Best of the South Side 2022

BESTOFTHE SOUTHSIDE

WelcometothetenthanniversaryeditionofBestoftheSouthSide!Fortenyearsrunningwe’ve beenbringingreadersthemostpersonal,idiosyncratic“Bestof”issueintown.Eachyear,Bestof theSouthSidegrowsmorecollaborativeandfeaturesmorevoicesfromaroundthecity.Inthe process,wegettolearnsomuchaboutChicagowewouldn’tnormallyhavethechanceto—liketheradical history of aWoodlawn church, or the namesake of a new athletic center in Pullman.

Inthisyear’sissue,you’llmeeteldersfromalloverthecitywhohavegivenbacktotheircommunities againandagain;you’llbetantalizedbybelovedrestaurantsandbakeriesgoingstrongdespiterisingrents andpandemics;andyou’lldiscoverparksandnaturepreservestosootheyoursoul.Expecttorunintoitems you’reunlikelytofindanywhereelse,likethecaseforanoveltrafficsolutioninChinatown,thehistoryofthe taco,andanodetochildhoodhotchips.Andwehopeyou’llgetsomeuseoutoftheissue,too.Insideyou’ll findrestaurantsuggestionsforthenexttimeyou’reshortondinnerplansandtipsforwheretogetyourcar washed, buy groceries for African cooking, and thrift your next look.

BestoftheSouthSideisalaborofloveinmanyways:it’sacollaborative,summerlong,sometimes messyattempttoinviteneighborhoodresidents,communityleaders,artists,andemergingwritersfrom acrosstheSouthSidetotellusabouttheplaces,people,andstoriesthatmaketheircommunitiesspecial. Butwe’repleasedtoreportthatthisyearwebackedthatloveupwithsomemoney.Thankstoagrantfrom theChicagoCommunityTrust,weareableforthefirsttimetopayourneighborhoodcaptains,writers, photographers, and fact checkers.

Sojumpinandtravelthecity,fromNorthLawndaletoHegewisch,andtheSouthLooptoBeverly. Andlookforsomesupplementalcontentonourwebsitethatwouldn’tfitinthisoverstuffedprintissue. From all of us at the Weekly, here’s the Best of the South Side.

ashburn& auburn gresham 4 avalon park& calumet heights & burnside 8

back of the yards 11 beverly& morgan park & mount greenwood 14 bridgeport &canaryville

brighton park& mckinley park20

bronzeville& washington park24

chatham&greater grand crossing 27 chicago lawn& west lawn 33 chinatown 36

clearing & garfield ridge40 east side & south chicago 44 englewood &west englewood 47

SOUTHSIDEWEEKLY

The SouthSideWeekly is an independent non-profit newspaperbyandfortheSouthSideofChicago.We provide high-quality,criticalarts and public interest coverage, andequip anddevelopjournalists, artists, photographers, and mediamakers of allbackgrounds.

Volume10,Issue 1 Editor-in-Chief Jacqueline Serrato

Managing Editor AdamPrzybyl

SeniorEditors ChristopherGood OliviaStovicek SamStecklow MarthaBayne

Arts Editor IsabelNieves EducationEditor MadeleineParrish HousingEditor Malik Jackson Community OrganizingEditor ChimaIkoro ImmigrationEditor Alma Campos

ContributingEditors LuciaGeng Matt Moore FranciscoRamírez Pinedo JocelynVega ScottPemberton

StaffWriters Kiran Misra Yiwen Lu

Director of Fact Checking: SkyPatterson Fact Checkers: EllaBeiser, Savannah Hugueley, PhanLe,Kate Linderman,YiwenLu, Bry Moore, GraceVaughn, Grace DelVecchio andKateGallagher

VisualsEditor BridgetKillian DeputyVisuals Editors ShaneTolentino MellMontezuma

gage park 52 hegewisch 54 hyde park&kenwood 56 la villita 59

littleitaly& tri-taylor & university village 61 north lawndale 65 pilsen 67

pullman& roseland 70 south deering & jeffereymanor 72 south loop 74 southshore 76 westpullman& riverdale 79 woodlawn83

Staff Illustrators MellMontezuma ShaneTolentino

LayoutEditors Colleen Hogan HaleyTweedell Jason Schumer ShaneTolentino Tony Zralka

Webmaster Pat Sier

ManagingDirector Jason Schumer Director of Operations Brigid Maniates

TheWeekly isproduced by a mostly all-volunteer editorial staff and seeks contributionsfrom across thecity.We publish online weeklyandinprint everyotherThursday.

Sendsubmissions, story ideas,comments, orquestions to editor@southsideweekly.com or mail to:

SouthSideWeekly 6100S.BlackstoneAve. Chicago, IL60637

For advertising inquiries contactSusanMalone:773358-3129, malone@southsideweekly.com

CoverIllustration by Christina Cano

Compiled by Cassandra Powell, NeighborhoodCaptain

ASHBURN & AUBURN GRESHAM

CassandraPowellistheexecutivedirectorofLightofLovingKindness,anonprofitlocated ontheSouthSideofChicagothatprovidesyouthdevelopmentprogramsthatfocusonmental wellness,social-emotionallearning,andmindfulness-basedtools.Sheisayogateacher,reiki master, artist, and sound healing practitioner.

Twohomeycommunitiesonthefarsouthwestside,AshburnandAuburn

GreshamareborderedbyEvergreenParkandOakLawntothesouthand west,andEnglewoodandWestLawnonthenorthandeast.Fullofclassic Chicagobungalows,Ashburncanoftenfeellikethesuburbswithinthecity.With numerousnaturespaces,closeaccesstotwopubliclibraries,andmyriadoptionsfor personalfulfillmentliketheMasjidAlMuhajireenorWAOToastmasters,Ashburn is a small neighborhood in size, but is a thriving racially diverse community at heart.

However,ithasn’talwaysbeenso.Ashburnisstillintheprocessofhealingthe woundsofitspastwhencityresidentsandofficialschosesegregation,preventing BlacksandLatinosfromlivingwithintheboundariesoftheneighborhood.Adiverse rangeofoldandnewbusinessspeaktotheevolvingcharacteroftheneighborhood: Vito&Nick’sPizzeriahasbeenastapleofthecommunityformorethanseventy-five years,andBluebirdLanesoriginallyopenedinthelate1950s,whilethemuchyounger LasIslasMariasservesupdeliciousseafooddishesfromtheMexicanstateofNayarit. TheGreaterAshburnPlanningAssociationhasworkedtoensurethatallresidents ofthiscommunityareseen,heard,andrespected.TheBlackFireBrigade,likewise, providesworkshopsandeducationforAfricanAmericanresidentsseekingtobecome medicaltechniciansandEMTs.Myownorganization,LightofLovingKindness, providesyouthdevelopmentprogramsfocusingonmentalwellnessandmindfulness toolsforhighschoolstudents.Theseareonlythreeofthemanyorganizationsworking

towards healing and unity within this community.

AdjacenttoAshburn,AuburnGreshamwasoriginallysettledinthelate1800s byGermanandDutchimmigrants,andlaterbecameaneighborhoodofIrish railwayworkers.Today,Greshamisathriving,predominantlyBlackcommunity richwithhistory,culture,anddeepaspirationsforabrightfuture.Withacurrent populationofaround45,000,Greshamisacommunitywithfamilies,youth,and elders, all seeking to live a high quality, enriched life.

A2016qualityoflifeplaninitiatedbytheGreaterAuburnGresham DevelopmentCorporationdefinedGresham’sfuturegrowthwithclear directivestomeettwenty-fouroutcomes,amongthemstrengtheningrelationships withbusinessownersandcultivatingentrepreneursfromthecommunity;improving neighborhoodschoolsandprovidingstudentswithaccesstocommitted,culturally responsiveurbaneducators;focusingonbecomingspiritually,mentally,emotionally andphysicallyhealthythroughincreasedaccesstonutritiousfoods,healthcare andrehabilitativeservices;increasingparticipationincommunitycrimeprevention programssuchasC.A.P.S.,andprovidingoptionsforseniorstoparticipateinfitness and movement-based programs to name a few long-term goals.

Hangingoutintheneighborhoodtodayyoucanclearlynoticespacesbeing continuouslyactivatedtomeetthesecommunitygoals.AHealthyLifestyleHubon 79thStreet,theresultofapartnershipbetweenGAGDCandthenonprofitsGreen EraPartnersandUrbanGrowersCollective,wasthecitywidewinnerofthe$10 millionChicagoPrizefromthePritzkerTraubertFoundationin2020.Justlastmonth Invest/SouthWestartist-in-residenceDorianSylvainputthefinishingtouchesona new“ColorsofCommunity”muralonthecornerof79thandRacine.Truly,thingsare growing and changing on the Southwest Side. (Cassandra Powell)

ST. SABINA CHURCH, PHOTO BY JASON SCHUMER

BESTCOMMUNITYTUTORINGANDTECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

New Foundation of Hope

WhenRonaldMason,executivedirectorandfounderofNewFoundationofHope, looksbackonnearlytwentyyearsofcreatingahavenforyouthinthecommunity, heseestremendoussuccess.Hecanpinpointatleasttwodozenclearsuccessstories wheregraduatesofhisprogramwentontocollegeandsecuredgreatjobs,somewith fullscholarshipsandsupportalongtheway.Twoarenowlawyers,hesaid,“kidswho had no opportunities and found a way there.”

NewFoundationofHopewasfoundedinOctober2002whenMasonrented agenerousspaceforkidstosafelytrick-or-treatonHalloween.Thisideacontinued forsevenyearsuntiltheorganizationevolvedtoafull-scaleprogramthatincludesan after-schooltutoringservice,acommunityengagementprogram,andasummerschool camp.

Thisyear’scohortincludesfifty-fivelow-incomeyouthagedsixtosixteen.The programisprovidedforfree,subsidizedthroughtheStateofIllinois.Mondaythrough Friday,thekidshaveartsandcrafts,takeclasseslikecomputerliteracyandmath, andtakefieldtripsonceaweektoplaceslikeMedievalTimes,Chicago-areascience museums, a beach in Indiana, and several zoos.

“Theideaisjusttogetthemoutoftheirusualsurroundingsandbroadentheir horizon,” Mason says.

NewFoundationofHopehasalsohostedalarge-scalefooddriveforthelastten years.

“Peoplecomeuptomeandsay,‘IhadnoideawhereIwasgoingtogetmynext meal,’”saidMason.“So,forme,it’saboutthekidsandtheirfamilies.Theyarejustas involved in the process.”

Whiletheyremainstandingafteradifficultstretchfromthepandemic,Masonis lookingforwardtosomestability.“It’sbeenachallengingyear,”hesaid.“Youdoyour besttosustainyourself,butit’salwaysanuphillclimb.Poorcommunitiesseedirecthits year after year.We see the devastation in the community.”

HedescribesNewFoundationofHopeasasmall,butmightynonprofitthat shouldstandsidebysidewithbetter-knownnonprofitsliketheBoys&GirlsClubof Chicago.

Hishands-onapproachcomesfromadeephistoryinnonprofitfundraisingand developmentwork.Infact,whenMasonfirsthadtheideatoformNewFoundation ofHope,hesentletterstoeachofhisformeremployersaskingfortheirsupport, detailinghisvision.Hesaidtheygavehimaresounding“goforit,”elatedsomeonewas venturingtodowhatsofewnonprofitshaveattempted—reallyhelpingacommunity fromtheinsideout.MasonwasraisedinAuburnGresham,soitwasagiventhathe would make it New Foundation of Hope’s permanent home.

OnOctober21,2022,NewFoundationofHopewillcelebratetwentyyearswith anothersafeHalloweengathering.Thenonprofitwillalsohostaturkeyandham giveawayinNovemberandDecember.Masonhopesthatthisprecedesaseismic shiftfortheorganization.Heanticipatesowning,notrenting,abiggerspacebythe springof2023andisworkingtowardsexpandingNewFoundationofHopetoother locations,oneoptionbeinghishometownofReserve,Louisiana.Inthemeantime,the nonprofitwillcontinuetowelcomebacktheirgraduatestospeakandinfluencethe next generation of hopefuls.

“Itnevergetsoldtoseeakidcomeintotheirown,stayoutoftrouble,andcome back and say,‘Thank you, Mr. Mason.’” (Nicole NeSmith)

NewFoundationofHope,8144S.KedzieAve.Monday-Friday,9am-4pm.new foundationofhope.org.They’realwayslookingforexperiencedafter-schooltutors;reachoutat newfoundationofhope@yahoo.com to volunteer.

BESTFOODTRUCKGRUB

No Sauce AZ Smokehouse

ThemenuatNoSauceAZSmokehouseisbasedonfavoritesfromtheAuburn Greshamneighborhood:porktips,turkeytips,ribs,chickenwings,andpulledpork. Unless you ask for sauce, you don’t need it.

In2013,NoSaucefounderAlbertJohnsonmadesomechickenwithnosauce— hissignature—foranightclubgig,andapatronarguedwithhimaboutthepreparation.

“Hesaid,‘Where’sthesauce?Where’sthesauce?’Likehewasoffended.And Isaid,‘youdon’tneednosauce.’Well,hegotadrink,grabbedsomechicken,ateit quickly,andhesaiditwasthebestchickenheeverhad.Hesaid,‘yournameisno sauce now.’”

Thenamestuck.NoSauceofficiallylaunchedinArizonain2018asapickuptruck andatent.Johnsonfrequentedfarmer’smarkets,settinguphissmalloutdoorkitchen.

“Thiswasmyfirsttimeactuallygoingoutandsellingfood,”Johnsonsaid.“I thought‘farmer’smarketshavevegetables—theyaren’tgoingtobeinterestedinmy food.Thisisnotgoingtowork.’Well,wesoldoutthatfirstday.Thatreallyputafire under my foot.”

Thoughhehadbeenbarbecuingsincehewasakid,messingaroundwithhis WeberGrills,Johnsonneverimaginedthiswouldbehisjob.“WhenIfirststarted cooking,itwasbecauseoftheloveofbarbecue,andthepassionoftalkingtopeople working their smokers, and to see people eat and smile,” he said.

Fromthenon,NoSaucewasbeingbookedacrossPhoenix.Johnsonlearnedsome tricksofthetradealongthewayfromfellowsmokers,manywhohadnothingin common with him beyond the love of BBQ.

“Inthebarbecueworld,foodisaconnectiontopeace.Doesn’tmatterwhoyouare or what you believe, almost everyone likes barbecue.”

TwoyearsintostartingNoSauce,hewonsecondplaceatacitywidefestivalin Yuma, Arizona. Attendees booed the decision, proclaiming No Sauce as the winner.

“Tears just started coming from everywhere. I was proud of myself. It felt crazy.”

Heboughtafoodtruckwiththehopeofmoreflexibilityandgreatergains.Itwas

asuccessfulyear,butthenapersonalseparationmotivatedhimtomovebacktohis hometownofChicago.Afewmonthslater,hewasgettingahaircutjustdoorsdown fromNoSauce’scurrent79thStreetlocation,andsawthebuildingstorefrontwas available.“It seemed meant to be.”

NoSaucefinallyhadapermanenthome.Describingthenewventureasbeing “scaredtodeath,”JohnsonquelledhisfearsbyrememberingthesuccessinArizona and the confidence he brought to his cooking.

Qualitycontroliseverything for him; he comes inat 6am to start smoking.

“Ifyouhaveagoodportionofmeatthathasbeensmokedproperly,thenyou’rein heaven.Smokingthatmeattoperfection,itdoessomethingtomementally.Itreally camefrommyexperiencesinlife.Thesmokermakesmehappy.Idon’tconsiderit work.Ifyouhaveagoodproduct,peoplearegonnabuyit—andIhaveagreatproduct.”

Johnsonstillmakeshisfoodtruckanactivepartofhisbusiness.EachFriday,he takesthetrucktoalocalcarshow,bringsamanageableamountoffoodandalways sellsout.Then,heclosesupandenjoysthecarshow.Forrightnow,thetruckisaside project, but he could see it growing.

AlltheNoSaucerecipescurrentlyexistonlyinJohnson’shead.Eventually,hewill passonhisknowledgesohecanexpand.Butfornow,he’sjustshowingwhathecan do,onedayatatime.Hiscookingcredoistokeepthefoodfreshandsticktowhat you know.

“It’sbeenahardroad,butIneverfeltdefeated,”hesaid.“Ittookalottogetto whereIamandfeelgoodaboutwhatIdo.IknowtheysayTexashasthebestbarbecue, but I have the best barbecue.” (Nicole NeSmith)

NoSauceAZSmokehouse2055W.79thSt.Wednesday-Saturday11am-8pm,Sunday12–6pm. (773) 891-4684. nosaucebbqaz.com

BESTPLACETOBEINNATURE

TheDanRyanWoods

WhenIfirststartedcollegeinthecity,myclassmatesandIweredeliberatingover howtofilmashortscriptwe’dbeenassigned.WhenIsuggestedthatweshootitin thewoods,myclassmateswereconfused—wherewerewegoingtofindawoodedarea in Chicago?

Stretchingfrom90thStreetallthewayupto82ndStreet,theDanRyanWoods isa257-acrechunkofnaturenestledinthefarSouthSide.Whilepeoplefamiliar withthewoodsmayassumeitsitswithintheBeverlyneighborhood,asitwas formerlynamedtheBeverlyWoods,thisbeautifulpublicspaceactuallycalls Ashburnitshome.Ispentmyteenageyearstightropewalkingoverfallentreetrunks andemergingfromthebrushcoveredinEnchanter'sNightshade—aharmlessbut peskyhitchhikingplantthatcanlatchontoyourclothingasyouexploretheunpaved pathway.Theparkandhikebringsadense,freshplotofgreenerytotheSouthSide, andishometomanyplants,birds,andsmallcreatures.Thewoodsalsohavepicnic groves—includingaccessiblepicnicgrovesforguestswithvaryingneeds—where visitorscan sit and commune fromspringtofall.

Althoughpublicparksandgardensprovideabreathoffreshairwithin Chicago’sconcretejungle,there’ssomethingirreplaceableaboutgettinglostundera canopyoftrees.Studieshaveshownthatbeingaroundnaturecanimproveourmood andframeofmind.Imagineperchingonatreestumpandreadingyourfavoritebook, orridingyourbikedownthepavedtrail.There’sapeacethatwillfollowyouhome afterspendingadaybecomingonewiththenaturalworldaroundyou.And,speaking ofbikingonthetrail:theparkfeaturesbothaone-milepavedloopandthemorethan six-mile-long MajorTaylorTrail,namedafter Marshall“Major”Taylor.Taylor wasan award-winningBlackcyclistandcivilrightsactivistwhospenthispartingyearssettled inChicago.Foralongtimehewasthefastestbicycleriderintheworld,andoneofthe firstBlackworldchampionsinanysport.WhenwerefertotheDanRyanWoodsas historic, these arethe typesof stories that liveamongst the wildlife.

EveryoneshouldvisittheDanRyanWoodsatleastonceiftheycalltheSouth Sidetheirhome.It’ssoimportantforustoseehowmuchbeautyandadventureis available to us right in our backyards.(Chima Ikoro)

DanRyanWoods,W.87thSt.andS.WesternAve.Sunrise–sunset.fpdcc.com/places/ locations/dan-ryan-woods/

BESTPLACETOGETACARWASH

Buddy Bear CarWash

NomatterwhereImoveinthecity,IswearbygettingmycarwashedonthefarSouth SideatBuddyBearCarWash.Itmightseemtrivialtodrivepastsomanyothercar washesalongtheway,someascloseasfiveminutesfrommyhome,tocomeallthe wayhere,butIhaveneversecondguessedit.Thereissomethingaboutbeingoutsouth thatmakesthechoreofwashingandcleaningmycarmorebearable.Maybeit’sthe people;whenit’shotoutsidethecarwashisfilledwithfolkshandwashingtheircars nearby,playingmusic,offeringcarairfreshenersormicrofibertowels,andpolitely maneuveringaround each other.

AsIcontinuetobecomeacquaintedwithadulthood,manyofmyformative car-relatedmomentshappenedatBuddyBearCarWash.Forexample,whenIlivedall thewayupnorthinEdgewater,Ihadaticketstucktomywindowforparkingillegally. BeforeIcouldretrievetheticket,itrained,causingtheadhesivetofusewiththeglass onmydriver'sside.ItseemssmallexceptI’dbeenborrowingthecarfrommydadfor thepastfewmonthsandneededtoreturnitsoon.So,IdrovefortyminutestoBuddy

Bearwheretwoyoungmenofferedtohelpmescrubtheglueoffofmywindow.They lentahandwithoutevenbeingaskedastheywatchedmescrapeawayatit.Thatisthe kindofenergythatlivesatthisspecificcarwash.IknowthatevenifIpullupalone, I’ll be surrounded by good people and high spirits.

AlthoughIamnowaproudownerofmyownvehicle,Istillrunintosituations whereIneedahand.Mydadboughtmethesestrikingredandblackmatsformy car'sinterior,andaswinterandspringdepartedIrealizedIneededtocleanthem forthesummer.I’dalwaysseenthematcleaningmachine,butIneverdaredtouse it.Oneday,IdecidedtogotoBuddyBearknowingthatitwouldbebusyandfullof

people.Iwasgenuinelybankingonsomeoneofferingtohelpmeusethemachineand Iwasright.AsIapproachedthemachinewithmymats,Ididn’tstandthereforlong zbeforeayoungmanapproachedmeandofferedtoshowmehowtouseit.How didhedemonstrate?Hewashedallfourofmymats.Whenmymomneededher carcleaned,ItookherandmybrothertoBuddyBearandrevealedthatI’dfinally learnedhowtousethematcleaner.Itwasaseeminglysmalltaskwerealizedwenever attempted to do because we simply did not know how.

Whiletheseanecdotesarenotnecessarilylifechanging,theyspeaktothefactthat feelingaccountedforinthesmallestofwaysaddshappinesstoplacesandsituations weleastexpectit.IfI’mburntoutafterrunningerrandsallday,takingmycartoBuddy Bearfeelsliketheleastofmychores.Ifanything,therelaxingcolorsinthecarwash andthesatisfactionofsuckingupcrumbsfromyourbackseataretherapeutic.This thoughtremindsmeofthemostimportantpart:BuddyBearoffersfreevacuuming witheverycarwash.Idon’thavetodigaroundforcoinstoputintoamachine,the carwashspitsyououtrightintothelotwhereallthevacuumsandgarbagebinsare located.AndBuddyBearknowsalil’somethingaboutfreebies:inDecember2021, they gave out 10,000 free car washes!

Communitycanbefoundinthestrangestofplaces,whetherit’steenagersusing coinsandcreditcardstoscrapeglueoffofglassoramaster-classsessiononhowto usethematcleaningmachine.AsIbecomemoreawareoftheworldaroundme,Ifind myselfcherishingeventhesmallestpocketswhereloveandgratitudelive.Intheend, eachpatronatBuddyBearisunitedbyacentralgoal—weallhopethatabirddoesnot poop on our windshield after all our hard work. (Chima Ikoro)

Buddy Bear CarWash, 8644 S. Kedzie Ave. Daily 7am–9pm. buddybearcarwash.com

PHOTOBYJASONSCHUMER

AVALON PARK, BURNSIDE & CALUMET HEIGHTS

Compiled by RovettaMcKinney, NeighborhoodCaptain

NeighborhoodcaptainRovettaMcKinneyisafreelancewriterwhoisaloverofcultureand travel and enjoys all things creative.

“ImovedtoChicagobecauseIhadtogetoutofAlabama,”saidMrs.Beatta Petty, who moved to Avalon Park in December 1975.

“IlovedtheEastSideofChicago,andIlovedthisparticularareabecause ofalltheBlack-ownedbusinesses….TheNationofIslam,MosqueMaryam,wasright downatStonyIsland.TheShabazzRestaurantonCottageGrove,wherethesenior citizensbuildingisrightnow.Downat87thStreet,79thStreet,overeast,Blackownedstoresandrestaurants.Sothat’swhereIwantedtobe,becauseintheSouth, IhadbeenapartoftheCivilRightsMovement.Wewereintegratingschools,andI went to University of Alabama, and it was a nightmare,” said Petty.

Whenpickinganeighborhoodtolivein,Pettyhadspecificcriteria:she wantedtoliveinanareathatwasnotgoingthroughwhiteflight.“Iwaslooking foraneighborhoodthatwasstable—basicallyBlack,middleclass,upperclass, becauseyouknow,wealllivedtogether.”Duringthe1970s,Chicagowasaggressively segregated,anditwasofteninthebestinterestofnewlymintedBlacktransplantsto seekresidencewithinexistingBlackneighborhoodsforsafetyreasons.“Itdidn’tmatter ifyouwereadoctor,custodian,wealllivedtogether.That’showitwasintheSouth.A lotoftheneighbors,thepeopleImetwerefromtheSouthalsoandhadsimilarvalues,” Petty said.

PettyalsochoseAvalonParkbecauseshedidn’twanttobearoundanyliquor storesortaverns;theneighborhoodwasdryfrom79thto87thStreet.Thiswas importanttoherbecauseshedidn’tdrink.Additionally,itwasherexperiencethat taverns and liquor stores could attract people who caused trouble.

Interestingly,thiswassupposedtobeherstarterhome.However,shedecidedto stay because life changed.

“Ihadthecoolestneighbors,”saidPetty.Thewomeninthecenteroftheblock wereworkingwomen,wereolderwomen,andtheycalledher“baby”(whichsheloved). Intheevenings,theywouldgatheronaneighbor’sstoopandtellherstories“about backintheday.”“Ilearnedalot,anditremindedmeofbeinghomeinAlabama aroundmyauntsandmygrandmother.Sobecauseoftheneighbors,Igotattached, andthenofcoursewehadkids,andSt.Felicitas[parishandschool]wasrightdown the street.There used to be a lot of kids, a lot of boys on this block,” said Petty.

ManyofPetty’soriginalneighborshavesincepassed.Theneighborhoodisa bitquietersincemanyoftheresidents’childrenhavegrownupandmovedouton theirown.Despitethechanges,Petty,now72,isstilldedicatedtopreservingher community.Sheservesasblockclubpresident,somewhatofaresidentgriot,and oftenabridgebetweenherneighborswhoresideontheblock.(AstoldtoRovetta McKinney by Mrs. Beatta Petty)

BESTFIFTIES-INSPIREDSUBURBINACITY

Marynook

Marynook:anarchitecturalpreservationist’sdream.Uponenteringthiscommunity, oneisimmediatelyawareofhowuniqueitis.Unlikethegridlayouttypicalofmost Chicagoneighborhoods,Marynookisalabyrinthofcurved,windingstreetsandculde-sacs,discreetlylocatedwithintheAvalonParkneighborhood.Thesuburban-style subdivisionconsistsof423well-manicuredmid-centurymodernsingle-family houses,withalargepark,AvalonPark(createdaftertheneighborhoodtookthat name),adjacenttothecommunity.OnawalkthroughMarynook,youwillseemany

MURALBYKAYLAMAHAFFEY.PHOTOBYISABELNIEVES

raisedranchesandsplit-levelhomeswithasymmetricalexteriors,floor-to-ceiling windows,andspaciousbackyards,andquitelikelyafewwithartisticallyshaped geometric bushes.

Marynookwasdevelopedin1955byJ.E.MerrionandCompanyinaneffortto stymiesuburbanwhiteflightduringyearsafterWorldWarII.Theintegrationofthis communitymadenationwidenewslargelybecausetheshiftfromapredominantly WhiteneighborhoodtoBlackinitiallyhappenedslowerthanothercommunitiesand thesubdivisionwasfeaturedonCBSReports(whichcanbefoundonYouTube)inthe early 1960s due to its initial success.

Overtime,however,whiteflighteventuallyoccurred,despitetherebeingno noticeablenegativechangeinthequalityoflife,becauseoffearoftheincreasing numberofBlackpeoplemovingintothesubdivisionandsurroundingareas.Marynook became inhabited predominantly by Black homeowners.

Thecommunitystillflourished.PaulFlowers,aformerMarynookresidentwho grewupintheareaintheeighties,fondlyrecountschildhoodmemoriesofbikingand playing in the subdivision with other similarly aged children.

Marynookhasahomeownersassociationthattakesprideinmakingthis communityfeellikeacommunity.TheHOAgeneratesquarterlynewslettersthat keepresidentsabreastofcurrentneighborhoodnews,anditinstitutesguidelinesinan efforttomaintainpropertyvaluesandagoodqualityoflife.CurrentresidentMarcia Thomasdescribednewneighborsbeinggreetedwithwelcomewagonsandannualbest yard contests.

Today,alargepercentageofthosewhostilldwellinMarynookaremoremature inage,andfewerchildrenareintheneighborhood.SinceCOVID,thesubdivisionis a bit less social, but still a nice place to live,Thomas says.

Ifyouhaveaninterestinmid-centuryarchitecturewithintheboundariesof Chicago, I would invite you to visit Marynook. (Rovetta McKinney)

Marynook,between83rdand87thStreetsfromnorthtosouth,andbetweenStonyIsland Ave and the Metra tracks from east to west.The HOA website: infomarynook.org

BESTATHELPINGDEVELOPGENERATIONSOFHAPPY FEET

Mayfair Arts Center

Timing is everything.

In2020,PeggySuttonwasreadytoretireandmovetoArizona.Shehadheldthe roleofDirectoroftheMayfairAcademyofFineArtssince1978,butthepandemic had taken a toll, and enrollment was very low.

MayfairhadbeenastapleoftheSouthSidesince1957.Theacademywas foundedbyacclaimedtapdancerTommySutton,Peggy’sfather.Helearnedthe artoftapdancefromBill“Bojangles”Robinson;performedwiththegreatssuchas CountBasie,CabCalloway,NatKingColeandhadastintonBroadwaywiththe hit, TheHotMikado.Suttonstartedthedanceschoolbecausewhilehewasableto teachdanceinChicago,therewasnowhereforhischildrenorthechildrenofhis communitytolearndancebecauseofsegregation.Thereprovedtobedemandfor theschool:enrollmentskyrocketedfromninetykidstoeighthundredovertime. Well-knownalumnioftheMayfairAcademyofFineArtsincludeformerFirstLady MichelleObama,rapper-turned-actorCommon,andactressTempesttBledsoeof The Cosby Show fame.

AroundthesametimethatPeggySuttonwasconsideringretirement,the ChicagoHumanRhythmProject(CHRP)wascontemplatingrelocationfromits studiosintheFineArtsBuildingintheLoopduetocosts.Accordingtoan interviewSuttongavetoNewCityStage,shecalledCHRP’sfoundingdirector,Lane Alexander,tosay,“Hi,goodbye.”AlexanderinquiredaboutthefateoftheMayfair

AcademybuildingandinJanuaryofthisyear,CHRPmoveditseducationcenter andartsincubator—theAmericanRhythmCenter—totheMayfairAcademyand relaunched the building as the Mayfair Arts Center (MAC).

InlateJuly,IspokewithAlexander,whoisalsoatapdancer,choreographer,and teacher,aswellashisteam:programmanagerandformercastmemberoftheChicago LionKingproductionKelliDavid-LowandChicagoHumanRhythmProjectartistic director and acclaimed tap dancer, JumaaneTaylor.

IlearnedthattheChicagoHumanRhythmProjectisessentiallyamassive, collaborativeart’sorganization,withfivecoreprograms.TheMACservesasa publicdancespaceandartsincubator,andkeepstruetoitsMayfairAcademyroots byofferingdanceclasses.Additionally,accordingtotheirwebsite,theyprovide businessdevelopmentservicesandsubsidizedspaceforclasses,rehearsals, informalperformancesandspecialeventsforsmalltomedium-sizednonprofitarts organizations and independent artists.

RhythmWorldisoneofCHRP’soldestbrandsandisasummertapdance festival.

CHRPalsohostsStompingGrounds,atwo-month,city-widefestival showcasingpercussivearts,suchasAfricandance,flamenco,Mexicanfolklore,Irish dance,IndianBharatanatyam,Kathak—allthepeoplewhostrumwiththeirfeet. WeAllGotRhythmisanothercoreprogram,anartseducationprojectthatteaches studentsartisticskills,enhancessocialandemotionallearning,andhelpsfostera “lifelongengagementwiththearts.”Finally,StoneSoupRhythmisacollectiveof emergingandestablishedtapdancers.Accordingtothesite,thenameStoneSoup RhythmsreferstoaEuropeanfableinwhichawayfaringstrangerbringsasmall villagetogethertocreateacommunalfeastbyenticingeachmembertoaddaunique ingredient.

NorthsideSouthsideOneside,adanceprogrammingserieshostedbyCHRPat

MRYNOOK.PHOTOBYISABELNIEVES

theMAC,whichiswhatgotitonmyradar:Ireceivedmarketingmaterialsatmy home and wanted to check it out.

Thissix-monthseriesoffreeclassesandperformanceshasthegoalof reintroducingthecommunitytotheMAC.Thehopeisthatthisprogramwill continueforasecondandthirdyear,dependingongrantfunding.Thefinalclassofthe yearisOctober16th.Comeouttowatchtheperformancesorevenjoininonthefun. (Rovetta McKinney)

MayfairArtsCenter,8701S.BennettAve.Monday–Thursday,9am–8pm;Saturday,9am–5pm; closed Sundays and Fridays. chicagotap.org/mayfair-arts-center. (312) 922-1272

BESTATBRINGINGTHECOMMUNITYTOGETHERONE BLOCKATATIME

Lisa Davis

Heroesrarelychoosetoassumeleadershippositions;rather,itiscircumstancethat forcesthemintotheseroles.Oftentimes,itissomethingunfortunate—something happens, and they feel a calling to demand justice, some sort of righting of a wrong.

WhenLisaDavis’homewasburglarizedin2012and2013,thisunfortunate experiencestokedafireinhertobecomemoreactive.Today,Davisisa communityactivistbasedinAvalonPark.Sheisinvolvedinorganizingherimmediate neighborhood’sblockclub,andshevolunteerswithHabitatforHumanityinPullman

DavisgrewupinAvalonPark,whereherparentspurchasedabuildinginthe 1970s.Shelefttopursuecareeropportunitiesasanengineer,shiftingintosoftware, whichmorphedintoIT.DavisreturnedtoAvalonParkafterherfatherdied,tocare forhermotherandherparents’building.ShewassettomovetotheSouthLoop. However,shewaschallengedbyhermother,whotoldher,“Whypayforsomething else, when this building is yours?” She stayed.

Daviswashavingaquietlifeuntilshesufferedtwoburglariesinsixmonths.She soughthelpfromthepoliceandwastoldtoattendthebeatmeetinginherarea. Therethetalkwastoformblockclubstoincreaseneighborhoodactivityanddecrease criminalactivity.Davisobservedblockclubsthatoperatednearherandbecame involvedintheblockassociation.Finally,sheandherneighborsformedaclubonher block.Theyrecentlyheldablockpartythatwaswellattended—Davissaiditattracted more children from the neighborhood than they knew were there.

Hereffortsarehavingapositiveeffectintheimmediatearea,encouraging neighborstolookoutforeachother,asillustratedbytimeslikewhenshefounda neighbor watering her garden for her.

LisaDavisisanexampleofwhatthelateBronzevillecommunityorganizer, JohnnieOwens,saidaboutordinarypeopledoingextraordinarythings.(DavidWelch)

andRebuildingTogetherintheEnglewoodandAustincommunities.Shealsoworks toimprovetherelationshipbetweentheChicagoPoliceDepartmentandtheAvalon Park community.

MAYFAIR ARTS CENTER,

PHOTO BY MALIK JACKSON

BACK OFTHEYARDS

JesseIñiguezalifelongresidentofBackoftheYards.He’stheco-founderofthemissiondrivenBackoftheYardsCoffeeCo.,receivinglocalandnationalawardsforhisworkasa social entrepreneur and his commitment to community-based development.

WhenoutsiderstalkaboutBackoftheYards,theyoftentalkaboutdeficit;

theytalkaboutwhat'smissing,what’swrongandwhatneedsfixing.However,forthoseofustrulyinvestedinourcommunity,weseehowaliveand rich our community is.

Wehaveanabundanceofculture,history,communityandtalent.Mostofall,we haveawealthofpeoplewhocare,peoplewhowork,andpeoplewhogoaboveand beyondfortheirfellowneighbors.Yousee,whenthegovernmentandinstitutionsthat aresupposedtobringresourcestoacommunityfailtodoso,thecommunityrisesup to the challenge.This is especially true in Back of theYards.

In1939,JoeMeeganandSaulAlinskyorganizedresidents,businessowners, churchesandunionstocreatethefirstmajorcommunityorganizationinthecountry toaddressissuesofunemployment,housing,andeconomicdisparities.Thistradition continuestodaywithpeopleandprojectslikeAmoralArte,QuintoImperioandthe wildernesstrips,asfeaturedhere.Thereareregularpeoplefromthecommunitytaking it upon themselves to address the needs and lack of resources.

Forme,the“Best”ofBackoftheYardsareitspeoplewho,withgritand ganas, wakeupeverymorningreadytoputintheworknecessarytoimprovetheirlivesand thelivesofothers.Therearecountlesspeopledoingamazingworkinthecommunity, soitisdifficulttojustnameafew,butitisimportanttorecognizethosethataredoing it day in and day out.

BelowwetalkabouttheimportantnonviolenceworkthatthewomenofAmor alArteprovidethroughthearts.Wealsohighlightthefusionbetweenadvocacyand entertainmentthatQuintoImperioprovidesthroughtheirmusic,andtheconnection betweennatureandhealingprovidedbythevoyagestothewildernessbyneighborhood youth.

TheresearchofNoblePeacePrizerecipientandUniversityofChicagoprofessor andeconomistDr.RichardThaleressentiallysaysthatifyouwantpeopletodosomething,removetheobstaclesandmakeiteasy.Thatiswhatthesepeoplearedoing.They are helping remove the barriers toward social justice.

Buttheycan’tdoitalone.Myhopeisthatwhenyoureadthis,youaskyourself,“HowcanIhelp?”Whetheritistosupporttheworkthesegroupscurrentlydo, throughdonationsorvolunteering,ortoinspireyoutohelpplugotherareasofneed either in Back of theYards or in other communities like it. (Jesse Iñiguez)

Compiled by Jesse Iñiguez, NeighborhoodCaptain

BESTARTPOP-UP

Amor al Arte

Artisoneofthebestwaystoreleasestresscausedbytrauma,especiallywhenliving inurbansettingslikeBackoftheYards.However,artmaterialscanbeexpensive, andspacesdedicatedtoartarerareandcanfeelexclusive.Agroupoflocalworking momsdecidedtotakeactionandinthesummerof2016,armedwithsomescratch paper,brokencrayonsandwhitefoldingtables,setupapop-upartclinicononeofthe “hottest” gang corners, and the rest is history.They called themselves Amor al Arte.

Initiallyitwasgoingtojustbeaone-timething.Theyweregoingtodoaseriesof pop-upartclinicsindifferentpartsofthecommunitytogivetheyouthsomethingto dothatsummer,butafterseeingthesustainedinterestandbuildingafollowingofkids and families that summer, they decided to do it again, and again.

Today,thecollectiveofwomen,composedofClaudiaAlvidrez,PriscilaGonzalez, LilianaCelso,EstelaFlores,andCynthiaAlbacontinuetogathereveryFridayafternooninvariouspartsofthecommunity,offeringfreeartsessionstokidsandfamilies. This summer, with support from the Safe and Peaceful Communities grant, they were abletopartnerwiththeHolyCrossMarimbaEnsembletoincorporatelivemusic from neighborhood youth in the pop-ups.

Thereasontheirworkissoimportantisthattheyaddressanimportanttoolforviolencepreventionthatisoftenoverlooked:creativespaces.Oftentimes,theresponseto violenceisreactionary.Policearesent,showforce,makeafewarrests,andthenthey're gone.Thisoftencreatesmoretraumaanddoesn’tfixtheproblem.Realnonviolence worktakesacommitmentoftimeandmoneyforasustainedperiodoftime.Thatis what Amor al Arte does.

Bybringingpop-upartsessionsjustoutsidetheirdoorsteps,they'reproviding kidsandfamiliesanopportunitytolosethemselvesintheircreativityandescapefrom reality,evenifjustforanhour.Artalsohelpsthembuildontheirimagination,and helps them imagine that another world is possible.

ThroughthesupportofthePeaceandEducationCoalition,thewomenareableto fundtheirworkthroughsmallgrants,fundraisinganddonations.Asthesayinggoes, “ittakesavillage,”sowhilethismaybeonedropinthebucket,thisprogramgoesa longwayinbuildingasafecommunity.Ifyou’dliketolearnmoreaboutAmoralArte, donate or check out their next pop-up. (Jesse Iñiguez)

Amor al Arte. botyamoralarte.wixsite.com/aaa16

BESTSOCIALLY-CONSCIOUSGRUPO

QuintoImperio

Therearegreatmusicbandswhoseinnovativerhythms,infectiousbeats,andpassionate lyricsleavethebodyinatrancewithnootherchoicebuttodance.Thereareamazing activistswhosesocialjustice-seekingsoulsareguidedbyacompassionateheartandan undefeated spirit. Quinto Imperio is the best of both worlds.

TosaythatQuintoImperiohasdeeprootsinmusicisanunderstatement.The Dominguezfamily—Edy,Hugo,Fredy,andMarciano—areoriginallyfromMexico andhavethedistinctionofbeingthefifthgenerationofmusicians.Thisgeneration’s iterationofDominguezmusiciansmanifestedasQuintoImperioinBackoftheYards whenEdy,Hugo,andFredywerejustkids.TheguysjokethatFredyneededabooster seatwhenhelearnedtoplaythedrums.ThegroupaddedtheirbestfriendsAdriana VelazquezandQuintilianoRiosandtheyhavebeenmakingtheirdynamicmixof music ever since.

BestcharacterizedasaLatinfusionofcumbia,hip-hop,rock,andtraditional

Mexicanmusic(withadashofgoodol’BackoftheYards ganas),theirrepertoireincludessongssuchas“CrónicaInmigrante,”ahigh-poweredcumbiathatremindsusof ourresilienceandpower,“Cumbé,”acumbiahip-hop mezcla thatisavibranthomage toourancestors,and“LaÚltimayNosVamos,”anaccordion-lacedpartyanthemthat even the most staunch metalheads would rock out to.

IfirstmetQuintoImperiothroughmylocalparishinBackoftheYardswhen theywerepracticingoutoftheirdad’stwo-bedroomapartmentonMarshfieldAve. MarcianoandIweremembersoftheparish’simmigrationministryandEdy,Hugo, andFredyparticipatedinthechurch’smarimbamusicprogram.I’llneverforgetthe firsttimeIsawthemplayforalargecrowdatachurchevent.Iwaslike,“Woah,these kidscanplay!”Youknow,thekindofmusicthatgetsallthe abuelitas and tias yanking the abuelitos and tios out to dance.

Now,youcanfindthemperformingatGrantPark,NavyPier,TasteofChicago, nationalmusicfestivals,collegecampuses,andevenopeningforstellarbandslikeLa SantaCecilia.In2017,theyreleasedtheirfreshmanalbum, CrónicaInmigrante,and their sophomore album is currently in the works!

AMOR AL ARTE.

PHOTO BY CLAUDIA ALVIDREZ

WhatreallysetsQuintoImperioapartistheircontinuedcompassion,care,and advocacyforthecommunity,particularlyforourimmigrantbrothersandsisters.Individuallythroughtheiractivism,andcollectivelythroughtheirmusic,theyhavestood upforimmigrantsandhaveinvitedotherstodothesame.Allofthemembers,except forMarciano,areundertheageofforty,yettheyallhaverésumésthatrivalrésumés ofseasonedadvocates.Thenumberofhourstheydedicatedintheiryounglivestoorganizingimmigrationknow-your-rightsevents,voterregistrationdrives,community workshops, marches and mentoring are countless.

Further,themembersofthegrouphelpedestablish“DreamersandAlliesRun,” whichhasraisedmorethan$100,000incollegescholarshipsforundocumentedstudentssince2012.Somehaveeventakenthetorchof lalucha totheirdayjobsandhave worked as organizers and educators for local Chicago institutions.

LouisArmstrongoncesaid,“Musicislifeitself.”Thebestmusiciansintertwine theirnotes,melodies,andbeatstoourhopes,histories,vulnerabilities,struggles,and triumphs.Theirmusicfollowstherhythmicupsanddownsoflife,andtheirsongs tellthestoriesthatreachourcoreandamplifyouremotions.QuintoImperiodoesall thisand,ifthatwasn’tenough,theycallustoactionandremindusofthepotential ofourcollectiveimpact.QuintoImperioisaproudproductofBackoftheYardsand isaperfectmixoffun,resilience,power,hope,advocacy,andofcourse,cumbiabeats. (José Alonso)

Quinto Imperio. facebook.com/QuintoImperio.

BESTYOUTHTRADITION

AnnualWilderness Immersion Experience

IamproudyetreluctanttoshareoneofthebestkeptsecretsinBackoftheYards forthepastthirtyyears.I’mproudbecauseitrepresentstheabundanceofbeautyand strengththatthepeopleinourcommunityembody,butreluctantbecausetheoutsider gazebringswithitatendencytoco-optandreducethesetraditionstosomethingless thantheywereintended.Nonetheless,it'simportantforustotellourstoryandthe ways we share and heal as a community.

Inourneighborhood,wehaveestablishedahealing,meaningful,andlongstandingtraditionforyoungpeople.Everyyearsincethe1990s,groupsofyoungpeople haveembarkedonavoyageintothewildernessesoftheBoundaryWatersCanoeArea Wilderness (BWCAW) and Rocky Mountains.

Manyoftheyoungpeoplefromtheneighborhoodwhofirstwentonthesetrips havegrownupsharingstoriesoftheirexperiences,theirdesirestogoback,andtheimportanceofaconnectiontoeachotherandtherelationshipwithnature.Someofthem havegonebackagainandhavesharedthetraditionwiththeirlovedones,demonstrating the intergenerational connection that their nature experiences provided.

IpersonallyhavebeenonseventeentripstotheBWCAWandtheRockiesliving inBackoftheYards,andeachofmytripshasbeenalongsideyoungpeoplefromthe community.

Ourneighborhood’swildernessvoyagesareguidedbyfourprinciples:healthpromotion,positiveyouthdevelopment,socialjustice,andculturallysustainingpractices. Thehealingassociatedwiththesetripscomesfromtheconnectiontonatureandeach other.Itisseeninthewaysyoungpeopleorganicallyandmindfullypracticetheversionofhealth,safety,andwellnessthattheylearnintheneighborhoodandthatcan besustainedwhenourneighborhoodisprovidedwiththenecessaryresourcesand opportunities.

Theyoungpeoplerefineanddevelopskillsforexploringthewildernessandpull fromtheskillstheylearntonavigatetheneighborhood.Thisishowpositiveyouth developmentresultsintheformationofpositiverelationships(peermentoring,team-

work),skillbuilding(problemsolving,toleratingdistress),andwildernesspreparation (first aid training, water/fire safety, map reading).

Anelementofsocialjusticeisembeddedintheseexperiences,asyoungpeople advocateforandadvancetheirunderstandingofenvironmentalstewardshipandequitableaccesstohealthygreenspacesintheneighborhood.Aguidingethicofthese tripsistostrengthenourcommitmenttobeingstewardsoftheenvironmenttoensure cleanwaterandairforpeople,theplanet,andothers.Thisethicisthenconnectedto our sense of social justice.

