Landmark 101922

UPHUES Editor

New accusation surfaces against RBHS teacher/coach

Woman tells school board Till ‘groomed’ her when she was 16

By BOB SKOLNIK

Contributing Reporter

Following the revelation last week by the Landmark that side-Brookfield High School teacher Dallas Till had been accused of grooming and having a sexual relationship with a teenage when she was a student at Elmwood Park High School from 08, a second woman has accused Till of grooming her while she was a high school student.

During the public comment por tion of the Oct. 11 meeting of the District 208 Board of Education, Andrea Crawford said Till “sexually groomed” her a little more than 20 years ago when she was a 16-year-old junior at Mor ton East High School in Cicero, where Till was a student teacher Crawford, 37, said she was the student leader of a gym class, where her role was to assist Till.

Till is on paid administrative leave from RBHS after being sued in Cook County Circuit Cour t in 2021 by a for mer student at Elmwood Park High School, identified as Jane Doe in the lawsuit, alle ging Till had a sexual relationship with her while she was student and a player on Till’s girls basketball team.

The for mer Mor ton East student told school board members that “after months of being sexually groomed, including sexually explicit conversations, meeting in private during school, before school and after and on weekends, he also convinced me to meet him for sexual intercourse.

“After we drove and met for sexual intercourse, I had the overwhelming inter nal sense that I was not safe and therefore I left,” Crawford said.

Shor tly after that incident, Crawford said she told her parents about what had happened, and they immediately contacted Morton East. According to Crawford, the then athletic director, Richard Fullriede, interviewed her and Till was quickly removed from the school.

“After the investigation, my parents and I were told by Principal Manuel Isquierdo that the findings were substantiated and that Dallas Till was fired from coaching and student teaching,” Crawford told the D208 school board. “Also, that they notified Elmhurst Colle ge of this, and that Dallas Till was barred from completing his de gree and that Dallas Till would never be able to teach.”

However, by the next fall Till was teaching at Elmwood Park High School.

Till did not respond to a phone call or a text message from the Landmark asking for his reaction to what Crawford said.

RBHS Superintendent Kevin Skinkis was a dean at Morton East High School in 2002, a fact that Crawford noted in her statement to the school board, though she said she was not implying he knew

about her complaint.

“Dr. Skinkis and the board, I implore you to please star t an active investigation into Dallas Till during his time here at RB,” Crawford said. “I ask you to please take this seriously and protect your students and the future generation from him. Please do not fail any more children as Mor ton East failed me and the students after me.”

Skinkis said he had no role in the investigation of Crawford’s alle gations against Till at Mor ton East and had no knowledge of them

“As a dean of students at Mor ton East, I was unaware of Ms Crawford’s alle gations involving Mr Till and had no involvement in any investigation that took place,” Skinkis said in an email. “RB is taking seriously the alle gations she has raised.”

Skinkis had no role in hiring Till, who came to RBHS in 2009, two years before Skinkis was appointed superintendent. Skinkis said no cur rent or for mer RBHS students have contacted the school with any allegations of improper behavior by Till while he has been employed there.

In a tele phone interview with the Landmark, Crawford said she only became aware of the lawsuit by the for mer Elmwood Park student on Oct. 5 when a friend emailed her the Landmark’s story about the case

Crawford told the Landmark that her experience with Till has made it hard for her to trust and develop good relationships with men.

She said she feels guilty she didn’t go to the police in 2002.

“I still feel that I should have done more, blaming myself because, you know, if that would have stopped right there, he would have never had the chance to do this to Jane Doe, and, God forbid, someone else at RB,” Crawford said.

She said that her only reason for coming to speak at the board meeting was to protect students.

“I want to do anything I can to stop him from being a coach or a teacher,” Crawford said. “I have absolutely no interest in a lawsuit against him. I don’t want anything from him. I just want him to never be able to teach or coach children again.”

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Dallas Till ser ved as RBHS head girls basketball coach from 2011 until 2021 and was baseball coach from 2010 to 2022.

BIG WEEK

Spooky sounds of yester year

Join radio historian and host of “Those Were the Days” Steve Darnall as he talks about radio’s best known mystery and horror programs during “Lights Out: Mystery and Horror During the Golden Age of Radio” in the meeting room of the Linda Sokol Francis Brook eld Library, 3541 Park Ave., on Oct. 24 at 7 p.m.

Hear how the shows became a theater of the mind, with music, voices and sound e ects to create frightening “pictures.” Register to attend by calling 708-4856917 or visiting brook eld.evanced.info/signup.

Coffee Social for seniors

The Brook eld Aging Well Team and Brook eld Parks and Recreation invite local seniors to their October Co ee Social on Oct. 21 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the council chambers of the Brook eld Village Hall, 8820 Brook eld Ave.

Join Aging Well Team member Gia Marie Benline, who specializes in senior real estate, and learn how to declutter and get organized

The event is free to attend. RSVP by calling 708-485-1474.

Ranked choice voting presentation

The League of Women Voters of the LaGrange Area will present an informational event on ranked choice voting on Oct. 20 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Imperial Oak Brewing, 9526 Ogden Ave. in Brook eld Learn about this method of voting, which allows

Tower lighting and costume parade

Riverside Parks and Recreation invites kids and their families to don their costumes and witness the water tower in Centennial Park, 10 Pine Ave. light up in Halloween splendor at 6 p.m. on Oct. 19.

Afterward par ticipate in a costume parade around Centennial Park. No registration necessary.

And more

■ The Frederick Law Olmsted Society and village of Riverside will hold a Landscape Workday on Oct. 22 from 9 a.m. to noon on Riverside Road (exact location TBD). Come for as long as you like. Supervised children welcome. Bring work gloves and a water bottle. All other supplies and snacks provided. Look for the public works dump truck.

■ Brook eld Zoo, 8400 31st St., hosts its annual Boo! at the Zoo event on Oct. 22-23. The Halloween-themed event features photo oppor tunities throughout the park, a corn maze and giant in atables. Kids receive a sweet treat as they exit. Regular zoo admission and parking rates apply Visit CZS.org/booatthezoo for more.

■ The Brook eld Chamber of Commerce continues its 60-to-Win ra e drawings ever y Thursday

people to rank candidates in order of preference, while sampling and ranking locally brewed beer paired with ights of cheddar cheese.

The cost to attended is $25 and it’s open to the public. Visit lagrangearealwv.org for more.

Nor th Riverside hosts Holiday Bazaar

Get a jump on your holiday shopping on Oct. 23 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. when North Riverside Parks and Rec hosts its annual Holiday Bazaar at the Village Commons, 2401 Desplaines Ave

Local crafters and other vendors will be selling items that will help you get into the holiday spirit. Concessions will be available for purchase Visit facebook.com/NRRecreatrion for more.

through Nov. 17 at 4:30 p.m. at Joe’s Saloon, 9220 47th St. in Brook eld. You can also watch a livestream on the Brook eld Chamber of Commerce Facebook page (facebook.com/Brook eldIllinois).

■ Riverside Ar ts Center, 32 E. Quinc y St., presents “Semblance: Unfolded and Brought to Life,” by Chicago photographers Alice Hargrave and Barbara Diener in the Freeark Galler y and “Endless,” featuring the work of Darrell Rober ts,

in the outdoor Sculpture Garden through Oct. 29. Galler y hours are Thursday through Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m.

There’s also “The Ar t of Seeing,” featuring the work of Shilin Hora through Dec. 29 in the lobby of the Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road. Viewing hours are Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit riversidear tscenter.com for more.

Riverside Caucus goes with experience for trustee endorsements

Evans, Gallegos and Mateo chosen from a eld of six

By BOB UPHUES Editor

The Riverside Community Caucus, on Oct. 16, announced a pair of incumbents along with an advisory commission chairwoman as its endorsed candidates for Riverside trustee in next spring’s Consolidated Election.

Incumbent trustees Cristin Evans and Alex Galle gos, who were elected trustees in an uncontested race in 2019, will be seeking their second ter ms on the village board. The third endorsed candidate is Jill Mateo, a member of the Riverside Planning and Zoning Commission since 2014 and its chairwoman since 2017.

The endorsed candidates may choose to form a slate to streamline the process for obtaining signatures on nominating petitions, which must be filed between Dec. 12 and Dec. 19.

Caucus-endorsed candidates traditionally choose to run as a slate, but they are not required to do so.

Whether those three candidates will face any competition come next spring won’t be guaranteed until after the petition filing

have surfaced publicly Incumbent Trustee Edward Hannon, who was elected for his first ter m as part of a slate with Galle gos and Evans in 2019, has already confir med he won’t seek a second ter m.

Meanwhile, the three others who sought the RCC’s endorsement this fall have told the Landmark they won’t mount inde pendent campaigns Michael Hene ghan, Derrick Mancini and Alex Layng confir med their intention not to run.

“I’m looking at other ways to volunteer,” said Layng, who said he would like to join one of the village’s advisory commissions

“There are tons of dif ferent oppor tunities in Riverside I’m stoked to volunteer someway, somehow.”

Mancini, the only local business owner among the group seeking endorsement,

had no with the decision. endorsed canwellsaid, benalready in nment or appointed capacity.

“Perhaps the only missed oppor tunity was to endorse a candidate to bring new blood into the lineup,” Mancini said. “It would have been nice to include a candidate who could more directly re present the experience of the small business community in Riverside.”

Hene ghan, a Brookfield native who moved to Riverside four years ago, said he appreciated the Riverside Community Caucus’ nonpar tisan approach and had no issue with its endorsements

“In plenty of places, it’s more of a political g ame but with the RCC, it really felt like it was more about ‘what you know’ rather than ‘who you know,’” Hene ghan said in an email. “I think the Caucus made good decisions with its endorsements. Good ideas and good experience really carried the day.”

Riverside last had a contested election in

2009, when the RCC’s slate of candidates for president and trustee suf fered complete defeat to a group of inde pendents who served for one ter m and did not seek re-election.

Mateo’s husband, Ben Sells, was a village trustee in 2009 and was elected president in the uncontested 2013 race. Sells served for two ter ms, appointing Mateo to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Mateo has also attended nearly every village board meeting since 2009.

“All six prospective candidates would make fine trustees, and I appreciated the oppor tunity to make a case for my candidacy at the public for um [on Oct. 2],” Mateo said in an email to the Landmar k. “My years of experience with village government and my leadership in local org anizations give me an infor med perspective on the issues we face as a community.”

Evans and Gallegos thanked the RCC for supporting their candidacies for a second ter m.

“I appreciate the work of the RCC board,” Evans said in an email. “I enjoyed the oppor tunity to share my experience and commitment to the community, along with my goals for a second ter m.”

“I’m pleased with the confidence the Caucus has in me, and I look forward to serving the village for four more years,” Galle gos said in a text message

Brook eld’s library kicks o strategic planning with survey

Residents asked to provide online input on services

By BOB UPHUES Editor

Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library of ficials are star ting of f a long-range planning ef fort by asking community members to complete an online survey, which asks how they use the library now and may use it in the future, to rate their interactions with staf f and provide input on services and technology now and for the future.

The 18-question survey can be completed anonymously, but anyone providing con-

tact infor mation will be entered into a drawing to win one of three $100 gift cards. According to a press release issued by the library, “responses will remain anony-

mous and ke pt se parate from any identifying infor mation.”

Those completing the surve y also have the option of volunteering to part icipate in future community listening sessions to be held during the long-range planning process.

T he surve y can be found on the library’s website at brookfieldlibrary.info/survey.

In August, the library’s board of trustees voted unanimously to award a $17,500 consulting contract to Sarah Keister

Ar mstrong and Associates to lead the strat egic planning process

According to the fir m’s proposal, the planning ef fort be gins with a data collection ef fort that includes interviews with elected of ficials, the surve y and focus groups with “key constituents,” such as

f amilies with children, older adults, teens and library volunteers.

T he company will prepare a re port of those findings in November, when the focus will shift to drafting the strat egic plan, which will serve as the institution’s roadmap for the next five years.

Consultants will facilitate a pair of planning sessions for elected of ficials and staf f that will take place between November and February. The library board is slated to adopt the final strate gic plan next March

The goal of the process, according to the consultant’s proposal, is “to identify and plan for early actionable ste ps and to develop a foundation by which metrics and outcomes can be re gularly evaluated throughout the duration of the strat egic plan.”

Linda Sokol Francis Brook eld Librar y, 3541 Park Ave.

CRISTIN EVANS ALEX GALLEGOS JILL MATEO

Scores left homeless after North Riverside apartment building fire

BEDS Plus helping tenants secure new housing, money for deposits

By BOB UPHUES Editor

Scores of people – Nor th Riverside officials say they still are not sure the exact number – are attempting to piece their lives to gether after an Oct. 13 fire at a 44unit apar tment building at 8011 Edgewater Road left them without homes.

No one was killed in the late-night blaze, which star ted about 11:45 p.m., but at least six people were treated for smoke inhalation. The Landmark has lear ned that at

least one family – a husband and wife and their three daughters – were treated for smoke inhalation at two dif ferent hospitals, with at least one of the victims needing a ventilator.

While fire damage was limited to two topfloor units in the west wing of the 1920s-era cour tyard building, all three wings of the four-story building sustained heavy smoke damage.

People ran from the building so quickly, according to Fire Chief Bob McDer mott, that one resident exited into the chilly October night wearing nothing but a towel.

Due to the extent of the damage, and concer ns about at least part of the building’s structural inte g rity, the village served the building’s property management company with a notice of condemnation. All utilities have been shut off to the building and a security fence blocks entry to the cour tyard

entrance

However, in an ef fort to allow residents of the building to retrieve personal items from their units, Nor th Riverside police and fire personnel will be at the building on Oct. 19 and 20 from 10 a.m. to noon to escor t people to their units

Tenants are being instructed to contact the property management company to set up an appointment to salvage items from their units.

“We want to help as many people as we can, as quickly as we can,” said McDermott.

Meanwhile, BEDS Plus, a LaGrangebased nonprofit assisting those in need of housing, continues to acce pt applications for assistance. Joann Boblick, the nonprofit’s stabilization services director, said she is assisting 10 households presently and urged others to contact her if they need

help at 708-354-0858, ext. 116.

“People are in crisis, and there’s not a time limit on when you have to move on,” Boblick said. “It’s going to be weeks of people reaching out to us.”

Anyone displaced by the fire can also choose to visit the BEDS Plus of fice in person at their 9601 Ogden Ave. location in LaGrange.

In addition to securing emergency housing, BEDS Plus will work with households to find per manent housing and has the ability to help tenants navig ate the lease process and pay security de posits through a combination of state and federal funds as well as private donations

“We have two families at this point who are close to having a new place to live identified,” said Boblick.

See BUILDING FIRE on pa ge 9

District 95 chief announces he’s retiring in 2025

School board already starting search to replace Kuzniewski

By BOB SKOLNIK

Contributing Reporter

Brookfield-LaGrange Park School District 95 Superintendent Mark Kuzniewski, known to many as Dr. K, is retiring. But not until 2025.

Despite his retirement date being more than two and half years away, the District school board knows re placing him will be big task, and they are not waiting to get star ted

The board has contracted with the search fir m BWP Associates, which will soon conducting a survey and meeting with focus groups in attempt to discover what qualities the community wants in a new superintendent.

will meet with BWP consultants on Nov. 3. Those wishing to be part of a focus group should email Kuzniewski at mkuzniewski@district95.org by no later than Oct. 21.

BWP is expected to present their findings from the survey and focus groups to the school board in December. uzniewski, who has led District 95 since 2009, told the Landrk that he is retiring because will be fully vested in his pension in 2025 when he tur ns

The 2024-25 school year will his 33rd year as an educator He be g an his career as a middle school English teacher in New Lenox.

MARK KUZNIEWSKI

The survey will be posted on the district’s website (district95.org) from Oct. 30 to Nov. 6. Four focus groups of 10-12 people each

Re placing Kuzniewski is expected to be a dif ficult task. One study projects that approximately half of the school superintendents in the United States will retire or leave the profession in the next two to four years

Making things more dif ficult is that

Kuzniewski wears many hats at District 95. The district does not have a business manager or a human resources director, roles Kuzniewski also fills. That could change under the next superintendent.

“Trying to find, in today’s market, a superintendent that will also be your business manager, probably is not realistic or probable that they will be able to do that,” Kuzniewski told the Landmark.

It may also prove difficult for District 95 to attract someone who already has experience as a superintendent. Kuzniewski himself was serving as a junior high principal when he was chosen to lead District 95.

Two current administrators in the district, Director of Teaching and Lear ning Cathy Cannon and S.E. Gross Middle School Principal Ryan Evans, possess superintendent certification. Kuzniewski said he believes both are well-qualified to be a superintendent.

“I think Ryan and Cathy could be a superintendent in any school district tomorrow,”

Kuzniewski said. “And I think the board is well aware of that, and I think they’re very fortunate that they’re going to have that as an option to them.”

If the school board goes the inter nal route, it seems more likely that Evans would be the choice, with Cannon being elevated to a newly created assistant superintendent position. Cannon indicated she is interested in the No. 2 spot if it’s created

“I am not interested in pursuing the superintendency at this time but shared my interest to move into an assistant superintendent role and to support the new superintendent through the transition,” Cannon said in an email to the Landmark.

The school board will have the entire next school year to decide how they want to restructure the administrative organization.

Kuzniewski said that is a possibility for the school board to choose his successor well before he leaves so that he could perhaps work closely with that person during his final year

PO LICE REPO RT S

Man charged with battery for touching 6-year-old at mall

Nor th Riverside police charged a 38-yearold Cicero man with battery after he alle gedly touched the shoulder and held the hand of a 6-year-old boy who was eating with other children at a table in the food cour t of Nor th Riverside Park Mall, 7501 Cer mak Road, on Oct. 13 at 4:25 p.m.

The mother of the victim told police that the adults and children were eating at se parate tables, but close by one another, when the man approached the boy, grabbed his shoulder and then held his hand. The boy’s mother said she immediately confronted the man and alerted a security guard who notified police.

According to police, the man initially gave them a false name, but they identified him later through fingerprint records. He reportedly was also wanted by Cicero police on a bond forfeiture warrant for battery, which was issued in November 2020.

In addition to battery, police charged the man with obstruction and disorderly conduct.

4- car crash at First and Forest

Riverside police cited a 76-year-old Riverside man for disobeying a traf fic signal and failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash after re por tedly driving his 2020 Toyota Camry westbound through a red light at First Avenue and Forest Avenue, resulting in a four-car crash on Oct. 12 at 5:35 p.m.

No one was seriously hur t, according to the police, who used surveillance camera video to deter mine that the Camry ran the red light. It first struck a nor thbound silver Chevy Cruz e, which then collided with a black Ford Escape, also nor thbound in the inside lane of traf fic The Camry then struck a red Hyundai Sonata, which was facing southbound in the left-tur n lane waiting for traf fic to clear

The driver of the Camry re por tedly told police he had a green light, but video evidence showed otherwise, according to the police re port

Theft

■ A resident of the 3200 block of Prairie Avenue, Brookfield, contacted police on Oct. 10 at about 6:35 p.m. to re port that someone had removed two Amazon packages from the front porch of her residence about 15 minutes earlier

A doorbell camera re por tedly captured video of a heavyset, Hispanic woman, about 35-40 years old, with brown, mediumlength hair and car rying a bag approach the home, take the packages and retur n to a black two-door car, possibly a Chevy Cobalt that was last seen southbound on Prairie Avenue.

One package contained shoes was valued at $155 while a second package contained g rilling tongs valued at $15.

■ A resident of the 2200 block of Forest Avenue, Nor th Riverside, went to police on Oct. 11 to re port that an inflatable Halloween decoration had been stolen from her front lawn the prior day.

The victim provided police with grainy security camera video showing someone wearing a dark jacket and light pants and carrying a backpack take the decoration and leave northbound toward Cermak Road

■ Brookfield police rece ived a call from a resident of the 4100 block of Park Avenue on Oct. 14 re porting a package theft. The victim told police that on Oct. 8 she received a shipment of medication through the U.S. Postal Service.

The medication was inside a ripped package placed inside another USPS shipping bag. Missing from the package was a 30-count bottle of prescription pills

■ Nor th Riverside police responded to the 2500 block of Keystone Avenue on Oct. 15 at about 9:10 a.m. after a resident reported that someone had stolen his Fixation Eastside bicycle valued at about $530 from the side of his residence.

The bike was parked in a fenced-in area and a doorbell camera re por tedly captured video of a man walking through the backyard toward the house and bike at about 9:30 p.m. on Oct. 14.

DUI

■ Riverside police charged a 49-year-old Chicago woman with driving under the influence of drugs after an officer on patrol reported seeing her behind the wheel of a silver Chevy that was traveling at 14 mph in a 35-mph zone while southbound in the 3100 block of Harlem Avenue on Oct. 12 at about 3:25 a.m.

Police said the woman was driving erratically while continuing south and the officer pulled her over in the parking lot of the gas station at Harlem Avenue and East Quincy

Street.

It was there that the driver reportedly told police she had taken suboxone within the prior six hours and heroin in the past day. Police also reported recovering 10 capsules containing white powder along with several small straws inside the vehicle. These items were obtained from police

reports filed by the Riverside, North Riverside and Brookfield police departments, Oct. 10-16, 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

Brookfield manager awarded 3-percent pay hike

has concentrated recent e orts on economic development

By BOB UPHUES Editor

Brookfield trustees voted 4-0 on Oct. 10 to amend their contract with Village Manager Timothy Wiberg, granting him a 3-percent raise in salary. The action was taken without comment as part of omnibus agenda passed by the lage board that night.

Wiberg has received annual raises of 5 percent in 2020 and 2021, plus a one-time $10,000 pay bump 2019 at his nine-month anniversar since being hired in 2018. The most recent 3-percent raise approv earlier this month brings Wiberg annual salary to $198,726.

