Forest Park Review 10/06/21

GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA, NFP ForestParkReview.com Vol. 104, No. 40

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F O R E S T PA R K

REVIEW OCTOBER 6, 2021

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Forest Park event moratorium expired. What comes now?

Kribi Coffee gets OK for open mic events under old regs

By IGOR STUDENKOV Contributing Reporter

Forest Park’s moratorium on public place of amusement licenses was allowed to expire as the village council continued to grapple with updating the ordinance regulating live performances and events in bars and restaurants.

Under the village’s municipal code, bars and restaurants have to apply for amusement licenses any time they want to host a performance so that Forest Park officials have a chance to review it. In practice, the provision hasn’t been enforced for many years.

On July 2, the village council approved a moratorium on issuing amusement licenses until Sept. 6, to give the village time to come up with something that wouldn’t require quite as much micromanaging while still giving the village some oversight. While the commissioners have been discussing the ordinance, they didn’t finalize anything by the time the moratorium expired.

The issue came up during the Sept. 27 village council meeting, when the commissioners considered Kribi Coffee’s Sept. 15 amusement license application for several events. Most commissioners agreed that, while the new ordinance was still needed, it wouldn’t be fair to make the café wait until they sort it out.

Commissioner Joe Byrnes voted against, saying it wouldn’t be fair to make Kribi subject to the old rules See KRIBI COFFEE on page 13

JILL WAGNER

INVASION OF THE SCARECROWS: Waiting for his true love’s kiss, Turnip-Head, from the animated “Howl’s Moving Castle,” greets sightseers on the 400 block of Circle.

Who’s scared of scarecrows?

‘Invasion’ a fun-raiser for history and the arts

By JILL WAGNER Contributing Reporter

“Well, my father would tell me the story of Anansi as a child,” said Seowa Gblala, “it was a story about communication, honesty and decision making.”

Anansi, a West African folklore hero,

IN Big Week . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 THIS Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 ISSUE Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

triumphs over foes using his cunning skills and creativity. The story she was told as a little girl explained the small abdomen of the spider. “Anansi was stretched till he was skinny in the middle because he had a wife in each town. Each wife had a web they would pull when they needed him and as they

A note from the publisher PAGE 14

pulled on his web, in two different directions, he became thin at the waist.”

The arachnid is the star of Gblala’s scarecrow display on the 100 block of Rockford.

All over Forest Park there are scarecrows popping up. Some of the inspiraSee SCARECROWS on page 8

Tom Holmes: Coffee klatch over R. Kelly PAGE 14

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Forest Park Review, October 6, 2021

We care about our neighbors Oak Park Regional Housing Center | 1041 South Blvd, Oak Park | (708) 848-7150 | oprhc.org

Forest Park Review, October 6, 2021

Saying goodbye to JVP, the FP leprechaun Jim; and four children, Bridget, Grace, Margaret and John.

He was born and raised in Villa Park and lived in Brandywine Village Apartments, a townhouse community that featured a pool. He loved swimming and excelled at sports, becoming a star wrestler at Montini High School and playing on the football team. He went on to take courses at the College of DuPage in firefighting and paramedic training.

Van Petten started his firefighting career at the Oakbrook Terrace FD, before joining Forest Park 18 years ago. Mary Ann said JVP saw some terrible things during the course of his career and would remind her to, “Buckle up, Mom,” when she was driving. She had lost her husband, Tom, in a car accident, when Van Petten was 5. As an adult, JVP did his best to help her out, bringing groceries and cooking meals.

He was her “go to” if she needed help and his death has been a huge loss. She described her son as “the most charismatic person I ever met.” He never missed family gatherings and “lit up a room” when he walked in. He was humble and uncomplaining. Perhaps because of the tragedies he saw, Van Petten lived life to the fullest.

A “hands-on dad,” he was very devoted to his kids. His one regret as a firefighter was

Editor’s note: Due to editing errors in last week’s edition, we are printing a corrected version of John’s column. ur community suffered a terrible loss when Forest Park firefighter John Van Petten, died on Jan. 1, 2021. He was only 49 years old.

“JVP,” as he was known at the firehouse, was a larger-than-life figure who loved Forest Park.

The redhead had a colorful leprechaun costume and wore it as grand marshal of our St. Patrick’s Day Parade for the past five years.

He was also devoted to his fellow firefighters and served one term as union representative for Local 2753. Van Petten was known for cooking stuffed green peppers for the crew and lifting weights in their workout room.

Fire department members and Forest Park residents are invited to a funeral Mass for Van Petten. It will be held at Old St. Patrick’s Church, 700 W. Adams, Chicago, on Friday, Oct. 8, at 10 a.m.

The church is an appropriate setting because his “Irish twin” Megan recalled her younger brother was “very Irish and very Catholic.” Born 15 months and one day apart, they remained close throughout his lifetime. Van Petten also leaves behind his mother, Mary Ann; his brothers, Tom and

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JOHN RICE

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that his schedule prevented him from coaching their youth sports teams. He had wanted to purchase property in Forest Park but didn’t because it wouldn’t have been convenient to his children’s school. Van Petten had a giving soul and was naturally helpful, assisting neighbors with their groceries.

He was also a peacemaker, urging family members to “hug it out” when they had differences. He embraced Irish culture and music and was a passionate fan of Notre Dame football, a “character” who dressed up for football and baseball games. As Mary Ann said, “He loved life and had a blast!”

October is “Fire Prevention Month” and a time when we think of the men and women who work to keep us safe from the ravages of fire. Sometimes we forget the personal toll it takes on our fire and police personnel when they respond to tragedies.

I never had the privilege of meeting John Van Petten or getting to know him. But as a member of the community he served, I would like to say “RIP, JVP.”

REVIEW Senior Editor Bob Uphues Equity Editor/Ombudsman Michael Romain Digital Publishing & Technology Manager Briana Higgins Contributing Reporters Tom Holmes, John Rice, Bob Skolnik, Jackie Glosniak, Robert J. Lifka Columnists Alan Brouilette, Jill Wagner, Tom Holmes, John Rice Food Editor Melissa Elsmo Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea Designer Susan McKelvey Sales and Marketing Representatives Lourdes Nicholls, Marc Stopeck Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan Development & Sales Coordinator Stacy Coleman Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Publisher Dan Haley Business Manager Joyce Minich

GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA

JOHN VAN PETTEN

Board of Directors Chair Judy Greffin Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer

T I M E

Generations of giving Sharing and caring for a good cause is a staple in Forest Park. Forest Park Firefighter- Paramedics donated $400 to the Forest Park Food Pantry as part of the “Needy Family Thanksgiving and Christmas Drive” lead by Cindy Lyons, Director of the Mohr Community Center.

A cooperative effort between several other village organizations such as the Kiwanis Club, the Forest Park Food pantry, churches and schools, in order to give everyone the chance to have a joyful holiday season, was led by the central hub, the Community Center. In addition, residents could fill out an application at the center and be on the list for Thanksgiving distribution and Christmas distribution.

In addition to collecting food, toys and clothing the Community Center raised $12,000 that year in order to purchase the items that are not received through donations. Deliveries were made the days before Thanksgiving and Christmas.

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Frank Pinc- November 19, 1997 Forest Park Review archives

Paramedics, donating $400 to the Forest Park Food Pantry in 1997. (Pictured left to right) Rick Wolf, Brian Pope, Cindy Lyons, Dave Caeron, Darren Boyce and Scott Gaul.

Share photos on Instagram using #fpreview or email alex@oakpark.com.

All photos become property of Forest Park Review for possible future use in print or digital capacities.

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Forest Park Review, October 6, 2021

October 6-13

BIG WEEK Leaf pickup has begun The village of Forest Park offers a convenient opportunity for residents to dispose of leaves during the fall season.

The Public Works Department Leaf Removal Program runs through Dec. 1 and there’s no added cost for this service.

Raked your leaves to the curbside into the street gutters, and they’ll be removed by public works employees based on the zoned leaf pickup schedule (available at forestpark.net).

Leaf removal is limited to leaves -- no grass clippings, bags or tree limbs allowed.

Invasion of the scarecrows Throughout the month of October visit the decorative scarecrows placed throughout Forest Park through a partnership between the Forest Park Arts Alliance and the Historical Society of Forest Park.

Visit forestparkhistory.org for a map or pick one up at Ed’s Way, 946 Beloit Ave., or Centuries and Sleuths, 7419 Madison St. Vote for Most Artistic, Most Historical, Most Forest Park Pride and Best in Show before Oct. 31.

Reversing inequity Forest Park Public Library hosts author and researcher Richard Rothstein as he presents “The Color of Law and Reversing Segregation,” a special Zoom webinar on Wednesday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m.

Rothstein will discuss his book “Color of Law” which examines policies that led to racial segregation in American communities and what can be done to reverse these practices and work towards racial equity. Register for zoom link at tinyurl.com/3m5z7k3y.

Senior day trip to Amish country Day trips for senior citizens are returning through the Howard Mohr Community Center, 7640 Jackson Blvd.

Travel to Shipshewana, Indiana, for a one-of-a-kind destination to experience the simplicity of Amish culture. Enjoy the scenic backroads with horse-drawn carriages and tidy farmsteads.

The tour includes goodies and four items from Amish stores. Bring a bag lunch, but prepare for an authentic Thresher meal at an Amish home.

The trip is Oct. 13 and the bus departs at 7:30 a.m. with expected return at 7:30 p.m.

Cost for residents is $130/$133 (non-residents).

Call 708-771-7737 for more information and to order a brochure listing all of the trips.

RICHARD ROTHSTEIN

Centuries and Sleuths hosts two authors Centuries & Sleuth bookstore, 7419 Madison St. is hosting an author event/book signing on Sunday, Oct. 10 at 2 p.m.

Michael A. Black (who writes under pen name of A.W. Hart) will talk about two novels in his Gunslinger series – “Killer’s Gamble” and “Killer’s Requiem” – while George Tackes will talk about the short stories “The Case of No Interest” and “The Accidental Death of Harry Lindfeld,” which comprise Volume 7 in his series “Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective.”

Books will be available for purchase and signing.

Forest Park Review, October 6, 2021

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ART BEAT

A memorial to the victims of deadly force

By MICHELE DYBAL

A

Arts Editor

rt, at times, speaks volumes. In the case of Gina Lee Robbins’ latest art exhibition, messages are whispered and shouted from her work. It consists of two separate installations, “Encounters” and “Relics,” which together make up “Tangled Up in Blue,” which is described as a meditation on Chicago-area encounters with law enforcement during the past 22 years that ended with a fatality. It is on view at Waubonsee Community College’s Sugar Grove Campus.

“When I got the news of 13-year-old Adam Toledo’s murder in Chicago last March, it went through me like an arrow,” Robbins says in her artist statement. In his photo, she saw a child reminiscent of children she has taught and her sons’ soccer teammates and classmates. This made her want “to understand how it is that interactions with law enforcement can have such lethal results.”

“Generally, when an incident really upsets, or confuses me, I seek out data to make sense of what seems completely senseless,” said Robbins, an Oak Park resident for 20 years who moved to Forest Park this summer. “I wanted to understand why the use of deadly force would be necessary, in this case and in general. I looked at accounts of law officers killed on duty, and in my research came across an organization that collects media reports of fatal encounters in the presence of law enforcement.”

Robbins turned to the nonprofit fatalencounters.org, which works to create “an impartial, comprehensive and searchable national database of people killed during interactions with

Photo Credit: Tonya Whitlock

ROUNDS: Close up of a section of the art installation, “Relics,” by Gina Lee Robbins. police,” according to their website.

She pored over every story of a life lost in the presence of law enforcement, ultimately focusing on Cook County in this century.

“These included fatalities due to officers using deadly force, officers using less than deadly force, bystanders or pursued suspects being killed in a vehicular pursuit, suicides and incidents of fatal violence or vehicular homicide — often due to DUI — by off-duty officers,” she said.

“Encounters is the result of my journey through this data,” Robbins’ says in her statement. “As I read each story, I rolled a small wad of porcelain clay in my hands. When I finished, I said the deceased’s name aloud, and made a fist, squeezing the clay in my palm. I repeated this process for all 624 individuals whose stories were reported.” She also wrote each name in a notebook.

In a final touch before firing, Robbins rubbed cobalt carbonate onto her hands and “loosely touched” the clay wads, which left remnants of blue after firing. For the installment, the individual pieces, each about 2.5 inches long,

Photo credit: Gina Lee Robbins

MEMORIAL: “Encounters” reflects on fatalities at the hands of law enforcement.

Photo credit: Gina Lee Robbins

REMEMBRANCE: “Tangled Up in Blue” is exhibited at Waubonsee Community College’s Sugar Grove Campus through Oct. 14. were strung on steel wire by the year each incident occurred. The wires are draped from the ceiling in the exhibit space, approximately 14 x 8 feet, suspended from a height of 8-9 feet.

“Relics is a more qualitative look at those stories, focusing on what might have been left behind by some of these victims,” Robbins said.

Her artist statement fills in the details. “I collected 13 items that were significant to the stories reported: a box cutter, fork, pellet gun, spent firecrackers, cardboard sign, beach ball, knife, automobile debris, pizza box, dust mop, screwdriver, stroller wheel and sleeping bag.

I shrouded each element individually, using cotton sheets and burlap that I had hand-dyed and torn. I then bound them with yarn and military thread in various shades of blue, working reclaimed 9 mm bullet casings into those whose stories involved the use of deadly force.”

The resulting elements in the display, each measuring 5-40 inches, placed on the floor of the exhibit, look bound, some evoking mummification. All are stained with police blue.

Bullet casings haunt the scene.

Robbins found working on this project differed from some of her other artmaking.

“This project was quite draining for me,” she said. “I have completed many other sculptures and installations that involved repetitive action, even some that also used sculptural elements to quantify data. But with this project, I really focused on the qualitative aspects behind the numbers. ... During the hours it took to create the pieces for both works, I couldn’t focus on anything but the stories and individuals affected. I couldn’t listen to background music, podcasts or audiobooks, which are all usual accompaniments to my art making.

“Although this is a representation of my very personal processing of these stories, I am sharing them in hopes that someone else might be equally impressed by the sheer numbers, or have their curiosity piqued by the ‘relics,’ leading them to also look a little more closely at the data and join me in questioning this system that is meant to keep us feeling safe,” she said.

“We as a species are such innovative problemsolvers. There has to be a better way.”

See Tangled Up in Blue through Oct. 14, Dickson Art Project Space, Waubonsee Community College’s Sugar Grove Campus, Route 47 at Waubonsee Dr., Sugar Grove.

The exhibit is viewable at all hours through the windows that enclose the project space.

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Forest Park Review, October 6, 2021

Filling remaining library board vacancy still a ways off Little impact on board governance, says director

By IGOR STUDENKOV Contributing Reporter

Now that the term lengths of Forest Park Public Library board members have been sorted out, it may be a few more months before a board seat that has been vacant for the past seven months will be filled.

The seat has been vacant since March 2021, when trustee Ayanna Brown moved out of Forest Park about half-way through her term. Mayor Rory Hoskins, who is responsible for appointing library board members, declined to give a firm timeline for when the vacancy might be filled, saying only that it would be about two months or less.

According to Pilar Shaker, library director, the vacancy hasn’t had any impact on the board’s business, since there are more than enough sitting trustees to have a quo-

rum. Shaker said that “having five instead of six [trustees] is not a significate issue” and that the board is still able to carry out all of its duties.

Hoskins said that, while he would fill it in “at some point,” he wasn’t sure how soon it would be. When pressed whether it would be a few weeks or a few months, he said that he expects to fill the vacancy “probably within the next two months, maybe sooner.”

Under the Illinois Local Library Act, in villages operating under the commission form of government, the village council is responsible for appointing the library trustees. In practice, Forest Park mayors have been the ones who appointed library trustees, with the village council simply voting on whether to confirm the appointments.

The library act states that trustees must be appointed on a staggered timeline, with

two trustees appointed one year, two appointed a year after that and two appointed on the third year. If a trustee leaves before completing their term, the council must appoint a replacement to serve out the rest of the term.

Over the years, the timing of the appointments slipped from the three-year appointment cycle. On Sept. 27, the village council adopted the ordinance that shortened some terms and lengthened others, so that two trustees’ terms will end in 2024, two trustees’ terms will end in 2025 and two trustees’ terms will end in 2026. Under those changes, whoever fills Brown’s seat will serve until May 13, 2024.

The Local Library Act requires the village council to fill the vacancy but doesn’t set any limits on how long a seat can remain vacant. The village municipal code and the

library bylaws are also silent on the matter.

The board had two vacancies as of June 2021, when Chantel Manzanares’ term expired – though, according to the meeting minutes, Manzanares was absent from March, April and May board meetings, a period when Brown had already resigned.

Hoskins didn’t fill Manzanares’ seat until Aug. 8, when he appointed Trustee Eboni Murray.

According to Article IV of the library bylaws, the board must have four trustees in attendance in order to have a quorum. But Shaker said that the quorum is actually based on the number of filled seats, with quorum set at three trustees while there are five filled seats, and that it will be four trustees once Brown’s seat is filled. According to the minutes, every 2021 meeting so far had at least four trustees in attendance.

Proviso East football stadium to be dedicated Oct. 10 District officials also selling bricks from new facility named after board member Theresa Kelly

By MICHAEL ROMAIN Editor

Proviso Township High School District 209 officials will dedicate the new Theresa L. Kelly Stadium at Proviso East, 807 S. 1st Ave. in Maywood, on Oct. 10, 1 p.m. The stadium dedication is free and open to the public.

A luncheon at the Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills, 3500 Midwest Road in Oak Brook, will take place at 3 p.m. that day. Tickets to the luncheon are $100.

Kelly is the longest-serving member of the D209 board, having been seated on the board 22 years THERESA L. KELLY ago.

The district has launched a Buy a Brick campaign, which allows people to purchase a piece of the old stadium, which was demolished last year. The proceeds from the campaign will go to the Board of Education Scholarship Foundation Fund.

The campaign offers five sponsorship levels: pennant, bronze, silver, gold and diamond. You can purchase a brick at: www.PTHS209.org/BuyA-Brick.

The D209 board voted 4-2 on Sept. 14 to accept Supt. James Henderson’s recommendation to name the stadium in honor of Kelly.

As previously reported, the old Proviso East football stadium was demolished late last year as part of the district’s facilities master plan process, which was launched under former D209 superintendent Jesse Rodriguez.

The stadium renovation is part of the first phase of master plan projects, which also included the construction of new parking lots at district schools, and the installation of air conditioning on some floors at Proviso East and West, among other extensive construction work.

CONTACT: michael@oakpark.com

Forest Park Review, October 6, 2021

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Forest Park Review, October 6, 2021

SCARECROWS

Where art meets history from page 1 tion came from movies, comic book heroes, historical personalities, ghoulish Halloween horrors, even the Golden Girls are on a rooftop and will be in the month long, “Invasion of the Scarecrows,” a fundraiser for the Historical Society of Forest Park and the Forest Park Arts Alliance.

Uli Leib, treasurer of the historical society, found inspiration for the Forest Park project in an international Facebook group called “view from my window.” In this group a photo was posted from a car window showing a scarecrow scene from Chester, New Hampshire. Leib was intrigued by the post and discovered the Chester Historical Society’s annual fundraiser -- selling scarecrow kits -- has transformed the town into a scarecrow display destination every October.

Leib took the idea to the society’s board “and they thought it was good to do it, and suggested we partner with the Arts Alliance, because they could bring an artistic flair to the event. We formed a committee and created kits similar to the kits from Chester,” said Leib.

Each $25 kit contains a cross to support the body of the scarecrow, a burlap head, a plastic bag to be stuffed inside the head, a paint kit, and instructions. “The idea is that people could save the scarecrows and use it the following year, add to their creation or group of scarecrows. The town of Chester is now up to 1,000 scarecrows, releasing 100 kits every year.”

The Arts Alliance volunteers, Lin Beribak, Karen Rozmus and Rick Wagner teamed up to sew the burlap heads in the kits and even offered their artistic skills to paint faces for those who wanted a “deluxe” model.

“Batscrow,” as he is affectionately known, is the dark knight watching over the 1500 block of Elgin, a silent guardian, a watchful protector.

“People gave us ideas,” Beribak, one of the painters of the deluxe model faces, said, “they made requests like, make it ‘fierce’ or ‘not scary’ and one person sent a photo of himself grimacing and his girlfriend rolling her eyes at him, for us to paint on, and we had fun with that.”

The kits sold out in a matter of weeks, and the profits were split between the two organizations. “We have learned a few things already from this year and have some tips for next year, including using a dish drainer for the chest of the scarecrow,” said Beribak.

The Altenheim senior residents had so much fun decorating their scarecrows, Pat

Businessman Adolph Louis Luetgert, buried at Forest Home Cemetery, who was known as the “Sausage Vat Murderer” after eliminating his second wife, Loisa Bicknese in 1897, invades the 500 block of Circle.

Ramirez said, “we ordered five scarecrows from the Historical Society and made an additional five more.”

Chris Lucnik, a volunteer, who helped put the scarecrows together and set up the grand display in the courtyard added, “we just had so much fun doing this project.”

The scarecrows are scheduled to be up throughout the month of October and locations are listed in both a printed map which can be picked up at Centuries and Sleuths bookstore, 7419 Madison St., or Ed’s Way, 946 Beloit, and are also available digitally through the websites of the Historical Society and Arts Alliance website.

There is a friendly contest connected to the invasion, with prizes awarded to the top vote getter in the categories, “Forest Park Pride,” “Most Artistic,” “Most Historical,” and “People’s Choice.” QR codes are availRose, Dorothy, Blanch and Sophia, from a roof on the 500 able on the printed maps or visitors can register their block of Elgin, gaze upon the stars. vote on the ForestParkHistory.org website. AdditionEdvard Munch’s “The Scream” which can ally, a bike tour to see all the scarecrows as a community group will be found on the 1500 block of Elgin.

Gblala plans on walking all of Forest be held Oct. 24 at 1 p.m. Registration is also Park to see all the scarecrows in town and available on the website.

To highlight Forest Park’s German heri- was proud to bring some of her Liberian tage, Leib donned her pair of scarecrows, heritage to the event and added, “Anansi is a Ferdinand and Hannah, with lederhosen story of community, and that is what Forest and they each have a stein outside her home Park is.”

Jill Wagner is a member of the board of on the 500 block of Beloit. Beribak found inspiration from Norwegian expressionist, the Historical Society of Forest Park.

Goal! This young scarecrow is dressed in the familiar Forest Park Youth Soccer jersey on the 1000 block of Ferdinand.

Forest Park Review, October 6, 2021

Uli Leib, the woman behind the scarecrow invasion, peers between Ferdinand and Hannah, on the 500 block of Beloit.