Whenweglancearoundourneighborhoodandnoticethatforacityrepletewith naturalresources,suchasthelakefrontandthe606trail,werecognizethewaysthat suchresourcesarepositionedfurtherawayfromourneighborhoodandareblockedby infrastructureateverylevelallthewaydowntothespeedbumps.Thismakesuskeento identifybarriersandsolutionsformobilityandaccessinourcityandobtainequitable green spaces for us.

Lastly,thefinalprincipleundergirdingthesewildernessexcursionsisthewayswe sustainourculturesandtraditions.Thesetripsarenotonlyamigrationtoadifferent geographicarea,whichisaparalleltotheglobalmovementofpeoplehistoricallyand contemporarily,buttheyarealsojourneysthroughhistorytoexplorethelifewaysand culturalpracticesofpeopleandaworldthatwasforeigntothewretchofcolonization—providing a reminder of what is possible once we rid the earth of it.In sum,wehavecreatedandsustainedalastinghyperlocalpresenceofconnectingwith natureinBackoftheYards.ThismeansmorethanIcanexplaininwords.Wehave generationsofyoungpeoplewhohavegrownupgoingtothewilderness,thereby establishingacultureandpracticethatalignsandreinforceswithourlifewaysinour neighborhood; caring and fighting for the land, air, water, flora, fauna and each other. (Dr. Claudio S. Rivera)

PHOTOBYBRUCEWELLEMS

BEVERLY & MORGAN PARK

AfterlivinginMorganParkorBeverlyforafewyears,you’llstarttoseefamiliar faceseverywhere.Eachmonth,itseemsmoreinterestingeventsarehappening intheareatokeeppeoplerooted—fortheweekend,andfortherestoftheir lives.ResidentsofthissouthwestregionofChicagoarecommittedtosupportingsmall businesses, arts and culture, and families with kids.

Earlyinthepandemic,myfamilytookwalkstogetherupanddownthetree-lined WoodStreet,sometimestwiceaday,throughMorganParkandBeverly.I'dthink, “Wow,I'msogratefulwehaveawalkableneighborhood.”Withmynow-toddlerin tow,we’doftentakeadetourfromtheroutebetweenProspectAvenueand95thStreet to visit one of five parks: Prospect, Barnard, Graver, Hurley, or Ridge.

Recently,someonepoppedherheadoutofherapartmenttogreetmewhileIwas on a rare solo walk. I didn't immediately recognize my former coworker, who had just movedtoBeverlywithherkids.“It'sme!”shesaidasshesteppedoutofthefrontdoor. AlthoughIwasdelightedtoseeafamiliarface,Iwasn’ttoosurprised—weoftensee peopleweknowduringwalks.AndIwasdefinitelynotsurprisedthatshechoseto relocate to the neighborhood.

NewcomerswithkidsregularlycitesafetyandgoodschoolsasreasonsforchoosingBeverlyorMorganPark.Andpeoplewholivedintheareaasyoungstersand returnedasadultswilltellyoutheneighborhoodiswaymorefunthanitusedtobe. TheymightbereferringtothelivemusicatthenewlyrelocatedAfroJoe’sCoffee &Tea,stepsfromWoodSt.on99th,ortothenumerousartseventsthattakeplace throughout the year, owing mainly to the Beverly Area Arts Alliance.

DownWoodSt.,you’llalsofindtwoneighborswhohavetransformedtheirfront yardsintobutterflysanctuaries,completewithbigrosemallowhibiscusblooms,bright fuschiabeebalm,andpurpleblazingstars.Peopleinthisneighborhoodcare—about other people, and about the planet—and it shows.

Ourwell-wornWoodSt.pathleadsusneartheBeverlyPhonoMart,downthe block from Givins Beverly Castle, and, on a longer Sunday morning jaunt, all the way tothe95thStreetFarmer'sMarket,eachofwhicharehighlightedinthisissue.(Anna Carvlin)

NeighborhoodcaptainAnnaCarvlinisapublichealthadvocate,yogainstructor,writer,and aspiring fiddler. She lives with her family in Morgan Park.

BESTREALCASTLE

Givins Beverly Castle

ManySouthsidersdon’tknowthatwehavearealcastleinChicago.TheGivinsBeverly Castlehasthreestories,threeturrets,andcrenellationsalongtheroofline.TheCastle islocatedat103rdandLongwoodDrive,andservesthecommunityinmanyways.It’s hometoBeverlyUnitarianChurch,yogaandmeditationclasses,communitygroups likeSouthsidersforPeace,communityforumsonimportantissues,theBeverlyCastle Preschool,traditionalholidayeventslikeChristmastreesalesandbreakfastswith Santa,andenvironmentalprojectssuchashazardouswasteandelectronicscollections. TheCastlehasalsobeenthesiteforhundredsofweddingsandfamilycelebrations since the mid-twentieth century.

Builtin1886and1887,theGivinsBeverlyCastleisanimportantpartofChicago’sLongwoodDriveHistoricDistrict.TheCastlebenefittedfrommajorrenovations in2020and2021torestorethesafetyofthelimestoneturretsandparapets,andto ensurethepreservationofthisiconicstructure.Asuccessfulgrassrootsfundraising campaignwitha$1milliongoalconfirmedthesignificanceoftheCastletothemore than200individualdonorsfromthecityandsuburbs,andthebroaderhistoricpreservationcommunity.Thatrestorationprojecthasbeencompleted,andearneda“Chicago Landmark Award for Preservation Excellence” as a result. t.

TherearemanyopportunitiestovisittheGivinsBeverlyCastle.Severalthousand peopletouredtheinsideduringOpenHouseChicagoweekendsin2018and2019. Duringthepandemic,OpenHouseChicagovisitorswererestrictedtotheoutsideof the“CastleontheHill,”butgroupsareonceagainmeetinginsidewithCOVIDsafety precautions in place, and it will part of this year’s Open House in October..

Chicago’sOnlyCastle byErrolMagidson,availableatBookie’sonWesternAve., providesanextensivehistoryofthefamilieswhocalledtheCastlehome,thegirls’ schoolthatoccupiedthebuildinginthelatenineteenthcentury,andtheUnitarian Churchwhosemembershavebeen“CastleKeepers”since1942. Thereare,ofcourse, plentyofrumorsofghoststhathaveintriguedparanormalinvestigators—thebook describesthesetalesaswell.AsecondeditionofChicago’sOnlyCastleisexpectedthis fall. (Jean Hardy Robinson)

Givins Beverly Castle, 10255 S. Seeley Ave. chicagosonlycastle.org

Compiled by Anna Carvlin Neighborhood captain

BESTNEIGHBORHOODFESTIVALTOLEARNTOFOOTWORKAFTERAPICNICINTHEPARK

Juneteenth Family Festival

WhatbetterplacetocelebrateJuneteenth—aquintessentiallyAmerican,andnow federallydesignatedholidaymarkingtheendofslavery—thaninoneoftheoldest BlackcommunitiesinChicago?ThispastJune,localorganizershostedthethirdannual JuneteenthFamilyFestivalintheheartofMorganPark,completewithAfricandance workshops,djembelessons,kids’activities,storytelling,andlivelymusicperformances.

Ispentanhourvolunteeringthatmorning,settingupabadmintonnetinthekids’ areawhilesoundchecksboomedfromthestage.LocalBlack-ownedbusinessvendors linedthesidewalkalongsideseveralcommunityresourceboothsandfoodtrucks.The festivalcrossesfromBohnParkovertotheMorganParkPresbyterianandMorgan ParkUnitedMethodistchurchlots,makingforatrulycollaborativeandcommunity-centered event.

ThatthegatheringspansfromtheeasttothewestsideofLongwoodDrivecarriesalotof“symbolismandsignificance,”accordingtoleadorganizerShanyaGray, becausethestreet“hasbeentraditionallyadividingline:Blackononesideandwhite ontheotherside.”CelebratingtheJuneteenthholiday,especiallyinaneighborhood knownforitsSt.Patrick’sDayparade,fillsaneedtocenterandcelebratetheBlack experienceforBlackpeople.Butoneoftheorganizers’keygoalsistoeducateeveryone withinthecommunityaboutBlackhistoryintheUnitedStates,includingemancipationfromslavery,sinceasGrayasserts,the“Americaneducationsystemhasnotalwaysdonejusticewhenitcomestothesehistoricalmatters.”GraybelievesJuneteenth festivalsshouldbea“combinationoflookingbackandlookingforward…celebrating emancipation but also celebrating African American culture.”

Ireturnedtothefestivalseveralhourslatertofindthebadmintonnetdestroyed—a signthekidshadablast,I’msure,andnotthatIfumbledthesetup.Organizershave managedtokeeptheeventfreesincegarneringsignificantsponsorship.Familieswill enjoy bringing a picnic to the park or visiting a food truck. (Anna Carvlin)

TheJuneteenthFamilyFestivaltakesplaceonoraroundJune19eachyear.Visitjuneteenthfamilyfestival.com or email juneteenthff@gmail.com for more information./

BESTCOLDBREWANDKIDS'CORNER COMBINATION

Little Hoppers Café

Parentsofyoungkidsrevelintherareandbriefmomentswhentheycanlettheirkids runfreewithoutengaginginanobligatorysafetychase.LittleHoppersCafé,situatedinMorganParknearMountGreenwood,providestheperfectvenueforaquick breather.

Customerswalkingtowardtheentranceofthecornerspot,tuckedinnextto ahandfulofthrivinglocalbusinesses,willbemetwithwaftsofsweetbarbecue aromasfromanewfiremen-ownedtakeoutnearby.BethGavin,brandnewproprietor ofthecombinationplayroomandcoffeeshop,describesthesurroundingareaasa “neighborhood with strong community.’

WhileLittleHoppersopenedin2020,thebusinesswassoldthispastMay.Gavin,

amomwhosebackgroundisineducation,isclearlyexcitedtoshareherdetailedvision forthisnewendeavor.Inadditiontoopenplaytime,shewantstohostmoreactivities that“facilitategrowthandhappinessforthewholefamily,”suchasyogaandstorytime withlocalauthors.Shealsowantstoexpandthecoffeeshopelementwithadditional seating,andtoimplementmoreconsistentbusinesshours.Mainly,shesaid,shewants to“keep it simple.”

Anditis!AsIpaidforadmissionatthecounter,mytwo-year-oldwaseagerto goclimbthecastle,windawoodentrainarounditstrack,andstackLegos.Isippeda latte while she busied herself with a pretend kitchen.

Parkshavetheirtimeandplaceforthelittlestamongus,butparentsorcaregivers stillneedaquietbutsociableandsafespotboundbyfourwallswhentherainwon’t goaway.Librariesarenicetoo,buttheydon’tserveasometimes-necessarypick-meup while your toddler knocks over a bin of plastic bananas for the eighth time. (Anna Carvlin)

LittleHoppersCafé,2760W.111thSt..Monday–Saturday,9am–1pm.(773)366-3774, www.littlehopperscafe.com. ./

BESTSPOTFORGROOVYGREENJUICE, CENTERPIECEBOUQUETS,ANDTONIGHT'SDINNER

95th Street Farmers’ Market

SundaysfromMaytoOctoberresonateformeastheseasonforthe95thStreet FarmersMarket!ImovedtoBeverlynearlythirtyyearsagofromOakPark,withits long-standingmarket.Mymothertaughtmetheinsandoutsofmarketshopping: don’tstartbuyingassoonasyouwalkin,instead,walkaroundtheentiremarketand checkitalloutfirst.Whohasasparagusthisweek?Whenisthecorncoming?Tomatoes?Onceyouhavecompletedyourbrowsingyoucanstartshoppinginamore educated fashion.

Withthishistory,Iwasmorethandelightedwhenthefirstversionofthe95th StreetFarmersMarketopenedinBeverlyabouttwentyyearsago.Iremembertaking mylittleboythereandteachinghimabouttheseasonsforvegetablesandfruits.The markethasremainedinthesamespot,theparkinglotnearthe95thStreetRockIsland station, all these many years later.

ButwhydoIkeepgoingweekafterweek?WhyismySundaynotcomplete withoutavisitthere?Friendship,inadditiontofruitsandvegetables!Overtheyears,I havecometoknowmanyofthevendors—andtheyknowme,andmyconstantcanine

companion. It is kind of like Cheers,“Where everyone knows your name.”

Plus,the95thStreetFarmersMarketisn’tjustproduce.There’scoffee,nuts,pastries,cakes,cookies,bagels,andthebestcheese.Trythehorseradishchive,thenettle (myhusband’sfavorite),andthebriewithlayersofblueenrichingit.Thatcheesealone isworthatrip!Therearealsotacosandsometimescrepesorgumbo—plentytogetyou throughtolunch.Flowersarealsoavailableinabundance.Manyofthenon-produce vendorsalsohaveshopsintheneighborhood,soitisanothervenueforthosewholike to shop locally.

Besidesofferingthechancetoseefriendsandpeoplewatch,there’ssometimes livemusic,alongwithfacepaintingforchildren.TheBeverlybranchoftheChicago PublicLibraryoftenhasanoutreachtableforchildren’sactivities;Ijustgotakitfor my granddaughter to make a Harry Potter bookmark.

Themarkethasadifferentfeelatdifferenttimesoftheday.Weoftengofirstthing inthemorningwhenitislesscrowded,sogreatforshopping,butlesssoforseeing friends,canineorhuman.Oncethemorninggetsbuzzing,sodoesthemarket.The musicstarts,thecoffeeispoured,friendsarespotted,andshoppingandconversation get underway.

Lastnightourentiredinnercamefromthemarket:grilledfishandpotatoes,corn andsquash,eventhecheesebeforedinner.Tonight,we’llbehavingacapresesalad withtomatoes,mozzarella,andbasil.Fruit,vegetables,cheese,fish,meat,andflowers. Friendsandmusic…HowcouldIpassupaSundaymorningatthe95thStreetFarmers Market? I simply can’t. (Jane Anne Gross)

95thStreetFarmers’Market,1835W.95thStreet.Sundays,8am–1pm.Contact info@95thstreetba.org or facebook.com/95thstreetmarket, for more

BESTVINYLVENDOR

Beverly Phono Mart

BeverlyPhonoMart—orBPM,asit’scleverlyreferredto(sharinganacronymfor “beatsperminute”)—hasbecomeabeaconoflightforanalreadyculturallyricharea of the city.

“Wewantourcustomerstofeelastheywouldhangingoutinourhomewhile theyarehere.Themusic,art,booksandeventhesnacksthatweofferareareflection ofthethingsweloveandwanttoshare,”saysthewifeandhusbandteamofMallory McClaireandChantalaKommanivahn.Thetwohavecreatedjustthat:ahomeaway fromhome.Betweenthebarebrickandtheartonthewalls,theglobalsnacks,the comfycouches,andthespeciallycuratedrecords,BPMfeelslikeacooluniversalspace tolistentomusicandhangout.“InacommunitylikeBeverlythatcanbeperceivedas beingabitinsular,weareproudtoprovideaspacethatfostersconnectionsbetween all cultures, ages and walks of life.”

I’veknownChantalaforclosetotwodecadesnow,havingbeeninthesamescene andrunintoeachotheratmanyconcerts,artshows,andvariousothercreativeevents. Heisalsoafull-timeartistandDJ,sohehashadhisfingeronthepulseformany years.ChantalaandMallory,apublicprogrammingandoperationalconsultant,hitthe ground running upon moving to Beverly.

“MallorygrewupinBeverlyandhaslivedontheSouthSideherwholelife. Whenwepurchasedourfirsthome,wechosetodosoinacommunitywherewehave rootsbyopeningabusinessthere,”Chantalasaid.Theyhavegoneaboveandbeyond justbeingarecordshopbycreatingfuncommunityeventslikeBoozeandBeats,a comedy show, and an art show rotation highlighting local talent.

Theybelievedandinvestedinthemselves,andinturn,weasaneighborhoodhave gainedsomuchmorethanjustanotherbusiness.Wehavegainedathoughtful,safe space where all walks of life are encouraged to just stop by.

“Weliketothinkthatwe’vecreatedahubforinterpersonalandculturalexchange,” sasidChantalaandMallory.“Aplaceforpeopletodiscovernewmusic,bearoundart andtomeetsomecoolpeople.Wehopethatourwidespreadandvariedinterestsare reflectedthroughthespaceinawaythatsignalsthatallarewelcomehere.”(Won Kim)

BeverlyPhonoMart,1808W.103rdSt.Wednesday–Friday,12–6pm;Saturday11am–6pm, and Sunday 11am–4pm. (773) 629-6089. beverlyphonomart.com.

BRIDGEPORT & CANARYVILLE

Compiled by SantinoNapolillo, NeighborhoodCaptain

Portside,rightoffthelake,downbytheriver,justoverabridgeandoffthetrain

tracks:BridgeportandCanaryville,abridgetotheSouthSide.AftertheBlack HawkWar,Bridgeportwasestablishedin1836,andsoonbecameaworking classcommunity,oneofthemostethnicallydiverseneighborhoodsinChicago.The indigenous black hawk bird still lives here.

Inthisneighborhoodyoucanfindart,culture,andcuisineoneverystreetcorner andundereverystreetlamp.Makeyourwayto26thandWentworth,thelaststop beforeChinatown—thesmellofneighborhoodfoodlingers.AllalongArcherAvenue, therootsofthiscityrundeep.OnHalstedfrom31stto35th,therearerestaurants galore,andfromthere,it'sastraightshottobeautifulCanaryville.Since1925,the StockYardsBankhasremainedonHalstedandRootStreet,thelastremnantofthe meat packing industry.

ParksandnativeplantlifekeeptheCanaryvillespiritalive—eachtreehasits ownhistory,andstillhousesthesparrowswhichtheneighborhoodwasnamedafter. BridgeportandCanaryville,Chicago’soriginalgrounds.FireworksfromoldComiskey still echo through the streets, and the black hawk still sings. (Santino Napolillo)

BESTFISHING

Park571

Park571islocatedalongtheSouthBranchoftheChicagoRiver,rightwhereBubbly Creeksplitsofftothesouth.Thiswater-basedrecreationalparkcontainsalaunch spotforcanoesandkayaks,andatwo-buildingboathousefacilitydesignedbylocal celebrityarchitectJeanneGang.QuestBiscuit,atouragency,offersgroupandprivate toursbycanoe,kayak,andboat.Youcanexploretheriver,tryrestaurants,seeexclusive

places,orfindhiddennaturespots.Theboathouseishometoseverallocalrowing clubs,andalsooffersyogasessionsandyear-roundrowingvia“erg”machineswhich simulate the action of rowing.

Park571isagreatspotforriverfishingandbirdwatching.Ifyoudon'tbelieve me,believethekingfisher—amigratorybirdwhoshowsupjusttogetameal.There areanumberofneighborhoodswimmingbirdswhocallthisparkhome—Isawa mothergooseraisehergoslingsandcamebackamonthlatertoseethemallgrownup. Anyametuerfishermancaneasilycastarodandgetabiteorjuststopbytheparkto watch boats go by, read a book, picnic, or just go for a walk.The Loomis Street bridge overlookstheparkfromthenorth,whereyoucanfindartworkbylocalartistsasyou walk over it and the Duck Inn is nearby. (Santino Napolillo)

Park 571, 2828 S. Eleanor St. chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/park-no-571

NeighborhoodcaptainSantinoNapolilloisjustaChicagoartistjustdoinghisparttohelp save the world.

BESTAFTERDARK

Kevin’s Hamburger Heaven

Perfectforcreaturesofthenight,thisold-schooldinerhasbeenservingtheBridgeport andCanaryvillecommunitywith“TheOneandOnly”hamburgersince1988.Open twenty-four hours, Kevin’s serves it up hot.

Round-the-clockdinerslikeKevin’sareadyingbreed—butit’satreasuretohave aplacetoeatandenjoycompanyatanytimeofthenightwithahardworkingstaff.It’s almostlikebeinginsideEdwardHopper’sNighthawks.It’snothingfancy,justAmericanclassicshotoffthegrill:coffee,steakandeggs,hamandhashbrowns,omelets, doublebaconcheeseburgerswithgrilledonionsandfreshfries—burgersandbreakfast anytime of the night and at an affordable price. (Santino Napolillo)

Kevin’sHamburgerHeaven.554W.PershingRd.Monday–Sunday,open24hours.(773) 924-5771. Orderkevinshamburgerheaven.com.

BESTBAIT

Henry’sSports and Bait

Establishedin1952,Henry’sisanangler’soutpostsupplyinglocalfamiliesandpro anglerswiththebestfishingbaitontheSouthSide.Locatedjustablockawayfrom MaxwellStreetPolish,Henry’soffersarangeofrodsandreels,plusrepairsandfishing tips,butisbest-knownfortheirfreshlivebaitandfrozenbait,fromwormstocrawfish totightlysealedbagsofminnows.Allbaitisopenedandcheckedbystaffinfrontof you before you buy.

BuyingafishinglicensefromHenry’sisquick,easy,andaffordable.Ifyou'rean amatueranglerandwanttoplanafishingtrip,Henry’swillhelpyoufindaperfect spotforyouoryourgroup.Henry’salsogivesavoicetoanglers,callingforaccessto naturalresourcesandqualityfishing.Theyalsoteachkidshowtofishandloanrodsto charities and non-profit organizations.

Unfortunately,Henry’swillbeclosinglaterthisyear—sotryandmakeitout tothisneighborhoodstapleandshowyoursupport.Asanamatuerangler,Iquickly learnedtheimportanceofhavinglivebaittofish.Evenifyoucatchandrelease,atleast thefishthatyoucaughtatesomething.It’sagiveandtakebetweenanglerandfish. (Santino Napolillo)

Henry’s Sports & Bait, 3130 S. Canal St. Monday–Sunday, 6am–5pm. (312) 225-8538

BESTDESIGNEDPARK

Fuller (Melville) Park

BeforetheChicagoParkDistrictmaintainedthecity’sbeautifulnaturalspaces,parks ontheSouthSidewerecreatedbytheSouthParkCommission,anorganizationthat providedgreensanctuariestocongestedneighborhoodsandrecreationalactivities totheirresidents.ThecommissioncompleteditsfirsttenparksontheSouthSide by1905,butFuller(Melville)Parktrailedbehind,mainlyduetolandscapingissues. Whilethetraintracks,alleys,andstreetsthatthearchitectshadtoworkaroundwere likelyfrustratingobstacles,thedelaygavethemadditionaltimetofinalizethepark’s designs,whichiswhyFullerParkhasuniquearchitecturalfeaturesdistinctfromother nearby parks built during the same time period.

Themostnotableofthesefeaturesisthepark’ssymmetricalfieldhouse,which featuresbannersfeaturinglocalteamsandathletesalongsidedecorativequiltsand mosaics.Twolong,identicalwingsoneithersideofthecircularentrancehallhousea

fitnesscenter,twogyms,andanauditorium.Asyoureyesmoveuptothehigh,curved ceilingoftheentrancehall,yourgazewilleventuallysettleontheopendoorsleading toanoutdoorgardencompletewithastonefountainthatispopularforweddingand event rentals.

Anotherarchitecturaloddityisthegrandstandonthewestsideofthepark. Createdtoblockparkgoers'viewofthetraintracks,thisstructureoffersawideview ofthebasketballcourts—twofullcourtswithsixhoops.Otherrecreationalamenities spreadacrossthepark’selevenacresincludeasetofworkoutandgymnasticsbars; aswimmingpool(thatremainedclosedforthe2022season);acombinedsoccer/ footballfield;andabaseballfield.Ontheeastsideofthepark,aplaygroundsitsnext toasetofbenchesthatsurroundawatermister—perfectforcoolingoffafteradayin thesun,ormaybeforanafternoonpartakinginoneofthemanyclassesandactivities hosted at Fuller Park.

ManyChicagoParkDistrictstaples,likeMoviesintheParksorsummercamps forkidsandteens,areofferedhere—butthepark’sprogramminggoesbeyondthe basicswithaschedulethatincludesoutdooryogainthepark,boxingclasses,volleyball, touchfootballforboysandgirls,andurbandanceclasses.Ifyou’relookingtoget involved, registration for fall sessions is open now.

Myidealdayatthepark?Shakilyroller-skatingacrossthebasketballcourts, followedbyapicniclunchonthegrandstand.Itmayhavebeenbuiltwiththeintention ofhidingthetraintracks,butIlovethecloseupviewofthetrainspassingby.(Nikki Roberts)

Fuller(Melville)Park.331W.45thSt.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/fullermelville-park

BESTSHRIMPSHACK

Lawrence’s Fish and Shrimp

CommercialfishermanLawrenceSchweigalwaysdreamedofworkingforhimself.So afteralongandsuccessfulcareer,heventuredonhisownandopenedatinystorefront. Evenbeforeitbecametherestaurantweknowtoday,thefisherywasknownfor harvestingthebestfishinLakeMichigan,andprovidingfreshandsmokedfishto hotels and restaurants across the city.

Lawrence’sFishandShrimphasbeenaChicagostapleforoverseventyyears,but especiallyfortheSouthSideneighborhoodsimmediatelyadjacenttothistraditional fishery, such as Bridgeport, Canaryville, East Pilsen and Chinatown.

AsthedemandforLawrence’sfishgrewovertheyears,fournewitemswere added to the menu: fried shrimp, perch, frog legs, and chicken. Soon, the small

GERRIFERNANDEZ

establishmentwouldopenitsdoors24/7—butitwasn’tuntilthe1980sthatthe small establishment expanded to open more locations.

Today,theoriginallocationcontinuestositattheedgeoftheSouthBranchof theChicagoRiver,providingasoothingviewofthewater.Whetheryouareinfora quickbiteoralatenightbasketoffriedshrimp,Lawrence’sFishandShrimpisthe way to go.

ThisisyoursigntostopbyandenjoytheCanalStreetpatio,acoldbeer,andsome out-of-this-world fried seafood and chicken. (Sofia McDowell)

Lawrence’sFishandShrimp,2120S.CanalSt.Monday–Sunday,open24hours.(312) 225-2113. www.lawrencesfishandshrimp.com

BESTBREADEDSTEAKSANDWICH

Ricobene’s

Ricobene’s,aresolutelyoldschoolpurveyorofpizzaandotherItaliancuisine,hasbeen aBridgeportinstitutionsince1946.Thislongevityisnohappenstance:ithasaclaimto fame, the breaded steak sandwich one can find at only a few Bridgeport joints.

USAToday writerTedBergproclaimedRicobene’sbreadedsteaksammy“the bestsandwichintheworld,”callingit“aperfectsandwich,”declaringthathewas “unwillingtobelievethereisanysandwichesdistinctlybetterthanthisone,”and thatit’sone’s“dutytosingthegospelofbreadedsteaktothepeople.”Thelate,great AnthonyBourdainfeatureditonhisCNNshow PartsUnknown,proclaimingitas “something that everyone should be proud to have on their flag.”

Anticipationbuildsasyouenterthevintage,delicatessen-likerestaurantwith checkerboardtile,wallsclutteredwithhistoricphotos,anddarkwoodpillarsflanking thecounter.Youputinyourorder,grabawoodenchairatatable,andwaitforthe meaty miracle that Eater branded one of“Chicago’s essential sandwiches.”

Believethehype.Themonstrosityofasandwichcombinesbreadedskirtsteak foldedlikeaNewYorkslice,chunkymarinara,ooey-gooeystringsofmeltymozzarella andcrisp,tangygiardinierainaTuranofrenchrollthat’scrustyontheoutsideandsoft ontheinside.It’samassivesandwichmanycan’tfinishinonesitting.It’sasandwich that evokes the old Chicago: the Union StockYards, SouthWorks, superfans accents.

Ricobene’smenualsofeaturestheusualrosterofChicagolandfavorites:Italian beef,Italiansausage,thecombinationthereof,pepperandeggsandwiches,ribtips, dogsrunthroughthegarden,andChickenVesuviosandwiches.Thevintagejoint offersmanyItaliandisheslikemostaccioli,antipasto,andpizzagalore,includingby thesliceandabreadedsteakpizzawithredgravy,mozzarella,andbite-sizedpiecesof the iconic breaded and fried steak.

RosariaandAntoniaRicobenestartedthebusiness76yearsago,whenthey launchedaproducecartjustafterWorldWarII.Theyturnedtohotmeatballand sausage sandwiches in the winter months when fewer vegetables were in season.

Thesecondgenerationoftherestaurant’sfamilyownership—Sam,Frank,and RussellRicobene—craftedthegargantuansandwichRicobene’sbecameknownfor.It’s sloppy,the“kindoflunchyouunderifyou’reOKwithgettingalittleredsauceonyour shirt,”accordingtothebygone DNAinfo.Thewrapper,theedgesofyoursmudgedlips, andthenapkinwillbekissedwithcrimson.OtherSouthSiderestaurants,including Ferro’sandFabulousFreddie’son31st,havetheirownversions,butRicobene’sbreaded steaksandwichistheonethat’swonnationalacclaim,andforareason.(JosephS.Pete)

Ricobene’s,252W.26thSt.Sunday,10am–12am;Monday–Thursday,9am–12:30am; Friday 9am–2am; Saturday, 10am–2am. (312) 225-5555. Ricobenespizza.com.

By Eve L. Ewing

Adaptedby J. Nicole Brooks

TasiaA.Jones

By JamesIjames Directedby WhitneyWhite

BRIGHTON PARK & MCKINLEY PARK

Compiled by JocelynVega, NeighborhoodCaptain

Growingup,Ididn’trealizeBrightonParkand

McKinleyParkwereseparateentities.Until eighthgrade,Ididn’trealizethatMcKinley Parkwasactuallyaboxonthemapandnotthecrossroadsfilledwiththeplaces,shops,andpeoplethatIhad memorizedasallbeinginthesameplace.Inelementary school,Paco’sTacos,onArcherand43rd,feltlikeitwas downtheblockfrom35thandArcher.Thistenblock differenceonlyfeltlikegoingaroundthecornerfrom mychildhoodhome.Myparentswouldalwaystakeme toeattacosthereaftermedicalproceduresasayoung kid.Atsixyearsold,mylovefortacoswouldbeabribe for me to trust the doctor another time.

IalsorememberTasteeFreez,fromwaybackin theday,asmygo-toicecreamspotforthosemassive M&Mflurrieswiththecoolestgraffitiintheback.I wouldalwaysbegmiMamá,Obdulia,totakemethere afterstreetvendingattheCatholicChurchacrossthe streeton44th&California.WhileElSuperMercado“ElGüero”hadfruitstandstallerthanme,Iwould pretendthattheproduceaisleswerecornmazesthatI sawonTVbutneverexperiencedinreallife.VisitingEl Güeroalwaysfeltlikevisitingafancytia’shousewho

hadeverythingintheworld.Isecretlywantedtolivein thecerealaisle,specificallythebottomshelfunderneath theoff-brandMexicanLuckyCharms.IsawZemsky’s, onArcher,asourpersonalclosetwherewewentfor anyclothingneeds.Itwasthateasytomewithanearly child’smind.IremembergoingtoBrightonParklike anyoldwalkandholdingmiMamá’shand.Iwouldget lostincolors,peoplemoving,anddaydreamingabout hopefullygettingalocalsnackfornotcausinganytrouble during our visits.

InMcKinleyPark,mostoftheneighborhoodfelt likeanextensionofmybackyard.Iwouldplayhideand goseekwithmostofmyneighbor’schildren.Weeven climbedbabytreesandpretendedtobeKingKong.We chasedeachotheronourbikesdownsidewalksand, sometimes,endedupcrashingagainstmetalfences.My friendsandIwouldoftenjumpbetweenbackyardsand familykitchensthroughoutthesameday.Ateightyears old,Ioncehadbunniesthatescaped,andIpleadedwith thefriendlysquirrelstohelpme.Luckily,theywere foundthankstomyfamily,neighborhoodfriends,and evensomefurrytreeones.Iespeciallywanttothankmi Papi,Enrique,formyearliestbondtonature.Hewould

runasIbikedthroughoutMcKinleyParkandmadesure Igottoknowthetrees,grass,andflowers.Heletme pretendforhoursatMcKinleyParkwithmyimaginary friendsandencouragedmetomakereal,randomplaygroundfriends.IamgratefulforbothofmyPapisfor allowingmetoliveinmyneighborhoodwithacarefree spirit that lives with me today.

Forsolong,Ididn’tdistinguishthetwoneighborhoodsthatblendedintomyearlychildhood.However, IgrewuptorespectMcKinleyandBrightonPark’sown identity,struggles,andhistoriesinhighschool.Nowas anadult,Iseeeachneighborhoodasgeographicsiblings thatneedeachothermorethanever.Ourneighborhoods arefacinggentrificationandgenerationalinequalities. Perotambiéntenemoselrostrodenuestragente,pasado,y potencialcomocomunidadescomunes.Compartimosmásde loquenosdivide.(Butwealsohavethefaceofourpeople, past,andpotentialascommoncommunities.Weshare more than what divides us). (JocelynVega)

JocelynVegaisafirstgenerationLatinadedicatedtointergenerational healing and ancestors

PHOTOBYEMILYSOTO

José Esparza at New Archview Restaurant

JoséEsparzaisacommunityrolemodelformanyinMcKinleyParkandhiscurrent neighborhoodontheSouthwestSideofChicago.Heisaleadingchefafterworking atNewArchviewRestaurantfordecades.Thisrestaurantisacommunityfavoritefor manygenerationsofMcKinleyParkresidents.Joséisanamazingchefandteamplayer inthekitchen.Therestaurantisknownforitsweekendbrunchesandfillingentrees. Entirefamilies,seniorgroups,andfriendsfilltheparkinglot,especiallyonweekends, togetaseat.Therecentremodelingandadditionalpatiohavegiventherestaurantnew life.However,Joséandotherlongservingstaffhavekepttherestaurant’spulsestrong amongstchangeandduringthepandemic.Hisdedicationtohisworkandcommunity of clients is recognized by many in McKinley Park.

DonJoséisalsoveryimportanttomylifeandfamily.Hemovedupstairswith hisfamilyinmychildhoodhome.Ibecamebestfriendswiththeireldestsonduring preschool.Hiswife,laSeñoraNena,wouldbecomemy“Tia”(Aunt)forhergentle soulandhilarioushumor.Hewasverycaringtowardshisfamilyandprovidedagreat exampleofmalementorshipoutsideofmyownfamily.DonJoséandmiPapiwere greatfriends.Theyencouragedourfamiliestohelpeachotherasrecentimmigrantsin the United States.

Forexample,LaSeñoraNenahelpedmymommanagemylicewhentherewasan outbreakinkindergarten.Ithoughtthereweremicroscopiczebrasandpandasrunning onmyhead.Insteadofcorrectingme,sheencouragedmycreativitybyaskingfora safaristory.Afterthatday,shewasoneofmyfavoritepeopleinthewholeworldbecauseshetaughtmesomuchwhileallowingmetostillbeplayfulandmakemistakes atthatage.DonJoséandLaSeñoraNenamovedoutofMcKinleyPark,buttheyare

BESTLITTLELEAGUETHATSURVIVEDTHEPANDEMIC

OMEGA Delta

OMEGADeltaYouthBaseballLeagueInc.,locatedatHoynePark,hassupported generationsoffamiliesandyoungpeoplegrowingintotheirgreatestpotential throughsportsmanshipandleadership.Originally,therewereonlytwoteams,butnow OMEGADeltahoststwenty-five,andmentorsover300youthperyear.Youthcome fromnearbyneighborhoodsandfrompreviousgenerationsofOMEGADeltaplayers. TeamsrangeasyoungasT-Balltoeighteen-year-olds.Since2006,youcanhear crowdscheeringyoungpeoplefromthestandsandlawnchairsdottingthebaseball diamond field lines.

myearliestmemoryofneighborswithchildrenmyage.It’salwaysajoywhenIseehim orhisfamilyattheNewArchviewparkinglot.Itbringsmebacktobeingfiveyearsold and thinking lice were adorable zoo animals. (JocelynVega)

NewArchviewRestaurant,3480S.ArcherAve.Monday–Sunday,6am–3pm.newarchview.com. (773) 254-4862

However,duringthepandemic,thereweremanychallengesthattheworldfaced. Thisyearmarksafullcomeback,andtheleagueisstrongerthanever.Thankstothe leadershipofDaniel“Danny”Gaichas,andagroupteamofdedicatedgroupparents andcoaches,theleaguesurvivedCOVID-19.Dannywasalsomysoftballcoachwhen Iwasateenandfiguringmyselfout.Hismotivationalpowerwouldinspiremyteam totryagainafterlosinggamesorimprovingourtechnique.Dannywouldalsopushus tokeepexcellinginschoolandfindingmorementorsinschoolandaspeers.Hewasa positiverolemodelthathelpedmebuildasupportsysteminmiddleandhighschool.I continuetoseeDannyworkwithgenerationsofyouthoveradecadelater.It’shilarious tonowhearhimonaspeakerofficiallynarratinggamesversushimblowinghisvocal chords across the field.

Nearlyeachweekendthispastsummer,you’llseedozensofuniformedchildren runningacrosstheplayground,chasinggrounders,andabaseballgametakingplace. Inthebackground,thereisabeautifulblendofyouth,acrossgenerations,mentoring oneanotherandbeingpositiverolemodels.Theleaguealsogainedenoughsupport topurchaseanofficialscorethatupgradedthegamestoprofessionallevels.Formany youngpeople,thisleagueistheirsenseofpridethatisbuiltwithcommunityand acrossfamilies.OnSeptember3rd,OMEGADeltahosteditsannualawardceremony andrecognizedthegrowthandsuccessofteamsandtheirfamilies.Themegaphone echoedHoyneavenuewithmanycheersandmanyyouthhuggingtheirtrophies.(JocelynVega)

OMEGADeltaBaseball,3417S.HamiltonAve.Seeseasonscheduleforhours.omegadeltabaseball.org. (312) 661-4733

JOSÉ ESPARZA,

PHOTO BY EMILY SOTO

BESTNEIGHBORHOODWELDER

Don Javier“Javy” Chavez

DonJavyisthemostreliablewelderin theneighborhoodafterservingdozens offamiliesduetohislifetimework.He hashelpedcountlessfamiliesachieve fashionableandhigh-qualitysecurity withhismetalwork,likefencesforthe frontandbackyard,ataffordablerates. Heisalsoanexpertinbuildingporches andothermetalprojectstoachievea family’sneeds.Onmyblockalone,he helpedconstructmultiplefencesfor oversixhomes—thatIamawareof— duringmychildhood.Downmyblock, hebuiltallofthesecondstorybalconies ofanewhousingdevelopmentafterthe destructionofanabandonedbuilding.As aMexicanimmigrant,hewasanother positivemalerolemodelformeandfor his community as a small business owner who continues to be successful.

MyfamilyworkedwithDonJavy overtwentyyearsagowhenmisPapisfinallysavedtoreplacemychildhoodhome’sfence.TheytrustedDonJavyduetohis patiencetoanswerquestionsandprovideupdatesthroughouttheservice.Iremember atayoungagethatthiswasonehousingprojectthatdidn’tstressthemout.DonJavy wasalsokindenoughtoletmeobserveatayoungage.Ihadneverseensparksoffireor metalwork.Atfirst,Ithoughthewasafiremagician,butthenIsawhowthetubesand machinescametogether.Iwouldmockhistechniquefromafarwithmyteddybearsas heworked.IwouldtellmymomwhatIlearnedfromDonJavyandmakeupwordsin English and Spanish to explain.

DonJavyisalsoalightheartedspiritandisstillconnectedtomyfamilydecadeslater. Mydadandhimcrackupthefunniestjokes.Ihavetorememberthattheydidn’tgrowup together.Overtwentyyearslater,DonJavystillrecognizesmeasthetinykidwhowould throwherteddybearsaroundandplayintheyardwithherDoratheExplorerhaircut.It’s awesometostillbeconnectedwithhim.DonJavytakesqualityinhiswork,connecting withcustomers,andknows how to make anyonelaugh.(JocelynVega)

Don“Javy” Chavez. (773) 841-6295

BESTLAUNDROMATWITHDRYCLEANINGSERVICES

Harts Coin Laundry

Growingup,Ilovedgoingtothelaundromat.Iknowformanythisisnotthecase, nowasadultsoraschildrenbackintheday.Hartscontinuestobeastapleinmylife thankstotheiraffordabledry-cleaningservices.Asayoungkid,IlovedHartsbecause theyhadthebestmusic,differenttelevisionchannelsplaying,vendingmachineswith goodoptions,andofferedaseparateplayandeatingareaforcustomers.Therewasone timewhereIdidn’twanttoleavebecausetheywereplayingamovieonlyavailableon cable, which my family didn’t have. Harts felt like a mall in my five-year-old eyes.

Thislaundromatalsofeltmorefamilyfriendlycomparedtotheoneclosertomy home.Thestaffwerealwayskindanddidn’tmakechildrenfeellikeaburden.Ialways

lookedforwardtogoingandsupportingmyfamilytostayfresh.Ilovedplayingimaginarytagwiththedryermachineasawaytopasstime.Ipretendedto“chase”oneof mysockfriendslikeitwas“whackamole,”laundryedition.Iwouldkeeptrackbutstill lose pairs of socks afterwards, which I never understood.

AnotheractivitywasplayingcrosswordswithmiPapá.Iwouldadditionallyhunt downwordsbytrackinghowhismassivemustachewiggledwhenhefoundafaint traceofsomething. Conmimamá (withmymom),Iwouldholdherhandandaskfor hugsaswewaitedforthewashingmachine.Ididmybesttohelpwithfolding,but Iwasn’tpromotedbeyondsockfolding,openingdoors,andpackingtheclothesuntil middleschool.HartsisanawesomeplacewhereIrecommendgoingtowashthose dustyfallandwinterblankets.Thedrycleaningisalsohighlyrecommended!(Jocelyn Vega)

Hart’sCoinLaundry,3800S.CampbellAve.Monday–Friday,6am–9pm;Saturday, 5am–9pm; Sunday, 5am–8pm. (773) 523-8038

BESTAFFORDABLEPUERTORICANAPPETIZERS

Que Rico!

AsoneofthenewestrestaurantsinBrightonPark,QueRico!bringsPuertoRican foodtothisSouthSideneighborhood,representingtheproudCaribbeanisland.It’s not a common sight to see the Puerto Rican businesses but definitely welcomed.

AllofQueRico’s“frituras”(appetizers)areprettydeliciousandsomeoftheir

PHOTO BY EMILY SOTO

Ifyou’reabletomoveontomeals,the carnefrita,whichareperfectlyfriedpork meatpieces,ismyfavoritewithasideof maduros,friedplantains,andoneoftheir homemadejuices.Theiremparedados,pressedsandwiches,areothergreatoptions. Thejibaritoisaclassicthatneverfailsthankstoitscrisp,smashedplantainasabread replacement.Jibaritoisdefinitelysomethingyouneedtotryinyourlifetime.Forthose withextremehunger,thetripletasandwichincludes lechon (PuertoRicanflavored pork),chicken,and bistec (beef)thatperfectlycombinesflavoracrossuniqueprotein. The pollochon (chickenentrée)isagreatoptionifyou’resharingamealorwanttotake leftovershome.Irecommendorderingthe pollochon withthe mofongo,adeliciousfried andmashedgreenplantain.Eachmealisuniqueandfurthercomplementedwithany oftheappetizers.TherearebeautifulmuralsofViejoSanJuan,cascadingwaterfalls, andtropicalbirdsthroughoutthespace.It’sbeautifultoseeaPuertoRicanrestaurant represented on Chicago’s South Side. (JocelynVega

QueRico!Restaurant.4454S.WesternAve.Tuesday–Sunday,11am–9pm.quericoprfood. com. (773) 565-4534

BESTTAQUERÍACONTORTILLASHECHASAMANO

Los Chepes

Thisrestaurantcanbeoverlookedwhenyou’redrivingdownArcherAvenue,butI suggestyoupullover.Tuckedawayonasidestreet,thisrestaurantmightbecomeone ofyourtoptacospots.Thedecorisalsooneofmyfavorites.TheyhaveadorableTy stuffedanimalsaspartoftheircashierarea.WheneverIpay,itremindsmeofbeing inMexicobeforeIstepbackintotherestofChicago.There’salotoflovethatgoes intothisestablishmentfromthefoodtothesmalldetails.Thedecorationsduringthe holidays also make the place stand out.

LosChepestrulyservesitallwhenitcomestoregionalMexicanFood.Their handmadetortillasarethecherryontopandwhatsetsthemapart.Thereisnothing likethesoftnessoffreshmasa(corndough)whenyoubiteintoit.Masaistrulya giftfromtheancestorsformanyMexicanandCentralAmericancommunitiesand descendedfromthousandsofyearsofculture.Eatingthetortillasisworththetrip alone.However,ifyouwantmorethanjustmasa,themenuispackedwithoptions. Theproportionsareheartyandwillleaveyoufilledtorunamarathon.Someofthe meals,likeaquesadilla,areaslongasthelengthfromyourwristtothetipsofyour fingers.YoucandefinitelytastetheamazingflavorsofMexicoinChicago.Ialsolove thisplacebecausetheyselllambwhichisveryhardtoconsistentlyfind.Thereistruly something for everyone in your group.

LosChepesalsocatersmostofitsmenuandofferseconomicallunchspecialsaswell. Ifyou’renotsurewhattotry,the barbacoadeborrego ymontalayoarewonderfuloptions, andtheircarnitasestiloMichoacanareworthtakinghometocontinuethedelicious flavorsathome.Theyalsosellgreatcombos.Thereisadealfortwenty-sevendollarsthat includestwopoundsofcarnitas,anorderofrice,beans,salsas,andtwolitersoda.For thirty-ninedollars,youcanpurchasethesamedealbuthavetwopoundsof barbacoade borrego (lamb)instead.Bothoptionsareextremelyreasonable.Youcanalsokeepitclassic withtacosoratortawhichneverfails.Youreallycan’tgowrong,butyou’llprobablybe backtotrymore. It’sdefinitely a neighborhoodclassic.(JocelynVega)

Carnitas&BarbacoaLosChepes,3116W.PopeJohnPaulIIDr.Monday&Wednesday–Sunday, 10am–5pm. loschepeschicago.com. (773) 565-4105.</ pricesareunbeatable.The pinchosdepollo (chickenonastick)areheartyandonlycost $3.50.Theisland’sfamoustreatsof rellenosdepapas (potatocroquette)and pastelillos deres (crispymeatpies)costunderthreedollars.Happycustomerscanorderanyappetizers under four dollars.

BESTGENERATIONALCORNERSTORE

Oakley Foods

AsastapletomanyMcKinleyParkresidents,thiscornerstorehasbeenstandingfor generations.Thebeautifulbuildinghasbrickandfencingthatmakesittrulystand out.Forovertwentyyears,thismom-and-popshophasallthesnacks,drinks,and additionaltreatsonabudget.Thestore’slayoutbringsyoubacktoyourchildhood, ifyouwenttothenearbyschools,likeEverettElementarySchoolon34thandBell. Neighborsmakeapitstopduringafternoonandearlyeveningwalkstopickupa drinkorsnackstoendthestroll.Atnight,thestorehasbrightandcoordinatedlights that feel like you’re watching a light show performance.