That represents an increase from his initial $165,000 salary in 2018 of 20.4 percent. In addition, the village pays Wiberg $6,000 annually for a vehicle allowance and contributes an amount representing 6.5 percent of Wiberg’s annual salary into a de-

ferred compensation plan. With the raise, that annual contribution will be about $13,000. The village also contributes about $8,500 annually toward Wiberg’s pension through the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF).

Such additional compensation is not unusual for a municipality’s top admintor. Riverside Village Manager Jessica Frances’s annual salary in 2022 is $194,749. She also receives $6,000 vehicle allowance a $15,000 annual village contribution to a deferred compensation plan in addito a $17,000 annual conution toward her IMRF pension.

North Riverside Village Administrator Sue Scar piniti was hired in 2021 as per manent village administrator after serving for more than a year as an interim at a sal-

ary of $185,000. The village provides its administrator with a vehicle, a $1,200 annual cellphone allowance, an IMFR contribution of about $17,700 and a contribution toward Scarpiniti’s post-retirement insurance benefits.

The village stopped offering the post-retirement benefit for village hall employees hired after 2011. Those hired prior to that date, including Scarpiniti, are grandfathered into the program.

Wiberg came to Brookfield in 2018 after serving in the same capacity for 15 years in northwest suburban Lincolnwood

Under his direction, the village has undertaken a number of initiatives related to economic redevelopment through the Energize Ogden commercial corridor planning study.

In October 2021, Wiberg recommended hiring a consultant at a cost of $20,000 to complete a report assessing the feasibility and identifying possible locations along the Ogden Avenue corridor for a grocery store.

Wiberg confir med that the consultant,

Mike Mallon, has delivered that report to the village, but its contents have not been made public. The Landmark submitted a public records request for the report However, the village’s attor ney denied the request, saying it was exempt from disclosure per the Freedom of Information Act, claiming it contained privileged commercial and financial information and “infor mation relating to real estate purchase negotiations,” which are exempt from disclosure “until those negotiations have been completed or otherwise ter minated.”

In May, the village board approved a threeyear economic development plan, which was authored by Cindy Klima, who was hired as an economic development consultant in August 2021.

Wiberg also pushed for and convinced the village board in May to create the nineperson Brookfield Economic Development Commission, an advisory body made up of local businesspeople from the village’s various commercial sectors.

Early voting begins Oct. 24 for gubernatorial election

Brook eld, Lyons village halls once again polling places through Nov. 7

By BOB UPHUES Editor

Early voting for the 2022 Guber natorial Election be gins in the Cook County suburbs on Oct. 24 and will continue every day through Nov. 7 at more than 50 locations, including Brookfield Village Hall, 8820 Brookfield Ave.

Any Cook County suburban voter is welcome to cast an in-person ballot at any of the Cook County Clerk’s early voting sites in the two weeks prior to Election Day, which is Tuesday, Nov. 8.

Candidates looking to be elected to a variety of federal, state and county level posts will be on the ballot, including for U.S. Senate and U.S. Congress; Illinois gover nor, lieutenant gover nor, secretary of state, attor ney

general, treasurer and comptroller; Senate and House seats in the Illinois General Assembly; Cook County Board president, commissioners, sheriff, treasurer, assessor and Board of Review; and a slew of state and county judicial races.

All Cook County voters will also be asked to vote yes or no to a pair of referenda, one seeking an increase in the tax levy for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County and another asking to amend the Illinois Constitution to insert language guaranteeing Illinois workers a right to organize and collectively bargain with their employers.

Every early voting site in suburban Cook County will be open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Oct. 25- Nov. 7. Brookfield Village Hall is also a polling place on election day, but only for certain precincts.

If you plan on voting on election day, Nov. 8, find out where your polling place is located at cookcountyclerkil.gov/elections/yourvoter-infor mation.

You do not need an excuse to vote early,

and a gover nment-issued ID is not required to vote, although it can help if there’s a question about a voter’s signature.

Early voting and Election Day polling places are equipped with electronic voter check-in devices, which use an iPad where voters can check in without polling place workers having to thumb through large paper poll books Each device can pull up a voter’s registration, verify signatures and ensure voters are given the proper ballot.

If you are not registered to vote, you can register at all early voting sites. Anyone registering for the first time or filing for an address change must present two for ms of ID Types of ID acceptable can be found on the Cook County Clerk’s website at tinyurl. com/2y96yedu.

All early voting is done in person on electronic touchscreens, since poll workers need to be able to offer the correct ballot to all who are registered to vote anywhere in suburban Cook County. Once cast, ballots will be securely stored until votes are counted after polls close on election night.

In addition to the Brookfield Village Hall early voting location, here are other early voting sites located in the vicinity of Brookfield, North Riverside and Riverside:

■ Berwyn City Hall, 6700 W. 26th St., Berwyn

■ Cicero Community Center, 2250 S. 49th Ave., Cicero

■ Cicero PSO Building, 5410 W. 34th St., Cicero

■ Hodgkins Village Hall, 8990 Lyons St., Hodgkins

■ Lyons Village Hall, 4200 S. Lawndale Ave., Lyons

■ Maywood Cour thouse (Whitcomb Building), Room 104, 1311 Maybrook Square, Maywood

■ Stickney-Forest View Library, 6800 W. 43rd St., Stickney

Any re gistered voter in suburban Cook County can also opt to vote by mail. For infor mation on voting by mail either for a single election or per manently, visit cookcountyclerkil.gov/elections/ways-to-vote/ vote-by-mail.

Wiberg

TIMOTHY WIBERG

BUILDING FIRE Tenants

confront landlord

from page 6

BEDS Plus also is partnering with the St. Vincent DePaul Society to get displaced household vouchers to obtain clothing, coats, school supplies and other basic needs. She said BEDS Plus can also help those households staying with family elsewhere in the Chicago area to work with school districts to make sure children can be transported to and from school.

The agency has a nurse who can work with those who had to leave prescription medications behind and need to get them from a pharmacy.

“Everybody is ready to help you,” Boblick said. “Just come on in.”

Local officials expect the apar tment building, which is owned by a real estate trust and managed by a firm called Property Rental Inc., to be uninhabitable for a long time. The Landmark has requested property maintenance records, including past citations for code violations, for the building from the village

Village Administrator Sue Scarpiniti told the Landmark the day after the fire that the village’s building inspector already noted “serious concerns” over the building’s structural integrity.

“There’s a lot of concern over the load of the structure,”

e re started in a top- oor unit at 8011 Edgewater Road in North Riverside just befo re midnight on Oct. 13 and spread to a stair way landing and another unit Smoke traveled throughout the complex, forcing a full evacuation.

said Scarpiniti, adding that some of the bricks have started to pull away from the interior courtyard wall of the west wing, where the fire damage was concentrated. There also remain concerns about why smoke from the fire in the west wing so quickly traveled throughout the entire building, causing a great deal of smoke damage in

areas of the building unaf fected by the fire itself.

In addition, the building inspector expressed concern about the building’s electrical system as well as heatingrelated issues.

In recent years, the Landmark has received calls from tenants, who identify the landlord as Riverside resident Ronald Kafka, complaining about conditions there. Kafka has consistently claimed not to be the owner of that and other properties associated with him.

However, it was Kafka and his attorney who met on the evening of Oct. 14, less than 24 hours after the fire, with Riverside Public Safety Director Matthew Buckley in response to a number of tenants confronting him that evening at his Riverside office.

According to a Riverside police re port, about 4:45 p.m. that day, approximately 20 tenants descended on Property Rental Inc.’s office at 28 East Ave., demanding security deposits and October rent from Kafka, who was present at the time.

Buckley spoke to Kafka and his attorney at the scene, according to the police re port, and the two ag reed to talk to each tenant individually to get their information and what they were asking for.

The building’s management company was supposed to contact those tenants again on Oct. 17.

Boblick told the Landmark that some tenants told her they’d been offered smaller apartments for higher rents in other building owned by the management company.

“Everyone I talked to doesn’t want to go back to the same landlord,” Boblick said.

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Our community has an impeccable record of safety during the COVID-19 crisis and we will stop at nothing to make sure it continues.

Our community has an impeccable record of safety during the COVID-19 crisis and we will stop at nothing to make sure it continues.

Our community has an impeccable record of safety during the COVID-19 crisis and we will stop at nothing to make sure it continues.

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Hauser students going to the dogs, and liking it

Lily Beth, a labradoodle therapy dog, there for kids 3 days a week

By BOB SKOLNIK

Contributing Reporter

Perhaps the most popular staff member at L.J. Hauser Junior High School walks on four legs. That would be Lily Beth, a 4-yearold Labradoodle, who comes to Hauser three times a week before school starts and at dismissal just to be a friendly presence and to bring some happiness and comfort to a middle schooler’s day.

Most Hauser students enjoy seeing Lily Beth, and their faces light up as they stop to pet her or say hello to her

“I like having the dog here,” said eighth

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grader Madison Myslinski. “It makes me want to come school every mor ning.”

Lilly Beth’s owner is Nicole Tamburrino, the parent of a Hauser seventh grader and a fourth grader at Central School. A social worker, Tamburrino said she She first became interested about the possibilities of dogs working with kids approximately 20 years ago when she was at Lurie Children’s Hospital, which brought dogs in brighten the day for hospitalized kids.

“It was really a huge passion of mine, to see the dogs light up the faces of kids,” Tambur rino told the Landmark.

Tamburrino thought Lily Beth would

Olmsted Society

work well with kids, so she put the dog through a therapy training program run by Pet Partners, an organization promoting the health benefits of animals and people interacting.

Pet Partners registers nine species of animals as therapy pets, and Lily Beth earned certification as a therapy dog.

For mer Hauser math teacher Deb Falleti, who now teaches advanced learning at Hollywood School, put Tamburrino in touch with Hauser Principal April Mahy, and now Lily Beth is a regular presence at the school and even has her own staff identification card

“There’s been a lot of kids here who are having hard mornings, and then they see her there and they smile,” said Tamburrino, adding some students make it a point to see Lily before they head home from school.

Tamburrino says that Lily Beth can sense people’s emotions and act accordingly. She will play with happy kids and soothe an upset kid.

“Animals help regulate your nervous system and they help regulate and understand behavior,” Tamburrino said. “So, when kids are having a hard time, the animals can respond to that and help kids learn about their behavior.”

When Lily Beth is done with her shift at Hauser she is tuckered out and might take a nap at home

Landscape Workdays scheduled for 10/22 (Riverside Road) and 11/5 (Longcommon/Downing Triangle). Stop by anytime between 9 am-noon and help care for Riverside’s green spaces by removing evasive plants and mulching.

The last regular Walking Tour of the season will be 10/30 2-4 pm. This month’s tour will cover the area south of the tracks. Details and ticket info can be found on our website.

We wish you a safe and happy Halloween!

from the Visit olmstedsociety.org or facebook.com/RiversideFLOS for details

Tamburrino thought students in middle school, often a time of high drama and emotional peaks and valleys for kids, would especially benefit from Lily Beth’s friendly presence.

Stewards of the land and Olmsted’s Plan

“I think sixth through eighth grade are really hard years, and I think it’s a really cool opportunity to help kids who are having a really hard time learning about themselves, learning about others, developing different friendships,” Tamburrino said. “I feel we just need a way to take the edge off a little bit and help the kids just be kids.”

Tamburrino thinks Lily Beth makes a noticeable impact on kids at Hauser, some of whom flock to pet and say hello at the beginning and end of the day.

“She’s feeling the energy of the kids and when she goes home, she’s pretty tired,” Tamburrino said. “I think she really understands when she’s working here as opposed to when she’s here to just hang out.”

Lily Beth was a particular comfort to eighth grader Louie Jara last week after his grandfather died, just sitting with him for a bit

“She is an amazing dog,” said Jara after spending a few moments with Lily Beth on a recent Friday afternoon. “It’s like she is always there when I need her.”

Students give therapy dog Lily Beth a scratch before heading into school on Oct. 14 (above le from eighth grader Louie Jara (above right). Lily Beth and her ow ner, Nicole Tamburrino, make

BOB SKOLNIK/Contributor

ALEX ROGALS/Sta Photographer

PARADMEDICS

Goal to limit overtime

from page 1

been a contentious relationship between union firefighters and village administration going back more than 15 years, and it represents a complete rejection of a bid to privatize the entire department, including firefighting services, which the village began in 2014 and ended after a fruitless court battle in 2018.

“This is definitely the right decision on an operational level,” said Village Administrator Sue Scarpiniti. “I’m hoping this is a starting point for repairing the relationship [with union firefighters], and definitely we see it as a step in the right direction.”

Paramedic Services of Illinois (PSI) has provided contract paramedic services to North Riverside since 1984. The village board most recently renewed its contract with the fir m for five years in 2019.

PSI’s presence has been a political albatross for the village administration, with independent Trustee H. Bob Demopoulos making it his personal quest since being elected to the board in 2011.

He has made ditching contract paramedics in favor of union firefighter/paramedics a staple of his bids for re-election in 2015 and 2019 and when he ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 2017. In 2015, in the midst of the court battle over privatizing the department, Demopoulos dubbed his political party Save Our Firefighters.

Asked if he felt vindicated by the village board’s decision on Oct. 17, Demopoulos said while he’s been pushing for the change for years, it’s not about him.

“It’s not a win so much for myself, but for our firefighters and the village in general,” Demopoulos said in a phone intervie w. “This was the right way to go for the future.”

In 2019, Mayor Joseph Mengoni along with Trustee Terri Sarro broke ranks with their party’s longstanding policy of simply rejecting the thought of union firefighters, saying they were open to bringing paramedics inhouse if it made financial sense

According to Scarpiniti, what pushed the village board to accept the union’s proposal to bring paramedics in-house was a request by PSI to renegotiate its contract with the village due to financial pressures the company has faced in order to staff its needs.

In the past couple of years, it has been a challenge for PSI to fully meet its commitment to provide North Riverside with six paramedics – two per shift. Paramedics have

been known to double up on shifts to keep the ambulance in service and their ranks bolstered by fill-in medics.

In its 2022-23 fiscal year budget, North Riverside earmarked $508,000 for PSI paramedics. However, Scarpiniti said, PSI proposed charging $200,000 more annually. Instead, the village triggered a clause in its contract with PSI and on Oct. 12 sent a letter announcing it was terminating its deal with the firm in 30 days

With the cost of contract paramedics no longer viewed as a such a great savings, the entire village board agreed to end PSI’s contract.

“I never gave up on [bringing paramedics in-house],” said Mengoni. “When the administration presented, not too long ago, the board with all the figures, we couldn’t afford it. But knowing what’s going on the labor market and what’s going on with PSI and other contract companies, it narrows the [financial] gap.”

Starting Nov. 12, PSI’s paramedics will be out and the village will begin using part-time union firefighter/paramedics from other municipalities to staff its ambulance as the village begins to hire six more firefighter/ paramedics to bring staffing up to five per shift from the current three

The Silver Spanner program, which firefighter unions use to help municipalities eliminate contract paramedics in favor of in-house firefighter/paramedics, will be in place for no more than three years, according to a collective bargaining summary obtained by the Landmark.

Short staffing has led to exorbitant overtime costs in recent years. In 2019-20, fire department overtime was nearly $850,000. In the past two years overtime costs topped $550,000 each year.

The new arrangement will eventually be able to keep a lid on overtime, and the new contract includes an “overtime containment mechanism” capping the number of shifts where two firefighters can be off at the same time. It also limits when higher-paid lieutenants can fill in for firefighter/paramedics.

Included in the new contract are base pay raises of 2.5 percent in the first year and 2.75 percent for the final four years. Employee health insurance contributions will gradually rise from 15 percent in the first year to 19 percent by the end of the contract, which expires April 30, 2026.

“This is probably the biggest thing in the [Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois] in the last 10 years,” said Chris Kribales, president of North Riverside Firefighters Union 2714. “We went from getting fired and replaced by [PSI] to replacing them. … This is a great feeling.”

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The average person walks 110,000 miles in a lifetime.

Opinion

THE L ANDMARK VIEW

KOSEY CORNER

The scar y season is now upon us Fire ghters in focus

Firefighters in North Riverside had a busy time in the past week. First they, and an ar my of firefighters and police officers from sur rounding communities, were able to quickly contain an apartment building fire that could have been much worse.

With a roof constructed with an apparently open chamber between it and the ceilings of top-floor apartments, smoke quickly spread throughout the entire apartment complex, driving residents from their units. Officials aren’t exactly sure how many people lived in the building – at 44 units, it’s easily 90 or more – but considering the fact that it started just before midnight, when many presumably were asleep, it’s a miracle no one died and only a handful treated at hospitals for smoke inhalation.

The scene, as described by those responding, was chaotic as emergency personnel evacuated the smoking structure. The night even included an apparently intoxicated man trying to enter the property while firefighters were still on scene about 1:20 a.m. and squaring up to fight police before he was wrestled to the ground and arrested.

In the wake of the fire, the American Red Cross the night after the fire stationed themselves in the community room of the police department to provide emergency assistance while BEDS Plus began collecting information from those seeking financial assistance in order to find new housing — because it will be a long time before the apar tment building is habitable and doubtful that those tenants will want to lease from the same property management company ever again.

Three days later, firefighters were smiling and taking photos with the village’s mayor – not exactly something that would have happened in the past decade or so – after signing a new five-year contract that is about as big a win for the firefighters’ union as they could have imagined.

Just four years ago, the union and the village were still locked in an existential battle over the future of union firefighters in North Riverside. In 2014, the village attempted to privatize firefighting services, proposing to use PSI to provide firefighters, just as it had provided paramedics since the mid-1980s

The village went so far as to issue termination notices to the union firefighters. Even though the village ultimately lost that battle and a change in the village’s administration softened resistance to the idea of union firefighter/paramedics, we never thought such a change would come so soon.

Because the switch was the subject of union contract negotiations, the idea was not even publicly discussed prior to the announcement on Oct. 17 of the new contract. Time will tell if the new arrangement ends up saving the village money in the long run, as has been promised

One thing is certain, North Riverside won’t have to depend on the whims of the private labor market to know whether it has enough bodies to staff an ambulance or make sure those paramedics aren’t exhausted from keeping them staffed round the clock.

Privatizing public safety is never a great idea, and that’s now no longer North Riverside’s worry.

It’s the time of year when scary movies are out in abundance. I personally do not like to intentionally like to scare myself -- there is enough out in the world that is real and scary, which I also don’t like. Take a look at the news on a daily basis. If that doesn’t scare you, what does?

I never saw the first movie in the “Scream” franchise, so it doesn’t matter to me that this year’s edition is to be the last. For me, the scariest movie I ever saw was “Psycho.” OK, so I dated myself again.

I remember seeing it with a date and I would not let him leave until my parents came home It took a while before I would take a shower if there was no one home. Tony Pe rkins, the film’s star, was a good actor, but I could never watch any of his movies after that.

How about “The Exorcist”? Why I watched that I don’t know. It also left an impression, not a good one. It had me tur ning to my Catholic faith and saying some prayers. Scary? Yes, it was Now another movie that scared many people, “Jaws,” didn’t scare me at all. I figured out if I

Riverside should focus on road improvements

As discussed in your ar ticle Oct. 12 (“Riverside Library eyes more lower-level improvements,” News), there’s no question that renovating the library lower level is/was a worthy project.

However, like most gover nment-type projects with excess funds, there always seems to be a need to spend it, not retur n it to the village to retire debt or consider other worthy needs.

One of those other really impor tant needs is

listened to the music, I would know when the shark would appear, so I was ready. Didn’t scream once.

The first scary movies I remember were from when I was very young, when my brother would get me to watch movies about zombies and tell me they were real. And I believed him.

They would be in the closets and would come out to scare you when you clapped your hands. They were very fake but just enough to scare a little girl. It took a while before I would slee p with my back to the closet.

With Halloween upon us, we are inundated with spooky things and not just at the movies -- there are even house decorations intended to scare you.

The Kosey house takes a dif ferent approach. We have a happy witch on the door and smiley ghosts all around. So, if you want to be scared, don’t come to our house, but if you want treats do come, no tricks.

■ Thanks to Glen Klecka for sending a recommendation for the McCook Bohemian Restaurant for good Bohemian food. It’s under new ownership and we know Bohemian restaurants are fading away. Thanks Glen, it sounds like a treat. As I say, Landmark readers are the best!

re paving the many Riverside streets that are in poor to ter rible condition, both dangerous to vehicles and so bad that some streets are an embar rassment to the residents living on those streets

I am all for the library, but the village must absolutely spend a much greater ef fort kee ping its streets re paired. Village residents need to begin voicing complaints until more road re pairs be gin happening. Poorly ke pt streets lessen the value for all our homes Hopefully, the village will place more emphasis on this critical need

Mike S ammon Ri verside

Daniel G. Fedorski, 47

Former Brook eld police o cer

Daniel Gerard Fedorski, 47, who for merly served as a police of ficer in Brookfield and as a homicide detective in Aurora, died Sept. 30, 2022.

Mr. Fedorski’s children say that everywhere he went he would make a new friend He had a heart for fathers and encouraged others to invest in their children. He was bold for Christ and never hesitated to share his faith and lead others to know Jesus

One of his favorite sayings was “you can take anything away from your kids, as long as you replace it with yourself.” Every spare moment Mr Fedorski had was spent with his family, whether it was golfing with his boys on Friday mor nings or going shopping with his girls. He loved music, watching sports, the 4th of July, and all things American.

His wife, Dana, and the children will forever treasure his sense of humor and unending love for them.