Mischievous Anansi and his father, Nyame, guard the lantern of the sky on 100 block of Rockford.

Arts Language Music Academy Our mission is to spark curiosity and creativity in young children while developing their essential life and academic skills. We use art, music, nature, and play to make meaningful connections with each other and the world around us.

Arts Language Music Academy is a women- and minority-founded 501(c)(3) preschool in Forest Park, IL. We currently serve families with children ages 3-6 from the surrounding west Chicago suburbs.

A.L.M.A. Open House every Sunday through October from 1-3pm.

Please RSVP through the contact form on our website or by email.

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The ogre, like an onion, has many layers, so don’t run in fear from the 900 block of Marengo. You will be protected by the Shrekrow.

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Forest Park Review, October 6, 2021

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C R I M E

Gun found in backpack flung into car by unknown man Forest Park police recovered a backpack containing a handgun, 21 rounds of ammunition and a bag of cannabis from the pavement in the 1000 block of Desplaines Avenue on the night of Sept. 24 after responding to a report of shots fired on that block at about 9:05 p.m.

While police did not report finding any evidence of shots fired in the area they did get a second call around the same time from a Chicago couple who were driving with their two small children southbound on Desplaines Avenue when they encountered a man standing in the middle of the street waving both arms.

As the vehicle slowed down, the man reportedly grabbed onto the driver’s side door frame and attempted to get into the car, saying, “He’s trying to kill me.” At some point, the man threw his backpack into the vehicle, which drove away. The passenger inside the vehicle then threw the backpack out of the window before calling police.

According to police, a second witness reported seeing a man matching the description given by the couple enter a red sedan driven by a woman. That vehicle traveled through the rear of a building in the 1000 block of Desplaines Avenue and left the area in an unknown direction. Police reported they did not receive any calls from any possible victim of a crime.

Knife allegedly brandished on train A 54-year-old Chicago man was given a local ordinance citation for assault after he allegedly brandished a knife during an altercation with a 33-year-old Plainfield man aboard a CTA train at the Forest Park Blue Line terminal, 711 Desplaines Ave. on Sept.

27 at about 12:15 a.m.

According to the police report, the victim was waiting for the train to depart the terminal when the offender took a speaker from him. When the victim confronted the man to get his speaker back, the man allegedly pulled out a knife from under his train seat and followed the victim, who called police, to the terminal’s exit.

The victim told police that he just wanted his speaker back and did not want to press charges. Police recovered the item, but ticketed the offender.

Vehicle break-ins ■ A resident of the 1100 block of Elgin Avenue called police to report that during the overnight hours of Sept. 27-28 someone entered her unlocked vehicle, which

was parked in the rear of the property and removed a wallet containing her driver’s license, Social Security card, medical cards and a debit card.

■ During the overnight hours of Sept. 2728, someone entered a vehicle and removed allergy medicine. While the owner reported locked the doors before leaving the vehicle overnight, she noticed the rear hatchback was partially open the following morning.

■ Police responded to the 1000 block of Harlem Avenue on the morning of Sept. 28 after a resident called to report that overnight someone entered an unlocked vehicle parked on a rear apron and removed a wallet containing identification and multiple credit cards.

Four small purchases totaling about $20, had been made using one of the cards at three different businesses.

■ A resident of the 1100 block of Harlem Avenue called police on the morning of Sept. 28 to report his car had been burglarized and that a security camera had captured the incident.

The video showed that at about 3 a.m. three people walking northbound in the alley and pulling car door handles in the parking lot behind the building. One of them is then seen picking up a rock and breaking a small passenger side window to gain entry. A second person then enters the vehicle and takes an OGIO gym backpack containing Adidas running shoes, a Nike shirt and Nike shorts.

Distracted driving leads to crash Forest Park police ticketed a 45-year-old Chicago man for using a cellphone while driving and damage to village property after he crashed his 2013 GMC Denali into the landscaped concrete median in the 7400 block of Roosevelt Road on Sept. 29 at about 2:45 a.m.

An officer responding to the scene reported the median to be cracked in several places along its length and shrubbery damaged or ripped out from the roots. The driver reportedly told police, “I was on my cellphone calling my wife, and I got distracted.”

Police reported that the driver did not appear to be intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.

These items were obtained from police reports filed by the Forest Park Police Department, Sept. 24-30, and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Unless otherwise indicated, anybody named in these reports has only been charged with a crime. These cases have not been adjudicated.

Compiled by Bob Uphues

Forest Park Review, October 6, 2021

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Open House Chicago’s suburban side trip Chicago Architecture Center’s event will include Oak Park, Austin sites

By LACEY SIKORA

W

Contributing Reporter

hen Open House Chicago returns for the weekend of Oct. 16-17, the Chicago Architecture Center will be devoting a weekend to showcasing the architectural wealth of Chicago for the 11th time.

In 2020, the pandemic forced an entirely virtual format, in which visitors could use the OHC app to explore the exteriors of architecturally, historically and culturally significant sites and participate in self-guided tours or trails on certain themes.

This year, the walk is back with a more in-person focus.

While the app will still facilitate tours throughout the city and provide bonus information, many of the sites will be open for in-person access this year on Oct. 16 and 17. For the entire month of October, participants can use the OHC app to access the free, self-guided history and architecture tours throughout Chicago.

Adam Rubin, director of interpretation for the CAC, says that the weekend is still a bit condensed from its peak of 2019 when roughly 250 sites were opened to the public. This year, the weekend focuses on about 100 sites, and Rubin says the pared down itinerary will help the average Chicagoan narrow down the number of sites to visit more easily.

“The sites will be open with site-dependent safety measures, and the OHC app will return with a few new trails and some new voices,” Rubin said.

While the vast majority of sites are in the city itself, Rubin said Evanston and Oak Park both made the cut of nearby suburbs that deserved a presence.

“Oak Park is always going to be a destination for Open House Chicago,” he said. “First of all, a lot of people from Chicago haven’t had the chance to visit Oak Park yet or they may be new to the city. Even if sites feel very familiar to someone from Oak Park, they are new to someone.

“The draw of a very dense collection of Frank Lloyd Wright houses is always going to be there. Add in an amaz-

ing setting in which you can drink craft beer, and the fact that some people really want to visit religious institutions, and Oak Park has a little something of everything.”

The official Oak Park sites on this year’s OHC are the West Suburban Temple Har Zion, 1040 N. Harlem Ave.; Pleasant Home, 217 Home Ave.; One Lake Brewing, 1 Lake St.; the Oak Park River Forest Museum, 129 Lake St.; the Nineteenth Century Club, 178 Forest Ave.; and First United Methodist Church of Oak Park, 324 N. Oak Park Ave. In Austin, sites include Austin Community Family Center, 501 N. Central Ave.; Kehrein Center for the Art, 5628 W. Washington Blvd.; and St. Martin Episcopal Church, 5710 W. Midway Park.

Two of the OHC app’s trails, as the bonus self-guided tours are named, focus on Oak Park and the Austin community.

Back for a second year is the “Frank Lloyd Wright: Portrait of a Young Architect” trail, which focuses on seven of Wright’s homes designed in the early part of his career and life in Oak Park.

In Austin, “The Grand Residences of Frederick R. Schock” will focus on that architect’s work in the community. CAC docent Karen Clapp narrates the tour with input from a few current owners of Schock houses. Rubin says those voices from the Austin community make the audio “feel more personal this year. Last year, we didn’t have the audio commentary, so this tells you more about what it’s like to live there.”

He points out that the Oak Park and Austin trails dovetail nicely for someone looking to make a day of the West Side.

“Both tours are telling a story about a relative narrow period in the architect’s life,” Rubin said.

“There is a parallel element -both look at what kind of community each architect was trying to build. Someone visiting the area

PHOTOS BY ERIC ALLIX ROGERS

First United Methodist Church of Oak Park (above and right), 324 N. Oak Park Ave.

Pleasant Home, 217 Home Ave. in one day would find them very complementary.”

In addition to the local trails, Rubin highlights a few others that cover specific areas of interest in a city with much to discover. Rubin said that some of the trails expand the focus of OHC beyond traditional architecture to foster historical knowledge and multicultural awareness.

A tour in Hyde Park will focus on sites where the Obamas lived and worked. A tour inspired by the 150th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire will include sites that survived the fire to tell the story of the fire and its impact. A tour focused on preservation in Chicago will cover a few local sites that are preservation success stories and some that are more precarious.

Another tour will consider the stories of the Potawatomi tribe, through the eyes of visual artist Andrea Carlson, who examines public art works and the erasure of the Potawatomi from the city.

An event with the scope of OHC tends to expand the Chicago Architecture Center’s audience, and Rubin states that at the end of the day, it is a civic event that helps grow people’s appreciation for the city they call home.

“It builds an understanding of the city and its past while also helping a lot of people feel pride in the city of Chicago,” he said.

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Forest Park Review, October 6, 2021

Forest Park Review, October 6, 2021

KRIBI COFFEE OK for events from page 1 when new rules might be in place within weeks.

In its application, Kribi asked to hold open mic nights every first and third Wednesday of the month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., specifically mentioning Sept. 15, Oct. 6 and Oct. 20. It also mentioned live gallery showings every second and fourth Monday of the month, as well as live music performances, private food tasting events and “private coffee cupping and tasting” events without giving specific dates. The application didn’t give specific times for those events, stating only that they would all end no later than 9 p.m.

Commissioner Ryan Nero wondered whether the license is only good for the specific dates or if the village allowed them to do the events indefinitely. Mayor Rory Hoskins said the question illustrated why the change was needed, since it’s currently “a very ambiguous section that’s probably not suited for today’s need.”

Section 3-4-1 of the village’s municipal code requires a license for “any building, hall, room, grounds, picnic grove or enclosure where the public may be admitted, with or without the payment of a fee or charge, for the purpose of witnessing or engaging in an amusement,” with “amusement” defined as “any public show, theatrical exhibition,

circus or any other entertainment offered, operated, presented or exhibited to the public.” But while the code has specific regulations for billiard halls, movie theaters, bowling alleys, racetracks and coin-operated jukeboxes, it doesn’t give any specific requirements for musical performances, gallery shows and open mics.

Hoskins said that, while the village did consider an ordinance revising those regulations, “there were some questions about it and we didn’t take it up.” He said he was still interested in having the council develop one, but in the meantime, they had to work with what they had.

“We’re still in the circumstance where we have to approve or deny each application,” Hoskins said.

Nero agreed he didn’t like the current situation and he wanted to see something better.

“I’d [want] us getting back together and straightening it out, sooner rather than later, so we can have a more consistent approach,” he said.

In the meantime, Nero saw no reason to reject Kribi’s application, since they were following the rules that are currently in place.

“They’re following our system,” he said.

“They can’t help that our system is wonky right now. We’ll continue to clean up the ordinance, we continue to clean up the language, and until then, we got what we got.”

Commissioner Jessica Voogd said that ambiguity about the timing of the events in Kribi’s application bothered her. Byrnes

13

MELISSA ELSMO

Jacques Shalo outside Kribi Coffee argued that it made more sense to wait until the ordinance is revised, since it would give all applicants a level playing field. But Commissioner Maria Maxham said that she would prefer to approve the application before the dates when Kribi wanted to hold their events passes.

The council agreed to try to figure out the new regulations before the next village council meeting, which will take place Oct. 11. In the meantime, applications will be processed as is. They also broadly agreed that Kribi’s application will only be good for

Need a helping of

Call Jill at (708) 524-8300 or visit ForestParkReview.com/subscribe

the specific dates within the document, and anything that doesn’t have specific dates would require another application.

The village council approved the application by a 4-1 vote, with Byrnes voting against. He told the Review that he still believed that approving Kribi’s application before the new ordinance is in place was a mistake.

“We should have the ordinance in place before we approve anyone,” he said. “I think we should have a level playing field, [so that] everybody goes by the same ordinance.”

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Forest Park Review, October 6, 2021

OPINION O U R

V I E W

A big win for Growing Community Media

W

e have strong and positive news to share with you today.

Growing Community Media, publisher of the Forest Park Review, has just received a grant from the Field Foundation to hire a full-time community narrative reporter for our Austin Weekly News. As envisioned by Michael Romain, editor of the Austin Weekly and GCM’s Equity Editor, the new reporter will document the “steady state” of Austin, West Garfield and North Lawndale.

“This reporter,” Romain wrote, “will help our publication uncover and map the strong networks of people and organizations that create a sense of place on the West Side — from block clubs, Neighborhood Watch groups, Local School Councils and churches to the wizened people on the porch, the sidewalk sages, and the amateur local historians.”

The public narrative focus aligns our expanded reporting with the Quality-of-Life plan developed two years ago by Austin Coming Together. That document reflects a foundational need for West Siders to see their stories genuinely told in local media.

That is our determined intention.

Reflecting the history of the Austin Weekly we have named this new position the Delores McCain and Terry Dean Community Narrative Reporter. Delores McCain was a West Side activist with roots in the Civil Rights Movement. She became a contributing reporter to the Weekly in 2000 and was, in truth, the face of the paper through her weekly Street Beat column. She died in 2010. Terry Dean, who died last month at just 47, was editor of the Weekly from 2005 to 2015. A lifelong Austin resident, Terry was well-respected for his fair and empathetic coverage of the West Side.

We are launching our job search now and urge you to spread the word.

We are grateful to the Field Foundation for the $50,000 grant and to Lolly Bowean, the foundation’s media and storytelling program officer, for guiding us through this process as a still new nonprofit.

We have other grant applications in process. Each one is focused on growing our newsroom so that we can tell more stories and tell them better.

As we move toward the end of the year, we are also deep into planning for our now annual NewsMatch fundraising drive. It is our largest membership drive of the year and we will be asking for your key support to sustain our independent newsroom. If you are not already a member of our independent newsroom, please consider joining us.

This is a big win for Growing Community Media. We are growing on the generous shoulders of our members.

With gratitude, Dan Haley Editor and Publisher Growing Community Media

Looking for love in all the wrong places

‘W

ho is R. Kelly?” asked Gerhardt Aschenbrenner as the members of the Saturday morning breakfast fellowship filed into the Main Café in the quiet suburban village of Poplar Park.

Eric Anderson started laughing. “Asch, I think you’re the only person in Poplar Park who doesn’t know who he is. He was on top of the music world, Asch. Sold 75 million records. Was a pop music idol. And now he’s going to go to jail for racketeering, sexual exploitation of a child, kidnapping, bribery and sex trafficking.”

The guys just couldn’t stop talking about the R&B and hip hop star.

“The man is talented,” Dominique admitted, “but his appetite for pleasure had no limits, no boundaries. I mean sex with 15-year-olds!

Pastor Walter Mitty, who presided over this gathering of men, admitted to himself that he didn’t know much about the fallen idol but decided that the guy sounded like he was all id and no superego.

The words the men used to describe the King of R&B were “sick, self-centered, hedonistic, abusive, self-absorbed, pathetic, drunk with wealth and power …”

When he walked out of the Main, Pastor Mitty felt confused about what made R. Kelly tick.

So after he unlocked the door to the parsonage and opened a few windows to let in some fresh air, he called his good friend and neighbor.

“Michael, all they talked about at men’s fellowship this morning was R. Kelly. You and I talked about his downfall a little bit after hearing about his conviction on the radio, but I have this nagging feeling that there is more to it than a sexual predator finally being brought to justice.”

“I know. Like maybe there’s something about our culture that breeds men like that?”

After 10 minutes of sharing their mutual inability to dig deeper into the cultural soil to figure out how a monster like Kelly could thrive so long without being held accountable, they decided to ask Fr. Bob Sullivan to meet them Monday afternoon at Bernie Rolvaag’s bookstore and coffee shop to continue their discussion with a third point of view.

Fr. Bob looked a little out of place in his brown habit, enjoying a caramel macchiato with extra whipped cream. Michael teased the Franciscan, “Isn’t that macchiato a little indulgent for a man who has taken a vow of poverty and simple living?”

Fr. Bob felt the affection from his Jewish friend and responded, “When we take the vow of poverty, what we commit to is not owning anything. Not even this habit I’m wearing.”

“Are you from another planet?” Mitty said, joining in on the teasing.

The Franciscan replied with a smile, “In a way we are. The way we see it is what humans need most is to be loved. You know, those lines from that old country pop song: I was lookin’ for love in all the wrong places? Well, we feel like American culture promotes images of happiness that don’t deliver what they promise. You know that Beatles song?”

“Can’t buy me love, right?” Pastor Walt interrupted. “I don’t care too much for money. Money can’t buy me love.”

Fr. Bob nodded, “You got it, Walt. So taking the radical step of owning nothing, we are firmly declaring that we’re not going to let stuff, if you will, own us. I’m enjoying this coffee, especially since Michael paid for it, but I don’t need it. None of us get it perfectly right, of course, but our goal is to pursue a spiritual even-keel that can take material goods and pleasures or leave them; take fame and success or leave it.”

“You sound,” said Michael, “like you think Americans are hedonistic, just like R. Kelly but to a lesser extent.”

“Well,” the Franciscan replied, “there’s always that question simple-living advocates ask women: How many pairs of shoes do you have in your closet?”

Mitty laughed. “There’s a store back in Manitowoc that sells basic stuff like work clothes, toilet paper and triple A batteries. One of its sayings is, ‘If we don’t have it, you don’t need it.’”

Fr. Bob asked, “Is Fleet Farm owned by Franciscans?”

He went on. “One example of how Americans are hedonistic is that U.S. consumer debt — credit cards and stuff like that — now totals 14.3 trillion dollars. That’s what, four times the amount in the reconciliation bill Congress is debating right now?”

“And,” Mitty muttered to himself, “Americans give only 3% of their income to charity.”

“Come to think of it,” said Michael, “I remember reading Hidden Persuaders which Vance Packard published way back in 1957 in which he shows how advertisers appeal to our unconscious desires to persuade us to buy things we don’t need.”

Fr. Bob said, “I read somewhere that excessive consumption is an example of looking for love in places that produce the opposite of well-being, and that around half of Americans are addicted to drugs, tobacco, alcohol, food, gambling, work, shopping and even exercise. Looking for love …”

Monday night Pastor Walt tossed and turned for hours before falling asleep. He kept trying to figure out exactly what he would say if he gave a sermon on R. Kelly next Sunday.

TOM HOLMES

Forest Park Review, October 6, 2021

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION

L E T T E R S

Further soul searching on Afghanistan Tom Holmes’ essay “Soul Searching about Afghanistan” [Forest Park Review, Sept. 29] mentions death in one section.

“In the last six years, 100 military personnel were killed there. That’s 17 a year.”

Seventeen is not the number to have in one’s mind when conducting soul searching about Afghanistan.

A few seconds with Google yields the following from the Watson Institute at Brown University (https://watson.brown.edu/costsofwar/costs/human): “At least 801,000 people have been killed by direct war violence in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen, and Pakistan. The number of people who have been wounded or have fallen ill as a result of the conflicts is far higher, as is the number of civilians who have died indirectly as a result of the destruction of hospitals and infrastructure and environmental contamination, among other warrelated problems. … More than 387,000 civilians have been killed in the fighting since 2001.”

Frank Hansen Oak Park

Send letters Forest Park Review 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 E-mail: ktrainor@wjinc.com Fax: 708-524-0047 Please include name, address and daytime phone number for verification.

15

S ’ T A H ME T O S H W TO E N SE

O L C

(Required by 39 U.S.C. 3685) 1.Publication Title: Forest Park Review 2. Publication no.: USPS 0205-160 3. Date of filing: Oct. 5, 2021 4. Frequency of issue: Weekly 5. No of issues published annually: 52 6. Annual subscription price: $30.00 7. Complete mailing address of known office of publication: 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302, Cook Co. 8. Complete mailing address of headquarters or general business office of publisher: (same) 9. Names and complete mailing addresses of publisher, editor and manager editor: Publisher: Dan Haley, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 Editor: same Managing Editor: same 10. The owner is: Growing Community Media NFP, 141 S Oak Park Ave Oak Park IL 60302.

11. Known bondholders, mortgages and other security holders owning or holding one percent or more of the total amount of bonds, mortgages or other securities are: None.

12. N/A 13. Publication name: Forest Park Review 14. Issue date for circulation data below: September 29,2021 15. Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months: A. Total no. copies printed (net press run): 1023 B1. Mailed outside-county paid subscriptions stated on Form 3541: 37 B2. Mailed in-county paid subscriptions stated on form 3541: 613 B3. Paid distribution outside the mails including sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, counter sales and other paid distribution outside USPS: 72 B4. Paid distribution by other classes of mail through the USPS: 0 C. Total Paid distribution: 722 D1. Free or nominal rate outside-county copies included on PS form 3541: 0 D2. Free on nominal rate in-county copies included on PS Form 3541:57 D3. Free or nominal rate copies mailed at other classes through the USPS: 0 D4. Free or nominal rate distribution outside the mail:40 E. Total free or nominal rate distribution: 97 F. Total distribution: 819 G. Copies not distributed: 204 H: Total: 1023 I. Percent paid: 88.16% 15. No. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: A. Total no. copies printed (net press run): 933 B1. Mailed outside-county paid subscriptions stated on Form 3541: 42 B2. Mailed in-county paid subscriptions stated on form 3541: 607 B3. Paid distribution outside the mails including sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, counter sales and other paid distribution outside USPS: 75 B4. Paid distribution by other classes of mail through the USPS: 0 C. Total Paid distribution: 724 D1. Free or nominal rate outside-county copies included on PS form 3541: 0 D2. Free on nominal rate in-county copies included on PS Form 3541: 74 D3. Free or nominal rate copies mailed at other classes through the USPS: 0 D4. Free or nominal rate distribution outside the mail: 40 E. Total free or nominal rate distribution: 114 F. Total distribution: 838 G. Copies not distributed:95 H: Total: 933 I. Percent paid: 86.40% 16. Publication of statement of ownership will be printed in the Oct. 6, 2021 issue of this publication.

17. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner: Jill Wagner Circulation Manager October 5, 2021

16 Forest Park Review, October 6, 2021

Growing Community Media

HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI Deadline is Monday at 5:00 p.m.

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG

HELP WANTED Forest Park Public Schools District 91

Outstanding Local JOBS:

School Bus Drivers Needed

Pay Rate is $26.60 per hour, 4 hours per day guaranteed, 4-5 days per week depending on school calendar.

Cadre Substitute Teacher

Provide a stimulating teaching-learning environment, making use of a variety of instructional tools and teaching aids to deliver rigorous, relevant curriculum, facilitate student participation, and opportunity for students’ mastery of learning standards in assigned classrooms.

Qualifications: Professional Educator’s License registered in Region 6. SALARY & BENEFITS - Per FY2022 New Teacher Salary Placement Schedule. Benefits as provided for a new teacher.

Substitute Teacher

Starting rate of pay 110.00 per day.

