January/February 2014

 THE CITY BY THE BAY

 SPOTLIGHT ON WHEATON

 BEAUTIFUL BATHS

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 WEST SUBURBAN

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Editor & Publisher | Chuck Cozette Managing Editor | Roseanne Segovia Assistant Editor | Joe Allen Art Director | Catherine A. LePenske

Contributing Writers Laura Amann, Joni Hirsch Blackman, Buzz Brandt, Jay Copp,Sandy Koropp, Denise Linke, Jennie McKee, Katie Morell, Lynn Petrak, Lisa Sloan, Sara Pearsaul Vice, Michele Weldon, Tom Witom Contributing Photographer Ed Ahern Advertising Sales Pam Loebel, Susan Reetz Accounting/Circulation Jennifer Cozette

Reader Advisory Board Laurie Barton (Glen Ellyn), Karla Bullett (Lombard) Linda Cassidy (Campton Hills), Mary Ellen Coombs (Wheaton), Joan Hoff (Elmhurst) Grace Grzanek (Batavia), Liz Hunka (Wheaton) Nancy Jensen (Batavia), Holly Jordan (Wheaton) Mary Ellen Kastenholz (Western Springs) Kate Kirkpatrick (Naperville) Molly Livermore (St. Charles) Pamela Peterson (Burr Ridge) Diana Santos (Woodridge), Darla Scheidt (Darien) Jean Stawarz (Oak Brook) Marilyn Straub (Willowbrook)

West Suburban Living is a publication of C2 Publishing, Inc. 5101 Darmstadt Rd., Hillside, IL 60162 630.834.4995 / 630.834.4996 (fax) wsl@westsuburbanliving.net www.westsuburbanliving.net No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission of C2 Publishing, Inc. Any views expressed in any advertisement, signed letter, article or photograph are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of West Suburban Living or its parent company.

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WEST SUBURBAN LIVING

West Suburban Living (Vol. 19, No. 1 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014; ISSN No. 1532-6705) is published bi-monthly (6 times a year) by C2 Publishing, Inc., 5101 Darmstadt Rd., Hillside, IL 60162, 630 834-4995, fax 630 834-4996.

Periodicals postage paid at Elmhurst, Illinois and additional mailing offices. Subscriptions: 1 year $15; 2 years $22; 3 years $30. Single copy $3.95; back issues, as available, $6. West Suburban Living assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials. POSTMASTER: Send changes of address to West Suburban Living Magazine, P.O. Box 111, Elmhurst, IL 60126. Printed in USA.

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Contents West Suburban Living

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January/February

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2014

Getaways

30

62

san francisco splendor

The City by the Bay offers plenty of attractions — we take you on an inside tour.

Home&Garden help for home gardeners

Tapping into a wealth of great local resources for assistance and inspiration.

70

70

beautiful baths

See how four west suburban homeowners created the baths of their dreams.

Health&Wellness

66

Holistic heaLING

Non-traditional medical treatments like chiropractics and acupuncture are gaining broader acceptance.

Town Focus

80

 Features 50

62

Rise & shine a delicious morning meal

Home to an abundance of resources, from county government, to museums, to the college that bares its name.

SPECIAL SECTION

13 great local breakfast spots where you can savor

wheaton

56

It’s Show time!

New and expanded performance

— plus more than a dozen

venues are bringing top talent

other area favorites.

to a stage near you.

65

MENU GUIDE Browse menus from a variety of top area restaurants

ON THE COVER: A summer concert at RiverEdge Park in Aurora.

4 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | WEST SUBURBAN LIVING

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Departments

West Suburban Living

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January/February

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2014

16

90

35

Perspectives

8 28

96

FOREWORD

Staging a change in the arts Life in the Burbs

20

New book releases and reviews from west suburban writers.

Last Word

Dealing with divorce

22

Puttin’ on those dancing shoes

14

You don’t have to be a star to have fun on the dance floor.

16

stops & shops

New stores and favorite hidden gems

Dining

88

REVIEW: GIBSON’S Oak Brook location does the iconic steakhouse proud.

90

REVIEW: FIRE + WINE Wood-fired pizza, pasta & small plates in Glen Ellyn.

87

NEW RESTAURANTS

92

CHEERS

Out&About

making a difference

From training service dogs to increasing blood donations,

Tips on how to manage the process and limit the fallout.

Style&Fashion

Around the Towns

12

local authors

Re-training your travel mindset: Taking a fresh look at an old mode of transportation.

The key to having a hopeful attitude.

westsuburbanliving.net The go-to site for the Best of the Western Suburbs at your fingertips!

to helping kids in need, these local residents make service a part of their daily lives.

35

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

The best in music, theatre and other area events

Falafelji in La Grange, Fulla Bologna in Elmhurst, Fire It Up Fusion Taco Grill in Naperville A surge in red wine blends

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editor’s Note Staging a Change in the Arts “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I’ll try again tomorrow.”

- Mary Anne Radmacher

“Character consists of what you do on the third and fourth tries.” ―

- James A. Michener

“Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”

- St. Francis of Assisi

“Count it all joy my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking

T

he “land beyond O’Hare.” That was how a former Chicago newspaper columnist once referred to the western suburbs. The comment typified the perception at the time that the suburbs were ubiquitous and bland — that there were few, if any, noteworthy attractions to distinguish the region or make it worth visiting.

Part of the comment was typical Chicago snobbery, as many city-dwellers both then and now tend to have a condescending — albeit typically uninformed — view of any place in the metropolitan area that can’t be accessed by the “L.” But as with many unfair stereotypes, there was more than a grain of truth to the perception. There really wasn’t much going on in the western suburbs at the time.

Those days, I am happy to say, are long gone ! As those of us who have lived in the area for any length of time well know, the western suburbs have blossomed in many ways in recent years. Among the most dramatic and noteworthy area of change has come in the realm of arts and entertainment. As you will see from our cover feature, “It’s Show Time,” on page 56, the western suburbs now boast a wide range of exceptional concert and performing arts venues which are attracting a surprising array of top talent to the area. One of the perks of my job is that I

in nothing.”

- James 1:2-4

periodically get to attend some of these great shows and I can say from firsthand experience, the facilities and productions are outstanding.

If you haven’t recently, make a point to take in a local show or concert. I’m willing to bet you’ll have a great time.

Speaking of having a great time, I’m not much of a dancer, but I do have some very fond memories from years back of hitting the dance floor at the venerable Willowbrook Ballroom in Willow Springs. We went with another couple who had just finished taking a few ballroom dance lessons and were looking to try out their new skills. We all had a ball, not just dancing, but listening to the live band and admiring the amazing footwork and showmanship of some the more veteran dancers. The Willowbrook is still going strong — indeed it is the only facility of its kind in the country regularly hosting live bands for dancing. It is one of several places cited in our feature, “Puttin’ on Those Dancing Shoes,” on page 12 where you can go to literally kick up your heels for an evening.

As always, we hope you enjoy this issue, and thanks for being a reader!

Chuck Cozette, Editor & Publisher chuck@westsuburbanliving.net 8 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

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The

Around towns

COMMUNITY

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STOPS & SHOPS

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LOCAL HEROES

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LIFE IN THE BURBS

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LOCAL AUTHORS

Stepping Out PARTNER DANCING, from the fox trot and the waltz to the salsa and the tango, is enjoying a resurgence in popularity. For an inside look at the local dance scene including where to go to cha cha cha the night away, turn to page 12.

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THE

AROUND TOWNS

Puttin' On Those

Dancing Shoes You don't have to be a star to have fun on the dance floor

W

hen you consider that the western suburbs is home to the only venue in the country offering ballroom dancing on a regular basis with a live orchestra — the venerable Willowbrook Ballroom in Willow Springs — it should come as no surprise that there are plenty of local folks who enjoy kicking up their heels on the dance floor.

The popularity of television’s “Dancing with the Stars” hasn’t hurt. Longtime dance instructors credit the show with fueling a resurgence in interest, particularly among middle-age couples and men.

“The show gives people an actual visual of what the dance styles look like -— it’s what motivates them to learn a particular style,” says Kelly Lakomy, who, with her husband James Dutton, owns Arthur Murray

studios in Naperville and Oak Brook. “People used to think the Fox Trot was old fashioned, but it’s actually a beautiful jazzy dance.

“The show opens their minds and allows the younger generation to seek out partner dancing versus just gyrating in the clubs.”

Pop culture has always affected dancing.

“Saturday Night Fever” brought out younger dancers and “Urban Cowboy” sparked an interest in country western and swing dancing. Salsa has been hot for a while.

But “Dancing with the Stars” is what really introduced swing and ballroom dance to a new and broader audience.

“When men saw pro athletes dancing — guys they knew from other walks of life — they thought, ‘Maybe I’ll give it a try.’

Before that, it was the fear of the unknown that kept them away,” says Bill Davy, who has owned a Fred Astaire studio for 38 years.

“But now, even if they’re hesitant at first, they realize they’re having a good time.”

Greg Andresen agrees. The Burr Ridge resident and his wife, Beth, have been dancing through Fred Astaire — which has studios in Burr Ridge, Bartlett and Mokena, among other locations — for the past two and a half years.

“With the children gone, couples are looking for something to do together,” says Andresen. “It does a lot of great self-esteem things for people of a certain age.”

Among dancing’s other notable benefits are improved cardiovascular health and better posture, grace and poise. Not to mention one often overlooked advantage.

“It’s the number one preventative activity for Alzheimer’s and dementia,” says Lakomy. “It’s both mental and physical.

They say playing word games and learning

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e

s m

ys

g

a language are good, but dancing is number one. Besides, it’s fun! If I’m going to work out, I’d rather enjoy it.”

It’s “a great exercise for mind and body,” agrees Patrick J. Gillespie of Darien, who at 80 years old still dances regularly at Celebrity Dance Studio in Downers Grove. Gillespie especially enjoys the waltz, which he considers “the most graceful of dances that two people can perform.”

Some couples take a lesson or two strictly to learn a dance for their kids’ wedding; others consider it a social activity. Some, like the Andresens, take it further and compete regionally and even nationally.

For those preferring to dip their toes in a bit more slowly, a number of area park districts — including Naperville, Oakbrook Terrace, Downers Grove and Geneva — offer introductory classes.

“You don’t have to have a partner,” says Tom Sterba, who has taught in Naperville for 25 years at his Sterba’s Dancesport studio, and teaches regularly at six park districts as well.

“Single men work with a female teacher who teaches them how to lead; women work with men and get an idea of how to follow.”

“It’s ballroom, Latin, swing, salsa. Whatever

“Every time we work on our dancing, it's brand new.

You learn to communicate better through touch — it's a connection." music is out there, you can dance to with a partner,” says Sterba, who prefers the term “partnership dancing” to the more old-fashioned ballroom dancing. “It’s for a new generation, not something our grandparents did.”

Sterba also spends a lot of time teaching the youngest generation in six to eight week classes at middle schools around the suburbs.

PTAs in towns like Burr Ridge and Glen Ellyn hire Sterba to teach social etiquette as well as dance.

“Guys and girls learn how to ask someone to dance, how to hold a dance frame. They can waltz to Pink or cha cha to Usher and Michael Buble,” says Sterba.

“It’s not just Frank Sinatra!”

On the other end of the age spectrum, Davy notes, baby boomers didn’t grow up touching each other while dancing, the way the previous generation did.

“So many of us were used to dancing apart, but as we’re aging, we don’t want to do that anymore,” says Davy. “So now they're getting lessons, and it’s like a sport — it’s all about muscle memory and repetition.”

One advantage of learning “partnership dance” is the social aspect, especially when taking a class. “It’s a good place to rebirth a social life,” says Lakomy. “Learning to dance and having platonic partners instead of going to a bar — that’s what’s great about dancing.

People feel absolutely safe. The staff is like a family and we have no discrimination about ability — we’re open arms for everyone.”

For couples, partnership dance is also the “perfect way to reconnect with your loved one,” maintains Lakomy, who has been dancing with Dutton for 15 years. “Every time we work on our dancing, it’s brand new. You learn to communicate better through touch, it’s a connection. It’s a nice way to have a hobby with your partner, going out to dance instead of always to eat and drink and see a movie. And once you have it, you have it forever, you never lose it.”

But the quintessential traditional ballroom dancing experience still has to be the place that has been providing ballroom dancing in the western suburbs for 90 years — the Willowbrook Ballroom. Every Sunday, lessons are offered for an hour, then one of six live orchestras plays for three hours.

Other types of dancing are offered on other evenings, including country western, line dancing and salsa. The ballroom’s biggest event is the New Year’s Eve dinner dance when Joliet’s Teddy Lee Orchestra, which has played at the Willowbrook for 70 years, headlines.

“It’s quite popular still,” says owner Birute Jodwalis, of the place she and her husband bought 16 years ago from the family that founded the ballroom. “We have regulars, including one man from Westchester who is 98 years old and comes every week. He says it keeps him young!” — Joni Hirsch Blackman

Where to Kick Up Your Heels For couples looking to step out for an evening of dancing, local instructors recommend the following local venues.

Cadillac Ranch, Bartlett Lessons Tuesday, Friday, Saturday www.cadranch.com/ dancelessons.php Esteban’s, Naperville Salsa dancing www.estebansdiningdancing.com The Foundry, Aurora Salsa nights Tuesday & Friday www.thefoundryonline.com Galway Bar & Grill, Elmhurst West Coast Wednesdays www.westcoastwednesdays.com/ The Grotto, Oak Brook Live DJ Fridays www.grottooakbrook.com Luigi’s House/Julian’s Piano Bar, Naperville Live music, Fridays & Saturdays. www.juliansbar.com Trademark Tavern, Lombard Live music weekends, Salsa Saturdays www.trademarktavern.com Two Brothers Roundhouse, Aurora Various, check calendar www.twobrothersroundhouse.com/ entertainment The Willowbrook Ballroom, Willow Springs Various dancing all week www.willowbrookballroom.com Dance studios such as Fred Astaire, Arthur Murray and Sterba’s Dancesport also hold dance parties throughout the week for their students.

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Stops&Shops



Photo by Jennie McKee

Photo courtesy of Painted Rubbish

Photo by Jennie McKee

Hidden Gems & Longtime Favorites

OCCASIONS

PAINTED RUBBISH

THIA & CO.

Downtown naperville is home to

Those interested in fending off

located in a lovely victorian

occasions (121 S. Washington St.,

cabin fever would do well to visit

630 778-9470), a fine tabletop and artisan gift store filled with unique items for celebrating birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and other note-worthy occasions. The shop, which has a sister location in south Naperville at the English Rows Towne Centre (3027 English Rows Ave., 630 355-5045), carries everything from picture frames and fine tabletop pieces to pottery, purses, and jewelry.

Owner Donna Smith, a former buyer for Marshall Field’s, stocks the store with products made by 20 different artists. The result is a wealth of distinctive items that incorporate influences from Mexico, Italy, and other countries around the world.

Occasions also carries hand-crafted Swarovski crystal jewelry by Mariana as well as Vera Bradley products, Thymes Home Fragrances, Caspari paper products, and Paddywax candles.

— Jennie McKee

Painted Rubbish in Burr Ridge (7700 Brush Hill Rd., 630 664-0951), an inviting vintage furniture boutique and art school that recently moved to Burr Ridge after outgrowing its original location in La Grange.

“We specialize in building quality furniture from reclaimed woods, making vintage furniture look new, and painting anything we can get our hands on,” says owner Gina De La Mora. “Most of our furniture comes from estate sales, so we feel we are ‘rescuing’ it from destruction. We give it a new life.”

Customers can liven up their home décor with vintage glassware and lamps, as well as restored and repainted dressers, chairs, tables, and other delightful finds.

Painted Rubbish also provides a friendly, relaxed atmosphere for taking classes on furniture painting, canvas painting and mixed media arts, allowing art enthusiasts of all skill levels to try their hand in a variety of mediums. —Jennie McKee

home a block west of the train station in Wheaton (519 W. Front St., 630 510-9770), Thia & Co. offers a huge selection of personalized invitations, as well as birth announcements and stationery.

Since 2001, owners Mary Ellen and Dan Fyock have been providing customers with artfully created invitations for weddings, showers, graduations, anniversary gatherings and other events.

Prospective clients can sit down for a one-on-one consultation and check out the wide array of samples and resource books the store has on hand.

Among the many brands available are Carlson Craft, William Arthur, Monique Lhuillier, Crane & Co., Checkerboard and Birchcraft.

Thia & Co. also offers custom design and custom printing services.

Thia & Co. is closely affiliated with a number of reception venues in the western suburbs.

“Please contact us to make an appointment.” —Jennie McKee

New Store Openings Following is a sampling of new stores that have opened in the last few months in the western suburbs.

For a full list, go to westsuburbanliving.net.

APRICOT LANE Celebrity-inspired branded apparel, fashion jewelry, handbags and accessories.

140 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville.

BOSS HUGO BOSS Offers fashionable and

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elegant “modern classics” in business, leisure and formalwear for men and women. Oakbrook Center.

LANDS’ END Casual clothing for men and women including sweaters, outerwear, and

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home products. Yorktown Center. 630 953-8855 ONE OF A KIND FIND Up-cycled, renewed, and re-treasured items of jewelry, art, furniture, and home décor. 228 W. Main St., St. Charles. 630 549-7927

PINOT’S PALETTE Offers wine and painting classes and hosts parties and events. 175 W. Jackson, Suite 123, Naperville.

331 457-5440 Studio i Do Wedding and event

collaborative with three event specialists. 5120 Main St., Downers Grove.