Mr Fedorski was a devoted husband to Dana (nee Brosseau) and a proud, loving father of Abigail, Madison, Daniel, Davis, Benjamin, Samuel, Caroline, and Camden. He was the son of the late Eugene and Mary Fran (nee Halpin) Fedorski; the brother of

Jim (Kim) Fedorski, Maggie (Bob) Filec and Tim (Amy) Fedorski; the uncle of Emily (Jeremy) Ber nas, Robert (Sarah) Filec, Frank (Coco) Filec, Mary Filec, Kenny and Katie, Meghan, Hayley, Will and Brynn Fedorski; the great uncle of Francesca and Nora Bernas; the son-in-law of Mike and Mary Beth Brosseau; a brother-in-law to Katie (Matt) Taylor, Mike (Annie) Brosseau, Jen (Travis) Traub, Liz (Greg) Koch; and an uncle to Allison and Meadow Taylor, Maggie Traub, Brady, Bree, and Barrett Koch.

A service in Illinois will be held at a future date

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Mr Fedorski’s family at gofundme com/f/dan-fedorski.

James P. O’Connell, 91

Worked in commercial real estate

James P. O’Connell, 91, of Brookfield, died peacefully Oct. 9, 2022 at his home.

Mr O’Connell, who worked in commercial real estate at Prudential, Dovenmuehle and Draper & Kramer, raised his family in Riverside for 37 years before downsizing and relocating to North Riverside in 1998. He was a parishioner for 62 years at St. Mary Church in Riverside.

He grew up on Chicago’s South Side, and the Great Depression and World War II shaped his childhood. Growing up, Mr O’Connell sold newspapers on a street cor ner, worked as a pinsetter at Beverly Bowl and as a bus boy at Mickelberry’s Log Cabin. He also worked at Rainbow Cone for Joseph Sapp, the store’s founder, and later at High-Low Foods.

He was a graduate of St. Margaret of Scotland, Leo High School, Morgan Park Junior College and Loyola University. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1955 and it took him to England, France, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Ger many, Egypt and Algeria

Shortly after graduation from Loyola in March of 1957, Mr O’Connell started with the Prudential Life Insurance Company. He had a brief foray as a stock broker, but he joined Dovenmuehle, a mortgage banking fir m, in September of 1969 before joining Draper & Kramer in 1980. He rose to the rank of vice president of construction services in his 23 years with the company.

He married Peggy Melichar on Nov. 19, 1960, and settled in Riverside a year later Between 1961 and 1970, they had five children. Peggy was diagnosed with cancer and died in November of 1974, shortly after their 14th wedding anniversary.

Mr O’Connell was left to raise five children, ranging in ages from 3 to 12. He dedicat-

ed his life to doing that, putting them above all else. He was a devout Roman Catholic and never wavered from his faith. He also enjoyed watching cooking shows, researching family history and writing meticulous, detailed letters when dealing with a problem.

Visitation is from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, October 20th, at the Ivins-Moravecek Funeral Home, 80 East Burlington Avenue, Riverside Family and friends will gather for prayers at 9 a.m. Friday, October 21st, before heading to St. Mary’s Church, 126 Her rick Road, Riverside, for a 10 a.m. Mass. Inter ment All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines

Survivors include his five children, Jim (Mary Ann) O’Connell, Ellen (Mike) Farrow, Susan (Bob Chicoine) O’Connell, Margaret (Doug) Glenzinski and Tom (Laura) O’Connell; his sister, Mary Kathryn “Mickey” O’Connell; and grandchildren, Jack, Allison, Maggie, Nicole and Shannon Farrow; Kathryn Chicoine; Abeline, Thomas and Cleo Glenzinski; and Finn and Grace O’Connell. He is predeceased by his wife, Pe gg y; a brother, Dan; and parents, Abeline and James Sr.

Mr O’Connell’s aunt, Sr Rose Concepta, was an Adrian Dominican nun. Memorials may be sent in memory of Sr Rose, to the Adrian Dominican Sisters, 1257 East Siena Heights Drive, Adrian, Michig an 49221.

RBHS football can’t overcome undefeated St. Francis

Bulldogs wrap up regular season agains Bishop Mac

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

On the Riverside-Brookfield High School football team’s fifth play from scrimmage on Oct. 14, junior quar terback Diego er re z dropped back to pass He found opening and instead raced 53 yards the left sideline to the 14-yard line.

“It felt like the linebacker jumped a little bit, so I just took it and took of f,” Gutier said. “The energy after that play was I felt the energy build up and it was just to watch.”

The Bulldogs had many big plays against undefeated St. Francis but couldn’t co enough and lost 35-14 in the showdown the Metro Suburban Conference Red championship.

RBHS (5-3, 4-1 in MSC Red) closed to 14-7 at halftime after the Spartans (8-0, 4-0) scored on their first two possessions But the Spartans also scored on their first two secondhalf possessions to pull away.

The Bulldogs finish the re gular season on Oct. 21 at Bishop McNamara (3-5).

“If you look at how hard we played defensively and how physical we played com-

RBHS quar terback Diego Gutierrez (le ) gained 53 of his 66 yards rushing on a one play in the rst quar ter of the Bulldogs’ 35-14 loss to St. Francis on Oct. 14. Gutierrez also completed 14 of 31 passes for 230 yards.

pared to last week [losing 48-14 to IC Catholic Prep], it’s a night and day team. Of fensively we still were able to move the ball,” RBHS coach Sam Styler said.

“We had a great first half. The guys knew they had to fight the entire time and they

did. A couple of big plays here, a couple of drives and if we come up with those, it could have been dif ferent ball g ame but still proud of my guys the way they fought.”

The Bulldogs cashed in on their biggest play. With a perfectly executed play-action

fake, Gutier re z lofted the ball nine yards over the middle to a wide-open Luke Kumskis at the 35. Kumskis ran the rest of the way untouched for a 74-yard touchdown that closed the gap to 14-7.

“That got us going,” Gutier re z said. “This was a good g ame for us passing wise, but we just have to put everything full circle. Once that full circle comes around and we’re hitting on all cylinders, no one’s stopping us.”

Gutier re z was 14 of 31 passing for 230 yards and rushed for 66 yards. The top target was Iggy Bielobradek (5 catches, 106 yards), who caught a well-placed 15-yard touchdown pass in the right cor ner against coverage with 5:26 left for the g ame’s final score. Kumskis had four catches for 111 yards.

After Gutier re z’s big run, the Bulldogs missed a 30-yard field goal. In the second quar ter, they ran a 12-yard screen pass to Ryan Novak for fourth and 1 at the 4, but the Spar tans stopped the run shor t.

Soon after a power outage delayed the end of the third quar ter, the Bulldogs’ first fourth-quar ter drive ended when they couldn’t conver t fourth-and-4 from the 23.

St. Francis missed a 45-yard field goal to end the half two plays after Chris Brown broke up a pass to the end zone Drew Swiatek earlier had a midfield interception after the Spar tans had a 61-yard touchdown run called back by a penalty St. Francis had 12 penalties for 100 yards.

Senior pushes through pain as RBHS swims past Latin

Bulldogs compete at conference meet on Oct. 22

By BILL STONE

Contributing

Reporter

Riverside-Brookfield High School senior Riley Daun be g an the 2022 swimming

and diving season already enduring right shoulder problems from another sport.

After the RBHS Invite on Se pt. 10, the pain became too much to take.

“I tore my labrum. I can barely lift up my ar m. I’m pretty sure I’m getting surgery in a few weeks,” Daun said. “I was just pushing it until I couldn’t do it anymore. I went to the doctor I was told I wasn’t supposed to swim.”

That was the case until Oct. 13. It was Senior Night.

Daun not only retur ned but competed in three events in the 86-67 dual victory over Latin.

The Bulldogs honored 11 seniors -- Anna Breit, Kate Briolat, Claire Cervi, Daun, Madyn Dron, Ella Ford, Scarlett Hall, Aja McKay, Emma McVicker, Gemma Sambugaro and Anna Swade.

All are four-year members of the team except Briolat, a first-year diver. Tri-captains are Daun, McKay and McVicker, who will swim at Augustana.

RBHS coach Mike Laurich beg an with 13 freshmen.

“Eleven [seniors] is a good size. Especially with the middle two years with CO-

See SWIMMING on pa ge 16

ALEX ROGALS/Sta Photographer

RBHS boys zoom to MSC Blue cross county title

Cooper Marrs wins second league crown as ve runners nish in top seven

By BILL STONE

Contributing Reporter

At his previous two Metro Suburban Conference Blue meets, Riverside-Brookfield High School senior boys cross country runner Zack Gaynor finished 13th.

The top 12 receive individual all-conference honors.

“Brutal,” said Gaynor. “Just bad luck.”

On Oct. 15 Gaynor’s luck changed, finishing seventh at Elmwood Park. His MSC Blue finish was among numerous triumphs for the Bulldogs, who won the meet for the second straight year with 21 points.

Junior Cooper Mar rs won his second conference title in a course-record 14 minutes, 48.0 seconds for 3.0 miles, also a personal best by seven seconds.

Junior Jack O’Brien was second (15:34.1), juniors Will Kallas (15:59.4) and Brennan Lester (15:59.6) were fifth and sixth and junior Hayden Marrs (16:23.7) was 11th to also ear n all-conference.

Asa Kahle, the highest finishing sophomore, was 14th (16:31.6), 7.4 seconds from 12th. Junior Brady Nor man, often the No. 3 finisher, was out with sickness

“It’s nice [being all-conference]. I’m looking forward to the last three [postseason] meets,” Gaynor said. “I just wanted to win as a team. I just wanted to put all seven allconference. It’s pretty cool.”

The Bulldogs are ranked No. 4 in IHSA Class 2A by ILXCTF.com and No. 8 by IlMilesplit.com. They begin the Class 2A postseason at the Hinsdale South Regional on Oct. 22.

“It was pretty much a whole team effort,” RBHS coach Jack Brady said. “Cooper wanted to break the course re-

SWIMMING

from page 15

VID, I’d like to think they had each other through that and that’s one of the reasons they stuck to g ether,” Laurich said.

Daun swam the breaststroke le g of the winning 200-yard medley relay with Breit, McKay and McVicker (2:06.82), was

cord and he did. Jack ran his race, which was run for second. Those 3-4-5 guys were three seconds apart from each other Zack’s been 13th. I told him, ‘Your only job is not to finish 13th.’”

Marrs’ 14:48.0 ranks second in Class 2A to Marian junior Dylon Nally, who ran this season’s fastest Illinois time (14:03.5) on Oct. 1 at Peoria’s Detweiller Park, annual site of the state meet.

“The goal was obviously to win conference first and foremost, but going sub-15:00 and sub-14:50 too, that was big for the confidence heading into the postseason,” Marrs said. Marrs won conference as a freshman. On the same Elmwood Park course in 2021, Marrs was second (15:15.2), 10.1 seconds behind the RBHS senior Paul Proteau with O’Brien third Hayden Marrs and Kallas, in his third race back from injury, were an all-conference 11th and 12th in 2021. Lester improved from 21st with a personal best and 50-second improvement from his last 3.0-mile race Sept. 17.

“It means a lot. This was my race to see where I at 3.0 miles time wise,” Lester said.

In the girls race, RBHS senior Bryce Pacourek (3rd, 18:46.0) and sophomore Gianna Gelb (4th, 18:53.8) were allconference with personal records and their first top-five MSC finishes Both were 2021 individual 2A state qualifiers.

The Bulldogs were third (59 points) as a team. Junior Lily Kocourek (16th, 20:43.6), senior Jojo Rodriguez (17th, 20:48.7) and junior Maria Dalton (19th, 20:53.3) were top 20. Senior Mia Wagner (21:35.5) and junior Maiana Nelson (21:38.6) were 25th and 27th.

This was the third all-conference finish for Pacourek, who finished seventh as a freshman and sixth in 2020. She wasn’t feeling great on Oct. 15 but better than 2021, when sickness kept her from even finishing.

“It was nice to kind of get revenge from last year for not finishing,” Pacourek said.

Gelb improved significantly from 31st in 2021 behind a strong final mile that took her five seconds from fourth to 10 seconds ahead of fifth.

Glenbard West just too much for LTHS football

Lions look to top Downers North for 3rd in WSC Silver

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

The Lyons Township High School football team once again took another West Suburban Conference Silver Division frontrunner to the brink on Oct. 15.

The Lions scored first and re gained the lead again in the second quarter before host Glenbard West scored three unanswered touchdowns to prevail 28-20.

The Lions (6-2, 3-2 in Silver) finish the re gular season at home at noon on Oct. 22 battling for third in the WSC Silver against Downers Grove Nor th (6-2, 3-2), which also challenged the Hilltoppers (7-1, 4-1) and first-place York (80, 5-0). The Lions lost to York 27-14 on Se pt. 24.

Only 3:06 into the g ame against Glenbard West, Danny Pasko scored on a 4-yard run to put the Lions ahead 6-0. The extra point was unsuccessful.

Quar terback Ryan Jackson and Graham Smith then connected on an 8-yard touchdown pass in the second quar ter for a 12-6 lead after the two-point conversion failed.

Glenbard West pulled ahead 14-12 by halftime and scored twice in the third quar ter for a 28-12 advantage With 3:09 left, Pasko scored on a 2-yard run and Jackson passed to Nico Henley for the two-point conversion.

Jackson was 20 for 30 passing for 180 yards with Travis Stamm (8 catches, 74 yards) and Smith (6 catches, 56 yards) the top receivers. Jack Cheney rushed for a team-best 25 yards on seven car ries.

Pasko also had 13 tackles at linebacker. Other defensive leaders were James Georgelos (10 tackles), Eddie Tuerk (7 tackles, one for loss), Cooper King (6 tackles, tackle for loss) and Jack Falls (2 tackles for loss).

part of the second-place 200 free relay and placed second the 100 breast (1:25.05), her primary event, to McVicker (1:17.05).

“Honestly, it was really nice [competing] but it was also very hard,” Daun said.

Other event winners were McKay (50 free in 26.47), Ford (100 free in 1:08.30), Sophie Ivan (200 individual medley in 2:42.55), Maria Ellis (100 butterfly in 1:05.60) and the 400 free relay of Hailey Vlcek, Emily Baar tman, Audrey Simpson

and Ellis (3:58.56).

McKay, also battling shoulder issues, said the captains focused on improving team morale and bonding.

“I feel like we really took charge this season and we have more people cheering than we ever have before, especially in the 400 [free relay finales],” McKay said.

“That’s the whole purpose of our swim team, where you have a really good support system. I’m really proud of the girls be-

cause we’ve really shown other teams that we can cheer as well as everyone else can.”

Daun remained hopeful that she could compete once more at the Inde pendent Conference Meet on Oct. 22 at Oswe go East.

“I’ ll see how everything goes,” Daun said. “I’m in pain. I’m ready to go lay in bed, do some homework and just chill out. I do ice a lot. Take some Advil. You’ve got to do what you’ve got to do.”

ZACK GAYNOR

Growing Community Media

HELP WANTED

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class.

Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION

To perform various network/system administration, computer support, and operational activities for the Village including computer system setup, configuration, and testing.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Reports directly to the Information Technology Services Director.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:

Essential and other important duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential duties and responsibilities

1. Ensure that best in class customer service is provided to both internal and external customers and also embrace, support, and promote the Village’s core values, beliefs and culture.

2. Configure, test, and deploy network systems, such as, firewalls, routers, switches, wireless equipment, network servers and storage arrays.

3. Configure, test, and deploy system servers, such as, file, print, Internet, e-mail, database, and application servers.

4. Configure, test, and monitor server and end-user systems for security, such as, user accounts, login scripts, file access privileges, and group policy management.

5. Configure, test, and deploy end-user systems, such as, workstations, laptops, mobile devices, printers, and software.

6. Test, configure, deploy, and support security systems, such as, facility access system, video & audio system.

7. Monitor and auditing of networks, systems, and user activities to ensure security and efficiency of systems. Create scripts and reports of detail activities for regular review.

8. Perform and participate in disaster recovery activities, such as, backup procedures, data recovery, and system recovery planning.

9. Assist end-users with computer problems or queries. Troubleshoot systems as needed and meet with users to analyze specific system needs.

10. Ensure the uniformity, reliability and security of system resources including network, hardware,

HELP WANTED

software and other forms of systems and data.

11. Prepare, create and update user/technical procedure documentations and provide computer training.

12. Assemble, test, and install network, telecommunication and data equipment and cabling.

13. Participate in research and recommendation of technology solutions.

Other important responsibilities and duties

1. Train users in the area of existing, new or modified computer systems and procedures.

2. Participate in the preparation of various activity reports.

3. Travel and support remote facilities and partner agencies.

4. Operate, administer and manage the Village and Public Safety computer systems, including E-911 center, in-vehicle computer systems.

5. Prepare clear and logical reports and program documentation of procedures, processes, and configurations.

6. Complete projects on a timely and efficient manner.

7. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

8. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

9. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

Principals and procedures of computer systems, such as, data communication, hierarchical structure, backups, testing and critical analysis.

Hardware and software configuration of. computers, servers and mobile devices, including computing environment of Windows Server and Desktop OS and applications, Unix/Linux OS, VMware, iOS/Android.

Network protocols, security, configuration and administration, including firewalls, routers, switches and wireless technology. Cabling and wiring, including CAT5/6, fiber network, telephone, serial communication, termination, and punch-down.

Telecommunications theory and technology, including VoiP, serial communication, wireless protocols, PBX, analog, fax, voicemail and auto-attendant.

Principles and methods of computer programming, coding and testing, including power shell, command scripting, macros, and

VB scripts.

Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment. Technical writing, office productivity tools and database packages.

Ability to:

Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities, which may include the following:

- Walking, standing or sitting for extended periods of time

- Operating assigned equipment

- Lift 50 pounds of equipment, supplies, and materials without assistance

- Working in and around computer equipped vehicles

Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:

- Making observations

- Communicating with others

- Reading and writing

- Operating assigned equipment and vehicles

Maintain mental capacity allowing for effective interaction and communication with others. Maintain reasonable and predictable attendance. Work overtime as operations require.

Experience and Training

Guidelines

Experience: Three years of network/system administration in the public or private sector, maintaining a minimum of 75 Client Workstation computers. AND Training: Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in computer science or a related field. Certifications in Microsoft Server Administration, Networking, Applications and Cisco Networking.

Possession of a valid Illinois Driver License is required at the time of appointment. Vaccination against COVID-19 strongly preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work in a computer environment; sustained posture in a seated position for prolonged periods of time; continuous exposure to computer screens; work in and around computerized vehicles outdoor and garage facility; lifting heavy equipment, communication cabling and wiring into walls and ceilings.

The Bookkeeper plays a key role in contributing to the Congregation’s mission through the smooth and effective accounting of Unity Temple’s financial ledgers and is responsible for journal entries and balance sheets. Working with the Director of Finance & Administration, the Bookkeeper will prepare statements, investigate and clear discrepancies, compile reports and analyses of accounts and update congregational pledge data.

Core Competencies

OFFICE ASSISTANT

Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation is looking for a part time Office Assistant. The Office Assistant plays a key role in contributing to the Congregation’s mission through the smooth and effective running of Unity Temple’s administrative and office needs. Working with the Director of Finance & Administration, sitting at the front desk and welcoming visitors, managing the congregational calendar, ensuring the procurement of supplies and supporting the rental program of our historic and culturally renowned buildings is the focus for this position.

Core Competencies

-Organization and Planning: Organizes people, funding, materials, and support to accomplish multiple, concurrent goals and activities.

-Vision and Purpose: Commitment to and knowledge of Unitarian Universalist Principles and values (see Support for the Mission and Values of the Congregation below) -Trust and Integrity: Is widely trusted to keep confidences, admit errors, and adhere to a transparent set of personal and professional values that are congruent with the ministry of the congregation.

Proficiencies: Google Workspace, specifically Google Drive, organizational skills with a strong detail orientation, ability to communicate with a variety of different people, familiarity with CRM software is a plus (UTUUC uses Realm).

You can find more information about the position at https://unitytemple. org/job-postings/. To apply, send a cover letter and résumé to jobs@ unitytemple.org indicating “Office Assistant” in the subject line.

BOOKKEEPER

Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation is looking for a part time Bookkeeper.

Hours: 15 hours/week Sept –December 2022, then 10 hours/week as of 1/1/2023

- Accounting principles

- Bookkeeping procedures

- Vision and Purpose: Commitment to and knowledge of Unitarian Universalist Principles and values

(see Support for the Mission and Values of the Congregation below)

-Trust and Integrity: Is widely trusted to keep confidences, admit errors, and adhere to a transparent set of personal and professional values that are congruent with the ministry of the congregation.

Proficiencies: Quickbooks Online (certification is a plus but not required), Google Workspace (specifically Google Drive), organizational skills with a strong detail orientation, ability to communicate with a variety of different people, familiarity with CRM software is a plus.

You can find more information about the position at https://unitytemple. org/job-postings/. To apply, send a cover letter and résumé to jobs@unitytemple.org indicating “Bookkeeper” in the subject line.

NURSERY SUPERVISOR AND CHILDCARE COORDINATOR

Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation is looking for a warm, welcoming and experienced Nursery Supervisor and Childcare Coordinator to work with the youngest among us on Sunday mornings in the nursery as well as coordinate babysitting for

congregational events outside of Sunday mornings. This is one job with two different roles. As Nursery Supervisor, this person will provide a compassionate and consistent presence in caring for our babies and toddlers during the Sunday morning worship service times, supervise, train and schedule other nursery staff, maintain the nursery as a safe and clean environment, welcome and orient new families to the nursery, and build relationships with and communicate effectively with parents. The nursery hours are Sundays from 9:30–11:30am, and approximately one hour outside of Sunday morning worship service.