Discover 20+ jobs available in Downtown Oak Park!

Line cook, servers, sales, and more.

Visit downtownoakpark.net/ job-listings for details.

POLICE DESK CLERK FOREST PARK, IL The Forest Park Police Department, seeks a Full-Time Police Desk Clerk.

Eligible candidates will be required to pass an aptitude test and an extensive background check. Qualifications include computer skills, the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, good knowledge of English language, general office skills, including handling non-emergency calls and walk-up customer service, and good verbal and written skills.

HOLIDAY, EVENING AND OVERNIGHT HOURS ARE MANDATORY. Starting salary $31,222 annually.

Open until filled. Applications are available at Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Ave. or at www.forestpark. net and should be returned Attn: Vanessa Moritz, Village Clerk, Village of Forest Park, 517 Des Plaines Avenue, Forest Park, IL 60130.

Email: vmoritz@forestpark.net PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER FOREST PARK, IL The Forest Park Police Department, seeks a Full-Time Parking Enforcement Officer. Eligible candidates will be required to pass an aptitude test and an extensive background check. Qualifications include high school diploma (or equivalent), a valid driver’s license, knowledge of basic parking regulations, and good verbal and written skills.

EVENING AND OVERNIGHT HOURS ARE MANDATORY. Starting salary $31,222 annually. Open until filled. Applications are available at Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Ave. or at www.forestpark.net and should be returned Attn: Vanessa Moritz, Village Clerk, Village of Forest Park, 517 Des Plaines Avenue, Forest Park, IL 60130.

Email: vmoritz@forestpark.net.

SEAMSTRESS WANTED

Seamstress wanted to sew designer’s collection. Must be able to sew complete garment.

Call Jeanine 708-899-8279

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Health Education Manager in the Health Department. This position will take the lead on developing the community health needs assessment; develops health education programs and health awareness campaigns; implements and coordinates these programs/campaigns etc. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/jobs.

Position opened until filled.

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Customer Service Representative II in the Development Customer Service Department – Parking Division. This position provides customer service to the public by providing a variety of responsible customer service and receptionist work including high volume telephone traffic; and to perform the more complex customer service duties including but not limited to service requests, permits, parking passes, block party permits, accounts payable processing and vehicle stickers. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at http://www. oak-park.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

First review of applications is October 8, 2021.

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Budget and Revenue Analyst in the Development Customer Service Department. This position will Serve the public with professional administrative and analytical duties in the areas of budget preparation, purchasing, payroll, data analysis and process improvement. Provides, prepares and maintains records, and financial and statistical reports and analysis which assist in the Village’s ability to improve business processes and gain efficiencies through better use of technology. Budget duties include assisting in the development, analysis and application of performance measures with regard to Village services and resources; preparing, modifying, tracking and monitoring Village expenses and transfers; and conducting budget-related research and analysis. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park. us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. First review of applications September 24, 2021.

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Parking Enforcement Officer in the Police Department Field Services Division. This position will perform a variety of duties and responsibilities involved in the enforcement of Village parking regulations; and to provide general information and assistance to the public. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/.

Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Environmental Health Supervisor in the Health Department. This position will direct, manage, supervise, and coordinate assigned activities with other Village departments, divisions, and outside agencies; and to provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Public Health Director. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http:// www.oak-park.us/jobs.

Position opened until filled.

PART-TIME ELECTRICIAN’S HELPER

Must have own transportation.

For more information

CALL 708-738-3848

The Forest Park Police Department, seeks a Part-Time Civilian Information Management Call Taker.

Pay is $17.19/hr. Eligible candidates will be required to pass an aptitude test and an extensive background check. Qualifications include high school diploma (or equivalent), good verbal and written skills, working knowledge of the computer and Windows, ability to type accurately, a good working knowledge of the English language, the ability to treat customers and co-workers in a polite manner and the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Data entry skills and experience answering telephones/operating a switchboard are preferred. EVENING AND OVERNIGHT HOURS ARE MANDATORY. Open until filled. Applications are available at Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Ave. and should be returned Attn: Vanessa Moritz, Village Clerk, Village of Forest Park, 517 Des Plaines Avenue, Forest Park, IL 60130.

Email: vmoritz@forestpark.net.

Top rated firm Alpina Manufacturing LLC founded in 1992, locally owned beautiful campus in Galewood, near Mars candy, 3 blocks north of Oak Park. We build and sell display framing systems to customers nationwide including Wal-Mart, Verizon, Circle K, Hospitals We are seeking to fill the following positions, all in Galewood, no travel. Full time, Part time, Flex hours for working parents or students. We train, no travel, work in Galewood. Open to any backgrounds. Excellent pay, salary, benefits, friendly caring management. National Accounts Rep, Production Manager or Trainee, Packaging Specialist trainee Display frame Production trainee, Office/Bookkeeping Assistant trainee.

Visit www.fastchangeframes.com/careers for more details 6460 W Cortland St Chicago, IL 60707 Manufacturing

Village of Brookfield

Imagine being a role model to children in the local community! If you are at your best in a child and student centered environment, when promoting learning and fun, are safety minded and you aim to make a difference in the lives of kids; please take the next step and apply to one of these exciting part-time roles in the Recreation and Police Departments:

• STARS Instructor, Before & After School Program ($11-$14 per hour) • Crossing Guard ($18 per hour) Apply through the Careers link on the Village of Brookfield homepage.

PAID-ON-CALL FIREFIGHTER Job Title: Paid-on-Call Firefighter Description: The Village of Riverside Fire Department is seeking applicants for the position of Paidon-Call Firefighter.

Additional Status Information: This is not a full-time position.

Qualifications: - In good physical condition - Reside within 1.5 miles of the boundaries of the Village of Riverside at time of appointment - Be 18 years of age at the time of application - Possess a high school diploma or GED - Possess a valid driver’s license with a good driving record Miscellaneous Applications are reviewed in October 2021.

Application deadline is Friday, October 8th, 2021.

The Village of Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

CROSSING GUARD The Forest Park Police Department is seeking qualified individuals for the position of Crossing Guard.

This position requires flexible hours during days when schools are in session. A background investigation and drug screening will be conducted prior to consideration for the position. Applications available at Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Avenue or on-line at www.forestpark.net and should be returned to Vanessa Moritz, HR Director, at Village Hall. For additional information, contact Dora Murphy at 708-615-6223 or write dmurphy@forestpark.net.

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination.

The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law.

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal-opportunity basis.

To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-669-9777.

Wednesday Journal • Landmark • Forest Park Review

VILLAGE OF RIVERSIDE SEASONAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Riverside Department of Public Works is seeking energetic and motivated applicants who enjoy working outdoors. This is a parttime, seasonal position lasting from approximately October through the end of December. Applicants will be expected to work up to 40 hrs. per week or as scheduled by staff.

Primary tasks will include, but not limited to: cutting grass, general facilities maintenance, flushing hydrants, reading meters, assisting full-time employees, and other duties as assigned.

Applicants must be 18 years old, possess a valid Illinois driver’s license and high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants will be subject to a criminal background check, pre-employment physical and drug/ alcohol screening.

Applications can be downloaded from the Village website at www. riverside.il.us or picked up at the Riverside Village Hall located at 27 Riverside Rd, Riverside, IL 60546.

Completed applications should be submitted to the Riverside Village Hall or the Riverside Public Works Department, 3860 Columbus Blvd, Riverside, IL 60546. Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled. Pay rate is $15/hr.

The Village of Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Hire Local.

Place an ad on GCM Classified’s Local Online Job Board.

Go to ForestParkReview.com/classified today!

Contact Stacy Coleman for more information.

(708) 613-3342

scoleman@growingcommunitymedia.org

Applications accepted until position is filled. EOE.

In print • Online • Available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year OakPark.com | AustinWeeklyNews.com | RBLandmark.com | ForestParkReview.com | PublicNoticeIllinois.com

Forest Park Review, October 6, 2021

CLASSIFIED

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG

MARKETPLACE WANTED TO BUY WANTED MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, flags, photos, paperwork, Also toy soldiers – lead, plastic – other misc. toys.

Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400

R E N TA L S & R E A L E S TAT E CARS WANTED

ITEMS FOR SALE

SUBURBAN RENTALS

PIANO FOR SALE

Chickering 1938 grand piano, 5’4”.

Good condition. Refurbished and restrung in the past. Buyer must move.

Reasonable at $1000.

3BR APT FOR RENT 3br 2bth. Hardwood floors, new carpeting in bedroom. Freshly painted.

Located near Fenwick High School, public transit, and entertainment.

No evictions. $1,750/month. Realtor owned.Call 773-807-8729

Call 312-339-2370

CLASSICS WANTED CLASSICS Restored or Restored or Unrestored Unrestored

Cars Motorcycles Cars & & Vintage Vintage Motorcycles Domestic / Import Import Cars: Cars: Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette, Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette, Ferrari’s, MuscleCars, Cars, Ferrari’s,Jaguars, Jaguars, Muscle Mustang && Mopars Mopars Mustang Top $$ Etc. $$$$Top $$allallmakes, makes, Etc.

Collector James Collector James 630-201-8122 630-201-8122

CLASSICS WANTED

ELECTRICAL Ceiling Fans Installed

ELECTRICAL

A&A ELECTRIC

HOME Restored SERVICES or Unrestored Cars & Vintage Motorcycles HAULING PLASTERING Domestic / Import Cars: BASEMENT CLEANING

Let an American Veteran do your work

We install plugs for battery-operated vehicles We fix any electrical problem and do small jobs We install Surge Protectors • Home Re-wiring • New Plugs & Switches Added • New circuit breaker boxes • Code violations corrected Service upgrades,100-200 amp • Garage & A/C lines installed Fast Emergency Service | Residential • Commercial • Industrial Free Home Evaluations | Lic. • Bonded • Ins. • Low Rates • Free Est.

708-409-0988 • 708-738-3848 Sr. Discounts • 30 Yrs. Exp. Servicing Oak Park • All surrounding suburbs • Chicago area

FLOORS KLIS FLOORING INC.

New hardwood flooring installation & pergo. Sanding, re-finishing, staining. Low prices, insured.

Call: 773-671-4996 www.klisflooring.com

HANDYMAN Mike’s Home Repair Drywall H Painting H Tile Plumbing H Electric H Floors Windows H Doors H Siding Ask Us What We Don’t Do

708-296-2060

17

HANDYMAN CURT'S HANDYMAN SERVICE Drywall Repair • Painting Fans Installed • Carpentry Trim Gutter Cleaning • Window Repair

FREE ESTIMATES Excellent References No Job Too Small

Appliances & Furniture Removal Pickup & Delivery.

708-848-9404

ANYTIME

$$ Top $$ all makes, Etc.

BRUCE LAWN SERVICE

Roofing Repairs Concrete Repairs • Drywall All types of handiwork Call For Free Estimates

773-637-0692

Licensed, Bonded, Insured, & EPA Certified Expert craftsmanship for over 50 years

Collector James PLUMBING

Spring Clean-Up Aerating, Slit Seeding Bush Trimming, Lawn Maintenance brucelawns.com

630-201-8122

708-243-0571

NEIGHBORHOOD CLEAN UP

Evergreen trimming & more. Clean-ups.

Garden weed removal.

Storm Branch Tree Removal.

708-447-1762

708-488-9411

HANDYMAN

McNulty Plastering

& Stucco Co. Mercedes, Porsche, Corvette, Small & big work. Free estimates.

Complete Plaster, Stucco Ferrari’s, Jaguars, Muscle Cars, & Re-Coating Services • 708/386-2951 Mustang & Mopars Work Guaranteed LANDSCAPING

Supreme Plumbing & Sewer Services

Installation: kitchens, baths, showers •Sewer Systems Piping Clogged drains •Water heaters

100% Satisfaction Guaranteed Quality workmanship & service 20+ years’ experience Locally owned & operated

2BR APT 2BR, 1BTH apartment for rent.

Hardwood floors. Renovated and freshly painted. Small, vintage building. No smoking. No pets. $1500/ mo, utilities included.

708-657-4226

ROOMS FOR RENT Large Sunny Room with fridge, microwave.

Near Green line, bus, Oak Park, 24 hour desk, parking lot. $125.00. New Mgmt.

312-212-1212

WOOD

FIREWOOD UNLIMITED

Fast Delivery MIXED HARDWOODS CBH & MIX 100% OAK CHERRY OR HICKORY 100% BIRCH

SUBURBAN RENTALS STUDIOS, 1, 2 & 3 BR Best Selection & Service

OAK PARK & FOREST PARK

708-386-7355

MMpropMgmt.com

CITY RENTALS AUSTIN RENAISSANCE APARTMENTS

A HUD subsidized affordable Apartment property announces the opening of its waiting list for both One and Two Bedroom Apartments! Resident rent is approximately 30% of gross household income, some restrictions apply. Our property is located on Washington Blvd in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood.

Apartments offered with an occupancy of one to four persons. Properties feature modern kitchens, include appliances, and offer onsite maintenance. Austin Renaissance will accept requests for application packages by U.S. Mail postmarked no later than , September 15, 2021. Send or email a written request for an application package that includes your name, mailing address. Daytime telephone number, Email address, and the number of persons in your household to: Town Center Realty Group LLC, PO Box 64, Huntley IL 60142-0064 or Email requests to mrpaul.tcrg@gmail.com Application packages available by mail or email delivery only. No walk-ins accepted.

Town Center Realty Group LLC

OFFICE /RETAIL FOR RENT

CHURCH FOR RENT

RIVER FOREST–7777 Lake St. * 1116 sq. ft. * 1400 sq. ft. Dental Office RIVER FOREST–7756 Madison St. * 960 sq. ft.

OAK PARK–6142-44 Roosevelt Rd. * 3 & 5 room office suites FOREST PARK–7736 Madison St. *2500 sq. ft. unit Strand & & Browne Strand Browne 708-488-0011 708-488-0011

Seasoned 2 years Stacking Available

847-888-9999 Order online:

www. suregreen landscape.com

Credit Cards Accepted

Free Estimates!

708-955-7844

johnlavin530@gmail.com License #PR-1234

PAINTING & DECORATING CLASSIC PAINTING

Fast & Neat Painting/Taping/Plaster Repair Low Cost

Ask for John

708.749.0011

Reach the people making the decisions.

Place an ad in GCM Classified!

Call 773/626-6332

YOUR WEEKLY AD

REACHES SIX SUBURBAN COMMUNITIES: OAK PARK, RIVER FOREST,FOREST PARK, BROOKFIELD, RIVERSIDE, NORTH RIVERSIDE, AND PARTS OF CHICAGO

18

Forest Park Review, October 6, 2021

CLASSIFIED

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG

Let the sun shine in...

Public Notice: Your right to know

In print • Online • Available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year ForestParkReview.com | PublicNoticeIllinois.com PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES LEGAL NOTICE VILLAGE OF RIVER FOREST DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD RIVER FOREST, ILLINOIS

LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park --Office of the Village Engineer, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302- will receive electronic proposals until 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 21, 2021 for Project: 211, LeMoyne Relief Sewer. Bids will be received and accepted, and bid results posted via the online electronic bid service listed below.

In general, the improvements consist of the installation of pvc sewer mains, a pre-cast junction chamber approximately 31 feet deep, precast manholes, drainage structures, removal and installation HMA pavements, pavement patches, curb and gutter, sidewalks, pavement markings, and restoration of landscaped parkway areas; and all appurtenant work thereto.

Plans and proposal forms may be obtained via the electronic service starting on October 7, at 10:00 a.m. Plans and proposal forms can be found at https://www.oakpark.us/your-government/budgetpurchasing/requests-proposals or at www.questcdn.com under login using QuestCDN number 8044477 for a non-refundable charge of $30.00. The Village of Oak Park reserves the right to issue plans and specifications only to those contractors deemed qualified.

No bid documents will be issued after 4:00 p.m. on the working day preceding the date of bid opening.

The bidder is specifically advised that the Village is a Subgrantee of a Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRDGC) grant, pursuant to an agreement entered into and between the MWRDGC and the Village. Each bidder is required to comply with the MWRDGC’s Affirmative Action Requirements and Affirmative Action Ordinance, of which are as follows: The proposal shall include a minimum of $100,000 in work

performed by Minority-Owned Business Enterprises (MBE); $50,000 for Women-Owned Business Enterprises (WBE); $50,000 for Small Business Enterprises (SBE); and should include $15,000 in work performed by Veteran-Owned Business Enterprises (VBE).

The DBE requirements listed within these Contracts are requirements, not goals.

The MWRDGC requires that contractors entering into contracts shall have a performance bond and a payment bond. The Contractor shall furnish a satisfactory performance bond in the sum of the amount of the contract in dollars guaranteeing the proper completion of the work. The Contractor shall furnish a satisfactory payment bond in the full amount of the Contract guaranteeing payment of all material used and for all labor performed.

The Contract will be subject to the requirements of the Multi-Project Labor Agreement. A copy is on file at the offices of the Engineer and may be requested from the Engineer.

The Contractor shall execute the form entitled “Certificate of Compliance with Multi Project Labor Agreement (MPLA), as found in the Bid Proposal Submittal Packet.

All prospective bidders must prove they are pre-qualified by the Illinois Department of Transportation, or other approved Federal agency, by providing a certificate of eligibility to the Engineering Division at which time a password will be issued for access to the online bid documents.

The work to be performed pursuant to this proposal is subject to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act, 820 ILCS 130/0.01 et seq.

THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK Bill McKenna Village Engineer

Published in Wednesday Journal October 6, 2021

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination.

The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law.

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal-opportunity basis.

To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-669-9777.

Wednesday Journal • Landmark • Forest Park Review

Public notice is hereby given that on October 21, 2021 in the First Floor Community Room at the River Forest Village Hall, 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, Illinois, the Village of River Forest Development Review Board (DRB) will hold a public hearing on the following matter: Application #22-008: The River Forest Public Library intends to install a HVAC unit on the north exterior of the Library building that will be enclosed by a masonry wall Address: 735 Lathrop Avenue, River Forest, IL 60305 (River Forest Public Library) Applicant: River Forest Public Library All interested persons will be given the opportunity to be heard at the public hearing, the purpose of which is to take evidence on the Application for the Development Review Board and Village Board to consider.

A copy of the application and meeting agenda will be available to the public at the Village Hall, 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, or at http://

www.vrf.us/DevelopmentGuide.

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: THE SOUTH 57.50 FEET OF LOT 74 AND THE NORTH 42.50 FEET OF LOT 75 IN RIVER FOREST LAND ASSOCIATION’S ADDITION TO RIVER FOREST, IN THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 12, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN RIVER FOREST, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.THAT PART OF LOT 74 IN RIVER FOREST LAND ASSOCIATION’S ADDITION TO RIVER FOREST, IN THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 12, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN RIVER FOREST, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS; BEGINNING AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SAID LOT 74; THENCE NORTH 01 DEGREES 48 MINUTES 27 SECONDS WEST, ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SAID LOT 74 57.50 FEET, TO THE NORTH LINE OF THE SOUTH 57.50 FEET OF SAID LOT 74; THENCE NORTH 88 DEGREES 03 MINUTES 19 SECONDS EAST, ALONG SAID NORTH LINE OF THE SOUTH 57.50 FEET OF SAID LOT 74, 153.35 FEET, TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE NORTH 01 DEGREES 54 MINUTES 49 SECONDS WEST, 10.41 FEET; THENCE NORTH 88 DEGREES 05 MINUTES 11 SECONDS EAST, 25.00 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 01 DEGREES 54 SECONDS 49 MINUTES EAST, 10.39 FEET TO SAID NORTH LINE OF THE SOUTH 57.50 FEET OF SAID LOT 74; THENCE SOUTH 88 DEGREES 03 MINUTES 19 SECONDS EAST, ALONG SAID NORTH LINE OF THE SOUTH 57.50 FEET OF SAID LOT 74, 25.00 FEET, TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING, ALL IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. THE PARCEL OF LAND DESCRIBED HEREIN CONTAINS 260.07 SQUARE FEET MORE OR LESS. Published in Wednesday Journal October 6, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE

PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE

PUBLIC NOTICE RESOLUTION NO. R-80-21

STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY.

STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY.

Request of Panipak Bumrungkwaen Case Number 2021CONC000986 .

Request of Jose Luis Rodriguez Case Number 2021CONC001466.

There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Panipak Bumrungkwaen to the new name of: Modear Bumrungkwaen LeClair

There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Jose Luis Rodriguez to the new name of: Jose Luis Flores

The court date will be held: On November 18 at 10:30am at 50 W Washington St, Chicago, Cook County in Courtroom # 1707

The court date will be held: On December 27 at 1:30pm at Via Zoom: Meeting ID: 914 0410 9299/ Password:407193 Cook County in Courtroom #1702

Published in the Wednesday Journal September 29, October 6, 13, 2021

Published in Wednesday Journal October 6, 13, 20, 2021

LEGAL NOTICE STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss

LEGAL NOTICE STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss

Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division.

Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division.

In re the marriage of Arturo Montalvo Muro, Petitioner and Arcelli Landeros Sanchez, Respondent, Case No. 2021D006937.

In re the marriage of MARIA GUADALUPE SOTO GUZMAN, Petitioner and MANUEL LEMA, Respondent, Case No. 2020 D 007780.

The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, the above named Respondent, that a Petition has been filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, by the Petitioner, for Dissolution of Marriage and for other relief; and that said suit is now pending.

The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, the above named Respondent, that a Petition has been filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, by the Petitioner, for Dissolution of Marriage and for other relief; and that said suit is now pending.

Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent, file your response to said Petition or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, Room 802, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, in the City of Chicago, Illinois, on or before October 26, 2021, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a judgment for Dissolution of Marriage entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition.

Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent, file your response to said Petition or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, Room 802, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, in the City of Chicago, Illinois, on or before November 5, 2021, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a judgment for Dissolution of Marriage entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition.

DOROTHY A. BROWN, Clerk.

DOROTHY A. BROWN, Clerk.

Published in Wednesday Journal September 22, 29, October 6 2021

Published in the Wednesday Journal October 6, 13, 20, 2021

A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE LEVY OF AN ADDITIONAL LIBRARY TAX FOR BUILDING AND MAINTENANCE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Village of Forest Park, Cook County, Illinois, as follows: Section 1. The Board of Library Trustees of the Village of Forest Park, by Resolution dated August 16, 2021, has requested the corporate authorities of the Village of Forest Park to levy an additional 0.02% tax for the maintenance, repairs and alterations of library buildings and equipment, pursuant to 75 ILCS 5/3-4, in order to include the sum of $71,168.00 in the Village’s 2021 tax levy ordinance as the 0.02% Library Building and Maintenance levy.

• In print • Online • Available to you 24/7/365

PublicNoticeIllinois.com

Starting a New Business?