Forgenerations,thisstorehasbeenembeddedinmanychildhoods.Iremember followingmysisterafterschooltopickupjuiceboxeswithherquarters.Thesetiny momentsmarkspecialmemoriesduringmytimeatEverett.Itisalsomyearliest memoriesofmysisterbuyingmesnacksandwalkinghometogether.Growingup, Iwouldseeatinymob,wearingbluesweatpantswithgoldenprint,rushingtothis cornerstore.It’sfunnytoseethesamesightnow.Somethingsneverchangethanksto timelessstoreslikethis.It’sincredible,yetsad,toknowthisisthelaststandingcorner store on the north store of Archer in the neighborhood. (JocelynVega)

OakleyFoods,3300S.OakleyAve.Monday–Saturday,9am–9pm;Sunday,9am–7pm. (773) 523-3945

PHOTOBYEMILYSOTO

BRONZEVILLE & WASHINGTON PARK

Ourneighborhoodintroductionsaregenerallywrittenbyoneoftwotypesof

people:someonewithdeeprootsintheneighborhood,likeBronzeville’s2020 captain,BridgetVaughn,whosefamilysettledhereduringtheGreatMigration,orsomeonewho’sjustbeginningtosetdownroots,likeJacquelineL.Foreman,a civicallyengaged,first-timehomeownerwhocaptainedtheWashingtonParksection last year. I fall into the latter category.

ThefirsttimeIremembervisitingBronzevillewastomeetafriendfordinnerat YassaAfricanRestaurant,shortlyaftermovingtoChicagoin2011.Yassachickenwith asideofjollofriceandplantainsisstilloneofmygo-todinnersintheneighborhood. ImovedtotheSouthSideatatimewhenWashingtonParkwaschanginginrealtime, rightbeforemyeyes,asIdrovetoworkattheUniversityofChicago.Theuniversity, ofcourse,wasresponsibleforthedramaticchangesIwasseeingunfoldalongGarfield Boulevard,WashingtonPark’smainarteryrunningeasttowest.OlivaAdams,the 2016WashingtonParkcaptain,notedthat“between2008and2014,theUniversity spent$18milliontobuytwenty-sixpropertiesinWashingtonPark,”includingthe buildingthatbecametheCurrencyExchangeCafe,whichisnowknownasRetreatat Currency Exchange and which is this year’s“Best Happy Hour.”

Butmyrealintroductiontobothneighborhoods,andtosomuchoftheSouth Side,forthatmatter,beganwhenIstarteddeliveringnewspapersandvolunteeringas aphotographerfortheWeekly,whereI’mnowtheManagingDirector.Onlythendid ItrulyrealizehowbigBronzevilleis.TheycallChicagothecityofneighborhoods, butBronzevilleistheneighborhoodofneighborhoods.Itismadeupofatleastthree distinctcommunityareas:Douglas,alongitsnorthernboundary;GrandBoulevard, whichrunsalongMartinLutherKingJr.Drive;andOakland,whichissandwiched upagainstthelakefront.KeepdrivingsouththroughGrandBoulevardonKingDrive andyouspilloutintoWashingtonPark,boththecommunityareaandtheparkfor

which it is named.

Myfiancée,Lilly,andIboughtourfirsthomeinBronzevillelastyear.Wesettled inneartheCalumet-Giles-PrairieDistrict,anotherareawithinBronzevillethatfeels likeitcouldbeitsownneighborhood,albeitasmallone.Thisareaisnicknamed“The Gap”becauseofitscollectionofrowhousesthatsurvived“urbanrenewal”aftertheend of the secondWorldWar.

Withinthefirstweekofmovingin,ourneighborsimpressedtwoimportantfacts uponus.First:theholidaylightsonPrairieAvenueareasourceofcommunitypride andthatweshouldstockupondecorations.Second:thelegendaryproducerQuincy Jones grew up in the house next door to us. (The exact address of his childhood home remainsindisputeontheblock.)ButJonesisfarfromtheonlynotableformerresidentoftheneighborhood.Anafternoonspentwiththe“TikTokhistorian”Shermann “Dilla”ThomasofMahoganyTours,anotheroneofthisyear’sbests,willtellyouall about the rich history of this historic neighborhood.

The Weekly’sannualBestoftheSouthSideissueisoneofthereasonsInowcall thisneighborhoodhome.Andit’sdirectlyresponsibleformyaddictiontothelemon poundcakefromEméché,2020’s“BestNewCakery.”Whetheryouhavedeeproots intheseneighborhoodsornot,wehopeyou’llfindsomethingnewtoloveinthebests below.LillyhighlyrecommendsawalktotheBurnhamParkWildlifeCorridor,featured in this year’s“Best Bridge Over DuSable Lake Shore Drive.” (Jason Schumer)

JasonSchumerhasworkedwiththeWeeklyinsomecapacitysince2016.Heiscurrentlythe ManagingDirectorofSouthSideWeeklyNFP,thenonprofitthatpublishesboththe Weekly and the Hyde Park Herald.

Compiled by Emily-MelissaWalker, Neighborhood captain, Malik Jackson, Lilly Astrow and Jason Schumer

PHOTOBYGERRIFERNANDEZ

Happy Hour at Retreat atCurrency Exchange

RetreatatCurrencyExchange,oneofTheasterGates’sseveralprojectsonthe300 blockofE.GarfieldBlvd.,alsoknownastheArtsBlock,hasmanyfaçadesbesidesthe wallrevealingthebuilding’spastasanactualplacetocashchecksandpayutilitybills. Acaféandartistworkingspacebyday,RetreatatCurrencyExchangemoonlightsasa baronThursdaysandFridays for happyhour, from 5pm to its 9pm close.

IfStarbucksexistsforsomeasthe“thirdplace”betweenhomeandwork,Retreat existsforartistsandmembersofthecommunityasahomegrownthirdplacebetween home and gallery.

Gates’strademarkinclination—ofusinghisurbanplanningbackgroundto repurposethedetritusofwhiteflightanddisinvestmentintoanelegantstatement—is onfulldisplayatthislocation,whereeverythinghasanartisticbent.Thechipping paintwallsoftheformerCurrencyExchangearelinedwithbookshelvesandcomfortableseatingareas;directorofmusicprogrammingBareduAhmed’scarefullycurated listofjazz,house,neo-soul,afro-beats,andotherstylesfillthespace(whenit’snot filledbythemusicofaliveensemble,asitismostThursdays);andJasonVazquez,directorofoperations,useshismixologistbackgroundandhistimeattheArtInstitute ofChicagotocreateriffsonclassiccocktailsthatspeaktothecommunity.HisControlledCurrencycocktailusesbourbon,coffeeliqueur,andcoldbrewmadebyCTRL Z,theRetreat-basedcoffeebrandheadedbyZandroZafra,whousesCostaRican

coffee beans roasted in Chicago.

“Itisarotatingmenu,”saidVazquez.“Wehadmoreofasummermenurecentlyandnowwe'regonnagointofallandwinterwithmoreflavors,youknow,darker spirits, spices,cinnamon,vanilla,pumpkinspice.”

Previously,RetreatatCurrencyExchangehostedpop-upsbylocalchefsonoccasion,butSabinaBokhari,directorofcommunicationsandphilanthropicinitiativesfor Gates’sRebuildFoundation,saidtobeonthelookoutforaresidentchefbytheendof themonth.“Weconsideritasanincubatorforculinaryentrepreneurs...Wearereally intentonmakingsurethatwe'resupportingBIPOCculinaryentrepreneursthrough thisresidencyprogram,wherethey'llhaveabrick-and-mortarspacetoserveoutof iftheyhaven'tbefore,andareabletocultivateacommunityontheSouthSide,”said Bokhari.

Protip:Besuretobringcashtotipthebartender,astheircreditcardreaderdid notallow for a tip onacard at the time. (Francisco Ramírez Pinedo)

HappyHour,RetreatatCurrencyExchange,305E.GarfieldBlvd.HappyhourThursday andFriday,5pm–9pm.CoffeebaropenMonday–Friday,8am–5pm.Instagram:@ retreatcurrencyexchange

BESTBUSTOUR

MahoganyTours

GrowingupI’veoftenheardaboutChicago’srichhistory.AsIhavegottenolder,Ibegin tonoticesomeglaringomissionsfromthecity’smainstreamnarrative.Specificallyin reference to theWestandSouth Sides.

IcameacrossurbanhistorianShermann“Dilla”ThomasviaTwitter.Everysooftenhe’dpostavideoaboutaminuteorsolongdivingintoalittleknownhistoricalor culturaltidbitaboutourgreatcity.WhenhebeganofferingbustoursofBronzeville,I knewIhad to get a ticket. I’mso glad I did.

WhatstruckmeaboutDillawhenImethimwiththerestofthegroupisthat he’s remarkablyChicago. I’dbeenon a number of group tours downtown and along

theriverwithbubblyguides(manyofwhomhadnotlivedhereverylong),but thisonewasdifferent.Helookslike,speakslike,andactslikemyChicago.Thepeople Igrew up with. I hadn’t realizedhow necessary that was.

“EverythingdopeaboutAmericacomesfromChicago,”heboasts.Andwithgood cause.OverthenexttwohourswerideonacoachbusthroughBronzevilleashestops topointouteverythingfromarchitecturaldetails(howthedifferentcolorbrickhomes meanttheclaywassourcedfromdifferentregions)tonotableresidentsofthepast (Redd Fox and HaroldWashington attended high school together).

Therewassomuchpackedintoeachofthe120minutesoftheride,Icameout withacompletelydifferent,andmoreendearing,perspectiveofaneighborhoodIhad alreadyloved. (Emily-MelissaWalker)

ChicagoMahoganyTours.Forinformationaboutcurrenttours,visitwww.chicagomahogany. com.$45–50.

BESTWRITINGGROUP

PenFlow

In2020,whentheworldseemedtoslowdown,manyofuspickedupnewandold hobbies—someevenstemmingfromourchildhoods.Youcouldnotscrollasocial mediafeedwithoutbumpingintophotosoffriendsandfamilycaringfornewplants, picking up knitting needles,orreturning to a beloved instrument.

This is what led me to seek out a writing group.

Coincidentally,it’salsowhatledtothebirthofPenFlowwritingsessions.It wasnotlostonmethatsuchaspacestartedupinpoetGwendolynBrooks’sbeloved Bronzeville.

“Wewantedtocreateaspaceforpeopletogetbacktowriting,ortoevenstart writing,andprovideanintimatesettingforthemtoperformthosepiecesforanyonewhomaybenervousperforminginfrontofothers,”saidPenFlowco-hostJovan “Skrypt” Plunkett.

BesidestheoccasionalEnglishclassassignment,Ihadnevertakenacrackatwritingpoetry—letaloneperformingapieceinfrontofothers.Butthevibeatthesessions issuchthatevenanovicelikemyselffeltwelcometoperforminfrontofsomeofthe best spoken wordartists, rappers, and poets in Chicago.

Eachsessionbeginswithatwo-hourwindowtowriteaboutthetopicpickedfor theevening.Thesceneisaninvitingone—aspaceaboutthesizeofathree-bedroom apartment,withquietroomsforstrictlywritingothersforthoseofuswholiketobea bitmoresocial,andamainroomforcollaboration.Asguestsarrive,co-hostsJovanand DarronAnthonyfilterthroughthegrouptoseewhowouldliketoperform.Though thereisnopressure,thereisoftengentlenudging.“Ialwayslookforwardtohearing yoursongs!Eveniftheyareunfinished,”IoverheardDarronsayingtooneofthe group’ssongwritersonenight.

Hostsinviteattendeestofeeloutthesceneforthefirsttwosessions,thendecide iftheywouldliketobecomeamember.Thespaceis420andBYOBfriendly,which allowssomeofthecreatorstogetintotheirmodes.(Emily-MelissaWalker)

HappyHour,RetreatatCurrencyExchange,305E.GarfieldBlvd.HappyhourThursday andFriday,5pm–9pm.CoffeebaropenMonday–Friday,8am–5pm.Instagram:@ retreatcurrencyexchange

BESTBRIDGEOVERDUSABLELAKESHOREDRIVE

35th Street Bridge

IloveeverypedestrianbridgeacrosstheDuSable/LSD—theyallhelpmereachLake Michigan,myfavoriteplaceintheworld.Butamongtheselovelybridges,thebestis the 35thStreetbridge,because itleadstoa field of flowers.

ThislakesideprairieispartoftheBurnhamParkWildlifeCorridor,aribbonof nativegrassesandwildflowers.Theflowersbloomallseasonandthepaletteofthepark changesasthemonthsgoon.I’mparticularlyfondofthebrightyellowsandpastel purplesoflateJuly,whenblack-eyedsusans,beebalm,andmilkweedareinfullbloom.

It’snotabigpark,butitisimmediatelyenveloping.Steppingoffthebridge,you canmeanderdownoneofthethindirtpathsleadingdeeperintotheprairie.Thenoise fromtheroadmuffles,thecitydisappearsfromview.Youcanseeasliverofdeepblue lakejustoverthecrestofgrasses.ThelasttimeIwasthere,theairwasfullofdragonflies.(LillyAstrow)

35thStreetPedestrianBridge, 3500S. Lake Shore Dr.

Truck Outside the Garfield Green Line Stop

Ifyou’veeverhadtocatchatrainattheGarfieldGreenLinestop,youmightnotice averyfamiliarfixture:GarlandGantt'struck,outsideofwhichyoucanpickupsocks, clothes,pops,andwaterbottles.Butinsidehistruck,Ganttoperateswhatisessentially a mobile corner store.

Youcanpickupsnowballs,hotdogs,groundbeefnachos,andevenItalianbeefs. He's been at the same spot since 2002.

Ganttisoneofthebestpeopletoaskabouttheundergoingtransformationofthe neighborhood while you pick up a bag of chips.

Inflationissomethingthathasnotescapedthisentrepreneur,ashemakesitclear on his signage that rising prices are due to economics.

Whenaskedwhatthebiggestchangehe’sseenalltheseyears,heattributesthe investments made by the University of Chicago. (Francisco Ramírez Pinedo) OutsidetheGarfieldGreenLinestop,320E.GarfieldBlvd.Monday–Friday,10:30am–7:30pm.

CHATHAM & GREATER GRAND CROSSING

Compiled byMiranda Ploss, NeighborhoodCaptain

NeighborhoodcaptainMirandaPlossisafourth-generationChathamresident.Sheisa purpose-driven creative helping people tell their stories and be seen.

MyfamilyhaslivedinChathamsincethelate50s,whenmygreat-grandmother movedfromherParkManorhomeinGreaterGrandCrossingandpurchasedasixflat building on 82nd and Prairie.

Nana,or,astheworldknewher,AdeleDeveraPryor,wasawomanwhowore manyhats.Shewasaneducator,activist,andcommunityleader,ontopofbeinga mother and the matriarch of her family.

MyNanagrewupintheSouthduringtheGreatDepression,thedaughterof twoformerslaveswhowereemancipatedlateintheirchildhood.Despiteeverything againsther,shebecame.Nana,followinghereldestsister,movednorthtoChicago. Sheownedandflippedmultipleproperties,earnedamaster’sineducation,andes-

PicturesqueScenes

Walkingthroughboth ChathamandGreater GrandCrossingyouare guaranteedtoseesome ofthemostbreathtaking picturesqueblocks inthecity.Withwellmaintainedproperties, manicuredlawns,clear brightskies,andbigfull treesit’shardnottostop andstareasyouwalk around.

tablishedalegacyofdedicationandperseverancethatwouldlastgenerationstocome.

Aftermuchsuccessinrealestate,movingthroughoutBronzeville,thentoPark Manor,myNanachoseChathamasthecommunitytotakerootin.Shetaughtfor manyyearsatRugglesElementaryon78thandPrairie,andattendedtheCongregational Church of Park Manor on 70th and King Dr.

Mygrandmother,knownaffectionatelyasMadear,attendedHirschHighSchool on77thandIngleside,whereshewasoneofeightBlackstudents.Acoupleofyears aftergraduating,shemarriedherhighschoolsweetheartinhistoricfashion,being oneofthefirstBlackcouplestobemarriedatHolyNameCathedral.Startinganew family, they set down roots in Chatham.

Mymother,whilegrowingupinChatham,attendedJaneA.NeilElementary, RugglesElementary,andArthurDixonSchoolbeforegoingtoLindblomTechnical HighSchool(laterrenamedLindblomMathandScienceAcademy)withabevyof otherChathamkids.TimeandalifeofherowndrewmymotherawayfromChatham physically, but the loving and warm neighborhood was always in her heart.

Inthesummerof1997,justbeforeIturnedfive,mymotherdecidedtorelocate backtothecommunitythatraisedher,backtotheblockshegrewupon.Sincethen, excludingmytimeawayincollege,IhavecalledChathamhome.WhenIwasyounger, myfavoritethingtodobesidesgoingtoColePark,orridingmybikewithfriends,was towalk.Asakid,IwouldwalkalloverChatham.Iwalkedtoschoolwithmyneighbors,tovariousfriends’housestoassemblethesquadforournextadventure,tothegas stationon83rdandKingDr.orChathamFoodson79thandCalumettogetsnacks. WhilelivinghereIhavedonemanythingsbecauseof,with,andformycommunity, fromGirlScoutstocommunitybeautification,mentoring,andmore.Yetandstill,a peacefulwalkaroundmyneighborhoodgivesmyadventurousheartthemostjoy.Over time,allthingschangeandinthespanofmynearlythreedecadeshereIhavebeen privilegedtowitnessChathamevolve.DuringmywalksnowIgettoreminiscewhile enjoying what Chatham is today.

OneofthebestthingsaboutChathamandGreaterGrandCrossingarethe neighborhoodsthemselves,sowhatbetterwaytoexplorethemthanbytakingawalk throughthecommunity?Today,Iinviteyoutodojustthat,bysharingmyownobservations and photographs. (Miranda Ploss)

BESTSTORYOFRESILIENCE

Harold’s Chicken ShackNo. 55

Ifyou’refromthecity,orhavebeenhereforalittlewhile,you’veprobablybeenasked thequestion,Harold’sorRemus?Well,beingtheSouthSiderthatIam,ithasalways been Harold’s!

However, there is a follow-up question when you pick Harold’s:Which one?

ThatansweristheHarold’son87th.It’snotjustthebestontheSouthSide,it’s thebestinthecity.Openedin1992byPercyBillings,itcaneasilybecalledthemecca of fried chicken.

Asakid,ifgettingchipsandcandyfromthegasstationwasequivalenttogetting gold,gettingsomeHarold’sfrom87thwaslikefindingdiamonds.Oneofthemost excitingpartsoftheHarold’sexperiencewaswalkingthroughthebackdoor.Ifeltlike Sincereinthebeginningof Belly.Fromthelensofachildtheworldissomassive,yet everythingyouexperiencefeelslikeitisyoursandyoursalone.SogoingtoHarold’s mademefeelexclusive,likeIwasoneoftheVIPsthathadtheirownprivateentrance.

Ingrowingup,andgainingtheabilitytotakemyselfplaceswheneverIfeltlikeit. IwouldoftenfindmyselfatHarold’slateatnight,duringtheweekandespeciallyon weekends,waitingpatientlyformysix-wingwithmildsauceandsometimesmylarge gizzard.Ifyoudidn’tknow,theymakethebestgizzardsIhaveeverhad,andIwillnot orderthemanywhereelse.WeekendnightsatHarold’swasdefinitelysomethingto experience;youneverknewwhoyouwouldrunintoorhowlongofawaittherewould be…SowhenIfoundouttheyopenedanexpresslocationontheothersideofthe Dan Ryan I felt like I unlocked a cheat code.

FromthatpointonwheneverIwantedsomeHarold’sandthelocationon100W. 87th St. was crowded I would go right to 8653 S. State St. and place my order.

TheHarold’son87thwillforeverbeastapleinmycomingofage,justlikeafew otherbusinessesIwasabletowitnessgrowingupinChatham.Theyshowedmethat Blackpeoplearenotjustcapableofaccomplishingbutalsothriving,supportingthemselves and the community around them.

SoinJulyof2020,inthemidstofexperiencingamagnitudeoflossonsomany levels,Iwassaddenedtohearthatthebelovedlocationthatheldsomanymemories

PHOTOBYMIRANDAPLOSS

DecoratedFrontPorches/Yards

I’mnotsurewhetherornotthereisasecretcompetitionasto whichneighborhoodhasthebestdecorated/landscapedporches andfrontyards,buttheone-twopunchthatisChathamand GreaterGrandCrossingwoulddefinitelytakethepurse!

wasclosing.WhenIfirstfoundoutapartofmepanicked,becausesomanybusinesses IgrewupwithinChathamhadgoneoutofexistenceovertheyears.Ididnotwantto lose another pillar of the community.

Naturally,Iwasoverjoyedtofindoutthattheywerenotclosingcompletely,but ratheradaptingtothechangesthrustuponthem.TheExpresslocationhasbecome theirprimarylocationandtheynowhavetwofoodtrucksthatoperatethroughoutthe cityandarealsoavailableforprivateevents.Youcanoftenfindoneoftheirfoodtrucks operating in the parking lot near their original location.

Changecanbedevastatingtoabusiness.TheresilienceofHarold’stopersevere andremainopenwhensomanybusinessesofitsgenerationhaveshuttheirdoors entirelyisinspiring.Despitethechallenges—ofpeoplebeingunawareoftheExpress locationanditsrelationtotheformerlocation,andlimitedparking—Harold’sNo.55 isdoingwell,accordingtoBryceBillings,dailyoperationsmanagerandgrandsonof Percy Billings.

WhenaskedabouttheimpactthecommunityhashadonHarold’s,BryceBillings hadthistosay:“Oh,it’sabigpart.Chathamhasbeenwith[PercyBillings]foryears, sincehestartedoverthere,aboutthirtyyearsago.Hegotatonoflovefromthem, theyhavealwayssupportedhimandthat’swhathethrivesoffof.That’swhathelooks forward to every day.”

It’ssafetosaythatHarold’swillalwaysbeapartofChatham’spast,present,and future. (Miranda Ploss)

Harold’sChickenShackNo.55Express,8653S.StateSt.Opendaily,11am–midnight. (773) 874-8653. haroldschicken55.com

InterestingHomes

Fromcustomadditionslikebutterfliesandstonestatuestoallencompassingfoliage,andeverythinginbetween,Chathamand GreaterGrandCrossingboastofbeautifullydesignedhomes.

DIBESSYARDCOLLIDE

Just Jerk Cafe

IhaveneverbeentoJamaica,butsomethingdeepwithinmetellsmethatthefood atJustJerkCafeat119E.79thSt.istrulyauthentic,whichmakesperfectsense consideringtwo-thirdsoftheownershipwerebornandraisedinJamaica.Theyare morethanworthyofbeingaBest!LocatedintherestaurantspaceattachedtoDuke’s Lounge,theyhaveproventheirvalueandqualityafterbeingopenformorethanten yearsinaspacewhereotherrestaurantscouldbarelystayopenformorethanayear or two.

Ispentalotoftimethereduringmychildhood,inthebackofficeatDuke’s,learningaboutbusinessfrommyaunties,orintheapartmentsupstairshangingoutwith mycousins,asDuke’sandthebuildingitselfareownedbyclosefamilyfriends.Forthe longesttime,therewasaChineserestaurantinthatspace.Afterclosingintheearly 2000s,manyotherrestaurantscameandwent,andthereevenweresomeyearswhere thespacewasjustvacant.Soin2011whenJustJerkCafeopened,Iwassuperexcited thatanotherBlack-ownedrestauranthadopenedinChatham.Asidefromknowing justhowamazingtheirfoodisandbeingaregularcustomer,Ididn’tknowmuchabout the business or its owners: J.R., Gia Lake and her husband.

Inanin-depthconversationwithGiaaboutJustJerkCafeanditsimpacton Chatham,IlearnedthatsheandherhusbandhadanaffinityfortheSouthSideand wantedtosupportthecommunitywhileprovidingjobsforthepeoplethatlivehere.

As for the rest, I think it's best that her words speak for themselves.

Why did they choose this location to open their restaurant?

Peoplerelyonpublictransportfortheirjobs.Sohavingsomethingthat’sinthecity ontheSouthSidethatmightbeintheirneighborhood,ornottoofarthattheyhadto commute.That it would give them a chance to have a job.

HowdoyoufeelaboutChathamandyourtimethatyou’vespentherethusfarasa business?

SoloveChatham.Ihadfamilyinthisareaforalongtime.Iactuallygrewupin Bronzeville,butmyfamilyareall[onthe]SouthSide,like[deep]SouthSide.So 79thstreet,mygrandmotherisovereast,theirfirsthousewhentheymovedfromthe lowend[wasintheGreaterGrandCrossing]area.Sowe’vekindofalwayshadan affinityforthiskindofarea.Asabusinessownerinthisarea,Ican’tpictureusbeing somewhereelse.Imean,ofcoursewehavekindaconsidereditandsaidlike,‘Ohwell couldwemaybeopenupasecondlocation?Arewerobustenoughtobeabletodo thatyet?Ifforsomereasonsomethinghappenedandwecouldn’tbehere?(withthe ideaofgentrificationright).’Idoknowthey’replanningakindofprojectfor79thand State.Soinkindofthinkingaboutthat,wedon’tknowwhatelsewouldbehomeand thisistrulyhomeforus.That’swhat’skeptushereasabusiness.Idon’tknowif[there isanotherneighborhoodthat]wouldcaptureourcustomerbase,thepeopleweend up[meeting].Therearesomepeoplethatcomefromasfaras[the]southsuburbs.We havepeoplethatcomefromIndiana,theWestSide.They’llcallusandsay,‘Heyplease don’tputmyfoodaway.We’recomingallthewayoffof290fromtheWestSide,’and

we’relike‘Ok,noworries.Wewillputyourfoodtotheside.Wewon’tgiveyourfood away.’They’relike,‘NocauseIknowthatyouguyswillselloutofthings.’Ithink,being able to be here, a staple of this area and this community as we’ve reopened.

WhichIdon’tknowifyouwereaware,thatweactuallyhadtocloseforlikethree months,becausesomeoneranintothebuilding.Weclosed,theaccidenthappened May 30, [2022] and we just opened back up [Aug 22, 2022].

Comingback,beingopenandhearingtheoutpourofpeoplethatarelike,‘Omg I’msogladthatyouguyswereback,Ithoughtyouguysweren’tgonnareopen.’People saying,‘OhIlivearoundthecorner,Ialwayscometoyourrestaurant.Ialwaysride down79th,Iseeyouguys.Ikeptchecking,ridingbytoseeifmaybeyouguysopened backup.’Youknow,peoplewerecallingandsaying‘OhIwasn’tsureifyouguysrelocated.’ Callingthenumbertoseeifmaybethatwaswhathappened.To know howwe dotrulyimpactthecommunity,wasjustlike,formecomingbackandusbeingreopen wasdefinitelytouching.[Be]causeIguessIjustdidn’treallythinkabouthowmuch wewere,likeIknewwhatwewantedtobeabletodo,butIguessIdidn’trealizehow manypeoplereallydidloveourfoodandlovethatwe’rehere.Youknow,[somepeople] would have felt maybe a little bit of a void had we moved somewhere else.

What’s something special about Just Jerk Cafe that people should know?

Somethingspecial,Imeanotherthanweputjustatonofloveandcareintothefood. Nottosaythatotherrestaurantsmaybedon’tdoit.Imeanintherestaurantindustry you kinda hear different things, different stories.

Weintentionallyshowpeopletheirfoodbeforetheyleave.Iknowinsomeother restaurantsyoucanjustlikegetyourfoodpackedup,[andyouleave].That’spartofthe experiencethatwefeelyoushouldhavecomingintotherestaurant,is[to]seewhat yourfoodlookslike,[and]knowthatyouhaveeverythingcorrect.Wewanttomake surethatyou’rehappywithyourfoodbeforeyouleave.Soit’snotasituationwhereyou getallthewayhomeandthensomethingismissing.Or,againthinkingaboutsome peoplemaybetravelingfromprettyfarorjustsometimesthemcomingfromaround thecorner,buthavingtoleavebackouttathehouse,comebacktotherestaurant. That’sjustsodisappointingwhenthat’ssomethingyou’reintendingtobeabletoeat, yourfood.You’relike‘heyI’mexcitedaboutmyfood,’andthenyouopenitupandit’s notwhatyouwereexpecting.Sothat’sonethingthatwereallyhavealwayskept,even whenwe’rebusy.Alotoftimes,peoplehavegottensousedtoourfood,somepeople thatwehavethataretheregulars,theywillcomein,they’llbelike‘y’alldon’tgotta showmethisfood,Iknowitsgonbegood.’SothatisathingwhereI’mlikeohthat feelsgreat,theyknowthatwedon’tevenhaveto,they’retrustingustoknowthatthey don’t even have to look at their food.That they know that it’s gonna be good.

ThenImean,it’sfreshfood,we’renotdoingfrozenquick-readykindofcooking. Thechicken,we’rebuyingfreshnotfrozenchicken.Fromanexpensestandpoint,for usthatismoreexpensiveintermsofchicken,butIthinkalotofpeopledon’tnecessarilythinkaboutthatwhenthey’reorderingfood.Somerestaurantsmaybedon’t necessarilythinkaboutthat,they’rejustlike‘heyI’mtryingtocutcostsasmuchas possible,’andIgetthat.Wejustdon’twanttosacrificeonthat,whenitcomestogetting people fresh food.

Itrulyhopethisaddedinsightintothepassion,consideration,andpurposebehind JustJerkCafewillbringyouintogrababite.Becauseonceyougettoexperiencethe warmingandinvitingatmosphereandyou’vetriedtheirfood,you’lldefinitelybecome a

Ploss)

JustJerkCafe,19E.79thSt.Monday–Saturday,11:30am–9pm;Sundays,closed.$3.50–$20. (773) 846-2232.

Nature

Takingawalkthroughthisneighborhoodisessentiallyanature walk,withtreesofalldifferenttypesandsizes,rareinsectsoften notseen,andsomanyresidentsgrowingalltypesofflowersand foliage.Thecrispairandbrightsunshinealmostmakeyouforget thatyou’reinabustlingcity.

NewTrends/Innovations

Asaneighborhoodevolving withthetimes,you’llsee manyhomeswithmodernized exteriors,secondfloor additions,andevenfullrehabs.

FunOddities

Youneverknowwhatyou’llfindwhilewalkingthroughChatham/ GreaterGrandCrossing.Youcancomeacrossanything…afaux deerhidingamongstshrubbery,coololdschoolcars,asmall custompond,orapersonalizedstreetsign.

BESTCOMMITMENTTOCOMMUNITY

Stephanie Hart of Brown Sugar Bakery

AsayoungBlackwomangrowingupontheSouthSide,Ididn’tseetangible contemporaryexamplesofbusinessownersIcouldseemyselfin.ThatwasuntilIgot the opportunity to meet Stephanie Hart, owner of Brown Sugar Bakery.

IfirstmetherwhenIwasinthesixthgrade.Mymomisinlovewithchesspie,a southernclassicthatmostbakeriesseldommake.SowhenshefoundoutthatStephaniemadehermostcherishedtreatwebecameregulars.Atthattimethebakerywas located just off of 75th and Evans.

OvertimemymotherandStephaniegotcloserandourvisitstoBrownSugar Bakerygrewlonger,astheywouldalwayssitandchatforawhile.WhatIdidn’tfully understandthenwasthatIhadbeengivenarareopportunitytowitnesspurposeat work.Itisbecauseoftheaccessgrantedbymymother’sconnectiontoStephaniethat

I got a closer view than most of the beginnings of Brown Sugar Bakery.

Throughtheyears,asBrownSugarBakeryandStephaniegrewinnotorietyand acclaim,I’vecheeredhersuccessasmyown.TheprideIfeelinconstantlyseeing Stephaniegetthenoticeshemorethandeservestrulycannotbeencapsulatedin words. It makes my spirit rejoice.

With the level of attention the bakery has received over the years, she could have relocatedthebakeryelsewhere,toplacesthatmostwouldassumetobemoreprofitableorbeneficialtoherbusiness.However,StephanieiscommittedtotheSouthSide, committed to Greater Grand Crossing, committed to 75th Street.

It’snotjustthedelicioustreatsthatmakeBrownSugarBakeryanultimatebest, butthepassionandcommitmenttocommunityexhibitedbyitsphenomenalowner Stephanie Hart. (Miranda Ploss)

Note:IgottheopportunitytospeakwithStephanie.Notonlydidwespeakaboutthe importanceofcommunityandhavingspacestoenjoyinourownneighborhood,butI wasalsoabletogiveherherflowers.Checkoutthissectiononlineatsouthsideweekly. com to read the interview.

BrownSugarBakery,328E.75thSt.OpenTuesday–Saturday,10am–6pm;Sunday 12pm–5pm. (773) 224-6262. brownsugarbakerychicago.com

PHOTOBYMIRANDAPLOSS

CHICAGO LAWN &WEST LAWN

Compiled by JacquelineSerrato NeighborhoodCaptain

WestLawnandChicagoLawnhavealwaysbeenpredominantlyCatholic,immigrant,andfamily-orientedneighborhoodsthatshareimportant commercialcorridors.ThesprawlingMarquetteParkspansbothneighborhoods—further blurring the lines between each community area.

There’salsotheunfortunatestainofracisminthelocalhistoryofboth,asmemorializedbythemonumenttoDr.MartinLutherKingJr.installedin2016on67thand Kedzie.Thisisnearthesitewherehewasstonedin1966ashebravelymarchedfor civil rights through a park filled with angry protesters.

Butashasbeenpreviouslyreportedbythe Weekly andothers,significantdemographicshiftsattheturnofthecenturyhavetransformedthisareaofthecity.Census numbersshowthatthewhitepopulationthatinitiallysettledinWestLawnandChicago Lawn is in decline.

In2010,therewereabout7,300residentswhoidentifiedaswhitelivinginthese neighborhoods,accordingtotheCensus.By2020,thatpopulationhaddroppedto about4,400.Incontrast,about62,300Latinxresidents—ofpredominantlyMexican descent—currently live inWest Lawn and Chicago Lawn, per the 2020 Census.

ThismajorshiftwasfirstpalpableduringthepandemicwhentraditionalMexican paradeswerecanceledandtheroadsgoingdowntownwereblocked.Sothousands uponthousandsofMexicanresidentsfloodedPulaski,Kedzie,California,andbeyond incelebration—bringingtraffictoastandstill—andshowingthecity,andeachother, that there’s power in their numbers.

Buttheirpoliticalpowerisn’tuptoparyet.There’sastronglegacyofmachine politicsontheSouthwestSidethathashelpedpreventthis,thoughprobablynotfor muchlonger,givenrecentindictmentsofelectedofficialsandtheongoingso-called exodus from City Council, as sitting aldermen decline to seek re-election in 2023.

Theconceptofthe“Indian”monumenton63rdandPulaskialsoneedssome“unpacking”andre-evaluationduetothisnewcontext.There’saproblematichistoryof whiteAmericansappropriatingNativeAmericanimagerytoadvertisecigarshops(as wastheoriginalpurposeofthiseffigy)andcommodifyit.I’vereadaccountsoflocals whowouldshootarrowsatitsbackintheolddays.Ihopethesymbolismofthe“Indian” is gaining a new meaning with the influx of brown people to the area.

Today,residentsarewritinganewchapterinthehistoryofWestandChicago Lawn. I hope they embrace the magnitude of this moment. (Jacqueline Serrato)

JacquelineSerratoisthe Weekly’s editor-in-chief.ShewasbornandraisedinLaVillitaand has lived all over the South Side, including inWest Lawn.

Los Comales De Doña Ana

TheLosComalesrestaurantsaretheregion’smostfamousMexicanfoodfranchise— youcanfindoneasfarasJoliet.ButnotallComalesrestaurantsarecreatedequal. Whilethemenusarefundamentallythesame,eachrestauranthasadifferentowner andadifferentappeal.Thelocationon60thandPulaskiisrunbyafamilymatriarch, DoñaAna(whosenamehasbeenaddedtotherestaurantname),andsheopenedthe business when the area was predominantly Polish.

TherearequiteafewthingsthatmakeherComalesstandout.Forstarters,the establishmentisimpeccablyclean.Thisisnottrueforalltaquerias.However,this Comalesalwayshasswepttilefloors;thetables,condiments,andsaltshakersarereligiouslywipeddown;thebathroomssmelllikepurpleFabuloso;andaneatbutbustling kitcheniswithineyesightofthecustomer.Itmadecustomerslikemefeelreassured when we decided to venture out for tacos in 2020.

Therestaurantservesthecharacteristicallysmallstreettacosandfattortasthatall Comalesareknownfor.But,inmyopinion,theportionshereseemmoregenerous,the meatfeelsmoretender,andthesalsashaven’tlosttheirspiciness—asI’vefoundtobe the case in some Mexican restaurants that try to cater to a white clientele.

Themenuincludesclassicdisheslikeenchiladas,mole,andseafood,aswellas moretrendyoptionslike quesabirria with consomé.OneunderrateditemistheTacos Jalisco,whichareGuadalajara-stylesemi-crispy barbacoa beeftacos(themeatresemblespulledpork)withasignaturefierysalsaonthesidethatwillclearyoursinusesand lift your spirits by the time you’re done.

Thelocationincludesafairselectionoftequilaandimportedbeer,whichallowfor decadentcocktailslikemicheladas,piñascoladas,andmargaritas—oryoucankeepit simpleandjustgetasix-packinabucketofice. Thenon-alcoholicoptions,needless tosay,aredelicious:theaguasdehorchata,tamarindo,andjamaicaareneverwatered down.

Forentertainment,therestauranthasadigitaljukeboxandfiveflatscreensthatare tunedintothesoccergameorthetelenovela.ThereisanaltarofLaVirgendeGuadalupeinonecornerofthediningarea,whichfurtherattractscustomersyearroundand is a popular backdrop for selfies.

Despiteaseriesofothergreatrestaurantspoppingupontheblockoverthelast decade, Los Comales de Doña Ana is unfazed and here to stay. (Jacqueline Serrato) TaqueriaLosComalesdeDoñaAna,6035S.PulaskiRd.Monday–Sunday,10am–10pm. (773) 838-1977. facebook.com/loscomalesdedonaana

BESTGOODOLD-FASHIONEDFASTFOODPITSTOP

Windy City Hot Dogs

Onceuponatimeyoucouldbuyahotdogonalmostanycornerofthecity,including intheSouthwestSide—atleastaccordingtolegend.Butnowadays,intheWestLawn neighborhood,there’sonlyafewplaceswhereyoucangetaChicagodog.Irecommend Windy City Hot Dogs.

Whenyouwalkordriveon63rdStreet,it’simpossibletomisstheshack-style restaurantonthecornerofKildare.Itcouldverywellbeasceneoutofthe70’s,withits hand-paintedrestaurantsignthatincludesthedowntownskyline,ahotdog“dragged through the garden,” and a gyro cone.

Butthisisagoodthingbecausesometimesapersonjustwantstomakeagood old-fashioned fast food pit stop.

Uponenteringthetightquarters,everycustomerlooksuptoseethefixedmenu onthewhiteletterboard(eventhoughtheyarrivealreadyknowingwhattheywant). ItrunsthegamutofChicagofavorites,includingcheeseburgers,Polishes,pizzaslices,pattymelts,chilicheesefries,Italianbeefs,pizzapuffs,submarines,friedfishand shrimp, grilled chicken sandwiches, and tamales (the English pronunciation).

Theparkinglotishuge,soyoucanwaitoreatinthecar.Oryoucansitonthebar stoolsandlookoutthewindowwhileyouwaitfivetotenminutesforyourorderto comeoutsteaminginapaperbagoracheckeredcardboardtray.Ifyou’rehungry,you can’t go wrong here. (Jacqueline Serrato)

WindyCityHotDogs,4205W.63rdSt.Monday–Saturday,10am–8:30pm;Sundays closed. (773) 581-0332

BESTRENOVATION

West Lawn Library

Whenyoucrossweston63rdandPulaski,it’seasytomisstheWestLawnLibrary amongtherowsofstorefrontsandbusyvehiculartraffic.Thelibrarywasespecially overlookedwhenitcloseddownforwhatfeltlikeayearatthebeginningofthe pandemic, with some neighbors fearing that it would close forever.

PHOTOBYJACQUELINESERRATO

TheWestLawnBranchquietlyreopenedinJanuary2022afterundergoingaseriesofindoorrenovations.The$625,000TIF-fundedinvestmentwaspartoftheCity’s capitalimprovementprogramthatincludedupgradinglibrarybuildingsasawayto “reducemaintenanceandrentalcosts,providesafe,structurallysoundandinviting facilities, and ensure that current and future service needs are met.”

Staffchangeswereimplementedtopresumablybetterservetherelativelynew Mexican-Americancommunityinthearea,andMinaDuartewashiredasthebranch manager.ShebringsrelevantexperiencehavingpreviouslyworkedinlibrariesservingLatinxcommunitiessuchasBrightonParkBranch,TomanBranchinLittleVillage,GageParkBranch,andSouthChicagoBranch,aswellasthedowntownHarold Washington Library Center.

Thereisalsomorevisibleprogramming.ThebranchparticipatedinCPS’sSummerMealsprogram,distributingto-golunchestochildrenduringsummerbreak.The libraryisalsoapopularvotingsiteduringelectionseason,andmanySouthwestSide voterswilllikelychoosethatlocationtovotethisNovemberforthegeneralelections and in the February municipal elections.

Atthemoment,thebranchishostingaperformingartsseriescalled“Artopia,” whichconsistsofmini-concertsatthelibraryonselectSaturdaynights.Thelineup includes a jazz duo, a guitar-flute duo, and a classical guitarist.

Morefamily-friendlyeventsareexpectedtocometothenewandimproved branch. Keep an eye out! (Jacqueline Serrato)

West Lawn Library, 4020W. 63rd St. Monday &Wednesday, 12–8pm;Tuesday &Thursday, 10am–6pm; Friday & Saturday, 9am–5pm; Sunday, 1–5pm. (312) 747-7381

BESTOASISWITHINANOASIS

Marquette ParkLagoon

MarquetteParkistrulyanoasisinaveryindustrializedpartofthecity.Infact,itholds thetitleasthelargestparkontheSouthwestSide.There’smuchtoappreciateabout thepark,andbecauseit’sroughlyfifteenblockswide,thereisamplespaceforpeople from different neighborhoods to spread out and enjoy it.

Manypeopleusethesoccerfieldsandbasketballcourts,havecookoutsunderthe trees,orwalk,runorridetheirbikeonanearlythree-miletrailthatloopsaroundthe park.Thetrailisalsocar-accessible,sopeoplecandrivetoanypartofthepark,and manytimestheparkhasservedasatraininggroundfornewdriversorameetingpoint for caravans.

OneaspectoftheparkthatIthinkisunderratedandthatIconsidertobeanoasis within an oasis is: the lagoon.

Thelagoonisanarrowandshallowbodyofwaterthatcirclestheparkinsidethe perimeterofthetrail.It’sreportedlyaboutfortyacres.Fromabird’seyeview,itap-

pearsthattwotinyislandsareinthecenter—especiallybecauseKedzieAvenueruns through the middle of the park.

Myfavoritewaytoaccessthelagoonisbywalkingthetrailontheeastendofthe park.I’llstartonKedzie,goingonMannRd.,whichturnsintoKanstDrive—and rightthere,inconspicuously,you’llfindanentranceamidstthetreesandprairiebushes. Ittakesyouonasmallwoodenbridgeoverthewater,andforaminute,itmakesyou forget you’re in the city.

There’snotmuchelseontheotherendofthebridge,justmorewilderness.The quietatmosphereisperfectforfishingenthusiasts.Thereareabouttenknownspecies of fish in the water, including channel catfish and yellow bass.

Checkitoutonedaywhenyouwanttoclearyourmind.Andlet’shelptomaintain and protect this lovely piece of nature. (Jacqueline Serrato)

Marquette Park, 6743 S. Kedzie Ave. 6am–11pm. (312) 747-6469.

CHINATOWN

Theyoutnumberbubbleteashopsanddimsumspots.They’reonbusystreets andsidestreets.TheirsignsmightbewritteninEnglish,orright-to-left.They arenotopentothepublic,butifyourfamilyisfromChina,youmightalready be a member of one of these exclusive clubs.

TheyareChinesefamilyassociations.TheoneGeneKongbelongsto,theSoo YuenBenevolentAssociation,hasexistedinChicagosince1924.Itwasfirstfounded inSanFranciscobeforechaptersbeganspringingupwhereverChinesepeoplesettled. “TheChinesestartedmovingeast,”Genesaid,laughingasheadded,“Asopposedto Americans,[who]movedwest…Alotofthesefamilyassociationsstartedoutinthe west coast.”

SooYuen’sofficeisuptotheceilinginsunwornfamilyassociationphotos.In manyofthem,peoplearebunchedshoulder-to-shoulderintheirSundaybestatchaptersinCalifornia,thePhilippines,Cuba,China,andmore.Somechaptersappeared largeenoughtopopulateasmallvillage.Besidethoseframesonthewood-paneled wallsarephotosofHiramFong,thefirstChinese-Americansenatorandcandidate for president.

“BackthenthoseChinesepeople,mostofthemweremen—itwasabachelor societybackthen—theycametothiscountrylookingforwork.Sothesefamilyassociations,ifyou’reluckyandyoursurnamefellinthatcategory,youcangotothem forassistance…Maybeyouneedanaddress.Howdoyousendmoneyback?Youget letterssenttohere,”hesaid,referringtotheassociationoffices.“Thiswaskindoftheir official address back then, before P.O. boxes.”

Familyassociationsprovidedsocialservicesandhelpedrecentimmigrantsget theirfootinginAmerica.Nowadays,thoseservicesarecarriedoutbyprofessionally

staffednonprofitssuchastheChineseAmericanServiceLeagueandPuiTakCenter. “Rightnowit’smostlyasocialclub.Theyhaveincome,somaybejusthavealittleparty for the Chinese NewYear.”

“Itwasrealsimplebackthen.I’dgotoschoolhere,HainesSchoolorSt.Therese… Wegrewuparoundhere,wewenttoschoolhere.Duringthesummerwhenschool’s over,we’dseeourfriendsduringthesummertime.Nowadays,it’snotlikethatnow. Kidsthatgotoschoolwiththemmaybeoutsomewhereelse…Theydon’tseetheir classmates because they’re all scattered.”

GenegrewupinthegenerationwhereChinatownhadnonearbyparks,butthey wouldplayatHaineswhenitusedtohaveabaseballyard.“Before,Chinesepeople wouldn’tgotoWhiteSox.Alotofdiscriminationbackthen.”Healsoremembers goingtothelibrarywhenitusedtobeacrossthestreetfromhisfamily’sassociation. There’sevenapictureofitinoneoftheassociation’soldpublications,whichiswritten almost entirely in traditional Chinese.

Geneexcitedlyshowedustothesmallofficedenandpointedouttheircharteras wellasalltheimportantpeopleandpoliticianswhohavepaidvisits.Then,heshared some words of advice about civic engagement.

“Youyoungerpeopleshouldalwaysvoteregardless.Rememberinpoliticsthere’s nogoodorbad.Votingistherealityoflesseroftwoevils.ThesimplifiedChinese version[ofthecharacterfor‘party’]meansfriend…Jesushadafriend:Judas.Betrayal comes from within.”