You can find more information about the position at https://unitytemple. org/job -postings/. To apply, send a cover letter and résumé to jobs@ unitytemple.org indicating “Nursery Supervisor / Childcare Coordinator” in the subject line.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

United Methodist Church of Oak Park Oak Park, Illinois

Job Description: Administrative

Assistant

The Administrative Assistant is a critical role to the life of First United Methodist Church. The ideal candidate is experienced in providing support in all phases of administration, financial, worship and communication for the Pastor and church. This position requires someone who can work in an independent environment, is organized and has strong written and verbal communication skills. Essential responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Administration

-Provide administrative support to the Pastor and church volunteers responsible for committee and church programs

-Ensure worship bulletins and related documents are prepared weekly for Sunday services

Custom Frame Company

Clean,

-Oversee and maintain church files and records and assist in producing the annual statistical report required by the church conference

Finance

-Under the direction of the Finance Committee and in coordination with the accountant, oversee account payables and account receivables

-Manage and record all account and expense-related actions into Quickbooks

-Ensure receipt of approved payment requests for all invoices

Communication

-Generate and distribute as required all forms of communication on behalf of the Pastor and its members

-Maintain church calendar

General Office Duties

-Oversee the operation of all church office equipment and arrange for repairs as required

-Maintain and order office supplies as needed and order other supplies subject to the approval of the Pastor and Trustees.

Qualifications

-Extensive knowledge with basic computer operations and administration software, such as: email management, file management, Microsoft Office Suite and Google applications; experience with Quickbooks is helpful

-Demonstrate the ability to adapt to a dynamic working environment

-Confidentiality is a must BA or BS degree preferred. We also require Covid vaccination. The candidate must agree to completing a background check before hire.

The hourly salary is between $20 and $24 an hour.

Hours are part tine 20 hours a week

–10:30 AM to 2:30 PM

There is holiday pay and earned vacation and sick pay

Respond to LKMasters47@gmail. com

Manufacturing

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, CTA. Apply in person M-F 8am to 4pm • Alpina • 6460 W Cortland St Chicago, IL 60707 www.fastchangeframes.com

River Forest Public Schools

River Forest School District 90 is seeking On-Call Substitute Teachers and Teacher Aides, $130-$150 per day!

FLEXIBLE Schedule between the hours of 7:50a - 3:20pm

Work one day a week or up to 5 days a week, half days or full days

Responsibilities:

The On-Call Substitute will work in place of the individual he/she will be temporarily replacing during the scheduled day. This individual may also be asked to perform other duties as required in relation to the substituting assignment.

Qualifications:

One of the following licenses:

• Professional Educator License (PEL)

• Substitute Teaching License (Bachelor’s degree required; beginning January 2023 enrolled in an IL approved educator program & have completed 90

semesters hours of coursework)

• Short-term Substitute License (Associate’s degree or at least 60 college credit hours)

• Educator License with Stipulations

• Paraprofessional License (Associate’s degree required)

• Short-term Paraprofessional License (High School Diploma w/3 years to work towards obtaining Paraprofessional license.)

Apply online at: www.district90.org/about/employment

HELP WANTED

PART-TIME ELECTRICIAN’S HELPER

Call contracter for more info.

708-738-3848

YOGA SIX FITNESS SALES ASSOCIATE

If you are passionate about health and fitness, enjoy connecting with people and thrive in an environment that encourages you to exceed personal and team goals - this is the role for you! Our ideal candidate brings at least a year of sales experience along with a good understanding of prospecting leads through telemarketing, phone sales, and member referrals. If you are interested in starting or growing your sales career in the dynamic fitness industry, apply today!

Fitness Sales Associate duties include working closely with current and potential customers to recommend classes and membership options based on their wellness goals, answer their questions about the studio and help resolve customer concerns.

The Fitness Sales Associate is responsible for appointment booking and ensuring first time visitors to studio have an overwhelmingly positive experience. The successful Sales associate will stay up-to-date with sales promotions, maintain the studio’s visual appearance in high standards, and strive to exceed individual and studio sales goals.

Responsibilities

-Customer experience: welcome visitors and members to the studio, answer phones and assist customers at the front desk with various administrative tasks. Handle member issues professionally and objectively, seeking to resolve them through exceptional customer service. Build productive trust relationships with customers.

-Sales: Support the sales process by contacting sales prospects via telephone and text messaging, setting up appointments, and reviewing membership options with new visitors to the studio. Assess customers needs and provide assistance and information on studio features, class offerings and membership options. Meet and exceed weekly and monthly sales goals established by the General Manager

-Prospecting: support in and out of studio events to generate new sales prospects (health fairs, community events, marathons, etc.) Support studio marketing and social media activities.

-Member engagement: Conduct studio tours with new prospects to build rapport to facilitate sales; set new members up for success, support members with class selection and participate/lead member appreciation events

-Operations: Maintain a high degree of cleanliness and studio presentation for current and potential customers. Assist in maintaining a safe environment for all.

-Self Management: Assumes responsibility for developing selling skills, reviewing training materials and participating in staff meetings to support achievement of personal and studio goals. “Go the extra mile” to drive sales and deliver exceptional customer service

-Other duties as assigned

Skills

- Proven work experience as a Retail Sales associate, Sales representative or similar role (i.e. Orangetheory fitness, Gym or health club front desk, Gap, Victoria’s

Secret)

-Basic understanding of sales principles and customer service practices

-Proficiency in English

-Excellent phone skills

-Solid communication and interpersonal skills

-A friendly and energetic personality with customer service focus

-Ability to perform under pressure and address complaints in a timely manner

-Availability to work flexible shifts

-BS degree in Marketing or related field would be a plus https://yogasixoakpark.applytojob. com/apply/8VFe6DzMAT/FitnessSales-Associate

GRANTS COORDINATOR

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Grants Coordinator in the Development Customer Service Department. This position assists the Village’s Grant Supervisor in developing, coordinating, and administering various grants programs for the Village of Oak Park. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oakpark.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE COORDINATOR

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Emergency Preparedness and Response Coordinator in the Health Department/ Village Manager’s Office. This position will coordinate disaster response, crisis management and medical countermeasure dispensing/ distribution activities for the Village of Oak Park, provide disaster preparedness training, and prepare emergency plans and procedures for natural (e.g., floods, earthquakes), wartime, or technological (e.g., nuclear power plant emergencies, hazardous materials spills, biological releases) or disasters. This single class position is also responsible for the complex administrative duties required for state, federal and local response processes and grant management. 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 will be August 5, 2022.

FIRE INSPECTOR

The Village of Oak Park is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Fire Inspector Part-Time in the Fire Department. This serves the public through enforcement of Village fire & life safety codes and ordinances; through inspections of residential, commercial and industrial properties; and provides consultation and information to residents, architects, attorneys, fire services personnel and builders regarding laws, rules, regulations and policies relating to fire and life safety. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oakpark.us/jobs

YARD SALE

Oak Park

CARS

MULTI-FAMILY YARD SALE

900 NORTH GROVE BLOCK

SATURDAY OCT 22

9AM-3PM

Furniture, baby gear, kids’ toys, clothes, and much more!

Forest Park BIG DOWNSIZER GARAGE SALE

505 ELGIN AVE

SATURDAY OCT 22

9:30AM-3PM

Come see great finds from our attic and storage space (just cleared out!). We have collectibles, antiques, housewares, furniture, gadgets and home improvement items, Speedotron and Norman photographic lighting equipment… something for everyone! No early birds. The door will open promptly at 9:30 am.

ITEMS FOR SALE

HELP WANTED

PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

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.

Customer Success Director sought by RELAYR Inc in Chicago, IL. to ensure the successful long-term partnership with our customer(s), encompassing the achievement of identified and agreed outcomes for the partnership and the individual organizations within it. Up to 25% domestic travel required to visit clients on-site. Telecommuting permitted. Apply at jobpostingtoday.com Ref# 66649.

CLASSICS WANTED

CLASSICS

CLASSICS

$$

STUDIOS, 1, 2

Best Selection & Service

SUBURBAN RENTALS 708-38 6-7 355

WOODWORK

Public Notice

Notice of Public Meeting Concerning Riverside School District 96 Proposed eLearning Plan

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Riverside School District 96 Board of Education will hold a public hearing at the beginning of its regularly scheduled Board meeting at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, to be held in the Learning Resource Center (LRC) at Hauser Jr. High School located at 65 Woodside Rd., Riverside, IL 60546.

The purpose of said hearing will be to receive public comment on the proposed eLearning plan, which, if approved, will permit students’instruction to be received while students are not physically present in lieu of the district’s scheduled emergency days. This program is allowed under Public Act 101-0012. Notification of this hearing is provided to families and is posted in the newspaper more than 10 days prior to the scheduled Public Hearing.

Published in RB Landmark October 19, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Board Of Education of the Oak Park and River Forest High School, Consolidated High School District 200, Cook County, Illinois, 201 North Scoville Avenue, Oak Park, Illinois, 60302, that the District will be applying for the following Application:

Waiver or Modification of the Illinois School Code Section 27-24 (105 ILCS 5/27- 24.3). We are re-applying for this waiver to allow 18 hours of practice driving in a simulator system in lieu of 3 hours of instruction in a dual controlled car. This request is based upon fulfilling the intent of the Driver Education Mandate in a safer, efficient and innovative way for our student drivers, as well as improving student performance.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that a public hearing on said waiver application will be held within the Business Section of the Regular Meeting of the Board of Education beginning approximately at 7:30 p.m. (immediately following the closed session) on Thursday, November 17, 2022 in the Board Room, Room 2163 at Oak Park and River Forest High School.

Published in Wednesday Journal October 19, 26, 2022

Public Notice

ADVERTISEMENT OF BIDDING Request of bids for the Custodial Services at 12 Park District Facilities.

Owner: Park District of Oak Park 218 Madison St, Oak Park, IL 60302

The Park District of Oak Park seeks bids related to the Custodial Services for 12 park district facilities. The Park District of Oak Park will receive individual sealed Bids until 10:00 a.m. (Central Standard Time) on Friday, November 18 th, 2022 at 218 Madison St., Oak Park, Illinois. There are two opportunities to attend the prebid walk thru that is mandatory for all new bidders. They will be held on November 3rd & 4th, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. (CST) at 218 Madison St., Oak Park, IL 60302. The bidding documents and requirements will be available on the Demand Star’s website as of 5:00pm Friday, October 14th, 2022. Copies of the bidding specifications are available via the Demand Star website at: https://www.demandstar. com/app/buyers/bids/404620/details

For additional information, contact Nelson Acevedo at nelson.acevedo@pdop.org or (708) 725-2053. Only the bids prepared in compliance with the bidding documents will be considered. This project must adhere to the Prevailing Wage Act of 2022. The Park District of Oak Park encourages minority and women owned business firms to submit bids for this project.

Park District of Oak Park

By: Chris Wollmuth, Secretary Park District of Oak Park 218 Madison St. Oak Park, IL 60302

Published in Wednesday Journal October 19, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y22009744 on October 12, 2022 Under the Assumed Business Name of INTENTIONALBREATH with the business located at: 1414 BONNIE BRAE, RIVER FOREST, IL 60305. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/ partner(s) is: MARY LISA WAHLFELDT1414 BONNIE BRAE, RIVER FOREST, IL 60305.

Published in Wednesday Journal October 19, 26, November 2, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICES

LAW OFFICES OF MALIKA T. ASSAR, P.C.

Attorney for Petitioner 420 West Huron Street, 1st Floor Chicago, IL 60654

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss

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

In re the marriage of RAMIA SALEH KASSIM, Petitioner and MAHDI AHMED MOHAMMED GHALEB, Respondent, Case No. 2022D007467.

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 Appearance to said Petition and Response electronically to said Petition with the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, on or before November 18, 2022, 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.

Iris Y. Martinez, Clerk.

Published in Wednesday Journal October 19, 26, November 2, 2022

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss

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

In re the allocation of SHANNON JEAN FITCH, Petitioner and JOHN EASDALE BARCLAY, IV, Respondent, Case No. 2022D008089.

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 Temporary and Permanent Sole Allocation of Parental Responsibilities, Child Support, and Contribution to Child-Related Expenses; 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 November 18, 2022, default may be entered against you at any time after that day, and a judgment for Temporary and Permanent Sole Allocation of Parental Responsibilities, Child Support, and Contribution to Child-Related Expenses entered in accordance with the prayer of said Petition.

DOROTHY A. BROWN, Clerk.

Published in Wednesday Journal October 19, 26, November 2, 2022

LEGAL NOTICE

The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed proposals from qualified contractors for Dumping of Excavated Material at the Public Works Center, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time until 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 2, 2022 for the following:

Village of Oak Park Dumping of Excavated Material

Project Number: 23-100W

Proposal documents may be obtained from the Village’s website at https://www.oak-park. us/your-government/budgetpurchasing/requests-proposals

For questions, please call Public Works at (708) 358-5700 during the above hours.

Published in Wednesday Journal October 19, 2022

LEGAL NOTICE

The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed proposals at the Office of the Village Engineer, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, until 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, for the following: 22-10 Sewer Cleaning and Inspection. In general, the contract will require the following work: light cleaning of sewer segments to be inspected, inspecting sewer segments by means of closed-circuit television (CCTV), and providing reports of CCTV inspections at locations shown, and all appurtenant work thereto. All CCTV inspections shall be performed in accordance with NASSCO’s pipeline assessment certification program (PACP) standards.

Proposal forms may be obtained from the Village’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/bid. For questions, please call or email Elaine Avgoustakis, (708) 3585726, eavgoustakis@oak-park.us

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 19, 2022

LEGAL NOTICE

The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed bids from qualified vendors at the Public Works Center, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time until 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 2, 2022 for the following:

Village of Oak Park Water and Sewer Repair Parts and Materials - 2023 Bid Number: 23-101

Bid documents may be obtained from the Village’s website at https://www.oak-park.us/yourgovernment/budget-purchasing/ requests-proposals. For questions, please call Public Works at (708) 358-5700 during the above hours.

Published in Wednesday Journal October 19, 2022

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Direct online ordering is available

Direct online ordering is available

Sunday brunch (10am-2pm)

Sunday brunch (10am-2pm)

Catering (please give 48 hours notice)

Catering (please give 48 hours notice)

Private parties on our 2nd floor (bridal, wedding, and baby showers, birthdays, meetings)

Private parties on our 2nd floor (bridal, wedding, and baby showers, birthdays, meetings)

2nd floor outdoor patio dining (subject to private party schedule)

2nd floor outdoor patio dining (subject to private party schedule)

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

7427 Madison Street

www.caffedeluca.com 708-366-9200

Mama DeLuca

Mama DeLuca

Welcome to our table--

Born in 2018 and served fresh by Growing Community Media, Eats gives you a weekly taste of everything diningrelated in Oak Park and its surrounding Berwyn, Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park, Riverside, Brookfield, Proviso Township 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.

The majority of all Eats content is editorial in nature, but once a year our dedicated advertising department gives local restaurants the opportunity to join in this gorgeous celebration of the eateries that keep us coming back for more. Our designers are responsible for making the

Eats Dining Guide look good enough to eat. This publication is the result of layers of local talent, and I am proud to call the people behind it my colleagues.

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. We are grateful that 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.

No matter where you look, you’ll find inspirational stories in our multiple Eats communities, but at the heart of it all there are countless crave-worthy dishes we love to celebrate. We’ve shared Persimmon Kitchen’s love of Ssamjang, lined up for a

slice of olive oil cake from Broken Tart, and slurped one of the first bowls of noodles at Kyuramen. We are counting the days until Chubby’s Char House opens in Forest Park and look forward to Takeout 25’s next Taste the Town and event, all while celebrating the enduring legacy of places like Cucina Paradiso and Khyber Pass. Stay up to date: Use the QR code to sign up for my weekly newsletter

Enjoy this celebration of all things Eats!

Happy reading and eating,

Eats Editor/Individual Donor Manager Melissa Elsmo

Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead

Editorial Designer Manager Javier Govea Designer Susan McKelvey

Sales and Marketing Representatives Lourdes Nicholls, Marc Stopeck

S ales & Development Mary Ellen Nelligan

Sales & Digital Development Manager Stacy Coleman

Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Publisher Dan Haley

HOW TO REACH US 141 S. Oak Park Ave. Oak Pak, IL 60302 Phone 708 524 8300 Fax 708 467 9066 by Growing Community Media NFP. © 2022 Growing Community Media NFP.

MELISSA ELSMO

Sweet sisterhood at the heart of Broken Tart

Sisters, Krissy and Katie Mack, are raising their families in Oak Park and have made their brick-andmortar bakery dreams come true in the Frank Lloyd Wright Historic District. Broken Tart brings “undone” cakes, classic cookies and a sense of whimsy to 1108 Chicago Avenue.

Settling in Oak Park allowed Krissy, a celebrated pastry chef, to dive into businesses with her media-savvy sister, Katie. Both sisters have sons who are two and six years old. Katie is a Lincoln mom, Krissy is a Hatch mom — and both half expected to find a line of first graders out the door on opening day

“We are each other’s biggest cheerleaders,” said Katie Mack. “We grew up disagreeing with each other, but we’ve learned to move through issues quickly Now we are a motivating force for each

other and looking forward to nurturing what we have here.”

The sisters “called in every favor” they could to complete the gut rehab that transformed a former coin laundromat into a space worthy of the vibrant cakes and array of sweet and savory treats Broken Tart is known for making.

Broken Tart

1108 Chicago Ave, Oak Park (708) 434-5682

www.brokentart.com

Broken Tart customers can collaborate on the creation of elaborate “undone” layer cakes with interest and contrast coming om unique combinations of avor, crunch and cream. The one-of-a-kind cakes, often topped with fresh flowers and a pile of marshmallowy meringue, are connected by a sense of whimsy and offered on an in-house sweetness scale.

Though the sisters will willingly create special occasion cakes for bakery goers, they are clear Broken Tart will be an approachable eatery where people can enjoy delicious things on an everyday basis from breakfast through lunch.

Cookies with crisp edges and gooey centers join olive oil cake with orange glaze, “kale salad” scones and cinnamon coffee cake on a rotating and evolving daily menu. The bakery is set to launch a thoughtful lunch menu with offerings like loaded vegan focaccia, broccoli salad with Aleppo pepper and house pickled chilis, and seasonal panzanella with peaches, tomatoes, and feta. Parisian ham on baguette, baked falafel sandwiches, and lunch boxes for kids will also be available.

Abundance is a theme at the bakery where the coffee program will share equal billing with the baked goods. Coffee aficionados should expect the shop to offer coffee from Big Shoulders and Ruby Roasters.

“We love Oak Park and this supportive community of people,” said Katie “We are raising our families here. We’ve both put down roots. Why wouldn’t we want to grow a business here? We are both all in.”

Katie and Krissy Mack and a cake from Broken Tart

Melissa Elsmo PROVIDED

Adonut is a glorious thing and Poke Burrito, 1025 Lake St., Oak Park, is adding some of the fried golden rings to their repertoire. According to owner Jimmy Chen, adding subtly sweet and thoughtfully decorated mochi donuts feels like the perfect novelty addition to Poke Burrito’s colorful menu of poke bowls, sushi burritos, maki rolls and boba teas.

Mochi donuts, also known as pon de ring, were first popularized by Mister Donut shops in Japan. The dough, made with sweet rice flour, is shaped into eightball rings before being fried, glazed and decorated. Mochi donuts are lighter and chewier than their American counterparts and come in flavors like berry, cookies and cream, ube, and matcha.

“They are a completely different kind of

donut and gaining in popularity every year,” said Chen. “We went on a mochi donut tour, and I thought they were something unique in that Asian-fusion style we are known for.”

Chen spent several months perfecting his version of mochi donuts; they will be made in Poke Burrito’s central kitchen located in suburban Geneva and delivered to the Oak Park location daily

For six years, Chen and his dedicated staff have been bringing fresh poke bowls to life at the Downtown Oak Park shop. They are known for consistent food quality, thoughtful service and a genuine commitment to the community In fact, Chen is regarded as a source of positivity in the village and sees the value in supporting other restaurants, businesses, and

Poke Burrito to enter the donut game

organizations in Oak Park and beyond. Chen was born to hardworking parents in Fujian, China on the southeast coast of the country. They tasked him early in life with whipping up simple dishes for himself. Chen recollects scrambling eggs with tomato for himself as a boy and developing a deep appreciation for fresh seafood thanks to Fujian’s proximity to the ocean. Chen emigrated to the United States with his family when he was 13. He spent 20 years working as a sushi and teppen chef at his family’s restaurant on Chicago’s north shore before opening his first Poke Burrito in North Center Chicago Today Poke Burrito has 10 locations in Chicagoland and Oak Park is Chen’s busiest store.

”This is a journey I have always been on,”

said Chen. “I have always wanted to be a restaurateur I am always asking myself how I can make my restaurant the best in their class — I only compete against my own standards.”

Chen is clear he would not be where he is today without his devoted staff. His employees are part of a profit-sharing model because Chen knows they are the reason for the success of Poke Burrito And now they are set to bring trendy mochi donuts to town!

Poke Burrito

1025 Lake St., Oak Park (708) 573-3668

pokeburritochicago.com

Celebrating Kribi Co ee’s hyperlocal roasting revolution

Since 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’ Coffee’s “four tenets,” freshness, method, sourcing, and giving back, for the br quick rise in popularity.

Kribi Coffee is located at 7324 W. St., Forest Park and just opened their second location. The opening of Kribi’ sibling spot was plagued by delays, but eager coffee lovers and commuters can grab a cup of joe from Kribi’s location at Cross Function Flexible Workspace at the Boulevard Arcade building, 1033 South Blvd., from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily Regular hours begin Oct. 30.

“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 Coffee

the palm of their hand.

Kribi to enter Oak Park.”

Kribi’s Cross Function location is open to the public and capitalizes on all 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 ameroonian heritage and regional coffee cing practices.

Kribi Coffee sources historically significant fees with a growing focus on beans own 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.