Section 2. The corporate authorities of the Village of Forest Park hereby determine and propose to levy such additional 0.02% tax for the year 2021, subject to the provisions of 75 ILCS 5/3-4.

Section 3. The Village Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to publish a copy of this Resolution in the Forest Park Review, a newspaper with a general circulation within the Village of Forest Park, said publication to occur within fifteen (15) days of the adoption of this Resolution.

Section 4. Pursuant to 75 ILCS 5/3-4, notice is hereby given that if a petition requesting a referendum signed by 1,050 or more electors of the Village of Forest Park is filed with the corporate authorities of the Village of Forest Park on or before November 5, 2021, which is thirty (30) days after the date of publication of this Resolution, then the question whether this Resolution shall become effective and said tax imposed shall be submitted to the electors of the Village of Forest Park at a general or special election to be held in accordance with the election laws of the State of Illinois in force at the time of such election. The Village Clerk is hereby directed to provide a petition form to any individual requesting one.

Section 5. In the event no petition is filed with the corporate authorities within thirty (30) days from the date of publication of this Resolution, then this Resolution shall be effective and the additional library tax shall be levied accordingly, and included in the Village’s levy ordinance for library purposes.

ADOPTED by the Council of the Village of Forest Park, Cook County, Illinois this 27th day of September, 2021.

AYES: 5 NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 0 APPROVED by me this 27th day of September, 2021. /s/ Rory E. Hoskins, Mayor ATTESTED: /s/Vanessa Moritz, Village Clerk

Public Notice: Your right to know

PUBLIC NOTICES

Published in Forest Park Review October 6, 2021

Publish Your Assumed Name Legal Notice in • Austin Weekly News • Wednesday Journal • Forest Park Review • Riverside/Brookfield Landmark

Call the Experts Before You Place Your Legal Ad! Call Stacy for details:

773-626-6332

Forest Park Review, October 6, 2021

INC., REALTOR

(708) 366-8989 7342 MADISON ST, FOREST PARK, ILLINOIS 60130

7618 Marengo Avenue

629 Harlem $309,000

$409,000

Brick bungalow 2-flat in the heart of Forest Park. Steps from transportation and downtown shopping and nightlife. 1st flr unit is duplexed into basement. Expansive LR and formal DR, 2 BRs both large enough for king sized beds, an eat-in kitchen, and three season porch. Finished basement has large study, deep walk-in closet, fam rm, second full BA, and third large BR. Basement laundry room has two sets of washer/dryers, one for each unit. Top flr 2 BR unit has been rented since 2006. The 2 ½ car garage has room for parking/storage. Tenants park on the driveway off the front. A flood control system keeps the basement dry. Great starter home, regular investment, or a perfect place to retire!

621 Elgin Avenue $423,000 Beautifully built and well cared for 2-flat. Two 2 BR units, fully occupied building for the next year, makes for a great investment. Rents cover the mortgage, taxes, utilities, and insurance. Large open living rms, formal dining rms, eat-in kitchens, and good sized BRs. Parking for four cars minimum up to 6 if needed! Great location just a few steps away from the transportation and downtown Forest Park.

1039 Troost Ave, Forest Park $350,000

UNDER CONTRACT

Huge three bedroom home in need of rehab.

Three car plus garage! Enormous 75 foot lot.

One of Forest Park’s hidden gems. 2-flat.

Each unit has a large open formal dining room and 2 large BRs. The front living rms have eight windows and a brick faux fireplace. The rear BRs on each floor are tied into a tandem rm often used as a large closet and/or an office. Well maintained Kitchens and BAs. Basement is wide open for your first floor duplex ideas! Separate utilities each unit. Parking pad fits six cars. Next to the community gardens and a beautiful hidden gem of a park! Located 100 feet from the blue line. This opportunity will not last long. SOLD AS IS.

813 Beloit Avenue $259,000 One of Forest Park’s largest bungalows is hitting the market! Classic layout with living rm, dining rm, and 3 BR,1 BA. The original ceiling height under the drop ceiling will measure out to 9 feet high! The basement was at one time an apartment but can be gutted and adjoined with the first floor, or left as is for storage. Very large partially heated attic is ready for your expansion ideas.

Located 100 feet from the FP Park District baseball diamonds, skate park, tennis courts, playgrounds and pool. A couple blocks to the Desplaines L entrance.

This home is ready for your decorating and updates!

7314 Randolph, Forest Park $179,000 This two bedroom and two bathroom unit is ready to sell! While dated, it is in impeccable condition. Sixth floor facing East gives that beautiful morning sunshine coming over the treetops! Great building and management. This unit does have garage parking.

De-Clutter.

Advertise your garage sale for just $25 in Forest Park Review Wednesday Journal and Riverside-Brookfield Landmark

Call Stacy at 708.613.3342

19

20

Forest Park Review, October 6, 2021

EXPLORE ALL THAT’S

autumn

Vibrant fall foliage, fresh crisp apples and comforting pumpkin delights! The special attention to detail and personalized care we bring to each resident, includes tasty, nutritious meals and award-winning services and amenities.

Take a progressive journey through our warm and welcoming community. Each stop on your visit will include delectable chef-made seasonal pumpkin treats.

Saturdays in October 10:00am–2:00pm RSVP REQUIRED. CALL 708-469-4607 TODAY

Virtual tours always available. Call today!

ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE 800 N. HARLEM AVENUE | RIVER FOREST, IL 60305 SHERIDANRIVERFOREST.COM

We are proud to be a happy, healthy and safe community. We are committed to the safety and well-being of our residents and their families.

Following the FDA approval of the vaccine, be assured that Senior Lifestyle mandates that all our employees are vaccinated to minimize risk of infection. Learn more about our best practices at seniorlifestyle.com/about/covid-19/

Present

Fall 2021

A guide to local dining

by Melissa Elsmo, EATS Editor

Sponsored by

Oak Park Economic Development Corporation

Mama De Luca

◆ Celebrating our 17th year on Madison Street

◆ Direct online ordering is available ◆ Sunday brunch (10am-2pm) ◆ Catering (please give 48 hours notice) ◆ Private parties on our 2nd floor

(bridal, wedding, and baby showers, birthdays, meetings)

◆ 2nd floor outdoor patio dining

(subject to private party schedule)

7427 Madison Street www.caffedeluca.com 708-366-9200

EATS

Special Advertising Section

B

presented by

October 6, 2021

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Welcome to our table

orn in 2018 and served fresh by Growing Community Media, Eats gives you a taste of everything dining-related in Oak Park and its surrounding communities.

Berwyn, Austin, Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park, Riverside, Brookfield and Elmwood Park are home to a rich collection of established and emerging eateries. Known for serving up healthy portions of food and restaurant news, Eats exists to connect you to the people and stories behind the dishes you love to eat.

All of us at Growing Community Media are exceptionally grateful for the support Byline Bank has shown to local restaurants and the commitment they have made to help us tell their important stories through the Eats brand—this special section would not have been possible without their support.

Not only is Byline Bank a generous sponsor of the Eats Dining Guide, Alberto Paracchini, CEO of Byline Bank, and Susie Goldschmidt, Oak Park and River Forest Market President for Byline Bank, recognize that local businesses and restaurants form the backbone of communities.

Last winter Byline partnered with the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce as well as the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce to help Goldschmidt spread the love between communities. Of course, Eats covered this effort and shared

the story of Goldschmidt’s visits to breweries, restaurants and diners including One Lake Brewing, Robinson’s Ribs, and George’s Family Restaurant. She also stopped by coffee shops, bakeries and sweet shops including Wise Cup in Oak Park, River Forest Chocolates, and Twisted Cookie in Forest Park. In the end they purchased $15,000 worth of gift cards from more than 65 restaurants in Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park.

No matter where you look in the Eats communities, you’ll find inspirational stories of collaboration and support, but at the heart of it all there are countless delicious dishes to celebrate in the seven communities we cover. We’ve been inspired by the arrival of Oak Park’s first community “Unity” fridge at Carnival Grocery, we clamor for Popify pops crafted at River Forest Kitchens using products from Rare Bird Preserves and don’t get us started on the fried chicken sandwiches at Chubby’s Char House. We are counting the days until the arrival of Fritzi’s Delicatessen and Table and Lain all while celebrating the enduring legacy of places like Autre Monde, The Golden Steer, Chef Shangri-la, Cucina Paradiso, and Jim and Pete’s.

Enjoy this celebration of all things Eats!

Eats Editor Melissa Elsmo Staff Photographer Alex Rogals Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Editorial Designer Manager Javier Govea Designer Susan McKelvey Sales and Marketing Representatives Lourdes Nicholls, Marc Stopeck Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Publisher Dan Haley Business Manager Joyce Minich HOW TO REACH US 141 S. Oak Park Ave. Oak Pak, IL 60302 Phone 708 524 8300 Fax 708 467 9066 Online OakPark.com. RiverForest.com @OakPark • ForestParkReview.com

Happy reading & eating.

Melissa Elsmo Eats Editor Edito

Wednesday Journal & Forest Park Review are published digitally and in print

by Growing Community Media NFP. © 2021 Growing Community Media NFP.

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October 6, 2021

S

EATS

presented by

Special Advertising Section

Give thanks for Spilt Milk

ince opening in 2018, Meg and Molly Svec, sisters and co-owners of Spilt Milk Pastry, 811 South Blvd., have navigated the bakery business with grace and humility. When the pandemic and civil unrest caused job and business losses in 2020, Spilt Milk enacted a program designed to support and serve vulnerable community members. When a flood capsized operations at their original Oak Park Avenue location in the same year

they took the opportunity to expand their bakery and increase their local reach.

Even as the Svec sisters work tirelessly to care for our community their pies, cookies, breads and biscuits remain unwavering in their quality and flavor — the dynamic duo is already preparing for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.

Heirloom Apple Pie is sure to remain Spilt Milk’s number one best seller on the 2021 Thanksgiving menu. In 2018, former Chicago Tribune dining critic, Phil Vettel, called this pie “a work of art.” It features a timeless mixture of several rotating varieties of heirloom apples from Ellis Family Farms, baked in an all-butter double pie crust.

Georgia Pecan pie joins traditional pumpkin, apple cranberry, chocolate chess and pumpkin pecan praline to round out Spilt Milk’s Thanksgiving pie selections. Homemade whipped cream in classic vanilla and chai vanilla varieties can be added to any order as well.

Pumpkin pecan praline pie from Spilt Milk.

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In addition, the Svec sisters plan

Heirloom apple pie from Spilt Milk in Oak Park. | Photos courtesy of Spilt Milk to offer pumpkin and banana breads and packs of frozen “bake-at-home” Spilt Milk buttermilk biscuits. Publican Quality Breads will also be on sale.

Pre-orders begin on Oct. 10 and can be placed in-store, over the phone or online.

Plan to order early. In years past, Spilt Milk has typically recached production capacity around Halloween.

If you are looking for some sips to enjoy with your sweets Spilt Milk Wine is

featuring half cases and full cases of wines specially sourced just for the Thanksgiving holiday from independent, family-owned vineyards in the U.S., South America, and Europe. Selections will be published Oct. 15 and Spilt Milk plans to host a tasting event.

Spilt Milk

811 South Blvd., Oak Park 708-613-4403 • spiltmilkpastry.com

Fresh, healthy, delicious: Inari Sushi

hen it comes to sushi, Inari owner, Sara Kate, learned from the best. The enthusiastic restaurateur has owned Inari Sushi, 7428 W. North Ave. in Elmwood Park, for a decade, but had a wealth of valuable experience prior to opening the Restaurant Row sushi bar.

Kate spent years in management at Tank Sushi in Lincoln Square and maintains industry ties to the folks behind Sushi Wabi — the standard-setting sushi bar located on Randolph Street in Chicago that closed in 2012.

The S.T.A.Y Rolling roll (left) and the X’mas roll are among the many colorful specialty maki offerings at Inari Sushi. to sushi for novice diners, the baked roll is stuffed with shrimp tempura and topped with delicate slices of salmon and super white tuna. The roll is garnished with black tobiko and served on a flaming platter.

Relying on the wisdom of chefs from some of the great Chicago sushi houses helped Kate establish quality ingredient sourcing practices. This attention to detail has helped distinguish the North Avenue restaurant from others of its kind in the western suburbs.

Kate credits Inari’s enduring success to a steady stream of longtime and loyal customers. As word started to spread about Inari’s “sushi first” approach to Japanese fare Kate saw customers coming into the restaurant from neighboring communities.

The Sushi bar lunch entrée features a chef’s selection of five assorted pieces of nigiri sushi and spicy tuna maki. On the day we visited we were offed dressed albacore tuna,

Tempura vegetables, California roll and salad make up an indulgent lunch option at Inari. | Photos by Melissa Elsmo yellow tail, tuna, salmon and snapper. The colorful array of fresh fish came garnished with a whimsical carved butterfly made from a carrot and a vibrant edible orchid.

Kate also encourages patrons to try their trendy Poke Bowls. Protein like sashimi tuna

and salmon or tempura tofu combined with

rice, assorted vegetables and sweet soy

sauce offers guests the refreshing fare Inari is known for. Dine-in guests looking for a

little excitement would do well to order the flaming dragon roll. A good introduction

While Inari’s sleek interior welcomes guests from near and far, Kate is thrilled with her restaurant’s Elmwood Park location. She enjoys local customers and relishes in the Village of Elmwood Park’s ongoing support of all restaurants in the area.

“This is a lovely community to be a part of,” says Kate, “we’re like family on Restaurant Row.”

Inari Sushi

7428 W. North Ave., Elmwood Park 708-583-2300 • inarisushielmwoodpark.com

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Discovering Anfora and all that wine offers

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nfora Wine Merchants, 128 S. Marion St., is a combination retail shop and wine education center, named after a two-handled terracotta vessel used in Ancient Rome to store or transport wine.

Shop owner, Adrian Weisell, was born in Italy and even attended elementary school in a working vineyard. Ultimately, through mentorship, exposure, and education he achieved sommelier status at Il Buco in New York. Il Buco, was (and remains) a notable wine destination and carried a great selection of Italian wines.

“My approach to wine is not how a standard sommelier would approach it,”

said Weisell. “Wine is about more than taste to me. I look at wine drinking through a cultural and historical lens.”

The Marion Street shop recaptures the feeling of his childhood, honors old world traditions and celebrates Italian wines. A welcoming retail space engages customers upon entry, floral murals cover walls and terracotta pendant fixtures hang from the ceiling. Wooden shelves house bottles of wine and a set of double doors give way to a tasting room with a counter suitable for hosting small classes.

Weisell wants the shop to be a festive gathering space where people come to select a bottle to open at home or enjoy a bottle of wine on the patio with friends. Anfora has limited number of wines available by the glass, but Weisell is quick to point out the entire shop is available to be enjoyed for a very modest corkage fee.

He also considers the close bond between Anfora and Carnivore, the artisan butcher shop located around the corner at 1042 Pleasant St., to be

Jassem el Mahmoud looks at a bottle of wine on at Anfora Wine Merchants on Marion Street in downtown Oak Park. | Photos by Alex Rogals one of the best kept secrets in Oak Park.

tasting experience.

“People don’t realize they can get a chefdriven steak prepared at Carnivore while they are drinking wine at Anfora,” said Weisell. “We have a few bar snacks here, but the entire Carnivore menu is available to our customers.”

“I am looking to build relationships with my customers,” said Weisell. “Ultimately we’re asking that you trust me. Let go a little and let me pick the wine for you.”

Anfora Wine Merchants is a social destination where people embrace the thoughtful approach Weisell takes to curate a wine

Anfora Wine Merchants

128 S. Marion, Oak Park 708-613-5388 • anforawinemerchants.com

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Celebrating Kribi Coffee’s hyper local coffee roasting revolution

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ince opening in January 2019, Jacques Shalo has been working diligently to carve out a unique identity for his independent coffee roastery in the congested and competitive coffee shop business. Shalo credits Kribi’s Coffee’s “four tenets,” freshness, method, sourcing, and giving back, for the brand’s quick rise in popularity.

Kribi Coffee is located at 7324 W. Madison, Forest Park and is expected to open a second location later this month. The new location will be housed at Cross Function, a flexible workspace in the Boulevard Arcade building, at 1033 South Blvd., Oak Park.

“My wife Cindy was driving down South Boulevard and saw the available café space,” said Shalo, owner of Kribi Coffee. “It seemed like a great opportunity for Kribi to enter Oak Park.”

Kribi’s Cross Function location will capitalize on the recognizable design elements popularized at the Forest Park location. The colorful palette, conceptualized by Shalo’s son Jeremiah, is a nod to the family’s Cameroonian heritage and regional coffee sourcing practices.

Earlier this year, Kribi Coffee accepted a prestigious Illinois Made Award from the Illinois Department of Tourism – Explore Illinois. Inclusion in the Illinois Makers program is highly competitive, and honorees must meet detailed criteria and are celebrated for having a compelling origin story, rich business history, and making an impact in their home community.

Kribi Coffee sources historically significant coffees with a growing focus on beans grown in Cameroon.

In addition to sourcing with regional specificity in mind, Kribi is dedicated to putting more money into the pockets of coffee farmers by

disrupting the value chain of coffee and donates to local social justice causes — a portion of every bag of Kribi’s Black Lives Matter blend is donated to Tutoring Chicago.

In May 2021 Kribi was also named among the 10 best coffee shops in Chicago by food and drink editors at Chicago Social. Though Kribi Coffee is less than three years old, the fastgrowing business joined notable Chicago coffee shops including Intelligentsia, Dark Matter and Metropolis on the tight list of 10.

Kribi will continue to serve quality coffee in their flagship Forest Park location and envisions the new Oak Park location will serve as a precursor to a larger Kribi expansion in Oak Park sometime in late 2023 or early 2024.

Kribi Coffee

7324 Madison St., Forest Park 708-689-8896 • kribicoffee.com

Jacques Shalo standing outside his Kribi Coffee location in Forest Park.

7324 w. madison street forest park, il 60130 7324 w. madison street forest park, il 60130

kribicoffee.com 708 689 8896

kribicoffee.com 708 689 8896

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La Lupita celebrates a mother’s touch in every dish

or 16 years La Lupita, 6539 W. Cermak Rd., has been a celebration of the hard work and grit it takes to succeed in the restaurant industry.

“The restaurant is named after my mother, Lupita Figueroa, and you can still find her in the kitchen,” said Salvador “Sal” Figueroa, the manager. “Our dishes are all homemade with her recipes, her seasonings, and her special touch.”

The origin-story of the Cermak Road mainstay, however, takes us far from the Berwyn thoroughfare. Though Sal is

American born, he and his family returned to Cuernavaca in Morelos, Mexico when he was just two years old.

As a boy, Sal watched his mother set up a dining table in their front yard. Friends and strangers would take a seat and Lupita would bring out an array of homemade dishes like pozole blanco and a deep dark mole with origins in her hometown located in the Guerrero region of Mexico.

The money she earned helped the family, but more importantly she was honing the recipes that would eventually form the spine of La Lupita’s menu.

La Lupita serves a mole popularized in the Guerrero region of Mexico shown here over chicken enchiladas.

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In 1992 the Figueroa family returned to the United States and settled in Chicago. While Lupita took factory jobs to support her family, she proved to be an insatiable cook and began offering her culinary services to local businesses and neighbors.

Sal would come home to find strangers eating in their apartment kitchen. Before long Lupita’s casual cooking turned into a vibrant catering business.

Then, in 2004 Sal drove past a

Cazuela de Pozole Blanco Estilo Guerrero from La Lupita. all three of her children.”

vacant restaurant on Cermak Road. More kitchen than dining room, the diminutive space held just for tables and offered the perfect steppingstone for Lupita to take her culinary career to the next level. Thanks to her loyal customer base the transition to restaurant ownership went smoothly for the scrappy cook.

Today La Lupita is going strong and keeps home-style Mexican food front and center on Cermak. The restaurant continues to offer Lupita’s complex mole and three variations of pozole daily.

“Looking back, now I can see my mother is a true example of an entrepreneur,” said Sal proudly. “She passed along that mindset to

6539 Cermak Rd., Berwyn

La Lupita

708-788-8226 • lalupitaberwyn.com

History, burgers and brews at One Lake Brewing

ne Lake Brewing, 1 Lake Street, Oak Park, is housed on three levels in the former First National Bank of Oak Park, built in 1920.

The finished gut-rehab pays special attention to the historic aspects of the one-of-a-kind building. The first floor features a beer hall inspired bar and dining room, while the second level celebrates the history of the building with preserved original dentil molding and large historical photos. A large beer-bottle chandelier anchors the space while large windows offer guests a glimpse into the working brewery. The third floor features a popular roof top dining area and outdoor bar.

also be open for lunch both days.”

The One Lake menu offers a thoughtful combination of elevated bar fare like crispy chicken wings and complete entrees including the popular stuff in pepper made with local barley, roasted seasonal vegetables, caramelized goat cheese,

roasted piquillo pepper sauce, fried shallot and herb oil. The One Lake Burger, however, has proven to be a top seller. It features two patties of local beef on a corn dusted bun topped with tomato jam, house aioli, fried pickled onions, arugula and butterkase cheese.

Shawn Stevens, head brewer at One Lake, is also excited for the upcoming release of the Been Czar, Done That stout. The beer, set to be bottled in mid--November, has been aging for a year in two 55 gallon barrels from Quincy Street Distillery, 38 E Quincy Street in Riverside. Stevens says “aging and conditioning has added a depth of flavor and complexity” he would not have been able to achieve in other ways, and turned out to be an “excellent collaboration between two local craft makers.”

The brewery is set to be featured on the Open House Chicago (OPC) tour on October 16 and 17. OHC 2021 ( https://openhousechicago.org) includes more than 100 sites in more than 30 neighborhoods across Chicago and nearby suburbs--One Lake will offer attendees a self-guided tour of their historic building.

“We want people to come in, order a beer if they want and explore the space,” said Kristen Alfonsi, co-owner. “We will

Nothing goes better with a thoughtfully crafted burger than a cold beer. Behind the bar, One Lake’s staff pour house-brewed beers including, Lando, an American IPA with a juicy fruit-forward flavor and a notable hop burst--the beer has a generous 7.4% abv and a full finish. For beer-lovers looking for a lower abv One Lake’s easy drinking, “toasty-roasty” Oscar Milde English mild ale. The beer with a grain forward profile has a manageable 4.4% abv.

The One Lake Burger features tomato jam, house aioli and butterkase cheese. Bacon can be added to make this an even bolder bite. | Provided by One Lake

One Lake Brewing

1 Lake St., Oak Park 708-434-5232 • onelakebrewing.com

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Jewish delicatessen dreams do come true

raving kreplach, pastrami, or knish?

Paul Stern, a longtime Oak Park resident with nearly four decades of restaurant experience, is bringing a menu filled with Jewish fare to 113 N. Oak Park Ave.