UNLEASHED BY PETCO Sells high-end cat and dog food and pet accessories.

30 S. Lincoln St., Hinsdale.

630 655-3164

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Morgan Riley of Glen Ellyn with her dog in training, Josie.

Photo courtesy of Randall Bullen Photography

Localheroes

Making a Difference From training service dogs, to increasing blood donations, to helping kids in need, these local residents make serving others a regular part of their daily lives

T

here are countless people throughout our communities who, through their often unheralded contributions, are making an important and positive difference in the lives of others. With the new year, we thought we would spotlight three such local heroes.

Morgan Riley of Glen Ellyn A lot of girls Morgan Riley’s age have dogs. But the Glenbard West junior is raising her seventh dog in seven years and only one still lives with her.

Morgan, 17, is one of the youngest puppy raisers to work with Canine Companions Inc. And with five of her six graduated dogs now assisting handicapped recipients, she has one of the highest success

rates, too.“The dogs don’t all make it through the program — about 40 percent do,” says Ashley Koehler of the North Central CCI office in Ohio. “She had just one who was released” and that one is a therapy dog.

Morgan sounds like a young parent.

The hardest part? Getting up in the middle of the night with the puppies. The thing she’s learned? Positive reinforcement works best. Has her discipline style changed?

She’s less strict now than she was with the first puppy. And she admits sometimes confusing her previous pups’ quirks — was that Friday or Oceana who loved to wake her up in the morning?

Even the rewards are similar to parenting: “I love seeing them grow up and become

a great dog,” Morgan says. “They really bloom. I like seeing what happens to them and what they end up doing.”

Morgan’s hobby started when she asked her parents for a puppy. They didn’t think she was ready for the responsibility until the second-grader met a woman at their church who was raising a puppy for CCI. “I’d pet the dog after church and ask her questions,” Morgan recalls. “She eventually started teaching me to teach the puppy and she later invited me to training classes.”

Morgan’s parents insisted she’d be the one to get up with a puppy, to feed and walk the puppy, no matter the weather.

Starting in the summer between 4th and 5th grade, she has done just that. Morgan has taught each of her pups the 30 or so commands they need before returning to CCI training in Ohio a year and a half later, where they learn another 30 or more commands.

A big part of the training involves teaching the dogs how to behave in public — learning to focus on their job amidst the distractions of the world.

“My biggest compliment is when we leave a restaurant and someone says they had no idea a dog was in there,” says Morgan.

Unlike real parents, Morgan is never sure if she’ll see her charges again, though a couple of the recipients of the dogs she’s raised have kept in touch.

Morgan will leave for college in August 2015. She hopes to receive her next puppy early enough to send that trained dog to Ohio as she begins her own higher education. She wants to major in fashion merchandising, but becoming a dog trainer is her backup plan.

A year in a dormitory means no pup to raise. But Morgan’s not ruling out training a new pup the following year when she expects to be living in an apartment.

Carol Bauer of Lombard Carol Bauer was not a blood donor. Why not? Same reason most people don’t give.

She was no fan of needles, and it might hurt.

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Local Heroes Then her boss, the Lombard village manager, asked her to coordinate the town’s blood drives. At that point, only about 25 to 30 pints were collected twice a year in the village of 40,000. “I didn’t like the relationship between those two numbers,” says Bauer, executive coordinator for the village. “Now we get 200 or more pints a year. I’m still working at it, it’s still a challenge all the time.”

Obviously one Bauer is up to as she was recently named Most Dedicated Blood Drive Coordinator of 2013 by the Illinois Coalition of Community Blood Centers — a nonprofit that covers 49 hospitals in Chicagoland and northwest Indiana.

“Since she took over in 1993, Carol grew the drives to five a year, then added a second location, in essence holding 10 a year,” says Karen Schwarz, senior marketing director at Heartland Blood Center, who nominated Bauer. “She has grown the collection from double digits to triple digits — that’s not an easy task. People

Carol Bauer of Lombard (center) was named the Most Dedicated Blood Drive Coordinator of 2013 by the Illinois Coalition of Community Blood Centers.

aren’t looking forward to having a needle in their arm.”

What really hits home for Bauer, however, are the memories of the people helped. “Heartland called us years ago and said they were low on blood, and we agreed to an extra drive, months in advance.

That day, all of a sudden, so many people started coming in donating. We’re up in front without a TV so we didn’t know

what had happened — it was the day of the Columbine shootings. People saw it on TV and heard about it on the radio and came in, wanting to help. People were crying. A lot of that blood was actually sent out there to help. That sticks with you.”

Different components of blood are used, so one pint can actually help three people, Bauer explains. The blood often goes to cancer patients, accident victims, newborn babies and new moms.

Only 10 percent of the population donates blood on a regular basis, Schwarz says. Bauer remembers when she joined that 10 percent, about a year after she began coordinating drives.

“I thought, ‘I’m trying to get people to donate and I personally haven’t donated.

I need to step up to the plate myself.’ It doesn’t hurt, it saves lives and it’s easy.

Since then, I’ve donated several gallons.

They never have enough, and if we don’t donate, others won’t survive.”

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Joyce Carrasco of Elgin A former teacher and wife of a United Methodist minister, Joyce Carrasco has a heart for kids. Her involvement at ChildServ in a variety of capacities over many years recently earned the Elgin resident the Lucy Rider Meyer Humanitarian Award, named after the founder of the agency that has served at-risk children since 1894.

Carrasco was aware of ChildServ through her husband, since the agency is one of three in the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church. In 2004, she was invited to join the board of trustees.

“That’s when I became more familiar with the work,” she recalls. “It put a microscope on what I already knew.”

Carrasco was particularly interested in

Joyce Carrasco of Elgin, receiving the Lucy Rider Meyer Humanitarian Award from ChildServ

ChildServ’s foster care program; its parent empowerment program supports grandparents who are serving as parents for their grandchildren; and in the agency’s group homes. She has also been involved in ChildServ’s after school programs, where she volunteered for a year as a tutor.

Most recently, Carrasco initiated an expansion of early childhood services for at-risk children in Elgin. The mother of two young adults serving in the military was also instrumental in creating a military and veterans family program.

“A lot of the initiative involves counseling for the children, the family and the veteran, considering the impact it has to the family unit,” said Carrasco. “The tagline for ChildServ is ‘to make families stronger, to help them endure.’” — Joni Hirsch Blackman WEST SUBURBAN LIVING

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Local Authors

By Sandy Koropp

Other Recommended Reads

A Sweet Romance that Will Especially Resonate with Jane Austen Fans

• Longbourn by Jo Baker. More literary fun for Jane Austen fans, this clever new novel is based on the lives of the servants who toil “downstairs” at the Bennett’s estate while Mr. Darcy romances Lizzy upstairs. It’s the Downtown Abbey of Pride and Prejudice.

U

ndressing Mr. Darcy, the latest book from Naperville writer Karen Doornebos, is a contemporary romance novel with a nod to Jane Austen’s beloved classic, Pride and Prejudice.

Did I say contemporary? Well, yes — Doornebos has put her Mr. Darcy into naughty-fun, steamy scenes that would have curled Jane’s felted slippers.

First we meet Vanessa, an overworked 35-year-old Chicago PR executive who loves her Aunt Ella, the woman who raised her. Auntie E. is a “Janeite” — a Jane Austen super fan that dresses in Regency costume and tours England’s “Jane Austen” towns. As a favor to Auntie, Vanessa agrees to promote a book called My Year as Mr. Darcy, written by a man, Julian, trying to raise millions to

• Someone by Alice McDermott. An absolutely stunning and exquisitely written book about an ordinary life.

save his family’s crumbling 18th century estate. Vanessa’s big promotional idea: “Mr. Darcy” does a Regency clothing strip-tease, explaining the history of each glove and cravat as he demonstrates all the way down to his drawers. My, my. The audience loves it and books are selling, but is Vanessa’s work-life about to become complicated with Julian?

• Baby Lit and Cozy Classics by Simply Read Books. If there is a 0 to 3-year-old in your life, check out this series of books meant to introduce young minds to classic literature — including Pride & Prejudice — and concepts such as opposites, colors, counting and vocabulary. Fun and gorgeous to look at, parents will love reading them as much as their kids like hearing them.

Undressing Mr. Darcy is a charming love story and a page turner perfect for a winter afternoon.

Sandy Koropp is co-owner of Prairie Path Books (www.prairiepathbooks.com) which hosts book-related performances, author signings and creative gatherings.

MADONNA

TOMORROW COMES

JUSTICE FOR DALLAS

by John M. McNamara of

by Donna Mebane of Geneva,

by Mark Rusin of Lombard

Downers Grove, $12. Mary, a

$15. Prompted by Mebane’s

and Priscilla Barton $15.

widowed mother, struggles to

own loss of her daughter, this

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story follows a popular teenage

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investigation. Will justice prevail?

by the Conan Doyle Estate.

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sherlock holmes and the needle’s eye

by Len Bailey of Wheaton $16.

WEST SUBURBAN LIVING

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COMMUNITY

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Dealing with Divorce

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Tips on how to manage the process and limit the fallout

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early a million United States couples divorce each year. While that statistic makes divorce appear common, it is little comfort to a couple or family experiencing what can be one of the most world-shaking events in their lives.

“Divorce is one of the most difficult emotional transitions that a family or individual can go through. The process itself can be humiliating, frightening and demoralizing,” observes Naperville attorney Danya Grunyk, of Grunyk & Associates, who has been practicing family law for more than two decades. “When people get divorced, they very often have a feeling of

having failed at something significant, and it’s a very public failure.”

Though it is a time of extreme turmoil, there are ways to manage the divorce process so that it can go fairly smoothly for all parties involved, including children.

Grunyk believes in “divorce with dignity,” which to her means structuring the process in a way that supports and guides clients through this challenging and emotional time so they come out on the other side feeling positive about the result and how they conducted themselves. “If I can help a client get through this where they feel empowered to get on with life, see the light at end of the tunnel and retain their self respect, I have succeeded,” she explains.

g

First Steps If it seems that divorce is imminent, you should start by gathering information and selecting an attorney who has experience with and knowledge about any issues particular to your case.

“People rarely come in the door absolutely certain they are going to end their marriage,” says Jason Adess, an experienced divorce attorney and partner at Chicago firm Berger Schatz. “They come in wanting to know their rights and obligations. Arming yourself with this knowledge will set your mind at ease as to what will happen.”

It is equally critical to find an attorney with whom you are compatible and who

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i i t r w

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ADVERTISEMENT

will best represent you and your interests.

Though many people want to know how long a divorce will take and how much it will cost, each case is different, observes Wheaton attorney Tim Daw, partner with Schiller, DuCanto & Fleck, and the resolution depends on the forthrightness of the parties and their willingness to work together or tendency to be adversarial. The type of process and the attorneys involved also play a role in how things play out.

“These are the three great unknowns,” says Daw, who has three decades of experience in family law, “and because divorce involves human beings it can sometimes be unpredictable.”

Alternatives to Litigation Divorce is not a one-size-fits-all process.

Though not every case can be resolved without going to court, there are several ways to accomplish divorce without court

“Litigation is the most expensive, lengthy and emotionally traumatic way to go through divorce as a family. People really do desire to get through the process without ever stepping into a courtroom.” involvement, notes Adess, adding, “Litigation is the most expensive, lengthy and emotionally traumatic way to go through divorce. People really do desire to get through the process without ever stepping into a courtroom.”

One route is traditional mediation, in which both parties sit down with a neutral mediator and work out an agreement, without each party’s attorney present.

However, there can sometimes be a power imbalance in the mediation room, particularly if one party has more knowledge about finances, a family business or other matters. “That puts the other party at an incredible disadvantage,” says Adess, who sees another potential pitfall in that process.

“You don’t have the immediate feedback of your counsel on what is being discussed, so you don’t know whether you are being offered

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How to have a“healthier” divorce Do divorcing couples have any control in their divorce process?

Is there such a thing as a healthier divorce?

Can couples part in a way that is respectful and does not add to a distressful situation?

Yes, by following a few guidelines. By its nature, divorce is fraught with emotional issues.

But many of these issues—however real and upsetting—may have little relevance to the divorce process itself. If couples can set hurt aside, instead looking to the future and the life they want to create for themselves, a more dignified (and healthier) divorce is possible.

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Be Aware of How Your Emotions Affect Your Behavior Don’t let your emotions get the best of you.

Try to stay away from negative comments or disrespectful actions. Often, a messy divorce becomes a competition as to who can act the worst. The process becomes further distorted and painful when emotions drive the case.

Maintaining respect for the other person can result in a more efficient divorce process.

Focus on What’s Really Important

The most important concern should be the emotional well-being of the children and the financial well-being of both spouses and the children. Unfortunately, parties often become fixated on proving the other spouse is morally wrong. Instead of focusing on issues that will make little difference in the long run, concentrate on crucial areas to keep the divorce from becoming an emotional battleground.

Share the Financial Information

In most divorce cases each spouse and their attorneys will need basic financial documentation.

The failure to cooperate in sharing required financial information leads to useless angst, effort and expense. In the end, a judge will require the information to be supplied. Put it all on the table at the outset, and begin on a respectful note.

Timothy M. Daw

Schiller DuCanto and Fleck LLP, is dedicated to achieving the best possible results for our clients.

Timothy M. Daw provides guidance and legal representation to high net worth individuals to resolve their family law issues. He utilizes decades of expertise in helping achieve creative solutions by way of negotiated settlements, collaboration, mediation or litigation.

He works closely with his clients in order to maximize the results.

For more information, contact our Wheaton Family Law office at (630) 665-5800.

Whether a divorce is civil or highly contentious does not change one fundamental fact: divorce divides and distributes family financial resources.

Too often, the dysfunction and competitiveness caused by emotional conflict wastes those assets.

A commitment to being civil with each other will allow you to have a healthier divorce.

Creating value from a painful situation will help the entire family to move forward with dignity and preserved prosperity.

12/21/13 2:52 PM

COMMUNITY a good deal, a bad deal or something else.”

Keeping Calm An alternative is attorney-assisted Though it is a time when emotions mediation. You select a mediator and the are running high, it’s important for both mediation takes place with attorneys present. spouses in a dissolving marriage to keep It allows your attorney to ask questions their cool, especially if there are children and give real-time feedback. involved. “What you choose to do early on Within the last decade, another type plays a big role in how the case plays itself of divorce process has become popular — out,” says Daw. “Instant reactions, like anger, collaborative divorce. With this approach, guilt, etc. can be highly counterproductive.” both parties work with an attorney trained In any divorce case where children are in the collaborative law process to come involved, Illinois mandates that there be to an agreement. The process is private mediation in regard to child custody issues and does not involve the court until the and that parents must participate in a final agreement is filed. “It puts a lot of the parenting class. Many attorneys, including decision-making and control back with the Daw, recommend that parents do this client,” says Grunyk. right at the very “If you degrade the other parent, “In the litigation beginning because it leaves a hole in the child. model, it’s ‘I win, it can help them You may be venting but it is not better support their you lose,’ but collaborative law children through doing anything for your child.” is really a win-win the process.

approach based on what meets the legal Working with a counselor, either as an needs and the needs of the family.” individual or as a family, can provide a support system, and one that is more However, there is no time limit, and, objective than simply relying on friends if an agreement cannot be reached and and family, whose opinions and experiences the parties need to go to court, they must can often cloud the issues. select new attorneys, which can add up to a lot of lost time and financial resources.

Grunyk believes that children take their cues from their parents’ actions, which is why “The popularity is increasing because it is important to maintain your composure the word ‘collaborative’ is so appealing,” and shield them from your anger. “If you notes Adess. “Many are drawn to it even degrade the other parent, it leaves a hole in when the facts of case are not well-suited the child. You may be venting but it is not for it. It is best for parties that are motivated to settle and willing to compromise where doing anything for your child,” she says, it is appropriate.” adding, “People can have good divorces — that means that the parents have managed “If people and their attorneys are not to set their differences aside when dealing on the same page, they will spend a lot of with children.” money on something that is not going to succeed,” says Daw. The end of a marriage is not the end A hybrid approach, called cooperative of a relationship between parents, and law, has recently emerged. This approach custody and child support issues can be is similar to collaborative law, except that revisited in the future as circumstances and if the process does not work, the lawyers needs dictate. Good communication also do not have to excuse themselves from makes life easier in the long run. the case. It works best when both parties “Don’t think it’s over at 18 or even retain lawyers who have been trained in 23 — there will be weddings and holidays collaboration or there is a risk that they and grandkids,” points out Daw. “You are will quickly turn to litigation when the inextricably tied to this person for the rest going gets tough. of your life.”

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in the

Life Burbs

By Joni Hirsch Blackman

Re-Training Your Travel Mindset Taking a fresh look at an old mode of transportation — the convenience might surprise you

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he western suburbs are a great place to live . . . and a great place to leave during the next couple of months. If you are planning a trip somewhere around the U.S. or even the Midwest, consider Amtrak.

Don’t look at this page with the stare my airline-family husband used to give me when I suggested taking long driving trips or even the eyebrow-lift I might have given my neighbor when she first suggested this to me nearly 20 years ago. Just give me a few paragraphs. Wouldn’t you like to experience the lost art of gazing out the window?

Imagine going far away and not having to take a cab or park at O’Hare or Midway.

Think of taking skis, golf clubs or even an uncrated bicycle without paying a surplusluggage fee. It can cost more to fly sports equipment than people.

