petersen | Photos provided by Breathe Salt Therapy
When you think
of a spa day, a relaxing facial or pedicure might come to mind . While Breathe Salt Therapy might not offer these typical spa treatments, its goal is the same: to give people time and a safe space where they can relax and take care of themselves.
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“I have my own chronic issues, and it got to the point where I wasn’t feeling well all the time. That’s when I changed my habits to take a more natural route for care,” Prather says. “Traditional spas focus on pampering. We’re more of a wellness space offering holistic services like halotherapy and a flotation tub — the types of services you won’t find at a regular spa.” This new wellness spa in Yorkville takes a natural, holistic approach to health and wellness. Owner Lisa Prather understands the importance of managing one’s health — she opened Breathe Salt Therapy because she was sick of being sick.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Halotherapy is an alternative, natural treatment for respiratory conditions like asthma, allergies and lung infections. Also known as salt therapy, Breathe Salt Therapy describes halotherapy as “breathing in air with tiny salt particles.” Another popular service, the infrared sauna,
| FALL 2021 |
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Fall Is For Planting! • Shade & Ornamental Trees • Evergreens • Flowering Shrubs • Fruit Trees • Perennials • Fall Annuals • Pansies • Hardy Fall Mums • Flowering Kale & Cabbage • Succulents • Home & Garden Decor • Fairy Garden Accessories
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uses infrared technology to help eliminate toxins like sodium, alcohol and cholesterol. This therapy also helps provide pain relief and increase cell health. “It’s cool when someone comes in not feeling well, and they come out of the room with relief from any pressure or pain,” Prather says. “It’s great to give them hope that they can feel better that day.” Other services include a flotation tank and foot detox bath. This fall the center is adding aesthetics and massage. Even if you don’t have health issues, Prather says anyone can benefit from these. “Things aren’t calm right now. We’re all busy with careers, kids, school, and could use the time to slow down,” she adds. Although she hasn’t owned a business before, Prather wasn’t nervous about taking the leap to open the center. “I think other people were more nervous for me
69 W. Washington St / Rt 34 Oswego, IL 60543
especially since I opened a business during the COVID-19 pandemic.” The center’s design naturally accounts for spacing out, with rooms designed for one or two people receiving treatment at a time. Customers are typically in rooms by themselves unless they come with a friend. Some rooms can also serve more than one purpose — for example, an aesthetics and massage area can double as a halotherapy room. The center had a soft opening in mid-June and welcomed both new and returning patrons throughout the summer. There’s been a positive response from the community so far. “It’s so great meeting new people and being able to help them,” says Prather.
BREATHE SALT THERAPY 2611 N. Bridge St., Yorkville 234-273-2843 www.breathesalttherapy.net
(630) 554-9339 Ed Hettinger Owner
Matt Hettinger Sales
NOW IN OUR
15th YEAR
YOUR FRIENDS IN THE CAR BUSINESS
OUR MISSION IS TO GIVE YOU A PLEASURABLE BUYING EXPERIENCE Ed and Matt invite you to stop by and see how over 50 years combined experience can make your purchase truly pleasant. We are currently celebrating our 15th year serving the Fox Valley area. We specialize in vehicles under $10,000 - many in the $4,000-$8,000 range. All have been safety checked, serviced and should give you years of driving pleasure as a student, family, work or second vehicle. If you don’t see what you are looking for in our inventory regardless of the year, we will find that special vehicle for you. We truly appreciate the many loyal customers and referrals we have had over the last 15 years. Make your next vehicle purchase from us and we will exceed your expectations.
Downtown by the railroad tracks!
Also visit our website at www.HettsAutoSales.com
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
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YOUR CHILD’$ CREATING A SAVINGS PLAN FOR HIGHER EDUCATION
S
eptember may not be the first month of your child's school year, but by now, you're hopefully finding a rhythm and settling down into a routine. If this makes you look around and realize the kids or grandkids are getting older, you're not alone.
Inevitably, you will allow yourself to think about what your child will do after high school. Your focus may start on what type of school they may attend and what they may choose to study — which are far more pleasant topics than how this all will be paid for. Out of curiosity you may grab your phone, search for a favorite college and look up what it will cost to attend. This is the point where your knuckles turn white as you tightly squeeze both the phone and the glass in your hand.
As the sampling of some popular regional institutions shows, the current published costs of attendance can be intimidating. The picture becomes more serious when you consider the amount you would need to plan for if you have a child born in 2021 who would attend a school for four years starting in 2039.
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TUITION/ROOM/ FEES*
PROJECTED TOTAL COST 2039-2042**
Indiana University, Bloomington (Non-resident)
$51,222
$531,300
Northwestern University, Evanston (Resident)
$78,654
$815,858
The University of Iowa, Iowa City (Non-resident)
$46,789
$485,153
The University of Wisconsin, Madison (Non-resident)
$53,613
$556,123
University of Chicago (Resident)
$81,531
$845,706
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (Resident)
$47,444
$492,193
INSTITUTION
*Published annual tuition, room & board, and required fees. **Assume 5% annual increase and student attends for four years starting in 2039.
BUSINESS & CIVIC
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Unfortunately for your wallet, the aid you may receive from the government, colleges and private scholarships often only cover about one-third of all college expenses. The sooner you start saving, the better off you will be in the long run, and even modest savings can grow into significant investments by the time your child is ready to head off to school.
HERE’S HOW TO GET STARTED SAVING P Save money methodically via payroll deduction or via another systematic investment method. (Your financial advisor should be able to help you with this.) P Consult your financial advisor and collaborate to develop a plan with milestones for achieving your child’s educational goal. As your children get old enough, have them periodically accompany you when meeting with your financial advisor, allowing them to learn and become engaged in the process. P When they are old enough to get a job, have your children contribute half of their earnings into their college savings fund. P Save and invest windfalls such as inheritances, income tax refunds or bonuses. P Increase the amount you save by 5% each year to keep up with the college tuition inflation rate. P Ask relatives to contribute to the savings account in lieu of gifts. P Keep your savings and investment plans a priority. P Make sure to not carry credit card debt and to maintain an emergency fund as this will help keep you from having to “raid” college savings to cover other expenses. Strategies for investing for college are many and cannot be adequately covered in this single article. Contact us to discuss ways your money can work as hard as you do.
This material is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified attorney, tax advisor, or plan provider.
Photo by Indre Cantero
File# 3714661.1
Tom McCartney and Sharon Piet are teammates at My Advisor & Planner and are Registered Representatives and Investment Adviser Representatives with M Securities. Securities and Investment Advisory Services are offered through M Holdings Securities, Inc., a Registered Broker/ Dealer and Investment Adviser, Member FINRA/SIPC. My Advisor & Planner is independently owned and operated. Tom and Sharon can be reached at info@mapyourfuture.net, at 630-457-4068, or you can visit them at www.mapyourfuture.net. KENDALL COUNTY MAGAZINE 27
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