WhenaskedabouthisthoughtsaboutthegrowingrepresentationofAsian Americansinlocalgovernment,Geneseemedambivalent.“It’sgoodtohavethis.The problem is, in my opinion, are we ready for this? Just because you’re in politics,

Compiled byPhan Le, Neighborhood captain

PHOTO BY SAMUEL RONG

there’salwaysthatunseenhandbehindthem.Ihatetosoundcynicalaboutthis, butaretheyactuallyworkingforus?ThisisstillChicago,alotoftheoldguardisstill there.They’renotgonnagiveuprightawaytoyou.Don’tgetmewrong,Ilovemyown people.Butinthesametoken…little,oldfactions,that’sthehardestpart…unityis hard.There’s no messiah returning from heaven.”

Hewasintenselypragmatic,butnonethelessincrediblysupportiveofyoungpeoplegettinginvolvedinpolitics,justasheoncewas.Heclaimshe’svotedeveryyear since he was eighteen.

Likeformanyvisitorstothearea,thebestthingaboutChinatownforGeneis theavailabilityofcomfort.Chinese,Asians,andnon-Asiansalikehaveclaimedsomethinghomeyaboutsteppingintothesebusy,fragrantcorridors,perhapsnotknowing thateachbiteoffoodisflavoredwiththepastandourownloveforChinatown.“Best ofChinatownformeisbeingabletogoacrossthestreetandgetawontonnoodle. EvenifIhadmoney,I’dprobablystilllivehere.IworrythatifImoveout,thisismy identity. I’m just so used to it.” (Phan Le)

Phan Le is a Bridgeport resident and a Chicago Chinatown history enthusiast.

BESTCTAWELCOMESIGN

Cermak-Chinatown Red Line Station

“Doors open on the right at Cermak-Chinatown…”

SteppingofftheRedLine,Chinatownimmediatelyhitsme.Thatcharsiusmell. Cantonesekaraoke.“FaiDeeLa.”Archertraffic.“想吃什么?”CarstereoK-pop. “Quiero probar dim sum!”

Ifallthatinputisn’tenough,asIdescendthestairs,abovemehangsamulticolouredmural.AtitscenteristheChinesecharacterforluck, 福 (fú).TomostnonChinesepassersby,theyprobablywon’tnoticethatthecharacterisactuallywritten upsidedown.Thesignificance?TheChinesecharacterfor“upsidedown”is 倒 (dào). Which,coincidentally,soundsjustlikethecharacterfor“toarrive” 到 (dào).Sowhen yourluckisupsidedown, 福倒家,yourluckhasarrived, 福到家.Here, 家 (jiā)is thecharacterfor“home.”EspeciallyduringLunarNewYearcelebrations,toensure maximum luck absorption, people eagerly paste upside down 福 signs on their doors.

ThefirstfewtimesIsawtheCTAmural,thegiant“luck”characterstuckout likeasorethumb.Iusedtothink,goodjobCTA,let’suseanotherculturaltradition toorientaliseChinatown.Itremindedmeof“AsiaonArgyle”andthatLstop’s obnoxiousorientalawnings.Butduringthepandemic,ImovedclosertoChinatown. Inthelastcoupleyears,whatwasonceatouristdestinationformehasturnedintoa placeofstruggles,stories,andfriends.ThelongerIcallthisplacehome(家),themore differently I see the CTA 福.

TheearlydaysofCOVID-19paralysedbusinessesandemptiedstreets.People confusedfearingthe“Chinesevirus”withfearingChinesefood.Andaspandemicrelatedcrimeandunrestbubbledupnationwide,surveillancecameraspoppedupon everyotherhousefromTanCourtto24thPlace.Maybeweaccidentallyleftthedoor open for bad luck.

Inthemeantime,restauranttablessatempty,yettheirstovesburnedhot.Church pewsgathereddust,yetvolunteersstuffedthehallswithsupplydonations.Theday-todayhustledieddown,yetChinatownrefusedtogivein.Thisplaceisfilledwithpeople whocrossedoceans,peoplewhoadapted,peoplewhoachieved.Wesetnewroots.We builtuponyesterday’sgeneration.Chinatownisthebeginning,theend,happiness, sadness,abreakfromlife,awayoflife.Perhapsthereisonewordthatbestsumsall this up—home. 家。

Weareaforcetobereckonedwith,especiallyastheneighborhood’spost-

lockdownrevivalcontinues.Chinatownisn’ttoofarfromChicago’sgeographic center—justaboutfivemileseastofit,tobeexact.Andonweekendafternoons,the square,PingTomMemorialPark,andWentworthAvenuefeellikethecity’ssocial center.It’stheonlyplaceIknowinChicagowhereBlackandbrownteensdanceto K-popnexttowhitetouriststakingselfiesnexttoelderlyCantonesemenplaying chessnexttoapaleteroringingthebellsonhiscart.Notbadforaneighborhoodin one of America’s most segregated cities.

BlessthisCTAluckmural.Letitkeepbringinginthegoodtimes.Ieagerly welcome 福到家.Butwhenluckdoesn’tarrive,youcanbeabsolutelysurethatthe people of Chinatown will make their own. (Samuel Rong)

Cermak-Chinatown Red Line Station, 138W. Cermak Rd. 24/7

BESTINTERSECTIONFORAMODERNROUNDABOUT

Intersection of Archer/Cermak/Princeton

OftenI’mincrediblygratefulforhowChinatownwasdesignedandpreserved.Ihave readandlistenedtostoriesabouthowcommunitymembershadgatheredatlocal restaurantstospendhoursplanningand,sometimes,arguing,aboutparks,parking lots,andpagodas.Yeah,pagodas.In1980,agiantpagodawasproposedtobebuilt inthemiddleofCermakand Wentworth,alongwith“friendshipgardens.”Itallmay seemtrifling,buttheireffortshavehadacosmopolitanimpact.Inpost-pandemic times,Chicago’sChinatowncontinuestobeanattractionforpeopleallovertheworld.

Through its ups and downs, it’s safe to say that Chinatown seems to be doing well. In fact, maybe a little too well.

Pickanyweekend.Parkinglotsoverflowwithcars,restaurantswithpeople,and trashcans(andbushes,sidewalks,flowerpots)withdiscardedbobacups.Somany bobacups.Theproblemsonlymultiplywhenevents,liketheannualChinatownSummerFair,popup.Onthishotandmuggyweekend,carsarestuckbumpertobumper whiletheroadsareblockedoffbybarricades,giantinflatablebouncyslides,andvolleyball exhibitions.

Howcanweimprovetheinfrastructuretobettersuitaculturalhubthathas evidentlyoutgrownitsshell?ForaslongasChinatowncontinuestobeatouristdestination,carsareheretostay.Perhapstheidealsolutionisnottoexpandcarcapacity but rather improve car flow.

Thesix-wayintersectionofArcher,Cermak,andPrincetonisoneoftheneighborhood’scentralvalvesandseemslikeagoodplacetostart.Ithaslongredlights, impatientdrivers,andfrighteningleft-turns.It’sadrivingexperiencethatleavesalot to be desired.

Enterthemodernroundabout.Okay,hearmeout.Themodernroundaboutisnot theconfusing,high-speedmerry-go-roundthattrappedtheSimpsonsduringtheir vacationintheUK.And,Ipromise,they’renotthathardtounderstand.Criticsmight arguethatroundaboutsareconfusingbecauseit’seasytomissyourexit.Whileareasonableconcern,peopledrivingthroughtraditionalintersectionsstillmakethiserror regularly.

Oh,cursedroundabouts—howeverwillwereverseyourtrickery?Well,bycompletinganotherrevolution.Sincedriversarealreadymovinginacircle,theyhavethe optiontodrivestraight,turn,orturnbackwithouthavingtodrivearoundablockor make abrupt and dangerous turns.

Roundaboutsarenotonlymoreconvenientfordrivers,they’resafer.Insteadof usingtrafficlights,modernroundaboutsutilizeasystemofyielding.Itforcesdrivers toslowdownandwatchoutforothers,whichresultsinfewercollisionsandfatal accidentsforallroadusers.ThisiswhatIlikemostabouttheroundabout:itchanges

Roundaboutsarealsosuperiortostandardtrafficlightintersectionsintermsof efficiencyandenvironmentalsustainability.AccordingtotheIllinoisDepartmentof Transportation’spageonroundabouts,theycostlesstomaintainandminimizetime wastedatredlightsduringoff-peakhours.Theycanaccommodatetrucksandlarge vehicles, too. Best of all, these benefits result in lowered costs to the community.

Itwouldbeeasytoconvertthisparticularintersectionbecauseeachwayiseither oneortwolanes.Leftturninglanes,becausetherearenoleftturnsinaroundabout, canbecomepedestrianrefugeislands.Thisalsoprovidesanopportunitytocreatevisual interestinthegiantemptyspacewheretheroadsmeet.MaybeChinatowncanfinally have that giant pagoda after all.

Roundaboutsarenotonlyforthebenefitofmotorists;well-designedonescan protectpedestriansandcyclists,too.Likewithanythingelse,roundaboutswillhave trade-offs and accessibility challenges should be considered with careful research.

Chicagohasbeenalightwithcontroversyaboutthe2021speedingticketlaw, withnoclearindicationwhetherthebenefitsoutweighthecosts.I’mnotatraffic safetyexpert,butIdowantsaferoadsforeverybodyandmoreefficientandenvironmentallyfriendlycityplanning.Circularintersectionsarecool,butthereshouldbe noexpectationsforamagicbulletorquickresults.Ratherthanrelyondisparateand, ahem,roundaboutmethodstoimprovecongestioninChinatown,Chicagocanturn to many tried and true design and policy solutions from all over the world. (Phan Le)

course, in today’s climate, such political music is bound to raise eyebrows.

“Otherstellmethesesongsaretooanti-American,”Mr.Huangsaidwhile emptyinghisspitvalve.“SoIdiversified!NowIplayalotofChinesepopmusic.I even take requests!”

Incollege,Mr.Huangimmersedhimselfinthearts:acting,singing,emceeing—if itinvolvedbeingonstage,hedidit.Hebadlywantedtoplayaninstrumentandfell inlovewiththetrumpet.Watchinghimplayandlisteningtohimtalk,itfeelslikea perfectmatch.Hisvoicecarriesanexuberantintensity,muchliketheshrillofvibrating brass.Heenthusiasticallypointsouteachnewsongthatplaysfromhisspeaker.“You shouldlookthisoneup!”“Yourparentswoulddefinitelyknowthisone!”“Thisonewas a total hit! Great love song!”

Mr.HuangcametotheUSafewyearsagotohelptakecareofhisgrandchildren. OneCOVIDlockdownlater,likemanyotherChineselivinghere,hefoundthe processofgoingbackacomplicatedone.Sonowhisdailyroutineincludestakinghis grandchildrentoschool,cookingforthem,andwhenhehastime,playingthetrumpet.

Ihavebeenlisteningtohismusicformorethanayearnow.Idon’tknowthe namesofallthesongsbutrecognizealmosteverymelody.LikeMr.Huang,Iamalso itchingtogobacktoChina.Mygrandparentsareaging,andeachyearthatpassesfeels likeayearlost.Chinaseemsimpossiblyfaraway.Butthetrumpet,howeverbriefly, brings me just a bit closer. (Samuel Rong)

BESTMELODIESOFMAINLANDCHINA

Mr. Huang akaTrumpet Man

Myneighborhoodhasadistinctsoundscape—madeupofvoicesconversing(oroften arguing)inCantoneseorMandarin,drivershonkingatdouble-parkedcars,andthe crunchofsteppingonbobateacups.SowhenIheardthesoundofatrumpetcoming from Chinatown Square, I had to investigate.

Whoeverwasplayinghadanobviousmasteryovertheinstrument.Thetrumpet playedthemelodyoveraninstrumentalbackingcomingoutofaloudspeaker.The musicalgenresurprisedme.Itwasn’tclassical,jazz,mariachi,oranythingelseyou’d expectfromtheinstrument.Itwascommunistmusic.Orrather,Chinesepropaganda music, and it delivered the most sentimental of punches to my gut.

Iwasbackinmychildhoodhomeanoceanaway,asasecondgrader,standingout intheschoolyard.Linedupwiththerestofmyclassmates,wewaitedastheschool intercom finished playing that familiar tune.Then the usual slogan chanting began.

Long live our great leaders!”

LonglivetheChineseCommunistParty!

Engrossedinmemoryandmusic,Iapproachedthetrumpetplayer,amaninhis sixties.HeintroducedhimselfasMr.Huang.“Doyourecognisethissong?”heasked me, grinning from ear to ear.

Mr.Huangwasplayinganoldpatriotictunecalled 中中中中,orinEnglish,My Motherland.Itwasmostnotablyplayedina1956filmaboutChineseinvolvement intheKoreanWar,withsoldierssingingastheylongedforhome.Thelyricspainta picture of China’s natural beauty, from wide flowing rivers to majestic mountains.

“Thesesongsarenostalgic,”Mr.Huangsaid.“Somanypeopletellmemymusic bringsthemwayback.Eventhosewho’vebeenintheUSforsuchalongtime,they don’t forget these songs.”

Andatsixty-eightyearsold,heassociatesthesesongswithgrowingupduring theCulturalRevolution.Someofhisfavoritesare 中中中中中中中中中中中 (Withoutthe CommunistParty,ThereIsNoNewChina)and 中中中中中 (MyChineseHeart).Of driving habits without coercion and fines and increases driver vigilance.

BESTPLACETOPICNICANDBEMARRIED

PingTom MemorialPark

Justaftersunrise,pairsandtriosofChinatownresidentsenterPingTomMemorial Park.Aswewalkandstretch,thetigerlilliesunfurl.Theprairieisdensewithyellow, purpleandorangeblooms.Bymidmorning,childrenleapoutoftheirstrollersand clamberontothejunglegym.Bynoon,meditativewanderersperchonrocksbythe river.Lowslungandextralongtugboatsputterupriverheapedwithmoundsofsand. Ifwe’relucky,weseetheancientbridgehouseliftintothesky.Attheheightofthe day'sheatorchill,weretreattothecircleofprotectivesoutherntreesandlistentothe trainsbleat.Comeevening,couplesfromalloverChicagomarvelattheimmenseand intricatemuralsinthepark.Theystrollandholdeachotherasthepanoramicviewof downtown starts to glitter on the darkening sky.

In PingTom Memorial Park, a certain slope is often dotted with picnickers,

perhapsslicingbreadandbutter,butmorelikelymunchingonsomeofChinatown's unparalleledtakeout(suchasYummyYummyNoodle’sbittermelonwithegg,orKen KeeRestaurant’sporkintestine).OnthishillonechillydaylastNovember,mybrother duckedthewindtotakephotosashiswifeweddedmypartnerandI.Thecentury-old St.CharlesAirLineBridgeborewitnesstoourchatteringvows.Later,wesaidcheers over steaming hot pot.

PingTomMemorialParkisstepsfromourhome.MypartnerandIwalkthere nearlyeverymorning,sometimesseparatelyandoftentogether.Welooparoundthat hillonourwaytotheredbridgefromwhichIoncespottedaturtlesunningitself. Thatisanauspicioussignforenduranceandlongevity,Ithink.Inanycase,Irisein themorningstowalkandslowlystretchandslightlydancealongsidemyfellowChinatownresidents,beforetherestofChicagomakestheirwaytowardtheserenePing Tom Memorial Park. (Michaela Chan)

PingTomMemorialPark,1700S.WentworthAve.6am–10pm.chicagoparkdistrict.com/ parks-facilities/tom-ping-memorial-park

BESTNEIGHBORTOPAYITFORWARD

NancyLiang

ComingfromChinatotheUnitedStatesforthefirsttimein1998,herfirststopwas Chicago.AChineselanguageteacher,Ms.NancyLiang,inherearly50s,didnot speakEnglish,makingherunabletointegrateintotherespectivecommunities,notto mention striving to achieve self-reliance on this unfamiliar soil.

Thelanguagebarrierconstitutesamajorobstaclethatwouldstandinawayof findingacareerandaccessingneededservicesfornewlyarrivedimmigrants.Luckily, localnon-profitorganizationsliketheChineseAmericanServiceLeagueandthe Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association were able to bridge this gap.

Nancyreceivedardentsupportfromtheseorganizations.“BeforeIwasableto findajob,Iwasproactivelyengagedinvariouscommunityevents.Iwantedtospend thattimelearningasmuchaspossible.Alleventswerefree-of-charge,whichoffereda greatplatformforthefreshofftheboats.Icouldnotimaginehowhardourearlydays in the States could be without their help,” she said.

“Amongthesevariousservicesprovidedbythelocalnon-profits,employment servicessupportedmethemost.TheconnectionsImadewhileleadingaNational SeniorCitizenDayeventlandedmeagoal-matchingjobasaChineselanguage teacherataneighborhoodnon-profitorganization”,Nancyrecounted.Unlikeother immigrantsfromherhometownwhoworkinblue-collarjobswithlonghours,Nancy ismoreeducated,withthirtyyearsofexperienceinteaching.“Iworkedthereforten years,educatingChinese-AmericanchildrenabouttheChineselanguageandculture, before retiring.”

Afterretirement,Nancycontinuedherlifelongjourneyintheeducationfield. Shestartedvolunteeringatthelocalelementaryschoolwherehergrandchildwent. Shevolunteersasateachingassistantwhohelpsmakelessonplans,checksstudents’ homework,takescareofyoungscholars,andassistsinafter-schoolandextra-curricular activities.ToNancy,educationmeansmorethanjustgainingknowledge,butrather learningtocontributetosocietyandtheneedy,anddevelopcommunityserviceasa

habit.“Iamalwaysdelightedtoseemystudentsgrowandhaveformedtheirown families,andstillremembermeafteralltheseyears,”shesaidwhileshowingusphotos of her students and their families.

“OnethingwenoticedinChinatownisthattherearenotmanyyoungergenerations whowouldliketovolunteertheirtimeandcontributetothecommunity.‘Whyisthat?’ weasked.Sometimesitisnotbecausetheydonotwanttomakecontributions,itis ratherbecausetheydonothavethattimetospare.Volunteeringworkisaluxuryfor familiesthathaveahardtimemakingtheirendsmeet,especiallyinthisimmigrant community.Paidworkisofutmostimportanceforfolksintheirprimetime,”Nancy said.“Itrulybelievewhattheysay‘whatgoesaroundcomesaround,’myfamilyandI benefitedsomuchfromChinatown,thisbeliefkeepsonmotivatingmetogivebackto thecommunitywhileIhavetimeandenergy,andIalwaystellmykidstodothesame.”

OrdinarycitizenslikeNancyreceivelittlerecognitionbutmakegreatcontributions tofuturegenerationsofimmigrants.Nancyisnowahunchedseniorcitizeninher seventies,herphysicalstrengthandhealtharenolongerasgoodasintheolddays. However,tothebestofherability,shewillcontinueherworkforthecommunitythat hadsupportedherfamilythemostintheirfirstdaysintheUnitedStates,tohelp seniorneighborsinthebuildingwhereshelivestoaccesssocialserviceandeducateour youthontheimportanceofservingthecommunity.Oneofhergreatestanticipations forChicagoChinatownistohaveaneighborhoodhighschoolthatoffersbilingual education.Hopefully,Nancy’sdreamwillsoonbecomeareality.JustliketheChinese sayinggoes,theywholivethelongestseethemost“中中中中中中中中中.”Elderlyheroes aretreasurestoourcommunities,astheyofferusefuladvicethatbenefitsandinfluences younger generations. (Tracy Kwan)

NANCYLIANG,PHOTOBYMICHAELACHAN

CLEARING & GARFIELD RIDGE

Compiled byGiselaOrozco, NeighborhoodCaptain

GiselaOrozcoisaMexicanimmigrantwithadegreeincommunicationscienceswhohas residedinChicagosince2002.Fortenyearsshewastheentertainmenteditorofthenowdefunct Hoy newspaper,theSpanish-languagepublicationofthe ChicagoTribune.From 2002to2009,shewasareporterandentertainmenteditorfortheweekly LaRaza.Sheis currentlyacopyeditorandcontributesarticlesfor LaVozChicago ofthe Sun-Times and occasionally translates articles for the Weekly.

This section was originally written in Spanish and was translated by the Weekly.

AreClearingandGarfieldRidgepartoftheso-called“ElSur,”asapublication recentlyreferredtothelargerSouthwestSidethatispredominantlyMexican/ Latino?Theanswershouldbeobviouswhenyouseethebusinesssignsonthe commercial streets of these neighborhoods.

Chicago magazine'sEdwardRobertMcClellandwroteanarticlequestioning whetherClearing/GarfieldRidgewouldsoonbejoining“ElSud”(sic).Asubjective view.

Thearticleacknowledgedthattwo-thirdsofKennedyHighSchoolstudentsare Latino,butitoverlookedthebrandnewHancockCollegePrepinClearingthatwas built during the pandemic, and is also predominantly Latino.

OfcoursethisareaispartofthelargerSouthwestSide.On63rdSt.,youcan seeold-schoolPolishandEnglishsigns,alongsidenewerSpanish-languagesigns,in bakeries,supermarkets,restaurantsandplacestotreatyourself—likeLosMangosand Xurro.

LikeneighboringChicagoLawnandWestLawn,Clearing’smainarteryis63rd. St.,thesameonethatrunsparalleltotherunwaysofMidwayAirport.(Whilein WestLawnyoucanheartheplaneslanding,inClearingyoucanhearthemtaking off.)AnothermainarteryisCentralAve.,whichconnectstoChicagoRidgetothe

southandmeetsbusyArcherAve.tothenorth,andyoucanfindavarietyofMexican businesses there.

Perhapsonthosestreetsthemagazinecanfinditsanswer.AchangeinClearing andGarfieldRidgeissurelytakingplace,butthesearealsotwoneighborhoodswhere Polish,Anglo,Latino/Mexican,andHinducultureseffectivelycoexist—whereneighbors respect each other. (Gisela Orozco)

BESTFAMILYKITCHEN

Gorditas LaTía

It’saplaceofhomemadeMexicanfood,wherethespecialtyofthehousearethe gorditas,butthemoleisanequalculinarygem.GorditasLaTíaisspecialforbothits menu and its history.

ItwasthecreationofDoñaEstelaGonzález,whowithherfamilymigratedfrom Irapuato,Guanajuato(Mexico)inthe1990s,duringatimewhenthedevaluationof the Mexican peso led many Mexicans to come to the U.S.

“Wecametothiscountrylikeanyimmigrantfamily,”recalledClaudiaGonzález, daughterofDoñaEstela.“WelivedinLaVillita,inCicero,andwealwaysworkedin the restaurant industry.”

Thefamilyalwaysworkedtogether.Claudiasaidthatintherestaurantswhereher motherworked,therewasalwaysanepheworrelativeinthekitchenandtheyalways called her“aunt.”The name stuck as a show of affection and trust.

WhenClaudiaandhersisterMichellewerestudentsatKennedyHighSchool, theystartedworkinginrestaurants,firstashostessesandthenaswaitresses.Thentheir mom had the idea to start a food business.

PHOTOBYEMILYSOTO

ThefirstlocationofGorditasLaTíawaslocatedon47thandHarlemAve.Claudiaremembersthatitwasverysmallandthattherewasnoparkingspace,butitworked forawhileduetotheseasoninganddedicationofhermother,whoalthoughshedidn’t haveabackgroundasacook,shefoundinthekitchennotonlyhersustenance,butalso the way to maintain her identity and traditions.

In2016,shemovedtothehomeshenowownsinClearing.Hercustomersfollowedherfromthepreviouslocationandhasgainednewcustomersatthislocation, madeupofnotonlyMexican paisanos,butalsoofPoles,whopreferhercheeseand jalapeño tamales over everything else.

Therestaurant’sdisheshavethathomemadetouch.DoñaEstela’sgorditasare notjustanygorditas.Whencustomersaskforthem,theyaremaderightthenand there.Theyareneitherfrozennorpre-prepared,theyareshapedfromcorndoughand cooked when the customer orders them.

DoñaEstela’smole,whichisservedindifferentways,deservesitsownmention. Oneofthemostlabor-intensiveMexicandishesandwhoseflavorvariesaccordingto eachMexicanstateandregion,GorditasLaTíahasaspecialseasoning,asweetand spicy flavor that is pleasant and enjoyable to the palate.

“Whenmymomsaid,‘Iwanttosellmole,’shestartedexperimentingwithingredients.Weatemolefortwoorthreeweeks,”saidClaudia,amused.She“wassearching and finding her seasoning.”

“Samewiththe flordecalabaza (pumpkinflower)quesadillas,thepeanutgorditas, thefoodthatshegrewupeatingandthattodaysheshareswitheveryonewhocomes.”

WhatClaudiaadmiresmostabouthermotheristhatforDoñaEstelathemost importantthingistoseethatvisitorsenjoyherfood.Theplaceitselffeelsasifoneis visitingthekitchenofherownhouse.“We,thefamily,eathere.Sheisnotgoingtolose the quality if she knows her family eats here.This is the family kitchen.”

Andalthoughitmaybetemptingforotherstostreamlinetheprocessofpreparing somethinglikegorditas,DoñaEsteladoesnotwanttocutcornersandcompromise what makes her Gorditas LaTía one of the best Clearing spots.

“Whenwesuggestthatweshouldchangetheprocess,shetellsus:‘No.Itstays thisway.Theyaretastierthisway.Tellthecustomerthatwearegoingtotakeawhile, but it is worth the wait.”

“Andthecustomerscomeback,andshefulfillstheircravings,”sheadded.(Gisela Orozco)

GorditasLaTía,6425W.63rd.St.Monday–Saturday,8am–10pm;Sunday,8am–8pm. (773) 229-1153 or gorditaslatiachicago.com.

BESTSECOND-HANDSTORE

The Salvation Army Family Store & Donation Center

“Thegoldenageofthriftingisover,”saidarecentarticlein TheNewYorkTimes, announcingtheendoftheeraofwearingsecond-handclothingalsoknownasthe trend of“vintage.” It was seen as a fad.

Butforpeoplewithlimitedresourcesorlookingtostretchtheirbudget,theSalvationArmyhasalwaysbeenthere.ItshistoryandorigindatesbacktoLondonin1865 and it became a worldwide charity movement.

Regardlessofcreedandreligion—andinmanycases,income—theSalvationArmy’sdonationcentersallowyoutodonatewhatnolongerservesyou,whileoffering things that you might otherwise not find elsewhere.

IntheClearinglocation,despiteitnotbeingasbigasotherstores,it’spossibleto findpiecesoffineart,furniture,andaccessoriesatagoodprice,evenvinylrecordsand books. One of its best sections is where they have handy kitchen glassware on display.

Youdonothavetobe“hip”toenterthestoreassomeofthevintagesubculture

seemstoencourage.Thebestthingistofindpeopleofallagesandbackgroundssimply browsingthroughitemsthatothersnolongerwantedbutthatforthecustomermaybe a treasure. And being able to donate and contribute as well. (Gisela Orozco)

TheSalvationArmyFamilyStore&DonationCenter,6434W.63rdSt.Monday–Saturday, 11 am–7 pm. 1(800) 728-7825.

BESTFITNESSCENTER

Push Indoor Cycling

Nearthecornerof63rdSt.andCentralAve.isastudiowithclassesasearlyas5amand thatstaysopenintotheevening.Localwomencometodoindoorcycling,liftweights or do yoga; most of the instructors are Latinas.

PushIndoorCyclingisagreatfitnessoptioninthearea.Ithasavariedschedule andit’saspacewhereparticipantscanforgetabouthome,children,andworkasthey spintotherhythmof80sand90smusic—tode-stressandworkoutatthesametime.

Therearethosewhomakenewfriendsandcanbothtalkandexercisetogether.Or youcankeeptoyourselfandfocusonyourworkout.Bothpersonalitiesarewelcome because,whenclassstarts,everyonepedalstowardtheirgoaltofeelandlookbetter. (Gisela Orozco)

PushIndoorCycling,6315S.CentralAve.Classschedulevaries.(708)372-353. pushindoorcycling.com

BESTMEXICANVEGANRESTAURANT

Healthy Substance

Ifyouthinkthatinordertoeattacos alpastor or carneasada,youneedtoeatmeat, youbestthinktwice.Orbetteryet,visit“thevegansideofMexico,”astherestaurant, HealthySubstance,describesthemselves.Sinceitopeneditsdoorsin2018,ithas demonstrated that traditional Mexican foods can be enjoyed vegan.

FoundedbyPatriciaGonzález,originallyfromGuadalajara,Jalisco(Mexico), HealthySubstanceemergedasahealthyandmoreethicalalternativetoMexican staples.Itwasalsoseenasawellnessalternativebyherhusband,DonCamerino González, who foundedTaquería Los Comales.

Thestoryoftherestaurant’sfoundinghas“manylayers,”MiguelFranco,chief financial officer of Healthy Substance and González’s son, told the Weekly

“Theseedwassownseveralyearsagowhenmymom,whowasalwayslookingfor waystoliveahealthylife,sawadoctorwhoobservedhereyesandrecommendedways forhertotakecareofherself.Thedoctorsuggestedthatshestopconsumingdairyand meat, and go vegan,” he said.

Twoyearsafterstartinghervegandiet,herhusbandwasdiagnosedwithlung cancer.Francoremembershismother,devastatedbythenews,lookingforhealingalternativestohelphim,combiningmedicaltreatmentwithmorenaturalmethodsand avegandiet.“Thatcombinationcoulddomiracles,andinthatmoment,sheneeded one,” he recalled

ConvincingDonCamerino,themastermindofthetaqueriachain,totrysome tacos alpastor thatwerenotmadefromanimalmeat,wasamajorchallengeforPatricia. Franco remembers that one night, she invited him and his brothers to dinner, and servedthemthetacos alpastor.Attheend,shesatdownwithherownplate,promptingoneofherchildrentopointoutthatshecouldn’teattacos<i>alpastor</i>since shewasvegan.Sherepliedthatactuallyshecould,thatshehadmanagedtocreatethe perfect al pastor recipe that did not require animal sacrifice.

“DonCamerinowasimpressed,”Francoremembers,“andeveryone,insupportof his health, became vegans.”

Withinmonths,DonCamerino’shealthbegantoimproveandwhenhewould goouttoeatwithhiswife,shehadtoadjusthismenuorordersalad.Andfromthere cametheinitiativetoopenaveganMexicanfoodrestaurantinGarfieldPark.Partof thereasontheypickedthisareaisthattheyconsidereditrelativelyclosetohistaqueria in LaVillita via the I-55.

FrancosaidthatitwasdestinythattheyarrivedatGarfieldRidgesincetheycould havegonesomewhereelsewhereveganfoodwasmorepopular.“Wehavecreateda presenceinthisplace,wehavehadgreatacceptanceandit’ssomethingthatpeople from different backgrounds enjoy,” he added.

Atsomepoint,Patriciaalsoreturnedtocollegetotakeculinaryandfoodservice sanitationclasses—shealreadyhadadegreeinCommunicationSciencesfromher native Guadalajara.

Inearly2020,HealthySubstancewasrecognizedbyYelpasoneoftheTop100 Restaurantsinthecountry—itrankednumber57.“Itwasexciting,”recalledPatricia, who was in Mexico when Franco called her to share the news.

Thatsameyear,itwasaddedtothelistofrestaurantsattheTasteofChicago. Duetothepandemic,theyadjustedthefoodfestivalasaTasteTo-Goconceptthat time.Thisyeartheywerepartofitagain,aswellasSueñosFestivalandLollapalooza, bringing their food and mission to new generations.

InJune2021,DonCamerinopassedaway.ButPatricia’slegacycontinues,which she loves to share, inspired by her lifelong love for Mexican food.

“Ourfoodreallyhasabiggerimpact.Everytacowesellisan alpastor tacothat requiresnoanimalsacrifice.Andtofurtherthatmovement,wecreatedthe‘impossible’ carneasada taco.Wehavetransformedourmenuandwillcontinuetotransform popularMexicanfoodwithoutsacrificinganimallivesandwithoutsacrificingflavor,” Franco pointed out.

Eatingdelicious,feelinggoodandbeinggoodtoanimalsispossible.Gettoknow “the vegan side of Mexico” in Chicago. (Gisela Orozco)

HealthySubstanceVeganRestaurant,6852W.ArcherAve.Monday–Saturday,11:30am–9pm; Sunday, 11:30am–6pm. (773) 306-2808. healthysubstance.com

BESTPLACETOFINDTHATSPECIALDRESS

Peaches Boutique

It’sarainySundayinSeptemberandit’salittlepastnoon.Thoughtheskyisgray,my pupilsdilatewhenIopenthedoorofPeachesBoutique—seeingsomanycolorful puffydresses,sequins,laceandornamentsthatmakeeventhemosthumbleperson want a piece of that glamor. It’s a special place.

Accordingtoitswebsite,PeachesBoutiquewasfoundedin1984byJeffSurdej andislocatedinashoppingplazanearthecornerofCentralAve.andArcherAve.Its exterior is inviting, and its interior traps you.

Attheentrancetheytellyouthatyoudon’tneedanappointmenttotryonadress andalsoremindyounottotakeaphotoorvideo—itmustbeanagreementwiththe designers to protect their work.The hustle and bustle inside is truly an experience.

It’sexcitingtowatchmothers,daughters,andwomenofallages—plusoneortwo dadswhoarealongfortheride—lookingforadressforaquinceañera,graduationor prom.Itislikeamixofhappiness,hope,pleasure,andevenpridethat,formany,represents a step into womanhood (and simply wanting to look good).

Youcanjustaseasilyseeaquinceañeratryingonherdressforherparty,getting thefinaladjustments,andtalkingtoherrelativesinSpanish,andnexttoher,listening toayoungwomanspeakPolishwithhermotherwhilelookingatherselfinthemirror

in what looks to be a dress for a graduation or a gala.

Thefemaleemployeesareattentivetodetailinthisspacethatcouldsomewhat resembleCinderella’sfairygodmother’ssewingworkshoporthewardrobeofanyDisneyprincess.

Thereissomethinginthatspecialmomentoftryingonadress,thedressthatwill makeyoufeelspecialforoneday,theonethattakesyouawayfromyourday-to-day routineandmakesyoufeellikethequeenorprincessofyourownstory,acombination of empoweredwomanandrunway model.

AndatPeaches,thathappenswithinits20,000sq.footstorethathasforty-five changingroomsandaninventorythattheyassureincludesmorethan30,000dresses fromrenowneddesigners.Thesewon’tbethedesignsofCocoChanel,Diorandthose luxuryfashionhouses,butPeachesgivesfamiliesintheareaandallofChicagothe opportunitytomakethatdreamoflookingtheirbestcometruewithoutbreakingthe bank.

Forsome,itmaybejustadress,butformanygirlsandwomen,itcouldbethe dressfor avery special moment that willcreate a lasting memory.(Gisela Orozco) PeachesBoutique,5915S.ArcherAve.Monday–Friday,12pm–7pm;Saturday,10am–6pm;Sunday, 11am–5 pm. (773) 582-0102.peachesboutique.com

EASTSIDE & SOUTHCHICAGO

Compiled byAisaiah Pellecer, neighborhood captain

Inthetwentiethcentury,theU.S.SteelSouthWorksmanufacturingplantwasthe heartofeconomicactivityontheSoutheastSide,employingmorethan15,000 peopleandcreatingcommercialcorridorswithbusinessestomeettheneedsofthe active neighborhood.

TheSouthWorkssitewasclosedin1992.Today,thepillarsthatusedtostore steeloreremainasanchorsofitsvigorouspast.Thesite,SteelworkersPark,reclaimed fromthebrownfieldthatoncerestricteditsaccess,isnowagreenspaceforvisitorsand residents.Whilethemillshaveclosed,thelegacyofthesefamiliesofimmigrantsand migrantshasnotbeenforgotten.Ornamentedwithnativeprairieplants,originalblast furnaces,andlocalartistRomanVillareal’s“TributetothePast”sculpture,thepark payshomagetothearea’shistoryandthefamiliesofthesteelworkerswhosecombined strengths built Chicago’s skyscrapers.

Butalthoughthesteelmillsandindustryhaveplayedanimportantpartinthe identityoftheSoutheastSide,recordofthispasthasbeenreplayedoverandover indiscussionsoftheneighborhoods.Thepastshouldlongerovershadowthetalent, diversity,andstrengthoftheSoutheastSide;there’ssomuchtotheareathateventhe most unfamiliar may be inspired by!

CommunityistheSoutheastSide’sgreateststrength.FromEasternEuropean immigrantstoMexicanrootsthatwereestablishedinthe1920s;fromitshistoryof African-AmericanmigrationtoitsnewerCaribbeanheritage,adiversemultitudeof residentshavebeenweldedtogethertocreatetheSoutheastSideidentity.Thearea’s resilienceandstrengthscontinuetogrowthroughleaderslikethoseprofiledhere, whoareleavingtheirimpactongenerationstocome.Localleaders,businessowners,

artists,andneighborsalikehavecontributedtothenatureofcommunityinthearea, andcontinuetomaketheirnamesontheSoutheastSidethroughtheiradvocacy, community organization, and art. (Aisaiah Pellecer)

NeighborhoodcaptainAisaiahPellecerisaSouthChicagolocalandstudentattheUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

BESTARTINSTALLATION

UrbanTrees by SouthWorx Arte Group

WhenIfirstmovedtoSouthChicago,Ihadlittleknowledgeofthearea’shistory anditsresidents.Ispentthefirstcoupleofmonthswalkingaround,tryingtogeta feelofthearea’sculturalbackgroundandactivity(asanyflâneurwould).AttimesI thoughtaboutSandraCisnerosandGwendolynBrooks,intheirabilitytocapturethe essenceoflifeintheirneighborhoods.Cisneroswroteaboutherpersonalexperiencein HumboldtParkandBrookswroteabouturbanlifeinBronzeville.AsIwalkedaround thestreetsofSouthChicago,Iaskedmyself:“Who'swritingaboutallofthis?”There was so much happening that needed to be captured.

ThroughouttheneighborhoodIfoundfamiliarfacesinthefriendlybusinessowners and my neighbors. But, what remained a mystery to me were the plaques and art

PHOTOBYAMANDADIAZ

structuresthatgracedSouthCommercialAvenueandEast93rdStreet.Isawamix ofpopartandcubismthatentertainedmywanderingeyes.Playfulstreetinstallations, forchildrentoduckandhide,andornamentationsonhousesmadereferencetourban lifeandmypersonalinterpretationofLatinxandAfricanfigures.ThemoreIfixated on the designs, I began to realize that they were narrating life here.

Overtime,myinterestinthepublicartintheareagrew.But,theartistremained unnamed.Itwasn’tuntilIreadaboutthe“WhoTellsYourStory”projectcomingto SouthChicago,thatIwasthenabletoidentifythemysteriousartistwhosepresence wasestablishedthroughouttheareaasDerricClemmonsofSouthWorxArteGroup.

OverthepastyearsClemmonshasworkedinSouthChicagowithyouthfrom surroundingschoolsandthenonprofitorganizationSkyArt,andempoweredthem toreclaimpublicspaceswiththeirart.HisrecentcollaborativeUrbanTreesproject downCommercialAvenue,anadditionalpartofthe“WhoTellsYourStory”Alfresco project,hasenhancedthepedestriannatureofthestreet.Theinstallation,onthe8900 blockofCommercial.,orchestratesjoyandprideinthearea,withartthatfeelstrueto thenatureoftheneighborhood,liketheflagsofHumboldtPark’sPaseoBoricuaand the LittleVillage Arch.

“Steelisagroundingpointforwhattheneighborhoodstoodfor,”saidClemmons, WalkingdowntheCommercialAvenuebusinesscorridor,thecolorsoftheAlfrescoprojectfloatedoffthegroundandthebrightlypaintedsteeltreesguidedmy eyes.MyritualvisitstoLaFruteríaforCaribbeandelightswereanopportunityto gazeuponnewdetailsoftheUrbanTreesandtheirlinktoartistsfromdifferentparts ofthecity;eachtreefeaturesarotatingselectionofartbyotherartistsbranchingout fromthestructures.WiththisprojectClemmonshasmergedindustryandnature,and createdanewcontextforwhichSouthChicagoanscanoccupypublicspace,lounge upon the benches, observe art freely, and experience its inspiration.

Rightnow,Clemmonsisintheprocessofinstallinghislatestproject,theTalking Tree,whichaimstoactivatethespacebetweenSouthChicagoandSouthDeering underneaththeIndianaSkyway.WhenIaskedaboutfutureplans,hementioneda potentialartprojecttoactivateatBessemerParkandofcourse,thehelpofneighborhood youth. (Aisaiah Pellecer)

SouthWorxArteGroupisonInstagram@swag_worxandatsouthworxartegroup.com/ contact.AnylocalartistsandyouthareinvitedtoreachouttojoinSouthWorxArteGroup as apprentices.

BESTBURGER

Chi Burgerbabi

I’mwillingtobet$10thatyouhaven’thadthebestburgerontheSoutheastSide.Chi Burgerbabi gives you a unique experience.

“Iwanttogivemycommunitytheworld,throughmyfood,”saysownerand founder Immar Ayala.

Ayala grew up on the Southeast Side, but his story begins in El Salvador.

Hismothercametothestatestoescapethatcountry’scivilwar,andbrought heroldestsonanddaughtersotheywouldn’tberecruited.Ayalawasleftbehind,to beraisedbyhisgrandmotherandsupportingrelatives.Andwhileseparatedfromhis mother and older siblings his grandmother taught him to cook.

Asachild,Ayalawascurious.Whilehisgrandmothercooked,heoftenasked herquestions..Thepopularexpression“thewaytosomeone’sheartisthroughtheir stomach”goesevenfurtherwithhim.“I’veworkedwithsomeofthegreatestchefs,and Iwillalwaysmissmygrandmother’sfood.Imissherbaking,nothingcancompareto

the bread she’s made.”

Oncehewasabletocometothestates,heattendedbothelementaryandhigh schoolinSouthChicago.ThenattheageofseventeenAyalastartedhiscareerinthe foodindustry.Fromwaitingtables,tolyingaboutbeingacook,tobecomingacook, thensouschef,hisexperienceisonefullofgritandheart.Hehascookedinsomeof thebestrestaurantsinChicago,NewYork,andSingapore,andwasevenofferedajob inAbuDhabi,buthewantedtocomebacktothecommunitytogiveeverythinghe’s learned.Thisiswhathemeanswhenhesays“Iwanttogivemycommunitytheworld.” Withamenuthatincludesspecialtyfriesliketruffle-Parmesan,eight-hoursmoked Cubanos,andanarrayoffreshtenderburgers,he’sdelivering.Considertryingthebest burger from the Southeast Side; you won’t regret it. (Oscar Sanchez

ChiBurgerbabi,10148S.EwingAve.Tuesday-Friday,11:30am-8pm,Saturday 12:30pm-8:30pm, Sunday 3pm-8:30pm. (773) 964-1314

PHOTO BY AMANDA DIAZ

BESTDONUTSHOP

Chico’s Oven

LocatedintheBush,thenortheastsectionofSouthChicago,on83rdandHouston, takeout-onlyChico’sOvenofferssweettreatsthatareboundtoimproveanyvisitto RussellSquarePark,anafternoonwalk,orcommutetotheMetraElectric83rdSt. Station.WalkinguptothetakeoutwindowatChico’sisalwaysajoy,especiallyon weekendtripstotheparkwithmynieces.InadditiontothefluffiestdonutsinSouth Chicago,theyfeaturebolillosandwichesonhousebakedrollsandpizza,whichcomes very close to NewYork-style pizza (noteworthy if you're a fan like me).

ThebusinessholdsafamilyhistorythatreflectsthelegacyofSouthChicago's steelworkers.JorgePerezSr.workedswingshiftsatthemill,andownedthefamily grocerystoreandbakeryfortwenty-eightyears,untilhissonboughtitfromhimin themid-90s.TodayJorge“Chico”PerezJr.–whoalsoworksineconomicdevelopment –servesuprecipeshisfatherlearnedasabakerinMexicotohonorhim.AsaChicago CommunityDevelopmentGrantMay2022finalist,Chico’sOvenislookingforward toimprovementsthatwillrenovateandexpandthefamily-ownedbakery,openingup tothepossibilityofanexpandedmenuandincreasedcustomerbase.(AisaiahPellecer)

Chico’sOven,3023E.83rdSt.Saturday-Sunday,11am-5pm.773-756-2328,chicosoven. com

BESTYOUTHARTSPROGRAM

SkyART

ThebuildingthathousesSkyARThascomealongwaytobecomewhatitisnow.The peoplewhogrewupintheneighborhoodknewitasEllisCleaners,adrycleaning business.Werememberthemaninagreenjumpsuitleaningonagiantneedleon thesignmountedoutside,andthefunnychemicalsmellthatemanatedfromitsfront doorswheneverwewouldpassbyittogointoLaJerezanacornerstorenextdoorto buyFlamingHotCheetosonourwaytoorfromthelibraryacrossthestreet.The buildingbecamevacant,andmanythoughtthatitwouldgothewayofthecountless small businesses that disappeared at the beginning of the millennium.

Adecadelater,SkyARTisnowathrivingpillarinthecommunitywitha boardthatincludesTheasterGatesJr.andrepresentativesfromorganizationslike Heartland Alliance and Airbnb.

SkyARToffersvariousprogramsthatemployartasawaytohelpchildrenand youngadultscopewithtraumaandmentalhealthchallenges.Accordingtodirectorof programs,DevonVanHouten-Maldonado,SkyARTreliesonlicensedprofessionalsto help formerly incarcerated youths cope with trauma in a non-verbal way.

Inadditiontoagardeningprogram,SkyARToffersonlinevideotutorialson cooking, painting, and dancing and paid internships for teens and college students.

Comingsoonistheexhibition“CanYouSeeMe?”,whichwillrunfrom October14-December17atthreelocations:Weinberg/NewtonGalleryinRiver West,Gates’sArts+PublicLifeinWashingtonPark,andtheSkyARTspaceinSouth Chicago.Itwillfeaturetheworkofcurrentlyandformerlyincarceratedyouthand includepanelsdiscussingyoungpeoplewhohavebeensweptupinthecriminaljustice system. (Francisco Ramírez Pinedo)

SkyART, 3026 E. 91st St. (773) 731-9287. skyart.org

BESTCOMMUNITYPODCAST

South by SouthEast (SxSE)

Closeyoureyes.ThinkofwhattheSouthSidelookslike.Takeamomenttoreflecton your own experiences and biases.

Now think of what the South Side sounds like. Give it a second.

Hear the joy, hear the enthusiasm; what you hear is South by SouthEast (SxSE).

Launchedin2019,SxSEisalocalaudioandvideopodcastcreatedbywifeand husbandChristaandMikeAlvarez. Theyhavehope,andtheycarrythedreamofall that the Southeast Side can be in their work.

ThecouplehavelivedontheSoutheastSidealltheirlives.Christahasabackground injournalismwhileMikehasabackgroundinaudioengineering.So,whatdoyouget when a journalist and sound engineer get married? A kick ass podcast.