Kribi Coffee now has an app available for download via the Apple Store and Google Play. The easy-to-use app allows users to earn rewards, skip the line and order air roasted coffee for nationwide delivery from

Use the app or visit in person to order up a seasonal Pumpkin Patch Latte or any of Kribi’s specialty creations. La Catrina features indulgent Omanhene chocolate chai, a dash of spicy cayenne and a sprinkle of warming cinnamon. Everyday delights include classic cappuccinos, lattes, blended drinks and teas.

Looking for more than a beverage? Kribi has got you covered. Menu items include French-style croissants sourced from Bonjour Bakery located in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood as well as an array of breakfast sandwiches and grab and go lunch items. Expect a selection of dishes like Southwestern veggie bowls, chicken wraps, and vegan quinoa salads.

Shalo’s devotion to his coffee revolution has made an indelible mark on Forest Park — the Oak Park location was worth the wait. We can’t wait to see the next phase of Kribi’s evolution.

acques Shalo stands outside Kribi Forest Park location.

Melissa Elsmo

Gather together at Anfora Wine Merchants

Anfora 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. Since opening two years ago, the Pleasant District destination has become a regional wine destination and captured national attention because of some press from the James Beard award winning drinks publication, Punch.

“Our approach to wine at Anfora is not how a standard sommelier would approach it,” said Adrian Weisell, co-owner of Anfora Wine Merchants “Wine is about more than taste to us. We look at wine drinking through a cultural and historical lens.”

The Marion Street shop 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.

Anfora’s knowledgeable staff strive to make the shop 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 a 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. Anfora is building a deeper sense of community through its wine club and classes as well.

The close bond between Anfora and Carnivore, the artisan butcher shop located around the corner at 1042 Pleasant St is one of the best kept secrets in Oak Park. Earlier in the spring Anfora partnered with Chef Brad Knaub of Carnivore to curate a onenight-only, Sicilian-inspired meal driven by the high-quality wines crafted by visionary winemaker, Frank Cornelissen.

Anfora Wine Merchants

128 S Marion St, Oak Park (708) 613-5388

www.anforawinemerchants.com

The regional wine exploration featured a four-course dinner and a tasting of seven wines from the superior cluster of Cornelissen vineyards nestled in the northern valley of Mount Etna. More special collaborations between the Pleasant District powerhouses are planned through the fall and winter

Added bonus: the entire Carnivore menu is also available to Anfora patrons daily

Anfora Wine Merchants is a social destination where people embrace the thoughtful approach the entire staff takes to curate a wine tasting experience no matter if it is a private event or casual outing with friends.

Anfora Wine Merchants is destination for wine lovers in Oak Park, River Forest and beyond.

Lights Ca me ra EAT :

What Food Movie are you?

We can’t resist a good food themed film! Complete this crave-worthy quiz and add up the numbers of each of your answers. Then go to pages 48-49 to find out what food movie you are. We’ll give you some local dinner suggestions, too!

– Goldfinger

- Cool Hand Luke (1967)

Go to breakfast food?

1. Scrambled eggs and toast from George’s

2. Thebistro omelette from Hemmingway’s

3. A veggie breakfast wrap from Al’s Grill

4. A waffle flight from Chicago Waffles

5. Avocado toast from Citrine

6. An egg sandwich to-go from Kribi Coffee

7. A bloody mary from Poor Phil’s

Tell me what are you drinking.

1. Limoncello from Cucina Paradiso

2. Just a water bottle, thanks.

3. An ice-cold lager Kinslahger

4. Homemade hot chocolate from Twisted Cookie

5. The Immune Boosting Juice Shot from Sugar Beet

6. A cucumber Mojito from LaVergne’s Tavern

What’s on your pie?

1. Black olives, artichoke, cured ham and porcini mushrooms

2. Eggplant, summer squash, onion and garlic

3. Pepperoni, red peppers and jalapenos

4. A cookie pizza topped with fresh fruit and chocolate sauce

5. Fresh Mozzarella, basil and tomato

6. Brisket, barbecue sauce and crunchy onions

7. Chicken, peanut sauce and scallions

7. A wine flight from Cooper ’s Hawk

-

Pick a pairing:

1. Olive oil and ice cream

2. Sancerre and sole meuniere

3. Fresh mango and chili powder

4. Chocolate and peanut butter Fried dumplings and Champagne

Grilled cheese and tomato soup

lot of wine and a little cheese e elves try to stick to the four main food oups: candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup.”

- Elf (2003)

OK, now pick a sweet treat: Chicago pot hole gelato from Croissant bread pudding from bag of Lilly’s Chilis from

5. Matcha pudding with red bean from Kyuramen

6. Beignets from Nola Louisiana Kitchen

7. Babygold coffee from Babygold Barbecue

- Big Night (1996)

You’re home alone. What are you ordering for dinner?

1. Joe’s Mama’s Meatballs from Victory

2. Linguine and Shrimp Fra Diavolo from Il Viccolo

3. Braised beef nachos from Maya del Sol

4. I’m just gonna GoPuff an assortment of candy

5. Too many maki rolls from Sushi Junki

6. A Cuban sandwich from Café Cubano

7. A burger with Brie cheese, bacon, caramelized onions from Duckfat Tavern

“If my boy says he can eat 50 eggs, he can eat 50 eggs.”

“I’m in love. I’m having a relationship with my pizza.”

- Eat Pray Love (2010)

“A martini. Shak not stirred.”

(1964)

“Jenny and me was lik peas and carrots.”

Forrest Gump (1994)

“Sometimes spaghetti likes to be alone.”

We’re giving these films (and you) two yums up!

“Is butter a carb?”

– Mean Girls (2004)

Let’s indulge:

1. Caesar salad, fettuccine alfredo and a glass of Chianti for the win!

2. I want a baguette with brie and butter. And a glass of Champagne.

3. Gather the family for some whole roasted branzino, crispy octopus and cauliflower.

4. Give me a birthday cake milkshake!

5. Waygu beef cheeks, matsutake mushrooms, o-toro—oishii!

6. A molten lava cake!!!!

7. A second glass of wine, please.

“Anyone can cook.”

- Ratatouille (2007)

Describe your kitchen skills.

1. I am a serious cook -- to eat good food is to be close to God.

2. There is an artist living inside of me and my cooking skills are underrated.

3. You’ll find me whipping up tacos, ice cream sundaes, and chili because I love toppings!

4. I am all over the place, but I can rank every dish I’ve made from least to most scrumdiddlyumptious.

5. I repeat the same recipe over and over and see myself improving little by little.

6. I may not do everything great in my life, but I’m a good cook and want to share my skills.

7. Ummm…cook? No, I’ll go out, but if anyone orders merlot I am leaving. See the answers on page 48!

Keeping a legacy alive at La Maison de Bonbon

Chicagoland has a historical fondness for sweet confections, and a sliver of that history is housed at La Maison de Bonbon, 7353 Madison St Forest Park.

In between the 1920 arrival of Fannie May and the first batch of Frango Mints crafted at Marshall Field’s in 1929, La Maison de Bonbon made its debut on Chicago’s competitive candy scene in 1921. More than a century later the jewel-box sized shop maintains a century long chocolatemaking legacy in the diminutive storefront capable of holding just a few shoppers at a time.

“Granddaughters come in today because their grandmothers bought our chocolates for them when they were little girls,” said Esthela Gonzalez, manager of La Maison de Bonbon. “The chocolates we make are a family tradition for our customers more than anything else. Especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas.”

Artisan chocolatiers first came to Madison Street when the Stejr family made their way from Germany to Forest Park and opened Stejr’s Candy Kitchen. The family began making French Crèmes and other bonbons before they transitioned the business to the Jerome family who continued selling the popular chocolates.

La Maison de Bonbon

he business continued to change hands, but every owner continued the tradition of selling the indulgent artisan chocolates. im Shanahan bought the business in the early 1990s and created a dedicated storefront for La Maison de Bonbon. He now has more than 30 years of experience turning out the popular chocolate-meetscaramel confections with 100 years of history in every bite.

In addition to the silky-smooth Original French Crèmes, La Maison de Bonbon also offers chocolate dipped French Crèmes, salted caramels and nut-covered English toffee. The English toffee comes in both milk and dark chocolate varieties.

The key to La Maison de Bonbon’s quality

craftsmanship is small batch production. In fact, chocolatiers in the Madison Street kitchens still rely on a 100-year-old copper pot to make their chocolate treats. The pot was passed down from one owner to the next to ensure the La Maison de Bonbon tradition would endure from one generation to the next.

As far as Laurie Kokenes, executive director of the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce and Development, is concerned, chocolate is “one of the essential food groups.” She admits to personally indulging in La Maison de Bonbon’s Original French Crèmes for nearly half a century and appreciates they have been sold from the same location since 1921.

“Longtime traditions are part of Forest Park’s history. They tell a story and remind us of what shaped our community and help us feel that we are part of something unique,” said Kokenes.

Khyber Pass: Lake Street mainstay for 27 years

Lovers of dainty potato and pea samosas, orange-hued chicken tikk masala, and fluffy garlic naan bread have trusted Khyber Pass, 1031 Lake St., to satisfy their cravings for more than a quarter of a century

“I always believed I would make it because I gave it my all,” said owner Malik Jawid with just a hint of pride. “I had a passion for the business and knew good food and good service could get me through anything.”

Jawid emigrated from Punjab, Pakistan to Chicago in 1987 where he immediately found a job as busboy at Viceroy of India in East Rogers Park. Though the restaurant is now permanently closed, Jawid worked his way up from busboy to manager and learned the ins-andouts of the restaurant business. He never worked in the kitchen but has a deep appreciation for nuanced Indian dishes and the Pakistani fare of his homeland.

In the mid-90’s, a case of wanderlust brought Jawid on an accidental trip to Oak Park. He liked the cosmopolitan feel of the village and discovered a culinary gap in his serendipitously discovered community — Oak Park needed an Indian restaurant. In 1995 Jawid opened Khyber Pass, named for a mountain pass linking Pakistan to

Khyber Pass

1031 Lake St (708) 445-9032

khyberpassoakpark.com

Afghanistan and central Asia, and began serving reliable meat based and vegetarian Indian fare with notable Pakistani influences.

Khyber Pass employs two chefs; one has been with the restaurant for 20 years and the other for 12. The consistency of their house-made dishes is unwavering. Over the years their cuisine has evolved to include more vegetarian dishes to keep up with local and national trends, but Jawid is clear that 70% of orders include rich and creamy chicken tikka masala. The perennially popular

yogurt-marinated curried chicken dish is complemented by lamb dishes like karahi gosht featuring braised meat in spiced gravy with peppers, tomatoes and onion. An assortment of Pakistani rice dishes called biryani also feature prominently on the Khyber Pass menu.

Over the years, Jawid has both expanded and collapsed his restaurant’s square footage, but loyal customers have helped Khyber Pass endure for 25 (plus two) years. The owner reflected on the joy he felt upon earning the coveted “four fork” rating from the Chicago Tribune and grappling with a line of customers snaking around the block. He remembers the uneasy feeling he had as a Muslim restaurant owner in the wake of the Sept. 11 attack but cherishes the memory of the Oak Park community rallying around him during those uncertain times. But without hesitation, Jawid named the generations of customers as his biggest source of pride.

A bountiful meal from Khyber Pass.

Melissa Elsmo

Chocolates from La Maison de Bonbon.

Melissa Elsmo

Oh my God, N Rebozo spic

Since opening New Rebozo in 1991, chef and owner, Francisco Lopez, known to all as Chef Paco, was a mainstay on the Oak Park culinary scene. Now, with a slightly updated name, Lopez has become a culinary standout in Forest Park. After moving his staff, art collection and repertory of 26 moles just a half-mile west on Madison Street, N Rebozo, 7403 Madison St., Forest Park opened in spring of 2022.

“Oh my God, Oak Park opened up to me and gave me the opportunity to make my dreams come true,” said Chef Paco. “I am a little sad because I love Oak Park. But I am super excited about being in Forest Park, too.”

Chef Paco had a career in banking in Mexico before coming to the United States. He was in the states to learn English and took over El Rebozo in 1991. Language, though, wasn’t his only barrier. The first-time restaurant owner didn’t know how to cook.

N Rebozo

7403 Madison St., Forest Park (708) 445-0370

newrebozos.com

With the help of his wife, Chef Paco added mole poblano to the menu, but beyond offering the first of what would become many future moles, N Rebozo’s early dishes focused on classic homestyle fare like tacos and burritos. Eight years into the endeavor, however, Chef Paco began to think there could be value in adding a fine dining twist to his restaurant.

Chef Paco struggled in his academic classes at the now defunct Illinois Institute of Art, but his chef-instructors saw his potential and encouraged him to fight through his language barrier because he was a “good example” to the younger aspiring chefs in the program.

Co ee and much more at Wise Cup

WISE CUP, in Downtown Oak Park, 1018 Lake St, offers an array of traditional coffee drinks, pastries, muffins and breads (baked goods provided by Reuter’s Bakery) as well as an enticing selection of Indian dishes including flavorful samosas and yogurtbased mango lassis. Wise Cup also makes its own authentic Masala Chai blend, which is brewed fresh per customer, or available in bags for home brewing.

Coffee drinks at Wise Cup are made with Sputnik Coffee roasted in Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood and the list of favorites is long. On a recent visit to the bustling café, we enjoyed a bit of spice—we sipped their perennially popular Mayan Mocha boasting dark chocolate and espresso with a dash of cinnamon and cayenne pepper We paired the luscious drink with a handmade samosa filled with potatoes and peas. It was a perfect lunch

Wise Cup

1018 Lake St, Oak Park wise-cup.business.site

(708) 628-3707

unique in our Oak Park community! Wise Cup is owned by Naveen and Shivangi Khetarpal, who opened the coffee shop six years ago In 2020, they began hosing pop-up meals featuring regional Indian fare. The pop-ups were a hit and the Khetarpals have since continued the program on the first Saturday of every month. Customers can pre-order off a menu of Indian street food dishes for carryout. The menu changes from month-to-month, rotating among different regional Indian cuisines. Past menus have included Pav bhaji, a popular vegan stew of assorted vegetables and Indian spices

“Oh my god, my customers would help me with the grammar in my papers and help me understand dif Paco “They would come for dinner and stay late to help me learn. I worked har still took me four years to program. I could not have done it without them.”

Now, more than three decades into his restaurant adventur perseverance has helped tr Rebozo into a local His elevated cuisine focuses on r specialties and artful plating.

According to Chef ownership comes with “the good and the bad,” but his kitchen philosophy doubles as a philosophy for life.

“Spicy, sweet, need them all, in a dish and in life,

from Mumbai, and summer specials like samosa chaat with stewed chickpeas topped with a golden samosa, chutney, yogurt, onions, and tomatoes. Creative lentil flights and garlic naan satisfy curious diners, while Wise Cup’s roti tacos bring a taste of Calcutta to Lake Street.

To get more information on the popups, call the shop or follow Wise Cup on Facebook and Instagram to learn how to place an order “We have repeat customers who have been very satisfied,” said Naveen, adding that they frequently sell out.

Alex Rogals

A mocha and samosa at Wise Cup

Melissa Elsmo

Win $250 while dining locally!

#Takeout 25

We have some amazing local food, but our restaurants are still facing challenges and need our support. Post pictures of your favorite eateries on the Takeout 25 Oak Park Facebook Group and introduce them to our friends and neighbors.

Between October 1st and November 30th, the post in this group that gets the most likes will receive a dinner for two (up to $250)! This is open to all community members with the exception of Takeout 25 admin and restaurant owners.

Eat, click and share and ask your local friends and family to do the same.

And a reminder for new members to keep your posts and comments in this group positive. #takeout25 • #saveourrestaurants • #contest

Eat Click and Share:

SCAN to Join Us!

takeout25.org

at Cucina Paradiso, and now those children are adults, bringing their own kids.

“They’re beyond customers,” said Gambino, “They’re family “Our staff recognizes the regulars. We know what they want to eat, what they drink and where

their favorite table is.”

Gambino has made his restaurant an integral part of the Oak Park community from the start. Through hosting local

ts and events and fering the kind of food that keeps customers returning again and again. Gambino notes that the emphasis at adiso has always been on fresh, he menu evolves slightly every few weeks and food selections rotate

adiso keeps its tables full by striking a balance between old favorites and innovative new dishes. Core dishes like customer favorite Rigatoni Bolognese and the Chicken Pistachio have been on the menu from the start and Gambino works to introduce new, contemporary dishes to reflect seasonality and their customer’s evolving palates as well. Expect to find dishes like pumpkin ravioli with brown

butter white wine sauce, and crisp sage as well as orecchiette Calabrese with chiles, sausage, and pesto to turn up on the Chef ’s Specials menu. These attractive specials join Cucina Paradiso’s timeless repertoire of classic creations like shells country style, chicken pistachio, and San Gennaro pizza. Raising a glass in a celebratory birthday toast at Cucina Paradiso is an easy task. The well-stocked bar boasts a cocktail list brimming with drinks like a blackberry old fashioned, Sazerac and the Hemingway District Daiquiri. A wide array of martinis including classic gin and vodka offerings as well as innovative creations like the Firefly made with sweet tea vodka, lemonade, black tea, and fresh lemon juice.

As Gambino looks ahead, he promises Cucina will continue to evolve, looking towards restaurant updates and menu changes in the future, but one thing will never change: Cucina Paradiso will always be the hometown favorite for authentic Italian food.

Anthony Gambino

Enjoy the sweet side of life at Candycopia

Two teenagers were seated on a bench in Downtown Oak Park. One held up a strip of sugar-coated, rainbow-hued gummy candy while the other manipulated a gummy shark in front of it as if it was swimming through a colorful ocean.

“Look at us we’re making a scene,” said one of the teens with a laugh. Obviously, the duo had been shopping at Candycopia — the welcoming Oak Park candy shop that is redefining teens making a scene.

Located in the historic Medical Arts building, Candycopia was brought to life by Oak Park residents, Patrick and Alycia Mason, along with their school aged daughters Addison and Campbell, earlier this summer Candycopia eagerly welcomes all people into the large retail space boasting vintage vibes and a festive teal, violet and magenta color palate. The product of a patchwork of

Candycopia

717 Lake St Oak Park 708-434-5251

candycopia.com

community members, local designers and contractors, the Masons are proud to say Candycopia is a “100% Oak Park effort.”

Built in shelving filled with retro candies like Abba Zaba bars, wax bottles, Necco Wafers, and Clove chewing gum beckons visitors to make their way deeper into the cheery shop After customers feel those throwback vibes, Candycopia revels in its mission to highlight harder to find makers of small-batch caramels, marshmallows, toffee and chocolate. Their goal is to make lesser-known small batch producers, like Lily’s Chilies, XO Marshmallows and Dallas Caramel Company, household names in Oak Park.

A candy-focused ice cream menu elevates the in-store experience with employees offering sundaes topped with cotton candy, caramel corn and Pop Rocks among other sugary options. A bar boasting 100 gallonsized apothecary jars filled with gummy candies sold by the pound is a delightfully fun addition to the shop.

Candycopia is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The shop is conveniently located across the hall from a dentist’s office. Sweet dreams do come true!

Candycopia employee, Marin Balaz, praised Candycopia’s hiring process while doling out custom combinations of gummy candy

The Cordial Inn will always be The Cordial Inn

When veteran bar owner Joe Kenny went in search of an establishment to purchase, he knew what he was looking for and The Cordial Inn, 9207 31st St., Brookfield, proved to be the perfect fit. After months of negotiation, Kenny and his business partner, Ronnie Milchhoefer, took over ownership of the long-standing neighborhood bar on Aug. 1.

Kenny spent months visiting The Cordial Inn in advance of the purchase — he was attracted to the robust number of regular customers and longtime loyal staf members. He qualified it as a place that catered to people from all walks of life where anyone could feel comfortable.

Kenny brings 25 years of experience to the new endeavor including 22 years owning and operating Finley Dunne’s in Chicago Milchhoefer was the proprietor of R Place in Forest Park for 16 years before selling the building and closing the bar in January 2020. Though both men left the business

behind, they missed the people who made up their regular clientele and the sense of community that came along with owning a bar Looking to re-enter the hospitality industry, the two teamed up to purchase The Cordial Inn from the Volpe family who had owned the watering hole since at

least 1965. In the 1940’s The dial Inn was owned by ank Kvasnicka before being sold to the Volpe family his is a legacy business that had been owned by one family for a long time,” said Kenny “They were no longer living in the area and our ownership will allow new local families to oversee the business and honor what they built.”

enny, who oversees operations, resides in La Grange Park and his children attended Riverside Brookfield High School while Milchhoefer, who oversees the physical plant, is raising a family in North Riverside. Their proximity means both are capable of being on-site in minutes though Kenny has been working at the bar from open-toclose since the sale went through. You can

even find him behind the bar grilling up Cordial Inn’s beloved cheeseburgers and backing up veteran bartender, Nancy Barry, who has been behind the bar, pouring drinks and grilling burgers for 29 years.

“People were really afraid we’d turn this into some kind of lounge,” said Kenny “But we are never going to be a place that has bottle service; we are a shot and a beer kind of place and always will be. The Cordial Inn will always be The Cordial Inn.”

The Cordial Inn is open from Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 1:30 a.m., Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Stop by to see that nothing has changed.

A Cordial Inn burger.

Melissa Elsmo

Melissa Elsmo

Sweetgreen arrives in Oak Park

Sweetgreen is a mission-driven restaurant brand serving healthy food at scale. Every day, across nearly 200 restaurants, Sweetgreen team members create plant-forward seasonal, and earth-friendly meals from fresh ingredients that prioritize organic, regenerative, and local sourcing.

Sweetgreen aims to empower our customers, team members and partners to be a positive force on the food system. That ’s why we’ve built a transparent supply network, cook from scratch, and are building a community of people who believe in the power of real food.