How about a seat that reclines and a foot rest that pops up so you can sleep while you travel -— in coach? Consider taking an entire trip with access to your cell phone, not to mention bathrooms. Train passengers are always free to move about the aisles, even from car to car.

Sound good so far? A lot of people think so. Amtrak’s ridership has hit an all-time high nationally, with 39,000 more people going through Chicago’s Union Station this year than last. “The cost of driving, which is our primary competition, isn’t going down and the hassles of driving are worse,” says Amtrak spokesperson Marc Magliari.

“The hassles of flight and ground travel are working to favor us, those make people look for options.”

I’ve lost count of how many Amtrak trips we’ve taken from Naperville to Winter

Park, Colorado but suffice it to say my husband and I started with three small children — no need for them to be stuck in car seats on a train — and these days travel with four adults now that our eldest is married.

It never gets old, driving 10 minutes

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could be skiing within an hour if we half tried.

If you want to avoid Chicago and leave from the western suburbs, the California Zephyr continues to Utah and northern California. The Southwest Chief heads to Arizona from Naperville, then on to Los

Imagine going far away and not having to take a cab or park at O’Hare or Midway. Sound good so far? A lot of people think so.

or so to the downtown Naperville station, parking the car in the lot for a week at no cost, carrying the luggage from the car to trackside (just steps, really) then waiting for the train. Amtrak conductors take it from there and within minutes, we are settled in our seats, chatting and relaxing.

From there, take your pick: use your electronic devices, read, play a game, watch the scenery go by. (Try THAT from an airplane!) Eat dinner -— actual decent food!

— on a white tablecloth with someone serving you. Check out the sightseer lounge with the windows all around. Talk to someone seated nearby.

If you prefer privacy to the reclining coach seat, upgrade and sleep in a cozy twoperson roomette or three- or four-person bedroom with the rocking of the train lulling you to sleep, and wake to breakfast on board.

For us, the best part might be the last couple of hours, watching the Colorado Rockies out the window before arriving at our destination a mere 16 hours after we left. We step off the train, grab our bags and

Angeles. From Joliet, take the Texas Eagle to, well, Texas. Or choose several trains that travel south through Illinois and Missouri.

This past year, more than 123,000 people took Amtrak from Naperville and Joliet.

“I think people don’t understand we have suburban stops and they don’t have to go to downtown Chicago to hop aboard,” said Magliari. “You can go long distances from some of our suburban stops.”

Amtrak ridership has increased in 10 of the past 11 years, Magliari says. I knew I’d told a lot of people about how much I enjoy Amtrak, but not that many. Yet whenever someone asks about our annual trips, they are almost always surprised about Amtrak’s draw.

But consider this: trains are a simple, economical, comfortable and — dare I say it? — fun way to travel and they’re right in your own backyard. In fact, traveling through the backyards of America is one of the perks of sitting in that seat and gazing out the window. You might just choose to stow that electronic device. n

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Cast Your Vote Today!

Best of the West 2014

It’s your turn. Tell us what you like best about the western suburbs — shops, places to go, restaurants, things to do, etc.

You could win gift certificates to top area restaurants or other prizes. Your answers will also be combined with those from other readers and summarized in a special “Best of the West” feature in our March/April 2014 issue. The more questions you answer the better, but you don’t have to answer them all. Just the ones you want (though you must answer at least 20 to qualify for prizes). Don’t delay. Fill out the survey right now and drop it in the mail. We look forward to hearing from you.

Food

Best Farmers’ Market _____________________________________________________________ n Best Park or Forest Preserve _____________________________________________________________ n Best Place for Live Music _____________________________________________________________ n Best Public Library _____________________________________________________________ n Best Historic Landmark/Attraction _____________________________________________________________ n Best Area Museum _____________________________________________________________ n Best Movie Theatre _____________________________________________________________ n Best Place for a Kid’s Birthday Party _____________________________________________________________ n Best Weekend Getaway Destination _____________________________________________________________ n Favorite Movie in the Past Year _____________________________________________________________ n Favorite TV Show _____________________________________________________________ n Best Book You’ve Recently Read _____________________________________________________________ n Best Places for Singles _____________________________________________________________ n Best Local Band _____________________________________________________________ n Best Venue for Live Theatre _____________________________________________________________ n

Best Place for Breakfast _____________________________________________________________ n Best Sunday Brunch _____________________________________________________________ n Best Barbecue _____________________________________________________________ n Best Burger _____________________________________________________________ n Best Deli or Sandwich Shop _____________________________________________________________ n Best Pizza _____________________________________________________________ n Best Hot Dog _____________________________________________________________ n Best Place for Seafood _____________________________________________________________ n Best Steak _____________________________________________________________ n Best Coffeehouse (Not Starbucks, Caribou Coffee or Dunkin’ Donuts) _____________________________________________________________ n Best Tea Room/Tea House _____________________________________________________________ n Best Place for Vegetarian and/or Healthy Fare _____________________________________________________________ n Most Romantic Restaurant (Great Atmosphere) _____________________________________________________________ n Best Outdoor Dining _____________________________________________________________ n Best for Ice Cream or Dessert _____________________________________________________________ n Best New Restaurant (Opened within the Past Year) _____________________________________________________________ n Best Kid/Family Friendly Restaurant (Not Fast Food) _____________________________________________________________ n Best Restaurant if Money is No Object _____________________________________________________________ n Best Italian Restaurant _____________________________________________________________ n Best Asian Restaurant _____________________________________________________________ n Best Mexican Restaurant _____________________________________________________________ n Best French Restaurant _____________________________________________________________ n Best Irish Pub _____________________________________________________________ n Best Sushi _____________________________________________________________ n Best Fish Fry _____________________________________________________________ n Best Downtown Chicago Restaurant _____________________________________________________________ n Best Place to Buy Wine _____________________________________________________________ n Best Microbrewery/Brewpub _____________________________________________________________ n Best Cheap Eats (Not Fast Food; Good Food at Reasonable Prices) _____________________________________________________________ n Best Happy Hour _____________________________________________________________ n Best Service at a Restaurant _____________________________________________________________ n

activities & entertainment

Best Festival or Fair _____________________________________________________________ Best Craft or Art Show _____________________________________________________________

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sports

Favorite Chicago-Area Sports Team _____________________________________________________________ n Best Sports Bar or Place to Watch Sports _____________________________________________________________ n Favorite Chicago Athlete/Sports Personality _____________________________________________________________ n Best Area Public Golf Course _____________________________________________________________ n Best Golf Driving Range _____________________________________________________________ n Best Area Bowling Alley _____________________________________________________________

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shopping

Best Mall or Shopping Center _____________________________________________________________ n Best Women’s Clothing Store or Boutique _____________________________________________________________ n Best Bargain Shopping/Discount or Outlet Store _____________________________________________________________ n Best Place to Buy Women’s Shoes _____________________________________________________________ n Best Place to Buy Women’s Jeans _____________________________________________________________ n Best Bridal Store/Boutique _____________________________________________________________ n Best Place to Buy Men’s Clothes _____________________________________________________________ n Best Place to Buy Children’s Clothes _____________________________________________________________ n Best Pet Service/Supply/Boutique _____________________________________________________________ n Best Kitchen & Housewares Store _____________________________________________________________ n Best Decorative Accessories for the Home _____________________________________________________________ n Best Department Store _____________________________________________________________ n

ENTER TO WIN GREAT

DINING

GIFT CERTIFICATES!

Best Place to Buy Jewelry _____________________________________________________________

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Best Place to Buy Furniture _____________________________________________________________ n Best New Store (Opened within the Past Year) _____________________________________________________________ n Best Resale and/or Consignment Shop _____________________________________________________________ n Best Place to Buy Antiques _____________________________________________________________ n Best Place to Buy Appliances _____________________________________________________________ n Best Unique Gift Shop _____________________________________________________________ n Best Nursery/Garden Center _____________________________________________________________ n Best Grocery, Food Market or Gourmet Shop _____________________________________________________________ n

services

Best Fitness Center/Health Club _____________________________________________________________ n Best Local Hotel _____________________________________________________________ n Best Hair Salon _____________________________________________________________ n Best Area Bakery _____________________________________________________________ n Best Place for a Mani/Pedi _____________________________________________________________ n Best Auto Repair Shop _____________________________________________________________ n Best Veterinarian _____________________________________________________________ n

general

Best Area Celebrity (Currently or previously lived here) _____________________________________________________________ n Most Influential West Suburbanite _____________________________________________________________ n Recently Closed Store or Restaurant You’ll Miss Most _____________________________________________________________ n Best Website, Blog or Online Destination _____________________________________________________________

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Chicago-area

Favorite Chicago Broadcast News Personality _____________________________________________________________ n Favorite Radio Show/Personality _____________________________________________________________ n Person(s) You’d Most Like to Have Lunch With _____________________________________________________________ n Favorite Newspaper/Magazine Columnist _____________________________________________________________ n Best Chicago Event or Fest Open to the Public _____________________________________________________________ n Area Town You’d Most Want to Live in Other than Your Own _____________________________________________________________ n

1. Unless otherwise indicated, please focus responses on establishments that are located in the western suburbs.

2. No photocopied entries accepted.

All surveys must be signed with a valid address and phone number to be eligible for prizes. Any organized effort deemed by the publisher as an effort to inappropriately influence

vote totals in any category will result in disqualification of those ballots.

3. We’d love to have you as a subscriber, but no purchase is required to win. Void where prohibited. Must be 21 or older to win. Chance of winning depends on number of entries. Taxes, incidentals and gratuities not included.

Send entry forms to: West Suburban Living, P.O. Box 111, Elmhurst, IL 60126 NAME:______________________________________________________ ADDRESS:_________________________________________________________ TOWN/ZIP:_____________________________________ PHONE #:____________________________________ E-MAIL ADDRESS:__________________________________________ SIGNATURE:__________________________________________________________________ I’D ALSO LIKE TO SUBSCRIBE TO WEST SUBURBAN LIVING:

$15 for one year

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$22 for two years

Payment enclosed (and receive an extra issue absolutely free!)

12/20/13 7:37 PM

Golden Gate Bridge. San Francisco Travel Association/Scott Chernis

San Francisco

Splendor

by Katie Morell

Enjoy visiting the City by the Bay with a comprehensive walking tour, tips for day trips and must-visit dining spots

S

AN FRANCISCO is one of the hottest visitor destinations in the country, and for good reason. The views are spectacular (make sure to stop at Ocean Beach, Baker Beach and take a walk on Crissy Field), the food is top notch (celebrity chefs can be found in every neighborhood) and the people are famously friendly.

The city’s 825,000 residents happily welcomed more than 12 million tourists in 2012 alone.

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also a gateway city to a plethora of exciting destinations including Napa and Sonoma, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, Monterey and Big Sur. Planning your next vacation to the City by the Bay? If so, bring your walking shoes and rip out the next few pages for turn-by-turn directions to a full day of San Francisco fun.

STOP #1: CHINATOWN Wake up, walk out of your hotel and ask a cab driver to take you and your party to the corner of Washington

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San Francisco Travel Association/Jack Hollingsworth

San Francisco Travel Association/Jack Hollingsworth

Golden Gate Bridge. San Francisco Travel Association/Scott Chernis

Opposite Page: The Golden Gate Bridge,

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and Grant streets. Welcome to Chinatown, the largest Chinese community outside of Asia. Make your way south down Grant Street and check out a few shops along the way, where you will not only find cheap knickknacks — great gifts for friends — but a wide array of authentic wares such as traditional kites, hand painted robes and historic military gear. Among the best shops on Grant is Old Shanghai.

Walk until you get to Clay Street. There, you will notice a large green arch marking the official entrance to the neighborhood (you just did it backwards). This is a great place to take photos, but be careful of traffic when posing for shots.

er on

Stop #2: Union Square Continue south along Grant Street for six more blocks.

You will begin to notice an increase of high-end retail stores (i.e. Prada, Valentino, Gucci). This is the Union Square shopping

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Fisherman’s Wharf and Coit Tower are district. Make a right on to classic symbols of San Francisco. Above: Post Street and walk two Quaint neighborhoods overlook the city, blocks to the Union Square Union Square and the famous cable cars. plaza. This is the heart of San Francisco’s chic retail scene and a great place to people watch. Take some time to look around.

You may find an art fair, an outdoor concert or street performers.

Stop #3: Powell Street/Cable Car Ride After you’ve had time to shop and look around Union Square, head south down Powell Street for four blocks and get in line to ride a historic San Francisco cable car. Make sure to purchase your tickets from the ticket booth before jumping in line ($6 per person). While you wait, pay attention to the way workers turn the cable cars. It’s a manual process they’ve been doing for more than 100 years.

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GETAWAYS

Best places to stop in Napa and Sonoma One of the great allures of heading to San Francisco is making a side trip to the wine regions of Napa and Sonoma. Follow this guide to experience the best of wine country.

Where to Stay:

|Old World Inn| The Old World Inn is one of Napa Valley’s finest bed & breakfasts. With numerous room options, including a private cottage, friendly service, and a breakfast you will never forget, the Old World Inn is everything a bed and breakfast should be. Located near the heart of downtown Napa, it is also the perfect spot to establish as your home base while you head out for a day of wine tasting. 707 257-0112; www.oldworldinn.com

|El Dorado Hotel| Conveniently situated right on the historic Sonoma Plaza, the El Dorado Hotel is another suitable jumping off point for a weekend in wine country. The 27-room boutique hotel offers high-end furnishings and an on-site kitchen helmed by an award-winning chef. 707 996-3030; www.eldoradosonoma.com

Wineries:

|Domaine Chandon| Do you favor sparking wine? If so, check out Domaine Chandon. This vineyard has a gorgeous tasting room and a serene outdoor patio where you can enjoy your bubbles with a cheese plate while soaking up the warm California sun. 707 996-3030; www.chandon.com |Scribe| Scribe is the up-and-coming star of Sonoma County. Tastings are by appointment, but worth the effort.

Your experience will likely include tastes of the winery’s Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and — if you’re lucky — a complimentary cheese and fruit plate. The beautiful hillside views, farm-style picnic tables and rope swing for adults are also complimentary. 707 939-1858; www.scribewinery.com 32 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

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Also, pay attention to the signs on the sides/ends of the cable cars as they pick people up. While every cable car will look the same, each goes on a different route. There are three different routes: Powell/Hyde, Powell/Mason, and California. The Powell/ Hyde car is the best one to take (let people go in front of you in line to wait for this one to arrive) because it offers the most beautiful scenery, including a stop at the curvy Lombard Street.

Once you get on the Powell/Hyde car, grab a seat facing outward or stand on the outside and hold on to a handrail. Stay on the cable car for 20-30 minutes until it stops at Hyde and Beach Street. Once off the car, take note of the park in front of you; this is the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park.

Take a stroll around the park and talk to street vendors selling paintings and jewelry, or stop in at The Buena Vista to enjoy an Irish coffee from the first establishment to bring the whiskey/coffee drink to the U.S. Next, continue west down Beach Street for two blocks before turning left (south) on to Larkin Street. Walk up a flight of brick stairs on the corner of the street to Ghirardelli Square. The Square, which gets its name from Above Top: Yerba Buena the popular chocolate Gardens. Above: The Japanese made in San Francisco, is Tea Garden. Below: Huntington a charming outdoor mall Park & Grace Cathedral. with a fountain at its San Francisco Travel Association/Jack Hollingsworth

Wine Country Highlights

San Francisco

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San Francisco Travel Association/Jack Hollingsworth

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Left: The entrance to China Town. Below Left: The famous island prison of Alcatraz. Below: The

k.

resident colony of sea lions basking in the sun at Pier 39.

San Francisco Travel Association/Jack Hollingsworth

center and surrounding shops. On the southeast side of the fountain there is a little pathway to a Ghirardelli store which, in addition to chocolate, sells some of the best ice cream in the city.

Stop #4: Fisherman’s Wharf Once you’ve had your fill of chocolate and ice cream, head back the way you came. Walk down Beach Street, make a left (south) on Hyde and a right (east) onto Jefferson Street. This is the beginning of Fisherman’s Wharf. As you walk down Jefferson, you will see street performers and a number of gift shops selling everything from souvenir shirts to cameras to saltwater taffy. If you have kids in tow, you may even want to check out the Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Museum.

Stop #5: Sunset Cruise on the Bay The best-kept secrets on Fisherman’s Wharf are the fishing

boat sunset cruises. Around 5 p.m., when the fishermen are docking their boats, many of them convert their vessels into mini cruise ships for the public. As you walk down Jefferson, pay attention to men standing in front of docked boats with white dry erase boards. The boards will list voyage times. Check to see what time works for you and ask for the price of the trip (usually one hour at around $15 per person). If you have enough time beforehand, go grab yourself a bottle of wine and a few paper cups for your friends at a local liquor store. Throw on a jacket — it can get cold on the water — and settle in for a fun and inexpensive way to see the Bay. Stop #6: Pier 39 If you’ve already signed up for a sunset cruise and have some time to kill, walk further east down Jefferson Street to Pier 39.

Notice the large colony of sea lions as you approach the pier.

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GETAWAYS

When You Go

San Francisco

Photo courtesy of Red and White Fleet

Top places to stay and eat in San Francisco Where to stay:

|The Fairmont San Francisco|

InterContinental Mark

The Fairmont is a luxury hotel in Nob Hopkins Hotel Hill, an ideal location for travelers with close proximity to Chinatown, Union Square and Russian Hill. Rooms start at $250/night.