Foodreviews,communityinterviews,localbusinesses,andthepositivityhappening iswhatyou’llbeintroducedto.Theirpodcasthighlightsthegemsinourbackyard,and showswhyit’simportanttoremindthecommunityofwhatwehave.Theysupport momandpopshops,showoffthetalentinthecommunity,andtellyouwhyyoushould listentothestoriesofthecommunity.Thedynamicduopartnerslocallytosupport communityevents,musicfests,andhavesomeofmyfavoritecommunitymerchandise. They put their heart into the Southeast Side and it shows. (Oscar Sanchez)

Tune in to the South by SouthEast podcast on all major streaming platforms.

PHOTO BY AMANDA DIAZ

ENGLEWOOD &WEST ENGLEWOOD

Compiled byCordell Longstreath , NeighborhoodCaptain

Englewoodisrising,piecebypiece.Englewoodisthehomeofthebiggestdrill rappersknowninthecountry,whilealsobeinghometoacommunityfocused onchangingtheperceptionandtherealityofwhatlivinginEnglewoodisand canbe.We’vechallengedtheideaofourcommunitybeingafooddesert,withWhole Foodsleavingshortly,byofferingfreefoodoutofcommunityfridgesandbycreating ourowngrocerystoresinthemostneedyareaswithDion’sDreamFridgeandthe GoGreenonRacineinitiative.BeinganEnglewoodnativeandrealizingthatallthe piecesofimprovingourqualityoflifehavealreadybeenconceptualizedandrealized bythepeopleofthecommunityhasgivenmesomuchprideinbeingpartofthefight againstdecadesofstructuralviolenceandsystemicoppression.Irememberstaringout thewindowofmyapartmenton59thandNormalimaginingwhatitwouldbelikeif thevacantlotacrossthestreetcouldbepartofourownurbanagriculturalinfrastructure,thenwalkingtotheredlineandseeingacommunitygardenmanagedbylocal schoolchildrenjustacoupleblocksaway.Englewoodhasbeenputtingthepiecesofa mosaicofcommunityresiliencethatcanbeeasilymissedifyouletthemediadictate your perspective of the neighborhood.

WhenIgotinvolvedinthecommunityefforttoempowerEnglewoodfrom within,IfeltashamedofhowignorantIwasoftheamountofstakeholdersputting theirblood,sweat,andtearsintofightingformycommunity.TheResidentAssociation ofGreaterEnglewood(R.A.G.E.)openedthedoorofenlightenmentforme,unveiling amenagerieofgrassrootsorganizations,businesses,andchangemakerswhohadbeen doingtheworksincebeforeIwasevenborn.ImetorganizerCoraButlerbeforeI evenjoinedR.A.G.E.orstartedinstructingaliteracyprogramatPrimoWomen’sand ChildrenShelter,andlittledidIknowshehadbeenchampioningcivicengagement forEnglewoodsincethe70’s.Ididn’tevenknowwhatanaldermanwaswhennames likeAnnaLangford,DavidMoore,StephanieColeman,andToniFoulkesstarted

populatingmyGooglesearch.WhenImetorganizationslikeR.A.G.E.,Teamwork Englewood,ImagineEnglewoodIf,andOneHealthEnglewoodIhadalreadysettled upontheamountofhumilityIneededduetothefactthattheseorganizationswere alreadychampioningthefightneededtomakeEnglewoodgreatagain.Acommunity fragmented,piecebypiece,wardbyward,hadacomprehensivestrategyandwas ledbyindividualsthatcouldneverbeappropriatelyrepresentedinthemediaorby wordofmouth.Iproudlydidmypartteachingliteracyatanafterschoolprogram andteachingsocialstudiesatoneofthelocalhighschools,collectingcensusdata andinformingresidentsonthelocalhealthcareresources,orequippingmyneighbors withinformationoncommunityresourcesandprovidingmutualaidthroughaweekly resourcefair.OneofthefirstandmostfrequentwaysIgavebacktothecommunitywas bydocumentingthestoriesofEnglewood,andIwillcontinuethatjourneythrough this year’s Best of Englewood.

EnglewoodpersonifiesChicagoinmanyways,sowhenonecallsus“thecityof broadshoulders”Icanonlythinkoftheweightthatthesechangemakerscarryfor mycommunity.Wehavecommunityactiviststhathavebeendoingworkformore thanfortyyearseitherasindividualsorthroughorganizations.Wehaveartistsand developersthatempowerthecommunitythroughcreatingequitableandcreative spaces.WehavebusinessesthatshowcaseourBlackExcellencethroughfoodand culture.ButmostofallEnglewoodhasanarmyofcommunitymemberswhobelieve in Englewood and its future. (Cordell Longstreath)

CordellLongstreathisaveteran,writer,communityadvocateandactivist,ex-teacherand soontobeteacher.Helikesfood,videogames,books,politics,andtrolling.Youcanfindhim volunteering throughout the city

PHOTOBYTHOUGHTPOET

BESTLONGTIMEVOLUNTEER

CoraButler

CoraButlerisproudthatshehasdedicatedherlifetohelpingtheEnglewood community.OriginallyfromMississippi,ButlermovedtoEnglewoodwhenshewas fiveyearsoldandneverlookedback.Evenfromayoungage,shehasbeenheavily involvedwiththecommunity:shewasapartofaprogramcalledtheNeighborhood YouthCorporation(NYC),workedattheEnglewoodlibrary,helpedtheelderlywith theirchores,andbabysatchildren.“Ithought,‘Isthismycallingtohelpkidsorhelp the community to do this or do that?’ and I guess it was,” she said.

OneofButler’sfavoritespacesgrowingupwasherchurch,Mt.Hope,on67th, whereshewasaskedtoassisttheseniors.“SoItooktheseniorseverywhere,”shesaid. “TheylovedgoingtoOldCountryBuffetandwewenttoawholelotofstuff—we took them to the movies and I took them to see <i>Jesus Christ Superstar</i>.”

Laterinlife,whenButlerwasmarriedandhadchildren,sheconsideredleaving Englewoodbutdecidedtostay,andlivedonlyablockandahalfawayfromhermother. There,shevolunteeredandeventuallywashiredatWalterReedElementary(now JohnsonPrep).SheworkedatBanneker(nowMays)Elementaryuntilherretirement. Sheconsidersthelasttwoyearsofworkthebesttwoyearsofherlifespecifically becauseofherinvolvementwiththeparents.“Ididsomuchwiththeparents,”she said.“Igottheparentsinvolvedwithsomuchactivity;Itooktheparentsontrips;we wentoutofChicago!Wehadtheparents’center,wehadtheRegion5,wehadthe cluster.”

Outsideoftheclassroom,Butlercontinuedtovolunteer.Shehelpedoutwith TeamEnglewood,anorganizationfocusedoncreatingopportunitiesforEnglewood residentsthatwillaltertheirqualityoflife.Inspiredbyherworkthere,andbyother communityorganizersshehadmet,in2010Butlerco-foundedResidentAssociation ofGreaterEnglewood(R.A.G.E.).R.A.G.E.focusesoncollaboratingwiththe communitytocreatestrategiesandsolutionsthatwillbetterEnglewoodforall.One ofherfavoriteR.A.G.E.initiativeswasaneventcalledJobsontheBlock.Shenoticed thatmanyindividualsdidnothaveproperclothestoweartoworkorinterviews,sothe team provided clothes for the community.

Whileshesaidthatthepandemichasmadeorganizingmorechallenging,she continuestobeacriticalcommunityleader—andshecontinuestostaypositive. “Rightnowmymottois‘liveeachdaylikeit’syourlast,’becauseofthispandemicand everything,”shesaid.“Enjoywhatyouaredoing.Andjustkeepupthegoodworkas you are helping out people in your community.” (Lauren Johnson)

The Best Outreach Organization ForWest Englewood Voices ofWest Englewood and GloriaWilliams

AresidentoftheSouthSideforherentirelife,GloriaWilliams’spassionis helpingtheWestEnglewoodcommunity.ShemovedtotheWestEnglewoodareain theearly1970’s,isaproudgraduateofGageParkHighSchool,receivedhermasters degreeinurbanleadershipfromNorthernSeminary,andsheraisedhertwochildren and six grandchildren in the neighborhood.

“I'vebeenworkinginthecommunityformany,manyyears,”Williamstoldme. “I’vebeenaddressingsomeoftheissuesandconcernsofallages—jobs,propertytaxes, backtoschoolevents—anddidquiteafewthingsoverthereinWestEnglewood,even employment training.”

In2000,WilliamsfoundedVoicesofWestEnglewood,anonprofitfocusedon raisingawarenessofandofferingsolutionstoissuesaffectingtheWestEnglewood community.Wiliamsnoticedthatcommunitymembersoftenhadquestionsand

issuesandwouldcometoher,andshewantedthisinformationtobeaccessibleto everyone.“Somepeopleareafraidtospeakup,”shesaid.“ButI’mnot.I’mgoingto speakupaboutwhatitistheywanttosee.”Shedidjustthatwhenshewroteabouther work for Best of the South Side in 2015.

Tothisday,VoicesofWestEnglewoodisstillactiveandthriving.Williams recentlyreceivedtwograntswhereshewasabletoplantflowersandthenhostalarge partywithabarbeque,bouncyhouse,music,andgames.Theeventfosteredcommunity and brought joy to the neighborhood, as celebrations are needed now more than ever.

Throughallofthecomplicationswiththepandemic,Williamshascontinuedto beresilientandadvocate.Sheledafoodgiveawaythatprovidedmealstocommunity memberswhohadlosttheirjobsandotherfamiliesinneed.Shealsorealizedthebenefits ofvirtualforumsandeventswheresheherselfcouldlearnmoreabouthercommunity andotherorganizationsdoingessentialwork.Recently,Williamsparticipatedina commercialandwasphotographedforabillboardwheresheencouragedseniorsto get vaccinated.

Withconviction,passion,andgrit,Williamsisatrueforce.Herdriveandlove forhercommunitymakeitimpossibleforhertostopservinganytimesoon.(Lauren Johnson)

BESTSOULFOOD

Georgia’s FoodDepot

Youcansmellitablockaway:locatedby74thandHalsted,Georgia’sFoodDepot isoneofChicago’sbestsoulfoodrestaurants.Inbusinessforeightyears,Georgia’s isownedbyanEnglewoodresidentwhowasborninMississippi,butwhosefamily movedhertoIllinoiswhenshewasonlythreemonthsold.EverytimeIhavebeen tothisrestaurantitisalwayspackedfulloffriendlypatronsalwayscomplimenting thedeliciousaromaofbeefshortribs,broastedchicken,smotheredchicken,andpork chops with all the sides you can choose from.

Georgia’soffers$6mealsthatwillhaveyoufullandreadytogobackoverand over again. Plus, living in Englewood you start to notice we do not have many

breakfastspotsbutGeorgiaoffersanalacartebreakfastwithsomanyoptions,allowing allofustohavegoodandhealthychoices.Whilewritingthisarticle,Irodemyscooter totherestaurantandtotalktotheowner,Georgia(whodidn’twanttoshareherlast name).SherememberedmebecauseIgotheresooften,andhavingthatrecognition reallymeansalotataplaceyou’respendingyourmoney.Therestaurantisalsolocated nexttoaBlack-ownedhardwarestore,aconveniencestore,andadeliciousseafood restaurant.Georgia’sbestcookingadviceistolearntomakefoodtastegreatwithout salt.Askingtheownerhergoals,shesaidshewantstogetintocateringandtoservice funeralhomes,andthatsheislookingtohiremoreworkers.SogodowntoGeorgia’s and check out some of the best soul food in Englewood! (Mercedes Longstreath) Georgia’sFoodDepot,7352S.HalstedSt.Wednesday-Sunday,11am-6pm;closed Monday-Tuesday. (773) 952-8017

BESTMURALTOLETYOUKNOWWHERE YOUARE

59th Street Overpass

OnHalsted,between58and59thstreets,amuralispaintedononeofthebridges. Onitssouthside,itreads“Iammycommunity.”Italsoincludeswordschosenbythe communitylikehope,community,home,andfamily,aswellasimagesofchildren, men,andwomenwhoresembletheresidentsofEnglewood.Abrandneweventspace nexttothemuralhostsfarmers'markets,performances,andcommunityeventsfor everyone in the neighborhood.

Thesignusedtojustsay“Englewood,”butitwasrepaintedbytheEnglewood ArtsCollectiveandmembersofthecommunityin2020.Ipersonallylikethenew signandfeelthatitmakestheneighborhoodmorewelcoming.Themuralalsomakes mefeelasenseofbelonging,andthatpeopleactuallycareaboutEnglewood,thearts, andthecommunity.Theoverpassthemuralislocatedonispartofthelong-planned EnglewoodTrail,a1.5mile-longstretchofelevatedhikingtrailsforEnglewoodand WestEnglewood.Thenaturetrailwillalsoprovideaplacewherepeoplecanfeelsafe and walk and exercise without having to use the streets to bike.

EverydaythatIpassthesign,Iamgladtoknowthattherearepeoplewho careenoughaboutourcommunitytomakeitlookbetter,feelbetter,andbesafer. (Mercedes Longstreath)

BESTNEWRESTAURANTTOLEARNKNIFESKILLS

HauteBrats

WhenIshowedupearlyformyinterviewwithHauteBratsownerChefDarrylFuery, hishandsstillhadremnantsofflourfromthedoughmachine.Hewasalreadyatwork.

HauteBrats,atakeoutrestaurantpropelledbyFuery’sculinarytrainingprogram, “TeachingNTrainingL3C,”soft-openedinlateAugustofthisyear.Theprogram wasdevelopedtocoachandprepareunemployedyoungadultsleavingthejusticeand fostercaresystems,aswellasjustgenerallydisconnectedyoungadults,forcareersin thefoodserviceindustry.Stressingtheconceptof“youarewhatyoueat,”theprogram ismodeledafterbalancedmealsandtheconnectionbetweenfoodandbody.In eightweeks,participantslearnaboutbasicknifeskills,foodstorageandpreparation, customerservice,andmuchmore.Whetheraparticipantpursuesaculinarycareeror leavesitasaninterestingexperienceontheirresume,theywillhavegainedvaluable skills and not depleted their time and money trying to figure out if it could be a good fit.

“Youngpeopleoftengointoacookingcareernaively,”Fuerysaid.“Theythinkit’s justallcooking.Theydon’tthinkaboutsanitationorotherthingsyouneedtodotobe successful, let alone all the time you’re on your feet day in, day out.”

TheHauteBratsconcepthasslowlycometogether.FueryappliedfortheCityof ChicagoNeighborhoodOpportunityFundin2017butwasinitiallydenied.In2018,

PHOTOBYJACKIESERRATO

hisapplicationwasaccepted,thoughittookhimayearandahalftofindalocation andsecurefundingforrenovations.Bythen,thepandemicwasinfullforceandthe Fundputtheirprojectsonhold.Now,HauteBratscanfinallymoveforward.Chef Fueryislookingforacorporatesponsorsothatthetrainingprogramcanremainfree.

Fueryismodestandupliftshisnonprofitandmissionateveryturn,butheadmits cookingisinhisblood.Thoughhisdadwasalsoachef,heinitiallystudiedbusiness and didn’t consider a culinary path until after his dad passed.

“Iwaskindofdepressed,andIwasthinkingofhimandmymomwhowereboth great cooks, and I just wondered if I had any ability,” he said.

Aftertakinganintroductorycookingcourseintheearly1990s,hisinstructor encouragedhimtoattendtheCookingandHospitalityInstituteofChicago(CHIC), whichwasaffiliatedwithLeCordonBleu.Post-graduation,heworkedforAramark, Sodexo,andtheFieldMuseum,amongotherjobs.In2003,TeamworkEnglewood askedhimtospeaktoagroupofstudentsaboutcookingasaviablecareerpath,and there his passion for mentoring was born.

ThecoreHauteBratsmenuissimple,butfun.Hotdogsandbratsaretheir flagshipitems,butsidesincludecrispyfries,elotecups,andminisugar-coateddonuts madefresheachday.Theplanistoexpandthe“Haute”brandoutsideofbrats,suchas “HauteVegan” and“Haute Jerk,” to other locations.

IwasluckyenoughtohaveChefFuerymakemehissignatureReubenDawg,the 847JerkChickenSausage,anorderoffries,andagenerousservingofminidonuts. I’musuallynotafanofonionsonadogbutinthiscase,mytastewaswrong—the 847wasperfection.TheReubenDawghadtheclassicflavoryouwouldexpect.The frieswerefresh,andI’mnotashamedtoadmitIatethemallinonesitting.Idecided toleavethedonutsfordessertlaterthatday.Though,asIstooduptoshakehishand goodbye,hegavemeawrysmileandsaid,“Wellyou’renotgoingtoleaveherewithout tryingadonut,right?”Withnomoreroominmystomachbutalltheeagernessofa kidwithasugaraddiction,Itookablissfulbite,andsubsequentlydroppedcrumbsall over my clothes.

Ican’tfaithfullysaythesamewon’thappentoyouifyouvisitHauteBrats,butit would all be worth it. (Nicole NeSmith)

HauteBrats,6239S.AshlandAve.Monday-Saturday11am-7pm.(773)424-4310. hautebrats.com

BESTCOMMUNITYDEVELOPMENTPROGRAM

The Re-Up

“Ijustboughtmywholeblock,I’machieflikeI’mfromO-Block”:theopeningline fromthesong“NewYearsFreestyle,”fromITSREAL85’sparodycharacter,Bloody Freddy,resonateswithmebecauseitreferencesChiefKeef,O-Block,andChicago, butmostimportantlybecauseofthethoughtofbuyinghiswholeblock.Yes,thefact thatBloodyFreddyisareimaginingofFreddyKruegerasgangleaderwhorunsElm Streetispertinent,butthefactthatafictionalcharacterreferencesowninghiscommunityistooprevalent.WhenIfirstheardthelineIhadjustbecameawareofthe “buytheblock”slogancirclinginconversationsaboutdealingwithintergenerational wealth,gentrification,andinequityinhomeownership.Rappersweresomeofthefirst peopleIheardtalkingaboutgivingbacktothecommunitytheycamefrom,butIhad heardthesloganincommunitymeetingsinEnglewood.AsiahaButler,presidentof R.A.G.E.,useditinthe#BuyTheBlockinitiativethatshewasspearheadingbyeducatingEnglewoodresidentsonhowtoapproachhomeownershipandhowhomeownerscouldtakeadvantageofthecity’sLargeLotProgram.Seeingthisconceptbeing broughttorealityinmycommunityreallywasinspirational,butlittledidIknowthat the#BuyTheBlockinitiativewouldbeanessentialcomponentofeconomicdevelop-

ment in Englewood.

TheEnglewoodRe-Upstandsfor“R.A.G.E.’sEconomicUpliftmentProgram” andaccordingtoitswebsiteit“focusesonbusinessownership,jobcreation,realestate development,andhomeownershipintheEnglewoodChicagoCommunity.”This includesarangeofinitiativesincludingthe#BuyTheBlockprogram,abiannualjob fair,aBlack-ownedbusinessdirectory,ascholarshipprogramforcollegeboundHS graduates, a utility payments raffle, and my favorite, the land grant program.

AccordingtotheRe-Up’smanager,AshleyJohnson,thelandgrantprogramisa partnershipwiththeCommunityLandBankandithasgiftedeightpeoplealargelot ontheirblockwithoneindividualevengettingtwoplotsofland.Thisisthousands ofdollarsthatbuildfinancialsecurityforsomeandbuildintergenerationalwealthfor others.

ChericePricewasoneoftherecipients.AnEnglewoodresident,homeowner,and ownerofPriceInsuranceandWorkforceDevelopmentSolutionsLLC;shehasalready beendeeplyinvestedintheeconomicandworkforcedevelopmentofhercommunity.

Jobs OnThe Blockis aprogram shepioneered;it hasbeen astaple ofcommunityjob fairssinceImovedbacktoChicagoin2015.Askediftherewasacatchtotheland grantprogram,shesaid,“FromwhatIheard,initially,wecannotsellitforthefirstfive years,butsincewearethehomeownersweweregivendeedsforthelots,”adding, “if youcanshowyouhavethefundstorehabit,theyaretryingtomakeitsothatyoucan getthepropertywithoutputtingupsomuchmoneyupfront,becauseforalotofthose properties you would need at least $10,000.”

Priceplansonturningherpropertyintoaplaygroundforkidsontheblock. Thinkingofhergranddaughter,shesaid,“Iseethekidsridingtheirbikesupand downtheblockandplayingoutsidetheirhome,soIwasthinkingaboutturningthat intoakid’splayground.”Sheisonlyoneofthegrantees,buttheyallhaveplansthat willgeneratealong-termimpact.Beforeourchatendedshefurtheradvocated,“I justlovetheeconomicsbehindtheRe-Upbecauseit’ssomethingwecanhanddown generationally,soformethat’soneofthebiggesttakeaways,notjustfromthevacant lot, but also from the Englewood Re-Up.” (Cordell Longstreath)

You can follow the Re-Up by following @rage_englewood or visiting theragereup.org.</

BESTNEWBUSINESSINCUBATOR

E.G.Woode

Chicago’s63rdStreetisknownthroughoutAmerica.TwofallengreatsoftheChicago Drillscene,FBGDuckandKingVon,madetwoiconicsongs,“I’mfrom63rd”and “CrazyStory,”whichgave63rditsfameinrecentyears.The63rdbusconnectseast towestandtherearemultiplestopsfortheRedLineandtheGreenLine.KennedyKingCollegeisrightthere,andbusinessesfrombankstogrocerystoreslineupthe street.Iusedtogotocollegeeverydayusing63rd,aswellasbuyinggroceriesand attendingcommunitymeetingsonthisstreet.WhenIfirstheardaboutE.G.Woode anditsgoalofbeingpartofthechangethatwouldmake63rdgroundzeroforfuture entrepreneurs,Iwasecstaticbecauseitwasalreadyafocalpointofhowmyselfand many others oriented themselves to the neighborhood.

Accordingtoa2019<i>BlockClubChicago</i>articletitled“CanE.G. WoodetransformEnglewood?”architectDeonLucasusedformerMayorRahm Emanuel’sRetailThriveZonegranttosecurepropertyon63rdandMaytodevelop asmall-businessincubatorthatopenedonAugust25.ThecollectiveincludesLucas’s architectureandengineeringdesigncollaborativeBeehyyve,aswellasPowell’s barbershopcooperativeandcollege;aboutiqueconsignmentshopcalledMarie Wesley,aco-sharingworkspacecalledEnglewoodKitchen,asportsbarcalledEllie’s UrbanGrill,acoffeeshopcalledMomentum,andasoulfoodrestaurantcalledPass

ThePeas.AssomeonewhooftenleavesEnglewoodtospendmydisposableincomein othercommunities,oftentakingthe63rdStreetbusorthetrainlines,I’vebeenwaiting for years to see this establishment open.

IchattedwithAntoineButler,ownerofEllie’sUrbanGrille,togetasenseof whattoexpectandthekindofimpactthecollectivewillmake.Oneofthefoundersof R.A.G.E.,acivilservant,andadedicatedfatherandcommunitymember,hehasnever shirkedonthepossibilityofempoweringEnglewood.Ichattedwithhimoveraweek before the grand opening.

South SideWeekly: Can you explain what E.G.Woode is as a business incubator?

AntoineButler:It’saco-opwithstart-upentrepreneurs,Blackstart-ups,thatdistinctly wantstoworkwithnon-establishedentrepreneurs,becausethosearethepeoplewho aregoingtocreatemorejobs.Onlytwohavehadphysicalspacesandtheotherfour arestart-ups,soit'sgoingtobeinteresting.MomentumandPowell’shavehadphysical spaces, but this will be the first time for others.

Will there be mentoring programs?

Itrytostayawayfromthewordprogram,buttherewillbealotofmentorshipand opportunities,reallytryingtostartotherpeoplebecausethebiggerpictureisfor everybody to move on and open another space with other entrepreneurs. Like the guy whoisgonnabemychef,I’llbeplanningforhimtotakeoverthespaceorwebuild him a new space and he starts his own restaurant. Each one, teach one.

What kind of ideas will your business be bringing to the table?

Iwanttosupportthecommunity(sports)teams.WehavetheOgdenParkVikings, LindblomParkteam,andIwanttoencouragethemtostayintosports.Lotsof sponsorships.Iknowthecenteron69thjustformedabasketballteamsoI’mthinking about sponsoring them now, out of pocket, to see what we can get going.

E.G.Woodespeaksofbeingaplaceforentrepreneurstoutilizethespace.Arethere ratesfortheco-workingspacesorideasonhownon-attachedentrepreneurscan utilize E.G.Woode?

Noratesyet.Partofthesecondfloorwillbeasharedkitchenwherepeoplecancome in.Saysomeonesellscookies,wehaveakitchenwheretheycancomeinandincrease theirvolumeandbaketwiceasmanycookiesthentheycanbakesomewhereelse. That’sbringingtheirbusinessupandwewillprobablybesellingalotoftheproducts fromlocalswhocomeandusethekitchen.Wewillbesellingtheirproductsinthe restaurant. I’m positive of that!

SpeakingwithButlergetsmemoreandmoreexcitedtoknowthatnotonlycanI gohaveanafter-workbrewinmycommunity,butIwillbehelpingmycommunity withmydisposableincome.Englewoodnotonlyneeds,butdeserves,spaceswhere communitymemberscanenjoythemselves.Thenmorepeoplewillsay,“I’mfrom 63rd.” (Cordell Longstreath)

E.G.Woode, 1122W. 63rd St. (312) 877-6747. egwoode.com

MaritereGómezgrewupinGageParkandwasaneighborhoodcaptaininBestofthe SouthSide2020.Shehasbeenanactivistinthecityforovertenyears,mostlyfightingfor immigrantandlaborjusticeforhercommunitythatgivessomuchandisnotthankedenough. She last wrote an op-ed about the need for a new Gage Park library.

Doyoueverbecomecuriousaboutthepeople,thehistory,andthedebates

behind the taco?“Let’s taco‘bout it!”

GrowingupinGagePark,Igrewupnexttothebesttaquerias,asfaras I’mconcerned.Irecentlyreadanarticlecallingfortheupchargeoftacos.Itexpounded onhownotpayingmorefortacosreflecteddisrespectforthisMexicanfoodstaple.I couldn’tbelievethatthiswasevenupfordebate.Ithought,uff,mustbethepandemic hitting people hard.

TheauthorcalledforMexicanrestaurantownersandtheirpatronstochargeand paymore,respectively,fortacos,meanwhiletheauthorherselfissittinginanupscale restaurantintheWestLoop—wherenewlybuiltcondosandhigh-endrestaurants occupyformerwarehousesandfactories,andwheretheHaymarketMonumentsits, thesitewhereimmigrantsfoundjobsinthe1800sandthefamousHaymarketlabor demonstration happened that led to winning the eight-hour workday.

Despitebeingaself-proclaimedtaco-connoisseur,Ihaveavoidedplacesthat chargewhatIconsidertobeanabsurdamountofmoneyforataco.Therecent debateaboutchargingmorefortacoshasreallymademewonderaboutthehistory ofmyall-timebelovedfooditem.AllIhadeverheardaboutthetacowasthatitwas working-classfood.Thetacois“street”food.Thetacoismeantforthepeoplethatare onthestreetlivinglifetothefullestandbusyrunningaround.Ireasonedthatitwasa working-classfoodbecauseit’smadequicklyand,mostimportantly,it’saffordablefor people that need affordable food.

A brief history of the taco

Thehistoryofthetacoisnotfullyknown.Believeitornot,therearetacohistorians! Thesehistorianssaythattacos—meaningsoftcorntortillaswithmeatorfishinsideof them—have been consumed in Mexico for thousands of years.

Themodernformanditsname‘taco’probablycamefromthesilverminesof Mexicointhe18thcentury.The mineros wouldusethinpiecesofpaper,whichmay havebeencalled‘tacos,’towrapgunpowderwhichtheywoulduseasanexplosive touncoversilver.Ilovethisbecauseofhowwellitanalogizesthetaco:thetacois dynamite on the palate and gives a charge of energy to whoever eats it.

Thetacorestaurateursaysthatchargingmorefortacosisaboutrespect. IncreasingthecostoftacoswillnotmagicallybringrespecttoMexicansand Mexicancuisine.ThereareliteralpoliticalcampaignsagainstMexicansspreadingfalse anti-Mexicanrhetoric.Ifanything,therespectthatMexicansdeservewilldevelop whentheanti-Mexicanrhetoricends,nottheotherwayaround.Increasingthecost oftacoswouldonlydeprivetheworkingclassfromoneofthefoodsthatisstilleasily accessible and affordable.

Thedecentamountofrespectthatthetacocurrentlyhascomesfromthe acknowledgementthatitfeedstheMexicancommunity,theworkingclassandothers. It’s delicious, easy to find, and affordable.

Whatscaresmethemostabouttheauthor’ssentimentisthethoughtthattacos willonedaybetooexpensivetosellorbuyintheneighborhoodIcallhome,Gage Park.Therearerestaurantsnow,inChicagoneighborhoods,thatpricethreetacosat $19.

Conclusion:tacosarenotthesameeverywhere.ThethreespotsImentionoffer wildlydifferentexperiencesandco-existinthesameneighborhood.Therespectcomes inthecreativityoftheGageParkneighborhoodandthesolidarityofitsworkingclass. IncreasingpricesfortacosisthelastthingthatweneedtobringrespecttoMexicans and our exquisite cuisine.

Now,gogetyourselfsometacosinGageParkandtellthem SouthSideWeekly sent ya! (Maritere Gómez)

Compiled byMaritere Gómez, NeighborhoodCaptain

El RayoTacoTruck

Speakingofthetacoasanelectricpowercharge,oneofmyfavoriteplacestogettacos inGageParkisElRayoTacoTruck.SummertimeChiprovidesforsomeactivities thatwinterdoesnot—likestandingforahandsomeamountoftimetoplaceyour orderbecausethelineissoextremelylong.Itwasthemiddleofsummerrightafter thegoldenhour,peoplewerelinedupat47thandKedzietoordertacos.Youcannot missthetruckdespitethebrick-and-mortartacospotsaroundit.ElRayoislitup withoutdoorlightsallarounditsoutline.ItflauntstheMexicanflagincelebrationof Latinx Heritage Month.

Afteralongdayofsummerfun,atacohitsexactlyrightinthebelly.Thetruck displayssomeenticingdishesonthemenu,likesteaktacos,burritos,and sopes, decoratedwithgreenandredsalsa,some cebollitas and chilestoreados.Irecommend them all.

Iheardaboutthistacotruckveryorganically.Iwaswithmymomwhohadjust hadfoodfromElRayowithaneighbor.Theneighborwasravingaboutthetacosthey serve.Mymomcouldn’twaittoshowmethisspot.Shelovescookingathome,sowhen shesaidwehadtocheckitout,Iknewtheremustbeareason.Shewouldjustnotstop talking about it!

Wedriveupto47thandKedzie.Thereisarowofcarsbehindthetacotruckand alineofpeoplestandingoutside.TheonlysuspenseIlikeisthesuspenseIexperience while waiting to get in my taco order.

Thewaitisworthit.Flavorful,seasonedperfectly,nottomentionthegreensalsa; itisnotwatereddowntoaweakmildspiceforunculturedpalates.Theservingcomes with chilestoreados (deliciouslycharredandsautéedjalapeñossprinkledwithsalt).It alsocomeswithcarrotsandbroccoli envinagre.Perfectionistheonlywaytodescribe the tacos served at El Rayo. (Maritere Gómez)

El RayoTacoTruck. (773) 441-3516

BESTALPASTORTACO

La Haciendita

Another place where the wait is worth it!

LaHaciendita’sthematiccolorsareredandyellow,asistypicalofmany Mexicanrestaurants.Thecolorsreallycatchtheattentionofpeopleastherestaurant sitsunassuminglyon51standKedzie.Theoutstandingfood,however,iswhatreally has caught my attention and why I return any chance I get.

The tacosalpastor arepreparedwithpineapplejuice.Whenyouwalkin,the alpastor meatisimmediatelyvisibleontheverticalrotisserie.Alargepineapplesits ontheporkmeatmarinatingitforhourswithsweet,sweetpineapplejuice.When thecookpreparesthe alpastor taco,theyslicethemeatoffalongwithsomeofthe pineapple. I won’t judge if you close off this article now and run to La Haciendita.

Other favorites are nopales (cactus salad) tacos with frijoles de la olla.

Amajorbonusisthatthisrestauranthasaparkinglot.InChicago,parkingspots areathing!GageParkhasnotyetbeenplaguedbythepay-to-park-onlyspots,butitis gettingthere,and47thandKedziecangetbusy,sothefirsttimeInoticedtheparking lot“only for La Haciendita visitors” sign, I had to pull over.

I’vehadcountlessmealsatLaHacienditaovertheyears.Itisalwayspackedwith familiesorindividualsneedingsome“self-care”andtacos.Ihavewaitedembarrassing amountsoftimetobeseatedatthisrestaurant.Ihavewitnessedgrownpeoplestomp away after being told the wait would be over two hours. (Maritere Gómez)

Taqueria La Haciendita, 5151 S. Kedzie Ave. 8am–12am. (773) 434-3864

BESTHOOD TAQUERIA

La Quebrada

Where the hood and the taco meet.

TheLaQuebradabuildingisdecoratedwithredandyellowsunsallaroundits walls.Thebestpartthough,arethewindowsadvertisingthefoodspecials.Oneofthem is the $5.99 breakfast special.

Thisrestaurantdoesnotdisappoint.I’vehadcountlessmealsandcoffeeherewith my family and neighbors in Gage Park.

Italsohasaparkinglot!Inoneofthecornersoftherestaurant,thereisaplacard withthesaying,“SomewhereintheHood.”LaQuebrada“gets”theneighborhoodof Gage Park.

LaQuebradatacosarestraightforward,flavorful,tender.The salsademolcajete is warm,likethetomatoesandjalapeñoswerejusttakenofftheboilingwaterandplaced on the comal. The tacos here taste like they were truly homemade.

Theirfoodanddrinkmenuisendless.Theyserveindividualtacosto parrilladas asmall,tablesizegrillfilledtotherimwithseafoodandmeats.The parrilladas come with a side of tortillas, arroz and frijoles

Myfavoriteisthe carneasada tacoand alpastortaco with cilantro and cebolla.I alwaysaddalittlelimewiththewarmfreshly-madesalsa.Excuseme,*brb*,drivingto La Quebrada as I’m typing this. (Maritere Gómez)

LaQuebradaRestaurant,5100S.CaliforniaAve.Sunday–Thursday,8:30am–9pm;Friday–Saturday, 8:30am–10pm. (773) 737-4575

HEGEWISCH

BecauseHegewischisthefarthestneighborhoodonthesoutheastsideofthe city,manydon’tseeitaspartofChicago—butratherIndiana.Ortheysimply don’tknowitexists.Itisprobablyoneofthemostunknownpartsofthecity, perhapsinpartbecauseitseemsthatChicagoforgottoaddenoughpublictransportation—itisn’teasytogetthereviaCTAorMetra—anditdoesn’thelpthatHegewisch isalsoclosedoffbyrailways,manufacturing,and“wallsofindustry[that]youcan’t cross,” as a resident once told me.

Historically,theneighborhoodhashousedagreatdealofthecity’ssteelmills andmanufacturingcompaniesthathavehurttheenvironment.Ithassincebeen targeted,according to residents, as the dumping ground for thecity of Chicago.

ForBestofSouthSidelastyear,Iwroteabouthowthepandemicandthekilling ofGeorgeFloydinspiredyouthtoraiseconsciousnessaboutracismandenvironmentalinjusticeinHegewischanditsneighboringcommunities.Forexample,after yearsoffighting,residents,inparticularthearea’syouth,gotcityhealthofficialsto rejectthefinalpermitbyGeneralIrontooperateinHegewisch.Ialsowroteabout ajoyfulnutritionshopandcommunityleaderslookingforchangeandrecognition in their neighborhood.

Inthisyear’sBestofSouthSideIexploreHegewischMarsh:overahundred acresofnativewetlandsandoveramileoftrailsleadingtomoresurprises.Ispeakto TommyDonTalleyJr.,aHegewischresidentwholastyearstartedhisownorganizationtonormalizementalhealthinhiscommunity.Heshareswhattheorganization’seventsareallabout,aswellashowanyonecanparticipate.IalsomeetCelina Miramontes,owneratEmpressStudio,whorealizedherdreamofowningabeauty salon andboasts some of the best reviews online.

Throughpoliticalactivism,entrepreneurship,leadership,andnatureactivities, newdreamsbloominHegewisch.Overthepastseveralyears,througheffortsthat disruptandinspire,arearesidentshavebeensendingastrongmessage—wearehere and have a lot to offer. (Alma Campos)

NeighborhoodcaptainAlmaCamposisthe Weekly’simmigrationeditor.Thisishersecond yeareditingtheHegewischsectionforBestoftheSouthSide.YoucanfindheronTwitterat @alma_campos.

BESTNATURALOASIS

Hegewisch Marsh

BorderingtheCalumetRiveron130thStreetandTorrenceAvenue,HegewishMarsh offersanaturaloasistoenjoy.AccordingtotheChicagoParkDistrict,therearemany habitatsinsidethemarsh.The129acresoflandincludesnativemarsh,wetland,and wetprairie.Visitorswillfindtrailstoenjoythesiteofmeadows,cottontails,and cottonwoodtrees.Theareawasoncethesiteofsteelmills,anddecadesofeffortshave gone into conserving the natural environment that still continue today.

TheChicagoOrnithologicalSociety,whichworkstoadvanceandconservebirds throughouttheChicagoregion,organizesbirdwalksatHegewischMarshthroughout theyear;themarshattractsmigratingsongbirds,Moorhens,Yellow-Headed Blackbirds, MarshWrens, and other wetland birds.

Themarshisperfectforchildren,andtheycanjointheSoutheastSideJunior Explorersforfunactivitiesthatcultivatealovefornature.Booklets,activitypacks,and informationonhowtojoincanbefoundattheFordCalumetEnvironmentalCenter.

IfyouhavetimeleftoverafteryourtriptoHegewishMarsh,justafewmiles north you’ll find Big Marsh Park in the South Deering neighborhood, where you can enjoyanenvironmentalcenterandexhibitthatopenedin2021.Itfeaturesmorepaved trails,scenicviews,andevenabikeshop.IndianRidgeMarshandBurnhamPrairie NaturePreservearealsojustafewmilesawayforhiking,campingandbirdwatching. AlsocheckouttheFordCalumetEnvironmentalCenterformoreinformationabout parks and activities around the Southeast Side of the city. (Alma Campos)

Hegewish Marsh, 13298 S.Torrence Ave. Daily, dawn to dusk. chicagosesideparks.com

Compiled by Alma CamposNeighborhoodCaptain

PHOTOBYLEONELHERNANDEZ

BESTCOMMUNITYHEALTHLEADERSHIP

TommyTalks

Usingmentalhealthpop-upsanduniquehealtheventsthatpromotehealingfrom trauma,themissionofTommyTalksistonormalizediscussionofmentalhealth.The initiativewasfoundedbyTommyDonTalleyJr.,alongtimeresidentofHegewisch. Hesaidhefelttheneedtosharehisownstoryaboutchildhoodtrauma,whichthen ledhimtostartTommyTalksin2021andhelpothersintheirmentalhealthjourneys.

Attheorganization’smentalhealthpop-upsandotherevents,communitymembersengageindiscussionsaboutdifficultbutimportanttopicssuchassuicideprevention,alcoholanddruguse,healthywaystocopewithstress,andplacestoseekhelp. “Theword‘therapy’hasbeensostigmatizedthatitscarespeople.Sowedon’tjusttalk [about]therapy,”Talleysaid.“It’s[about]showcasingdifferentwaystohelpwhether it’s meditation, yoga, peer support, through activities or creating writing.”

Forexample,during“LighttheNight,”oneTommyTalksevent,morethanone hundredcommunitymemberscametogetherforahealingactivity.Participantswrote downsomethingpainful,placeditinsideapaperlantern,andreleaseditintothesky asawaytoletitgoandmoveon.“TommyTalksservesasanadvocate,abreakerof generationalcurses,apartner,acommunityorganization,apeersupportgroup,aguide to resources, and so much more,”Talley said.

Eventually,Talleysaidhewantstotakehismentalhealthapproachtoschools andevencreateamentalhealthcenterintheSoutheastSide.Andwhilealotofthe eventshavetakenplaceinHegewisch,TommyTalkswillbeexpandingtoothernearby neighborhoodssoon.Itsnextpop-upeventwillbeaboutsuicidepreventionandwill beheldatSt.FrancisdeSalesHighSchoolonSeptember29from5pmto9pm;all interested are invited to attend. (Alma Campos)

TommyTalks, tommytalksnpo.org. Instagram: @tommytalksnpo

BEST“ALLTHINGSBEAUTY”SALON

Empress Studio

YoucanreallyhaveitallatEmpressStudio,abeautyandhairsalonlocatedinthe Hegewischneighborhood.Nails,waxing,facials,lashes,andhairservicesforallare justsomeoftheofferingsunderoneroof.Initially,thesalononlyofferedhairservices, butitsowner,CelinaMiramontes,beganofferingmoreforherclientsandmovedtoa bigger space last year in order to do so.

Thestudio’shairservicesare“thelatesttrendsandtechniques”andincludeall thingshairsuchashaircuts,color,perms,hairextensions,andbraids.Theircolorlineis strictlyPulpRiot,whichisaveganlinewithquinoa—aningredientthathelpsprotect and repair hair.

MiramontesisanEastSidenativeandsaidshealwaysknewshewantedtodo hair.“Iusedtoactuallysitoutfrontanddopeople’shair...onmystairs.”Sheeventually wentontocosmetologyschoolandopenedherbusiness.Shehasamessageforyoung womenthinkingaboutstartingtheirownbusiness:“Aslongastheyhavethepassion... the sky’s the limit.”

OnGoogle,EmpressStudioboasts4.5/5stars,withcustomersravingaboutthe excellentcustomerservice.Miramontessaidhelpingherclientsfeelconfidentisthe bestpartofherwork.“ThebestpartaboutwhatIdoiswatchingallofourclients[who are]maybenothavingagooddayornotfeelingconfident,orevengoingthrough thingsinlife,andyougettocompletelychangetheirday.Yougettomakethemfeel beautiful,yougettomakethemfeelbetter...AndIfeellikethat’sthemostrewarding part.” (Alma Campos)

EmpressStudio,13308S.BaltimoreAve.Monday,9am–3pm;Tuesday,10am–5pm; Wednesday,9am–5pm;Thursday–Friday,10am–7pm;Saturday,9am–3pm.(773)4374693. vagaro.com/us04/empress777studio

HYDE PARK & KENWOOD

EllaBeiserisalifelongHydeParkerandiscurrentlyasophomoreatBatesCollegestudying politicsanddigitalandcomputationalstudies.Inherfreetimesheenjoyswritingforher school newspaper and sharing music with friends.

Fromtherelicsofthe1893World’sColumbianExpositiontoblueslegendMuddyWaters’house,manymarksofHydePark-Kenwood’srichhistoryremain. Onesuchmarkisaninconspicuousbrownstoneapartmenton55thSt.andEverett Ave.

InanarticlepublishedinOctober1972inthe HydeParkHerald,reporterCheryl Frieswroteasummationoftheyear'sevents:“TheYMCAannounceditsdecisionto lookforanewsiteinthecommunityandanumberofHydeParkwomenwereaccused of operating an abortion ring in South Shore.”

Atthetime,abortionwasillegal—safeandundergroundabortionserviceswere rare.

ThewomenarrestedwerepartofanabortionservicebasedinHydeParkcalled theJaneCollective.Startedin1969byUniversityofChicagostudentHeatherBooth, itinitiallyoperatedasareferralserviceforpeopleseekingabortions,butmemberslater trained themselves to perform first and second trimester abortions.

TheJanessuccessfullyperformedover11,000abortionsand,accordingtoLaura Kaplaninherbook TheStoryofJane:TheLegendaryUndergroundFeministAbortion Service, nobody died.

TheirserviceoperatedoutoftwoHydeParkapartments.Peopleseekingabortions wouldfirstgoto“TheFront,”locatedat5532S.EverettAve.,beforebeingdrivento

“ThePlace”at5120S.HydeParkBlvd.,wheretheprocedurewasperformed.“The Place” was later moved to a South Shore location.

Toadvertise,thegrouppostedsignsaroundthecitysaying,“Pregnant?Don’twant to be? Call Jane: 643–3844.”

TheabortionservicesexistingbeforetheJaneCollectivewereoftenexpensiveand risky.Patientswereoftenchargedexorbitantpricesorsubjectedtodangerousprocedures and left with no legal recourse.

“Fewwomenunderstoodtheirreproductivephysiologyorhadanyideawhereto gettheinformationtheyneeded.Thespecialknowledgedoctorshadwasdeliberately madeinaccessible,couchedinlanguageincomprehensibletothelayperson,”writes Kaplan.

Incontrast,theJanesweretransparentwiththeirclients,informingthemrightoff thebatthattheywerenotmedicalprofessionalsandexplainingtheprocedurestep-bystep: more common in medicine today, but not widely practiced at the time.

AccordingtoKaplan,theJanescharged$100fortheabortion,butwouldacceptwhatevertheclientcouldafford.Thismadeabortionservicesfarmoreaccessible. (Doctors would often charge upwards of $500 for the procedure.)

In1972,thecollective’sSouthShorelocationwasraided.Sevenwomenwere arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit abortion.

The Herald articlenotesthat,“Bylaw,abortionchargesarefiledagainstthosewho useinstrument,drugorothersubstancewiththeintenttoprocureamiscarriageofany women.Amiscarriagedoesnotactuallyhavetotakeplacenordoesthewomaneven have to be pregnant.”

Compiled by Ella Beiser, NeighborhoodCaptain

PHOTOBYMIKERICHARDSON

Thearticlegoesontoreportthatthewomencouldfaceonetotenyearsinprison andconcludeswithashort,definitivesentence:“AbortionisafelonyunderIllinois law.”

FromthetimeofthearrestuntiltheSupremeCourt'sdecisionin Roe v. Wade on Jan.22,1973,thelandmarkcasethatlegalizedabortionnationwide,Janecontinuedits abortioncounselingservice.Thesevendefendantsmanagedtodelaytheircaseuntil the federal decision, after which the charges against them were dropped.

InJuneofthisyear,theSupremeCourtoverturned Roe v. Wade ,settingabortion rightsbackfiftyyears.SeveraloftheJanes,nowintheir80sand90s,stillliveinHyde Park,andhavelamentedthisruling.InaMayinterviewwiththe Herald,Janemember MarthaScottsaidsolemnly,“Ijustwantthingstobedifferent.Butit'snotgoingto happen for a while.” (Ella Beiser)

BESTJOLLYGREENGIANT

“Green Lady” Sculpture

OntheedgeofJacksonPark,agreenwomanbasksinthesun.Obscuredbyastretchof treesatthecornerof59thStreetandStonyIslandBoulevard,shestandstallwitharms raised, a piece of public art celebrating the union of human craft and nature.

Transformation,afifteen-and-a-half-foot-tallstatuecarvedoutofadeadashtree, was created by Iowa-based chainsaw carver Gary Keenan in 2020.

Alsodubbedthe“GreenLady”byKeenan,thestatueisapartoftheChicagoTree Project,acollaborationbetweentheChicagoParkDistrictandChicagoSculpture International.Astheemeraldashborer,aninvasivespeciesofbeetleencouragedby climatechange,infectstreesacrossNorthAmerica,artistsgivetrunksnewlifethrough carving, painting, and installing art onto sick and dying trees.