Sweetgreen was founded in 2007 in a 560-square-foot restaurant in Washington, DC by three college students who were simply looking for a healthier way to eat.At the time, they found that there were only two dining options: food that was slow, expensive, and fresh, or meals that were fast, cheap, and unhealthy. They saw an opportunity to create a business in which quality was never sacrificed for convenience.

Sweetgreen’s strong food ethos and investment in local communities have enabled the company to grow into a national brand.

Harnessing the power of technology to enhance the customer experience, sweetgreen launched a mobile app in 2015 that enables customers to order ahead of time, select dietary restrictions,

share nutritional info to Apple’s health app, and pay for their meals. In 2020, the brand added order status tracking and push notifications in real time, allowing the customers to know when their order is received or ready Sweetgreen also

has its own delivery service that can be accessed through the app.

Often when opening locations in a new city, sweetgreen partners with local chefs and restaurants on time-limited menu items. These collaborations have included chef duo Jon and Vinny in Los Angeles, Nancy Silverton, Chris Shepherd in Houston and more. In February 2020, sweetgreen partnered with David Chang to launch the Tingly Sweet Potato and Kelp Bowl. The collaboration brought attention to ocean acidification and its effects on marine life through the use of sustainable kelp.

After sweetgreen’s successful firstever partnership with national athlete ambassador Naomi Osaka in 2022, the brand, together with Osaka, partnered this year with athlete, entrepreneur and advocate Devin Booker to launch our new “Create Your Own” campaign that highlights the most ordered item on the Sweetgreen menu: the custom bowl.

Sweetgreen is located at 1143 Lake Street in Oak Park. Check out the menu at sweetgreen.com. Follow sweetgreen on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @ sweetgreen.

YOU are the Little Gem!

Imagine you are in Paris or London on a chilly Autumn day where leaves of burnt orange, bright yellow and green are swirling and dancing through the crisp clear air. There’s a rosy warm glow in your cheeks with the newness of fall and a day of bustling vigor!

As the holidays approach you are filled with a magic of readiness and potential in this place so far away and yet so familiar…You walk through the park and around the corner and right there before you nestled on the street of Marion, framed in rich dark oak, you see flickering shimmers of amber and gold through the tall, wide windowed facade of The Little Gem Cafe.

This Stylish Little Restaurant is Intimate, Elegant, Romantic and Warm with a Friendly Welcoming Feel.

A Relaxed Fine Dining Experience.

Casual or Smart - All Feel At Ease. Regional Cuisine with Seasonal Specials for Lunch, Brunch and Dinner.

It’s The Little Gem ~ Reservations Recommended - Walkins are always Welcome. We look forward to serving you!

Lots of people have asked how we came up with the name The Little Gem ....everyone thinks its because of the lighting that saturates the gold ornate ceiling and bounces off the mirrors, the bar and candlelit tables or maybe because of the overall cuteness of the space? the exposed brick, mahogany bar, solid wood tables and cherry wood chairs. However .... As we Celebrate our 8th Anniversary we think it’s time to spill the beans .... it’s YOU! You are The Little Gem.

Introducing ENCORE!

Now we bring you another great restaurant with live jazz and country blues, a new music venue for dinner and drinks right next door.

ENCORE! by Little Gem. Cosy, cheerful and warm where the music comes from the heart and the hearth right in front of an antique oak fireplace. Here are two beautiful bars to choose

from with Speciality Bourbon Collections that also feature Fine Wines, Craft Beers and Cocktails.

Encore hosts Chicago Jazz + Blues for your listening and dancing pleasure. Catering and Private Parties are Available.

The Little Gem Cafe

189 N. Marion, Oak Park

Building a beer community at Exit Strategy Brewing Co.

Exit Strategy Brewing

Madison St., is the only brewery in Forest Park and their portfolio of both approachable and inventive ales have kept beer drinkers coming back for more than seven years. This pool of regulars, lovingly referred to as the “Exit St family,” have become the lifeblood of co-owners Katherine and Chris Valleau as they continue to build the brewery of their dreams.

“When our regulars interact with time visitors and speak about us with pride it really does warm my hear Katherine Valleau. “I wake up every day thinking about how I can make this place better for them.”

Exit Strategy focuses predominantly on an all-ale portfolio of beers. The stylistic choice is as much passion driven as it is space conscious. With just four fermenters in the microbrewery every second counts with 16 taps at the front of the house. Ales ferment at a higher temperature and only take 2-3

Exit Strategy Brewing Co.

7700 Madison St., Forest Park (708) 689-8771

exitstrategybrewing.com

ewer-husband is “at the

e brew it and we serve it,” said alleau “Our beer travels 500 feet from the brewery to the taps. You can’t get more hyperlocal than that.”

malt, wheat and barley It is an ideal brew for folks who don’t consider themselves beer lovers.

weeks from brew day to tap Exit Strategy might turn out a longer fermenting lager a couple of times a year when time permits, but the brewing schedule is serious business for the couple turned business partners. Valleau proudly declared her

tegy serves 8-12 flagship beers including the Exit Strategy American Pale where hops are front and center A nuanced combination of hop varietals balanced with malt minimizes bitterness. The resulting beer boasts flavors of citrus, grapefruit, and pine.Another perennially popular offering at the Forest Park brewery is Persephone, a refreshing pomegranate wheat ale known for balancing tart fruit,

The brewery’s restaurant menu, served Wednesday through Saturday, is designed to play a supporting role to their arsenal of craft brews and aims to feature beer as an ingredient in every dish. The seasonally rotating, beer-driven offerings include pairing suggestions. Valleau suggests enjoying the Scaramouch Bohemian Pilsner with a garlic oiled and salted pretzel with pub mustard and beer infused queso Korean Q-tine comprised of seasoned hand cut fries, spicy BBQ sauce, fried cauliflower and kimchi calls for a pint of the brewery’s double IPA, Judgmental Dick.

The husband-and-wife team behind Exit Strategy set out to create a place where they would want to hang out. Today the brewery exists as a comfortable gathering place where all are welcome, and patrons can get a proper beer and some quality grub Cheers to that!

Katherine Valleau

Alex Rogals

mmm...

Melissa’s Memorable Meals

Brisket Sandwich from Babygold Barbecue, Berwyn:

Basking in the sun at the American Musical Festival set the scene perfectly to enjoy this solid Barbecue offering. Great bark, smokey flavor, pickles and just a smidgen of sauce made this handheld sandwich the ideal summer meal.

Hummus from Petra Falafel, Forest Park:

We could eat this hummus all day every day. This small, but mighty eatery knows what they are doing from their schwarma wraps spiked with pickles to this smooth, creamy and deceptively complex chickpea dip. We love it with falafel or pita!

Beef Pho from Na Siam, Oak Park:

After a pandemic pause, this spot in the North Avenue District is back to serving Beef Pho brimming with Vietnamese rice noodles and topped with sliced meat, bean sprouts, fried garlic and scallions in a rich homemade broth. They offer five noodle soups to warm you up this winter.

The Ruth Bader Gins-burg

Made by Forest Park cookbook author Dave Hudson. This is the drink he crafted to represent September 2020 in “A Year of Magical Drinking: Cocktails in the Time of Covid.” According to Hudson, the addition of Aperol, an Italian aperitif, is a subtle nod to Ginsburg’s longtime friendship with fellow Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.

Curry Basil Puffs from Habrae, Forest Park:

This standout Thai spot in Forest Park is known for serving up complex dishes with bold flavor. These little basil chicken puffs are as decadent as they are flavorful.

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

Award winning cuisine! Voted best Middle Eastern restaurant in western suburbs.

848-7734

pm

Dine-In, Takeout and Delivery

11:00 am – 9 pm

JerusalemCafe-OakPark.com

JerusalemCafe-OakPark.com

Addis Café blending old and new on Oak Park Ave.

In 2016, Kalkidan Tesfaye offered her homemade scones to the owner of the coffee shop on the east side of Oak Park Avenue and he responded by offering her the entire storefront. Figuring fate had intervened, Tesfaye accepted the offer and opened Addis Café. She called the space home for six years before the chef-owner and her coowner-husband, Michael Kumela, moved their café across the street to a bright and cheery new home at 801 Van Buren St

Tesfaye wasn’t looking for a new space, but project managers with The Community Builders who oversaw the construction of “The 801” at the corner of Oak Park and Van Buren, encouraged her to move into the retail storefront on the lower level of the building offering high quality, yet affordable apartments.

“They would keep asking ‘what is it going to take to get you in here?’” said Tesfaye. “They offered to build a full kitchen to my specifications and that was

too good to pass up.”

The capable cook likes the freedom a full kitchen offers her bourgeoning business. Prior to relocating to Oak Park and opening Addis Café, Tesfaye and her brother spent 11 years operating, Addis Restaurant, an Ethiopian eatery located in Berkeley, California. A native of Addis, Ethiopia, Tesfaye has periodically hosted pop-up dinners featuring her vegan Ethiopian fare. After each successful pop-up calls for her to begin serving regular dinners have grown louder.

The new space is equipped with a professional ventilation system and industrial cooking appliances allowing Tesfaye to expand her café menu to include Ethiopian dinner offerings. The chef indicated she is going to take some time to “introduce herself

to the new space,” but expects dinner service to commence soon.

In the meantime Tesfaye is serving up the pour over coffee, elaborate waffle creations and berry jam and cream-filled scones customers have come to love. The light-filled space with generous outdoor seating has become a celebration of the old meeting the new that the community had hoped it would be.

“Coffee in Ethiopia is meant to be shared — one pot would serve many people so friends, neighbors and sometimes even strangers would share a pot,” said Tesfaye. “My customers have spent time getting to know my customs and they have become like a family to me. ”

Kalkidan Tesfaye

“Our bankers came to us and said here’s how we can help.”

For more than 100 years, we’ve been helping Chicagoland non-profits like Beyond Hunger write their stories.

Every business has a story. We can help you write yours.

–Michele Zurakowski, Executive Director, Beyond Hunger

In the f s Pizza and Pasta

To fold or not to fold? It is debatable whether extra-large slices of New York style pizza should be folded in half before eating. Some folks do it to avoid the dreaded “flop,” while others collapse the crust to keep the cheese from sliding off in a gooey avalanche. Anti-folders keep their meal a two-handed affair likely preferring to double the number of bites it takes to finish their coveted slice. No matter how you prefer to eat your pie, Betty’s Pizza and Pasta, 1003 South Blvd., Oak Park, brings a taste of the Big Apple to the Pleasant District.

Brought to life by Wil and Justine Greenwald, Rob Guenthner and Katie Ashton and Pete and Fran Lisnic coowners of Kettlestrings Tavern, 800 S. Oak Park Ave., and Kettlestrings Grove, 105 S. Marion St., Betty’s Pizza and Pasta completes the Kettlestrings’ trifecta. Betty’s fun and unfussy vibe is meant to reflect the pizza joint co-owner Rob Guenthner remembers frequenting as

a child. Expect traditional red and white checkered tablecloths and traditional red cups to evoke a throwback vibe. While the restaurant’s name pays homage to the founding British matriarch of Oak Park, Betty Kettlestrings, the menu at the South Boulevard establishment is decidedly Italian-American. Dan Swartz,

operations director, and consulting chef, Tanya Baker worked to develop Betty’s pizza recipe and broader menu from the ground up. The pizzas, available in the traditional 18inch size, are pie cut into eight generously sized slices. The bottom of the crust is crispy while the top remains fluffy and soft. A regular pie features whole milk mozzarella and up to two toppings — if you order pepperoni expect it will be properly cupped. Toppings are thoughtfully distributed across the pie and leftovers reheat beautifully in a hot oven. A quartet of specialty pizzas like Buffalo chicken, are also on the menu. Guenthner is pleasantly

surprised at the popularity of Betty’s garlic and zucchini pie—the white pizza features herb butter, sliced summer squash, mozzarella, parmesan, and fresh thyme.

In addition to pizza, Betty’s offers appetizers like meatballs, mozzarella sticks, garlic knots. The menu features four pasta dishes including wild mushroom fettuccine with garlic cream sauce as well as salads in small and large sizes. The arugula and quinoa salad with apples, blue cheese and bacon is also proving a popular choice.

Owners are keenly aware there has been pent up demand for New York Style pizza in the community and look forward to giving everyone an opportunity to give Betty’s pizza a try

Pepperoni and sausage pizza from Betty’s in Oak Park

Melissa Elsmo

Wolf it down at Okami Sushi

Tom Uiprapassorn, chef and co-owner of Okami Sushi, 6818 W. North Ave., Chicago, combines his love for Japanese anime and architectural sushi at his restaurant nestled in the North Avenue District. In Japanese, Okami can mean “Great God” or “wolf,” but owners of the sushi centric restaurant bearing the name took inspiration from Ōkami Amaterasu — a white wolf goddess character at the center of a video game launched in 2006. Born in Chiang Mai, Thailand, Uiprapassorn earned his degree in architecture prior to emigrating to the United States and settling in Chicago with his sister, Wow Morales. Though excited to be in the States, he was not passionate about pursuing a career in architecture — after his arrival he went looking for “any job” to make ends meet. He spent his first years in the city working at a small-scale sushi bar with a lean, but dedicated staff. In time, Uiprapassorn partnered up with his

Okami

6818 W. North Ave., Chicago (773) 417-8560

okamichicago.com

sister and brother-in-law, Moses Morales, to bring Okami Sushi to life.

Uiprapassorn enjoys tossing ideas around with his chef-friends who work at Momotaro, but also relies heavily on his own imagination to keep dishes coming out of Okami’s open kitchen. Okami welcomes guests to experience Uiprapassorn’s creative take on sushi and ramen. The Chin ramen is a rich and memorable combination of pork bone broth, thin ramen noodles and garlic oil crowned with crispy chicken karaage, bamboo shoots, kizami seaweed, chili threads and a softboiled egg. Warming Yuma udon boasts a clear chicken soup broth with thick noodles topped with marinated shiitake mushrooms

with tempura fried shrimp, oyster, scallop and kanikama. Both offerings are hearty, complex and well executed.

Folks looking to embrace the energy of free-style Japanese cooking will do well to order some of Okami’s signature maki rolls or chef ’s selection of sushi. The Princess “Monoke” Roll gives a nod to another character in Japanese anime and features shrimp tempura, BBQ eel, avocado, cucumber topped with seared

super white tuna, honey mayo, unagi sauce and crispy shallots. The Davy Jones roll, topped with fried beet, is stuffed with octopus, cilantro, and jalapeno before being deep fried. Traditional maki rolls and nigiri are also available.

Uiprapassorn feels at home in his restaurant kitchen and wants to invite everyone to pay them a visit in the North Avenue District.

The Princess “Monoke” Roll as served at Okami Sushi

Melissa Elsmo

mmm...

Melissa’s Memorable Meals

Jimmy’s Creation from Poke Burrito, Oak Park:

This colorful tuna and salmon poke bowl is the brainchild of Jimmy Chen, the mastermind behind the Lake Street restaurant. Ingredients including avocado, pineapple, cucumber, and edamame come together in perfect harmony on a bed of brown rice.

Chili Crisp Biscuit and Kale Salad Scones from Broken Tart, Oak Park:

Basically everything Krissy and Katie Mack are turning out at their Chicago Avenue bakery is completely sublime, but we are over the moon for kale salad scones and smitten with the chili crisp biscuit.

This Bountiful Meal from Khyber Pass, Oak Park:

Malik Jawid celebrated a major anniversary this year and learning more about the beginnings of this Downtown Oak Park mainstay makes every meal eaten at Khyber Pass even a little more delicious.

This Taste the Town Bite:

When Takeout 25 throws a party no-one leaves hungry and their first in-person fundraiser to support local restaurants was no exception. Multiple eateries put up delicious dishes and this surf and turf cup from the chefs at Babygold was unforgettable!

Chopped Chicken Liver from Fritzi’s Delicatessen, Oak Park:

Some things are worth the wait and the roasted chicken livers chopped with hard cooked eggs, caramelized onions, and schmaltz was a delightful introduction to this Oak Park newcomer.

Give thanks for Spilt Milk

Since 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. Their increased kitchen capacity has afforded the delightful duo noteworthy opportunities to explore the savory side of life while staying true to their sweet traditions.

The Svec sisters work tirelessly to ensure the quality of their pastries, cookies, breads and biscuits remain unwavering in their quality and flavor — the dynamic duo is already preparing for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday Pre-orders for holiday pies are being taken now

Heirloom Apple Pie is sure to be among Spilt Milk’s best sellers on their 2022 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, baked in an all-butter

Spilt Milk

811 South Blvd, Oak Park (708) 613-4403

spiltmilkpastry.com

double pie crust.

Georgia Pecan pie joins traditional pumpkin, apple cranberry, 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.

In addition, the pie shop will offer savory quiches, pumpkin bread with maple glaze, banana bread, “Bake At Home” buttermilk biscuits, wine, and more. Meg and Molly are encouraging interested customers to order early for the best selection. They will sell out and typically reach production capacity around Halloween.

The cheery bakery now serves wines by

the glass and recently launched a grab-andgo lunch program featuring sandwiches, snack trays, quiche and puddings. Their chef-driven Friday night dinners have been gaining in popularity as well. Meals, available for pre-order on their website, serve four and are prepared by Spilt Milk newcomer, Michael Forman.

Chef Foreman’s menu offerings have included roasted chicken, fresh squash and

WE

roasted rosemary potatoes as well as baked sausage manicotti featuring house made Slagel Farms pork sausage in a homemade tomato sauce with fennel & herbs.

The savory meal program is a bourgeoning part of the business that brings a genuine sweetness to every endeavor Oh! And don’t forget, Spilt Milk’s pre-orders for the Christmas season will be available starting Black Friday, Friday, Nov 25.

FAMILY-NIGHT, DATE-NIGHT, LUNCH, HOLIDAY PARTIES, OR ALL YOUR VICTORY FAVORITES FOR AT-HOME CELEBRATIONS!

FULL CATERED MEALS • SEAFOOD TOWERS HORS D’OEUVRE EXPERIENCES • PARTY PLATTERS

FULL CATERED MEALS • SEAFOOD TOWERS HORS D’OEUVRE EXPERIENCES • PARTY PLATTERS

Sunday - Thursday 4p - 10p

Sunday - Thursday 4p - 10p

Friday & Saturday Noon - 11p

Friday & Saturday Noon - 11p

Tina Harle’s photo of Spilt Milk’s pumpkin pie. Spilt Milk

Visiting Berwyn,

you will find that the township has 4 distinct districts where much of the everyday buzz and bites are centered. There is Cermak Road, often heralded as the Main Street of Berwyn, where you can not only spend the day running errands, but catch a break and have some amazing tacos or desserts as you recharge. Then, formerly known as 12th street there is Roosevelt Road, a hotspot for entertainment — but most importantly, the variety of food available down a single corridor makes planning for dinner with friends or family a breeze. Next there is Ogden Avenue, famously a part of old Route 66, where among all the automotive businesses you can find smokey meats and other great eats. Last but not least is the Depot District. This district is home to vibrant pubs, lounges, and family restaurants that often come together to support the many events hosted in the Depot. Let the smell of amazing foods guide you across Berwyn on your next visit!

Curb a craving on Cermak

There is a restaurant suited to curb just about any craving on Cermak Road in Berwyn. It is easy to show some love to the array of restaurants scattered throughout “The Corridor.” No matter if you are hungry for a savory supper or a sweet treat.

Zacatacos

Zacatacos prides itself for serving up their famous charbroiled skirt steak tacos as well as El Pastor tacos with pineapple, onions and cilantro. The famous salsa roja serves up a non-traditional papa taco that flies low under the radar on a menu boasting many traditional Mexican favorites. An indulgent bite, the papa taco is filled with fluffy mashed potatoes before being deep fried to a crisp golden brown. Topped with lettuce, tomato and cheese, the crave-worthy parcel is like eating a comforting hug.

Las Islas

Folks looking for a seafood fix should swing by Las Islas. The restaurant was once part of a larger restaurant group, but the now independent establishment takes pride in their approach to seafood preparation. Guest should enjoy a refreshing michelada 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.

Anthony’s Pizza

People might not realize Anthony’s Pizza serves an Italian beef sandwich that is one of the best things on their timeless menu. This no-frills joint simmers seasoned, thinly sliced roast beef in jus, or gravy, before piling it high on an Italian roll stuffed with sweet green peppers. Though Anthony’s has been slinging pizza slices since 1986, their beef sandwich recipe goes back as far as the sandwich does in Chicago history. Purists will appreciate Anthony’s classic take on this iconic and slightly messy sandwich.

Zacotacos

Las Islas

Anthyony’s Pizza

Anthony’s Pizza

6237 W Cermak Rd

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 749-1100

• anthonyspizzaplace.com

Blaze Fast Fire’d Pizza

7122 W Cermak Rd

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 317-5293

• blazepizza.com

Buffalo Wild Wings Grill and Bar #330

7130 W Cermak Rd

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 749-2319

• buffalowildwings.com

Burger King #5984

2147 S Oak Park Ave

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 788-3253

Canton 8 Sport Bar & Grill

6312 Cermak Rd, Berwyn

Chipotle Mexican Grill

7140 W Cermak Rd

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 303-5049

• chipotle.com

Domino’s Pizza

6613 W Cermak Rd

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 749-4949

• diminos.com

Overseas China Restaurant

Overseas China Restaurant has been churning out classic Chinese dishes for 20 years in Berwyn. The restaurant’s unassuming exterior gives way to a surprisingly modern interior where friendly service is a hallmark of the diminutive establishment. Overseas China offers a wide array of Cantonese and Szechuan dishes -- for less than $11 hungry diners can enjoy the generously sized Overseas China Special Platter featuring shrimp, chicken, BBQ pork and an array of vegetables in a garlicy brown sauce.