415 772-5000; www.fairmont.com/san-francisco/

|The Westin St. Francis| The Westin St. Francis is a historic hotel located in the heart of Union Square, making it an ideal location for those interested in easy access to the city’s finest shopping establishments. The lobby is stunning and the guest rooms are high quality and comfortable. Rooms start at $149/night. 415 397-7000; www.westinstfrancis.com

|Hotel Palomar| The Hotel Palomar is a boutique hotel with excellent service, food (try the Fifth Floor Restaurant) and location, just steps from Union Square, Moscone Convention Center and the Financial District. Rooms start at $150/night. 415 348-1111; www.hotelpalomar-sf.com |InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel|See Stop #7 in accompanying main article. 415 392-3434; www.intercontinentalmarkhopkins.com

Where to eat:

|A16| A16 is a very popular restaurant and wine bar located in the bustling Marina district. Talented chefs bring the flavors of southern Italy directly to San Francisco with pastas made in-house and authentic Neapolitan pizza cooked in a wood-burning oven. The margherita pizza is not to be missed and is simple with tomato, mozzarella, basil and olive oil. Reservations are strongly recommended. 415 771-2216; www.a16sf.com |The House| San Francisco’s North Beach district — not an actual beach — is known for its Italian influence, but buried within the throngs of the countless pasta shops is The House, one of the best Asian fusion restaurants you will ever find. The restaurant is fairly small and can get quite loud, but when you are slurping up your warm wasabi house noodles or shrimp and chive dumplings, you won’t even notice the noise.

Reservations are strongly recommended. 415 986-8612; www.thehse.com |Wayfare Tavern| Food Network star and celebrity chef Tyler Florence opened Wayfare Tavern in 2010 to rave reviews.

The menu features mostly American cuisine such as fresh oysters, deviled eggs and an exceptional grass-fed beef “Le Grand” burger. The real star of the menu is the fried chicken (voted by many as best in the San Francisco Bay Area), made with buttermilk, roasted garlic and a touch of lemon. The cocktails are also not to be missed; try the gin spiced mule or the Mezcal sour. Reservations are recommended.

415 772-9060; www.wayfaretavern.com

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MUIR WOODS NATIONAL PARK

Several years ago, a few sea lions jumped on top of large buoy slabs and ever since then, the area has been protected. You can see hundreds of sea lions there at once. Although the accompanying smell can be off-putting, they are fun to watch. Spend a few minutes shopping on the pier before heading back to your cruise.

STOP #7: TOP OF THE MARK After a long day of sightseeing, change into nice clothes and head over to the InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel (415392-3434; www.intercontinentalmarkhopkins.com), one of the most iconic hotels in the city. Once inside, take the elevator to the 19th floor and enter Top of the Mark. This is the lounge of all lounges where famous people have been coming for decades.

Just sit back and enjoy a nice glass of wine or champagne while listening to a live jazz band that plays nearly every night. This is a real San Francisco experience.

STOP #8: TONGA ROOM After you’ve had your fill of Top of the Mark, go outside, cross California Street and enter The Fairmont Hotel. Once in the lobby, take the elevators down to the Tonga Room. This is a bar/restaurant that is another gem in the city. It is a tropicalthemed bar that will make you feel like you just landed in the Caribbean. What makes the Tonga Room unique is a pool at its center that features a floating stage with a live band onboard.

Every few minutes a rain shower ensues, adding to the tropical ambiance. Call ahead for dinner reservations or just enjoy a tropical cocktail at the bar.

A former Chicagoan, Katie Morell is a freelance writer now based in San Francisco who loves to write about her newly adopted city.

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MUSIC

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THEATRE

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COMEDY

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ART

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FAMILY ACTIVITIES

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HOME & GARDEN

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AND MUCH MORE

KEB’ MO’

Photo courtesy of the McAninch Arts Center

OUT&ABOUT

FEB. 8 KEB’ MO’

The three-time Grammy award winning musician brings his genre-blending artfulness, intuitive lyrics, and charismatic style to the MAC. Call 630 942-4000 for tickets.

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Out&about

Calendar of Events

THEATRE | Postmortem | Fri - Sun, Jan 10 - Feb 9, Fri - Sat 8

p.m. and Sun 3 p.m. A medieval castle, shots in the dark, deathbed letters, ghosts and a séance: It all adds up to a clever thriller packed with suspects.

Cost: $28/22. Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W Main St., St. Charles. 630 587-8521

| 42nd Street | Jan 15 - Feb 9, Wed - Sun, Wed 1:30 & 7:30 p.m., Thur 7:30 p.m., Fri 8 p.m., Sat 3 & 8 p.m., Sun 1 & 5:30 p.m. Filled with the biggest show-stopping tap numbers on Broadway, this musical is a true spectacle with its gorgeous 1930s costumes, beautiful sets and hit-after-hit, all performed by the Paramount’s full orchestra. Cost: $58/42. Paramount Theatre, 23 E Galena Blvd., Aurora. 630 896-6666

| Nunsense | Jan 16 - Mar 9, Fri - Sun, Fri - Sat 8

p.m. and Sun 2 p.m; Also, Thur, Jan 16 & 23, 8 p.m.; Jan 30, Feb 6 & 13, and Mar 6, 2 p.m. This international hit musical comically tells the story of five Sisters of Hoboken who, after discovering that 52 fellow nuns were accidently poisoned by their cook, stage a variety show to raise funds for the burials. Cost: $42/32. Fox Valley Repertory, 4051 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 584 6342

| Young Frankenstein | Jan 16 - Mar 16, Wed - Sun, Wed 1:30 p.m., Thur 1:30 & 8 p.m., Fri 8 p.m., Sat 5 & 8:30 p.m. and Sun 2 & 6 p.m. A wickedly inspired reimagining of the Frankenstein legend based on Mel Brooks’ classic comedic masterpiece. Cost: $77/42.

Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Ln., Oakbrook Terrace.

630 530-0111 | Somebody/Nobody | Thur - Sat, Jan 16 - 18, 7:30 p.m. Written by renowned playwright Jane Martin, this hilarious, off-beat, high energy farce takes dead aim at America’s culture of celebrity. Cost: $10/8.

Madden Theatre, 171 E Chicago Ave., Naperville.

630 637-7469 | Other Desert Cities | Jan 17 - Feb 8. Brooke, the “black sheep” liberal daughter, returns home after a six-year absence and announces she is going to publish a memoir dredging up an explosive event in the family’s history, her family is bound and torn as they face their past and future. Cost: $18. Village Theatre Guild, Northwest corner of Park Blvd and Butterfield Rd, Glen Ellyn. 630 469-8230 | L’Histoire du Soldat | Sat, Jan 18, 2:30 p.m. The first-ever collaboration of the First Folio Theater Company and the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra in an unique theatrical presentation of Stravinsky’s Soldier’s Tale. Cost: $25/7. Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W 31st St., Oak Brook. 630 941-0202 | Unnecessary Farce | Thur - Sun, Jan 23 - Feb 2,

Thur - Sat 8 p.m. and Sun 2:30 p.m.; Also, 7:30 p.m. show on Jan 26 and 2:30 p.m. show on Feb 1. An undercover sting operation goes hilariously wrong in this outrageous comedy. Cost: $20/18. Theatre of Western Springs, 4384 Hampton Ave., Western Springs.

708 246-4043

| Hello Dolly! | Thur, Jan 23, 7:30 p.m. Tony Award-

winning musical about strongwilled matchmaker Dolly (played by Emmy-award winning Sally Struthers), featuring an irresistible story and unforgettable score.

Cost: $59/48. Rialto Square Theatre, 15 E Van Buren St., Joliet. 815 726-6600

Feb. 14 the midtown men The orginal “Jersey Boys” stars celebrate the music of the 1960s when they take the stage for a special Valentine’s Day performance at The Paramount Theatre in Aurora.

Call 630 896-6666 for tickets.

| And Then There Were None | Jan 24 - Feb 16, Thur - Sun, Thur - Sat 8 p.m. and Sun 3 p.m. The play based on Agatha Christie’s 1939 murder mystery novel, responsible for the famous quote “None of us will ever leave this island.” Cost: $16/13. Wheaton Drama’s Playhouse 111, 111 N Hale St., Wheaton. 630 260-1820 | Rough Crossing | Jan 29 - Mar 2, Wed & Fri - Sat

8 p.m., Sun 3 p.m.; Also, Thur, Jan 30, 8 p.m. and Thur, Feb 20, 3 p.m. Aboard the S.S. Italian Castle on its way to New York, two playwrights struggle to finish their latest musical hit in this charming comedy.

Cost: $37/26. First Folio Theatre at Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W 31st St., Oak Brook. 630 986-8067

| Broadway’s Next H!T Musical | Sat, Feb 1, 7 p.m.

After a first act in which troupes improvise Broadwayready tunes based on audience suggestions, the audience-favorite troupe returns to perform a brand new musical based on their winning song. Cost: $32.

Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Dr., Elgin. 847 622-0300

| The Dining Room | Fri - Sun, Feb 7 - 16, Fri - Sat 8 p.m. and Sun 2 p.m. A set of furniture may be the main character, but actors portray a total of 57 characters across 18 scenes from different upper middle-class households. Cost: $16/11. Grove Players at The Lincoln Center, 935 Maple Ave., Downers Grove. 630 415-3682 | A Mighty Fortress Is Our Basement | Sun, Feb 9,

3 p.m. A musical comedy about four women who work in the church basement kitchen, and their relationships. Cost: $48/20. Rialto Square Theatre, 15 E Van Buren St., Joliet. 815 726-6600

| Beautifully | Thur - Sun, Feb 13 - 23, Thur - Fri 8 p.m., Sat 2:30 & 8 p.m. and Sun 2:30 p.m.; Also, a 7:30 p.m. show on Feb 16. This world premiere is a raw and unflinching look at the impact a person’s perception of “beauty” has on his/her own life and the lives of

others. Cost: $20/18. Theatre of Western Springs, 4384 Hampton Ave., Western Springs. 708 246-4043

| College Theater - “The Bully Plays” | Thur - Sun,

Feb 20 - Mar 2, Thur - Sat 8 p.m. and Sun 3 p.m.

Challenging view and experiences with bullying, this anthology of individual tales offers insight and varying perspectives on bullying and what it is to be a victim.

Cost: $10/9. McAninch Arts Center, Fawell and Park Boulevards, Glen Ellyn. 630 942-4000

| Extremities | Thur - Sun, Feb 20 - 23, Thur 7 p.m., Fri - Sat, 7:30 p.m. and Sun 3 p.m. An intense and raw psychological thriller, that raises provocative and questions about rape, violence, and difficult the line between justice and vengeance. Cost: $17.

Martin Recital Hall at Dominican University, 7900 W Division St., River Forest. 708 488-5000 | The Bay Of Portugal | Fri - Sun, Feb 21 - Mar 16, Fri Sat 8 p.m. and Sun 3 p.m. Can long-separated Gwen and Jack get through their daughter’s engagement party without killing each other? Cost: $28/22. Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W Main St., St. Charles. 630 587-8521 | Into The Woods | Feb 21 - Mar 2, Fri - Sun, Fri - Sat, 7:30 p.m. and Sun 3 p.m. The Brothers Grimm and Broadway collide in an epic musical fairytale, in which characters discover that “Happily Ever After” isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Cost: $20/18. Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Dr., Elgin. 847 622-0300 | Best. Detention. Ever | Sat, Feb 22, 7 p.m. A charismatic teacher sees an opportunity to open up a whole new world to rebellious kids in a Saturday morning detention hall - but will his message inspire them or fall on deaf ears? Part of the center’s Black History Month Program. Cost: $20. Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Ct., Schaumburg.

847 895-3600

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| Urinetown | Thur - Sat, Feb 27 - Mar 1, 7:30 p.m.

In this hilarious, irreverent musical satire, a 20-year drought leads to a severe water shortage. The government responds with a ban on private toilets.

What to do when you have to pay to pee? Cost: $15/10. Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E Benton Ave., Naperville.

630 637-7469

comedy | Whose Line | Ongoing, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. Improv comedy similar to ABC’s “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” TV show. No one under 14 admitted. Cost: $20. The Comedy Shrine, 4034 Fox Valley Center Dr., Aurora. 630 585-0300 | Comedy Shrine Bar Show | Ongoing, Saturdays at 10 p.m. Interactive improv show includes some audience participation, chances to win prizes and drink specials. A Designated Driver program is available. Cost: $20. The Comedy Shrine, 4034 Fox Valley Center Dr., Aurora. 630 585-0300

| Michael Palascak | Thur - Sat, Jan 2 - 4, Thur 8 p.m., Fri 8 & 9:45 p.m., Sat 7:30 & 9:45 p.m. The stand-up comedian, who appeared on “The Late Late Show,” Comedy Central and “The Late Show with David Letterman,” performs. Cost: $23 + 2 item food/bev.

Zanies Comedy Club in Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 584-6342 | First Fridays Improv | Fri, Jan 3 & Feb 7, 8 p.m.

100% clean. 99.27% hilarious. For over 10 years, GreenRoom has been performing their unique improv show for thousands of people both old and young alike.

Cost: $12/10. Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. 847 931-5900 | The Tuesday Ten Showcase | Tuesdays, Jan 7 - 28, 8 p.m. A mix of 10 headliners, rising stars and surprise guests, hosted by Sally Edwards. Cost: $10 + 2 item food/bev. Zanies Comedy Club in MB Financial Park, 5437 Park Pl., Rosemont. 847 813-0484

| Andy Woodhull | Fri, Jan 17, 8 & 10:30 p.m.

A Zanies favorite, who has recently appeared on Comedy Central and CMT. Cost: $22 + 2 item food/ bev. Zanies Comedy Club in MB Financial Park, 5437 Park Pl., Rosemont. 847 813-0484 | Bobby Lee | Fri - Sun, Jan 17 - 19, Fri 8 & 10:15 p.m., Sat 7 & 9:15 p.m. and Sun 7 p.m. The stand-up comedian, best known from his years as a cast member on MADtv, performs. For ages 18 & over.

Cost: $24. Chicago Improv, 5 Woodfield Rd., Woodfield Mall, Store K120B, Schaumburg. 847 240-2001 | The Stars Of MTV’s “Girl Code/Guy Code” | Sat, Jan 18, 7 & 9:30 p.m. Jessimae Peluso and Carly Aquilino from “Girl Code” and Chris Distefano from “Guy Code” make a rare Chicagoland appearance. Cost: $25 + 2 item food/bev. Zanies Comedy Club in MB Financial Park, 5437 Park Pl., Rosemont. 847 813-0484 | Nick Vatterott | Fri, Jan 24, 8 & 10:30 p.m. This Chicago native was once named “Funnies Man in Chicago” by Chicago Magazine. He has appeared on Comedy Central and Jimmy Fallon. Cost: $22 + 2 item food/drink bev. Zanies Comedy Club in MB Financial Park, 5437 Park Pl., Rosemont. 847 813-0484 | Erik Griffin | Sat, Jan 25, 8 & 10:30 p.m. The actor, who plays Montez Walker on Comedy Central’s hit series “Workaholics,” has also appeared on NBC, Showtime and TNT. Cost: $25 + 2 item food/bev.

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Out&about

Calendar of Events

music | Live Folk Music | Ongoing, Fridays at 8:15 p.m. Enjoy

live folk and acoustic musical entertainment with friends.

Cost: $7. Two Way Street Coffee House, 1047 Curtiss St., Downers Grove. 630 969-9720

| Scottish Fantasy | Sat, Jan 11, 7:30 p.m. and Sun, Jan 12, 2:30 p.m. Take a musical tour of Scotland with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra – creating images of rolling green hills, ancient ruins and magnificent castles. Cost: $40/25. Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. 847 888-4000

| STOMP | Tue, Jan 14, 7:30 p.m. The percussive hit is explosive, provocative, sophisticated, sexy, utterly unique and appeals to audiences of all ages. Cost: $30. BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford. 815 968-5600

Jan. 31-Feb. 1 professional championship bullriders

| Tenors Un Limited | Thur, Jan 16, 7:30 p.m. This highly

entertaining evening with the UK’s original classicalcrossover ‘man band’ is witty and irreverent one moment and heart-felt the next, with powerful vocals, tight harmony and tender, intimate love songs. Cost: $33/18.

Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E Chicago Ave., Naperville.

630 637-7469

The bull riding World Tour Finale VIII comes to the Sears Centre along with world class barrel racing.

Call 888-732-7784 for tickets.

Zanies Comedy Club in MB Financial Park, 5437 Park Pl., Rosemont. 847 813-0484

| Matt McCarthy | Wed - Sat, Jan 29 - Feb 1, Wed - Thur

8 p.m., Fri 8 & 9:45 p.m. and Sat 7:30 & 9:45 p.m. One of the most popular comedians working in the clubs is regular on the “Pete Holmes Show” on TBS. He has also appeared on Comedy Central, AMC and more. Cost: $23 + 2 item food/bev. Zanies Comedy Club in Pheasant

Run Resort, 4051 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 584-6342

| David Alan Grier | Thur - Sun, Feb 6 - 9, Thur 7:30

p.m., Fri 8 & 10:15 p.m., Sat 7 & 9:15 p.m and Sun 7 p.m.

Countless theater, television, film, and comedic endeavors have charted Grier’s career’s path to stellar heights.

For ages 18 & over. Cost: $24/22 + 2 food/bev items.

Chicago Improv, 5 Woodfield Rd., Woodfield Mall, Store K120B, Schaumburg. 847 240-2001

| Bob Mould | Fri, Jan 17, 8 p.m. A true American icon, perhaps best known for his work as guitarist, vocalist and songwriter for alternative rock bands Hüsker Dü in the 1980s and Sugar in the 1990s. Cost: $36/34. Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Ct., Schaumburg.