The emerald ash beetle has been called the“most destructive forest pest ever seen inNorthAmerica”bytheParkDistrict,andthreatenstochewthroughallashtreesin Chicagowithinthenextdecade.Giventhatabouttenpercentoftreesincityparksare ashtrees,theParkDistricthasbeenrapidlyplantingnon-ashtreestoaccountforthe projectedlossofgreenery.Meanwhile,tomakethemostofthedamagealreadyinflictedbythebeetle,theyhavecommissionedmorethanfiftyuniqueashtreesculptures since 2014, several which are in Hyde Park.

Keenan’sprocessispoetic,usingloud,aggressivemachineslikechainsawsand powertoolstocarveasculpturefullofhope.Debutingintheearlydaysofthepandemic,the“GreenLady”embodiesresilienceagainstbrutalbiologicalforces:viruses and invasive species.

Whilethelowerportionofthetrunkwasleftunpainted—avisualthatlikensthe piecetonearbytrees—therestofthesculptureispaintedinvariousshadesofgreen, emphasizingthetexturedoverlappingvinesandleaveswhichclimbupherthighsand sproutfromherarms.Asweedsovertakethesculpture’sbase,it’sasifthewomanherself has grown out of the earth.

Thesculptureisstriking;herposeisunwaveringlypowerful.Ina2020interview withWTTW,Keenanrecalledapasserbythatstoppedtomimicthe“GreenLady” pose, taking pictures with her arms raised and face turned to the sun. (Max Blaisdell)

Transformation,S.59thSt.andS.StonyIslandBlvd.chicagotreeproject.org/trees-2/garykeenan/

BEST$1PRODUCEBIN

Open Produce

Nestledinarowofeateries,florists,andcornerstoresalong55thStreetsitsOpen Produce,amicro-grocerythathasprovidedneighborswithfreshproduce,locallymade dry goods, and community bike tools for more than a decade.

AmbientconversationandabrightinteriorgreetcustomersastheyenterOpen Produce’shistoricspace.Builtintheearly1960s,thebuildingat1635E.55thSt.has lostnoneofitscharm,andthelevelofthoughtanddetailbecomeimmediatelyclear toapatron,astheysurveythearrangementofgoodsstretchingtotheceilingonbuiltinshelves.Labelsarewrittenbyhand,notingoriginanddetailsofgoods,alongwith anecdotesabouttheproducts.Amongitsmanyvauntedfeatures,thestoreaffordsthe neighborhoodwithfreshlocalbread,includingbakedgoodsfromthenearbyMedici on 57th, as well as produce from farms across the Midwest.

Thestore’s$1groceriesandfreebreadbinsofferexcessproduceandbakedgoods for patrons in a pinch.This has the twofold function of reducing food waste and hungerthroughouttheneighborhood.Linkcardsareacceptedandpromotedasamethod ofpayment,increasingaccessforall.Openingat8am.andclosingatmidnightaffords thenightshiftandtheearlyriserstheabilitytoaccessgrocerieswhenfewotherplaces in the neighborhood are up and running.

Thenicheneighborhoodmarketwasopenedin2008bythreefriendsandrecent UniversityofChicagograduates:AndrewCone,GabrielaRussek,andStevenLucy. Afterspendingafewyearsworkinginthecorporateworld—intradingandcomputer programming—thethreefriendsreunitedwithaloftygoalofsellingorganic,ethically sourced,andculturallydiversegoods,thoughtheyhadtroublesecuringloansforthe startup.Whenbanksdeniedthem,theyborrowed$30,000fromfriendsandfamily and charged another $10,000 on a credit card.

Afterseveralgrocerystoreclosuresintheneighborhood,arecession,andpandemic, Open Produce is still going strong.

Todaythewarm,oldfashionedchalkboardabovetheproducesectioniscolorfully adornedwithadrawingoftomatoesandasmilingsun,stating“Summeristomato season and every season is friendly season.” (Maggie Ruble)

Open Produce, 1635 E. 55th St. Daily 8am-12am. (773) 496-4327. openproduce.org

BESTVEGANCOMFORTFOOD

B’Gabs Goodies

Veganismisontherise,asarethearrayofdiningoptionsintheneighborhood.For longtimeherbivoresorthosenewtothedietarymovement,B’GabsGoodiesisa tasteful refresher in plant-based dining.

Locatedatthecornerof57thandBlackstone,B'Gabs“focusesonwholeplantbased nutrition,” said owner Gabrielle Darvassy.

Everymealismadefresh,andthesensoryexperiencewhenyouwalkintothe eateryiscalmandrefreshing.Amixofpotentaromas,jazzmusic,andabright“hello” fromsomeoneinbackofhousegreetyouatthedoor.Thewallsarefilledwithabstract paintingsbyartistFantaCelah,andadjacenttoacozydiningspaceisacollection ofherbsandholisticproductssuchaschloride-freetoothpasteandaluminum-free deodorant.

B’GabsfirstopenedinWoodlawn’sExperimentalStationin2011,withDarvassy runningtheeaterywithhertwosons,herhusband,andhermother.“Wewantedto offerthisquality(food)toourowncommunityasoptionswereverylimited(inWoodlawn),” she said.

Butherforayintoveganismbeganmuchearlier.Ina2018interviewwiththe HydeParkHerald,Darvassyattributedherrecoveryfrompregnancy-relatedblood clottingtoachangeindietandadoptionofalternativemedicine.“Iwassickmany yearsago,andIusedrawveganismtocuremyself.AndIdidcuremyself…because food will do that,” she said.

In2015,Darvassymovedheroperation—andanexpandedmenu—northto57th Street.

Today,everyitemissoyandglutenfree,and“wealsospecializeinalternativediets,

suchasraw,juicing,andalkaline,”saidDarvassy.Offeringsincludejackfruitnuggets andrawbuddhabowlsfilledwithsweetpotatoes,mushrooms,chickpeas,andzucchini. There’salsoanarrayofsubstitutionsforpopularfastfoodssuchasnachos,burgers,and Philly cheesesteaks.

“Idofoodyoucanemotionallyidentifywith,becauseformanypeoplerawand veganfoodissofaroutthere,”Darvassysaidina2012 Herald interview.“WhatIreally careaboutispeopleeating(healthy)food…Iamsosickandtiredof(thecommunity) not having a choice.” (Kristian Parker)

B’GabsGoodies,1450E.57thSt.Wednesday-Thursday,Sunday11am-3pm;Friday-Saturday 11am-6pm. (773) 256-1000. bgabsgoodies-100666.square.site/

BESTGLIMPSEINTOWHATCHICAGOCOULDHAVEBEEN

Burnham Nature Sanccctuary

Atasecludedtrailheadnear47thStreetandjustwestofDuSableLakeShoreDrive., visitors aregivenachoice betweentwopaths:awell-maintainedpavedtrailor amore adventurous wood chipped trail winding beneath a dense canopy of trees.

Alongthewood-chippedtrailbirdssingthroughthedappledlightthatsifts throughthetrees,andsquirrelsrustleinthebrushforagingfromberrytrees.Forthe amateurbotanist,specialhabitatsandplants,suchasnativecottonwoodandwhiteash trees,areidentifiedbyclearplaques.Thecanopyperiodicallygiveswaytolushprairieteemingwithbutterfliesandbirds.Intentionallydesignedtosupportnativeplant species,theprairies,meadows,andwoodlandsareabriefglimpseoftheenvironment

before the city was built.

BurnhamNatureSanctuaryisapartoftheBurnhamWildlifeCorridor,a100acre ribbon stretching along the lakeshore from Kenwood to McCormick Place.

Amidstthispath,youmaycomeuponagatheringspaceentitled“Sankofaforthe Earth.”ThroughoutBurnhamWildlifeCorridor,therearefivegatheringspaceswhich reflectthecultureofnearbyneighborhoodsinChicago.“SankofafortheEarth”wasa partnershipwiththeSouthSideCommunityArtCenterinnearbyBronzeville,which advocatesforAfricanAmericanartsandartists.Thisspaceremindsusthathistory holdsimportantinformationthatallowsustosuccessfullymoveforwardinourlives. ItisasacredspacetoreflectonSouthSidehistoryandconnectwiththelandour community depends on.

Foramorecasualstroll,thepavedoptiongivesallthebeautyataslowerpace.The trailwindsbeneaththeedgeofthecanopy,andbenchesprovideaplaceofresttorelax andbreatheintheview.Onesectionofthetrailisdesignedasaboardwalk,elevated justabovetheripplingprairie.Ifyoucomehereattherighttimeoftheyear,beautiful bloomingwildflowersareabundantandmaketheperfectbackdropforpictureswith loved ones.

ThiswildlifecorridorisnamedafterDanielBurnham,theChicagocityplanner andarchitectresponsiblefordesigningtheWorld’sColumbianExhibitionof1893, whichtookplaceinJacksonPark,justsouthofthesanctuary.TheBurnhamNature SanctuarypaystributetoBurnham’s1909“PlanofChicago,”whichenvisionedtransit improvements,reclamationofalltwenty-ninemilesoftheChicagolakefrontwith publicparklandandanexpansiontothecity’sparkandboulevards—thoughmostofit was never realized. (Piper Graham)

BurnhamNatureSanctuary,1600E.47thSt..chicagoparkdistrict.com/burnham-wildlife-corridor-burnham-nature-sanctuary

PHOTOBYMIKERICHARDSON

LAVILLITA

Compiled by Laura Ramírez, NeighborhoodCaptain

LaVillitaneighborhood,locatedontheWestSideofChicago,hasbeenthesite ofarrivalformanyimmigrantsfromMexicoandCentralAmericasincethelate 1970s.Yetinrecentyears,thecultureoftheneighborhoodhasshiftedfromone thathassupportedrecentimmigrantarrivalstoonethatisburgeoningwithmultiracial andmulticulturalresidents,manywhoarethechildrenoftheimmigrantsthatbegan to adopt this Chicago enclave as a home away from home.

Thischangeisevident,fromthebusinessestothepeoplewalkingaroundbuying elotesandgoodsfromthemanyvendorsthatlinethemainstripof26thStreet,as wellasCermakRoadonthenorthand31ststreetonthesouth.Vendorsandresidents welcometheinfluxofnewvisitorswhocontributetotheeconomicwellbeingofthe community.

YetduetoitscentrallocationandproximitytotheUniversityofIllinoisatChicago,LittleVillageisalsobeingheavilyimpactedbygentrification.Althoughmade upofmostlyworkingclassfamilies,recentspikesinpropertytaxes,combinedwith concernsaboutstreetviolenceandenvironmentalpollution,aredrivingmanylongtermresidentstoselltheirhomesandmovetomoreaffordableneighborhoodswhere they feel safer.

ButevenasLittleVillageresidentscontinuetowrestlewiththeseissues,the neighborhoodremainsoneofthesafestspacesfornewlyarrivedimmigrantsfrom

LatinAmericaandtheirchildren.LittleVillageisaspacewherepeoplecanthrive whetherornottheycanspeakEnglishoraredocumented;itisaneighborhoodwhere culture and community have been built and preserved over the past four decades.

Moreandmorestoresarefullofartisanalitemssuchasembroideredblouses, leathershoesandbelts,strawandhandwovenhats,tapestries,andhandmadejewelry. Likewise,therearestoresthatarestockedwithMexicanandCentralAmericanproducts that are a gift to those who left their homeland.

WeinviteyoutovisitandenjoyLittleVillage,admireitsstreetart,eatsomeofthe mostdeliciousMexicanfoodintheUnitedStates,andenjoyaneloteorraspafroma street vendor. (Laura J. Ramirez)

BEST PLACE TOFIGHTFASTFASHION

Village DiscountThriftStore

Walkingdownthebusycommercialstripof26thStreet,itiseasytospotwhatseems likeendlessopportunitiestoshop.YetIbelongtoagenerationthatisacutelyaware ofthedamagesofclimatechangeandthewaysinwhichfastfashionimpactsthe environment.ThisiswhyIamalwaysonthelookoutforsecondhanditemstofillmy closet, and theVillage Discount on 26th and Pulaski is an excellent choice for me.

LauraRamírezisawriterandcommunityorganizerfromLaVillita.Sherecentlyco-edited an anthology called Never Normal Again with the Hoodoisie collective.

PHOTOBYSILVIAMORALES

ThisVillageDiscountisoneofthelargestthriftstoresinChicagoland.Theyhave alottochoosefromandgreatdealsandprices.Thestoreiswell-organizedandalways hasnewitemsinstock,withextensivesectionsforallagesandsizes.Theyalsohave half-offeverythingonholidays,three-for-$1colortagsonSundays,andthreetagcolorsarehalfoffeveryday!WalkinginisalwayanadventurebecauseIfeellikethere’s forever more to discover.

Beyondtheadventure,Ialwaysappreciatethehelpfulstaff,whoseemtohavean endlesssupplyofclothing,records,books,dishes,andknickknacksforthosewho,like myself, also like to collect small ceramic objects and other vintage items.

AnotherreasonwhyIlovetoshophereisbecauseitismostlypeoplefromthe community:mothersandtheirchildren,youngpeople,elders,andworkingprofessionals.IloveseeinghowBlackpeoplefromNorthLawndalearenowcomingtoshop here.AsanAfro-Mexican,itisalwaysabeautifulsighttoseebothofmybackgrounds comingtogethertoexperiencethiswonderfulplacewhereIalwaysfeelIcanfind something unique, affordable and fashionable.

IthinkaboutninetypercentofmywardrobecomesfromthisstoreandIalso thinkIdressprettywell.I’veshoppedhereaslongasIcanrememberandit’sonly gotten better! (Imani Al-Uqdah)

VillageDiscountOutletStore#9,4020W.26thSt.Monday–Saturday,9am–9pm;Sunday 10am–6pm. (708) 388-4772

BEST PLACE TOBETRANSPORTEDTOMEXICO

La Ordeña

WalkingintoLaOrdeña,locatedintheheartof26thStreet,isamuch-needed experienceforthoseofuswhomigratedoraredeeplyconnectedtoourroots.The scents,colors,sounds,anddecorationsallmakeyoufeellikeyouhavefoundahome away from home.

TherearecolorfulcontainersfulloftantalizingofferingsorganizedinwaysreminiscentofthelocalmercadosinMexico.Theyhaveextensiveofferingsofcondiments, moles(spicyandlabor-intensivesauces),candies,cheeses,claydishes,aswellasitems thatareotherwisenearlyimpossibletofindinChicago,likenata,anartisanalmilk curdthatisnoteasytofindinanylargesupermarketinChicagoorinMexicoitself. Itislikefindingasmallpieceofhomethatisunknowntomany,makingitevenmore precious to foodies like myself.

Long-termcustomerHeidiRamirez,whenaskedwhyshelikedtogotoLaOrdeña,said,“BecauseIfeltitwasalittleMexico.Thesmell,thetraditionalMexican stuff: lavaderos (washboards), molcajetes (mortars), salseros (salsacontainers), tortilleros (tortillawarmers), mandiles (aprons).Itremindsmeofmychildhood,likecandyand chile at the same time.”

Thelocationon26thisthethirdbusinessunderthenameofLaOrdeña,which despiteitssmallsize,isabletofillanichewiththosewhoseektheseauthenticingredients.Ifyouarelookingforanauthenticsmallsupermarketthatcantransportyou into another space and time, I highly suggest you visit La Ordeña. (Laura J. Ramírez) CremeriaLaOrdeña,3234W.26thSt.Monday–Saturday,9am–8pm;Sunday,9am–7pm. (773) 823-1336

PHOTOBYSILVIAMORALES

Del Pueblo Barbers and Records

LocatednearCermakandAlbany,intheheartofLittleVillage,DelPuebloBarbers andRecordsisagemthatmixesculturalappreciationandstyle.“It’saplacewhereyou cangetafreshfadeorbuysomeclassicrecords[or]tapes,”saidco-ownerandhead barber Jonathan Guzmán.

AsIsattointerviewJonathan,thevinylrecordof“LosTerrícolas”playedinthe background.ThisbarbershopandrecordshopremindedmeofsomeplaceI’vebeen before,likewhenourparentsusedtoputtwochairstogetheratthequinceañeraso thatwecansleep,andthatwaytheydidn’thavetoleavetheparty.Itwasabuelita playinghermusicasloudasshecouldwhilecleaningthehousetypeoffeeling.You know, home.

Thebarbershopwallsarecoveredwithartfromlocalartists.Co-ownerLeoGuzmán,orDJWero,sayshehopesthatDelPueblocanbeaplacefortheyouthinthe communitytofindanoutletthroughmusic.Theycurrentlysellvinylandthrowback cassettetapesattheshop.ThecollectionofmusicisfocusedonSpanish-language genres.You can find both records with corridos and a vinyl from Psycho Realm.

AsIwasgettingmyhaircut(youcanbookanappointmentthroughtheirFacebookpage)itwasgreattoseetheinteractiontheyhavewiththecommunity.“We wantthistobecomeaspacewherethekidscanfeelfreetoexpressthemselvesand getfresh.Theycancomeandgettheexperienceofdiggingforavinylandputtingthe needle on themselves,” DJWero said. (Demo Ramirez)

DelPuebloBarbers&Records,3051W.CermakRd.Monday–Wednesday,Friday–Saturday,10am–6pm;Thursday10am–5pm;Sunday9am–6pm.(708)631-6720.facebook. com/DelPuebloChicago/

BESTHAIRCUTANDRECORDSHOP

UNIVERSITYVILLAGE/ TRI-TAYLOR/ LITTLE ITALY

Compiled by JocelynVega , Neighborhood captain

ThehistoryofUniversityVillageandTriTaylorepresentsacommunitybefore mytimeaswellashopeforcommunitiesfacingsimilarhistoricalforces.These twoneighborhoodsrepresenttwosidesofacoinofChicago’shousingsegregationandeconomicdevelopment.Therehavebeenmultiplelifetimesexperiencedin bothareas,withmanychangesoccurringoverthelastdecadesthankstochangingcity policy.Theneighborhoodsmightfeelremovedfromitspastastheyclimbedthesocial mobility ladder in the past century.

Dependingonthegeneration,bothneighborhoodssymbolizeareflectionofthepast andfightforthefutureofacommunity’sidentityorhistory.Generationalperspectives onthesechangesmightvarydependingonclass,race,age,andsocioeconomicstatus. Forsome,economicdevelopmentrepresentedprogresswhileothersperceiveditas threateninglivelihoods.BeforebeingrenamedUniversityVillage,thisneighborhood wasLittleItalyandextendedintoTri-Taylor.Manyimmigrantsandworking-class familiesbuilthomesallthewaydowntoTaylorStreet.Theneighborhoodswerestrong websforrecentimmigrantsfromItalyandnearbyEuropeancountriesattheturnof the century.

However,manyweredisplaced,andtheirdiasporacontinuedelsewhereafterthe constructionandexpansionoftheUniversityofIllinoisatChicago(UIC)campus, theIllinoisMedicalDistrict,theEisenhowerExpressway,andpolicyshiftsinpublic housinginthearea.ThesedevelopmentsalsorippledthroughnearbyBlackandLatinx communities.Policyandeconomicforcesuprootedmanyfamilies.However,the senseofcommunitycontinued,andtheimmigrantspiritofentrepreneurshipremains strong.GenerationsofItalianfamiliesandbusinessesarecontinuingthelegacyoftheir familiesandculture.Immigrantandsecondgeneration-basedbusinessesremained constantsinceLittleItalywasrenamed.Theneighborhoodexpandedits“village”across continents, flavors, and languages.

WalkdownTaylorStreettoday,you’llstillfindthesamestreetdottedwith independentbusinessesandlocalrestaurantsservingnationality-basedfood.TriTaylorretainsitspowerasahubtilltodayandsymbolizesabridgetoaccesstherestof

thecity.Bothneighborhoodsvibrantlyupholdtheircommunity,diversity,andstrong communityconnectionsdespitehistoricalshifts.Today,UniversityVillageandTriTaylorrepresenthistoricalandculturalvillagesthatwillneverbeforgotten—only transformed. (JocelynVega)

JocelynVegaisafirstgenerationLatinadedicatedtointergenerationalhealingandancestors

BESTWEDNESDAYNIGHTSALSAANDBACHATA

Tropical Nights atVintageBar

ThishastobemyfavoriteplacetodanceonaWednesdaynight.Iholdsomany memories,newfriendships,andsillydancefloormomentsat“TropicalNights” atVintageBar.Fortendollars,LatinStreetMusic&DancinghostsweeklyLatin dancingatVintage,withdancelessonsstartingaround7pm.Theyfacilitatebeginner lessons,typicallyanhourlong,towarmupthecrowdandhelpshydancersbreakoutof theirshell.Participantshavetheoptionofrotatingpartnersorstickingwithabuddy. Everyweek,Vintageisfilledwithpeoplereadytogroove.Dancerstravelfromvarious zip codes, outside of Chicago, and even out-of-state to dance.

LatinStreetcreatesafriendlyenvironmentwherealldancingskillsareembraced andwelcomedbycommunitymembers.Peoplecasuallyapproachoneanotherand encouragebeginnerstojust“enjoythemusic”whiletryingtheirbest.I’veseenso manybeginnersinitiallyrejectdancesbutslowlygainconfidenceafterconfessingtheir insecuritiestothedancepartner.It’sanamazingsighttowitness.I’vealsoseengender andageinclusivityonthedancefloor.Tropicalnightisaplacewherepeoplefromall walks of life come together to simply share a moment on the dance floor.

Ifdancingisn’tyourthing,you’llenjoyseeingalloftheamazingdancingwarm your heart and possibly spark your dancing curiosity. I’ve met people who later sign

PHOTOBYTUCKER

upfordancelessonsorsimplycomebackformore.Justmakesuretoarriveearly tosaveatablebecauseseatsmovefast.ThistypicalsportsbarinUniversityVillageis transformedintoadancestudio.It’strulynotthesameplaceifyoureturnonanother night.

WhetheryoupullupaseatorstandbythebaronWednesday,you’llseeasmiling crowdandevenburstsoflaughterbetweendancers.Anothercommonsightisseeing abirthdayrueda(circle)takeplace.Ifyou’reunfamiliar,it’swhensomeoneisinvited tothemiddleonthedancefloorfortheirbirthday.Usually,it’safriendwhotalks totheDJtorequestthisrecognitionandmakessuretomentionasonggenre,like salsa,cumbia,bachata,oranotherLatindancinggenre.It’spossibletoapproachthe DJyourself,butusuallypeoplearesurprisedwhentheDJannouncestheirnameto reporttothedancefloor.Thecrowdstartstoformacircleandtaketurnsjumping intothedancewiththebirthdaystar.It’sabeautifulsightofcelebration,joy,andnew friendships born.

Watchingacrowdofmostlystrangerscometogetherismotivational.Asenseof trustiscreatedandsharedwithoutwordsasadanceunfolds.Thissceneisrepeated throughoutthenight.It’sinspirationaltoseepeoplecometogetherandsharea moment that doesn’t really happen in daily, mundane life. (JocelynVega)

LatinStreetMusic&DancingStudioatVintageBar.1449W.TaylorSt.Wednesday,7pm–2am. latinstreetdancing.com/event/vintage. (312) 427-2572.

asmallandfamily-ownedbusiness,WestsideGyrosdeservesallofthesupportfrom hungrycustomers.TheyhavesomeofthebestlunchspecialsandcrispiestFrenchfries in town. (JocelynVega)

WestsideGyros,754S.WesternAve.Monday–Saturday,9:30am–9:30pm.(312)7339300.

BESTITALIANCAKESINLITTLEITALY

ScafuriBakery

ScafuriBakeryisthelivinglegacyofLuigiScafuriandhisdaughter,Annette,whobuilt theirbusinessintheLittleItalyneighborhoodthatisnowreferredtoasUniversity Village.ThefamilymigratedfromCalabria,ItalybeforemovingtoChicago.Their businessopenedbackin1904andhasstayedwithinthefamilyforfivegenerations. Annettecontinuedthebusinessafterherfatherpassedawayandretireduntilshewas ninetyyearsold.Itisincredibletoknowthattheirrecipesandeverything-from-scratch methodscontinuefromthepastcentury.ThisstorefrontisapieceofChicago’shistory andamultigenerationalculturaldedication.It’salsoabeautifulspacetovisit,especially aroundthewinterholidays.ThewindowdecorationsremindmeofChristmasmovies and a flash from the past. Scafuri Bakery is truly a culinary gift for Chicago.

Whatmakesmelovethisbakeryisthattheirpastrieshaveequallystolenmyheart andbrokenitatthesametimeafterrealizingIateallofthem.Theyaremostfamous fortheirItaliancookiesandcakes,butyoushouldn’toverlooktheirotheroptions,like theirBiscottidiNoci(hazelnut)orlemonricottaloafbread.TheirCuccidaticookies haveforeverchangedmylifeasmyfirstItalianfigcookie.Ialsorecommendthe Pignoli(pinenut)andtheTri-ColorcookiesthatremindmeofMexicanPolvorones (similarlytri-colorwithbrowninsteadofgreen)cookies.Theyalsoservecoffeeto accompany those lovely treats.

BESTAFFORDABLEGYROONWESTERN

Westside Gyros

Thisrestaurantremindsmeofgrowingupandgettingaquickbitebetweenbusridesor afteralongday.WestsideGyrosalsoresemblesthismemoryformanywhoappreciate itsaffordabilitywithmostmealscostingunderthirteendollars.Theirmenu,printed onthewall,hasaretrofeelthatisusuallylostorunderappreciatedatrestaurantsnow. Thisoldschoolshophasamealthatcansatisfymostbudgetsandappetites.Thereare combosthataresimplyamazing,liketheirtriplecheeseburgerorDoubleWhipper StyleSpecial.TheyalsohaveMediterraneanfoodoptions,likepitasand,ofcourse, gyros.Justmakesuretobringcash.Despiteanyinconvenienceswithpayment,youwill get the best bang out of your buck here.

Afamilyoffourcaneatunderfortydollarsandleavesatisfied.WestsideGyros isoneofthefewremainingbusinessesthatofferthesepricesandqualityoffoodin thearea.Ifyoustopby,you’llfindworkers,families,youth,andothercommunity membersmakingalinetofilltheirbellies.Therestaurantisdedicatedtoservingits customers—andtheirwallets.Theyalsohaveseparatemenusforwings,sidesundersix dollars,andallitemsontheirmainmenuallincludeacanofpopandfries.Thisspot remindsmeofthestrengththatsmallshopshaveinfeedingentirecommunities.As

There’sevenaglutenfreemenuthatincludesthecoconutmacaroonsandpignoli (pinenut)cookies.Justmakesuretohavefriendsoranappetitewhenbuyingcookies becausetheyonlysellbythepound.Youcanalsobuytheirassortedcookiepoundfor eighteendollars.Ifyou’rehostingagathering,Irecommendpurchasingtheirspecial foraround$52thatincludestwopoundsofItaliancookiesandaloafofyourchoiceas agreatdeal.Ifyou’relookingforovertwentypoundsofcookies,youcancontactthem directlyforspecialpricing.ScafuriBakery,whichwasalsofeaturedin2015BoSS,also shipsnationallyifyou’relookingtowowalovedoneorbrightensomeone’sdaywith some Chicago love! (JocelynVega)

ScafuriBakery,1337W.TaylorSt.Thursday–Friday,8am–4pm;Saturday–Sunday,7am–4pm. scafuribakery.com. (312) 733-8881.

BESTPIZZAONTAYLORSTREET

Damenzo’s Pizza

Damenzo’sislegendaryforitspresenceintheneighborhoodsincethemid-1980s. Forme,thispizzaspothasearnedoneofthe“best”titlesafterdecadesservingits communityandsurvivingapandemic.Theirmenuoffersmanyaffordableoptions, likealargetwenty-four-inchpizzastartingat$31.50.Forstuffedorpanpizza,the maximumsizeisfourteeninchesandstartsat$19.50,ortrytheir“everything”pizza fortwentyeightdollarsforthesamesizebuthavealltheflavors.Thesepricesare rareanddon’tminimizeflavor.Theircalzonesareamazingandcaneasilybeshared between two people.The starting cost is $6.98, and one dollar for each additional

topping.It’saharddealtobeatthesedays.AlloftheirItaliandinnersareunder twelvedollarsandincludegarlicbreadandparmesancheese,withtheoptionofadding meatballs or a sausage for under four dollars.

There’salsoanextensivetendollarsandwichdeal,allofwhichareservedwith deliciouscottagefries.Ifyou’rewillingtopayformore,thereisthejumbogymshoe sandwichthatisunlikeanythingI’vetried.Ifyou’relookingtofeedaparty,Damenzo’s catering trays can serve upto thirty-five andare under a hundred dollars each.

Thequalityofthefoodisareflectionofitspeoplethroughoutgenerationsofthe family.ThestorygoesthatDamenzo’sreflectsbothofitsfounders’names,Damiano ManninoandVincenzoLeone,whoarealsobrothersinlaw.Therestaurant’scurrent locationisalsodowntheblockfromwhereDamianogrewup.Thispizzashopis atestamenttofamiliescomingtogetherandbecomingentrepreneursintheirown neighborhood.It’samazingtoseetheirdecadesofsuccessandcommunityroots continue, hopefully for more generations.

Thisfamily-ownedrestaurantisopenuntilmidnight.Ifyou’recurioustocheck itoutbutnotsurewhattoorder,Damenzo’sisontheTooGoodToGoapplication, whichallowscustomerstobuysurprisemealsforundersixtoeightdollars,usually. It’spartofalargerefforttoreducefoodwastewhilehelpinghungrycustomerssave money.CheckoutDamenzo’swebsiteformoreinformationorstopby!It’sdefinitely worththevisitjustthesmellalonewillmotivateyoutobuymorethanwhatyou planned. (JocelynVega)

Damenzo’sPizza,2324W.TaylorSt.Friday–Saturday,10am–1am;Sunday–Thursday, 10am–midnight. damenzospizzaandrestaurant.com. (312) 421-1142.

BESTMOMOONTHESOUTHSIDE

The MomoWorld

InUniversityVillage,there’sanincredibleHimalayanstreetfoodspotthatreminded meofmydearfriendTenzin.Afewyearsback,myteencousinandIwererushing toNewYork’sLaGuardiaAirportat4am.Tenzinpackedussomedumplingsforthe roadasagift.Thosedumplingswouldendupsavingusaswefacedalongjourney togetbackhome.WhenIfirsttastedTheMomoWorld’sdumplings,itbroughtme backtomybestfriendTenzinandhertalentedfamily’scookingskills.AtMomo World,Irememberedmyfriendandthepiecesofhomethatshewaswillingtoshare withme.IalwaysthinkofTenzin,hersisters,andherparentswheneverIeatthere. Thisrestaurantbroughttogetherpeople,countries,andlifetimefriendshipsforme.I recognizethatwedonotsharethesameculture,butIwillneverforgetherwillingness toshareherconnectiontoit.Oneday,IhopetobringTenzinandshareamealwith her then as she did for me in the past.

IfyouvisitMomoWorld,bepreparedformomooverload—youwilltrulyentera newculinaryworldifyou’renotalreadyfamiliar.TheSpecialMomomenualonewill probablychangeyourtastebudsforever.ThisrestaurantemphasizesitsNepaleseroots andcelebratesitscountry’slegacywithfood.Forexample,thebuttermasalamomo isanincrediblecreationaseitherthechickenorvegetarianoption.Youwillneedto revisitmultipletimestotrytheirextensivemenuofdifferenttypesandmethodsof cookingmomos.Justkeepinmindthereisafifteenminutecookingtimeformost momos.However,Ipromiseit’sworththewait.Themomosoupswerealsoagame changer,liketheTitanicSoupMomo.OthermenuoptionsrangefromBiryani,Nepali Pulau dishes, and Sekuwa menu options.

Ialsolovetheirdrinkmenu.Iamguiltyoforderingthreedrinksatatimebecause Ihaven’tfoundanotherspotthatofferssuchfreshoptionsataffordableprices.Here, I’mabletobuytwodrinksforthepriceofonecomparedtootherfreshjuicespots. Myfavoritesaretheguavajuiceandthematchalemonade.However,themangojuice andllamKoChiyaMilk(Nepalihotmilktea)usuallyrotateasmythirddrink.If

yousomehowhaveroom,thedesertsareworththeextrasplurgeand“itis”afterwards. Alldesertsareundersixdollarsandofferuniqueitemslikechocolatemomosand Nepaleseclassics.Bringafriendbecauseyou’lldefinitelywanttoprocessanddebrief with a buddy this new world across continents. (JocelynVega)

Damenzo’sPizza,2324W.TaylorSt.Friday–Saturday,10am–1am;Sunday–Thursday, 10am–midnight. damenzospizzaandrestaurant.com. (312) 421-1142.

BESTTRENDYMEALONASTICK

Kong Dog

Accordingtomytwelve-year-oldniece,Adeline,KornDogis“verygoodandmyfirst experienceatanewtypeofplace.”KongDogisnotlocaltoUniversityVillagebuthas becomeapopularspotformanyinthearea.WithmultiplelocationsinChicagoland and across the United States, Kong Dog was a summer rage this year. Lines stretched downtheblockwhentheyfirstopenedtheirUniversityVillagelocation.Whenyou enter, you’ll be greeted with plasmaTVs advertising their food like an action film.

KongDogsarepreparedbyfirstdeterminingifyouwouldlikeameatorcheese dog,andtoppingpreferences.Theyadditionallyofferhalfandhalfoptionsforthose whowanttomixeithertypesofmeatsorcheeses.Onceyoupickyourpreferences,it isdeepfriedinfrontofyou.Thesmellisincredible,ifyou’readeepfriedfoodie.The restaurantalsohasanextensivebobaandseparatedrinkmenu,featuringicedube lattes, brown sugar bubble milk tea, and sparkling ginger ale.

TheoriginalcheeseKongDogwasAdeline’sfavorite,andshecomplimentedthe Cheetooneassecondbest.Despitesomeinitialhesitancy,shealsolikedthesweet potatooptionthatbalancedsavoryandsweetness.Adelinesaid,“Iwouldtotallygo back if I had a vehicle. My goal is to try all of them.”

NextonherlististhesweetchilidogandtheChurroKongDog.Adelinehopes tofindherfavoriteandbelievesthatthesweetchilidogmightbethefuturewinner. ShedescribedKongDogasaperfect“grabandgo”spot,butalsolikedthestorefront experience.ShetookseveralphotosofafistbreakingthewallwithaKongDogand theGorillacutoutmadehergiggle.TheplatingoftheKongDogwasdefinitelyher favoritepartafterpatientlywaitinginline.KongDoghasrecentlyblownupinthe TikTokworldandisworththetryifyou’reacorndogfanorwillingtotrynewflavor profiles, like my niece Adeline—who maybe likes sweet potatoes now. (JocelynVega)

KongDog,1424W.TaylorSt.Monday–Friday,11am–9pm.kongdog.us.(312)265-0958.

NORTH LAWNDALE

Compiled by Alex Price, NeighborhoodcCptain

Neighborhood captain Alex Price is an active volunteer in North Lawndale.

NorthLawndale,locatedonChicago’sWestSide,isaneighborhoodwitha richhistory.Ashortwalkaroundtheneighborhoodrevealsseveralbeloved historical landmarks.

OnDouglasBoulevard,thestrikingfacadeofStoneTempleBaptistChurch, whichonceservedastheFirstRomanianSynagogueandstillfeaturestheStarof Davidinitswindows,speakstothecommunity’sreligiosityandtoitspastasacenter of the early Jewish immigrant community.

OnHamlinAvenue,theDr.KingLegacyApartmentcomplexcommemorates thefactthatMartinLutherKingJr.basedhisChicagoactivisminthe1960soutofan apartment in North Lawndale.

OnCentralParkBoulevard,theAfricanHeritageGarden—withitslarge flowerbedintheshapeoftheAfricancontinent—reflectsthepredominantly African-AmericancommunityofNorthLawndalethatresultedfromtheGreat Migration and urban renewal projects elsewhere on the South Side.

Thereismuchmoretotheselandmarksthanjusthistoricalsignificance, however—eachofthesesitesservesasahubofcurrent-dayactivismandcommunitygatheringinNorthLawndale,highlightingthedeepcommitmentofthe neighborhood’s residents to investing in their community.

AtStoneTemple,volunteersconveneeveryMondayfor“SoupfortheSoul,” aweeklyeventwherevisitorsreceivefreewarmmealsandfreshproduce.The Dr.KingLegacyApartmentcomplexhasforty-fivelow-incomeunits,whilethe organizationthatmanagesit—theLawndaleChristianDevelopmentCorporation—isworkingtoadvanceanew“1,000homes”campaigntobuildaffordable housingintheneighborhood.Finally,theAfricanHeritageGardenisacentralhub formanyinthecommunityandislinkedtorecenteffortsbytheGreening,Open

Space,Water,Soil,andSustainability(GROWSS)committeeoftheNorthLawndale CommunityCoordinatingCounciltobeautifytheneighborhood.Inaddition,the AfricanHeritageGardenoccupiesalotthatwasoncevacantandfrequentedbygangs. Itstransformationshowcasesthepowerofcreativityandconnectiontobringpeople in the neighborhood together.

Ultimately,Lawndale’sresidents—bothlong-termandrecentarrivals—arethe lifebloodofthecommunity.Asyouwalkaroundtheneighborhoodlearningabout itsvibranthistoriesofactivismandcommunitybuilding,youwillalsocomeacross severalsmalldisplayswithphotographsandprofilesofresidents,whichwerecreated fora2020exhibitattheLawndalePop-UpSpotcalled“Lawndale:ALivingHistory.” Ateachofthesesites—twoofwhicharelocatedatStoneTempleChurchandthe AfricanHeritageGarden—visitorscanlearnabouttheLawndaleCommunitythrough its residents’ own words and stories.

Morethanjustastoriedpast,Lawndalehasadynamicpresentand—thanksto theeffortsofresidentswhocontinuetoinvestinbuildingtheircommunity—abright future. (Alex Price)

Lawndale Pop-Up Spot

OnmanyaneveninginNorthLawndale,musicandlaughtercanbeheardfromthe LoveBloomsHerePlaza,locatedonthecornerofDouglasBoulevardandCentral ParkAvenue.Theplazaisdecoratedwithflowers,peartrees,artinstallations,and smallshippingcontainersthathouseoneoftheneighborhood’spreeminentcultural institutions: the Lawndale Pop-Up Spot.

BESTCOMMUNITYMUSEUMINSHIPPINGCONTAINERS

ThePop-UpSpotwasfoundedbyJonathanKelleyandChelseaRidleywhen thetwoweregraduatestudentsinmuseumstudiesatUIC.Inspiredbycommunity museumsthattheyhadexperiencedinothercommunities,KelleyandRidleywantedtocreateaspaceinNorthLawndale“forneighborhoodresidentstoresearchand curatethehistory,art,issue,andscienceexhibitionsandassociatedprogramming.” Initially,thecommunitymuseumwashousedinabrickandmortarbuildingon16th Street.However,duetoanaccident,thebuildingwasdemolishedin2018andtheduo had to pivot.

“Wedecidedwewouldtrysomethingdifferent,somethingexperimental,that wouldbealittlemorecost-effectiveandnimble,”Kelleyexplained.Theideatheycame upwithwasuniqueandambitious:tocreatethefirst-knowncommunitymuseumin shipping containers.Thus, the Lawndale Pop-Up Spot was born.

In2021,thePop-UpSpot“popped”overfromitsformerlocationatthe SpauldingMemorialGardentoitscurrentsiteattheLoveBloomsHerePlaza.The plazaprovidednewopportunitiesforprogrammingbyprovidingcloseaccesstothe StoneTempleBaptistChurch(whichownstheplotonwhichtheplazawasbuilt) andDouglasBoulevard,amainthoroughfareintheneighborhood.TwoofthePopUpSpot’srecurringevents,“FridaysonthePlaza”and“SundaysontheBoulevard,” reference its iconic location.

“SundaysontheBoulevard”isaparticularlybelovedtradition,inpart becauseitembodiesoneofthePop-UpSpot’schiefsuccesses:itswide-spanning collaborationswiththecommunity.Theevent,whichtakesplaceeveryotherSundayduringthesummer,regularlyfeaturesdozensofcollaboratorswhobring communitymemberstogether“todoartsandcrafts,dolivemusic,toeat,dance,learn, andhavefun.”ArecentSundayontheBoulevardonAugust21wasthemedasa“Back toSchoolLitFest.”ItfeaturedfreebooksfromOpenBooks,backpackandschool materialhandouts,livemusicbytwodifferentbands,icecream,mosaicmaking,free seeds and plants, arts activities, and much more.

“Now,duringourAfrofuturismSummer,we’recollaboratingwithabunchof differentorganizationstodoartexhibits,abookclubwiththelibrary…allsortsof things,”Kelleyexplained.“Sotome,it’sreallybeenabouthowwecanusethisstatic box as a vehicle for community connection and participation.”

ThePop-UpSpothasavarietyofexcitingeventscomingupthisfall, includingthefirsteverChicagoSukkahDesignFestival,acollaborationwith architecturefirms,designers,communityorganizations,andcommunityresidentsto buildthreeuniqueandreusablesukkahs(smallboothsbuiltfortheJewishholiday ofSukkot)forcommunity-basedorganizationsandtobuildconnectionsthrough programssuchasaninterfaithdinner,movienight,communityclean-up,youth learningevent,andmuchmore.ThefinaldayoftheSukkahFestival—Sunday, October16—willalsocoincidewiththeOpenBoulevardsFestival,OpenHouse Chicago,andanewexhibitatthePop-UpSpotincollaborationwiththeNorth Lawndale Historical and Cultural Society. (Alex Price)

LawndalePop-UpSpot,cornerofDouglasandCentralParkBlvds.Fridays4–7pm, Saturdays2–5pm,Sundays2–5pm,inadditiontoregularlyscheduledeventsandprograms. lawndalepopupspot.org

BESTNONPROFITCOFFEESHOPSERVING LOCALHONEY

Beelove Café

BeeloveCafécultivatesawarm,eclecticambiance,buttheirworkisrootedinthe concept of community.

ThenonprofitCaféopenedinAugust2021and“providescustomerswitha high-quality,hand-crafted,coffeeexperience,specialtydrinks,salads,andpastries prepared by local entrepreneurs of color.”

FounderBrendaPalmsBarbersaidBeelovewasdesignedtobeawelcoming gathering place that fosters joy and pride and promotes community partnerships.

“Ourcafeoffersaccesstoresources,theopportunitytomeetyourneighbors,a quietplacetostudy,orjustpeople-watchingwhileenjoyingaBeelovehoney-infused glassoflemonade.TheBeelovecafeiscommunitywealth-buildinginaction,through coffee and conversation.”

TheCaféisthenewestsocialenterpriseoftheNorthLawndaleEmployment Network.BeelovewasmadepossibleduetothesuccessofSweetBeginningsLLC, asubsidiaryoftheNetwork,whichoffersfull-timetransitionaljobstoformerly incarceratedpeople.Theworkincludestheproductionandsalesofall-naturalskin careproductsfeaturingurbanhoneyundertheBeelovebrand.Thecompanymanages apiaries throughout Chicagoland and has trained over 500 people since 2008.

“Wefoundthatthereweremanypeoplewhowerelookingforjobsbutweren’t evengivenanopportunitytointerviewforpositions,”saidSergioDukes,Directorof Operations.“The demand was there, and we knew we could fill some of that gap.”

WhatsetstheCaféapart,however,isn’tjusttheirgreatcoffee,pastriesand reasonableprices;it’sthebigheartedcommunitypartnership.Theysourcetheircoffee fromMetropolis,aChicagostaple,andpastriesfromTrini’sTastyPastries,alocal entrepreneur,asjusttwoexamples.TheCaféhashostedmanyfreeeducationalevents, livemusic,artexhibits,andinformalmeetingscenteredonthemeswithcommunity members.

SomeoftheirpartnershipsincludetheChicagoPublicLibrary,ArtWest,theI AMABLECenterforFamilyDevelopment,andOpenBooks,anonprofitbookstore withthousandsofdonatedusedbooksforadultsandkids.Afewoftheireventshave centeredonInternationalWomen’sDay,“TheStigmaoftheBlackWoman,”“Guitars not Guns,” LGBTQ+ shows, and more.

“Thecaféservesasaconduittoupliftpeople,”Sergiosaid.“Thisplaceisfor everyone.Peoplewholiveinourcommunityworkthereaswell,andyou’llkeepseeing the same faces.”

OneofthosefacesisTyshenaCage,theCafé’sSupervisorsinceDecember2021. WhileshewasmakingmeanalmondmilkvanillalattewithBeelovehoney(delicious), she was smiling and chatting with her co-worker and dancing to their chosen music.

“Iloveworkingherebecausewegettoexpressourindividuality—hair,shoes, clothes, personality. Doesn’t matter who you are, we don’t discriminate.”

PHOTOBYLUZMAGDALENOFLORES

Hearingeverythingtheyaccomplishedinjustonelightningfastyear,Iasked themhowtheynotonlykepttheirheadabovewaterbutexcelledandmadetheir ownuniquefootprintintheneighborhood.TheBeeloveteamadmitstheirbiggest challengewasstartinganewbusinessduringthepandemic,buttheypushed forwardandhavebeenmetwithencouragementallalongtheway.CookCounty PresidentToniPreckwinkle,GovernorPritzkerandthePresidentofMicrosofthave allvisitedtheCafé.DonorsincludetheLincolnParkZoo,HeartlandAlliance,Bank of America, and iHeart Media Chicago, among many others.

Sergio said seeing everything come together“almost like magic” was very special.

“TheideawasthereforawhilebeforewewereabletostarttheCafé.Andwhat theCaféistodayevolvedfromneed.Weseethisasaplaceofservice.Wearea small,tight-knitgroup,andwe’reallhandsondeck.Andwewanttoworkwithour communitypartnersasmuchaspossible.We’renotintheartbusinessormusic businessorbookbusiness,butwewanttoprovideasmuchofthatmagicaspossible. Thewaywedothatistogiveourpartnerscontrolovertheirvision.Wewanttogive them that space.”

Beelove’snextbigevent,onSeptember29,isacollaborationwithArtWestcalled “Spread Love.” (Nicole NeSmith)

BeeloveCafé,1111S.HomanAve.Monday–Friday7am–4pm,Saturday8am–2pm. (773) 265-7945.

BESTSTREETMARKETFORENTREPRENEURS

BlackWall Street on Roosevelt

In2021,inthemidstofthepandemic,anewinitiativeaimedatfostering entrepreneurshipappearedinNorthLawndale:theBlackWallStreetMarket onRoosevelt.Theideacametothemarket’sfounder,LavernHerron,asawayto encourageresidentsofNorthLawndaletoinvestintheircommunityandtohelpsmall business entrepreneurs succeed.

ThemarkettakesitsnamefromtheBlackWallStreetdistrictofTulsa,Oklahoma, whichwasthecenterofBlackculturalandcommercialsuccessinthecityintheearly 20thcentury.Themainboulevardfeaturedbanks,cafes,hotels,movietheaters,and more.In1921,thisvibrantcommunitywasdestroyedduringanattackbywhitemobs. However,ithasn’tceasedtobeaninspirationtoBlackAmericanswhoseeinthestory of BlackWall Street themes of success, hard work, resilience, and hope.