Stern is planning for both corned tofu and beet and labneh sandwiches to appear on the menu.

To cultivate interaction and communal feelings, customers will place orders “dim sum style” by checking off menu items on a card placed on the table. Menu items will come in a variety of sizes and Stern hopes inexpensive tasting portions will entice hesitant diners to try menu items they may be unfamiliar with.

“It has always been a dream of mine to open a Jewish deli,” said Stern.

Stern fondly remembers eating at Lou Mitchell’s with his father in the restaurant’s heyday. There were bananas for the children and Milk Duds for the ladies — every meal at the family-owned diner, complete with prune and orange slice, felt like a special occasion.

Stern hopes his forthcoming deli will bring back that same sense of personalization and attention to detail while honoring his father’s memory.

“My dad, Fritz, fled Austria when they started rounding up Jews,” said Stern. “He went to Switzerland, then London and eventually emigrated through Ellis Island where he was re-named Fredrick. He never spoke German to anyone but his mother -- she always called him Fritzi.”

Stern is clear Fritzi’s Delicatessen will be a

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Paul Stern and Lisa Stern stand together outside of the storefront that will soon be Fritzi’s, their new Jewish deli, on Oak Park Avenue | Alex Rogals/Staff Photographer “Kosher-style deli” meaning they will serve Ashkenazi Jewish fare like corned beef, matzoh ball soup, kishke, brisket, chopped liver and lox. While both pork and shellfish will not be served at Fritzi’s, it will not be a kosher establishment as evidenced by the inclusion of a Reuben sandwich on the menu.

Stern has proudly spent 10 years developing his pastrami recipe. A traditional dry cure with a blend of spices including black pepper, coriander, and cloves precedes soaking, cold smoking, and steaming. The finished pastrami will be hand sliced for sandwiches.

Vegetarians will also have a place at Fritzi’s.

“I want Fritzi’s to be a place where people put down their phones and actually dine with each other,” said Stern. “I want the place to have a buzz where people talk politics and share a bowl of something. If someone hears the person at the next table say they are an orthopedist, I want that person to ask them why their knee hurts. That is the heart of deli for me.”

Serving up “good food for the soul,” Fritzi’s Delicatessen, is expected to open this fall.

Fritzi’s Delicatessen

113 N Oak Park Ave., Oak Park

The Daly Bagel hits its stride – and then some

hen Amanda Daly opened the doors to The Daly Bagel in April 2020, she greeted waiting customers for the first time exclaiming, “We’re open!” Production in the kitchen came to an organic halt and everyone inside the shop began to clap. It was a fleeting moment, but one not easily forgotten.

The tight-knit crew baked out of River Forest Kitchen, hosting popular weekend popups at Urban Pioneer Group in Forest Park and offering Daly Bagels at area farmers markets.

Daly then set her sights on a brick-andmortar location and embarked on a buildout expected to take just months, but which in reality, took more than a year to complete.

“Everything came alive in that moment,” said Daly, shop owner.

“We opened the doors and life flooded in. Since then, The Daly Bagel has been a living thing.”

Over the past year Daly and her team of baker-employees have embraced their new reality. The first employee arrives at the shop at 4 a.m. to prepare for the 7 a.m. opening. It takes an And now the hour for the revolving boutique bagel shop tray oven, capable of has hit its stride.

A bevy of bagels from The Daly Bagel in baking 500 bagels The Daly Bagel was Oak Park. at time, to come to recently named by temperature and WBEZ’s Curious City nearly as long for the adjacent bagel boiling as one of the best bagels in Chicagoland. kettle to fill with water.

With their retail space housed in the old Zephyr building, 130 Chicago Ave., the Daly Daly, Guldin and Garcia have settled into Bagel has hit its stride. distinct roles. Daly, who remains hands on in the kitchen, handles operations, scheduling, Daly whipped up her first batch of “East social media and general catch all duties.

Coast bagels with a Midwest twist” in 2018 Guldin oversees doughs and recipe before officially teaming up with her “bagel development. Garcia is regularly in charge of partners” Adrienne Guldin and Leah Garcia.

Amanda Daly, owner of the Daly Bagel, has navigated the challenges of starting a boutique bagel business. | Photos by Alex Rogals opening the shop. Today, a total of 32 parttime employees keep the bagel boutique in business.

The shop benefits from excellent foot traffic despite their “off the beaten path location” and continues to cater to their passionate group of regular customers. Positive press and word-of-mouth have drummed up additional business. As a result, The Daly Bagel is known to have a line out the door with the most dramatic “socially distant”

queue extending more than two blocks.

“We constantly remind ourselves we need to go at a pace the preserves quality,” said Daly. “Because, let me tell you, it is almost impossible to fight the instinct to rush when you see a line around the block.”

Daly Bagel

130 Chicago Ave., Oak Park 708-613-5263 • thedalybagel.com

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(from left) Student leaders Kyndra Washington, 14, Neveah Hester, 16, and Azariah Baker show off an assortment of cut flowers and house plants available at Austin Harvest.

Austin Harvest a student-led produce market

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n June 2020, Rodney Williams, director of entrepreneurship and development at By the Hand Club for Kids, 415 N. Laramie, was sitting in a peace circle with a group of frustrated youth. In the wake of George Floyd’s murder area protests led to some violent unrest in Austin and left participants in By the Hand’s afterschool program concerned for their community.

In fact, a liquor store located directly across the street from By the Hand had been looted and burned during a night of rioting. By the Hand purchased the property and tore down the building within six weeks of taking ownership. The frustrated students saw this as an opportunity to change their community from within and raised the idea of hosting a pop-up produce market on the vacant lot left behind after the liquor store was demolished.

“Austin has a population of 97,000,” said Williams. “We had 17 liquor stores and just 3 grocery stores. This is a food desert and the kids wanted to do something about that.”

Initially the entrepreneurial experiment was supposed to last just 12 weeks, but the community responded favorably to Austin Harvest, 423 N. Laramie, and plans for a second season evolved naturally. And then in June 2021, Austin Harvest, with support from Sam Acho, a former Chicago Bear, and Athletes for Justice, received word that a WSCR-AM radiothon hosted by talk

host Danny Parkins, generated more than $670,000 in donations to help build a permanent home for the pop-up market.

“We are not going anywhere,” said Azariah Baker, Austin Harvest student-employee. “A roof is the best way to show that.”

They may be peddling produce at affordable prices, but Williams is clear the primary focus of the program is developing entrepreneurs.

Students earn a stipend for their work at Austin Harvest and oversee everything from bookkeeping and purchasing to uniform design and furniture construction.

They manage partnerships to keep the market stocked and worked closely with contractors to design the forthcoming brick and mortar. The building should be completed by the end of 2021 and has been designed to maintain an open-air market feel.

“You can only dream what you see,” said Williams. “This market shows them what is possible in their own community. The best thing people can do is come out to shop and encourage the kids.”

Austin Harvest is open to the public Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Austin Harvest

423 N. Laramie Chicago

October 6, 2021

Cookies Soft Serve Ice Cream Dipped & Stuffed Brownies Milkshakes Coffees Gift Boxes & Baskets

7401 Madison St, Forest Park (708) 689-8029 TwistedCookie.com

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The evolution of Takeout 25

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akeout 25 started as an online initiative dedicated to supporting restaurants through the COVID pandemic and recently marked its transition to an official non-profit organization.

made a difference during the pandemic — some establishments were able to rehire furloughed employees while others created special offers and discounts specifically geared toward the Takeout 25 community.

“We are very confident in our ability to provide value to restaurants” said Ravi Parakkat, Takeout 25 founder and now an Oak Park village trustee. “Everything y g we are hoping to do will enhance the top-line for member restaurants.”

Takeout 25 went on to host a trio of Taste the Town fundraising events that benefitted multiple restaurants and non-profits like Beyond Hunger, y g The Day Nursery and New Moms. The Takeout 25 model has been replicated on a national scale with similar efforts popping up from California to New York and the initiative is currently being turned in to a business school case study.

When Takeout 25 started, Parakkat, a 14-year Oak Park resident, was a candidate for the village board. He teamed up with local leaders to inspire residents to spend $25 per week on carryout fare in Oak Park and the surrounding communities. And Takeout 25 was born.

Today, the Takeout 25 Facebook page boasts more than 9,000 members who share photos of takeout fare, ask for dinner recommendations, and interact with restaurant owners. Restaurant owners made it clear the Takeout 25 Oak Park initiative

Ravi Parakkat, Village Trustee and founder of Takeout 25. | Alex Rogals/Staff Photographer

And now the organization has achieved official 501c6 status.

As Takeout 25 grows, programs will be staffed by paid interns or part-time paid staff members as needed. Parakkat will stay on as founder and board president and will not be paid for his ongoing efforts.

In addition to increasing revenue and lowering costs for restaurants, the non-profit model aims to facilitate relationships with local delivery services, introduce collaborative initiatives to aid restaurants in bulk ordering eco-friendly take-out packaging and reduce retail food waste by marketing local food overages in inventive ways.

While all local restaurants will continue to have universal access to the free marketing engine Takeout 25 has become, the new 501c6 is designed to outlive the pandemic and will rely on a membership model to help support dining establishments and enrich the local economy in a variety of ways.

Parakkat acknowledges the not-for-profit is in its infancy but envisions the Takeout 25 membership cost being $25 per month or $300 per year for participating restaurants. The fees will give members the “right of first refusal” on future Takeout 25 events and access to cross community collaborations designed to strengthen the local economy.

Takeout 25 takeout25.org

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Taco Mucho brings chef driven tacos to Harrison Street

ouse-made tortillas, salsas, tacos and tortas as well as a thoughtfully curated cocktail menu featuring seasonal margaritas have arrived in the Oak Park Arts District. Ron Aleman, owner of Taco Mucho, 220 Harrison St., was drawn to the district because of its “cool feeling and walkability.”

“I love Val’s, Buzz and Happy Apple,” said Aleman. “I think Taco Mucho will fit right in with all the great things already happening on Harrison.”

Taco Mucho existed as a pop-up in the Fulton Gallery in Chicago for six months in 2019. The successful stint left Aleman ready to transition to restaurant ownership, but the pandemic delayed his dream. The south Oak Park resident and father of two spent quarantine cooking for neighbors, family and friends to hone his skills in anticipation of opening Taco Mucho when the time was right.

Mucho inspired mural announcing “share your tortillas” draws focus in the second dining room.

Aleman was drawn to the building on Harrison because it was already a functional restaurant. He completed significant cosmetic updates to “brighten and freshen” the dining room. Warm string lights hang in the first of two dining rooms and a galvanized metal bar grounds the space. A vibrant Taco

Aleman, who had a hand in opening seven restaurants over the years, brings 20-years of culinary experience to his first ever solo restaurant venture. He also benefits from a formal culinary school education and uses his knowledge of French cooking techniques to enhance his Mexican fare rooted in family

Ron Aleman, owner of Taco Mucho, is ready to welcome guests to his arts district taqueria.

A colorful mural welcomes guests and urges them to “share your tortillas” at Taco Mucho at 220 Harrison St.

recipes from Guadalajara, Jalisco.

also attracts customers.

Taco Mucho’s menu features a rotating array of tacos and tortas with fillings like ribeye steak with house made asada seasoning, chicken al pastor or vegetarian poblano con queso. Aleman has given serious consideration to making vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options standouts on the Taco Mucho menu. A beverage menu highlighting classic and creative margaritas

“No matter what I am cooking, ingredients will always get the best respect from my hands,” said Aleman. “I want to help every ingredient meet its full potential.”

Taco Mucho

220 Harrison St., Oak Park tacomucho.net

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Decades of dedication: Take a stroll down Restaurant Row

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Armand’s Pizza:

lmwood Park’s beloved “Restaurant Row” boasts a vibrant and bustling collection of eateries that lure customers with a diversity of cuisines, ample parking, and an honest sense of camaraderie. The Village of Elmwood Park tirelessly supports the restaurants lined up on North Avenue—that ongoing commitment is one of the reasons why many Restaurant Row establishments have endured for decades.

Any Armand’s pizza can be customized, but the restaurant offers some approved “classic” combinations like one especially devoted to the Village of Elmwood Park.

The Elmwood Park combo suggests topping your pie with Italian beef, Armand’s signature sausage, and giardiniera. Armand’s has been serving up pies for more than 60 years. Located at 7650 W. North Ave.

A fresh hot pizza from Armand’s in Elmwood Park

Chef’s choice: an assortment of nigri sushi and spicy tuna maki from Inari Sushi.

Alpine Food Shop:

An assortment of gelato from Massa Café Italiano.

Massa Café Italiano: Angelo and Giovanna Lollino prioritize sourcing the freshest ingredients available to craft a variety of authentic house-made Italian dishes at Massa, 7434 W. North Ave.—including colorful salads, Sicilian pizza, and decadent pastas. The quaint eatery entices guests to indulge in dessert-Massa’s award-winning gelato and fresh sorbettos are made fresh daily using timehonored Italian techniques.

Spizzico/Senor Jefe:

“It’s not just a sub—it’s an Alpine.” Few places have a truer tag line than Alpine Food Shop—the sandwich shop has been a part of the Elmwood Park neighborhood since 1955. Perennially popular, The Alpine” is a sub with a loyal following and features ham, salami, capicollo and Provolone cheese. Located at 7538 W. North Ave.

Johnnie’s Beef: A counter-service force of nature, Johnnie’s Beef, 7500 W. North Ave., is a standard setting joint for blissful beef in Elmwood Park, the western suburbs and beyond. Our very own David Hammond said, “I ate the Johnnie’s beef (sandwich) in one continuous gobble” of the sandwiches first served in 1961.

New Star: New Star, 7444 W. North Ave., had been serving up Cantonese cuisine since 1954, but Jinny Zhao’s ownership has brought fresh life to the North Avenue mainstay.

Zhao is proud to carry on the New Star traditions started by the Moy family, but she has expanded the menu to offer Thai, Japanese and Hibachi dishes.

Gringo and Blondie offers a colorful assortment of Mexican dishes

For 25 years the Spizzirri family has been offering baked clams and crispy calamari to set the stage for an array of entrees including pastas, sandwiches and pizza at Spizzico, 7446 W. North Ave. Right around the corner, Senor Jefe, offers Mexican favorites like hand-made pork tamales, fajitas and flautas. Senor Jefe opened nearly six years ago and the model makes is simple to have tacos with your next pizza!

Gringo and Blondie: An assortment of tacos, cemitas, and burritos await at Gringo and Blondie, located 7514 W. North Ave. in Elmwood Park. The Mexican street-food spot is brought to Restaurant Row by Massa Café Italiano owner, Angelo Lollino and his wife and business partner Giovanna Lollino.

The Alpine is the quintessential sandwich from the food shop of the same name.

Johnnie’s has been a restaurant row mainstay for decades.

Fried rice at New-Star

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A steak jibarito from Café Cubano has been a restaurant row favorite for years.

The 8am burger from Burger Moovment.

Café Cubano:

Inari:

For 20 years owners of Cafe Cubano, Mayra and Javier Fernandez Jr., have been honoring Javier Fernandez Sr. by bringing authentic Cuban fare to Restaurant Row. Located at 7426 W. North Ave., Café Cubano uses nostalgia and comfort as key ingredients in every dish pushed out of their kitchen—including lechon, oxtails, jibaritos and empanadas.

Sara Kate has owned Inari Sushi, 7428 W. North Ave., for a decade, but had a wealth of valuable experience prior to opening the restaurant row sushi bar. She takes a “sushi first” approach to turn out a creative assortment of maki, nigiri and poke. Bento boxes, ramen and kitchen entrees complement an array of cocktails and sake options.

Jim and Pete’s: Since 1941 this Restaurant Row outlier has been serving up old world favorites with a modern twist.

The well-appointed North Ave. location, 7806 W. North Ave., is the second home for the restaurant known for serving reliable arsenal of traditional Italian dishes like bruschetta, chicken Parmigiano, and linguini with clam sauce. Specialty menu items like giant house-made rigatoni with pinenuts, spinach and ricotta and Italian Pork Chops with peppers and potatoes make a unique splash on the thoughtful menu.

Baked clams set the tone for any meal at Spizzico.

Burger Moovment: This quick-service establishment flips every patty to order using locally sourced bakery buns, 100-percent Angus beef and locally grown produce. For the past decade, Burger Moovment, 7512 W. North Ave., has been setting the burger standard in Elmwood Park.

Owner Anthony Gambino has helmed Oak Park’s Italian mainstay, Cucina Paradiso, for more than 25 years and has found the balance between fine dining and casual fare at his Elmwood Park burger joint.

Jim and Pete’s can be found of the far west end of Elmwood Park’s Restaurant Row.

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#Berwynstyle wings and turkey at Babygold Barbecue: Elmwood Park has a long standing reputation for being home to outstanding restaurants. As a Village we are proud to share this reputation and work hard to promote it.

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1742 N Harlem Ave

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Slice Factory

7428 W North Ave

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Jim & Pete’s

Spizzico& Senor Jefe

7806 W North Ave

7446 W North Ave

Burger King 1750 Harlem Ave

Burger Moovement 7512 W North Ave

Café Cubano 7426 W North Ave

Caputo’s Fresh Markets 2400 N Harlem Ave

Chi Taco 7530 W. Grand Ave

Circle Tavern 18 Conti Pkwy

Culvers 7542 W Grand Ave

Jimmy John’s 1702 N Harlem Ave

Johnnie’s 7500 W North Ave

Subway

2836 N. Harlem Ave 7230 W. North Ave

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Chef John Manion considers Babygold’s thick-sliced smoked turkey to be a “menu workhorse.” Diners will appreciate its subtle smoke and Thanksgiving vibe. My fellow food writer, David Hammond believes the deliciousness of the turkey was “slightly eclipsed by the uber-deliciousness of the chicken wings.”

And Hammond was clear he almost never orders wings but would gladly order them at Babygold again and again. 6615 W. Roosevelt Rd., Berwyn.

A Mangonada from Neveria Naranja Dulce: Adventurous sorbet lovers should check out a mangonada. This sweet and sour dessert treat is made from mango sorbet, Tajín, and piquant chamoy. Fresh mango and a tamarind coated straw finish this memorable Berwyn dessert. 6252 Ogden Ave., Berwyn.

The Midland from Burger Antics: Fresh steak burgers cooked to your desired degree of doneness star at Burger Antics.

Here The Midland, topped with house made Dijon, house made pickles, English cheddar and caramelized onions is served up in the family friendly joint. 3740 Grand Blvd., Brookfield.

The Obvious from the Daly Bagel: Obviously, we made room for “The Obvious” from The Daly Bagel. Folks line up daily for these East Coast style beauties, and bagel maven, Amanda Daly, clearly knows how to pile lox, cream cheese, onions and capers to make a perfect sandwich. 130 Chicago Ave, Oak Park.

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The lobster roll at Poor Phil’s is a sidewalk sandwich favorite. | Photos by Melissa Elsmo

A seafood lovers paradise at Poor Phil’s

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ince 1985 the Murphy family has been offering the “ultimate neighborhood pub experience” at Poor Phil’s, 139 S. Marion St. Savvy locals know the mainstay establishment offers more than 30 beers on tap and a wide array of American, Cajun and seafood dishes. The family friendly establishment boasts an idyllic sidewalk patio suitable for a date night, quick weeknight meal or workday lunch.

After entering a temporary closure known as a hibernation in January 2021 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Poor Phil’s reopened in spring to the delight of longtime regulars.

happy to enjoy Poor Phil’s unpretentious fare once again. As snow melted patrons could be seen savoring fish and chips with an ice cold beer, weekday “two buck shucks” and a bloody mary, or a “barroom” pickle burger with piles of crispy tots.

Other notable menu items include Poor Phil’s Maine lobster roll featuring chilled lobster salad brimming with celery, onion, pepper, fresh dill, mild wasabi mayonnaise and butter served on a toasted bun. The Fishn-Cheddar is a refined version of a fast-food classic featuring beer batter fried Atlantic cold-water cod — the shatteringly crisp fish served in a brioche bun is thoughtfully dressed with cheddar, lettuce, tomato and tartar sauce.

Hibernating restaurants like Poor Phil’s, consciously The Poor Phil’s bloody mary. chose to close at the height of the pandemic winter with the intention of It is the goal of every member of Poor reopening when the weather was warm Phil’s cheerful and dedicated staff to enough for patio dining, or as soon as ensure patrons experience “the comfort pandemic related restrictions lifted. of enjoying a day with fresh food, rejuvenating beer at an exciting location Though it was a difficult decision to with family and friends.” hibernate, Poor Phil’s customers celebrated their reopening by expressing joy on Poor Phil’s social media and flocking to the restaurant.

139 S. Marion St., Oak Park Hungry locals came clamoring back to 708-848-0871 • poorphils.com the outdoor patio in the spring and were

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Learn, sample and socialize at Kinslahger tirelessly to train their taste buds to recognize subtle flavors and differences between beers. The goal of any beer judge is to support and inform other homebrewers on how to brew better beer.

large wall clock freezes time at 3:11 p.m. in the well-appointed Kinslahger Taproom, 6806 Roosevelt Rd., in Oak Park. The hands stand still to honor the production brewery’s opening day in 2016 and the exact moment Keith Huizinga’s dreams of brewing beer for a living came true.

The Home-brewers Club of Oak Park introduced Huizinga to Steve Loranz River Forest resident and and Neal Armstrong.

Michigan native, Huizinga traveled Friendships emerged to the Netherlands during his and the three passionate college years. While there he lived brewers began to with Dutch students who exposed discuss making their him to a new world of beer. A Keith Huizinga, owner of Kinslahger Brewing, walks through the back shared hobby their fulltypical college student, Huizinga, and shows the beer-making process in the brewery. | Alex Rogals time life. Dreams turned to drank whatever was cheap and conversations and those of variety in the available beer had Huizinga available when he was state side, but conversations morphed into concrete feeling a beer void of sorts. He knew what exposure to artfully crafted beer proved to plans. Armed with a strong collective was out there but couldn’t get his hands be transformative for the young man. knowledge and clearly defined roles, the on it. To combat this longing, the curious “We are living in a completely different beer student began brewing his own beer. trio opened Kinslahger Brewing Company world today,” says the brewery-owner. “There on March 3, 2016. Loranz serves as chief A career in finance supported Huizinga’s is an amazing array of beer styles just lining brewer, Armstrong handles the finances, brewing hobby for years. His passion even grocery store shelves today. That was not the and Huizinga spreads the word about led him to become a certified beer judge. case in 1991.”

Kinslahger’s unique products.

These devoted beer-aficionados are the In today’s market, logic dictates producing Upon returning to the United States the lack sommeliers of the beer world and work

IPA’s or stout beers would lead to success, but Kinslahger runs counterculture by solely producing lager-fermented beers.