847 895-3600 | Jim Peterik And World Stage | Sat, Jan 18, 8 p.m.

Featuring stars from rock, pop, country and jazz fields,

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the music of World Stage has led audiences to proclaim it the “soundtrack of their life.” Cost: $50/45. Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E Chicago Ave., Naperville. 630 637-7469

| REO Speedwagon | Sat, Jan 18, 8 p.m. The band with

Custom Framing Since 1987 knowledge I Design I Experience I Selection

a string of gold and platinum records and international hit singles, such as “Ridin’ The Storm Out,” performs.

Cost: $75/25. Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N River Rd., Rosemont. 847 671-5100

| Jim Shaffer Day | Sun, Jan 19, 2 p.m. A pipe organ

concert and silent film comedy short in memory of volunteer organist/historian Jim Shaffer. Cost: $10.

Arcada Theatre, 105 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 962-7000

| United States Coast Guard Academy Chorale | Sun, Jan 19, 2 p.m. 16 cadets from the U.S. naval academy present a free concert. Tivoli Theatre, 603 Rogers St., Downers Grove. 630 968-1600 | Chicago Sinfonietta Tribute To Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. | Sun, Jan 19, 3 p.m. This inspiring and uplifting show also features the powerful voices of a massive Apostolic Church of God Sanctuary Choir, soprano Elizabeth Norman, and Nicole Cash, an associate principal horn of the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra. Directed by Mei-Ann Chen. Cost: $50/10.

Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E Chicago Ave., Naperville.

630 637-7469 | American Grands XIX | Sat, Jan 25, 1 p.m., 4 p.m.

& 7 p.m. A musical spectacular with 12 grand pianos and close to 500 local performers. Cost: $24/15. Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Dr., Elgin. 847 622-0300

| Elvis Lives | Sat, Jan 25, 7:30 p.m. The Ultimate Elvis

Tribute Artist Event is an unforgettable multi-media and live musical journey across Elvis’ life, featuring finalists from The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. Cost: $60/40. Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N River Rd., Rosemont.

847 671-5100

| Rik Emmett | Sat, Jan 25, 8 p.m. Emmett, often remembered as the guitrist and vocalist for Triumph, is hailed for his technique across numerous genres and styles. Cost: $69/29. Arcada Theatre, 105 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 962-7000 | Dirty Dozen Brass Band | Sat, Jan 25, 8 p.m. The world famous music machine, whose name is synonymous with genre-bending romps and high-octane performances, takes the stage. Cost: $30/15. Fermilab, Wilson and Kirk Roads, Batavia. 630 840-2787 | Chicago Brass Quintet | Sun, Jan 26, 2:30 p.m. The

ensemble, formed in 1964 to promote the appreciation and enjoyment of brass chamber music, have now performed across the U.S., Canada, South America and Asia. Cost: $17. Fermilab, Wilson and Kirk Roads, Batavia.

630 840-2787

| The Show Biz Kids | Sun, Jan 26, 6 p.m. Musical

comedy duo starring Wild Chicago’s Emmy Awardwinning Dick O’Day and singer spotlight showcase creator Becca Kaufman present an evening of musical cabaret. Cost: $35/30. Madden Theatre, 171 E Chicago Ave., Naperville. 630 637-7469

| An Evening With Jazz Saxophonist Mitch Paliga |

Fri, Jan 31, 8 p.m. Paliga headlines this concert which features other members of North Central College’s acclaimed jazz faculty. Cost: $20/15. Madden Theatre, 171 E Chicago Ave., Naperville. 630 637-7469

| Shaun Hopper | Sat, Feb 1, 7 p.m. The acoustic fingerstyle guitarist/wizard mesmerizes with a style that blends the full range of musical genres and uses a oneof-a-kind percussive technique. Cost: $25. SecondSpace Theatre, 700 Spartan Dr., Elgin. 847 622-0300

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Out&about

Calendar of Events

JAN. 25 RED PRIEST

The world class quartet brings Baroque music to life with its flamboyant theatricla style at Edman Memorial Chapel at Wheaton College. Call 630 752-5010 for tickets.

| Local Natives | Sat, Feb 1, 7:30 p.m. Indie rock band, Local Natives, performs at Edman Memorial Chapel.

Wheaton College band Strange Bedfellows will be the opening act. Cost: $35/30. Wheaton College, NE Corner of Washington & Franklin, Wheaton. 630 752-5181 | The Cat’s Pajamas | Sat, Feb 1, 8 p.m. Forged out of funky beats and a strong a cappella background, this explosive five-man vocal band has wowed audiences around the globe. Cost: $25/20. Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E Chicago Ave., Naperville. 630 637-7469 | The Musical Box | Sat, Feb 1, 8 p.m. and Sun, Feb 2, 8:30 p.m. The Canadian group re-creates this classic Genesis performance with such stellar detail, it is as if you are being taken back in time. Cost: $69/39. Arcada Theatre, 105 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 962-7000 | Transatlantic | Tue, Feb 4, 7 p.m. The progressive rock supergroup comprised of Neal Morse, Roine Stolt, Mike Portnoy, and Pete Trewavas performs. Cost: $89/39.

Arcada Theatre, 105 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 962-7000 | Naturally 7 | Wed, Feb 5, 7:30 p.m. The band, fresh

off a tour with Michael Bublé, charms with their rich harmonies and unbelievable ability to replicate instruments with their voices. Cost: $33. Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Dr., Elgin. 847 622-0300

| Cheap Trick | Thur, Feb 6, 7:30 p.m. and Fri, Feb 7,

8 p.m. The enduring, hard-touring, and self-caricaturing rock group performs. Cost: $125/59. Arcada Theatre, 105 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 962-7000

| Tour Of Italy | Sat, Feb 8, 7:30 p.m. and Sun, Feb 9, 2:30 p.m. Journey through Italy with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. Cost: $45/20. Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. 847 888-4000 | American English | Sat, Feb 8, 7:30 p.m at Blizzard

Theatre; Sun, Feb 9, 4:30 p.m. at Arcada Theatre. American English’s spot-on performance of Beatles favorites, along with Ed Sullivan impersonator Bob Rumba, celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Beatles’ appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show! Cost: $49/29. Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Dr., Elgin. 847 622-0300; Arcada Theatre, 105 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 962-7000

| Ladysmith Black Mambazo | Sat, Feb 8, 7:30 p.m.

Joyous and uplifting music from South Africa’s most recognized recording artists. Cost: $33/23. Lund Auditorium at Dominican University, 7900 W Division St., River Forest. 708 488-5000 | DSO By Request | Sat, Feb 8, 8 p.m. The DuPage

Symphony’s mid-year subscription concert features an audience favorite, an orchestra pick and Antonin Dvorak’s Violin Concerto in A minor, featuring celebrated violinist Hye-Jin Kim. Cost: $35/12. Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E Chicago Ave., Naperville. 630 637-7469

| Keb’ Mo’ | Sat, Feb 8, 8 p.m. The three-time Grammy Award-winning contemporary blues singer/songwriter performs an intimate evening on solo guitar featuring his soulful bluesy voice and magnetic charisma.

Cost: $50/40. McAninch Arts Center, Fawell and Park Boulevards, Glen Ellyn. 630 942-4000 | Sleight Street | Sun, Feb 9, 3 p.m. This Naperville-based a cappella ensemble features eight diverse singers who share a passion for creating beautiful vocal harmonies, with a repertoire including songs from many genres and eras. Concert is free but ticket distribution is by lottery due to limited space. Robert R. McCormick Museum at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. Call 630 260-8162 by Jan 31 to be eligible for tickets (limit 2).

| Suzanne Petri | Sun, Feb 9, 6 p.m. The internationally

recognized cabaret diva, president emeritus and a founding member of the Chicago Cabaret Professionals,

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performs an “Evening of Cabaret.” Cost: $35/30.

Madden Theatre, 171 E Chicago Ave., Naperville.

630 637-7469

| The Lennon Sisters | Mon - Tues, Feb 10 - 11, 1:30 p.m.

“America’s Sweethearts of Song” perform. Group sales and meal packages available. Cost: $80/60. Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Ln., Oakbrook Terrace. 630 530-0111 | The Midtown Men | Fri, Feb 14, 1:30 & 8 p.m. The

original stars of Broadway’s runaway hit ‘Jersey Boys’ take the stage with a whole new musical act that celebrates the music of the 1960s. Cost: $55/45. Paramount Theatre, 23 E Galena Blvd., Aurora. 630 896-6666

| Groovin’ The Sixties | Fri, Feb 14, 8 p.m.

The Buckinghams & Gary Puckett, supported by a full symphony orchestra, perform. Cost: $79/49. Arcada Theatre, 105 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 962-7000

| An Evening With Jazz Pianist Chris White | Fri, Feb

14, 8 p.m. White headlines this concert, featuring other members of North Central College’s acclaimed jazz faculty. Cost: $20/15. Madden Theatre, 171 E Chicago Ave., Naperville. 630 637-7469

| Danny Wright | Fri, Feb 14, 8 p.m. The veteran pianist

and composer, also known as “The Healer of Hearts,” makes music that touches and uplifts people worldwide every day, specializing in several music styles. Cost: $26/24. Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Ct., Schaumburg. 847 895-3600

| Mark Bettcher And Friends | Sat, Feb 15, 7:30 p.m.

Trombonist Mark Bettcher and his band perform an evening of hot jazz, including selections from his original works and his critically acclaimed CD “Take a Look Inside.” Cost: $25. SecondSpace Theatre, 700 Spartan Dr., Elgin. 847 622-0300

| 10,000 Maniacs | Sat, Feb 15, 8 p.m. The alternative rock band plays “More Than This,” “These Are Days,” “Don’t Talk,” and more of their songs. Cost: $49/29.

Arcada Theatre, 105 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 962-7000 | Corky Siegel’s Chamber Blues | Sat, Feb 15, 7:30

p.m. Walking the line between Beethoven and B.B. King, Corky Siegel’s Chamber Blues experience captures both the sparkling qualities of classical music and the emotional melodic style of blues. Cost: $34. Blizzard Theatre at Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Dr., Elgin. 847 622-0300

| Cavatina Duo | Sun, Feb 16, 2:30 p.m. The Cavatina Duo has captivated audiences with their electrifying performances in major venues and festivals around the globe. Cost: $17. Fermilab, Wilson and Kirk Roads, Batavia. 630 840-2787 | Secret Concert For Your Valentine | Sun, Feb 16, 4 p.m. To mark the dedication of the new Cleve Carney Art Gallery, a surprise Grammy Award-winning jazz artist will share his rich vocal flights, edgy lyrics and original compositions. Performer to be announced in January.

Cost: $44/34. McAninch Arts Center, Fawell and Park Boulevards, Glen Ellyn. 630 942-4000 | Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra | Sun, Feb 16, 6 p.m. Golijov’s Sidereus, Copland’s Clarinet Concerto and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 “Pathetique” are performed. Cost: $59/20. Rialto Square Theatre, 15 E Van Buren St., Joliet. 815 726-6600 | Explore The Sound | Thur - Fri, Feb 20 - 21, 7:30 p.m.

This is the sixth annual seamless, theatrically lit and staged concert featuring choral and instrumental ensembles and faculty artists performing from every

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Out&about

Calendar of Events Schaumburg. 773 296-4909

Feb. 16

| Sleeping Beauty | Fri, Jan 24, 7:30 p.m. The Nureyev State Ballet Theatre, from the city of Ufa, Hometown of Legendary Dancer of 20th century, Rudolf Nureyev, brings the world’s most beloved ballet to glorious life.

Cost: $58/28. Rialto Square Theatre, 15 E Van Buren St., Joliet. 815 726-6600

The Peking Acrobats

Watch the acrobats as they climb, flip, and fly their way into The Paramount Theatre.

Call 630 896-6666 for tickets.

art | Knit Night | Ongoing, Thurdays, 7 - 9 p.m. People of all skill levels are invited to enjoy a relaxing evening while working on their own knit or crochet projects, in a social atmosphere. Gallery 200, 200 Main St., West Chicago. 630 673-0964 | Deviant Pop | Jan 1 - 17, Tue - Thur & Sat 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Fri 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Sun 12 noon - 5 p.m. An invitational show of pop surrealism, or “underground” lowbrow art, is the product of five talented Chicago artists. Cost: $5/3; Free on Fridays. Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 S Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst. 630 279-1009 | Winter Garden Exhibit | Jan 2-3, 8-10, 15-17, 22-24,

noon - 4 p.m. The Aurora Public Art Commission presents the 16th annual display of artwork by Aurora students from kindergarten through high school. There will be a total of 130 pieces of art from 26 schools, with mediums including paintings, drawings, printmaking, sculpture, among others. Cost: Free. David L. Pierce Art and History Center, 20 E. Downer Pl., Aurora.

| Fine Line Exploration Day | Sat, Jan 4, 10 a.m. - 3

p.m. Each art studio will offer a “taste” of Fine Line.

Move from room to room throughout the day and complete as many offerings as you wish. All materials provided. Cost: $75/50. The Fine Line Creative Arts Center, 37W570 Bolcum Rd., St. Charles. 630 584-9443

nook and cranny of the concert hall. Cost: $7/3.

Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E Chicago Ave., Naperville.

630 637-7469

| 47th Annual Elmhurst College Jazz Festival | Thur,

Feb 20, 12 p.m.; Fri-Sat, Feb 21-22, 7:30 p.m.; Sun, Feb 23, 11:30 a.m. The festival will feature the Elmhurst College Jazz Band, The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra, Ryan Truesdell’s Gil Evans Project Big Band, and Andy Martin, Bobby Shew, and Gary Smulyan as well as jazz ensembles from around the country. Cost: $75/10. Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel at Elmhurst College, 190 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. 630 617-5534

| Hotel California | Fri, Feb 21, 8 p.m. The highly acclaimed presentation of this Eagles’ tribute band. Cost: $49/29. Arcada Theatre, 105 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 962-7000 | Sounds of Music Festival | Sat, Feb 22, 7:30 p.m.

The featured Fonema Consort has put down roots to become a national and international performing entity and has commissioned more than a dozen works. Cost: $15. Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E Chicago Ave., Naperville.

630 637-7469

| The Irish Rovers | Sun, Feb 23, 3 p.m. The “international ambassadors of Irish music” perform songs which “have become anthems of revelry and joy among generation after generation of fans.” -The Belfast Telegraph.

Cost: $30/20. Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E Chicago Ave.,

Naperville. 630 637-7469

| Lady Antebellum | Wed, Feb 26, 7 p.m. The Grammy Award-winning American country pop music group stops by the Allstate Arena on their tour. Cost: $59/35.

Allstate Arena, 6920 N Mannheim Rd., Rosemont.

847 745-3000 | Nat King Cole Tribute | Fri, Feb 28, 8 p.m. Ramsey Lewis and John Pizzarelli have crafted a tribute to the titan of ‘50s vocal pop, from his hits along with his singular tracks of sophisticated cool jazz that have influenced their own careers. Cost: $50/60. Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E Chicago Ave., Naperville. 630 637-7469 | Taj Mahal | Fri, Feb 28, 8 p.m. The composer/multiinstrumentalist’s repertoire draws from music of the Caribbean and West Africa, as well as early American jazz and Southern folk. Cost: $42/40. Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Ct., Schaumburg. 847 895-3600

dance | Inaside Chicago Dance Winter Concert |

Sat, Jan 18, 8 p.m. Celebrate Inaside’s 10 Year anniversary with its Winter Concert! Three world premieres by Dionna PridGeon, Brandon DiCriscio, and newly named Associate Artistic Director Robert McKee. Cost: $30/20.

Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Ct.,

| Beginnings | Jan 11 - Feb 1, Mon - Fri 1 - 5 p.m., Sat 1 4 p.m. What direction will your art take you in 2013? How will you take the next step? Start the journey by exhibiting your best most recent artwork. Oak Park Art League, 720 Chicago Ave., Oak Park. 708 386-9853 | Monsters And Totems | Sundays, Jan 12 - Mar 6, Noon - 8 p.m. Artist Jason Godeke is interested in combining familiar, machined, idealized versions of humans with freshly hewn figurative aspects that are crude and flawed. Oesterle Library, 320 E School St., Naperville. 630 637-7469 | Teen Open Studio | Mondays, Jan 13 - Mar 17, 6 - 8 p.m.; no class on Jan 20. This class is exclusively for intermediate and advanced students wishing to focus on drawing and painting skills while creating artwork to enhance their portfolio. Cost: $225. Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W 31st St., Oak Brook. 630 206-9566 | Exploring Watercolor | Tuesdays, Jan 14 - Feb 18;

Advanced from 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Beginner from 1 3:30 p.m. Explore and enhance your own personal style while enjoying the process of watercolor painting in a beautiful setting. Cost: $125. Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W 31st St., Oak Brook. 630 206-9566

| Intro To Relief Printmaking | Tuesdays, Jan 14 - Feb 18, 4 - 5:30 p.m. Enjoy learning the basics of relief printing using linoleum to create hand-printed works of art. Cost: $125. Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W 31st St., Oak Brook. 630 206-9566 | The Chicago Freedom Movement Photography | Tuesdays - Fridays, Jan 17 - Feb 28, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

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This exhibit by Bernie J. Kleina is a small but revealing snapshot of Dr. Martin Luther King’s visit and marches in Chicago, and of both the ugliness and beauty of the response to open housing by the people of Chicago.

Schoenherr Gallery, 171 E Chicago Ave., Naperville.