2021markedthe100yearanniversaryofthedestructionofBlackWallStreetin Tulsa, but its legacy lives on through Herron’s initiative in North Lawndale.

Duringthesummersof2021and2022,theBlackWallStreetmarkethas setupshoponRooseveltRd.everySaturdayfrom12pmto6pm.Eachweek,the marketbringstwentytothirtyvendorsouttothelottosellawidevarietyofproducts, includingclothing,jewelry,art,herbalmedicine,food,drinks,andmore.Themarket spacealsohostsvariousevents,suchasarecent“StateofWomen’sHealthTownhall” withCongressmanDannyK.DavisandseveralotherhealthexpertsonAugust24and a“Cocktails and Conversation” networking event on August 22.

Inadditiontotheweeklyoutdoormarket,Herronownsabuildingwitheight studioswheresmall,Black-ownedbusinessesareabletogrow.Havingstartedoutasa smallentrepreneurherself,Herronhasexperienceinlaunchingandstartingabusiness that she hopes to be able to share with others to uplift her community.

Ifyou’reinterestedinsupportingBlack-ownedbusinessesinNorthLawndale, comeouttovisitthemarket,orencourageabusinessowneryouknowtobecomea vendor!The market will reopen next year in early summer. (Alex Price) BlackWallStreetMarket,3708S.RooseveltRd.Saturdays12–5pm.instagram.com/ blackwallstreet60624

CristinaPuziowasbornandraisedinPilsen.Sheenjoyscreatingsafealternativehealing spacestothecommunity.Cristinaenjoyswritinginherauthenticbilingualvoiceandhas been writing poetry since she was seven.

Remember when we'd walk to La Potosina to buy hot chips and juice?

At the corner of Allport and 18th St.

Do you remember those times?

Seems like yesterday when we were just kids being fun, funny and happy, My childhood was fun because of you!

Because of you, I had friends. Good friends!

Amigas to live life fully in this barrio sometimes tainted with violence, but also painted with cultura and colorful dreams.

I remember laughing with you, I remember how it all used to be.

Sometimes I still feel like that niña little girl on 18th St.

Pilsenhasbeenhometomanypeopleandfamilies.Youcanseeitsrichhistoryin itsbuildingsandlivelymurals.Pilsenisaliving,vibrantbreathingneighborhood in every way.

PaulaAcevedo,co-directorofElPaseoCommunityGarden,sharedhowshefeels aboutlivinginPilsensince2008.“Growingup,Iwastheminorityandhadnosense ofcommunity.Myonlyconnectiontomyheritageoutsidemyfamilywaschurch.As mostLatinos,itwasallaboutfamilysomyupbringingwasabitsheltered.Inever hadasenseofbelonging.IdoinPilsen.Wehavecommunitywherepeoplehelpone another and look out for each other.”

“Here,thesaying‘ittakesavillage’ringstrue.IamnolongerisolatedandIfinally feelapartofsomethingbigger.I’mconnected.Ifeelpurposeandgratefulmyson willgrowupwithallofthis.Culture.Selfidentity.Belonging.Support.Andallthe culturallyrelevanteventsandspaces.Mexicancornerstoresandproducts.Andfood!

Especially since my Abuelita moved back to Mexico.”

GrowingupinPilsenyouunderstandwhatPaulaistalkingabout.Thereisalotto seeandexperienceinourcommunitybutwhatmakesitspecialarethepeopleinthe community. Our ties and connections.

This is why I get emotional at the thought of moving one day and living some

Compiled byCristinaPuzio, NeighborhoodCaptain

PHOTOBYWILLIAMGUERRERO

whereelse.Icanbehavingabaddayorfeelingstressed,butthenIgointooneof ourlocalbusinessesandsuddenlymyenergyshifts.Igetsomuchlovefromthepeople here.IopenmybagofdeliciousfoodandIseethatIgotextrafood.Theynotonly knowmyname,theyknowmyfamilynicknameandfeelcomfortableenoughusingit. Thatisanotherlevelofcommunity.HowcouldInotfeelhappy?HowcouldInotfeel blessed and fortunate?

Aswecontinuetodealwithawaveofobstacles,worldevents,politicalwarfare andpandemics,ourcommunityisdoingitsbesttokeepgoing.WecanhelpPilsen byvisitingtheirlocalspotsandbybeinginspiredbyourparentsandgrandparentsby opening our own small business or restaurant in Pilsen.

Thereissomuchpossibilitytocontinuetocareforandnurturethebeautiful spiritofourbelovedbarrio.Andasmuchasthingsarechanging,letusbepartofthat change.LetusbepartofthenextchapterofthisChicagoSouthSideneighborhood. What are you waiting for? (Cristina Puzio)

BESTTORTILLERIA

El PopocatepetlTortillería

HowcanPilsenbePilsenwithoutatortilleria?TheoldesttortilleriainPilsenisEl Popocatepetlon 21st Street. It wasestablished in 1958 as El Popocatepetlby Ernesto Avina. Before that it operated under a different owner.

IspokewithAvinas’sgrandson,JulianRodriguez.Juliancanbefoundoncertain daystakingordersattheregisterandservingyouhot,freshtortillaswithafriendly demeanor.Julianisthegeneralmanagerandsoftwaretechnicianamongmanyother thingsatElPopocatepetl.“Idoalittlebitofeverything.[I’m]kindofmoreinvolved withthesoftwareendofeverything,butI’malsonotafraidofdoingdeliveries,”Julian said.

Therearethreegenerationsoffamilyrunningthebusiness.Thecurrentcompany president and vice-president are Mexican women, Elizabeth andYvonne Avina.

WhydoIlove“ElPopo”?Theyhavethebest“tortillacaliente,”inotherwords,the besthot,freshtortilla!Julianmentionedhowtheyonlyuselocalingredientsintheir tortillas.ThecornforthedoughcomesfromsouthernIllinois.Thereisnothinglike hittingupElPopofortortillascalientes“enpapel.”Assoonasyougetthem,youwant totakeoneandmakeataco,andyouwanttoeatitwithmoleorotherdeliciousfood waiting for you at home.

Ialsoloveitbecauseofthememoriesthatitbringsupforme.TheotherdayIwas eatingsometacoswithElPopotortillas.AsIbitintomytaco,Iwaslikethisreminds meofsomeone.ThenIthoughtofmyfather.Yep,we'vebeeneatingtortillasfromEl PopoforsolongthatIrememberedeight-year-oldmebeinginthekitchenwithmy father making tacos.Years later, the quality and recipe haven’t changed.

ItoldJulianhowsadIwaswhenIcametotherealizationthatthereareonlytwo tortilleriasinPilsenremaining.Heunderstoodmypain.“Accesstofreshfoodthatis affordableandnutritiousisveryimportant.ObviouslytortillasinaMexicancommunity are synonymous; they go hand in hand,” he said.

HavingfreshaffordablefoodinthecommunityisimportantforJulianandEl Popo.Thisiswhytheypridethemselvesontheirtortillasandothertortillasproducts. Thisiswhytheyhavedonatedtofoodpantriesandfooddrives.Evenduringthepandemictheydidnotraisetheirprices.They’vealsosponsoredeventslikeDíadelNiño andhavegivenscholarshipstostudents.Theycareaboutthecommunity.Thisiswhy I love El Popo.

IwantlocalfreshfoodthatremindsmeofmycultureandIwillneverstopgoing toElPopo.IfyouareinPilsen,supportElPopocatepetlTortilleria!Getyourtortillas calientes en papel, fresh masa for tamales, crispy chips, tostadas and more!

Lastly,don'tforgettotakeapictureoftheirhugebeautifulMexicanmuralpainted by Manny and Brenda Macias. (Cristina Puzio)

ElPopocatepetlTortilleria,1854W.21stSt.Monday–Saturday,7am–3pm;Sunday,7am–1pm. (312) 421-6143. elpopotortillas.com

BESTLATINXSHOP

Mestiza

EachtimeIwalkeaston18thStreetfromAshlandAvenue,Ialwayschecktheblack gateinfrontofMestiza.Anopengatemeansanopenstore.IliketopopinevenifI don’t have the intention of buying something that day. Thesecondyouenterthestore,themusicisenergizing,thecolorsonthewallpop, andthescentof<i>palosanto</i>evenseverythingoutintoacalmingexperience. There’salwayssomethingnewtoglanceat:mugs,jewelry,candles,t-shirts,headbands, concha-shaped pillows, to name a few.

Thestoreowners,LorenaAlmanzaandSugeiriMartinez,setoutwiththeintentionofcreatingaspacethatfeltliketheirownhome.Theoriginalstoreopened in2004hadamixofvintageandMexicanitemsandartforsale,butafterclosingin 2009duetofamilyhealthconcerns,Mestizareturnedin2017withthemorefocused intentionofhighlightingthebeautyofMexican,Chicanx,andLatinxcultures.The artistsshowcasedatMestizaarethoughtfullychosen,asrelationshipbuildingisapriority for them.

Thestoreownerscreateconnectionswithotherartistswhilevendingatmarkets andconnectingthroughsocialmedia.AtMestiza,youcanfindtheworkoflocalartistslikeAngMir,WerkMija,andDachiporAdrianaRivera.Youcanalsofinditems fromTexas,California,Peru,Guatemala,andMexico.Martinez’sartistpickisEdith OrozcofromGuanajatowhocreateshand-paintedpapermachejewelrywithsacred heart imagery.

Whetheryou’reshoppingforagiftforsomeoneorlookingtoaddtoyourown home,Mestizaistheplacetofindcolorful,calming,andcreativepiecesforaloving home atmosphere. (Victoria Rose Parra)

Mestiza,1523W.18thSt.Tuesday–Friday1–6pm;Saturday–Sunday,12–5pm;closed Monday. (872) 395-1814. Mestizashop.com. Follow Mestiza at @mestizashop

Pilsen Arts and Community House

WhenIthinkofadynamicduo,IthinkofthefoundersofPilsenArtsandCommunity House(PACH).Theyareateamwhoworkforthegreatergoaloftheircommunity. TeresaMagañaisapoet,artcurator,andvisualartistwhofocusesonlinework representingfemmebodiesandtheChicanaexperience.PabloRamirezisapoetand artist who uplifts hip-hop culture and the artistic history of Pilsen.

TeresaandPablofoundedtheirartgallery,PilsenOutpost,in2015,andhavesince grownthegalleryintoPACH,anon-profitorganizationthatcreatesaccessibleevents for the community and highlights work of local and international BIPOC artists.

IremembermeetingTeresayearsagowhenIvisitedthePilsenOutpostgallery,which wasoriginallylocatedon21stStreetandDamenAvenue.Thegallerystoodbecauseof Sam Kirk’s colorful mural of Frida Kahlo I lived down the block and didn't have wi-fi at the time.Teresa was open to me stopping by to use the internet when I needed to.

Thiswasjustoneofthemanyinvitationsshehasmadeovertheyearstocommunity memberslikeme.Teresamentionedthatshehadrecentlyleftthecorporateworldto focusonhertruepassion:art.Shehopedtoonedayhaveanon-profitthatwouldfocus on making art accessible to the Pilsen and surrounding communities.

Fast-forwardtothissummerandPACHhostedanexhibittitled<i>ATribe CalledChicago</i>,showcasingvisualartistsfromthecityonChicago-themedpieces. “A TribeCalledChicago”istheperfectwaytodescribehowPACHinvitesartiststo form a tribe that works together in the name of art.

ScreenprinterCarlosBarbeneraandarteducatorAdrianaPeñasupportthe PACHteambyprovidingworkshopsinthespaceoftheirrespectiveartforms.PACH not only showcases existing artists but holds workshops to expand community skills.

HechoEn:,acommunitymarket,alsobroughttogethervendorsfromaroundthe cityforaweekendoutdoormarket.PACHwasabletoclosedown18thSt.fromAshland AvenuetoPaulinaAvenuetoshowcaseceramics,clothing,jewelry,photography,and visualart,andhealingvendors.Families,friends,andindividualsstrolledthroughthe market to show support for local artists.

Thoughprimarilyanartsspace,PACHalsoupliftsthecommunitybysupporting fundraisers.Thisfall,theywillbeco-hostingacommunitymuralwalkforPilsenFood Pantry,aswellascuratingthemuraltoexpandLaMalincheCoffee’sgoalofcreating theirowncommunityspace.PACHalsorentsoutthegallerywhencommunity organizations need a location for fundraisers to be held. Whetherit'stosignupforacreativeworkshop,attendagalleryopening,orifyou're justintheneighborhoodandwouldliketopurchasesomelocalart,Teresa,Pablo,and

thePACHteamwillhelpyoufeellikeapartofthecommunity.Takeastepinsideand see what connections you make. (Victoria Rose Parra)

PilsenArtsandCommunityHouse,1637W.18thSt.(312)468-9046. pilsenartscommunityhouse.org. Follow PACH @ pilsenartscommunityhouse

BESTYOUTHINITIATIVE

Peace in Pilsen

SummersinPilsencanbefullofmanyfestivalsandevents,butsometimesoursummers needmorethanjustthesethings.Our<i>comunidad</i>needsspacesandeventsfor ourfamiliesandouryouth.In2022,LeonardoQuinteroofficiallyfoundedPeacein PilsenwithhissonRomeo.Andwearesogratefulthattheydecidedtomakeithappen!

YoucanpassbyablocklikeCullertonAvenueandWoodStreetandyou’llsee youngboysandgirlsplayingbasketballsidebyside,andthesmilesofparentssitting inlawnchairswatchingfromadistanceastheyenjoythesummerinapeacefuland funway.Itissorefreshingtoseefamiliestogethertakingoverourstreetsandfeeling at home.

InspiredbytheoldprogramslikeB-BallontheBlockandHoopsintheHood, theydecidedtobringthosekindsofprogramsback.LeonardoandRomeosawthe needforyouthprogramminginthatarea.“Ayouthmentionedbeinginterestedin gamingmorethanbasketball.Sowewereabletocreateagamingeventthattookplace at El Paseo Garden”, Leonardo said.

PeaceinPilsenlistenstotheyouthevenifit’sjustanideaforanewkindof event.Sometimesouryouthneedsupporttobringtheirideastolife.Leonardoworks alongsideothercommunitymembersdedicatedtopreventingviolence.FelipeLuna,a longtimePilsenresident,isalsoapartoftheprogram.“Weoriginatedbyagrassroots initiativeandourpurposeishelpingparentskeeptheirkidsoutoftrouble,”shared Luna.

PeaceinPilsentrulygivesapositivevibeinthecommunity!Youcannoticehow proudtheyouthlookintheirPeaceinPilsengear.Itreallygivesthecommunityhope.

AsmuchaspeoplenoticethedemographicschanginginPilsentherearestill manyyouthandfamilieslivinginPilsenthatneedsafeandnurturingspaces.Leonardo andRomeoaskedthemselvesafewyearsback,“Howdowegiveourcommunitypeace ofmind?”Theyhavenowcreatedawayfortheyouthandtheirfamiliestofeelthatway by getting involved in positive activities and meaningful circles.

“Having‘fatherfigureandme’events[through]men'scirclesfortheparentsor dads,fatherfigures,stepparents,whateveritis,and…youngpeople…Wekindofteach thatpositivemaleinteractionandthenweputitintopracticethatsameday,”hesaid. “Inordertocreateahealthierbondwithdadandsonordadanddaughter,whatever [that relationship] may be.”

Theyouthinitiativejustkickedoffthisyearandtheytrulystandbywhattheywant tosee,andthatisfriendship,kinshipandhappy,healthymalerelationshipsamongthe youth.

WhatistheirvisionorgoalforPilsen?“Tobuildenoughcommunityandcreatea dense deterrence for violence,” Leonardo said. (Cristina Puzio)

FollowPeaceinPilsenonInstagramandFacebook@PeaceinPilsen.peaceinpilsen@gmail. com.

PHOTOBYWILLIAMGUERRERO

PULLMAN & ROSELAND

GrowingupinRoselandinthe70swasawonderfulexperience.Walkingto theneighborhoodschoolpastbeautifulsingle-familyhomesalongtree-lined blocks,ortothePullmanlibraryforbooks,ortoGatelyPark,markedmydays asachild.JCPenney,Gately’sPeoplesStore,theRoselandTheater,andKresge’sDrug StorewereallonSouthMichiganAvefrom107thto115thStreets,theMagnificent MileoftheSouthSide.Ifyoulookclosely,shadowsofhistoricalarchitecturecanbe seen in some of the older buildings still standing on these streets.

RoselandwasnamedbyDutchimmigrantswhosettledthearea,andresearchhas turnedupthatseveraloftheoriginalsettlersshelteredenslavedpeopleintheirhomes aspartoftheUndergroundRailroad.ItisonlyfittingthatthegrowingAfrican-Americanmiddleclassbeganbuyinghomesthereinthelate60sandstillpopulatesthearea.

AsbusinessesbegantoleaveRoselandinthelate80sandearly90s,thecommunityfellintodisinvestmentandhardtimes.However,Roselandisstillfilledwith well-kepthomesandresidentswhocarefortheircommunity.Withtherecentannouncementbythecityofnewhousing,shoppingandpotentiallyanewCTAtrain stationcomingtothelongneglectedMichiganAvenue,thereseemstobeavision thatRoseland’sMagnificentMilewillriseagainandjump-starttherenaissanceand renewal of this community.

BorderingRoseland,thecommunityofPullmanishistoricallysignificantasone ofthefirstplannedcommunityforworkersintheUnitedStates.Builtinthe1880s, PullmanisanarchitecturallybeautifulcommunitythatwasdesignatedaNational Monumentin2015.Ithasseenlotsofinvestmentanddevelopmentinrecentyears, includingthePullmanCommunityCenter,anewVisitorCenterfortheNational Monument,restaurantsandmanufacturing,andaplanforahundred-roomhotelon land formerly occupied by the closed Ryerson Steel plant.

ThehopeisthatnewinvestmentandinterestinRoselandandPullmanwillkeep these communities viable for future generations of South Siders. (Vanessa Johnson)

BESTATHLETICCENTERINSPIREDBYA CHICAGOACTIVIST

Dr. ConradWorrillTrack and Field Center

TheDr.ConradWorrillTrackandFieldCenteropenedin2021afterthreeyearsof construction.LocatedwithinPullman’sGatelyPark,thecenterseats3,500peopleand isequippedfortrackmeets,volleyballandbasketballgames,andvariousfitnessneeds. Italsohasmultipurposemeetingroomsfornon-sportingevents,suchastheWords ofWonderLiteraryFestthispastJuly.Inaddition,thecenterincludesprogramming from the teen employment program After School Matters.

ThecenterisnamedafterDr.ConradWorrill,alongtimeChicagoresidentandactivistwhopushedforitscreation.Worrillledarich,longlifefullofmanypursuits,from beingacivilrightsactivisttoatalkshowhostonWVON.Hewasdraftedintothearmy andstationedinJapan,duringwhichhereadwidelyaboutAfrican-Americanhistory andculture,andtalkedtoBlacksoldiersfrombackhome.Whenhereturnedhomehe enrolledincollegeandbecameanactivememberoftheanti-warStudentNonviolent CoordinatingCommittee.HeearnedadoctorateineducationandtaughtatGeorge WilliamsCollegeandNortheasternIllinoisUniversity,where,asheputit,hehelped young people understand the relationship between“power and institutions.”

WorrillplayedaroleintheelectionofHaroldWashingtonandintheNational BlackUnitedFront,aradicalorganizationwithrootsinthePan-Africanmovement andwhichnowhaschaptersalloverthecountry.Hewasinstrumentalinorganizingthe MillionManMarchwithLouisFarrakhanin1995.Worrillwouldalwayssayhewas influencedby his father whowas active with the NAACP andYMCA.

InaninterviewwithWTTW,Worrill’sdaughterFemiSkanessaid,“Hedespised thefactthatourchildrendidnothaveanadequatefacilitytohelpthemhonetheirtrack and field skills.”Worrill passed in 2020, shortly before the center’s completion.Skane

Compiled by Pachina Fletcher and Joseph S. Pete

OLDFASIONEDDONUTS,PHOTOBYJASONSCHUMER

saidherfatherwouldtalkaboutthebuildingfondly.“Hewouldburstwithpridewhen he talked about the new track and field stadium.” (Pachina Fletcher)

Dr.ConradWorrillTrackandFieldCenter,10201S.CottageGroveAve.7am–10pm. 773-941-8232.

BESTFUTURISTICSOURCEOFLOCAL FRESHGREENS

Gotham Greens

Ifyou’reintheproduceaisleofJewel-Osco,Pete’sFreshMarket,oranotherlocal grocerystore,GothamGreensisafamiliarbrand.GothamGreens’Arugula,Baby Butterhead,GreenhouseCrunch,andtheGratefulDead-inspiredGratefulGreens medleyofbutterhead,green,andredleaflettuceoftenlinetheshelves.Theycomein clear plastic containers that showcase the leafy goodness in all its earthy glory.

Thesaladgreensarecrisp,fresh,longer-lastingthanaverage,andoftenonsaleif youbuyafew.They’reeco-friendlyandsustainableastheydonottravelfar.Theproduce isgrowninapairofstate-of-the-artrenewableenergy-poweredurbangreenhousesin Pullman.Notfarfromtheplannedworkercommunity,bastionoforganizedlabor,and historicrailroadcarfactorythat’snowaNationalMonument,it’shardlyatraditional farm out in the countryside.

GothamGreensfirstcametoPullmanin2015,openinga75,000-square-foot climate-controlledgreenhouseontheroofoftheLEED-PlatinumcertifiedWilliam McDonough+Partners-designedMethodProductsplantthatmakessoapwiththe helpofawindturbineandsolartrees.GothamGreens’rooftophydroponicgreenhouse producesmillionsofheadsoflettuceandherbsforsupermarketsandrestaurantsacross Chicagoandbeyond,growingthirtytimesmorecropsperacrethanfarmfieldsinmoderngreenhousesthatoperateyear-roundandareimpervioustodrought,pests,andother occupational hazards most farmers face.

ThenationalBrooklyn-basedcompanythatseekstoreinventagriculturetomake itmoresustainablesoughttoexpandonitsinitialtwo-acrefootprintinthehistoric Pullmanneighborhoodbybuildingasecond100,000-square-footfacilityontheformer RyersonSteelsitein2019.Theexpansioncreated“Chicago’slargesturbanagriculture campus” and expanded the company’s distribution reach across the Midwest.

AsaladmadewithGothamGreenswasnevertruckedhalfwayacrossthecountry. It’sneveroutofseason.It’sneverbeendousedinpesticides.It’salwayslocallysourced and freshto the bite. (Joseph S. Pete)

Gotham Greens, 720 E. 111th St. (718) 935-0600.

BESTPUBLICFOUR-YEARUNIVERSITY

Chicago State

In1987,beforethestartofmysenioryearofhighschool,theCPSteacherswenton strike.Manyparentsweretryingtofindasafeplacefortheirchildren.IrecallChicago StateUniversity(CSU)openingtheirdoorsforallhighschoolstudents.Wecould signupforworkshops,resumewriting,employmentstrategies,andfinancialaidfor college.Throughoutthefourweeksofthestrike,Ienjoyedmytimeattheuniversity and appreciated CSU for helping the teens in the city during that time.

ChicagoStateistheonlypublicfour-yearuniversityontheSouthSide,andforthe lasthalfcentury,acornerstoneofhighereducationformanyBlackChicagoans,includingmyselfandmanyfamilymembers.Foundedin1867astheCookCountyNormal School,ateacher’scollege,theschoolwasoriginallyinEnglewoodandhaschanged names,locations,andpurposemorethanoncesincethen.ItbecameChicagoStateUniversityin1971andmovedtoitscurrentlocationinRoselandthefollowingyear.As thestudentpopulationbecamemajorityBlack,theschooladdedanAfrican-American Studiesprogram,anditsfirstAfrican-Americanpresident,BenjaminAlexander,pushed fortheuniversitytopromotemulticulturalism.In1990,CSUopenedtheGwendolynBrooksCenterforBlackLiteratureandCreativeWritinginhonorofBrooks,who taught atCSU for over a decade.

CSUisanimportantinstitutioninmyfamily.MygodmothergraduatedfromChicagoStatebackwhenitwasnamedChicagoTeachersCollegeandwentontoteach homeeconomicsforCPSforoverthirtyyears.MysisterVeronicagraduatedfromChicagoStatein1993,andhadthistosayaboutit:“CSUwasagodsendforme.Afterfive yearsofflounderingbetween[collegesanduniversities],IdiscoveredChicagoState.It wasaschoolclosetomyhomeandIcouldcontinuetoworkwhileIattendedschool… Withaforty-hourworkweek,grantsandstudentloans,theschoolwasveryaffordable. CSUgavemesupportinclassesthatwereachallengeforme,mathandstatistics.Ieven foundapart-timejoboncampusasatutortostudentswhostruggledinEnglishand writing.”

Shewentontosay,“IenjoyedtheatmospherebeingonamostlyAfrican-American campus.Myclasseshadstudentsofvariousages.Weallseemedtohavethesamegoal inmindandthatwastograduate.Andtoobtainajobintheirchosenfield.CSUwasa great experience for me.”

FormynieceGeneva,whowastryingtofinishhereducation,CSUwastheonly schoolthatwasaffordable,closeby,andofferedadegreeprogramthatwouldbenefither academicallyandlineupwithherschedule.SheenrolledintheIndividualCurriculum adulteducationprogramwhichisanontraditionaldegreeprogramandgraduatedin May2021.“Theprofessorsaregreatandknowledgeableabouttheirsubjects.Andthey arewillingtogiveyouextrahelpifnecessary.Manyinstructorshadanopendoorpolicy about office hours.You can come and ask questions and get the answers you need.”

Inadditiontothemanytraditionalofferingsofauniversity,CSUhasawidevariety ofprogramstomeetyourneeds.TaketheOptionsprogram:itofferscontinuingeducationcoursesforadultsandchildren,frombusinesstoexercise.TheRiseAcademyis anewprogramtheyhaveforcollegefreshmen.Onceastudentappliesandisaccepted, eachstudentwillreceivefreetuition,fees,andtextbooks.Inaddition,afreelaptopwill beprovidedforthemaswell,andeachstudentwillhaveanadvisortoassistthemacademically.

ChicagoStateUniversityisacommunityinstitutionthatiscommittedtoassisting students to succeed academically and in life.(Pachina Fletcher)

ChicagoStateUniversity,9501S.KingDr.Visitcsu.eduorcall(773)995-2000formore information.

CONRADWORRILLTRACKANDFITNESSCENTER,PHOTOBYJASONSCHUMER

SOUTH DEERING & JEFFEREY MANOR

Thecultivationofahigher-qualitylifeisandhasalwaysbeenapriorityforthis quietcommunity.Locatedinthecornerpocketsofthe7thand10thWards, JefferyManorandSouthDeeringshineinamonochromeofmanicured lawns,uniformpropertylines,andsmoothedpavement.Accompanyingthesebeautiful neighborhoodsisthebusinessdistrictflowingdown95thStreet,especiallybetween StonyIslandandClydeavenues.Formanyyears,thecommunitywasoverflowing withbusinesseslikethepopularamusementparkFuntown,aCourtesyhardwarestore, aHillman'sgrocerystore,arollerrink,andabowlingalley,justtonameafew.People whohavesettledinSouthDeeringandJefferyManorremembertheenergyandliveliness that the business district provided for the community.

ResidentslikeSouthDeeringManorCommunityAssociationpresidentEchelle Mohnexpressfrustrationthatmediacoverageoftheneighborhooddoesn’tfocuson theactivecommunityworkgoingontoimproveandmaintainSouthDeeringand Jeffery Manor and the culture that has been upheld in this community.

YvonneBass,aresidentoffifty-oneyears,recollectsmovingtoSouthDeering becauseofsafetyissuesinherpreviousneighborhood.SouthDeeringbecameherquiet haven,asmanyotherresidentsclaimtheneighborhoodtobe.Aformerresident,this section’sco-captainPaulaOwens-Lea,emphasizeshoweveryoneintheneighborhood greetsandinteractswitheachother,neighborsaregoodcompany,blockclubsareprolific, andyouneverpasssomeonewithoutahello.ThiswasandremainsthecultureofSouth DeeringandJefferyManor.Shesaysthatthecommunityhelpedherbuildherownsense

oftheword,asshewouldgoontoliveinmanyotherneighborhoodsandnothingwould mimic thefeeling of community Jeffery Manor provided her.

Overtheyears,businessesclosedbecauseoflackofresourcesorwereevendestroyed inthesummerof2020.TheSouthDeeringManorCommunityAssociationand7th WardAldermanGregMitchellhavebeendeterminedtorevitalizethecommunity. Theyconsistentlyhostmonthlycommunitymeetingsandcommunityeventsto upholdthecirculationofinformation.JefferyManorisanticipatingtheopeningofa newproducestorethatwillalsotransitionintoacoffeeshopforthecommunity,and welcomesthereopeningofDollarTreeinanewandbiggerlocation.Thiscommunity isworkingtobringbusinessesandeconomicprosperityback.ResidentsofSouth Deering and Jeffery Manor always prevail. (Paula Lea and Renaissance Atunse)

PaulaLeawasraisedinJefferyManorandcontinuestoresideontheSouthSide.Herpassion ismentoringyouth—whenyouencourageachild,youempowerthefuture.Paulaservesas presidentoftheLocalSchoolCouncilatherdaughter’sschoolandaspirestostartaNFP where the mission will be to provide computer skills for all ages with a focus on seniors.

RenaissanceAtunseisfromtheSouthSideandisamulti-talentedartiststudyingatColumbia CollegeChicago,whereheispursuingamajorinactingwithaminorinplaywriting.He planstocontinuebeingawriterandeducatoraftercollegeandtogivebacktothecommunities that help mold and shape the person and artist he is today.

Compiled by Paula Lea, NeighborhoodCaptain, and Renaissance Atunse

MERRILLPARK,PHOTOBYISABELNIEVES

South Deering

SouthDeeringgetsitsnamefromCharlesDeering,a latenineteenth-andearlytwentieth-centuryexecutive attheDeeringHarvesterCompany,whichwaslocated intheneighborhood.JefferyManor,meanwhile,is namedafternearbyJefferyBoulevardandMerrionette Manor,which,accordingtotheChicagoPublicLibrary, were“developedbyRobertMerrionasaresultofthe increased demand for housing afterWorldWar II.”

Ahundredyearsago,theseneighborhoodswere industrialareaswithaplethoraoffactoriesthatattracted manyEuropeanimmigrants.BusinesseslikeU.S.Steel, Ford,andtheFederalFurnaceCompanysoughtout workershungryforemployment,whichattractedmany immigrants.AstheGreatDepressiondevelopedin the1930s,manyofthesefactoriesclosed,leadingto unemployment.Mostoftheresidentsweredependent onfederalfinancialsupport,andthecommunitybegan toadapt,becominglessindustrialandmoresuburban.In themid-twentiethcentury,morefamiliesbegantomove inandtheracialmakeupbegantochangefrommostly Europeanimmigrantswithindustrialjobstoresidentsof allcolorslookingforsafercommunities.Intheperiodof timethismigrationwashappening,thisdidnotreceivea positivereactionfromresidentswhowerealreadysettled inthecommunity.Duringthesixtiesandseventies,like manySouthSidecommunities,SouthDeeringwasthe victimofredliningandwhiteflight.Althoughmost formerresidentsdecidedtorelocate,therewereafew whitefamilieswhodecidedthattheywerecomfortable withtheinfluxofBlackresidents,andSouthDeering soonbecameacauldronofmixedidentitiesthatwas predominantly Black and Latinx.

Thecommunitypushedfortheneighborhood’s transitionawayfromitsindustrialrootsduetothenegative environmentaleffects.Morefactorieswereabandoned, chemicalplantsshutdown,andnaturallandscapes cultivatedsothatthecommunitymightbehealthierfor notonlythehomeowners,butforthemanychildrenand eldersthatlivedintheneighborhoodsaswell.Between 2013and2016,underthen-MayorRahmEmanuel’s ChicagoPlays!playgroundinitiative,thecommunity’s parkswererevitalizedandexpanded,andnewparks added.Communitymemberscontinuetobeautifythe neighborhoodthroughadrivewayresurfacingproject, notonlyremovingstressfromresidentswithvehicles, butalsocreatingaccessibletravelforthosethatare disabled.Thecommunityhasemphasizedthattheir missionisfortheneighborhoodtobeasafe,peaceful community in which residentscan stay comfortably and childrenarenotforcedtoshelterintheirhomesdueto fearoftheoutside.In2015,theneighborhoodelected oneoftheirownlongtimecommunitymembers,Greg Mitchell,asalderman,tomaintainfairleadershipand revive what this community once was.

Manywhocontinuedtoliveintheseneighborhoods cultivatedgenerationalconnections,asthechildrenthey raisedinthesehomeseventuallyreturnedtosettleand raisetheirownchildren—currentresidentshopeforno interruptiontothisritual.Manyresidentsrefertothe communityasacommunity“forthechildren.”Theparks areregularlyfilledwithchildren,theirsneakersstomping alongthepavementaslaughsandshoutsofjoyresonate throughouttheneighborhood.Familiesroutinelyattend thecommunitychurchestostrengthentheirspiritual relationships.SouthDeeringhasalwaysbeeninhabited bypeoplewhoupholdthetruemeaningofcommunity. (Renaissance Atunse)

BESTREOPENINGOFSTORE CLOSEDIN2020

DollarTree at 95th and Jeffery

It’sopenandhugeandfullofalltheitemswelove.The newlocationiseasilyaccessiblebypublictransportation andhaslotsofparkingforthosewhodrive.Thenew storeislargerandpackedwithstuff.Istoppedbythere, grabbedacleancart,andpurchasedtwiceasmuchasI intended to.

Thenewstorehasalargerselectionofitemsand moreroomtoshelvetheseitems.Iwaslookingfor itemsforapartyandfounditemsIhadn’tseenatother DollarTrees.Afewdayslater,Iwasrunningerrandsand droppedinanotherDollarTreetopurchasethiscute containerfordeviledeggsthatIhadseenandafewmore oftheprettywhiteplatesIhadpurchased.Neitherofthe itemswereontheshelves;Iwasonlyabletopurchase them at the new DollarTree.

ThecommunitywelcomesDollarTreebackafter thepreviousstorethatwaslocatedafewblocksawaywas burnedtothegroundin2020whenpeacefulprotesting turnedintosomethingelse.Welostbusinesseswhich

madeshoppingchallengingformany.Thisnewlocation replacesaWalgreensthatleftthecommunityafewyears ago. However, this community is working to rebuild.

MydaughterandIareexcitedaboutthenew location,pleasedwiththecleanlinessofthestore, friendlinessoftheemployeesandtheabundanceof itemsontheshelves.Andsuperexcitedtobeableagain to shop in the community. (Paula Lea)

DollarTree,2011E.95thSt.Monday–Saturday,9am–9pm, Sunday 10am–8pm. (773) 437-1381

SOUTH LOOP

Compiled by NaBeelaWashington, NeighborhoodCaptain

WhenIfirstmovedtotheSouthLoop,Iwasn’taimingtolivethere.ButI

quicklyfellforitafterlearningitwasaplacewherewhispersofthecity’s pulsecouldbeheard.Attimesitwasferocious,butitcouldbesleepy,too, withthesteadyjingleofsirensandconstruction.ThepandemicmadethispartofChicagoahaven:picturedewywalksalongtheChicagoRiver,standingbeneathHarrison Street’s very own bascule bridge, built in 1960, to the tune of gathering groups.

Hometosomeofthecity’sfirstmanufacturingplants,saloons,andgalleries,the SouthLoopwaspivotalinthereconstructionofacitydevastatedbyfireandorganized crime.It’sevolvedfurtherovertheyears,fromPrinter’sRow,aformerhubforsome ofthecountry’slargestandmostimpressiveprintersandpublishers(andcurrenthost oftheannualPrinter’sRowLitFest),toDearbornStation,oneofsixprominenttrain stationsthatserveddowntownChicago—andnowafleetingcaricatureofthepast, offeringnewspacesforshoppingandhighrises.Ofcourse,SouthLoopalsohassome ofthecity’sbesthiddeneats—Manny'sCafeteriaandDelicatessenandUmai,I’m looking at you.

Thereisn’taparticularkindofresidentthatdwellshere,astheSouthLoopis anever-changingmeltingpotofimmigrants,families,businessowners,andsingles. You’llbegreetedbyenthusiasticdogmoms(anddads),coffeesnobsobsessedwith HeroCoffee,newlytransplantedWisconsinites,orrecentcollegegradsexploringa newbusinessventure.TheSouthLoopisone-of-a-kind,andasplashinthelargerpool thatisChicago.Whetheryou’reheadingnorth,south,east,orwest,you’recertainto find a new memory waiting to be made here.

Amyriadof“bests”arewithinamoment’sreach.Experiencethemforyourself below. (NaBeelaWashington)

Ifyou’relookingforhigh-endAfricanproductsthatyoucan’tfindanywhereelsein theSouthLoop,L’AfriqueMarketistheplacetoshop.Fromfreshproducetospices to baked goods, the quality of their items is hard to beat.

OwnerIbrahimAgoroisafirst-generationimmigrantoriginallyfromNigeria. WhenhemovedtotheSouthLoop,hefoundfewshopsthatcarriedethnicproducts likeObiji,Ola-Olaplantains,Asikospices,orAbonikibalm,andnoticedthatthe storeswerenotrunbyAfricans.Attimes,hewouldreachouttofamilymembersback in Nigeria who would ship items to him.

Frustratedanddetermined,Agoroputmattersintohisownhands.“Overthe years,Itookmytimetoreallyseehowwecantackletheneedforprovisionofethnic foodstothehighestlevel,justlikeyoucanwalkintoMariano'sandbeassuredthatyou can make any meal from a whole range of items,” he shared.

Immediately,heknewthathewantedhisshoptobelocatedintheSouthLoop, because he did not see any stores that catered to Black and Indigenous residents.

By last September, things were finally coming into place, and Agoro was ready to openthestore.Aweekbeforethegrandopening,awomanknockedonthestorefront’s doorandexpressedherappreciationforopeningashopwiththeproductsthatshe desperatelyneeded.Shetooksomeflyersaftersheshopped,andwithinanhour,six more customers arrived, all before the actual store opening.

Now,L’AfriqueMarketiscelebratingitsone-yearanniversary.Overthecourse ofthelastyear,theteamhascontinuedtosellhard-to-findproducts,andnowoffers curbsidepickupanddeliveryservices.Theyalsocollaboratecloselywiththecommunity to make sure their voices are heard and the products they desire are available.

Asforwhat’snext:“ThemasterplanforL’AfriqueMarket,mykeyidea,istobe asclose[aspossible]tothedoorstepofeverydesiredcustomer,”Agorotoldme.He hopesforL’AfriqueMarkettobecomeafranchiseandtoexpandtoDallas,Houston, NewYork,andAtlanta.AsAgoroandL’AfriqueMarkethavemadeAfricanproducts accessibletoSouthLoopresidents,hehopestoprovideanidenticalservicetoother Black communities throughout the United States. (Lauren Johnson)

L’AfriqueMarket,2001S.StateSt.Opennoon–8pmMon,10am–9pmTues–Fri,9:30am–8:30pm Sat, and 11am–7pm Sun. (312) 344-1931. lafriquemarket.com

L’Afrique Market

NeighborhoodcaptainNaBeelaWashingtonisanAlabama-raisedpoet,editor,andbudding art collector. Read more at nabeelawashington.com.

BESTEVERYTHINGFROMCRYSTALSTOZEN

The Lotus Den

Onestepinsidethisluxurious,Blackwoman-owned,three-levelmetaphysical emporiumisatransformativeexperienceforallthesenses—sight,touch,smell,hearing, taste,andtheintuitivesenses.Colorfulstonesincountlesshuesmesmerizetheeyes andareirresistibletothetouch.Tibetansingingbowlsreverberateinafullrangeof pitch.Rowsofcandles,incense,sustainablesagebundles,andpalosantowoodsitin conversationwithexoticfeathers,crystalpendulums,herbalteas,Indigenousdream catchers,books,jewelry,andtarot,oracle,andgreetingcards.AllmerchandiseishandpickedinsupportofotherBlack-ownedbusinesseswheneverpossible.Everyitem instockhasinformationandmeaningbehindit;someoneonstaffcantellyouwhat eachitemisandhowitisbestused.Amenu-stylechalkboardannouncesupcoming workshops,moonphases,afeaturedcrystaloftheweek,holistichealingsessions,Reiki training and certification, womb wellness, social media handles, and more.

OwnerKellieWoods,whosebusinessportfolioincludesrealestate,fashion,and personalcare,wasledtoopenherstorethroughamysticaljourneythatbeganin2007, whenherveryfirstpieceofcrystal—anecklace—wasgiftedtoherbyacomplete stranger.WoodsdescribesTheLotusDenasaplaceofrefugeforthosewhoaretrying tofindtheirwayontheirspiritualpath.SinceFall2018,whensheopenedTheLotus Den,Woodshasheldasupportivespaceforspirituallifeguidancewherevisitorscan release energies that no longer serve them and leave feeling lighter and renewed.

ThereisasenseofwelcomingandcommunityinsideTheLotusDen—complete withanintentionaltarandcrystalgridwherevisitorscanwritetheirintentionson smallslipsofwhitepapertoleaveinabowl,wheretheywillbeinfusedwithsupportive collectiveenergy.Anin-housequote,displayedonartworkabovethecounter,reads: “Loveis…alwayswelcomedhere,selfbeliefisarequirement,asyouspeak,youcreate. Trust in yourself & know you’re the light!”

TeammemberandlightworkerKarizma,wholivednearbyandwouldshopasa customer,enjoyedthevibesomuchshe’snowonstaff.InventorymanagerAjanae,who hasbeenpartoftheteamsincedayoneandhelpedwiththeinstallation,putmeup onherthreefavoritecrystals:smokyquartztohelpreleaseunwantedenergy,citrine forabundanceandhappiness,andblacktourmaline,apopularprotectionstonewhich shesaysthestorekeepsaffordablypricedtomakethestoneaccessiblefornearlyany budget. Ajanae firmly believes that everyone should have a piece of black tourmaline. IfirmlybelieveTheLotusDenhasexactlywhatyouarelookingfor,evenifyou didn’tknowyouwerelookingforit.Whethershoppingforyourselforfortheperfect gift, you’ll come for the vibe and stay for the tribe. (Nicole Bond)

TheLotusDen,18E.CullertonSt.Opendaily11am–7pm.(312)285-2685.thelotusden. com, IG and FB @thelotusdenchicago

BESTCORNERGROCERYSTORE

Totto’sMarket

Outofbread?Cravingfreshpastaandsauceforaquickmeal?Needaplanttokeep youcompany?Lookingforflowerstomakeamendswithafriend?Butwait,you’reout ofdeodorantandwanttosmellyourbestbeforetryingtomakeup.Looknofurther thanTotto’sMarket,yourone-stopshopforallyourhouseholdgoods,packedintoone tinycornerstoreonhistoricPrinter’sRow.They’vegotfreshproducesobrightitlooks likeitwasproducedintechnicolor,preparedsandwichesandtubsofsaladsbehind theirdelicounter,andanarrayofscrumptiouspastriesinaglasscasejustbeforethe register.

Bynomeansalargespace,Totto’snonethelesshasasunny,airy,andopenfeelthat isamarkedcontrastfromthenarrow,jam-packed,dimlylitbodegasandlocalsuper-

marketsofmynativeNewYorkCity.Westandsouth-facingwindowsprovideplenty ofnaturallight,andorb-shapedlampshangingfromtheceilingkeepthemarketwelllit even in the post-sunset hours as fall and then winter roll around.

Totto’sisthebrainchildofScottPerin,whosefather,Allen“Totto”Perin,wasa localbutcherforthebetterpartofsixdecadesinChicago’sgrocerybusiness.Ergothe mottooftheplace—“You’reastrangerherebutonce”—ishomeyandinvitingina mom-and-pop shop way.

Scotthimselfmetmeatthecheckoutcounter.Hewasn’ttheoverlysaccharine grocerIhadexpectedfromthemotto—rather,hehadano-nonsensekindofvibe.I waspurchasinganassortmentofgoodies:awalnutandgoatcheesesalad,atofuwrap, andabaguettebyPublicanQualityBreads,whichherangupquicklyonadigital monitor.Iwasmildlysurprisedthattherewasnoold-fashionedcashregister,given suchantiquatedtouchesastheloosecandiesdisplayedinglasscontainersbeneaththe counter.ThepreparedfoodwassolidenoughtosatemypartnerandI’sappetites.We enjoyeditonaneveningpicnicspentwatchingandlisteningastheChicagoSymphonyOrchestraperformedattheGrantParkMusicFestival.Whetheritwasthe musicorthecrowdorthegenerallycongenialatmosphere,IwillnowassociateTotto’s dinnerswithaupleinairdining,andrecommendthatyou,too,thinkofthemtoofor your next picnic plan. (Max Blaisdell)

Totto’s Market, 751 S. Dearborn St 8am–8pm daily. (312) 888-3600.Tottosmarket.com.

BESTNON-ISLANDISLAND

Northerly Island

EastoftheSouthLoopandjustsouthoftheAdlerPlanetariumsitsaman-made islandwitha119-acrepark,afive-acrepondandanaturalareateemingwithprairie, savanna,andnativeplantlife.It’shardtobelievethattwentyyearsagoitwasanairport –thesiteofMeigsField,asmallairstripservingcommuterplanesandcorporatejets. ThestoryofMeigs,whichwasabruptlydestroyedin2003,itsownsaga.Butinits placeyoucannowfind12thStreetBeach,abeautifulspotlayeredwithbrickandstone alongthebeachfront—theperfectspottobringadateandpicnicunderatreewhile red-wingedblackbirdsflyoverheadandthewavescrashontotheshore.DelCampos Tacossitsrightbehindthebeach.Grababite,takeapath,andseeavarietyofnative wildlife, or by chance, see a sailing ship pass by on Lake Michigan.

TheNortherlyIslandVisitorCenterhasmanyprogramsavailable,including tours,camping,fishing,boating,fieldtripsforchildren,amusicvenuethatholdsconcertsandevents,andannualseasonalfestivalsthathighlightthecity’snaturallife. Therearealsopublicartworksthroughouttheislandthatareworththetrip—like DeniseMilanandAryR.Perez’sAmerica’sCourtyard,aspiralgalaxymadeofstone thatrepresentsanancientcelestialobservatory,locatedjustsouthofthecity’slargest public telescope (behind Adler).

Togetthere,IgotoffthetrainattheRooseveltstopandheadedeast.Atthe southernendofGrantPark,IfoundtheMississippiBluesTrailMarker#77,inhonor ofMuddyWatersandthemanyotherbluesmusicianswhocametoChicago.Further east,Ipassedthetraintracks,andjustbeforeColumbusDrive,ItooktheMuseum ParkRooseveltUnderpass,whichtakesyoudirectlytotheMuseumCampusandthe lakefronttrail.WalkingthroughtheFieldMuseum’sIvyGardenwasatripthrough thepast.Next,ImademywaytotheSheddAquarium,beforeheadingsouthtowards SolidarityDrive,whichleadstoNortherlyIsland.BurnhamHarborisaperfectlocationforashotofthecity’sskyline,namedafterthefamousChicagoarchitectand plannerDanielH.Burnham,whodesignedtheisland.Imadeitto12thStreetBeach, sat below a tree, and watched the sunset. A perfect night. (Santino Napolillo)

SOUTHSHORE

Compiled by E'mon Lauren, Neighborhood Captain

E’monLaurenwastitledthefirstYouthPoetLaureateofChicagoandistheauthorof COMMANDO. She is host of her hit podcast,“The Real Hoodwives of Chicago.”