La Michoacana Classic

ou can snag some Dorilocos, Taki con queso, or chicharrón preparado for a creative and crunchy snack at La Michoacana Classic on Cermak, but local dessert lovers head to this bright and cheery shop to satiate their sweet tooth. An assortment of cream and water popsicles in flavors including Fruit chocolate Abuelita, and Tamarind join a wide array of traditional ice cream offerings available by the scoop or as part of sundaes like this beast of a banana split.

The Cermak District

El Nuevo Vallarta Sports Bar and Grill

6801 W Cermak Rd Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 317-5929

• elnuevovallarta.com

Five Guys Burgers and Fries

7150 W Cermak Rd

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 484-9940

Flight 22 Wine Bar

6518 Cermak Rd, Berwyn

(708) 956-7648

• flight22winebar.com

Guadalajara Grill & Bar

6814 W Cermak Rd

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 788-2600

Happy & Healthy NutritionHerbalife

6628 Cermak Rd

(708) 473-4492

• genesis7.goherbalife.com

Home Run Inn Pizzeria 6825 W Cermak Rd

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 317-8877

• homeruninnpizza.com

Jelly Jam Pancake House 6300 W Cermak Rd

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 484-9840

• facebook.com/jellyjam02

Jimmy John’s 7028 W Cermak Rd Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 788-7800

• jimmyjohns.com

KFC/A&W #Y313102

6200 W Cermak Rd

Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 484-4012

La Lupita Restaurant 6539 W Cermak Rd #1 Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 788-8226

• lalupitaberwyn.com

La Michoacana Classic 6533 W Cermak Rd, Berwyn (708) 637-4075

• lamichoacanapremium.com

La Parra Restaurant - Bar 6710 W Cermak Rd

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 317-5339

• laparrarestaurantandbar.com

Las Islas Bar and Grill II 6516 W Cermak Rd

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 795-1300

Las Quecas Berwyn

6311 W Cermak Rd

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 956-7371

• orderlasquecas.com

LongHorn Steakhouse

7115 W Cermak Rd

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 484-6350

• longhornsteakhouse.com

Los Tarritos Restaurante

6241 W Cermak Rd

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 317-5842

• facebook.com/lostarrito

McDonald’s #2546

(Cermak and Ridgeland)

6401 W Cermak Rd

Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 749-3002

• mcdonalds.com

McDonald’s #6928

7181 W Cermak Rd

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 484-9716

• mcdonalds.com

Old Fashioned Candies

6210 Cermak Rd, Berwyn (708) 788-6669

• oldfashionedcandiesinc.com

Overseas China Restaurant 6846 W Cermak Rd

Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 484-5447

• overseaschinaberwyn.com

Panera Bread 7050 W Cermak Rd

Berwyn, IL 60402

• panerabread.com

Popeye’s Chicken

6935-43 W Cermak Rd

Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 484-2737

• popeyes.com

Tony’s Fresh Market 7111 W Cermak Rd Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 683-4072

• tonysfreshmarket.com

Vesecky’s Bakery 6634 Cermak Rd, Berwyn (708) 788-4144

Waldo Cooney’s Pizza 6733 W Cermak Rd Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 749-7997

• waldocooneyspizza.com

Wanda’s Chinese Kitchen 6301 W Cermak Rd, Unit D Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 788-2868

• wandaschinesekitchen.com

Zacatacos - Cermak 6212 W Cermak Rd Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 484-8460

• zacatacos.com

EATS presented by

Divine dining in the Depot District

The Depot District, with its downtown vibe, boasts a bevy of noteworthy independent restaurants and bars that are all easily accessible by foot, car, bike, or from one of the three Metra stops and many bus routes.

La Malquerida Latin Fusion

Expect complex flavors and attention to detail at La Malquerida Latin Fusion. This Depot District destination creates an inspired array of cultural Latin dishes and uses many cooking techniques. The unique blend of flavors can be evidenced in their artfully plated Sopesitos appetizer boasting a trio of bite sized corn sopes with black beans, chicken tinga, sour cream, and queso fresco We also crave the homestyle Cochinita Pibil — the Yucatan Style braised pork is wrapped in banana leaves and served with cilantro rice, black beans, pickled onions, and habanero sauce.

Lavergne’s Tavern

Known for serving up some serious burgers, street food inspired tacos and even a mighty fine brunch, Depot District fans know Lavergne’s Tavern serves up decadent Chicago-style eggrolls. People should believe the hype behind the Italian beef eggrolls — the appetizer has a near cult-like 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!

Flapjack Brewery

Flapjack Brewery is known for turning out practically perfect wood-fired pizzas to pair with their small batch beers. Paul and James Macchione grew up in Berwyn and now own Flapjack Brewery where they keep eight beers on tap to pair with their tavern style and Neopolitian pies. Check out the four-cheese arugula topped with smoked scamorza, fresh mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, shaved Parmesan, fresh garlic, wild arugula, olive Oil, and fresh lemon juice

Connie’s Family Restaurant & Cocktails

3271 S Harlem Ave

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 484-3447

• conniesberwyn.com

D’Cache Latin Cafe

3244 S Oak Park Ave

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 317-5008

• dcachelatincafe.com

Familia Fresh Market & Danesi Café

3308 S Oak Park Ave Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 956-7026

• familiafreshmarket.com

Flapjack Brewery

6833 W Stanley Ave Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 637-4030

• flapjackbrewery.com

Gaia Ristorante Italiano

6822 Windsor Ave

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 317-4238

• gaiaitaliano.com

The Garage Smokehouse & Bar 3202 S Grove Ave

Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 956-7274

• facebook.com/Thegarageberwyn

La Borra del Café Berwyn 6801 W Stanley Ave

(224) 580-0965

• laborra.us

La Malquerida Latin Fusion 6906 W Windsor Ave Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 956-7219

• lamalqueridaberwyn.com

Lavergne’s Tavern 6546 Windsor Ave, Berwyn, IL 60402 708-956-7405

• lavergnes.com

MediaNoche Berwyn Cafe 6836 Windsor Ave

Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 317-5093

• medianochecafe.com

N-Joy II Asian Cuisine 7140 W Windsor Ave

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 484-5310

• njoy2.com

Perception Lounge 6814 W Windsor Ave

Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 749-2484

• facebook.com/PerceptionLounge

Tastee Corner Cafe

3207 S Oak Park Ave

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 484-1173

• yelp.com/biz/tastee-corner-cafeberwyn-2

Taz Deli 6932 W Windsor

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 956-7583

The Depot District

Autre Monde Cafe & Spirits

6727 W Roosevelt Rd

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 775-8122

• autremondecafe.net

Babygold Barbecue

6613 W Roosevelt Rd

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 637-4364

• babygoldbbq.com

Berwyn’s Culver ’s

6943 W Roosevelt Rd

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 788-8000

• culvers.com

Big Guys Sausage Stand

7021 W Roosevelt Rd

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 317-5213

• bigguyssausage.com

Take a ride on Roosevelt

Roosevelt Road has earned its reputation as an entertainment hub in Berwyn. Drawing visitors and locals a like, this walkable block showcases the true spirit of the community.

Autre Monde

Autre Monde opened more than a decade ago to immediate accolades including a notable three-star rating from the Chicago Tribune. Chef Pancake earned a coveted Jean Banchet nomination for Chef of the Year in 2013 and the restaurant has achieved Green Seal Certification. The restaurant recovered from a significant fire in 2012, hosted a James Beard Foundation dinner in 2015, and has executed myriad pop-up events over the years including an elaborate ode to the foodie film “Big Night.” Expect their rotating menu of Mediterranean inspired dishes to make any meal memorable.

Babygold Barbecue

Music lovers have no trouble making their way to FitzGerald’s nightclub in Berwyn, but now food lovers have a big reason to visit the Berwyn hot spot. Babygold Barbecue has made Berwyn-style barbecue like brisket, turkey and even cauliflower synonymous with the FitzGerald’s experience. Babygold also offers a noteworthy weekend brunch with hearty main dishes like this All-American Breakfast featuring two gorgeous sunnyside up eggs, crispy breakfast potatoes, and smoked brisket.

Bodhi Thai Bistro

6211 W Roosevelt Rd

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 484-9250

• mybodhithai.com

Buona Catering 6833 W Roosevelt Rd

Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 749-2333

• buona.com

Buona Restaurant 6745 W Roosevelt Rd

Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 749-2555

• buona.com

Burger King #213

6701 W Roosevelt Rd

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 484-4144

Di Nico’s Pizza

6627 W Roosevelt Rd

Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 749-9900

• dinicospizza.com

J Wok See Thru Chinese Kitchen

6641 W Roosevelt Rd Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 788-3888

• j-wok.com

McDonald’s #2543 7135 W Roosevelt Rd Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 749-1555

Monse’s Tapas Bar

6609 Roosevelt Rd

Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 317-5204

• monsestapasbar.com

Sushi Junki 6639 W Roosevelt Rd

Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 788-3888

• sushijunki.com

Taco Yo Inc. 6629 W Roosevelt Rd

Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 749-2300

• ordertacoyo.com

Tasty House Restaurant

7101 W Roosevelt Rd, Unit A Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 788-1800

• tastyhouseberwyn.com

Turano Baking Company

6501 Roosevelt Rd, Berwyn (708) 788-5320

• turano.com

Wing Boss 6625 W Roosevelt Rd Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 637-4424

• thewingboss.com

Memorable meals on the rest of the map:

Just because a restaurant falls outside of a named district in Berwyn doesn’t mean they don’t have memorable menu items to keep you coming back again and again. You’ll discover a world of delicious things to eat on 26th Street, Ogden, Harlem and all the streets in between!

Neveria Naranja Dulce

Visit Neveria Naranja Dulce for an authentic Mexican ice cream shop experience in Berwyn. Co-owner Angelica Chavez and her family traveled back to Jalisco to perfect their artisan ice cream making techniques. The sweet side of the menu features fruit-forward paletas (popsicles) and classic favorites like hot chocolate ice cream made from Abuelita chocolate. 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.

Juice Vibe Bar

Feel the good vibes at Juice Vibe Bar Berwyn. Owner Annabelle Martinez grew up in the Berwyn-Cicero area and transformed a former medical office into an inviting space where she introduced her arsenal of dairy-free, vegan, and gluten-free juices and smoothie bowls to healthconscious customers. The smoothie bowls served at Juice Vibe Bar are all named after famous Latina artists like Selena and Frida Kahlo. The Jenni bowl, named after musician Jenni Rivera, features a robust combination of almond milk, spirulina, blueberries, banana, granola, oats, chia seeds and Amaranthus.

Tacos y Salsa

Ms. Laura Guerrero, mother of six and owner of Tacos y Salsa honors her ancestors by preparing her family’s traditional home-style recipes, including an array of soups and stews. All her soups fly out of the restaurant when the weather turns chilly, but we simply adore the Caldo de Cameron. Made fresh every daily, 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.

Anthony’s Pizza

6237 W Cermak Rd

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 749-1100

• anthonyspizzaplace.com

Avito Caffe

6510 W Ogden Ave

Berwyn, IL 60402

• avitofilm.com/caffe

Baby BBQ Fire

6715 26th St

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 637-4236

Benny’s Pizza

6806 26th St, Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 749-1771

• bennyspizzaberwyn.com

Berwyn Tap Room

6330 16th St, Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 317-5067

• www.facebook.com/ berwyntaproom

Betty’s Bistro

6969 W Ogden Ave

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 317-5577

Big Mama’s Kitchen ToGo

6920 W Ogden Ave

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 303-0050

• bigmamastogo.com

Bob’s Belgian Hot Chocolate

6412 W 27th St

Berwyn, IL 60402

(630) 430-4730

• bobsbelgianhotchocolate.com

Cake Bros Bakery

6737 W 26th St

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 749-2504

• cakebros.com

Cien 100% Naturalisimo

2709 S Ridgeland Ave

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 317-5679

• 100naturalisimo.com

Los Corrales

Discover a street food staple at Los Corrales. Any proper Mexican food exploration would be incomplete without a taste of tacos al pastor. Inspired by the spit-roasted shawarma dishes that influenced Mexican cuisine in the early 1900s, “the shepherd’s taco” is a delicious blending of Mexican and Lebanese culinary traditions. Charred bits are the best part of the flavorful marinated orange-hued pork that stars in Los Corrales tacos al pastor

Misc. Districts

Cigars and Stripes BBQ Lounge

6715 W Ogden Ave

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 484-1043

• stripesbbq.com

Crepas Culichi

2713 S Ridgeland Ave

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 637-4998

• crepas-culichi.com

Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins

- Harlem

2945 S Harlem Ave

(708) 749-0689

Berwyn, IL 60402

Harlem Ave Lounge

3701 S Harlem Ave

(708) 484-3610

• harlemavenuelounge.com

Berwyn, IL 60402

Jelly Jam Restaurant and Pancake House

3205 S Harlem Ave

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 777-1967

Juice Vibe Bar

2137 Oak Park Ave,

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 232-3385

• juicevibebar.com

Junior ’s Bar and Grill

7011 W Ogden Ave

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 484-9465

La Flor de Michoacan

6316 W 26th St

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 317-5052

La Michoacana & More

2707 S Ridgeland Ave

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 477-8117

• lamichoacanamenu.com

Las Delicias De Michoacan

6807 W Ogden Ave

Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 484-5357

Lalo’s Restaurant 3011 S Harlem Ave Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 484-9311

• lalos.com

Little Caesar ’s 6801 W Ogden Ave Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 749-4174

Little Fenix Restaurants Inc. 3250 S Grove Ave Berwyn, IL 60402

(312) 735-3763

• littlefenix.com

Los Corrales Taqueria & Restaurant

6713 W 26th St

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 484-9063

• loscorralesberwyn.com

Lucky Dog III 7151 W 16th St Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 749-0330

McDonald’s #6808

7031 W Ogden Ave

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 484-8047

• mcdonalds.com

Mr. Submarine

6341 W 26th St

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 795-9633

Mr Submarine

7103 W Ogden Ave

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 484-2911

My Uncle’s Place

2615 S Ridgeland Ave

Berwyn, IL 60402

(239) 777-5382

Neveria Naranja Dulce, Inc

6252 W Ogden Ave

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 714-0074

Nicco’s Bar and Grill

6300 W Ogden Ave

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 670-2042

Nonno’s Pizza

6969 W Ogden Ave

Unit D

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 788-1100

• nonnospizza.com

Novi’s Beef

6746 W Ogden Ave

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 749-0895

• novisbeeftogo.com

Nuevo Poncitlan Inc.

6322 W 26th St

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 484-5944

• nuevoponcitlan.com

Paisans Pizzeria & Bar

6226 W Ogden Ave

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 484-5325

• paisanspizza.com

Parrilla Express 6401 W 34th St

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 637-4799

• parrillaexpress.com

Skyview Restaurant 6334 W Ogden Ave

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 795-0088

Slice Factory 6900 W Ogden Ave

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 788-1700

• theslicefactory.com/berwyn

Subway Store # 27939

6919 W Ogden Ave

Berwyn, IL 60402

(708) 749-9302

Taco Bell #2433 6956 W Ogden Ave Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 749-4747

Tacos Y Salsa 6346 W 26th St Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 749-3581

• tacosysalsarestaurant.com

Tamales Ogden 6333 W Ogden Ave Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 795-6859

Taqueria El Meson Express 6831 W Ogden Ave Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 484-1470

• elmesonexpress.com

Tastee Freeze 6621 W 26th St Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 749-7377

Viva la Frida 7117 Ogden Ave, Berwyn IL 60402 (708) 788-4333

• palaceregency.com White Castle 7155 W Ogden Ave Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 795-6811

Wok N Roll Express 6969 W Ogden Ave, Unit C Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 788-0088

• woknrollberwyn.com

Zacatacos - Harlem 3837 S Harlem Ave Berwyn, IL 60402 (708) 484-1300

• zacatacos.com

atacos com

Sips and Sweets gaining ground thanks to community support

Krista Brazel, owner of Sips & Sweets Café, 1 Riverside Rd., Riverside, opened her bakery and coffee house nearly a year ago Brazel lost her job due to the pandemic in 2020 and in the face of considerable uncertainty, she harnessed her entrepreneurial spirit and formulated plans to start her own businesses.

Brazel sold hot chocolate bombs and cinnamon rolls out of her car to 2,000 loyal Facebook followers before finding her way to a brick storefront in the center of the quaint village. The prospect of heavy foot traffic and convenient placement next to the downtown train station drew the Westchester resident to Riverside where she fell in love with the town’s charm and authentic sense of community. Brazel proudly set up shop in the circa 1870 Arcade Building. The oldest commercial building

in Riverside is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

“This is a place where kids go after school, a place where moms and dads spend their mornings,” said Brazel. “We are proud to be a part of the community.”

Sips and Sweets Cafe

1 Riverside Rd, Riverside (708) 853-9782

sipsandsweetscafe.net

When guests walk through the doors of Sips and Sweets, they can expect an assortment of fromscratch treats ranging from cookies and cupcakes to toaster-inspired pastries. Coffee drinks, quick breads, breakfast sandwiches, and specialty sandwiches round out the menu. Expect the sandwiches to be named after local streets. “The Parkway” features turkey and Swiss while “The Forest” is a vegetarian offering brimming with avocado A weekly rotation of soups, including chicken noodle, broccoli cheddar and chili offer a fine way to warm up on a cold day.

The shop’s flagship cinnamon rolls are

also a customer favorite. The indulgent and labor-intensive rolls are topped with a mouth-watering buttercream and best served warm. Sips and Sweets is packaging “take and warm” and “take and bake” cinnamon rolls for holiday pre-order Brazel is promising to add to the bounty of your Thanksgiving feast by offering house-made honey crisp apple pies and chocolate bourbon pies (made with Quincy Street Distillery bourbon) as part of their holiday menu.

In addition to satisfying your holiday dessert needs, Sips and Sweets has launched a Friday dinner program designed to rescue busy families at the end of a hectic work week. Expect menu selections to include Bohemian pork, potato dumplings and sweet and sour cabbage, chicken teriyaki with rice and sautéed peppers, and linguine Bolognese with garlic bread. Sips and Sweets Friday dinners can be pre-ordered and picked up hot on Friday evenings.

Cinnamon rolls are synonymous with Sips and Sweets — owner Krista Brazel has been perfecting the decadent recipe for years.

Melissa Elsmo

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Melissa’s Memorable Meals

Branzino at Amerikas, Oak Park:

This whole fish, with crispy soy-glazed skin, is served on a bed of rosy-hued fried basmati rice spiked with garlic, scallion, cabbage and tomato. Spicy serrano chili salsa adds an option to heat things up. Delicate herb and radish salad adds visual intrigue to the rich and satisfying dish.

Dumpling appetizers at a GCM event, Oak Park:

Dumplings in any form are a delight, but these little treasures were extra special because they were made with love for friends and supporters of Growing Community Media.

Pina Colada Matcha from Brewpoint Craft, Oak Park:

This is a summer specialty and is one refreshing beverage — matcha has magical “pick you up” properties and when you mix it up with luscious oat milk and pineapple juice it’s like a vacation in cup.

A double smash burger from Circle Tavern, Elmwood Park:

Served tavern style, this unassuming burger ticks all the boxes when it comes to a griddled indulgence. Don’t underestimate this offering — Circle Tavern burgers are among the best around.

Pasta tossed with Capuliato at the Carnivore/Anfora Etna Wine Dinner, Oak Park:

This one-time-only event was a celebration of big bold wines from the mountains of Italy. The meal, designed by Chef Brad Knaub, was intended to let the wines shine — he succeeded; the pairings were perfect, but this bowl of pasta tossed with a traditional Sicilian condiment based on dried tomatoes was more than memorable.

Instant grati cation in Elmwood Park

The Polaroid camera sold out in a buying frenzy following a single in store demonstration in 1948. Some eateries in Elmwood Park have been serving up timeless fare for longer than the camera has been on the market. These recognizable photos cultivate a swift sense of nostalgia just like so

Circle Tavern: Whether ordering a single, double, triple or mammoth quad burger, fans of the smash will be pleasantly surprised that Circle Tavern, 18 Conti Parkway, is putting up a practically perfect version of this simple burger style.

many of the dishes served inside the colorful 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 and throughout the village—that ongoing

Alpine Food Shop:

commitment is one of the reasons why many Restaurant Row establishments have endured for decades. So whether you “say cheese” or “hold the cheese” there is classic dish worthy of capturing in Elmwood Park!

“It ’s not just a sub—it ’s an Alpine.” Few places have a truer tag line than Alpine Food Shop, 7538 W North Ave.--the popular sandwich shop has been a part of the neighborhood since 1955.

Massa Café Italiano: Angelo and Giovanna Lollino craft a variety of authentic Italian dishes at Massa, 7434 W North Ave. Their award-winning gelato and fresh sorbettos are made fresh daily using time-honored Italian techniques.

Eggsperience: Nothing beats a breakfast joint to bring out those retro vibes.

Eggsperience, 16 Conti Pkwy., has a perfect mix of old school classics and innovative fare to curb your cravings!

Johnnie’s Beef: Folks lined up for this instant camera just like they queue up for a Johnnie’s beef sandwich A counterservice force of nature, Johnnie’s Beef, 7500 W North Ave., first started serving their sandwiches in 1961.

Armand’s Pizza: Armand’s pizza, 7650 W North Ave., has been serving up pies and sliced for more than 60 years. Their signature pizza, featuring artichoke, fontinella, and roasted peppers puts a full color twist on toppings.

Burger Moovment:

This quick-service establishment, 7512 W North Ave., flips every patty to order using locally sourced bakery buns, 100-percent Angus beef and locally grown produce. They also fry up a Banh Mi inspired chicken sandwich if you are looking to put some cluck in your moo!

Alpine Food Shop

Johnnie’s Beef

Massa Cafe Italiano

Burger Moovement

Ar mand’s Pizza

Circle Tavern

Spizzico: For twentyfive 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.