630 637-7469

| Self-Employment In The Arts Conference | Fri - Sat, Feb 21 - 22, 1 - 4 p.m. Geared towards career development for art students, faculty and other emerging artists, activities include keynote speakers, hands-on workshops, panel and round table discussions, one-on-one mentoring and much more. Prices Vary. Hilton Hotel, 3003 Corporate West Dr., Lisle. 630 637-7469 | Traditional Figure Sculpture | Mondays, Jan 27 - Mar 3, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Working from a nude model, students will take a methodical and anatomical approach to sculpting the figure realistically. Students may choose to sculpt a head and torso or a full figure. Cost: $265/225 + $18 materials fee. The Fine Line Creative Arts Center, 37W570 Bolcum Rd., St. Charles. 630 584-9443

| Artist Talk | Fri, Feb 21, 6:30 p.m. Elmhurst-based artist

Jason Peot inserts geographic content into sculptural installations of light and wood. Elmhurst Art Museum,150 Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst. 630 834-0202

family & General | Classic Movie Mondays | Ongoing, Mondays at 7

p.m. starting Jan 20. Enjoy the classics of modern cinema on a magnificent silver screen. Cost: $1. Paramount Theatre, 23 E Galena Blvd., Aurora. 630 896-6666

| Sleigh Rides | Sundays, Jan - Feb, noon - 3 p.m.

Enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride. Rides depart every 20 minutes. Danada Equestrian Center, 3S507 Naperville Rd., Wheaton. 630 668-6012 | WVHS Planetarium Family Nights | First Friday of the month through April 2014, 7 p.m. Changing program themes are taken from current sky highlights, upcoming celestial events, or the latest space and/or astronomy news. 50 - 60 min long. Cost: $2. WVHS Planetarium, 2590 Ogden Ave., Aurora. 630 375-3247 | Skating In The Park | Jan 1 - Feb 2, Mon - Thur 4 - 9 p.m., Fri 4 - 10 p.m., Sat 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. and Sun 11 a.m.

- 8 p.m. Skate on a NHL sized skating rink, open to the public. Admission is free; skates can be rented onsite for $8. MB Financial Park, 5501 Park Pl., Rosemont. | Tea & Talk Kick-Off Party | Sat, Jan 4, 4 - 5:30 p.m.

An afternoon of Downton Abbey inspired activities on the eve of its fourth season premier includes enjoying tea and sweet treats while playing a rousing game of series trivia. For teens to adults. Cost: $15. Meeting House at Naper Settlement, Porter Ave. and Webster St., Naperville.

630 420-6010 | Carl Sandburg’s 136th Birthday Party | Sun, Jan 5, 2 - 4 p.m. Join in the party to celebrate the 136th birthday of Carl Sandburg, Elmhurst’s own “Poet of the People.” Elmhurst Historical Museum, 120 E Park Ave., Elmhurst. 630 833-1457 | Professional Bull Riders | Sat, Jan 11, 8 p.m. and Sun, Jan 12, 2 p.m. This bull riding show is fun for the whole family. Cost: $125/20. Allstate Arena, 6920 N Mannheim Rd., Rosemont. 847 745-3000

| Prehistoric Elephants of DuPage | Sun, Jan 12, 2-4 p.m. Hear about the fantastic discoveries of mastodons WEST SUBURBAN LIVING | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 43

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Calendar of Events

Jan. 16 TENORS UN LIMITED

The UK’s original classical-crossover “man band” bring their funny, yet moving, show to Wentz Hall at North Central College for their 10th anniversary tour. Call 630 637-7469 for tickets.

and mammoths in DuPage. Ages 12 and up with adult.

Must register. Cost: $1. Willowbrook Wildlife Center, 525 S. Park Blvd, Glen Ellyn. 630 942-6200

| Silent Film Series | Thur, Jan 16 & Feb 13, 7 p.m. Join film critic, author, and Chicago Sun-Times Media Local editor-in-chief Robert K. Elder for a delightful foray into silent film classics. Watch ‘The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari’ on Jan 16 and ‘The Extra Girl’ on Feb 13. Elmhurst Historical Museum, 120 E Park Ave., Elmhurst. 630 833-1457 Photos by Graham Webb

| Author Talk | Fri, Jan 17, 7 p.m. This multi-author event

features Susanna Kearsley (The Splendour Falls), Julie James (Love Irresistibly) and Hugo-award winning author Mary Robinette Kowal (Glamour in Glass). Anderson’s Bookshop, 111 W Jefferson Ave., Naperville. 630 355-2665

| Hot Chocolate Class | Sat, Jan 18 & Feb 1, 9:30 a.m.

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& 1 p.m. Uncover the story of chilies and chocolates— products that come from South American plants!

Examine parts of the cacao tree, learn how bitter beans make delicious desserts, and mix up several different kinds of historic chocolate drinks. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe. 847 835-5440

| Polished! | Mon, Jan 20, 4 - 6:30 p.m. Teen girls are invited to share a meal with friends while learning how to put their best foot forward at a new school, job interview or college visit. Includes dinner, two hours with a panel of consultants and more. Cost: $50/25. Visit prairiepathbooks.com for more details. | Disney On Ice | Jan 22 - 26, Wed - Thur 7 p.m., Fri 10:30 a.m. & 7 p.m., Sat - Sun 11:30 a.m., 3:30 and 7 p.m. It’s one colossal party on ice, with all your favorite Disney friends in a magical medley of holidays, celebrations and festivals from around the globe. Cost: $75/18.

Allstate Arena, 6920 N Mannheim Rd., Rosemont. 847 745-3000 | Ice Harvest | Thur, Jan 23, Sat - Sun, Jan 25 -26, and

Thur, Jan 30, 1 - 4 p.m. See the tools and techniques farm families used to cut and store ice before mechanical refrigeration. Weather permitting, help cut and transport ice from Timber Lake to the icehouse. Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Rd., West Chicago.

630 876-5900

| Greg Kot | Fri, Jan 24, 7 p.m. The longtime Chicago Tribune rock critic and co-host of radio’s Sound Opinions visits with his new book, “I’ll Take You There,” Anderson’s Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville. 630 355-2665 | Kuniko Yamamoto | Sat, Jan 25, 1 p.m. The Japanese storyteller, a frequent performer at Disney’s Epcot Center, combines pantomime, music, masks, origami, and a touch of magic to bring Japanese folktales to life.

Cost: $23. Lund Auditorium at Dominican University, 7900 W Division St., River Forest. 708 488-5000 | Monster Jam At BMO Harris Bank Center | Fri, Jan 31, 7:30 p.m. and Sat, Feb 1, 2 & 7:30 p.m. The twelvefeet-tall, ten-thousand-pound trucks will bring you to your feet, racing and ripping up a custom-designed track full of obstacles to soar over - or smash through.

Cost: $36/5. BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford. 815 968-5600 | Monster Jam At Allstate Arena | Feb 7 - 9,

Fri 7:30 p.m., Sat - Sun 2 & 7:30 p.m. The 12-feet-tall, 10-thousand-pound trucks will bring you to your feet, racing and ripping up a custom-designed track full of obstacles to soar over - or smash through. Cost: $57/12.

Allstate Arena, 6920 N Mannheim Rd., Rosemont.

847 745-3000

| The Orchid Show | Feb 15 - Mar 16, Daily 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Discover diverse orchids in a vibrant, indoor show.

Orchids are among the world’s most revered flowering plant families. Learn about the colorful blooms in an exhibition that enlivens the Regenstein Center, winding its way through the galleries and into the Greenhouses.

Cost: $10/6. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe. 847 835-5440 | Viva Las Vegas Casino Night | Sat, Feb 15, 6 - 11

p.m. This charity event includes a sit-down dinner, awesome live entertainment, open bar, gambling for big prizes and fast-paced fun. Proceeds allow more people the opportunity to be part of the wonderment of live theater at the Paramount. Cost: $100. Paramount Theatre, 23 E Galena Blvd., Aurora. 630 896-6666

| Homemade Ice Cream Class | Sun, Feb 16 & Sat, Mar 1, 9:30 a.m. & 1 p.m. Get an up-close look at one of

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the world’s tiniest seeds from the vanilla orchid, make a batch of ice cream, and pot up a plant that can flavor ice cream. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe. 847 835-5440

| The Peking Acrobats | Sun, Feb 16, 5 p.m. Renowned for their grace, artistry, and feats of seemingly impossible physical daring, the Peking Acrobats are a marvel to behold. Cost: $35/25. Paramount Theatre, 23 E Galena Blvd., Aurora. 630 896-6666 | Circus Spectacular | Feb 21 - 23, Fri 7:30 p.m., Sat 11 a.m., 3 & 7:30 p.m., Sun 2 & 6:30 p.m. With amazing lighting and sound, watch as human and animal performers transform you into the magical world of circus. Cost: $45/20. Sears Centre Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. 888 732-7784 | Daddy Daughter Sweetheart Ball | Fri, Feb 21, 6:30

- 8 p.m. This year’s theme will take ball-goers to Prince Charming’s Castle for Cinderella’s Ball. Dress to impress and dance the night away. For ages 4 - 13. Cost: $43/29. Lincoln Center, 935 Maple Ave., Downers Grove.

630 963-1300

| Tea & Talk Wrap Up | Sat, Feb 22, 4 - 5:30 p.m. Enjoy tea and treats, have fun playing trivia from the fourth season of Downton Abbey and speculate on what’s to come next for Downton. For teens to adults. Cost: $15.

Meeting House at Naper Settlement, Porter Ave. and Webster St., Naperville. 630 420-6010 | Michael Hainey | Wed, Feb 26, 7 p.m. ‘After Visiting Friends: A Son’s Story’ is the haunting story of a son’s quest to understand the mystery of his father’s death - a universal memoir by author Michael Hainey.

Anderson’s Bookshop, 111 W Jefferson Ave., Naperville.

630 355-2665

kids | The Frog Princess | Sat - Sun, Jan 11 - Feb 9, Sat

10:30 a.m and 1 p.m., Sun 1 p.m.; No 10:30 a.m. show on Jan 11. The classic fairy tale is performed on stage by children in Steel Beam’s Kid’s Stage program. Cost: $15/10. Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W Main St., St. Charles.

630 587-8521

| SpotLight Storytime| Sat, Jan 25, 10:45 a.m. Come as a family to enjoy stories and a craft featuring the beauty of light and color, with librarians sharing fun tales, music, and action rhymes. For ages 3 to 6 with adult. Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst. 630 834-0202 | Teacher From The Black Lagoon And Other Stories | Sat, Feb 8, 10 a.m. Theatreworks USA presents an exciting new musical revue based on favorite contemporary children’s books. Cost: $12/6. Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E Benton Ave., Naperville. 630 637-7469 | DiNO Light| Wed, Feb 12, 9:45 & 11:30 a.m. Crayon-

like creatures light up the darkness in this original heart-rending tale about a good-natured dinosaur discovering the outside world and the meaning of love.

Performed by SchoolStage. For grades 2-6. Cost: $6.

McAninch Arts Center, Fawell and Park Boulevards, Glen Ellyn. 630 942-4000

| The Red Sky’s The Great Mountain | Tue, Feb 18,

9:30 a.m. and 12 noon. This action-packed play invites young audiences to recognize their potential to make a difference to the future of our planet. For grades K-6. Cost: $8.50. Paramount Theatre, WEST SUBURBAN LIVING | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 45

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recommended. Cost: $7/5. Naper Settlement, 523 S Webster St., Naperville. 630 420-6010

| The Columbian Exposition - Part I: The Grand Basin | Tue, Jan 21, 7 - 8:15 p.m. The first presentation takes guests back in time by steamer from downtown Chicago along Lake Michigan to enter the fair by water.

Upon landing, they will tour buildings around the Grand Basin (or Court of Honor). Cost: $10. Meeting House at Naper Settlement, Porter Ave. and Webster St., Naperville. 630 420-6010 | In Vogue...& Out | Sat, Jan 25 - August 2014, Mon -

Fri 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Sat - Sun 12 noon - 4 p.m. The historical museum presents vogue accessories from late 1800s through modern day. See how parasols, chatelaines, and hairpins faded from favor and what modern accessories replaced them. DuPage County Historical Museum, 102 E Wesley St., Wheaton. 630 510-4941

Feb.1 WONDERS OF WINTER OPEN HOUSE

Ice fishing is one of the many activities to enjoy at Mayslake Peabody Estate. Call 630 933-7248 for more informaton.

23 E Galena Blvd., Aurora. 630 896-6666

photos, film, artifacts and touch-screen interactives, this new exhibit chronicles one of the most prolific decades of Sandburg’s life. Elmhurst Historical Museum, 120 E Park Ave., Elmhurst. 630 833-1457

HISTORY

| The Essential PT Barnum | Sun, Jan 12, 4 p.m. Hear about the life lessons that shaped the great American showman who revolutionized the circus, meet the extra ordinary people that changed his life, and experience the wonders of Barnum’s America Museum. Reservations

| Carl Sandburg Exhibit| January - April 20, Tue - Sun,

1 - 5 p.m. Carl Sandburg was a Renaissance man of many talents and passions during the 1920s when he resided with his family in suburban Elmhurst. Through rare

| Tea & Talk Servant Tour | Tue, Jan 28, 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Step back in time and behind the scenes to apply for a position at Martin Mitchell Mansion during a fictitious first person tour to learn about the life of servants during the late Edwardian time period. For teens to adults. Cost: $15. Meeting House at Naper Settlement, Porter Ave. and Webster St., Naperville. 630 420-6010 | The Columbian Exposition - Part II: Building The Lagoon | Tue, Feb 4, 7 - 8:15 p.m. The second presentation takes guests back in time to the fair by train, entering the fairgrounds through the terminal. During this trip, they will take in the Buildings on the Lagoon. Cost: $10.

Meeting House at Naper Settlement, Porter Ave. and Webster St., Naperville. 630 420-6010 | The Last Years Of Mary Todd Lincoln | Sun, Feb 9, 4

p.m. Mrs. Donna Daniels as Mary Todd Lincoln will speak

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of her marriage to Lincoln and the traumatic years of the Civil War, with the focus on the period of her life after the assassination. Cost: $7/5. Naper Settlement, 523 S Webster St., Naperville. 630 420-6010

| Lincoln’s Ladder To The Presidency | Sun, Feb 16,

2 p.m. Historian and author Guy Fraker will discuss how Lincoln’s years on the Eighth Judicial Circuit in Central Illinois not only grew his law practice, but helped to build a solid a political base that paved the way to his nomination and election to the presidency. Elmhurst Historical Museum, 120 E Park Ave., Elmhurst. 630 833-1457

| The Columbian Exposition - Part III: The Midway Plaisance | Tue, Feb 18, 7 - 8:15 p.m. The third presentation will take guests to the Midway Plaisance, where they can ride the first Ferris wheel, have a cup of Turkish coffee, or struggle atop a camel for a bumpy ride through the Streets of Cairo. Cost: $10. Meeting House at Naper Settlement, Porter Ave. and Webster St., Naperville. 630 420-6010

HOME & GARDEN | Make A Hypertufa Trough | Sat, Jan 11, 10 am. &

1 p.m. The thick porous walls of hypertufa allow hardy plants to survive in a container over the winter. It also perfect for succulents. Size is approximately 14 by 20 inches. All materials provided. Cost: $40. The Growing Place, 2000 Montgomery Rd., Aurora. 630 820-8088

| Create A String Garden | Sat, Feb 8, 10 a.m. Explore the world of kokedama or string gardens, building a small string garden around a selection of small houseplants. Cost: $20. The Growing Place, 2000 Montgomery Rd., Aurora. 630 820-8088 | Build A Succulent Terrarium | Sat, Feb 15, 10 a.m.

Find out how easy it can be to cultivate a terrarium.

Succulents do well in open vessels with sharp drainage.

Fee is the cost of materials. The Growing Place, 2000 Montgomery Rd., Aurora. 630 820-8088 | Landscaping 101: Curb Appeal | Sat, Feb 22, 10

a.m. The Growing Place’s experienced designers lead this session on creating appealing front yard landscapes using real life examples provided by attendees. Registration required. Cost: $15. The Growing Place, 2000 Montgomery Rd., Aurora. To register, call 630 355-4000.

ANTIQUES & CRAFTS | Build A Fairy House | Sat, Jan 25, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m.

Create a magical place for fairies and gnomes using a log, twigs, stones, and a variety of ‘found’ items. Cost: $30. The Growing Place, 2000 Montgomery Rd., Aurora.

630 820-8088

| Family Heirloom or Flea Market Find: What’s It Worth? | Sat, Feb 8, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Seven experienced appraisers will be available to examine and put a current market value on your treasure. Appraisals limited to three per person. Pre-registration suggested.Cost: $5 admission. Appraisal: $40/15. Nineteenth Century Club, 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park. 708 848-6755

WEDDINGS | Bridal Showcase At Naper Settlement | Fri, Jan 10, 5:30 - 9 p.m. and Sat, Jan 11, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Meet with over 50 vendors at this up-close and personal showcase and see the beautiful non-denominational Century Memorial Chapel, a perfect setting for up to 175 guests. Naper Settlement, 523 S Webster St., WEST SUBURBAN LIVING | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 47

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Calendar of Events

Photo courtesy of the Museum of Contemporary Art

Out&about City Self Exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art

Naperville. 630 420-6010

| Bridal Expo 2014 | Sun, Jan 19, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Find

new ideas, save time and money and discover all your option with the area’s best wedding professionals, all under one roof. Cost: $10/8. Rialto Square Theatre, 15 E Van Buren St., Joliet. 815 726-6600

| St. Charles Wedding Expo | Sun, Jan. 19, 1-4 p.m.