SouthShoreiseasytoglamorize—ourwave-crashingcushion,bouldersofbrick, andarchivedarchitectureareallwonderfulthingstoaddtoalistof“amenities.”

Butasdevelopersfeelentitledtomaketheirpropertiesmoreprofitableandthe neighborhoodmeetsitsnewresidentsatarent-raisingrate,manyoriginalresidents arefeeling—andbeing—displaced.SomemightremembertheDominick’s,turned fooddesert,nowturnedLocalMarket,bringingthemtoquestion:“Whoisthenew development for? If not us, who makes this neighborhood a‘wonderful attraction?’”

AndwhatdoesthismeanforlongtimeBlack-ownedbusinesses,oreldercare services,orthepreservationofnatureinthiscommunity?Thenthere’stheever-present conceptof“safety,”whichoftenleadstothisdissolutionoffeelings—perhapsoneof the biggest“amenities” to a golf-loving gentrifier of this neighborhood.

Whatqualifiesaneighborhoodtobecategorizedasan“at-risk”zone?ToagenerationalSouthShorepatron,allthisneighborhoodhaseverbeenisahaven.Despite historicinequitiesthatforcefamiliesintoconditioning,thisneighborhoodhasmade adiasporicpotoutofwhateverupheavalanddishevelingaunitedBlackChicago

peoplehadundergoneinthe1960sand1970s.PushedoutfromupperChicagoand findingtheedgetositon,thepeopleofthiscommunityholdontothemselvesandthis sunrise-facing side.

Thisintroductionisagentlereminder,andatreasure-chestguide,tothosefightingtoremaininconcretethey’veheardcrackbefore.SouthShoreholdsafounding beginningformanyhomesandfolks.YetfromtheBlackWallStreetofSouthShore tocommunalcandyladyfeeding,somanystarvingvoicesgetflushedoutbythewhite noise of redevelopment and whispered diversity.

Witheasyaccesstoourcityfrontviathe#6and#26,andwithcopiousmusical pop-upsat63rdStreetbeach,it’snowonderthisneighborhoodthrivesasapeace shelterforthecity.Thehistorianswhocompletetheinnerworkingsofourblocks offerunderstandingofhowthe“Ova-East”crustremainsintact.Researchisalways madeavailableatSouthShoreLibrary,andacuratedconversationisalwaysatarm’s reachbyanystreet-heartedsecurity.Youngbuildersofliberatedhomestakeinthe city’sstretchedtrails,andunwindthemselvesfromthegriddedpassagestherestofthe city offers.

Thebackofthecity,ourwaterfall.Praisetheshorethatclosesusin,andopensus to daily horizons. (E’mon Lauren)

L&G Restaurant

Fromsunnyeggstohamsandbutteredgrits,thisbreakfasthousehasitall.Sinceits openingin1980,L&G’smissionhasalwaysbeentoservethecommunity—whether byprovidinglocalswithfirst-timecustomerservicegigs,orwithhotmaple-syruped, made-to-orderservice.Sittingadjacenttothe75th&ExchangeMetratrainstop, L&Ggivesearlymorningcommutersaplacetobreaktheirfastwithanearlybird special,oracupofjoeatthewindowboothwhilejukeboxtunesplayon.Waitresses withsmilesandcoffeepotsbringconversationandadvicethataloneandhungry decision-maker may need.

Astarmenuitem—andsouthernclassic—istheirfriedporkchopbreakfast.One ortwodeliciouslycrispyandgoldenfriedporkchopscomewithhashbrowns,two eggs(anystyle)withcheeseofyourchoice,andwhite,wheat,orryetoast.Foraless caloricchoice,porkchopscanalsobegrilled,withtheoptionofriceandgravyinstead ofpotatoes.Thesetraditionalfixingsaremadewithqualityingredientsandserved infairportionsizes—withafulltrayoffood,this$15-17breakfastcanputyouwell overintolunchtime.Meatisnotyourthing?Notaproblemforthisfull-house,family friendlyrestaurant.Anyrequestfora“no-cheese”orvegetarianoptioncanbeanswered throughomeletsandsandwiches.Attheirdinercountertop,oppositephotosofneighborhoodpatronsandsupportersontheentrywall,morningandlunchtimestoriesare servedupwithfoodeveryday.L&Gleavesmouthsfull,doorsopen,andtheheartsof itsneighborhoodbeaming.Withbreakfastallday,warmplateswillalwaysbeserved your way. (E’mon Lauren)

L&G Restaurant, 2632 E. 75th St. 6am–2pm. $2–$20. (773) 374-3098.

BEST DEALSONWHEELS

Bike Clinic

Whetheryou’vegotabustedkneecaportire,Mr.LeroyofBikeClinicprovidesyou withasummerexperiencethatkeepsyourwheelsspinning.TheBlack-ownedbike shop,establishedabouttwentyyearsago,isrunbythestreetandself-proclaimed“Bike Man”,Mr.Leroy,whohasalwaysgivenafree,tactilelooktoanybike,whethera tadpoleofavehicleorafull-blowntoadoftransportation.Partsandphysicalneeds,

suchasairforyourtires,chains,orbrakereplacements,areavailableforpurchaseata veryreasonableprice.Withmuchavailableinstock,thisone-manpit-stopcrewgets youinandoutontheroad.Whenaskedaboutthemissionofhisshop,Mr.Leroy humorously answers:“To keep everybody rolling.”

Thepeace-driven,old-schoolMr.Leroywelcomesvisitorswithagentlehand waveornodofapproval.Holdingusedandvintagebikesaswellasnewroaddusters,a dealcanbefoundandmadeforyou.Surroundedbyotherfreshbusinesses,neighborhoodvoyeurswillstopbytoseetheprocessofmotorcyclegangsgreasingupfortheir grind.Nostrangertothiscommunity,Leroyhasspenttwodecadesshedding“wheels ofwisdom”and“locksoflight”forchildren,adults,andadultswhofirstcameintothe storeaschildren.Huffysandfixies,bikegalore,thisshopgrantsallmechanicalneeds forapedestriantoexplore.Restupforwateroraquicktirecheck,thenheadtotrails andpathsontheapproachingcorners.Besuretostopbyforthesafestandbest-preparedexperience.Withnoappointmentnecessaryandonlyashorttripaway,theBike Clinic is a seasonal necessity. (E’mon Lauren)

BikeClinic,2221E.71stSt.Monday–Saturday,11am–6pm.ClosedSundays.(773)9552028.

BEST“CUT”

South Shore Nature Sanctuary

Weallhaveoursecretplacethatwewishtokeepasecret.Firstdatekissspots,perfect hillsforrolling,viewsthatwinyouthecoolpoints.Tuckedinthe“cut”oftheSouth ShoreCulturalCenteron71standExchange,asteadystridewilltakeyoupastshady lawns,well-maintainedbeaches,andacattail-coveredlagoon.Awindingwooden bridgeoverlooksbabyfrogsandbird-occupiedbranches,crossedatthetopwithtwo bonfirepitsandawonderfulviewofthewaterandourcity’sskyscrapercrown.A perfectspotformiddaygetawaysorlate-nightlyrics,thisnaturesanctuaryisavital safe space for the community.

Astheheatrisesandthewaterfreezes,discussionsofifthisnaturalgemwillcontinuetoliveherestayinourforecast.Conversationsandtheoriesdispersedamongst thecommunityshedlightonwhichdevelopmentaldecisionswillbemadetofurther theeyeandcomfortofnewcomers.Withthesanctuaryatriskofbeingreplacedwith agiantgolfcourse—rumoredtobenamedafterTigerWoods—thisscenictreasuresits atop a list of reasons why the South Shore community needs to

PHOTO BY E'MON LAUREN

BIKECLINICOWNER,LEROYRICKS.PHOTOBYJASONSCHUMER

SOUTH SHORE

remainintact.Notjustforitspeople,butfortheanimalsandotherlivingcreaturesofthiswater-coastedland.AccordingtotheChicagoParkDistrict,SouthShore NatureSanctuary“containsoversixacresofdune,beach,wetland,pond,woodland, prairie, savanna, and shrubland habitats.”

Displacementismuchbiggerthanthedevelopmentsandbusinessesthatseparate anenrichedculturefromitspeopleforprofit.Italsoincludesthedisplacementofall livingthingswhoinhabitthisarea.Whilepestexterminationisstillacommonrequest fromtheresidentsofrenovatedolderbuildings,willtheremovalofmicebringan influxofprivatedevelopers?Who’stosay;butnature-viewingandoutsideenjoyment canstillbeanoccasionforaperfectdate,aprivateartisticouting,orasecludedcorner foryouandyourcomrades.Jointheelementsandtakeinthecity,inawayyounever have before. (E’mon Lauren)

South Shore Nature Sanctuary, 7059 S. South Shore Dr. Dawn to dusk. (312) 742-7529.

BESTTRADITIONALBLACKHAIRSALON

Hair 4 U

Ifyou’reakinky/coily/curlyperson,youmaybealltoofamiliarwiththe“myhairused tobereallonguntilmymomputthatperminmyhair,”orthe“mycousinwantedto gotocosmetologyschoolsoshediedmyhairwithperoxide”story.Suchnarrativeslive deepinthefemmeculturalcanonofSouthShore,withitbeingpredominantlyaBlack neighborhood.AsafairtributetoMadamC.J.Walker,whobecameAmerica’sfirst

self-madewomanmillionairethroughherinventionofBlackhairtoolsandproducts, mostofuswouldfindourkitchens,siblings’rooms,orlivingroomfold-outchairsto beourfirstsalon—thoughleavingmuchambiancetobedesired.Hairsalonshave historicallybeenimportantplacesofstorytellingandsafety.Whenthrownintonew salonsthatmaydeterouroriginalcomfort,inthemidstoflessonsregardinglifeand hairupkeep,wenaturallyhavesomanyquestionsrunningthroughourunkempthead. Isthishairstylist“scissorhappy?”Isawashandblowdryincluded?DoIhavetobring myownhair?HowlongamIgonnahavetowait?Takingnewchancesonnewshops andstylistswillalwaysbeagamble.This72nd&Exchangesalonisasafebet,andwill crisp any nostril hair with nostalgia and comfort.

Hair4USalon,aBlackwoman-ownedandrunsalon,specializesineveryhair needordream.Fromhaircutstobraids,naturalstylestopermanentcare,thiscrewof womenfocusesongivingallformsofhairitsverybesttreatment.Fromcast-ironhand combsandcurlerstoflavorsomeheatedflatirons,abumpedendisonlyacorneraway. Withadvice,empathyandcompassion,anyheadissafehere.Appointmentbooked andreliable,butwalk-inready,youcanfindsomeauntietunesthatmakeyoufeel goodinthespritzedair.Withpricesalsoraisingthenostalgiafactor,youwillfindyour mosttraditionaltreatment,suchasawash,deepconditioning,blowdry,silkpress,and split-endsclip,allfor$60.Areasonabletipisalwaysgiventotheladieswhokeepus laid—our stylish stuarist of South Shore. (E’mon Lauren)

Hair4U,7205S.ExchangeAve.Tuesday–Friday9am–7pm,Saturday8am–5pm.Closed Sunday and Monday. (773) 221-8561

WEST PULLMAN ANDRIVERDALE

Compiled by Jasmine M. Green, NeighborhoodCaptain

WestPullmanandRiverdale,twoneighborhoodstuckedawayontheFar

Southeastside,areeasytooverlook.Historically,bothneighborhoods wereviewedasaccessoriestolargerindustrialareas.WestPullman,forinstance,wasinitiallypopulatedbymenwhoworkedforthenearbyPullmanPalaceCar Company.Disillusionedwiththetown’splannedworkercommunity,which,despite itsprofitability,wasshackledbyanunrelentingandunethicalcorporatemonopoly, Pullmanemployeespackedupandformedanewcommunityintheborderingarea.A centurylater,thePullmanPortersarememorializedasonlybeingapartofPullman’s history;therefugetheseworkerssoughtinWestPullman—thefledglingneighborhood—is mostly forgotten.

LikeWestPullman,Riverdaleisalsoatangenttothecity’smainnarrative.Riverdaleisnotasuburb,althoughtheneighborhooddoesborderaseparatetownofthe samename,whichoftengetsconfusing.RiverdaleisaChicagoneighborhood,home tothemassivehousingcomplexAltgeldGardens.AltgeldGardenswaslaunchedby theChicagoHousingAuthorityin1945,andlikeWestPullman,wasoriginallya communityforindustrialworkers.However,unlikeWestPullman,thefirstresidents ofRiverdale’sAltgeldGardensweremajorityBlack;bytheyear1960,over10,000 Blackresidentslivedinthecomplex.TheseBlackresidentswereshunned,harassed, andisolatedbycityofficialsandnearbywhiteresidentsalike—includingbythosewho livedinWestPullman.Unfortunately,racisminWestPullmanandRiverdaledidn’t endthere.Inthe1960s,race-integrationbusingsentwhitestudentsfromWestPull-

mantoCarverHighSchoolinRiverdale,andBlackstudentsfromRiverdaletoelementaryschoolsinWestPullman,whichwashighlycontroversialandevenprovoked violence.Thus,WestPullmanandRiverdale,twoperipheralneighborhoodswhopossessed such rich, shared history, were locked in racial conflict for many years.

Bythenextdecade,WestPullmanandRiverdalewouldagainbeinalignment, sufferingfromthesamesocialphenomenon:whiteflight.Whiteresidentsleftboth neighborhoods in droves, and poverty settled amongst who was left.

However,whiletheseneighborhoodsdidexperienceagreatdeclineinthedecades thatfollowed,theydidnot—contrarytowhatmanymaythink—fadeintooblivion. WestPullmanandRiverdaleboastvaluableassetstotheirrespectivecommunities andtothecityatlarge.Forexample,WestPullman’sRayandJoanKrocCenteris thelargestcommunitycenterinthestate.Likewise,RiverdalehasBeaubienWoods, agorgeousforestpreservethatencirclestheperfectlakesidefishingspot.Bothneighborhoodshaveahostofcommunityorganizationsrallyingbehindit,coveringforthe city’s blindspot with fierce dedication and care.

Statisticsandbreakingnewsarticlesarenotwhatdefinetheseareas.Theresilience ofourcommunity,whototalmorethan33,000peoplecombined,arewhatgive West PullmanandRiverdalemeaning.Thoughtheyarepositionedattheedgeofthecity, WestPullmanandRiverdalearethecenterpiecesofourlives—themanyChicagoans who are used to being forgotten. (Jasmine M. Green)

BESTBASEBALLTEAM

Roseland Little League

From a ball field at the southernmost end of South Michigan Avenue, the Roseland Little League baseball team has served as a fun outlet for kids and a source of entertainment for families on the Far Southeast side since 1952.

RickBolinisthecurrentadministrativeheadoftheprogram,andhasbeenaffiliatedwiththeteamforthepastnineteenyears.BolinhimselfwasaLittleLeague playerfortheSouthEastteam,wherehisfatherwashisfirstcoach,untilhereached highschool.Andlikehisfather,Bolinactedashischildrens’firstcoachwhenhesigned his two sons up for tee ball with the RoselandTeam in the early 2000s.

Thoughhissonshavelongsinceagedoutofyouthbaseball,Bolinhasmaintained asteadfastcommitmenttoservinghiscommunitybycuratinganenvironmentwhere localkidscanreleasetheirenergyinpositiveways.Eachyear,between100-150kids participateinRoselandLittleLeague’sseasonalprograms.Thechildrenaregroupedby age:four-tosix-year-oldsplayT-Ball,seven-toten-year-oldsareintheintermediate level,andeleven-andtwelve-year-oldsarethemostadvancedplayers.RoselandLittle League’sregularseason,whenthegameskickoff,beginsinlateMayandrunsuntil earlyAugust,adjustedfromatypicalbaseballscheduletoaccountfortheschoolyear. Theirpre-seasonpracticesrunfromlateFebruarythroughtheendofApril,andtake placeindoorsatthenewlyopenedPullmanCommunityCenter,whichboaststhree turf fields and four batting cages.

However,thegamesdon'thavetoendwhensummerdoes:RoselandLittle LeaguealsohostsadditionalprogramsatPCCinthefall.TheFallBallLeagueisan instructionalunitthatrunsfromSeptemberthroughtheendofOctoberandfocuses on fine-tuning baseball skills.

Thewinterandfalltrainingprogramsare$25eachperchild.Thecostforthemain season varies by age, but never exceeds over $100 for the two-month program.

Additionally,nochildisturnedawayforlackoffunds.Boliniscognizantofthe financialpressuresthattheongoingCOVID-19pandemichasplacedonlocalfamilies,andstrivestomaketheprogramsaffordableforall.ThisiswhyRoselandLittle Leagueoffersgrantsforfamilieswhoarestrugglingfinancially,ensuringthatfeesdo not stand in the way of any child’s enrichment.

Asthesummercomestoanend,RoselandLittleLeaguehasalottocelebrate. Theintermediateteamdidnotloseagameallseason,andcontinuedtheirwinning streakwhentheyclaimedthechampionshiptitleintheChicagoYouthBaseballAllianceplayoffs.Theadvancedteamplacedsecondfortheirdivision.Bolin,andthesix coacheswhocurrentlyoverseetheteam,arealwayslookingformorevolunteersto lendtheirtimeandsupporttheefforttoprovideasafeandfunactivityforchildren oftheSouthSide.Ifyouareinterested,pleasesignuptobecomeavolunteerthrough the Pullman Community Center website during the off season. (Jasmine M. Green)

RoselandLittleLeague,12483S.MichiganAve.(games)and10355S.WoodlawnAve. (training). pccindoorsports.com/roseland/

BESTSOLARPLANT

West Pullman Solar Farm

The nameWest Pullman invokes the area’s industrial history: in the 1800s it was populated by workers for the Pullman railroad car company located just to the east. The railroad and the Calumet River formingWest Pullman’s boundaries were veins for raw materials and industrial products, in a region where coal-fired power plants, oil refineries, foundries, and steel mills spewed pollution.

SoperhapsWestPullmanisafittingsiteforaninstallationsymbolicoftheshift towardcleanenergyhappeninginthestateand,iffarSouthSidershavetheirway,in that part of the city.

In2010,aten-megawattsolarfarmbeganproducingpoweronaforty-acre brownfieldsite,billedasthenation’slargesturbansolarfarm.Itisownedbythepower companyExelon—ownerofthestate’ssixnuclearplants—anditproducesenough electricitytopowerupto1,500homes.Exelonsellsthepowerintoenergymarkets, wherepowerisprocuredforthestate’stwoutilitycompanies—Amerenindownstate Illinois and Exelon’s own subsidiary, ComEd, in the Chicago area.

BeforetheWestPullmansolarfarmwentonline,therewereonlyaboutfivemegawatts of solar installed in the whole state of Illinois.

Sixyearslater,thestatepassedambitiouscleanenergylegislationmeanttomake solarblossomacrossthestate.SubsidiesintheformofRenewableEnergyCreditsdid indeedsparksolaronhomesandbusinessesstatewide,aswellaslargerutility-scale solarfarmsonopenlandindownstateIllinois.Anotherenergybillpassedin2021 expandedthesolarsubsidiesandprogramstoencouragesolardevelopmentinlow-incomeandenvironmentaljusticecommunities—thoseneighborhoods,likemanyon theSouthSide,thathavesuffereddisproportionateharmfromthefossilfuelindustry.

Now, there are over 1,500 megawatts of solar installed statewide.

Comingyearsbeforethestate’ssolarindustrybegantotakeoff,theWestPullman solar farm could be seen as ahead of its time.

AstateprogramcalledIllinoisSolarforAllnowmakesitnearlyfreeformany Chicagoresidentsandnon-profitslikechurchestogetrooftopsolar,thoughfewpeoplehavetakenadvantageofit.AuburnGreshamresidentDebraEarlwasamongthe firstSouthSideresidentstogetsolarunderthatprogramin2020,andshehopesher neighborsareinspiredtodothesame.QualifyingChicagoanscanalsogetfreetraining in solar jobs under Illinois Solar for All, and get hired for local solar installations.

TheExelonsolarfarmisanimportantsourceofcleanenergy,butindividualChicagoansandthegridasawholebenefitevenmorewhensmallersolarinstallations arescatteredonrooftopsthroughoutneighborhoods.Thatwayindividualhouseholds cangetthebillsavingsfromsolar,ratherthanessentiallybuyingsolarenergyfromthe massivecompanythatgot$700millionintaxpayer-fundedsubsidiesintherecentenergybill.Aslocalleaderssay,solarinstallationsandsolarjobsontheSouthSidewould beonewaytocontinuethetransitionfromanindustrial“sacrificezone”burdenedby pollution to a leader in the clean energy economy. (Kari Lydersen)

Exelon Solar Plant, 201W. 120th St.

BESTURBANFARMERS

UrbanGrowers Collective

“Eat

Irememberthisphrasebeingsaidyearsagoinmanyhouseholdsalloverthecountry.Breakfast,lunch,anddinnerfoodshavechangedthroughtheyears,butweallneed nourishmentofsometypeonadailybasis.Yetthethoughtofhavingandmakinggood useoffreshvegetablesandfruitisnotwhatmanydesiretoeat.Ithelpsthough,when fruitsandveggiesaregrownandharvestednearby.Farm-freshproduceislow-calorie andnutrient-dense.Healthprofessionalshavefoundthatgrowingfoodcropsinand nearyourneighborhoodcontributestoahealthiercommunityoverall,becausethisengagesresidentsinworkandrecreationthatimprovespublicandindividualwellbeing. Theybringpeopletogether,helphealacommunity,andfostersasenseofpurposefor peoplewhosimplywanttocontributetosocietyandtheirneighborhoods.Plus,when youtakeadvantageofneighborhoodgardensandfarmsyousavemoney,whichcan free up funds you have to buy other foodstuffs or meet other household needs.

UrbanGrowersCollectiveaimstomakeallthisarealityforasmanyChicagoans

aspossible.WithsevenfarmsacrosstheSouthSide,includingatwo-acrebeesanctuaryatAltgeldGardens,plusateachingfarmsmackdowntowninGrantPark,the nonprofitorganizationisplantingtheseedsofhealthyeatingallovertown.Theyalso runafarmstandinnearbySouthChicago,andtheFreshMovesMobileMarket,a busthathasbeenconvertedintoamobilefarmers’market.Theirgoalistobringfood justiceandjustplaingoodfoodtoBlackandbrowncommunitiesthatdon’totherwisehaveaccesstoaffordablefreshfruitsandvegetables—andaimtoraiseawareness throughapprenticeships,farmtours,andworkshops.Thiscommunityneedstoeat healthierdaily.Butifyoustilldon’twanttoeatyourvegetables,whynotgocheckout oneofUrbanGrowersCollective’sfarmsandseeallthehardworkothersareputting forth to make this happen foryou and your neighbors. (Phyllis Soriano)

Multiplelocations.urbangrowerscollective.org

BESTENVIRONMENTALJUSTICEORGANIZATION

PeopleforCommunityRecovery

Peoplefor CommunityRecovery isan organization focused oncombating environmentalissues forresidents of the Altgeld Gardenscommunity. Activist HazelJohnson,whocurrent outreach specialist Beria Hampton calls“the mother ofenvironmental justice,” founded PCRin1979. Johnsonconducted a health study and realized the vast amount of waste and toxicmaterials in her heavilyindustrial neighborhood were negatively impacting the health of the community. Fordecades PCR has fought to bringclean air and water to the FarSoutheast Side—where the high concentration of polluters surroundingAltgeld Gardens led Johnsonto coin the term“thetoxicdonut”---and has donemuch to raise awareness of the intersectionalityof race andclass with environmental justice.

SincemovingtoAltgeldGardensin1985,Hamptonherselfhasbeenawitness toJohnson’sincredibleleadershipandhasbeeninvolvedwithPeopleforCommunity Recoverysinceshewasachild.“ThenIdidn’tunderstandalotofthethings[PCR] wasdoingbecauseIwasakid,”sheexplainedtome.Butshesawhowherownmother adoredtheorganizationandconstantlyvolunteered,soHamptoncontinuedtolearn and do the groundwork, like passing out flyersandprotesting atCityHall.

AlthoughHamptonoriginallystudiedchemicalengineering,shedecidedtoshift herjobprioritiesandnowworksforPCRfull-time.Inadditiontobeingtheoutreach specialist,sheisalsoayouthdevelopmentcoach,aroleinwhichshestrivestoreduce violencewithinthecommunity.“I’mallovertheplaceallthetime,”shejoked.“Iwear manydifferent hats in this organization.”

HamptonaddedthatoneofPCR’srecentbiggestaccomplishmentswas stoppingthedemolitionofthehistoricCBuildingintheircommunity.Now,the teamisbrainstormingwaystheycanrestorethebuilding,suchascuratingamuseum honoringHazelJohnson’sworkandopeninganaccessiblegrocerystoreforAltgeld Gardensresidents.

SinceHazelJohnson’spassingin2011,Hazel’sdaughterCherylJohnsonhasbecomeexecutivedirectorandhasworkedhardtocontinuehermother’smission.Some ofthecurrentprojectsincludehealthrecoverymutualaid,installationofsolarpanels, economicdevelopment,affordablehousing,andofcoursepreservingthelegacyof HazelJohnson.Eventhoughthepandemichasbroughtnewchallengestotheorganization,PCRisstillasstrongasever.Theorganizationisalsoconstantlylookingfor volunteersforphonebankingandotherprojects,andHamptonstressedthatsheunderstandsthateveryonehasalotofresponsibilitiessoPCRisflexiblewithhowmuch individuals want to get involved. (LaurenJohnson)

See peopleforcommunityrecovery.orgfor more.

WOODLAWN

Compiled by Max Blaisdell, NeighborhoodCaptain

MaxBlaisdellisaneducatorandbasketballcoachbasedinHydePark.Heisoriginally fromNewYorkCityandlaterservedinPeaceCorpsMorocco.Helastreported“ERDoctor Conveys Health Inequities at South Side Hospital” for theWeekly.

WalkingintothesanctuaryofWoodlawn’sFirstPresbyterianChurchof ChicagoonaMondayafternooninmidsummer,Istoodadmiringthe stained-glasswindowswithPastorDavidBlack,sunlightilluminatingthe panesinadazzlingarrayofcolors.Heremarkedonthespecialfeaturesthatreflected theradicaltraditionofhischurch:theall-femalepanelsinthearchoverthedoorway, thebeehivesymbolizingthelabormovement,andthedepictionofJesusascarpenter, a nod to his working-class roots.

Hecommentedonunplanneddetailstoo—bulletholespockmarkingthepanes and the slightly dulling effect of the panes’ plexiglass backings.

EarlierIhadaskedBlackhowhe’dfirstformedrelationshipsinthecommunity whenhemovedtoChicagofromNewYorkintheearlydaysofthepandemic.His recentchangeinresidencecomesafteraperipateticchildhoodbouncingaroundEasternEuropeandtwoyearsasapastorandcommunityorganizerinNewYorkCity, including at Riverside Church near Harlem.

“Gettingintegratedintothecommunityandgettingtoknowpeoplewasreally afunprocess.Itdidn'tfeellikeahugeexertion.Itwasjustlikeyoukeepshowingup, keepaskingpeopletheirnames,whotheyare,andtheirstoriesandpeopleareopen to sharing that.”

Black, who is white, is young and affable.

“I'malsoreallyprivilegedtobethepastorofthischurchbecausepeopleinthis community know this church and they know this church’s history,” said Black.

Thathistoryisauniqueandfascinatingone.AsBlacksaid:“EverypartofChicago history was a part of the church’s history.”

FirstPresbyterian,theoldestcontinuouscongregationinChicago,hasbeen aroundfor189years,callingsixdifferentbuildingshome.TheonlyphysicalitemcarriedfromitsfirstlocationinoldFortDearbornallthewaythroughtoitscurrentone on64thStreetandKimbarkAvenueisawoodenbeamthatlooksnotmuchworsefor wear than the newer beams that were installed in 1927.

Foundedasanabolitionistinstitution,thechurch’spastorsdeclaimedtheevilsof slaveryfromtheirpulpitsinfire-and-brimstonestyle.FollowingtheCivilWarand theassassinationofherhusband,MaryToddLincolncalledFirstPresbyterianher houseofworship,accordingtoBlack.Thesocialjusticetraditionofthechurchcontinuedwiththefoundingofthefirstpublicschoolandthefirstinterracialclassroomin Chicago.Andagainstreligiousintolerance,FirstPresbyterianhostedthe1893First ParliamentofWorldReligions,aninterfaithforumthatremainsoneoftheworld’s most important.

FirstPresbyterianmadeitsmovetoWoodlawnbackin1926,constructingthe AmericanGothiccathedralthatstilltowersoverrooftopsandtreetops.Butjustas Lincoln,quotingtheBible,famouslydeclaimedfromthestatehouseinSpringfield that“ahousedividedagainstitselfcannotstand,”sothechurchcouldnotholdtogetheramidincreasingdiscordinitscongregationconcerningwhethertoacceptBlack members,evenastheneighborhoodbecameincreasinglyBlackdemographicallybecause of the Second Great Migration.

Whenthechurch’sleadershipdecidedtogoaheadwiththeirintegrationplanin 1953,halfofthewhitecongregationupandleftforthesuburbs,takingwiththema hugesumoffunding.Thatmayhavebeenablessingindisguise,asthechurchreturned toitsradicalroots,introducinganinterracialteamofpastors,andinvitingactivistSaul AlinskytoleadcommunityoppositiontotheUniversityofChicago’splanstobuyup the neighborhood.

Foratime,thechurchprovidedrefugetomembersoftheneighborhoodgangs. “ItwascommonknowledgethattheBlackstoneRangerswerehere,”saidBlack. TheRangers’rivals,theGangsterDisciples,sometimesshotuptheplace,hopinga bulletmightstrikethelikesofRangers’leaderJeffFort.Thishappenedeventhough theChicagoPoliceDepartmentandtheFBIknewoftheRangers’presence,having previouslyallowedthechurchtosetupaweaponscachefortherivalgangsintheir mainvaultinanattempttoreducetheinternecineviolencebysafeguardingtheir weapons.

Foratime,thechurchgavetheRangersuseoftheirsecond-floorbasketballcourt, whichtheypaintedinthecolorsoftheBlackPowerMovement:red,black,andgreen. Fort, seated in an ersatz throne, held court with his supplicants there, planning

PHOTOBYREEMASALEH

projectstodevelopandkeeptheneighborhoodsafeusingfundsfromtheJohnson Administration’s“War on Poverty.”

Now,anewchapterofWoodlawnhistoryisunfolding,withconstructionofthe ObamaPresidentialCenterunderwayandwithorganizerscontinuingtheiryearslongfightforananti-displacementplanforlongtimeresidents;in2020,theirefforts culminatedinthepassageofanordinancecommittingtodevelopingaffordable housing and other provisions forWoodlawn tenants and homeowners.

FirstPresbyterianremainsasourceofstabilityamidthefluxandchange. Neighborsandparishionersofthechurchtendthethrivingcommunitygardenthat hasexistedinsomeformsincethe1970s,volunteersandresidentscometogetherfor aweeklyfoodpantry,andBlackstandsatthedoorreadytowelcomeyouanytimeyou happen to stopby. (Max Blaisdell)

BESTPEACEFULSPOTHIDDENINPLAIN SIGHT

ThePier at the 63rdStreet Beach

Thepieratthe63rdStreetBeachisshapedlikeanenormouselbow,extendingfarout intoLakeMichigan.It’ssothinandnarrowthatwhenIridemybikealongit,Ihave toremindmyselfnottoridetooclosetotheedgelestIfalloffintothebluewaters.The pathtothepierisunmarked,flankedbytallgrassesgrowingoutofloose,sandysoil, reminiscent of the shorelines of CapeCodorMontauk from my native East Coast.

Therearetwoenormoustowersonthepierthathaveelectricalequipmentand lightsonthem.Theirwroughtironladderscouldeasilybescaled,justasonemight havescaledthemastofanenormoussailingshiponthewatersofLakeMichiganin theerabeforesteampower,backwhenthetradeinfurswastheprincipaleconomic raison d’etre for the white settlement of Chicago.

Therearemetalrailsextendingthefirstpartofthepierandwoodenpanelswhere fishermencanresttheirpoles.ThatlengthofthepierfacessouthtowardsLaRabida Children’sHospital,withtheSouthShoreCulturalCentervisibleintheneardistance, andfurtheroffthestacksoftheGarysteelworkspuffingtheirplumesofsmokeinto theatmosphere like a pair of old cronies chomping on cigars whileyacking away.

Asyouturnlefttotheoutersectionofthepier,youfacenorth,bringing PromontoryPointandthewholeskylineoftheLoopintoview.Thepiernowhasno guardrailsalongeitherside,onlyonedownthemiddle,anditendssoabruptlythat,as you’rewalkingtowardstheouteredge,youcouldimaginecontinuingyourstrollonto the water likea modern-day Jesus.

Irarelyseeanotherpersononthepier.Thiscomesasasurprisetomegivenhow muchcitylifecanoppressandburdenitsdenizenswithallitsnoise,heat,andchaos. Toescapeandfindapieceofpeaceamidthedinanddazeofthecityisararitythat can be found at this pier.

Theclamorofthecitylowersfromthevolumeofashouttoawhisper,onethat isequaltothesteadysusurrationofwaterlappingagainsttheconcretewallsofthe pier.ThelimpidblueofLakeMichiganedgesintoahorizonofgossamergrayclouds pinned beneath the immense cerulean sky.

Whetheritbeimpromptuencounterswithpeopleofthenegativekind,the claustrophobiainducedbywalkingbetweenenormousbuildings,oranindescribable happeningontheLorbusridehome,cometothepieratthe63rdStreetBeachfora bit of serenity. (Max Blaisdell)

BESTGHOSTKITCHENTURNEDSIT-DOWNRESTAURANT

Lloyd’s Upscale Street Food

IhadthepleasureofcominguponLloyd’sUpscaleStreetFoodasabeautifuloasis duringahot(and,let’sbehonest,sweaty)summerbikeride.Lloyd’ssitslikeabeacon onthecornerof61standEberhardt,inabuildingcladbeautifullyinwhiteandgreen glazed terra cotta tile.

Lloyd’shasavibrantpresenceandaclean,modernaesthetic.LoudR&Bmusic spillsoutofthisspot,whichisasgoodforacoffeeasitisforaheartymeal.Lloyd’s menu has pasta, tacos, and burgers, as well assome outstanding salads andappetizers.

Toquenchmythirst,Iorderedacaramelicedcoffeewithoatmilk,aburratasalad, andsomegarlicparmesanfries.Thefoodthatcameoutwashotandfresh.Thosethree thingswereexactlywhatIneededtopowermeupformybikeridehome.Iwasalso extremelypleasedtofindIcouldfeedmybougiesideandmyconstantly-cravingfresh-fries side all at the same time.The iced coffee was, in a word, amazing.

Maybeitwastheheat,buteverythingfromtheboldcoffeeflavortothesweet carameljusthitthespot.Really,itcouldn’thavejustbeentheheat.Itwasasolidcoffee.

Duringalatervisit,ImetoneofthethreeownersofLloyd’s:LaiMcCoy.McCoy hasbeencookingprofessionallysince2015.AfteryearsworkingwiththeChicago ParkDistrict,McCoystartedLloyd’sinFebruary2021.Theyinitiallyworkedoutofa series ofghost kitchens in LoganSquare and South Loop.

TherestaurantisnamedforMcCoy’sgrandfather,Lloyd,wholovedtoeatthe foodLaicooked.McCoy’svisionistoprovidesomethingdifferent,agatheringspace, forthepeopleofWoodlawn.McCoyenvisionsacenterpieceforthecommunityanda showcaseforthearts,suchasspokenword,painting,andlivemusic.Theycurrentlydo brunchonSaturdays,andwillbehavingafter-hoursgatheringstwiceamonthstarting onSeptember2ndfrom7pmtomidnight.Inthelongterm,expecttoseefoodtrucks andadditionallocationsofLloyd’sUpscaleStreetFood.(SmithaC.Vasan)

Lloyd’sUpscaleStreetFood,501E.61stSt.OpenMondaythroughFriday,9am–5pm; Saturday,11am–5pm.SeewebsiteforLloyd’sAfterDarkannouncements.$5–22.(224) 489-0937. facebook.com/cheflaimccoy

JohnnyTwist Historical Blues Museum

BESTBACON,EGG,ANDCHEESEFORTHEHOMESICK NEWYORKER

Robust Coffee Lounge

OnahotmidsummerMondayafternoon,peoplecontinuouslybustlethroughRobust CoffeeLoungeonthecornerof63rdStreetandWoodlawnAve.intheirshortsand tees.Anurseindarkbluescrubsisnestledinanarmchairbytheentrancedozing peacefully,perhapsafteralate-nightshift.“Order91,order91,”callstheserver,and thenursejoltsawakefromhercatnapandgrabshersammie,preppedfreshtoorder in under five minutes.

“(YouMakeMeFeelLike)aNaturalWoman”assungbyArethaFranklinblares overthespeakersandaTVonthewalldisplaysacookingshow,buildingmouth-wateringanticipationwithinthecustomerswhohaveyettoorder.Thewhirofthecoffeegrinderbehindthecorrugatedmetalcountersmatchestheindustrialdécorofthe space—exposedvents,newspaperprintwallpaper,streetsignsadorningthewallsinstead of paintings, and floor-to-ceiling concrete columns.

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Near the corner of 64th and Cottage Grove sits the JohnnyTwist Historical Blues Museum; it’s incredibly difficult to miss.The brick facade can barely be seen behind the slew of rainbow posters that read“Black Love Is Power” and“The Black Shoe Delta Blues.” In addition to the colorful posters across the front of the museum, there are several racks of beautiful clothing, accessories, and posters that can be purchased as well.

Thefrontofthismuseumgivesyoujustatasteoftherich,artifact-packedmuseumjustbeyondthefrontdoor.Thereisasinglenarrowpathwaythroughthemuseum andwhereyou’llbesurroundedbynewspaperclippings,photographs,magazinecovers,posters,andartifactsfromTwist’stimeasarock-a-boogiebluessuperstar.Twist himselfguidesyouthroughthemuseum,firstestablishinghimselfasaprominent bluesstar,andifyoustilldoubthisstardom,hehasastockpileofnewspaperclippings andmagazinearticleswrittenabouthimfromtheChicagoDefenderandtheWeekly.

Throughoutthetour,Twistwelcomesquestionsabouthiscollectionandishappy tosharehiscontributionstoandknowledgeaboutblueshistory.Asheexplainsthe meaningbehindthevariousartifactsofthemuseum,hesometimessighswithnostalgia.Twisthighlightsmanyofthepeoplewhomadebluesthelegendarymusicgenreit istoday.Hismuseumkeepstheirlegaciesalivebysharingwithguestsstoriesofthose who have passed.

Atfirstglance,thismuseumappearstobeanassortmentofrandomobjectsbut themuseumtrulycomestolifeonceyou’veexperienceditalongsideTwisthimselfas heexplainstheirsignificance.It’scalledtheJohnnyTwistBluesMuseumforareason! Twist’sguidanceandknowledgegivesmeaningtothemuseum,anexperiencethat would be difficult to find anywhere else.

Leavingthemuseumisalmostasstrangeasenteringit,youstepbacktorealityandleavethecrampedstorefrontbehind.Thismuseumleavesalastingimpacton youthough.YouwillfindyourselfthinkingbackonTwist’squirksandsmalltrinkets aroundthemuseum.TheJohnnyTwistBluesMuseumismorethanamuseum,it’sthe history of an entire people and genre all in one place. (MoThornton)

JohnnyTwist Blues Museum, 6455 S. Cottage Grove Ave. $5. Open Monday through Saturday, 11am–5pm. (312) 779-411

Anold-fashionedgumballmachinethattakesquartersandanarrayofloose-leaf teasinglassjarslendsatimewornfeeltothespace,despitebeingfoundedin2009. Thebackroom,largerthanthespaceoutinfront,hasleatherboothsalongtheeast-facingwindowsandabackwallwithhugedrapestoblockoutlightfromtherisingsun, which,whendrawn,evokethebackroomsoftheoldSouthSide,obscureplaceswhere deals might be struck between the mafiosos and political heavies.

FromwhereIstandlookingupatRobust’sblackboardmenu,thereareeightdifferentbreakfastoptionsandaplethoraofsandwichesfeatured,allletteredinwhite chalkbyapracticedhand,maybethatofaformerschoolteacher.ThereasonI’dstopped by,though,wasnottoadmiretheirsignageorgawkatthecrowd,buttosinkmyteeth intoanotherpipinghotbacon,egg,andcheesebreakfastsandwich,onesogoodit cured my friends from NewYork of their hangovers just a few days before.

Thebacon,egg,andcheese(madewithAmerican,notcheddaroranyotherMidwesternfromage)isaNewYorkCitystaple,onethat“chasesoffanyremainingmorningdemonsandclearsthewayforwhateverfreshdemonsarewaitingatwork,”accordingtooneNewYorkTimesfoodcritic.ComparableonlytotheSubwayandcounter slicesof‘za,thebacon,egg,andcheesealsopullsofftheremarkablefeatofnotdividing NewYorkersalongthelinesofclass,ethnicity,orneighborhoodinacityprofoundly segregated in ways Chicagoans are surely familiar with.

Afteremergingfromthekitchenwithfreshlywashedhands,JakeSapstein,the co-owner,toldmethatthebacon,egg,andcheeseisRobust’sbest-sellingmenuitem. ThoughIdidn’tsayit,Iwantedtotellhimthatmytastebudsfeltvalidatedbythisfact.

SapsteinandhishusbanddecidedtostartRobustaftertheywerelaidofffrom theircorporatejobsinthewakeofthe2008financialcrisis.Usingmoneyfromtheir 401(k)s,theydecidedtobumpuptheirretirementdreamsofopeninganeighborhood coffee shop rather than searching for other work.

Having worked eight-hour shifts every day in an understaffed cafe since the start ofthepandemic,Sapsteinsaidthathewasfinallyinstitutingdaysoffforhimself,starting,well…soon.“Rightnow,we'rejustthankfulforthehelpthatwehave.Everybody's definitelybeingstretchedthin.Everybody'sdefinitelyputtingintheirmosteffort[because] this is the most productive staff that we've had.”

Curioustouncoverthesecretofhowtheymakesuchgoodbacon,egg,andcheeses,Iwastemptedtosubmitajobapplicationmyself.ButthenIthoughtsomebeloved things—maybe all things beloved—are better left a mystery. (Max Blaisdell)

RobustCoffeeLounge,6300S.WoodlawnAve.Opendaily,7am–3pm.$2.75–$12.95. (773) 891-4240

WOODLAWN

BESTMCNUGGETOFHISTORY

McDonald’s Restaurant

You’vedrivensouthonStonyIslandAvenue—maybeonyourwaytothePullman NationalMonumentforahistorytourorto lluponsomesmokedandfried sh atthevenerableCalumetFisheries.Ormaybeonyourwaytoadipatthe63rd StreetBeachortotakeastrollthroughJacksonPark.Whateverthecasemaybe, ifyou’vetakenthisroute,you’vepassedaMcDonald’sthatfromtheoutsideisas unremarkableasanyotherofthe38,000locationsyoucan ndanywherearoundthe globe.Andifyou’veorderedfoodfromthedrivethrough,you’ll ndthatthefoodis no di erentfromthatofany other ofChicago’s111McDonald’s.

Indeed,thatisoneoftheenduringappealsoffast-foodchainslikeMcDonald’s—nomatterwhichoneyougoto,youcanorderaBigMacanditwilltaste exactlyliketheBigMacyouscarfeddowndecadesagowhenyouwereakidwithan insatiableappetite.

Butwhatbeliestheunexceptionalappearanceandmenuo eringsofthisparticularMcDonald’s,isthatthisspotisthevery rstBlack-owned-and-operated McDonald’sfranchiseinthecountry.HermanPettyopenedthefranchisein1968 duringtheheydayofthecivilrightserawhenthereweregrowingcallsforBlack ownershipofbusinesses,andtherestaurantwaslaterpurchasedbyYolandaTravisin 2007,keepingitinBlackhands.

“Makenomistake—HermanPettywasatruehistorymakerandrisktaker. Whenhepurchasedthestore,itmeantthatAfricanAmericanscouldinvestinand strengthenourcommunities,andwe’vebeendoingthateversince,”Travissaidinan interview withBlock Club Chicago.

Ifyouwalkinside,thatmuchisabundantlyclear.AlGreenandMarvinGaye playoverspeakers,whilelife-sizephotosofBlackchildrenbeamatcustomers.Near theback,alargebronzeplaquedisplaysthenamesofallthecurrentBlackMcDonald’sowner-operators,recognizingtheircontributionstothegrowthandpermanence ofthe GoldenArcheschain.

MeremilesawayfromTravis’soutpostistheseatofMcDonald’sglobaloperations,theheadquartersfromwhichstrategicmarketingandsupplychaindecisions getmade. eirtrainingprogramforaspiringfranchiseowners,HamburgerUniversity, is also run out of those same o cesinFultonMarket.

Forthecorporateexecutivesofthelate1960s,placingaMcDonald’sunder Blackleadershiphadlesstodowithaltruisticmotivesandmoretodowithself-interest—withwhiteownersandemployeesdesertingneighborhoods,McDonald’s neededpeopleto llthosevacantrestaurantsandpositions.Andatthesametime asChicago’sSouthandWestSideswentintoseriouseconomicdeclinebecauseof disinvestmentandthe ightofindustry,McDonald’sbene ttedfrommassivefederal investmentsinnewhighwaysthatcutapartneighborhoods,creatingfooddeserts whereresidentswouldhavenochoicebutto eat outattheir restaurants.

Today,BlackfranchiseeslikeTravisarestrugglingtoholdontotheirbusinesses andtokeeptheirdreamsofmakingafortuneo fryingpattiesalive,evenascorporatepro tshitall-timehighs.BasedondocumentsfromtheNationalBlackMcDonald’sOwnersAssociation,thenumberofBlackowner-operatorsdeclinedfrom 304outletstoonly222from2008to2017.Whatexplainsthatdrop?Apparently,the gapincash owbetweenthetypicalMcDonald’sfranchiseandBlack-ownedones haswidenedfrom$24,600amonthto$60,600overthe veyears preceding 2017.

SoifMcDonald’scorporateistoliveuptothecommitmentsmadeinitsmarketingblitzinsupportofBlackLivesMatterafterthemurderofGeorgeFloyd in2020,ithadbetterreinvestitspro tswhereitsbunsareanddomoreforBlack franchiseownerstominimizethecash owgap—butitshouldalsoaccedetothe demandsofitsBlackandbrownworkersintheir ghtforpaidleaveandbasicworkplace protections. (Max Blaisdell)

McDonald’s, 6560S.StonyIslandAve.Open24/7.(773) 493-5800