Kinslahger beers balance tradition and creativity by relying on a slower fermentation process. The resulting beers have a less yeast-forward flavor profile.

Lagers are prized for their fresh flavor and appreciated for bringing malt and hops to the forefront on the palate.

Today, despite Kinslahger’s limited footprint, the production brewery sells the bulk of their product through wholesale distribution and hopes to have an even broader reach in the future. The Kinslahger tasting room, however, is reserved for our local community where beer lovers can stop in to savor a thoughtfully crafted beer and some lively conversation. It is clear, Huizinga and his partners bring unique passion to Kinslahger and have managed to establish the spot as both a business and great local gathering place where beer lovers can learn, sample, and socialize.

Kinslagher

6806 Roosevelt Rd., Oak Park 844-552-4437 • kinslagher.com

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Chef Shangri-la

7930 W. 26th Street • North Riverside • (708) 442-7080 • Chefshangri-la.com

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Jim & Pete’s always new even after 80 years

ince 1941, Jim & Pete’s, 7806 W. North Ave. in Elmwood Park, has been serving up old-world favorites with a modern twist. Jim & Pete’s stands as one of oldest Italian restaurants in Chicagoland. Originally located at Chicago Avenue and Pulaski in Chicago, the eatery moved River Forest before landing at its current location in Elmwood Park.

Current owner, Michael Bucchianeri, worked as a busboy at Jim & Pete’s as a teenager and subsequently filled every role imaginable at

the restaurant before taking an ownership role in 1999. Since then Bucchianeri has been fiercely committed to honoring the legacy of the nearly 80-year-old restaurant. Expanding on the shared vision of former owners Jim Sorce Jr. and Vito Brunetti, the enthusiastic Bucchianeri completed an extensive remodel of Jim & Pete’s in 2017 making the well-appointed restaurant a stand-out on Restaurant Row in Elmwood Park.

Jim & Pete’s has a warm ambience and fine finishes including exposed brick walls and a covered multi-season patio and state-of-the-art party room suitable for hosting an array of special occasion events. The flexible indoor/outdoor space is well-loved under normal circumstances but has become especially valuable since outdoor dining space is at a premium in Chicagoland. Thanks to thoughtful design choices, Jim & Pete’s is suitable for both casual family dinners and special occasion celebrations — the restaurant appeals to couples Salmon Salad from Jim & Pete’s in Elmwood Park. looking for a date night, businesses

Mixed seafood from Jim & Pete’s in Elmwood Park | Photos provided looking to host a meeting, and people looking to host baby showers and birthday celebrations.

and ricotta, and Italian Pork Chops with peppers and potatoes make a unique splash on the thoughtful menu.

Every dish served at Jim & Pete’s is designed to honor the legacy of the mainstay restaurant. A reliable arsenal of traditional Italian dishes like bruschetta, chicken Parmigiano, and linguini with clam sauce keep regulars coming back to Jim & Pete’s, while specialty menu items like giant house-made rigatoni with pine nuts, spinach

Hot Holiday Tip: Jim & Pete’s offers fullservice catering for on-site or off-site events of any size in Elmwood Park and the surrounding communities. Book early!

Jim and Pete’s

7806 W. North Ave., Elmwood Park 708-453-5204 • jimandpetes.com

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Autre Monde celebrates a decade of neighborhood dining

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fter a 7-month pandemic related closure, Autre Monde, 6727 Roosevelt Rd., Berwyn, reopened in time to mark a milestone anniversary and introduce a menu designed to honor a decade serving their unique brand of approachable Mediterranean fare.

and has executed myriad pop-up events over the years including an elaborate ode to the foodie film “Big Night.”

Autre Monde aims to transport diners, and the perfect storm of dining room closures and delayed PPP loans forced the owners to pause and reassess a path forward. Closing Collage of dishes from Autre Monde. | Provided the “experienced based restaurant” was a calculated Autre Monde opened 10 years ago to decision for the veteran ownership team — immediate accolades including a notable they closed to control their future. three-star rating from the Chicago Tribune.

Chef Pancake earned a coveted Jean Chefs Dan Pancake and Beth Partridge Banchet nomination for Chef of the Year along with Christine Tully, general manager in 2013 and the restaurant has achieved and John Aranza, sommelier who met in Green Seal Certification. They recovered the early 90s, took the time off to reflect on all the years the business has been on from a significant fire in 2012, hosted a Roosevelt Road in Berwyn.

James Beard Foundation dinner in 2015,

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The team settled on a slimmed down menu designed to capture Autre Monde’s spirit by honoring the past while allowing room for bold specials. Classic Autre Monde dishes like fried oyster salad, pork belly pintxos and Tunisian chicken thighs appear alongside new offerings like Chef Pancake’s reimagined octopus a la plancha. And now the enduring Berwyn restaurant is updating their seasonally driven offerings for autumn.

Customers will find Chef Dan’s “legendary pappardelle Bolognese,” a new “amped up” mezze platter, and eggplant Parmesan with whipped ricotta on the fall menu. Specials like seared black bass with burnt orange buerre blanc should keep menu offerings fresh. Aranza, a level two sommelier, has tightened up the wine program to

complement the menu offerings suitable for enjoying on Autre Monde’s heated patio.

The quartet behind Autre Monde set out 10 years ago with the intention of building a restaurant they would want to visit. Today, despite having more than 120 years of combined restaurant experience between them, their simple objective remains the same.

“Going back to where we started has helped us figure out where we want to be now,” said Tully. “We want to be an approachable and comfortable neighborhood restaurant where everyone feels welcome.”

Autre Monde

6727 Roosevelt Rd., Berwyn 708-775-8122 • autremondecafe.net

Sips of significance at Quincy Street Distillery

he cozy tasting room housed inside Quincy Street Distillery, 39 E. Quincy St., Riverside, boasts a bold black and white checkered floor and bottle-afterbottle of artisanal spirits. Speakeasy visitors would do well to order a classic prohibition cocktail called the Bees Knees — a tart and satisfying combination of Old #176 Railroad gin, lemon juice and honey syrup.

Derrick Mancini, owner-distiller at Quincy Street Distillery, is quick to share the gin in his Bees Knees cocktail was distilled off the same corn mash used to produce Quincy Street whisky based on a method dating

back to the 1800s. Old #176 Railroad Gin, is single distilled in a copper pot and has dominant juniper flavors, but additional botanical elements including both coriander seed and licorice root add to the spirit’s complexity. To make matters more interesting, “#176” honors the first custom designed engine to roll through Riverside on the tracks located within view of the establishment.

It is clear Quincy Street Distillery serves sips of significance.

Cocktails, including the Bees Knees, from Quincy Street Distillery in Riverside.

Mancini earned a PhD The Bees Knees from Quincy Street Distillery in Riverside. | in Physics and worked at Photos Provided Argonne Laboratory when dreams of opening a winery morphed into developing a hyper-local, lead him down a new career path, but a spirit-focused operation honoring the series of serendipitous events brought history of his hometown. As a scientist, him to the front door of a 1912 Arts and Mancini, considered himself a creative Crafts influenced space in the middle of and his career change allows him to marry Riverside, Illinois. his love of science with his interest in food and drink, history, and his beloved A 20-year resident of the OlmsteadRiverside community. designed community, Mancini’s dreams

Mancini acknowledges the artistry behind their approach to craft spirits lies in looking to the past to drive the process. Quincy Street Distillery honors classic formulas, from as far back as the 17th century, to coax their historically significant gin, vodka, and whiskey assortment into existence. In the speakeasy, the bar-manager turns out a balanced array of retro and innovative highend cocktails using their array of grainforward, small batch spirits.

Wednesday: 5 to 7 p.m. (retail shop only, no cocktails) Friday: 4-10 p.m.

Saturday: 3-10 p.m.

Tours: Wed., Sat., Sun., reservation required

Quincy Street Distillery 39 E. Quincy St., Riverside

708-357-7414 • quincystreetdistillery.com

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Melissa Elsmo

Veah Larde garnishes Two Sisters crunch cake with coconut and pecans.

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An Austin homecoming for Two Sisters Catering and Restaurant

eah Larde, owner of Two Sisters Catering and Restaurant, proudly celebrated the opening of her first brick and mortar establishment, 4800 W. Chicago Ave., earlier this year. The counter service restaurant dishes up comfort foods with a healthy twist.

Larde grew up just six blocks from Two Sisters new home and fondly remembers the walkable shopping district formerly seen on Chicago Avenue.

“This is an Austin girl comes home story and I am excited to be part of a revitalization effort,” said Larde. “As a business owner I want to speak to the community that I sit in and be an example of what can exist in the Soul City Corridor.”

Two Sisters Catering started in 2012 after Larde’s husband, Johnny Larde Jr., recognized “a light” in his wife whenever she helped people plan parties. Larde began taking on small to medium sized catering events and never looked back.

Today, Two Sisters Catering and Restaurant, keeps caloric value down and prioritizes healthier eating. The business is located in the same building as a dialysis center and Larde’s husband is a dialysis patient himself.

After his treatment began, Larde focused on taking meat out of her recipes and opted

to focus on lean proteins and creating vegetarian versions of popular soul food dishes. Two Sisters is known for their ground turkey meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and corn — a slimmed down version of Johnny’s favorite meal.

“He was mad until he tasted it,” laughed Larde who also makes her well-loved collard greens without meat or vinegar.

Despite a series of healthconscious twists, there is still plenty of room for indulgence at Two Sisters. Fans clamor for classic banana pudding, crowd pleasing caramel apple cheesecake and lesser-known treats like Louisiana Crunch Cake.

“We understand the community we serve, and we’ve got a little something for everybody,” said Larde. “We invite everyone to come and discover a new food memory.”

Two Sisters Catering and Restaurant is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will be open on certain Sundays for special pop-up events. Follow Two Sisters on Facebook and Instagram for menu and event details.

Two Sisters

4800 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago

773-887-5625 • twosisterscatering.com

$25 Adults

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The Depot District Feel at home at Connie’s Family Restaurant: Breakfast is always a good idea and always available at Connie’s Family Restaurant, 3271 S. Harlem Ave. The home-style restaurant serves up steak and eggs, benedicts and pancakes. Don’t worry; you can also get delicious lunch and dinner at this casual and family-friendly spot known for a daily menu of homemade soups and diner sandwiches. The triple decker turkey club comes with fries, coleslaw and a cup of soup and will bring the taste of tradition to your next lunch.

Turkey club, a cup of soup and fries from Connie’s Family Restaurant.

Local love at Lavergne’s Tavern: Lavergne’s Tavern, 6546 Windsor Ave., opened in 2016 and has grown to be a favorite destination for a fine meal in Berwyn and beyond. Known for serving up some serious burgers, street food inspired tacos and a mighty fine brunch-worthy bloody mary.

And people should believe the hype behind the Italian beef eggrolls served at Lavergne’s Tavern — the appetizer has a near cultlike following for good reason. Brimming with beef, giardiniera, and cheese, these crispy rolls are sliced on an extreme bias and served with au jus for dipping. Grab a napkin and indulge!

Lavergne’s Bloody Mary: Looking for a delightful way to stary the day? Try coffee and bloody mary from Lavergne’s Tavern

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Discover a perfect pairing at Flapjack Brewery: If you are looking for a perfect pairing check out the wood-fired pizza and small-batch beers at Flapjack Brewery, 6833 Stanley Ave. The Depot District hot spot is owned by brothers Paul and James Macchione who were raised in Berwyn. The duo keeps eight beers on tap including the Fantasmo Vanilla Cream Ale -- Flapjack’s flagship offering made with Mexican vanilla beans.

Flapjack’s also serves up both Neapolitan and tavern style pizzas. The thin Neapolitan pies cook in a 750-800 degree wood-fired oven for just two minutes. The resulting pizza has a raised airy rim, is thin in the center and light on toppings.

Two tavern style pizzas also grace the menu. They bake slightly longer, are rolled flat across, and topped generously to the edge of the pie. The “Beerwyn Supreme” is a notable offering featuring San Marzano tomato sauce, sausage, cremini mushrooms, shallots, and green peppers.

Fantasmo Vanilla Cream Ale and Hugo Luh-Layn Juicy IPA Citra & Mosaic Edition as poured at Flapjacks are also available in 16-ounce cans and 32-ounce crowlers.

The Depot District Connie’s Family Restaurant & Cocktails 3271 S Harlem Ave Berwyn (708) 484-3447 • conniesberwyn.com

Familia Fresh Market & Danesi Caffe 3308 S Oak Park Ave Berwyn (708) 956-7026 • familiafreshmarket.com

La Borra del Café Berwyn 6801 W Stanley Ave Berwyn (708) 317-5629 • laborra.us

N-Joy II Asian Cuisine 7140 W Windsor Ave Berwyn (708) 484-5310 • njoy2.com/

El Fogon Restaurant 3244 S Oak Park Ave Berwyn (708) 317-5760

Gaia Italiano

Lavergne’s Tavern 6546 W Windsor Ave Berwyn (708) 956-7405 • lavergnes.com

Taz Deli 6932 W Windsor Ave Berwyn (708) 956-7583

Flapjack Brewery 6833 W Stanley Ave Berwyn (708) 637-4030 • flapjackbrewery.com

6822 Windsor Ave Berwyn (206) 234-9239

The Garage Smokehouse & Bar 3202 S Grove Ave Berwyn (708) 956-7274 • facebook.com/Thegarageberwyn

Media Noche Berwyn Cafe 6836 W Windsor Ave Berwyn (708) 317-5093 • medianochecafe.com

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Happy Apple serves top pie in Illinois

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he Happy Apple, 226 Harrison St., focuses on crafting meticulous apple pies. In fact, workers in the shop have been known to peel more than 150 pounds of apples each week. This “apple first” establishment does feature an assortment of fruit pies in addition to their signature apple pies and relies on seasonal produce to drive their rotating menu. Savvy pie-

lovers know the Happy Apple makes a wicked chocolate pie, too.

earned top honors among Illinois pie offerings.

The Happy Apple was recently singled out by “Eat this, not that” as having the best pie in Illinois. The website partnered with Yelp to name the best pie in every state based on user rankings and reviews mentioning pie. The Happy Apple’s chocolate chess pie

Michelle Mascaro, owner of the Happy Apple, was “stunned by the honor and found it refreshing to be honored for something other than apple — their chocolate chess pie had a fan club right from the start, so bakers make it every day. The pie is prized for its dense fudgy filling with a cracked crispy top layer. The Happy Apple’s Chocolate Chess pies are on the daily menu at the signature flakey crust makes the Happy Apple. | Photos by Melissa Elsmo simple pie deceptively complex.

Happy Apple staff shows off their pies: (From left) Gina Rivera, front of house manager, Michelle Mascaro, owner, and Renner Eschenroder, pie maker pose with a trio of pies.

The honor is particularly sweet given the pandemic forced the shop to put their staff on paid leave from March to September of 2020. The shop relies on a unique blended work environment where people with and without intellectual and development disabilities work together, but Mascaro could not risk keeping her staff in the shop at the height of the pandemic. Once the vaccine became readily available, Mascaro was able to bring her eager pie-bakers back to the shop in smaller groups and delighted in seeing friendships renewed between staff members.

This is the second time the Happy Apple has been surprised by national recognition for their pies. In 2019, USA Today named Happy Apple Pie Shop the top place to get pie in the state of Illinois in its “Road Trip Guide: The best pie shop in every state.”

“My goal is to make excellent pie and serve it with kindness,” said Mascaro.

Happy Apple Pie Shop 226 Harrison St., Oak Park

708-606-0037 • happyapplepie.com

Cracking the egg code at Michael’s Pancake House

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ichael’s Pancake House, opened during the pandemic at 25 E. Burlington St. in downtown Riverside. The unassuming restaurant proudly serves breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

23 E Burlington St, Riverside 7am - 4pm (708) 442-1251 • michaelspancakehouse.com

Breakfast, Lunch and Early Dinner

“When we finally got the green light, we were ready to go,” said co-manager Edgardo Guadalupe.

The owners are not strangers to the restaurant business – the Guadalupe family are also owners of the original A family affair: (Left to right) Chef Michael Guadalupe helms Michael’s Pancake House—the restaurant the kitchen at the Riverside location. His wife Clara, and has been thriving in south suburban children, Edgardo and Sandra are the management team behind the pancake house on East Burlington Street in Worth for nearly 20 years. The Brookfield Riverside. residents had been looking to expand for some time and settled on Riverside everything is made fresh at Michael’s Pancake as it became clear there was no other House. The expansive menu includes classic breakfast-focused restaurant in the community. breakfasts, creative crepes, diner sandwiches, Michael’s Pancake House is known for their soups and evening specials like pork chops, generous portions including “football sized liver and onions and roast pork with sauerkraut. omelets” and fluffy plate-sized pancakes. They The space is humble and unassuming, but also have a curious egg-doubling policy.

Michael’s Pancake House offers high value “Eggs are always doubled at Michael’s meals served with a smile. Pop by for an egg or Pancake House,” said co-manager Sandra eight.

Guadalupe. “If the menu says two eggs, you’ll get four. If you order three eggs, you’ll get six.”

Despite the potential for an egg overload,

Michael’s Pancake House

Lunch items like the Patty Melt, shown here served with seasoned fries, come with a choice of soup or salad.

10% off

dine in customers only Expires 12/31/21 Cracking the egg code: The Popeye Skillet, brimming with bacon, spinach and mushrooms came topped with a whopping four eggs despite the fact the menu says it is served with two eggs.

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Carnival Grocery delivers

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descendant of Italian grocers, Arthur Paris has worked in the grocery business for nearly 25 years. After purchasing Carnival Grocery in 2014, he has been busy building up a positive reputation in Oak Park. Now Paris hopes his thoughtful approach to ordering, re-stocking and customer service is setting the standard for grocery stores in the Oak Park vicinity. Today, Carnival, 824 S. Oak Park Ave., offers an intimate in-person shopping experience, personal shopping services and reliable delivery options.

Responding to customer desires, the fiercely independent grocery store successfully introduced a new way to shop last winter.

After working out some kinks over the summer, Carnival is proud to offer a userfriendly website and personal shopping to get groceries to residents as efficiently as possible.

Carnival’s new e-commerce services are designed to be more affordable than Instacart.

Carnival’s staff will personally fill orders meeting a $35 minimum and local delivery via Door Dash is available for $8. (The app is available via Google Play and the App Store) “The Carnival team and I are really excited to be launching the app and new website. We

try to always listen to our customers, and felt this was needed, especially considering how shopping for groceries has changed over the last year,” said Paris. “These additions are also part of our efforts to ensure Carnival is as strong and stable as possible in anticipation of a second Pete’s Fresh Market opening in Oak Park.”

Users of the app and delivery service have made virtual shopping a habit and more than half of the customers using the online ordering service select the in store pick up option. The most frequent user of the service just placed their 53rd order and the largest order placed to date rang up at $1,500. All users can expect Carnival to begin offering online specials including winter squash for $0.59/pound, organic milk for $5.99/gallon and ground beef for just $2.99/pound.

People utilizing the delivery service during October should put “Oak Park Eats” in the delivery instructions to have fees waived for the entire month.

Carnival Grocery

824 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park

708-848-1340 • carnivalgrocery.store

Arthur Paris, owner of Carnival Grocery, is taking steps to make it even easier to support his independent market with a new app. | Melissa Elsmo

CELEBRATE FALL WITH EVERYDAY LOW PRICES! Carnival is offering great prices on seasonal items to make your autumn special.

With free off-street parking, hassel-free in-and-out shopping, and every day low prices, we’re proud to be your convenient locally-owned neighborhood grocery.

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A bevy of burgers at Burger Moovment

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or 10 years Burger Moovment, 7512 W. North Ave., has stayed true to their brand. For a solid decade they have been slinging top quality burgers, fresh cut fries and milk shakes in an unpretentious fast casual environment. Owner Anthony Gambino has helmed Oak Park’s Italian mainstay, Cucina Paradiso, for more than 20 years and has found the balance between

fine dining and casual fare.

“Besides fine dining Italian, I have loved pizza and burgers my entire life,” says Gambino. “I’ve done pizza for many years, so when the time and location was right, it was natural to do a burger joint.”

In fact, the Classic Moov, featuring American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise on a brioche bun, was recently named among the top 20 suburban burgers by the Chicago Tribune. Earlier in 2019, their fries were named among the top 20 in Chicagoland by the same publication.

Anthony Gambino credits quality, value and service for the long-term success of his quick service restaurant. | Photos by Melissa Elsmo

Gambino and the Burger Moovment team focus on using quality ingredients to

build a better burger. The quick-service establishment flips every patty to order using locally sourced bakery buns, 100-percent Angus beef and locally grown produce.

In addition to serving up 3-ounce griddle-smashed beef patties (think single, double or triple depending The Classic Moov, shown here, has had top billing on on your appetite), the Burger Moovment’s menu for a full decade.

Elmwood Park shop offers black bean veggie burgers, is the most popular menu item because healthy turkey burgers and an all-natural its covers everything a burger aficionado chicken option. longs for: meat, cheese, pickles, grilled With four fresh buns to choose from, onions and bacon with special Moov including a gluten free option, 20 topping sauce. and sauce options, five cheeses to choose “We hope to be an institution to the from and four premium toppings like fried neighborhood for many years to come, egg or applewood smoked bacon, the where families can always come and enjoy menu at Burger Moovment holds limitless great American fare,” says Gambino. possibilities.

For burger lovers looking for a more complex offering, Burger Moovment has more than a few menu options to choose from. The Elmwood Park Burger

Burger Moovment

7512 W. North Ave., Elmwood Park 708-452-7288 • burgermoovment.com

Hungry for Breakfast?

7426 W North Ave., Elmwood Park, IL 60707 Mon-Thu: 11am - 9pm • Fri-Sat: 11am - 10pm • Sun: 12 - 9pm

Call 708-456-6100 to make a reservation.

Follow @forestparkeats on Instagram for more tasty morsels!

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A whirlwind of emotion behind Oak Park roastery

hirlwind Coffee, 513 Madison St., is up and running in the old Gilchrist Hardware building and donating a portion of profits to local organizations. The craft roastery was designed to honor the memory of David Silverstein’s late wife with a philanthropic twist.

beans before the roasting for efficiency purposes. The resulting blend boasts dark chocolate, almond, citrus and floral notes and comes in a bag featuring whimsical images of fruits dressed as showgirls created by Elana Ernst Silverstein.

Trained as a roaster in Minneapolis, Silverstein fell in love with the chemistry of roasting coffee. A refurbished Sanfransican Roaster, designed for artisan coffee roasters, is at the heart of Silverstein’s business. The environmentally friendly small batch roaster has the capacity to roast 25 pounds of green coffee beans every 15 minutes.