Discover ideas to personalize your affair, with everything from food, entertainment, flowers, invitations and more.

Take advantage of talking in person with vendors from all over the Fox Valley area and try a variety of free product samples. Cost: Free. Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, 3795 Campton Hills Road, St. Charles. 630 513-4399 | Cantigny Bridal Show | Sun, Jan 26, 1 - 4 p.m. A

Wor th Going Downtown For - Emancipation Proclamation -

Through Jan 5, Wed - Sat 9:30 a.m - 4:30 p.m. and Sun 12 noon - 5 p.m. The Emancipation Proclamation will be on display.

It is the first time this rare commemorative version has been displayed in Chicago. Chicago History Museum, 1601 N Clark St., Chicago. 312 642-4600

$255/40. United Center, 1901 W Madison St., Chicago.

312 455-4500

- The Phantom of the Opera Jan 9- Mar 2. Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical success makes its premiere in Chicago as part of a new U.S. National Tour.

Cost: $90/25. Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph, Chicago. 800 775-2000.

- MCA Exhibition: City Self Through Apr. 13. The exhibit focuses on Chicago as a quintessential American city. drawing connections to a range of works by both Chicago artists and “outsiders” including Andreas Gursky and Catherine Opie. Cost: $12/7 suggested. Free on Tuesdays.

Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago.

312 280-2660

- Madama Butterfly - Sat, Jan 11, Tues, Jan 14, Fri, Jan 17, Jan 20, 7:30 p.m.; Thurs, Jan 23, Sun, Jan 26, 2 p.m. American soprano Patricia Racette stars in the popular masterpiece about a Japanese geisha. Civic Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Dr., Chicago. 312 332-2244 ext 5600

- Elvis Fest - Wed, Jan 8, 7-11

- Cabaret - Wed - Sun, Jan 22

p.m. Fans can meet Radio Hall of Famer Dick Biondi from 97.7 WLS-FM as he hosts and broadcasts live. An endless supply of Elvis Tribute Artists will take the stage to rock the songs that made Elivs The King.

Suggested Cost: $5. The Original Mother’s, 26 W. Division St., Chicago. 312 642-7251

- Chicago Sketchfest - Thur

- Sun, Jan 9 - 19. 150 troupes were selected, involving 1,000 artists performing over 170 shows in 8 days, for the largest sketch comedy festival ever seen in America. Cost: $15/14.

Stage 773, 1225 W Belmont, Chicago. 773 327-5252

- Jay-Z - Thur, Jan 9, 8 p.m.

The 17 Grammy Award-winning rapper performs on his Magna Carta Holy Grail tour. Cost:

- Mar 16, Wed 1 & 8 p.m., Thur - Fri 8 p.m., Sat 4:30 & 8 p.m., Sun 1 & 5 p.m. Kander and Ebb’s legendary musical about English cabaret performer Sally Bowles, American writer Clifford Bradshaw, and the decadence of 1929 Berlin. Suggested for ages 16 and up. Cost: $48/40.

Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire. 847 634-0200

- Astro-Overnights - Fri, Feb 7, 6 p.m. - 7 a.m. Spend a night at the museum. Limited to children ages 6 - 10 with their families, scout group, or other special group. Cost: $60/55.

Adler Planetarium, 1300 S Lake Shore Dr., Chicago.

312 922-7827 - Alton Brown Live! The Edible Inevitable Tour - Feb 8,

3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Alton Brown,

“Iron Chef” and renowned TV personality, brings an eventful evening of stand-up comedy, live music, and food experimentation. Ponchos will be involved and the show offers an interactive component for audience members. Cost: $62/22. Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph, Chicago. 312 977-1700

- Buzzer - Feb 9 - Mar 8, Wed -

Thur 7:30 p.m., Fri - Sat 8 p.m., and Sun 2 & 7:30 p.m.; Also, 7:30 p.m. show on Feb 25 and 2 p.m. shows on Feb 22, Mar 1 & 8. No 7:30 p.m. show on Mar 9. Gentrification comes to a head in this Tracey Scott Wilson play Cost: $40/10. Goodman Theatre, 170 N Dearborn, Chicago. 312 443-3800

- The Pitchfork Disney -

Feb 9 - Mar 2, Thur - Sat 8 p.m. and Sun 3 p.m.; Also, 3 p.m. performances on Sat, Feb 15, 22 and Mar 1. The pitch black comedic story of two innocents, a modern day Hansel and Gretel, staring down a cruel, chaotic world in which money is all, fear sells, truth lies and existence is survival of the sickest. Cost: $20/12. Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N Southport, Chicago. 773 935-6875

- Chicago Polar Plunge -

Mar 2., 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

The 14th annual Polar Plunge returns to the icy waters of Lake Michigan for one fun-filled morning. The plunge raises funds for thr programs and athletes of Special Olympics Chicago. Registrants can sign up at www.sochicago.org.

North Avenue Beach, 1600 N. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago. 312 527-3743

wide variety of local vendors will exhibit their goods and services—photographers, engravers, formal wear, ice sculptors, florists, DJs, hotels, limos and more. Guests will also see simulated room set-ups and table décor, and sample menu items. Wine and champagne also will be served. Advance registration requested. Cost: $25. Visitors Center at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 260-8145

outdoors | Ice Fishing For Beginners | Sun, Jan 5 & Feb 2, 1 - 3

p.m. Learn about safety, equipment, techniques and tips for forest preserve lakes. Fishing will follow if conditions permit. Equipment and bait provided. Herrick Lake Forest Preserve near Winfield Rd. and Butterfield Rd. 630 933-7248

| Fabyan Japanese Garden | Sat, Jan 18 & Feb 8, and Fri, Jan 31 & Feb 21, 1 p.m. A tour that includes history of the Fabyan Japanese Garden along with facts about Japanese gardens in all seasons. Snow-covered ground is necessary for the tour. Cost: $2 donation requested. Fabyan West Forest Preserve, in Geneva off Rt. 31 (Batavia Ave.). 630 377-6424 | Romantic Night Hike | Sun, Feb 9, 7-9 p.m. Couples

are invited to stroll along lantern-lit paths that meander through the woods. Hot chocolate and a cozy fire for roasting marshmellows will warm couples at the end of the trail. Registration is required. Cost: $10/couple.

Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center, 3609 Spring Road, Oak Brook. 630 850-8110

sports | Synchronized Skating Sectional Championships |

Thur, Jan 23, 6 p.m. and Fri - Sat, Jan 24 - 25, 7 a.m. This U.S. Figure Skating qualifying event features synchronized skating teams from the Midwestern & Pacific Coast Sections competing to advance to the national championships. Cost: $60/30. Sears Centre Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. 888 732-7784

| Winter Frost Face-Off| Feb 14 - Mar 2; schedule of feature games TBD. Squirt “A,” Peewee “A,” and Adult Men’s “B” and “C” hockey leagues compete in separate tournaments with a four-game guarantee per division. MB Financial Park, 5501 Park Pl., Rosemont. For more information and to register, visit www.200x85.com. | 5th Annual Big Pig Tournament | Sat, Feb 22, 9:30

a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Win prizes for your ability to get your opponent out with a P.I.G. in this game of friendly competition. Recreation Center, 4500 Belmont Rd., Downers Grove. 630 960-7250

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Feb. 8-10 Downers grove ice sculpture festival

Ice sculptures line the streets of downtown Downers Grove, along with ice carving demonstrations. Call 630 725-0991 for more information.

lectures | Greatness! | Tues, Jan 21. 7 p.m. Grammy Award-

winning artist, actor, and author, Common, will deliver North Central College’s keynote address for Martin Luther King Jr. week. A Q&A will follow. Cost: $10. Available for purchase after Jan. 6. Pfeiffer Hall at North Central College, 310 E. Benton Ave. 630 637-7469

| What Do Scientists Know About the BIg Bang? |

Fri, Feb 7, 8.pm. Dr. John Carlstrom from the University of Chicago will discuss what we have known about the Big Bang and how we learned it. Cost: $7. Fermilab, Wilson and Kirk Roads, Batavia. 630 840-2787

| The Science Guy’s Big Blast of Science | Sun, Feb 9, 7 p.m. William Sanford Nye, better known to a generation of college students as Bill Nye the Science Guy, will be at Elmhurst College. Cost: $20. Tickets available Jan 6.

Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel at Elmhurst College, 190 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. 630 617-3390 | Einstein’s God | Thurs, Feb 27, 7 p.m. Krista Tippett,

host of “On Being,” the Peabody Award-winning public radio show, explores “the most essential questions” of life and faith. Cost: $10. Tickets available Jan 6. Frick Center at Elmhurst College, 190 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst.

630 617-3390.

Information is as accurate as possible, but times and dates do sometimes change and events are occasionally canceled. Please call to verify all critical information. To have an event included in this guide, send information two to three months in advance to: Out & About, P.O. Box 111, Elmhurst, IL 60126, or wsl@westsuburbanliving.net.

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Egg Harbor | Cinnamon Roll French Toast

Rise &Shine

13 Great local breakfast spots where you can savor a delicious morning meal

A

dmit it. You sometimes rush from the house in the morning without a bite to eat. Or even worse, you settle for a pop tart, donut or bowl of Captain Crunch. We give breakfast no respect. Yet we know our moms were right — it is the most important meal of the day.

So, moms, this one’s for you— a baker’s dozen of all-star breakfast venues, places about which you can’t wait to brag to friends, “I know a great place for breakfast.” You won’t find any dollar menus at these restaurants, but you also won’t bust your budget. A huge assortment of choices awaits you, so eat, drink your coffee and be merry, for tomorrow you can try the seafood omelet or the Mediterranean skillet.

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Blueberry Hill (Aurora, Darien, Homer Glen, La Grange, Oak Brook)

Find your breakfast thrill at Blueberry Hill, which always draws a top ranking in this magazine’s annual Best of the West poll. The “people’s choice” is true here in more ways than one with its 21 types of pancakes, 13 French toast items, nine kinds of Belgian waffles, nine skillets and a dozen omelets. What’s not to like? The food is first-rate, the portions are generous and prices are reasonable.

What to choose? The namesake blueberry pancakes with Michigan blueberries (in season) and pumpkin pancakes, made with fresh pumpkins, are exceptional. For gluttonous bliss, try the Captain Crunch French Toast. Ease your

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conscience knowing it’s topped with bananas, strawberries and honey.

No. 1 Seller: The banana nut French toast features delicious banana bread made on the premises that is dipped in egg yolk batter. Buy the banana bread, if available, on your way out.

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Egg Harbor (Barrington, Downers Grove, Elmhurst,

Geneva, Hinsdale, Lombard, Naperville, Wheaton)

Egg Harbor was named to evoke the country charm of the Door County town, a magical place of ease and comfort. The breakfast comfort food served up by this popular mini-chain lives up to its namesake. It does the little things (well, they really amount to what counts) right.

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Nosh | waitress Natalie Brown of Geneva

Carafes of water and coffee are left at the table. The maple syrup is heated.

The thick-sliced bacon oozes flavor.

The cream cheese icing on the cinnamon roll French toast is gooey, warm and irresistible. The décor is indeed charming, with enough chickens and roosters to fill a barnyard.

Portions are huge. Breakfast here typically means no need for lunch. The breakfast combos are a hit. Consistently good and absolutely filling are the banana bread French toast combo, the cinnamon roll French toast combo and the Belgian waffle combo.

For the Calorie Counter: The dynamite veggie white omelet includes fresh spinach, mushrooms, and red and green peppers topped with salsa and low-fat mozzarella and served with fresh fruit.

Red Apple Pancake | 3 House, Carol Stream

Lots of breakfast joints claim to be like mom’s kitchen or offer a family atmosphere. The Red Apple is the real deal. For 13 years, the 176-seat eatery has packed them in. The customer is king here. An order of eggs means two and two means four. The dining area is attractively decorated with scores of breakfasty knickknacks. Choices are close to unlimited: from potato pancakes and Georgia pecan waffles to Bavarian cream French toast and blackberry crepes.

Even the most conscientious eaters lose their resolve at Red Apple. Customers drop all pretenses about moderation and often ask for ice cream to top the signature apple pancake. Breakfast morphs into dessert and an average day becomes a holiday. Or please your inner WEST SUBURBAN LIVING

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child with the sugary chocolate chip pancakes. The next time at Red Apple — there will be a next time — choose the Slim Sarah’s, scrambled egg whites with spinach, mushrooms and cheese along with a fresh fruit cup and dry English muffin.

Owner’s recommendation: The Tijuana skillet sizzles with chorizo sausage, jalapeno peppers, onion, salsa, cheddar and sour cream.

Juicy-O, Downers Grove, | 4 Willowbrook and Naperville (Two Locations) Its name is silly. It’s located in a strip mall and flanked by a Payless Shoe Store and Barstools Etc. (Downers Grove restaurant). And its décor is merely functional. But the lines are long and its patrons are fiercely loyal. Juicy-O offers

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Photos by Ed Ahern

RISE & SHINE

Egg’lectic | Tuscany Skillet

small-town phone book: it all adds up to an artful experience. Kappy’s is a throwback, offering stick-to-the ribs fare at modest prices. You won’t be wowed, but you will be satisfied.

Waitress Recommendation: Kappy’s Skillet, a hearty concoction of sausage, bacon, onion, egg and hash browns.

Good luck finishing it.

EGG’LECTIC CAFÉ, | 6 WHEATON

(Two Locations)

no diner has ever eaten just one.

Belt Buster: The Insanely Nutty Pecan Belgian waffle is a full feast masquerading as a single entrée.

Location, location, location: why eat just anywhere when you can feast on a flavorful, ultra-fresh breakfast in a quaint spot in downtown Wheaton? The cozy original Egg’lectic is a candidate-inwaiting for a movie shoot. The wooden booths and floors, exposed ceiling, subdued lighting and tall windows envelope diners in a warm embrace.

Did we forget to mention the food?

Since 1999, Egg’lectic has consistently ranked among DuPage County’s favorite morning destinations. The menu has an international flair. Try the Dublin pot roast skillet, blending in mushrooms, onion and carrots with red wine sauce over diced grilled potatoes and topped with melted Swiss cheese and two eggs.

Another winner is the Tuscany skillet, highlighted by the delicious chicken Italian sausage.

Can’t Go Wrong: The cinnamon roll French toast is as good as it sounds.

The diet starts tomorrow.

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Egg’lectic | in Wheaton

heaping plates of breakfast classics.

Did we mention the portions are huge? Diners actually have walked away with a busted belt. (OK, so that really happened to me. Should have taken a doggie bag.) This is old-school breakfast: fluffy omelets, buttery pancakes and crisp bacon. The OJ and grapefruit juice are freshly squeezed. The bubble tea is a smoothie — peaches and cream, triple berry and more. Diners here are greeted with a smile and a bowl of small, melt-in-your-mouth donuts. Rumor has it 52 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

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KAPPY’S, VILLA PARK Jazz, the Broadway musical and abstract expressionism are called the original American art forms, but that list is elitist. Let’s not forget about the all-day diner. The upholstered booths, the swiveling counter stools, the uniformed waitresses and the menu the size of a

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NOSH, GENEVA If well-regarded Nosh were located in ritzy Lincoln Park or trendy Logan Square, it would be getting even more press than it does. But here’s the truth: the city by the lakefront is not the only place to find creative spins on eggs, omelets and French toast. You can’t say

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Photos by Andres DeLeon

Nosh is home cooking at its best because your mom never cooked like this — unless she was a professional.

The Savory French Toast will turn you into a Francophile. A French baguette is soaked in herb batter and served with crème fraiche, diced applewood-smoked bacon and carmelized onions. The flavors don’t clash but instead combine to stage a culinary victory dance. Adventurous eaters also should try the Costa Rican breakfast, two eggs graced with cheesy pink beans, jicama slaw, chipotle vinaigrette and spicy salsa topped with queso. Or try one of the three Spanish breakfast scrambles.

The de piperade is flavored powerfully by slow-cooked, Basque-style peppers and herbed goat cheese.

Best choice: The jalapeno Benedict is a revelation with a skirt steak cooked to perfection and a throat-tickling jalapeno hollandaise.

The Baked Apple | Company French Toast

The Baked Apple | Shirley Temple French Toast

MOONDANCE DINER, | 8 WESTMONT, BURR RIDGE

Anyone can fry eggs and bacon at home. A restaurant breakfast should offer bold flavors. Dishes ought to combine ingredients seemingly never in the refrigerator at home at the same time.

Venerable Moondance, a west suburban stalwart since 1992, fits the bill. It’s not so much a diner as an anti-diner, a source of clever, creative, even funky entrées that are reliably fresh and satisfying.

The enticing Yo Mamo’s omelet frittata mixes spinach, tomato, mushroom and asparagus topped with goat cheese.

Ba Ba Benny and the Eggs consists of two poached eggs, sliced tomato, choice of honey ham or Canadian bacon, all on a grilled English muffin drizzled with hollandaise sauce. Your taste buds will tell you this: it works. Lots of breakfast places

serve banana French toast, but few as capably as Moondance. The powdered sugar and pecans that smother it will leave you begging for mercy.

Calorie Counter Choice: The Healthy Triathlon layers low-fat yogurt over granola, fresh fruit, and more yogurt and crowns the dish with strawberries and cinnamon sugar. It’s served with a nine-grain whole wheat toast and a freshly baked muffin.