Gringo and Blondie: An assortment of tacos, cemitas, and burritos await at Gringo and Blondie, 7514 W. North Ave. The Mexican street-food spot also serves up photo-worthy pozole!

Café Cubano: For 20 years, 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—including lechon, oxtails, jibaritos and empanadas.

New Star: A mainstay on North Ave., 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 restaurant row and their classic eggrolls!

Russell’s Barbecue: Tradition is alive and well at 1621 N Thatcher Ave. The original meat sandwiches, slab ribs and bone-in chicken continue to be slow roasted and served just as they were in 1930. The tender and simply seasoned meats are all designed to be doused with Russell’s barbecue sauce.

Jim and Pete’s: Since 1941 this Restaurant Row outlier has, has been serving up old world favorites with a modern twist. The well-appointed restaurant, 7806 W North Ave., is known for serving up a reliable arsenal of traditional Italian dishes and specialty menu items like giant housemade rigatoni with pinenuts, spinach and ricotta.

Old Word Pizza: In 1963 the Bambini family opened their first restaurant and nurtured a loyal customer base. Though ownership of Old World Pizza, 7230 W North Ave., has changed hands several times, the same collection of century old recipes make is easy to savor a slice of history.

Inari: Sara Kate, owner of Inari Sushi, 7428 W. North Ave., 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.

Gringo & Blondie

Spizzico

Cafe Cubano

Jim & Pete’s Inari

Russell’s Barbecue

Old World Pizza

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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Melissa’s Memorable Meals

The Italian at Mercato di Fiore:

Alpine

7538 W North Ave

Armand’s Pizzeria

7650 W North Ave

Ashleys Café & Tap

7500 W Grand Ave

Bon Vivant Juice & Smoothie Bar

7334 W. Diversey 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

Circle Tavern 18 Conti Pkwy

Culvers

7542 W Grand Ave

Donny G’s

7308 W North Ave

Celtic Corner

Circle Tavern

Dugout

George’s

Dunkin Donuts 7201 W. Grand Ave

Eggsperience 16 Conti Pkwy

Great American Bagel 7230 W North Ave

Gringo & Blondie 7514 W North Ave

Happy Wok 1742 N Harlem Ave

Inari 7428 W North Ave

Jim & Pete’s 7806 W North Ave

Jimmy John’s 1702 N Harlem Ave

Johnnie’s 7500 W North Ave

Massa Café 7434 W North Ave

McDonalds 7217 W Grand Ave

New Star Restaurant 7444 W North Ave

RESTAURANTS BARS

Green Star Hunters On The Rocks

Phil’s Sports Bar

Old World 7230 W North Ave

Panera 7400 North Ave

Russell’s Barbecue 1621 Thatcher Ave

Spizzico& Senor Jefe 7446 W North Ave

Subway 2836 N. Harlem Ave 7230 W. North Ave

Tacos 2 Go 7530 W. Grand Ave

The Barre Studio & Café

12 W. Conti Parkway

Tony D’s 7725 W Belmont Ave

Trattoria Peppino’s 7440 W North Ave

Union Tap 7707 Westwood #1A

Wing Stop 1740 N Harlem Ave

Tiny Tap Union Tap

This Chicago style sandwich, filled with mortadella, capicola and salami, gets a hyperlocal and noteworthy twist, with the addition of Honey G, a craft giardiniera developed by Jeff Mauro, River Forest resident and Food Network star.

Fatty Hamachi at Okami, Chicago:

This North Avenue District sushi and ramen shop, flies low under the radar, but their rolls and noodles are topflight. Chef Uiprapassorn surprised us with this fatty Hamachi bite on a recent visit and we clamor for more!

A lovely latte and a Croissant from

Whirlwind, Oak Park:

Simple is sometimes best. This super flakey croissant from Publican Quality Bread paired perfectly with a frothy, artistically adorned latte made with locally roasted Whirlwind coffee.

This jam and cream-filled scone from Addis Café, Oak Park:

A cup of Ethiopian coffee needs a companion and the entire menu at Addis Café is appealing, but this berry filled breakfast was as cozy and comforting as it can get.

Cocktails for Two at Kettlestrings

Grove, Oak Park:

Behold the Euclid Treasure and the Oak Park 75 — two lovely libations to enjoy at the end of a busy week. Drinkers should expect to find an array of chef driven dishes to enjoy between sips. We love the olives!

Next Level Hibachi Dinners at New Star

More than 30 years ago, Jinny Zhao took her first job at a Chinese restaurant. Eventually she bought the place and grew the staff from five to more than 150 before retiring. Thankfully, retirement did not stick for the dedicated restaurateur — Elmwood Park and surrounding communities have benefitted ever since.

Zhao left her leisurely lifestyle behind in favor of purchasing New Star in 2015. The veteran restaurant owner immediately turned her attention to updating the Elmwood Park mainstay After all, New Star had been serving up traditional Cantonese cuisine since 1954. While Zhao is proud to carry on the New Star traditions started by the Moy family decades ago, she eagerly expanded the cuisines available at the North Avenue establishment bringing both Thai and

Japanese dishes to the menu.

In 2017, Zhao turned her attention to the banquet room in the back of the restaurant. The outdated space was underutilized, and Zhao had a vision to bring entertaining

hibachi dinners to New Star. Today the fiery meals are drawing customers by the hundreds seven days a week. On busy nights the room welcomes more than 300 hungry hibachi fans.

“I am always improving my restaurant,” said Zhao “There was no hibachi in the area, and I thought offering the meals would be attractive to younger people and bring a new generation to New Star.”

Every table features a trained hibachi chef who puts on a show while deftly cooking dinner

Flaming onion volcanos and fried rice beating hearts enchant guests while tossing delicate eggs and flipping full bowls of fried rice draw applause from onlookers. Every hibachi meal at New Star comes with a soup and salad and sides including a vegetable medley, chicken fried

rice and soft long noodles. Zhao points out the teriyaki steak is the most popular protein selection among patrons because of the fresh meat and skilled preparation.

Note that lines to enjoy a hibachi dinner at New Star are often long; guests have been known to wait more than two hours for a table. To minimize wait times Zhao suggests calling to see if reservations are available on the evening you are hoping to dine and always advises arriving for an early dinner is the single best way to dine without a wait.

Zhao’s respect for both tradition and innovation are a key reason New Star remains a destination for both special occasions and everyday fare in Elmwood Park.

New Star

7444 W. North Ave. Elmwood Park (708) 453-8242

newstarelmwoodpark.com

La Lupita celebrates a mother’s touch in every dish

For 17 years La Lupita 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 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.

In 1992 the Figueroa family returned to the United States and settled in Chicago While Lupita took factory jobs, 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 vacant restaurant on Cermak Road. More kitchen than dining room, the diminutive space held just four 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.

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

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.

Jinny Zhao, owner of New Star, smiles proudly in her state-ofthe-art hibachi room in Elmwood Park.

A collage of the warming dishes, including mole, pozole and menudo, offered at La Lupita on Cermak Road in Berwyn.

Melissa Elsmo

Melissa Elsmo

Inari is on a (Maki) Roll on Restaurant Row

When served in Japan, sushi is a celebration of simplicity and freshness while in America extravagant maki rolls tend to dominate menus. Building on a traditional trio of ingredients including seaweed, seasoned rice and fresh fish these rolls create opportunities for creative chefs to distinguish themselves from the multitude of spots serving up sushi in the states.

Inari Sushi and Sake Lounge, 7428 W. North Ave., keeps with tradition by offering straightforward sashimi, nigiri and maki rolls that honor owner Sara Kate’s career long devotion to sourcing quality ingredients, but their specialty rolls have evolved well beyond the typical California roll. Consider Inari’s Flaming Dragon Roll — this baked inside-out roll is stuffed with shrimp tempura, scallions and sweet spicy mayo before being topped with fresh salmon, super white tuna, black and red tobiko, scallions and sesame

Inari Sushi

7428 W North Ave, Elmwood Park (708) 583-2300

inarisushielmwoodpark.com

seeds. The offering is literally set on fire before landing on a customer ’s table. The showy offering is a favorite among Inari’s regular customers.

Folks looking for a different type of heat will appreciate the Diablo Roll filled with spicy tuna, avocado, cucumber, cilantro and fresh jalapeno. This spicy offering, garnished with tempura crunch, spicy mayo and sweet soy, is sure to please hot heads everywhere.

The creativity continues with Inari’s alphabetically inclined S.T.A.Y Rolling Roll featuring letter focused ingredients:

salmon, tuna, avocado, and yellow tail. The offering is a delicious spelling lesson. The festive X’mas Specialty Roll lets a well-known color palate drive the dish. Look for ruby-hued tuna, snow crab and tobiko to join green-hued cucumber and avocado in this ode to a festive time of year. The memorable roll is meant to be enjoyed all year long.

Precede any Inari maki roll offering with a piping hot bowl of housemade miso soup or an innovative appetizer offering. A healthy summer roll, found among Inari’s rotating menu of daily specials, appeals to health-conscious visitors. In lieu of nori and rice this maki-inspired starter is wrapped in carved cucumber and sweet sauce. Inari’s spicy tuna ravioli boasts an especially memorable presentation with tuna and crab meat mixed with ponzu sauce hidden behind scales of thinly sliced avocado.

Though rooted in Japanese tradition, Inari’s offerings celebrate the best side of American sushi cuisine while remaining both elevated and refined. The decade old sushi lounge offers deceptively complex, chef driven creations with customer comfort in mind — a noteworthy combination on North Avenue.

The flaming dragon specialty roll at Inari Sushi.

Melissa Elsmo

Flaming Dragon

Spicy garlic miso ramen

Ma, Marco A. Hernandez, Sara Kate, Sophie Bebis

Carnitas Don Alfredo: Make

arnitas Don Alfredo, at the corner of Lake Street and First Avenue, is one of three local outposts of this Mexican restaurant group Attached to a gas station, this small to-go restaurant specializes in carnitas, pork slow-cooked in its own fat. This is also the way French duck confit is prepared: simmered in fat, the meat becomes richer, more tender, lush and delicious.

At Carnitas Don Alfredo, the nice lady behind the counter asked, “Would you like the meat with or without fat and skin?” She added, wincing, “Without is less greasy.” When asked “Which one do you like,” she replied, “I like it with fat and skin,” so we bought a pound of carnitas with and a pound of carnitas without fat and skin, just to compare the two. A pound of carnitas is priced very reasonably

Carnitas Don Alfredo advertises carnitas

“estilo Michoacan,” in the style of the Mexican state of Michoacan, which is where carnitas were thought to have originated (sometime after the sixteenth century invasion of the Spanish, who brought pigs to the New World). The carnitas at Don Alfredo are chopped into small pieces to make it easier to use in tacos.

We’ve enjoyed carnitas at a number of places in Mexico and in Chicago’s largely Hispanic Pilsen area, many times at the legendary Carnitas Uruapan. Never before have I been asked if I wanted carnitas with skin and fat: traditionally, carnitas just come that way. At Carnitas Don Alfredo they

Brad Knaub of Carnivore likes a blend of both styles of carnitas, saying, “The mix is the truth. Also, handmade tortillas. I buy for my staff anytime I’m nearby.” If you’re a little hesitant about the greasy version, you might consider getting a mix.”

more flavorful than just the chopped meat. With your order, you’ll be asked if you want red (chili arbol) or green (tomatillo) salsa with your carnitas. Both are made in-house, and they are fantastic: you want both.

– David Hammond

mmm...

Melissa’s Memorable Meals

The Tijuana Dog from Cigars and Stripes, Berwyn:

The Tijuana dog features a smoked, bacon-wrapped, allbeef hot dog served on a flour tortilla topped with cheese, onions, pico de gallo and a grilled serrano pepper to put some spice in your life. What may seem like a mishmash of ingredients comes together in a bold and harmonious bite.

Betty White’s favorite meal from Mickey’s Gyros and Beef, Oak Park:

Earlier this year GCM and the business community honored what would have been Betty White’s 100th birthday in epic style. Mickey’s served up a plain hot dog, French fries and a Coke worthy of our favorite Golden Girl!

A Ropa Vieja Sandwich from Cubanito Express, Riverside:

Looking for more than your average grab-and-go establishment? In a twist on a Cuban tradition, Cubanito Express serves up a pressed Ropa Vieja sandwich featuring shredded beef in creole tomato sauce, house made black beans and sweet plantains.

Pizza in a bag from Bertolli’s, River Forest:

Frank Bertolli grew up in the pizza business and River Forest is better for it. Their classic pies are thin crust pizza lover’s dream. Ripping open the bag is just as good as opening a present — a gift with ooey gooey cheese!

An outlier taco from Beach Ave. BBQ, Brookfield:

Known for slinging Wagyu brisket and whole hog pulled pork, Beach Ave. BBQ also has a notable special menu including unexpected things like this mighty good fried fish taco on a hand-made tortilla!

Try a new restaurant this week!

Sugarbeet Co-op a grocery for the community

Independent grocery store, Sugar Beet Food Co-op is embedded in the community and dedicated to providing a one-of-a-kind shopping experience in Oak Park. The small, but mighty store is community-owned in the truest sense of word. The ownership model gives invested shoppers the opportunity to be actively involved in co-op governance, but Sugar Beet, 812 Madison St., Oak Park, is open to the general public.

“People still worry if they walk in the door they will get kicked out,” said Lissa Dysart, Sugar Beet’s marketing manager. “But the number one thing people need to know is that you do not need to be a member to shop here.”

Though it can be difficult to decipher what is going on behind the tinted window of the historic building housing the co-op, shoppers should expect Sugar Beet to be a welcoming and fun place to shop. The colorful produce section is 99% organic

Sugar Beet Food Co-op

yellow beans, and beet bunches for Sugar Beet.

and relies largely on locally sourced fruits and vegetables to stock the department. Spur Farms, owned by Veronica Cibotaru of Oak Park’s Delia’s Kitchen, is among the produce purveyors for the co-op Of course, available produce rotates with the seasons, but Cibotaru grows items like cucamelons, ground cherries, eggplant, green and

Sugar Beet’s café is also a celebration of all things local. They offer sweet treats from Chicago-based, Latina-owned, You’re a ookie — makers of vegan, nut-free and gluten-free items. The dough is offered for sale in the co-op’s freezer section for a takeand-bake option, but freshly baked cookies are also available in the in-house café. Other pastries are sourced from Holcomb Hollow, West Town Bakery, Mindful Bakery, and Silverland Bakery. The café proudly serves freshly brewed hyperlocal Whirlwind coffee, nitro cold brew, healing turmeric lattes, and fruit smoothies with optional nutritional add-ins.

Though unassuming compared to larger grocery stores, Sugar Beet has a robust prepared foods section. There are not traditional service counters, but all the sandwiches, soups and salads are made fresh, on-site daily by a team of 40 employees. Peek into the upright case and discover the famous “VLT” sandwich made with veggie bacon from Chicago-based Upton’s Naturals and Mighty Vine tomatoes. A rotating menu of soups include gluten free varieties like Chicken Tortilla, Ginger Carrot, Quinoa & Sweet Potato Chili. This month Sugar Beet will debut a reflowed shop they have designed with guidance from National Co-op Grocers whose mission is to optimize operational and marketing resources, and strengthen purchasing power for grocery co-ops across the nation. A reception and new owner drive is planned for October 22. Plan to pop by — after all the co-op is owned by the community and open to everybody!

Mia Herrod, of Oak Park, grabs some groceries at the Sugar Beet Co-op.

Alex Rogals

Grape leaves of oak park

Moroccan Restaurant · Tagines

The Answers:

If you scored 8-13 you are BIG NIGHT (1996):

You are uncompromising in your desire for perfection and prize authenticity above all else. Behind your retro-cool exterior you have exacting standards, but your friends and family are in awe of your skills and talent. People may not understand your point of view all the time, but when you let your guard down you can be completely warm and loveable. Have dinner at Tre Sorelle or Rustico before streaming Big Night on Netflix..

If you scored 14-19 you are RATATOUILLE (2007):

You are an idealist with genuine entrepreneurial spirit. You see potential in everyone and believe passion, tenacity and dedication will make your dreams come true. You value partnership and believe everyone (including you) has greatness inside them. Order ratatouille from Hemmingway’s Bistro and some strawberry cheesecake from Schweet before streaming the movie on Disney+.

are TORTILLA SOUP (2001):

Family connection is at the heart of everything you do Some may say you are a bit of a worrywart, but you know how to manage all the different personalities in your life. You

respect tradition but have a modern flair and sincere zest for life. You use all your senses to bring love, laughter and respect to your life and the lives of others. Get some fare from Taco Mucho, Mexican Republic, or Margaritas before streaming the film acock.

If you scored 2732 you are WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE CTORY (1971):

Despite some hardship, you find a ally enjoy the sweet side of life. You are humble, optimistic, honest and caretaking of those around you. Though you may doubt yourself from time-totime, you believe your imagination and creative side will take you far Make a donation to the Community Fridge and gather treats from Oak Park Bakery, Candycopia, Spilt Milk and Happy Apple before watching on HBO Max or Amazon Prime.

If you scored 3337 you are JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI (2011):

You are a music lover with a pristine aesthetic. You take comfort in routine and repetition and your consistency has made you a standout in your field. You don’t claim

to be perfect but focus every day on improving your skills incrementally. Immersing yourself in tasks has helped you earned the respect of your peers. Grab some sushi from Sen, Inari, or Sushi House and watch the documentary on Netflix.

When you feel like you are in a rut, you are inclined to leave the mundane and frustrating behind and embark on an adventure. You can be a little hot headed at times, but your heart is in the right place, and you are willing to work for your ou have a strong desire to make meaningful memories and nurture family connections. Snag some food from Cubanito Express or Media Noche Café, get off Twitter and stream the film on Hulu.

Devoted and intelligent, you are a true friend who likes to express a wide range of emotions. You like wine (like a lot) and will try your best to help those you love navigate life’s challenges. Life has thrown you some curveballs and you know you still have some growing up to do, but you are resilient and willing to help lift others up when life gets them down. Cheers to that! Visit Anfora Wine Merchants before you watch Sideways on HBO Max or Amazon Prime.

See the questions on page page 8

If you scored 38-43 you are CHEF (2004):

If you scored 44-48 you are SIDEWAYS (2004):

#HotMocha AllDay • kribicoffee.com

Enjoy the best sips around in the hottest spot in town, @kribicoffee. The Hot Kribi Mocha is delicious, so stop by the lounge for a taste!

Kribi Coffee

7324 Madison St, Forest Park 1033 South Blvd, Oak Park

#craftbeer • exitstrategybrewing.com

@exitstrategybrewing

Taproom • Brwery • Kitchen

Exit Strategy

7700 Madison, Forest Park

#thelittlegem • thelittlegemcafe.com

Delicious regional and seasonal menu

Serving lunch, brunch and dinner

The Little Gem Cafe 189 N. Marion, Oak Park

#instagood • browncowicecream.com

From deep dish pies for Thanksgiving to a pint flight of holiday flavors - The Brown Cow has you covered for holiday desserts and sweet gifts! We look forward to celebrating with you! Order online today.

The Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor & Creamery

7347 Madison, Forest Park

#encorebylittlegem encorelittlegem.com

Dining and Live Music Tuesday thru Saturday from 5pm

Encore! by Little Gem

187 N Marion, Oak Park

#foodfavs #foodcoop #garlicspread #garliclove #yummy sugarbeetcoop.squarespace.com

!! Fav item alert !! Grocery Manager Marcus loves spreading this creamy garlic on veggie burgers, and wants everyone to try out this smooth garlic spread perfect for adding a bit more zing to any meal!

Sugar Beet Co-Op

812 Madison, Oak Park

#broastedchicken • billsfastfood.com

Since 1983 owner Bill Konstantapoulos has cooked at his open kitchen restaurant. It’s proof that he is confident and proud of his staff and the food they serve.

Bill’s Place

1146 Maple Ave, La Grange Park

#yappyhour #dogfriendly • beershophq.com

When Apollo had to choose between sitting like a good boy and running for the rosé, he chose chaos. Other four legged friends are as prim and proper as they come. They have been pouring beer and petting dogs at Beer Shop since 2015.

Beer Shop

1026 North Blvd, Oak Park

#MoroccanFood • grapeleaves.us

Let’s eat grape leaves at Grape Leaves! And falafel and baba ghanoush and hummus, too.

Grape Leaves of Oak Park offers something for everyone.

Grape Leaves

129 S. Oak Park Ave, Oak Park

#hotdog • stripesbbq.com

From the colorful streets of Tijuana, Mexico and fresh off the smoker, the perfect quick bite has arrived! Indulge in an all-beef dog wrapped in bacon and served on a homestyle tortilla.

Cigars and Stripes BBQ Lounge

6715 W. Ogden Ave, Ber wyn

#sushitime • inarisushi.com

Artful plating alert! Check out this pink-hued chef ’s selection of sushi from Inari in Elmwood Park. Talk about a lovely lunch.

Inari Sushi and Sake

7428 W. North Ave, Elmwood Park

#fantasticfungi • caffedeluca.com

Celebrate fall flavors at Caffé De Lucca with a hearty wild mushroom risotto. Shaved Parmesan takes this rich dish to the next level.

Caffé DeLuca

7427 Madison St, Forest Park

#OMG • newrebozos.com

The Cancun Grill from N Rebozo is perfect date night fare. Steak, chicken and shrimp with guajillo peppers, nopales and onions—Omg! A perfect dinner for two.

N Rebozo

7403 Madison St, Forest Park

#mycucina • cucinaoakpark.com

Let’s welcome fall with a Cucina classic. Chicken Pistachio is pan-fried with pistachio breadcrumb crust, red pepper cream balsamic sauce, creamy polenta, grilled asparagus.

Cucina Paradiso

814 North Blvd, Oak Park

Committed to Oak Park and River Forest

To learn more about our commitment to Oak Park and River Forest, visit bylinebank.com/oprf