Silverstein has spent the last several years primarily focused on stabilizing his family. Silverstein and his elementary school aged daughter Maya have been constant companions since Elana Ernst Silverstein died tragically in 2012 due to a medical error.

“My wife was an amazing artist. She was an actor, singer, and voiceover talent with a heart of gold. She was always helping everyone she met,” said Silverstein. “After such a horrible and tragic loss, I wanted my work to reflect her values, celebrate the way she lived her life and surround my daughter with an example of her kindness.”

Whirlwind Coffee, structured like Newman’s Own, is technically a for-profit business. After covering expenses and salaries, however, all net-profits will be

David Silverstein, owner of Whirlwind Coffee, is ready to roast and serve your next cup of coffee. | Provided donated to local charitable organizations.

Silverstein, who is a fan of salvaging and revitalizing, was excited to purchase the former home of Gilchrist Hardware because of its rich history as a communityfocused business. The former plumbing and hardware store has been remodeled to include a roastery as well as a café.

Whirlwind offers single origin beans and three signature coffee blends. The signature blends, High Kick, Shake a Leg and Killer Diller, aim to capture the spirit, moxie, and energy of the Whirlwind Brand.

High Kick features a custom blend of Guatemalan, Brazilian, Columbian and Ethiopian beans. Silverstein combines the

Jerusalem Cafe

Award winning and Voted best Middle Eastern restaurant in west suburbs. We are open for business and continue to take orders for pick up and delivery. We are taking steps to follow the latest CDC guidance to help minimize the spread of the COVID-19 virus for our staff and guests.

1030 Lake St. Oak Park, IL 60301 (708) 848-7734 11:00 am – 9 pm JerusalemCafe-OakPark.com

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Silverstein says the act of roasting puts him at peace. He is confident Whirlwind Coffee will bring him closer to his daughter and the community all while generating ways to give back in thoughtful ways.

“Coffee is an emotional elixir,” said Silverstein. “A frequent companion throughout the highs and lows of life, it can be a kick in the ass when you need it most.”

Whirlwind Coffee Co 513 Madison St., Oak Park

708-613-8448 • whirlwindcoffee.com

Vision-impaired baker loves selling sweets

y goal is to help others conquer the kitchen with poise, patience and perseverance,” said Keelie Banks, 35, owner of Suga Bakers, talking about her blog and her love for inspiring others.

But that statement takes on extra meaning when you learn about what Banks refers to as “a unique set of challenges.”

Eight years ago, she was diagnosed with retinal pigmentosa, a rare genetic disease that causes vision loss.

“With the help of God and my amazing support system, I remain committed to making my dreams a reality,” said Banks.

Banks started baking 14 years ago. “What started out as a way to make extra money during my college years turned into a full-fledged passion,”

Banks said. But she’s always enjoyed creative endeavors and hobbies, like sewing, decorating and entertaining.

She lives nearby in Bellwood, so she’s familiar with Forest Park, where she frequents restaurants, including Shanahan’s and Scratch Kitchen. Creativita is another favorite: “Painting and wine have become one of my new birthday traditions,” Banks said.

In her blog The Sweet Life, at sugabakers.com, she talks about her love of baking and shares recipes, like Ultimate Pumpkin Muffins and Pumpkin Praline Pie. Decadent desserts, including German chocolate cake, red velvet cake, and a variety of cookies are for sale at sugabakers.com

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Victory Italian brings comforting fare to the Pleasant District

n array of classic Italian dishes made a mid-pandemic arrival in the Pleasant District when Chef Joe Farina opened Victory Italian at 100 S. Marion St. in Oak Park in April 2021.

Farina brought the next establishment in the Victory brand to Oak Park in hopes his special brand of Chicago-Italian fare would complement the robust mix of culinary venues within the community. It was a dream come true for Farina to be able to open a location alongside local favorites such as Poor Phil’s and Peterson’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream.

Chef Farina and his team are serving confident, flavorful, and familiar fare in a well-appointed space with a generously sized, dog-friendly outdoor patio. The interior embraces a sleek, yet welcoming black and white color palette that gives Victory Italian its distinctive throwback charm. A soundtrack including old-timey

favorites like “Fly Me to the Moon” enhance the retro vibe. Kind service and generous portions are standard fare at the family friendly restaurant.

Farina is committed to keeping Italian food simple by letting the flavors of local and seasonal ingredients shine through. In addition to offering an array of signature dishes like burrata salad and crispy brick chicken, Victory Italian is known for serving up Italian inspired menu items with distinctly American origins, like spaghetti and meatballs and chicken parmesan.

Cheesy garlic bread and a Caesar salad provide a reliable start to any meal at Victory Italian. Expect them to deliver a bright, lemon-forward Caesar salad dressing with a few anchovy notes. “Joe’s Mama’s Meatballs” served with marinara sauce and whipped ricotta are also a popular menu selection.

If meatballs are your kryptonite, you’ll be pleased with these.

Joe’s Mama’s Meatballs | Melissa Elsmo Chef Farina also delivers a noteworthy house-made ravioli -- the unassuming cheese-filled parcel packs bold flavor and comforting texture. Diners are advised not to skip the pork chop Calabrese; the dish will make you a Victory regular. Pounded thin and lightly breaded, the uncomplicated entrée is enhanced by the addition of whole Calabrese peppers, pepperoncini, white

So glad to be here...

wine, sage and lemon.

Victory’s Wine Spectator Award winning wine list and classic cocktail assortment round out the menu offerings.

Victory Italian

100 S. Marion St., Oak Park

708-434-5766 • victoryitalianoakpark.com

THANK YOU,

OAK PARK! IT’S BEEN A GREAT HALF A YEAR, YOU DESERVE HALF OFF ON AN ORDER OF JOE’S MAMA’S MEATBALLS AS OUR THANKS! JUST MENTION THIS AD. THROUGH 10.14.2021

WWW.VICTORYITALIANOAKPARK.COM 100 S. MARION STREET • 708.434.5766

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Delivery First offers on-demand drivers

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he pandemic pitted many restaurants against third party delivery services, but now Delivery First, a restaurant focused food delivery start-up, has entered the Oak Park market and aims to disrupt the gig economy and do away with percentage-based fees.

Delivery First was started by restaurant owners who were trying to win the delivery battle, but they could not make the math work. Anthony Gambino, CEO of Delivery First, tried to find a reliable thirdparty delivery service for his restaurants well before the pandemic hit.

“All the services compromised our cashflow. Even though we were doing more deliveries our profits were down overall,” said Gambino. “It was clear we needed to get out of the delivery business or get way more in.”

Disillusioned with the expensive, ordergenerating, mark-up machines delivery services had become, Gambino chose to dive into the business with a solution-

oriented approach.

Delivery First is structured more like a courier service than food delivery services like Grub Hub or Door Dash charging a flat fee per order. The newcomer aims to be a breath of fresh air to restaurant owners who have been at the mercy of companies like Grubhub and DoorDash who take more than 30% of every delivery order in fees.

Unlike the independent contractors affiliated with some services, Delivery First is employee based. Drivers are paid an hourly wage plus tips with a guaranteed threshold. Drivers can contribute to a 401K and are eligible for workman’s compensation should they be injured on the job.

the Delivery First app in 2017 and took on their first client in Elmhurst in 2019.

Though small, the company is now in a growth phase and actively expanding into what Gambino refers to as the “parks region.” The area includes Oak Park, Forest Park and River Forest.

Gambino and his team began building

The Oak Park area is an emerging hub

with a current team of 10 “on demand” drivers. As more restaurants join the program Delivery First is committed to hiring drivers from inside the community.

Delivery First deliveryfirst.com

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Celebrating Cermak Hungry folks can curb just about any craving on Cermak Road in Berwyn.

Old Fashioned Candies Sisters Lynn White, Sandra Figatner and Donna Greenwald are carrying on their parents’ legacy at Old Fashioned Candies, 6210 Cermak Rd. Established in 1969 by George and Theresa Brunslik, their daughters now keep the 50-yearold business going strong. Assorted nut clusters, cordials and cream filled candies await at the shop that is also part museum — Old Fashioned Candies has their original cash register on display — it maxes out at a sale of $3.99.

An assortment of filled chocolates and nut clusters from Old Fashioned Candies in Berwyn

Anthony’s Pizza Looking for an Italian treat? Anthony’s Pizza, 6237 Cermak Rd., has been serving up pizza slices and other Italian fare for 34 years.

The unassuming shop relies on foot traffic and top pizzas with quality ingredients like Grande cheese and house made red sauce to keep pies flying out the door. Pizza may be the star of the show, but according to Anthony’s manager and co-owner Anthony Cosmano, the Italian beef sandwich is one of the best things on the menu.

Owner manager, Anthony Cosmano, is all smiles as he welcomes customers to his Cermak Road Pizza shop.

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October 6, 2021

Las Islas Cermak Road is no stranger to its fair share of wellloved Mexican restaurants, but folks looking for a seafood fix should swing by Las Islas, 6516 Cermak Rd. Guests are quick to order a refreshing michelada to enjoy alongside tilapia ceviche and serrano chili salsa.

The spicy tomato juice-based beer cocktail spiked with lime and rimmed with tamarind paste is Las Islas’ signature drink. Just like the michelada, people eagerly order langostinos. The small crustaceans — much smaller than a lobster and larger than a crawfish – are served in the shell for an indulgent hands-on eating experience.

Langostinos are a signature dish at Las Islas in Berwyn

The Cermak District Anthony’s Pizza 6237 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (708) 749-1100 • anthonyspizzaplace.com

Home Run Inn Pizzeria 6825 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (708) 317-8877 • homeruninnpizza.com

El Nuevo Vallarta Sports Bar and Grill 6801 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (708) 317-5929 • elnuevovallarta.com

Buffalo Wild Wings Grill and Bar #330 7130 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (708) 749-2319 • buffalowildwings.com

Jelly Jam Pancake House 6300 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (708) 484-9840 • facebook.com/jellyjam02

Canton8 Sport Bar & Grill 6312-14 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (312) 208-6270 • canton8sportbarandgrill.com

La Lupita Restaurant 6539 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (708) 788-8226 • lalupitaberwyn.com

Las Quecas Berwyn 6311 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (708) 956-7371 • facebook.com/pages/Las-QuecasBerwyn/107897849595109?fref=ts

Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins 6601 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (708) 749-0906

La Michoacana Prime 6224 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (708) 956-7697

Flight 22 Wine Bar 6518 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (708) 956-7648 • flight22winebar.com

La Michoacana Classic 6533 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (708) 637-4075 • lamichoacanapremium.com

Guadalajara Grill & Bar 6814 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (708) 788-2600 Herbalife Happy and Healthy 6628 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (708) 473-4492

La Parra Restaurant - Bar 6710 W Cermak Ave Berwyn (708) 317-5339 • laparrarestaurantandbar.com

La Quinta de los Reyes Restaurant #2 6431 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (708) 484-4689 Los Tarritos Restaurante 6241 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (708) 317-5842 • facebook.com/lostarrito LongHorn Steakhouse 7115 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (708) 484-6350 • longhornsteakhouse.com Old Fashioned Candies 6210 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (708) 788-6669 • oldfashionedcandiesinc.com

Overseas China Restaurant 6846 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (708) 484-5447 Starbucks 7124 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (312) 877-0464 • starbucks.com

Vesecky’s Bakery 6634 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (708) 788-4144 • facebook.com/VeseckysBakery Waldo Cooney’s Pizza 6733 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (708) 749-7997 • waldocooneyspizza.com Wanda’s Chinese Kitchen 6301 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (708) 788-2868 Zacatacos - Cermak 6212 W Cermak Rd Berwyn (708) 484-8460 • zacatacos.net

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Boutique meal service at Angie’s Pantry

ttention to detail, determination, and adaptability are just a few of the key ingredients that helped Angie Montroy, chef-owner of Angie’s Pantry, build a thriving business. She credits a steady, but manageable growth trajectory for the long-term success of the food-focused business she officially started in 2011. Thanks

to perseverance, creativity, positive word-ofmouth, business is booming at Angie’s Pantry, 809 South Blvd.

Angie’s Pantry started when Montroy offered her personal-chef services to four clients in the mid-nineties and grew to include small catered events. In time she started operating out of The Nineteenth Century Club before moving into the brick-and-mortar on South Boulevard where the bulk of her business now revolves around providing a vast array of heat-and-eat meals for individuals and families.

Angie Montroy owner of Angie’s Pantry, 809 South Blvd. in Oak Park. | Photos provided

Montroy has spent nearly a decade building her recipe repertory while steadily increasing her customer base.

Today, Angie’s Pantry has a client list of more than 1,200 people and offers a weekly menu of healthy ala carte meals and devilish desserts for pre-order and pick up.

Special Advertising Section baker at heart and lets her “devil horns” show when she makes dessert. Massaged kale salads and “creamless” cream soups are an easy way to justify enjoying a slice of Montroy’s decadent streusel-topped apple bars or signature “baby cakes.”

The three-layer cakes are just six inches in diameter, serve eight and come in festive flavors like mint, Oreo, and peanut butter.

An insatiable love of flavor, respect for global Signature dishes at Angie’s Pantry include parmesan crusted cuisine and curiosity about chicken and light tomato cheese pasta. cooking methods form the foundation for the Angie’s Angie’s Pantry prepares 200-300 meals a Pantry menu, but the diversity of dishes has week featuring signature dishes like parmesan aided Montroy in keeping her customers crusted chicken and light tomato cheese satisfied. pasta, spicy basil chicken with veggie fried “I have spoiled my customers because I do rice and roasted salmon salad. everything I can to make them happy,” said In the kitchen Montroy sticks to an 80/20 Montroy. philosophy--80% of Angie’s Pantry offerings are prepared with health and wellness in Angie’s Pantry mind while 20% are designed to be a true 809 South Blvd. Oak Park indulgence. All dishes at Angie’s Pantry are free of preservatives, artificial ingredients 708-434-5742 • angiespantry.com and trans fats, but Montroy admits she is a

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10 Things Going Right with Food in Oak Park The Oak Park Economic Development Corp. is a quasi-government organization funded by Oak Park’s village government. It focuses on driving investment and development activity in Oak Park.

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Fresh Oak Park Dining Options:

Despite an unprecedented pandemic the Oak Park community is welcoming new restaurant into its diverse and delicious fold. Notable newcomers include La Borra del Cafe, a chain of coffee shops with roots in Guadalajara and more than 70 locations in Mexico. The burgeoning chain opened its third US location on Lake and Marion in July. Brewpoint Craft, a womanowned purveyor of coffee, cocktails and charcuterie, debuted on Oak Park Ave. this summer. Housed in the former home of L!VE Café, the transition happened with the full support Reesheda Graham Washington who trusts Melissa Villanueva, Brewpoint owner, will continue use the shop to address issues of community development, equity and antiracism started at L!VE. Blackout Baking Co. and its arsenal of tiny cookies are making their way to the pleasant district and the highly anticipated Kyuramen is expected to start serving slurp-worthy noodles in Downtown Oak Park in the coming months.

Takeout 25 transitions to a Non-Profit:

In a show of support of local restaurants Takeout 25 called on the community to spend $25 a week on carryout to ensure no Oak Park restaurant would close because of COVID 19. The relentlessly positive online community of more than 9,000 members rose to the challenge and now Ravi Parakkat, founder and Village Trustee has transitioned the group to a non-profit designed to out live the pandemic. In addition to increasing revenue and lowering costs for restaurants, Parakkat aims to facilitate relationships with local delivery services, introduce collaborative initiatives to aid restaurants in bulk ordering eco-friendly take-out packaging and reduce retail food waste by marketing local food overages in inventive ways. What started as reaction to an industry crisis is now a permanent part of the Oak Park restaurant community.

Oak Park Economic Development Corporation

Unity Fridge opens outside Carnival Grocery:

Oak Park’s first Community fridge arrived in Oak Park last May and continues to offer 24/7 access to free food including perishables and canned goods. Residents and political candidates, Anthony Clark, Chibuike Enyia (current village trustee) and Juanta Griffin joined Arthur Paris, Carnival Grocery owner, and representatives from the Oak Park Chamber of Commerce to unveil the refrigerator nestled against the grocery store’s exterior. The initiative outlives the elections and promotes a “take what you need, leave what you can” philosophy. Differing from a charity, the “unity fridge” operates as a mutual aid system where members of the community work together to support the needs of people living in the community. The public refrigerator, with a clear glass door, roof and walls protecting it, is powered by Carnival Grocery and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

A return to normalcy for the Oak Park Farmers Market:

The Oak Park Farmers Market was radically changed by the pandemic in 2020 with weekly producer-only market being fully relocated to allow for proper social distancing; strict capacity limits and a U-shaped footprint also impacted the market feel. Though traffic still flows in a single direction at the weekly market, a laid-back atmosphere and return to the Pilgrim Church parking brought a sense of normalcy back in 2021. Shoppers are pleased the farmers market band is back together, doughnuts are being sold inside the market once again and the popular corn roast event returned as well. On opening day of the 2021 market, village staff and volunteers welcomed 3,239 shoppers over the six hours the market was open. This represents an 85% increase in attendance over the first market last year.

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Restaurants make good neighbors:

Chefs and restaurateurs are known to be generous and kind people. Despite myriad industry-wide struggles that giving spirit is alive and well in the Oak Park food community. Jimmy Chen, owner of Poke Burrito, struggled to keep his business afloat during the pandemic, but Takeout 25 helped buoy his business enough that he was not only profitable, but also able to rehire furloughed workers. When Chen, his wife, and son each received $600 stimulus checks from the federal government they all agreed to use the money to purchase $1,800 worth of gift cards from The Book Table. Chen opted to buy 180 $10-dollar gift cards to give away to customers in hopes of driving business to the struggling shop.

When Kristen and Jason Alfonsi, co-owners of One Lake Brewing accidentally over ordered outdoor heaters in anticipation of winter outdoor dining they turned their unintentional hoarding into an act of goodwill by sharing the hard-to-find equipment with at cost to Exit Strategy in Forest Park, Flapjack Brewing in Berwyn, Kinslahgher in Oak Park, Armand’s Pizza in Elmhurst and George Street Pub in Chicago.

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Great Beer for Great Causes:

Both Kinslahger Brewing Company and One Lake Brewing joined more than 1,000 breweries worldwide to brew a beer under the Black is Beautiful label and donate the proceeds to a social justice cause of their choosing. Kinslahger’s lead brewer, Russhane Dawkins, created a tropical stout with sales benefitting The Chicago Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights while Shawn Stevens of One Lake Brewing crafted a black German lager whose sales benefitted Chicago non-profit, My Block My Hood My City.

During mental health awareness month last May, Jim Cozzens, owner of Oak Park Brewing company joined forces with Kinslahger and One Lake to collaboratively brew a beer under the Things We Don’t Say IPA label. a beer crafted to aid in smashing the stigma around mental health struggles--100% of profits went to Hope for the Day, a Chicago based non-profit focused on suicide prevention.

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Beyond Hunger Delivers:

Under Michele Zurakowski’s leadership in 2020 Beyond Hunger shifted its in-person shopping experience to a drive-thru/ walk-up model designed to mitigate health risks while still getting healthy food into the hands of people who needed it most. Additionally, Beyond Hunger tripled the size of its home delivery program dedicated to providing food to people who could not otherwise get to the pantry.

Creative thinking in the face of increasing need led to a collaboration with Oak Park Township. The expansion of Beyond Hunger’s delivery program was hampered by driving needs, but the township allowed the pantry to utilize its vehicles and drivers to deliver food to those in need.

After dealing with the critical needs brought on rapidly by the pandemic, Beyond Hunger worked swiftly to formalize its expanded home delivery program.

A grant from the Greater Chicago Food Depository specifically targeted toward addressing food insecurity on Chicago’s south and west sides, helped Beyond Hunger open a permanent home for their home delivery program in the Soul City Corridor. Expanding services beyond the Oak Park pantry and headquarters permanently solidifies Beyond Hunger’s ability to deliver wholesome groceries and pantry staples to housebound people in Oak Park and Chicago’s Austin neighborhood.

Oak Park Economic Development Corporation

Iconic Turano lands HQ in Oak Park:

While the smell of baking bread still comes wafting into Oak Park from Turano Baking Company’s expansive Berwyn baking facilities, Oak Park is now home to Turano’s headquarters.

The $10 million, 25,000 square foot, two story building covering the 6500 block of Roosevelt Road is now open and operating. It includes both office space and an expansive test kitchen for new products.

“It is such a well-known and wellrespected brand. Turano has a lot of cachet in the food industry,” said John Lynch, executive director of the Oak Park Economic Development Corp.

“This is a big deal. When you can replace underutilized real estate with a gleaming new building, it is a feather in Oak Park’s cap to be headquarters for such an iconic brand,” said Lynch.

Turano recently purchased the former Salvation Army resale store on Roosevelt Road and is expanding its parking on that site.

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October 6, 2021

People love outdoor dining:

As the weather turns toward fall and winter, Oak Park restaurants will need to move back indoors after a second COVID summer of improvised outdoor seating across the village.

John Lynch, executive director of the Oak Park Economic Development Corp., credits village hall with being flexible and innovative in finding ways to support outdoor dining as many consumers were reluctant to dine indoors.

“All of our restaurants did a phenomenal job during the pandemic,” said Lynch.

“OPEDC was only in support of the work of the village. We’re fans of it.”

Lynch, who follows dining trends carefully, believes demand for outdoor dining will outlast the pandemic and more permanent options will need to be explored.

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Pete’s great for food and for commerce:

Pete’s Fresh Market II is coming. John Lynch, executive director of the Oak Park Economic Development Corp., says the preliminary work continues on such largely invisible projects as rearranging utility lines while Pete’s works to wrap up construction of an other new store in the Chicago area.

The second Pete’s – the original is on Lake and Harvey – will be built on long vacant land on Madison Street and Oak Park Avenue. Lynch says the fullservice grocery store will generate more commerce off of Madison Street than any other possible use.

“The Pete’s plan is already responsible for the new senior housing project coming across the street and for other commercial interest along Madison,” said Lynch.

“Pete’s is going to be the catalyst for growth in the center section of Madison in Oak Park,” said Lynch, “just as the new community rec center will be the catalyst for the eastern stretch of Madison Street.”

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A vacation feel at New Rebozo

s much as fans crave New Rebozo’s Fiesta Mole dish — a whopping six enchiladas individually topped with six unique Moles — they also visit the 30-year-old Oak Park restaurant to interact with chef and owner, Francisco Lopez, known to all as Chef Paco.

The effervescent chef is known to exclaim “oh my god” when greeting customers or describing his authentic Mexican fare.

The veteran chef aims to highlight sweet, spicy, and sour flavors through complex and creative menu offerings. Paco’s aims to stay innovative while honoring his traditional roots, seasonal ingredients and old family recipes that have made New Rebozo, 1116 Madison St., an Oak Park destination for three decades.

And now he uses his catchphrase to express gratitude for support during a global pandemic.

“I love my customers — they are my family,” said Chef Paco. “Oh my god, my customers have helped me through this terrible situation.”

Chef Paco took time to establish a plan to give more control over the dining experience to his customers and create a sense of calm in the restaurant during the global pandemic. He replaced the flooring and ceiling in the entire establishment to give it a fresh look and a new level of cleanliness.

The back patio was also freshened up and reorganized to ensure proper spacing between tables, but the vacation feel is alive and well at New Rebozo.

Red umbrellas cover well-spaced tables.

Plants and art hang on the colorful walls enclosing the space. Originally the patio had a capacity of 50, but now holds 20.

Positive word of mouth about New Rebozo’s thoughtful modifications began bringing more people to the restaurant.

Chef Paco is honest that most customers still prefer to dine outside, but more are opting to utilize the dining room to enjoy dishes from all regions of Mexico.

No matter if customers dine indoors or out, Chef Paco’s 26 moles and New

Chef Paco stands proudly on the patio of New Rebozo. | Alex Rogals Rebozo’s Chile Nogada have drawn a loyal following. The Chile Nogada has roots in Puebla, Mexico and is traditionally available between September and January. The seasonal dish features a poblano chile stuffed with beef, dried fruits and nuts and covered with decadent walnut cream sauce before being garnished with fresh pomegranate seeds. Paco recommends pairing the noteworthy dish with a delicious

New Rebozo margarita.

“Visiting New Rebozo means you can forget your problems, put this situation out of your mind, relax and enjoy my food.” said Chef Paco.

New Rebozo

1116 Madison St. Oak Park

708-445-0370 • newrebozos.com

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October 6, 2021

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Lechon from Pig and Fire: Chef Roel Estanilla of Pig and Fire slices up decadent Filipino lechon at private events and pop ups across various communities.

The crispy roasted pork belly is stuffed with aromatics before being rolled and roasted until it is crispy and tender. Visit their website to learn how to get your hands on some.

Oak Park and Chicago.

The Fog Horn Leg Horn from Chubby’s Char House:

d ea u r S! yo EAT m he in ll t m te t the d an ou ab

Slap two perfectly Nashville hot chicken tenders on a bun and top it with jalapeno slaw, dill pickles and “sauce sauce” and you are in for a treat at Chubby’s Char House. The Foghorn Leg Horn is a spicy delight, but folks looking for a milder meal can order the Fog Horn. 5963 W. Madison, Chicago.

Maki for Mora Asian Kitchen: A slice of “Let it Rain” maki from Mora Asian Kitchen in the Harrison Street Arts District is as colorful as it is delicious. Filled with snow crab, the roll is topped with rosy-hued fish, avocado and poke sauce. Oishi! 201 Harrison St, Oak Park.

Chicken Shawerma Sandwich from Petra Falafal: Head to Forest Park where Petra Falafel takes pride in serving authentic Mediterranean fare like Kebabs, hummus and Lebanese salads.

The Chicken Shawerma sandwich comes tightly wrapped in flatbread filled with charbroiled chicken breast, garlic sauce and pickles. 7314 Madison St, Forest Park.

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Memorable Mexican Savor a Side of Sparkle at Crepas Culichi: As soon as a customer takes a seat at Crepas Culichi in the delightfully decorated diminutive space, a glass of pink lemonade and chocolate dipped marshmallows magically appear on the table. What follows is a dining experience worthy of such a sweet start.

Sisters and co-owners, Yency and Estefany Garcia, who are also in business with their mother, took inspiration from coffee shops and crepe stands located in their hometown in Mexico when they opened Crepas Culichi in April 2019.

Hand-milled flours form the base for an array of crepes served at Crepas Culichi. Special flavorings are added to the flour that result in colorful batters. Elaborately decorated shakes are also stand-outs at Crepas Culichi. A glittergarnished churro shake or whipped-cream topped cake shake are sure to make any day feel like a special occasion.

No sweet tooth? Savory poblano crepes are festive and filling.

Confident cooking at Tacos Y Salsa The Caldo de Cameron offered by Tacos Y Salsa, at 6346 W. 26th St., is an enchanting shrimp soup made with a mother’s touch — it was love at first spoonful. Ms. Laura Guerrero, mother of six and owner of Tacos y Salsa honors her ancestors by preparing her family’s traditional home-style recipes.

A single bowl of this deceptively complex and highly satisfying soup includes a dozen shrimp.

Special spices like bay leaves and oregano help elevate the warming tomato-based soup, while a garnish tray filled with onion, cilantro, avocado and lime allow diners to customize their meal.

The flautas de pollo from Tacos Y Salsa are crispy and delicious. The mild dish can handle a little heat from their house-made salsas.

Tacos y Salsa is a local favorite for authentic Mexican fare and their piping hot Flautas de pollo come four to an order with rice, beans, guacamole, and sour cream while the chicken soup, served with warm corn tortillas, features bone-in chicken in a broth brimming with chunks of zucchini and carrot.

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October 6, 2021

Takeout fare from Torres Fresh Market: No exploration of Mexican fare in Berwyn would be complete without a visit to Torres Fresh Market, 6227 W. 26th St. While grocery shopping, you’ll discover gorditas and fajitas and tacos (oh my).

In addition to serving up memorable tacos Torres also offers a chicken fajita plate, steak tortas and house-made beef gorditas. Every dish remained piping hot while we traveled home and the fajita plate may have looked unassuming, but the boldly flavored meat was a 26th St. standout.

Each taco is more satisfying than the next and the gordita — a thick corn tortilla pocket filled with beef — proved to be a filling and tasty lunch selection. Torres Fresh Market is a notable place to source a memorable meal and you can do some grocery shopping, too.

A quartet of Torres tacos—chicken, steak, beef and pork—each as flavorful as the next.

Misc. Districts Avito Caffe 6510 W Ogden Ave Berwyn (312) 388-8486 • avitofilm.com/caffe

Crepas Culichi 2713 S Ridgeland Ave Berwyn (708) 637-4998 • crepas-culichi.com

Lalo’s Restaurant 3011 S Harlem Ave Berwyn (708) 484-9311 • lalos.com

Baby BBQ Fire 6715 26th St Berwyn (708) 637-4236

Dolci ChoccoLatte Caffe 6508 16th Street Berwyn (708) 691-6265

Benny’s Pizza 6806 W 26th St Berwyn (708) 749-1771 • bennyspizzaberwyn.com

Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins 2945 S Harlem Ave Berwyn (708) 749-0689

Jelly Jam Restaurant and Pancake House 3205 S Harlem Ave Berwyn (708) 777-1967

Berwyn Tap Room 6330 W 16th St Berwyn (708) 317-5067 • facebook.com/Berwyntaproom Bob’s Belgian Hot Chocolate 6412 W 27th St Berwyn (630) 430-4730 • bobsbelgianhotchocolate.com Cake Bros Bakery 6737 W 26th St Berwyn (708) 749-2504 • cakebros.com Cien 100% Naturalisimo 2709 S Ridgeland Ave Berwyn (708) 317-5679 • 100naturalisimo.com Cigars and Stripes BBQ Lounge 6715 W Ogden Ave Berwyn (708) 484-1043 • stripesbbq.com

Harlem Ave Lounge 3701 S Harlem Ave Berwyn (708) 484-3610 • harlemavenuelounge.com The Healthy Spot 2211 S Highland Ave Berwyn (708) 315-1349 Juice Vibe Bar Berwyn LLC 2137 S Oak Park Ave Berwyn (708) 232-3385 • juicevibeco.com La Flor de Michoacan 6316 W 26th St Berwyn (708) 317-5052 La Michoacana & More 2707 S Ridgeland Ave Berwyn (708) 477-8117 • lamichoacanamenu.com

Junior’s Bar and Grill 7011 W Ogden Ave Berwyn (708) 484-9465 Las Delicias De Michoacan 6807 W Ogden Ave Berwyn (708) 484-5357 Los Corrales Taqueria & Restaurant 6713 W 26th St Berwyn (708) 484-9063 • loscorralesberwyn.com Lucky Dog III 7151 W 16th St Berwyn (708) 749-0330 Michael Anthony’s Pizzeria & Bar 6434 W Ogden Ave Berwyn (708) 484-2222 • michaelanthonyspizzeria.com My Uncle’s Place 2615 S Ridgeland Ave Berwyn (239) 777-5382

Nuevo Poncitlan Inc. 6322 W 26th St Berwyn (708) 484-5944 Nicco’s Bar and Grill 6300 W Ogden Ave Berwyn (708) 670-2042 Neveria Naranja Dulce, Inc 6252 W Ogden Ave Berwyn (708) 714-0074 Novi’s Beef 6746 W Ogden Ave Berwyn (708) 749-0895 Nonno’s Pizza 6969 W Ogden Ave Berwyn (708) 788-1100 • nonnospizza.com Paisans Pizzeria & Bar 6226 W Ogden Ave Berwyn (708) 484-5325 • paisanspizza.com Parrilla Express 6401 W 34th St Berwyn (708) 637-4799 • parrillaexpress.com Primos Lounge 6510 16th St Berwyn (708) 317-4442 Skyview Restaurant 6334 W Ogden Ave Berwyn (708) 795-0088

Slice Factory 6900 W Ogden Ave Berwyn (708) 788-1700 • theslicefactory.com/berwyn Tacos Y Salsa 6346 W 26th St Berwyn (708) 749-3581 • tacosysalsarestaurant.com Taqueria El Meson Express 6831 W Ogden Ave Berwyn (708) 484-1470 • elmesonexpress.com Tastee Freeze 6621 W 26th St Berwyn (708) 749-7377 Viva La Frida 7117 W Ogden Ave Berwyn (708) 788-4333 • palace regency.com Wok N Roll Express 6969 W Ogden Ave Berwyn (708) 788-0088 • woknrollberwyn.com Zacatacos - Harlem 3837 S Harlem Ave Berwyn (708) 484-1300

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Yaya’s yogurt at Eggsperience: Served on its own or as part of Yia Yia’s Waffles, Yaya’s yogurt is a standout at Eggsperience. The flavorful homestyle Greek yogurt is airy and tart and pairs beautifully with assorted berries, oat granola, and a drizzle of local honey. 16 Conti Parkway, Elmwood Park.

The Dr. Fong at Chef Shangrila: Chef Shangri-la remains one of the few Tiki bars that also offers a full menu and no meal is complete at the 45-year-old restaurant without Dr. Fong by your side. The recipe for the family namesake cocktail is a closely guarded secret, but it is considered a “safe” choice because of its lower alcohol content. A whimsical ceramic glass can be purchased to hold the rum-based umbrella drink prized for its citrus and peach flavor. 7930 W. 26th St., North Riverside.

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Crudo at White Crane Creative Thai and Sushi: Subtle twists on tradition are at the heart of White Crane’s menu. A vibrantly colored crudo featuring an assortment of sashimi grade fish also includes the additions of both crunchy black salt and bright green edible seaweed called wakame. 819 S. Harlem Ave, Forest Park.

Fried shrimp po’boy at Surf’s Up: Lovingly toasted bread and piping hot cornmeal coated fried shrimp in this near perfect sandwich. The generously sized sandwich served in the North Avenue District comes dressed with house-made remoulade sauce, lettuce, tomato, pickles and onion. Cut it in half and share it with a friend. 6427 W. North Ave, Oak Park.

Visit our “EATS” websites and DIG IN!

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October 6, 2021

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A culinary passage through India The Back That Thang Up Omelette with a side of cheesy grits. | Photos by Alex Rogals

All day breakfast and a few surprises at Butter and Brown Bistro

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he Brown family has resided in Austin for a decade and Lanell and Tiffany Brown proudly opened Butter and Brown Bistro, at 420 Austin Blvd., earlier this year. Located in the heart of the Lake and Austin business district, Butter and Brown Bistro was built to be a hands-on, family-run enterprise.

We specialize in Dumbuc Khana (cooking in pot with steam) and Tandoori Khana (roasting over charcoal in a clay oven). We offer a variety of vegetarian options.

Come and experience this exotic and unforgettable cuisine.

Both children and adults will appreciate the customizable sandwiches featuring a choice of meat and come on a unique jam-filled bread making the offering an unexpected sweet and savory delight.

Most breakfast dishes come with a side of Butter and Brown’s signature “pimpin’ potatoes” and grits. The fresh spuds are cube cut and cooked with onions, red and green peppers, and are topped with cheddar, while the well-seasoned grits are served plain or with cheese in generous portions.

The welcoming eatery offers all-day breakfast, but the expansive menu covers lunch and dinner as well. Full of fun touches, the menu, is designed to appeal to the masses and provides niche Customers clearly selections found clamor for Butter on few, if any, local and Brown’s grits menus. Every menu making them item is cooked to An order of the apple cinnamon pancakes. popular at breakfast order at Butter and and at other times Brown. A sign clearly of the day. Shrimp and grits have proven to states customers should expect to wait be the single most popular offering on the 15-20 minutes to receive their order to broad menu. allow for proper cooking time.

Since opening, the Browns learned from Expect to find a vast array of classic locals that 30 years ago the very same breakfast fare like biscuits and gravy, chicken store front operated as a neighborhood and waffles, and egg dishes to appeal to restaurant. Now, in addition to welcoming breakfast purists. Butter and Brown’s “Back first-time patrons, Butter and Brown Bistro that Thang Up” omelet comes brimming is serving up a sense of nostalgia to with bacon, sausage, ham, sauteed peppers longtime residents with every meal. and cheese while more innovative offerings like sweet potato infused waffles spiked Butter and Brown Bistro with coconut, cinnamon and vanilla and an 420 N. Austin Blvd. Oak Park assortment of “OMG Buss it Baby Butter Sandwiches” keep things creative in the diminutive restaurant.

The Khyber Pass is a mountainous region peopled by hardy nomadic Pathans. In keeping with their nomadic lifestyle, simplicity is the essence of their cuisine. The secret of Pathan cooking lies in the excellent quality of the meat and the chicken, and just a light touch of spices. The food is cooked in a “tandoor,” a hollow, barrel-shaped clay oven.

708-928-8837 • butterbb.com

Celebrating 26 Years in our Current Location!

Dine-in, Take out, Delivery, Catering 1031 Lake St, Oak Park • (708) 445-9032 • khyberpassoakpark.com Mon - Thurs: 3:00 pm - 9:30 pm; Fri - Sun: 12:00 pm - 9:30 pm

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Take a ride on the Veltway Time for freestyle Thai: Bodhi Thai Bistro, 6211 W. Roosevelt Road, is a quaint eatery that flies low under the radar of the local restaurant scene, but food-lovers in the know are regulars at this affordablypriced gem on the “Veltway.”

Since opening in 2009, Bodhi Thai has been turning out reliable Thai dishes using passion-driven freestyle cooking techniques.

This in-the-moment cooking style makes use of seasonal ingredients and ensures quickthinking cooks can create all dishes to order.

As a result, most of Bodhi’s dishes are easily adaptable to vegan, vegetarian and glutenfree diets.

The well-appointed dining room offers a tranquil setting to explore an array of Thai specialties. Steamed and pan-fried Gui-Chai dumpling, colorful tofu salad and indulgent chicken satay are menu standouts. Diners can round out their meal with an array of curries, noodles, or rice-based dishes. Classics like Pad Thai are complemented by a secret menu, rotating specials, healthy salads, and warming soups.

Pad Thai is a renowned Thai dish. Stir-fried thin rice noodles are served in Bodhi’s unique tamarind sauce with choice of protein and bean sprouts, scrambled egg and ground peanuts.

More than fast food at Big Guys Sausage Stand Carryout-focused Big Guys Sausage Stand, at 7021 W. Roosevelt Road, serves up more than sausages—in addition to churning out a creative array of sandwiches the dimuitive restaurant offers robust family-style meals, slow cooked soups and hearty fare to welcome autumn.

Brendan O’Connor and his cooks are known for turning out creative sandwiches like a bone in shortrib sandwich called the Fred Flintstone, mile high patty melts, and $5 burgers every Monday. Folks in the know also turn to Big Guys for award-winning chili, full Thanksgiving meals and special event catering

Big Guys Patty Melt is griddle cooked on marble rye with Swiss and American cheese, grilled onions, and side of Dijonaise.

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October 6, 2021

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Feeding generations at DiNico’s For more than 35 years, DiNico’s Pizza, at 6627 W. Roosevelt Road, has been serving up giant pizza slices and assorted Italian fare. A mainstay in the Berwyn culinary community, the pizza-focused establishment has cultivated generational loyalty.

Cooks at DiNico’s turn out more than 500 pizzas every day brimming with freshly shredded cheese and both house-made crust and sauce — portions sold by the slice are equivalent to one quarter of an extra-large pizza. Stuffed pizzas and specialty pies like taco and BBQ chicken pizzas complement newer menu items like gluten-free and cauliflower crust.

Pad Thai is a renowned Thai dish. Stir-fried thin rice noodles are served in Bodhi’s unique tamarind sauce with choice of protein and bean sprouts, scrambled egg and ground peanuts.

The Veltway District Autre Monde Cafe & Spirits 6727 W Roosevelt Rd Berwyn (708) 775-8122 • autremondecafe.net

Berwyn’s Culver’s 6943 W Roosevelt Rd Berwyn (708) 788-8000 • culvers.com

Rachel’s Café 7001 W Roosevelt Rd Berwyn (708) 317-5852 • rachelsdeli.net/

Turano Baking Company 6501 W Roosevelt Rd Berwyn (708) 788-9220 • turano.com

Babygold Barbecue 6613 W Roosevelt Rd Berwyn (708) 637-4364 •babygoldbbq.com

DiNico’s 6627 W Roosevelt Rd Berwyn (708) 749-9900

Sushi Junki 6639 W Roosevelt Rd Berwyn (708) 788-3888 • sushijunki.com

Vinny’s Cafe 7005 W Roosevelt Rd Berwyn (708) 317-5833 • facebook.com/pg/VinnysGamingCafe

Big Guys Sausage Stand 7021 W Roosevelt Rd Berwyn (708) 317-5213 • bigguyssausage.com Bodhi Thai Bistro 6211 W Roosevelt Rd Berwyn (708) 484-9250 • bodhithaibistro.business.site/?m=true Buona Restaurant 6745 W Roosevelt Rd Berwyn (708) 749-2555 • buona.com

Gina’s Italian Ice 6737 W Roosevelt Rd Berwyn (708) 484-0944 • ginasitalianice.com J Wok See Thru Chinese Kitchen 6641 W Roosevelt Rd Berwyn (708) 788-3888 Pasquale’s My Way Cafe 6905 W Roosevelt Rd Berwyn (708) 743-9006

Taco Yo Inc. 6629 W Roosevelt Rd Berwyn (708) 749-2300 Tasty House Restaurant 7101 W Roosevelt Rd Berwyn (708) 788-1800 • tastyhouseberwyn.com Travy’s Tavern 6907 W Roosevelt Rd Berwyn (708) 317-4118

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Byline Bank surprises restaurants with gift card purchases $15,000 in spending a welcome surprise for local eateries

by Melissa Elsmo

Goldschmidt, who has more than 40 years of experience in the banking industry, also understands the struggles restaurants are facing firsthand. She and her late husband owned and operated the now closed China Night Restaurant in Forest Park for 15 years.

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ecognizing that local businesses and restaurants form the backbone of communities, Alberto Paracchini, CEO of Byline Bank, tasked Susie Goldschmidt, Oak Park and River Forest Market President for Byline Bank, with purchasing $15,000 in gift cards from local restaurants.

“I know about the plight of restaurants after running China Night on my own for seven years,” said Goldschmidt. “It is great Byline wants to make a difference locally and preserve the feeling of a true community bank.”

Byline Bank committed the funds in hopes of making a difference at a critical time for many restaurants struggling because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The hope is this effort, and similar ones in Evanston and Lakeview, will gain momentum and inspire others to participate in showing support for local establishments.

In December, Goldschmidt operated like a jolly elf paying surprise visits to 68 Oak Park, River Forest, and Forest Park restaurants to purchase gift certificates on behalf of the bank.

“I had my fill of lunch, coffee, dinner and desserts over the five days spent buying the gift cards than I have had in quite a while. It was a great change up to my week,” said Goldschmidt. “One restaurant said they were wondering and waiting to see if I would end up at their business.”

Byline Bank has accumulated a collection of hundreds of gift cards and the impact of the considerable spend has not gone unnoticed.

Byline Bank’s Susie Goldschmidt bought $15,000 in gift cards from local restaurants including this purchase from Charlie Robinson at Robinson’s #1 Ribs on Madison Street.

Byline partnered with the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce as well as the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Oak Park to help Goldschmidt spread the love between communities. She visited breweries, restaurants and diners including One Lake Brewing, Robinson’s Ribs, and Georges’ Family Restaurant. She also stopped by coffee shops, bakeries and sweet shops

including Wise Cup in Oak Park, River Forest Chocolates, Twisted Cookie in Forest Park as well as Oak Park’s, Spilt Milk.

“I think this program is so amazing, and as a small business owner I cannot tell you what an impact that makes and how truly grateful we are for the support.” said Meg Svec, co-owner of Spilt Milk Pastry of the Byline Bank effort.

Courageous Bakery in Oak Park donates a portion of their proceeds to cancer research and sent an appreciative email to Goldschmidt stating the following: “Every purchase makes a difference in these difficult times. We are so grateful we have been able to stay open, both to be here for our community and also give back to a good cause.”

Donna Fantetti-Slepicka. owner of River Forest Chocolates, is all smiles under her mask after a gift card purchase made by Susie Goldschmidt.

Donna Fantetti-Slepicka. owner of River Forest Chocolates, is all smiles under her mask after a gift card purchase made by Susie Goldschmidt.

William Quick, owner of Trattoria 225, poses with Susie Goldschmidt after a purchase on behalf of Byline Bank.William Quick, owner of Trattoria 225, poses with Susie Goldschmidt after a purchase on behalf of Byline Bank.

Shivangi Khetarpal, co-owner of Wise Cup, give a thumbs up alongside Susie Goldschmidt of Byline Bank.Shivangi Khetarpal, co-owner of Wise Cup, give a thumbs up alongside Susie Goldschmidt of Byline Bank.

Hungry for more?

Follow @oakparkeats on Instagram for more tasty morsels!

Committed to Oak Park and River Forest Byline is privileged to be a part of the Oak Park River Forest community for more than 20 years and since 2020 has committed over $65,000 to organizations in Oak Park and River Forest. Our team looks forward to continuing our commitment to customers and businesses in the Oak Park and River Forest community.

To learn more about our commitment to Oak Park and River Forest, visit bylinebank.com/oprf

©2021 Byline Bank. Member FDIC.