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BAKED APPLE, | 9 DOWNERS GROVE

Opened a little more than a year ago, the 120-seat Baked Apple has a sterling pedigree. George Doulas, who ran Archway Café near Midway Airport for nearly four decades, knows his way around a kitchen. He and his sons, Angelo and Nick, serve up hearty, tasty breakfast classics at decent prices. This is breakfast as it should be: golden brown

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RISE & SHINE

as there is no way a good chocolate bar can taste any better, so it goes with a Lumes oven-baked pancake. The restaurant uses its own recipe for the batter, of course.

The full breakfast menu includes omelets prepared 15 different ways, crepes crammed with fresh strawberries or cinnamon apples, and gigantic Belgium waffles. People in the know order the Louisiana omelet, featuring andouille sausage, green peppers, onions and pepper jack cheese.

Hidden Gem: The Spartan omelet expertly blends in spinach, tomato, and

Honey Cafe | French Toast

hash browns, crispy bacon and attentive service in an impeccably clean room.

The star of the menu is the mammoth Baked Apple Pancake, featuring Granny Smith apples. They take 30 minutes to cook, so you can call ahead. The large plate, a bargain at $14, feeds four hungry adults. The classic diner also is decidedly and deliciously non-traditional. Opt for the Shirley Temple, French toast topped with cherries jubilee, or the Ranchero Benny, chorizo and poached eggs over corn tortillas with chipotle hollandaise sauce.

Most Decadent Dish: The Company French Toast is stuffed with sweet cream cheese and topped with sautéed apples.

Hey, you only live once.

Everything (except the ketchup) is made from scratch. The soy milk, tofu and mixed greens are organic.

The locally roasted coffee is fair trade. Everything used is recycled.

The food? It’s innovative and savory. Opt for a standard sausage, bacon, mushroom and cheddar omelet or be more daring in choosing the avocado BLT Benedict, the homemade granola or the tofu breakfast sausage.

Don’t Miss Dish: The Salmon (wild-caught, of course) Benedict is wonderfully complemented with roasted potatoes and a memorable Hollandaise sauce. Also quaff an artistic espresso drink.

HONEY CAFÉ, | 10 GLEN ELLYN

LUMES PANCAKE | 11 HOUSE, BATAVIA

We eat too much, and we don’t care enough about where or how we get our food. That’s been changing, and Honey belongs in the vanguard of the eco-conscience food movement. The neighborhood café — in an attractive space with wood flooring, exposed white ductwork and vivid abstract art — offers comfort food with a conscience.

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Think a pancake is just a pancake? People travel for many miles to eat at iconic pancake houses. The west suburban retort to Walker Brothers in the north suburbs is Lumes, a breakfast mecca since 1992. The pancakes are not just fluffy and light — they’re addictively delicious. Just

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Nosh | Savory French Toast

Nosh | in Geneva

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mushroom and feta cheese.

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Geneva Diner We Midwesterners are known for our stolid bearing, no-frills style and endearing modesty. That sums up this unpretentious gem — a modest, casual nod to simpler times. No, the cook doesn’t cry out, “cheeseburger, cheeseburger!”

But you wouldn’t be at all surprised if he shouted “omelet, omelet!”

Open for breakfast and lunch, the diner, notwithstanding its postage-stamp size, offers a wide variety of skillets, omelets and French toasts. The country skillet and country-fried steak are reliably good.

Signature Dish: The County-Size Breakfast lives up to its name with egg, choice of meat, hash browns and toast.

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Our Kitchen, Elmhurst Longevity can mean tired and worn, but the homey Our Kitchen continues to fire on all cylinders after more than a quarter of a century. This is the kind of neighborhood restaurant you look for — usually in vain — when you are traveling and want to eat at a local place with some history and character.

Our Kitchen offers good value in a friendly atmosphere.

The signature dishes are the baked apple and Dutch pancakes, which come with powdered sugar and lemon. This is pat-your-stomach fare. Our Kitchen also serves plate after plate of crepes, waffles and omelets. A large brick fireplace adds to the cozy atmosphere. No worries if you have to wait for a table — the gift shop is a welcome diversion.

Old Reliable: Go for the basics — a plate of eggs, sausage patties with a kick and three tasty pancakes, a steal at $8.25. n

More Great Local Breakfast Spots Looking for other options or something closer to home?

Following are several other reader favorites.

Bentley’s Pancake House

Most Popular Dish: Mediterranean or

• 477 Georgetown Square,

Spring Omelet, Florentine Benedict

Wood Dale. 630 595-5556

• 5130 Main St., Downers Grove.

630 295-9888

630 724-0300

Most Popular Dish: Steak & Eggs

Most Popular Dish: Pumpkin Cheesecake

Butterfield Pancake House

Louie’s Grill

• 351 Rice Lake Square, Wheaton.

• 7422 Madison St., Forest Park

630 260-1353

708 488-8889

• 1504 N. Naper Blvd., Naperville.

Most Popular Dish: Western Skillet

630 955-0950 www.butterfieldsrestaurant.com Most Popular Dishes: Omelets and skillets

Omega • 1300 Ogden Ave., Downers Grove.

630 963-0300

Colonial Café

• 1823 Wise Rd., Schaumburg.

Multiple locations in Aurora, Elgin,

847 534-1401

Naperville and St. Charles

www.omegaschaumburg.com

www.colonialicecream.com

www.omegadownersgrove.com

Most Popular Dishes: Skillet,

Most Popular Dishes: Gypsy and

Chorizo or Corn Beef Hash

Mexican Skillets

Delia’s Kitchen

Prasino

• 1034 W. Lake St, Oak Park

• 93 S. La Grange Rd., La Grange.

708 358-1300

708 469-7058

www.deliaskitchen.net

www.prasino.com

Most Popular Dish: Blueberry

Most Popular Dish: Chilaquiles,

Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

City Farm Omelet

Harner’s Bakery Restaurant

Rainbow Restaurant

• 10 W. State St., North Aurora.

• 233 N. York St., Elmhurst.

630 892-4400

630 833-0556

www. harnersbakery.com

www.rainbowrestaurants.com

Most Popular Dish: Omelets,

Most Popular Dishes: California

Biscuits and Gravy

Omelet, Rainbow Crepes

Honey Jam Café

Savoury Restaurant & Pancake Café

• 3000 Oak Grove Rd., Downers Grove. 630 963-2233

• 782 W. Bartlett Rd., Bartlett.

• 120 E. Boughton Rd.,

630 372-8050

Bolingbrook. 630 739-1010

www.savourycafe.com

www.portillos.com/honeyjamcafe

Most Popular Dishes: Italian French

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Toast, Egg Benedicts

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Wildberry Café

• 7511 Lemont Rd., Darien.

• 1383 N. Meacham Rd.,

630 985-9595

Schaumburg. 847 517-4000

• 6435 Main St., Woodridge.

www.wildberrycafe.com

630 737-1940

Most Popular Dish: Berry Bliss

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Pancakes

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Kristina’s Café

• 142 E. Lake St., Bloomingdale.

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IT’S

SHOW TIME!

By Laura Amann

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f you love live performances, but dread the ticket prices and hassle of going downtown to see a show, do we have news for you. It’s a great time to live in the western suburbs, where the culture is world-class, the prices are reasonable, and the parking is plentiful.

There is an amazing variety and depth of concerts, shows and performances being presented at a wide range of theaters and performing arts centers in the area. There’s a venue for whatever experience you want — from stadium concerts to comedians, from amazing Broadway productions to classical performances. And they’re all in our backyard.

THE BEAUTY OF THE WEST As recently as a generation ago, people moved to the western suburbs to get away from it all. Today, everything has come to us.

Besides the shows, the parking and the ticket price, restaurants tend to be plentiful and in walking distance. And the network of interstates makes towns easy to get to.

“There are a lot of people in the suburbs who do not like going downtown no matter what,” says Patrick Nagle, executive

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There is an amazing variety and depth of concerts, shows and performances being presented at a wide range of theaters and performing arts centers in the area. director of the Allstate Arena and the Rosemont Theatre. “Every major artery in Chicago crosses right in our front yard. And Rosemont offers 15-plus hotels, great restaurants, the theater, the arena, the convention center. We’ve got it all in one stop.”

The Arcada in St. Charles has fans not only from this area but from all over the country, some of whom fly in for a show.

“This isn’t downtown Chicago, the acts are affordable, and the venue is intimate. It’s just incomparable,” says Ron Onesti, who owns the Arcada.

And performers are catching on to the beauty of the suburbs.

“Many artists know that even though we’re geographically close, we don’t draw the same audiences,” says Brian Lynch, fine arts director at North Central College. “Someone can play two

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Photos left and facing page courtesy of Allstate Arena

ALLSTATE ARENA, Rosemont

New and Expanded Performance Venues are Bringing Top Talent to a Stage Near You

ry

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bs. e,

concerts in the area on the same weekend but at different venues, and they’ll draw totally different audiences.”

“There is really great potential in the western suburbs for acts as well as audience,” says Tim Rater, president and CEO of The Paramount in Aurora. “Three years ago, 55,000 people went to the shows; this year we had over 200,000. And we’re not the only ones doing it. It’s certainly not shrinking, no one is going away, and most are getting stronger.”

As far as being in a large metropolitan area, Randy Green, general manager of the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet, calls Chicago a “hyper-competitive market,” but quickly notes, “It’s a great market. The people here are interested in attending live entertainment shows and we have a role to play in providing (that).”

And while people enjoy being in the suburbs, that doesn’t mean they’re staying in their town. “The vast majority of our patrons, 85 percent, are from outside of Aurora,” says Rater. “Most of them, 75 percent, are coming from within 25 miles. We’re pulling them here because it’s just as easy to get here, often less time than downtown. And you don’t have to deal with parking

Photo courtesy of North Central College

nn

WENTZ CONCERT HALL, North Central College, Naperville

or the commute. There are reasonable places to dine and ticket prices are affordable. We’re consistently doing high quality work.”

And there is also the appeal of “going local” and supporting the arts groups in your own neighborhood. “We’re truly a part of the community,” says Leslie Rodriguez, managing director of the Performing Arts Center at Dominican University.

“We’re really proud to be part of the western suburbs,” adds Susanne Kepley of the Elgin Arts Center. “We feel that we have WEST SUBURBAN LIVING

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Not only does Onesti know which performers his customers like, chances are, he knows them personally, and keeps in close touch with their agents.

“I talk to them ahead of time and they know what I want,” Onesti says. “I can get first crack at some acts because they come to me first, they’re comfortable with us and we’re friends.”

Onesti and The Arcada are so well-known in the industry that Joan Rivers shot her Showtime special there and Foreigner used it to film its VH1 special.

The big venues, such as the Allstate Arena in Rosemont and the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates, work closely with agents, agencies and production companies.

Nagle, of the Allstate and the Rosemont Theatre, has been booking talent for more than 20 years and has relationships with agents across the country and all the major promoters in Chicago.

He looks for a wide variety of popular artists and performances and has booked everyone from Pink and Elton John to the MCANINCH ARTS CENTER, College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn Ringling Brothers Circus and Yo Gabba Gabba.

“It’s really a matter of what a really strong arts community the act can draw and what they and a wonderful community Performers are flocking to the west want,” he says, noting that of patrons. You can see just by occasionally a big name for good reason. We have quite a how many organizations there performer who could fill an reputation. And the folks who run things are out there.” arena prefers the more intimate Most venues in the western out here know quite a few people. setting of the theater. suburbs are friendly with each “You have to know everyone other. Often they’re competing for the same performers, but just as often one venue makes more sense. And there’s a good-natured rivalry among them.

T

ony Payne, general manager of the Artist Series at Edman Chapel at Wheaton College, refers to a “psychological distance” that often works to a venue’s advantage.

Traveling from, say, Wheaton to Elmhurst, can feel like a long journey, even though in reality it’s only a few miles. Many people really prefer to stay closer to home.

“We’re all in this together,” says Payne. “It’s very collaborative.”

Lynch of North Central agrees. “We really help each other out.”

Go west, performer, go west Performers are flocking to the western suburbs for good reason. We have quite a reputation. And the folks who run things out here know quite a few people. Most have worked in the industry for years, building up relationships with agents and agencies and attending booking conferences.

Ron Onesti of the Arcada has been in the business for 25 years. “My business is 110 percent relationship based,” he says.

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Photo courtesy of Wheaton College

Photo courtesy of College of DuPage

It’s show time!

EDMAN MEMORIAL CHAPEL, Wheaton College

and keep in contact and have a good product,” says Nagle.

“If someone isn’t treated well, they’re not going to come back.

That goes for the crew as well as the performers and patrons.”

There are also booking conferences, which appeal to some venues. Lynch of North Central attends two a year and has

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Photo courtesy of the Paramount Theatre

PARAMOUNT THEATRE, Aurora

developed relationships with many of the agents there. “They now know what we’re looking for in our venue. They know what are good fits and what will work.”

But we also have gorgeous venues with excellent sound in contact and have a good product. quality and amazing histories.

The Arcada Theatre in If someone isn’t treated well, they’re not St. Charles and the Rialto going to come back.”

Square Theatre in Joliet were iana Martinez, interim both built in 1926 and the executive director at the McAninch Arts Center in Paramount Theatre in Aurora went up in 1931.

Glen Ellyn, also attends the agency conference in New The three theaters began as vaudeville music houses, and York City each year. She describes it as a five-day conference, they have been beautifully and painstakingly restored to their where “every touring act has an agent, and there are three floors original glory. of acts to choose from.”

Today, each venue has carved out a niche in the market, as Technology also plays a role. Wheaton College’s Payne well as a loyal group of patrons. The Rialto hosts Broadway admits to checking YouTube to hear what an artist sounds like touring productions of current big name shows as well as when performing. And although many performers use agents, concerts, comedy and family entertainment. The Arcada there are a few holdouts, particularly those not in the U.S. He points to a flutist from Korea whom he reached directly through her website.

Ultimately, booking shows comes down to a delicate balance between what the performers charge, how many seats a venue has, and what the ticket price can bear. The result is the magic formula for matching destination and performer.

“You have to know everyone and keep

No More Wild West A theater for everyone There’s truly a venue in the western suburbs for every act out here. We’ve got large arenas, like the Allstate and the Sears Centre, which bring in some of the hottest names in the business.

RIVEREDGE PARK, Aurora

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Photo courtesy of RiverEdge Park

Photo courtesy of Wheaton College

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It’s show time!

specializes in shows that appeal to baby boomers: Big name musicians, shows, and entertainers from the 60s, 70s and 80s.

and cooling system, a new concession area and box office, it may as well be a new venue.

“We have a wonderful, established audience that really likes he Paramount recently beefed up their performance cultural and unique music, and educational programming,” says schedule to include a popular self-produced Broadway Martinez. “We’re also hoping to expand a little and bring in series four times a year, while still bringing in the concerts more shows that appeal to the student base — comedians, pop and comedians as they’ve always done. music and groups that appeal to the students.”

“Jim Corti, our artistic With many regular patrons director, is incredible and our of the MAC indicating that subscription is growing,” says they enjoy Broadway shows, “There are a lot of entertainment options Rater, of the Paramount. she’s working to accommodate in the western suburbs. We have different “20,000 people have purchased that as well. “With 777 seats, types and sizes of venues so there is really Broadway season tickets this we can’t bring in the big shows year and we expect 30,000 without charging a huge price a different experience at each one.” next year.” tag, but we can bring in big And the same folks that run Broadway stars for a show, and the Paramount operate RiverEdge Park, an outdoor concert venue that’s a great crossover between the two audiences.” which opened last summer and played host to variety of concerts North Central College in Naperville has hosted popular bands ranging from classic rock and country to blues, folk and jazz. such as Foreigner and KC and the Sunshine Band as well as Liza Minelli, Patti LuPone, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, The college equation Wynton Marsalis and numerous Shakespeare productions.

The western suburbs are also a thriving cultural center, and Dominican University’s Performing Arts Center in many of the local colleges have filled the niche with quality River Forest presents three series annually, which appeal to performers and high-end classical concerts. community members as well as students. They present a variety of vocal and musical performers — think Mary Chapin The McAninch at the College of DuPage recently completed Carpenter and jazz musicians — as well as a global series of a redesign of its theater. The walls are now lined with Italian sapele wood to enhance the acoustics and design. With new eclectic music, dance and vocals from a variety of cultures. comfortable seating, a more energy efficient and quieter heating And carving out a role in the classical music scene is the

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Where to Go for Great Shows The western suburbs are home to a diverse range of entertainment venues. |Allstate Arena|

|Dominican University

6920 N. Mannheim Rd., Rosemont. 847 635-6601 Founded: 1980, Capacity: 18,500 Highlights of upcoming season: Chicago Wolves Hockey, Disney on Ice, Lady Antebellum, George Strait, Women’s Big East Basketball Tournament

Performing Arts Center

|Arcada Theatre| 105 E. Main St., St. Charles.

630 962-7000 Founded:1926, Capacity: 950 Highlights of upcoming season: Kevin Costner, Dana Carvey, Cheap Trick, Foreigner, Pat Benatar 60 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

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(DUPAC)|

7900 W. Division St., River Forest. 708 488-5000 Founded: 1952 Number of Seats: 1,170 Highlights of upcoming season: Ladysmith Black Mambazo, The Wonder Bread Years, Matthew Morrison, As You Like It

|Drury Lane Theater| 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. 630 530-8300 Founded: 1984, Capacity: 971 Highlights of upcoming season: Les Misérables, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, The

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Game’s Afoot, Camelot, West Side Story

|Elgin Community College Arts Center| 1700 Spartan Dr., Elgin.

847 622-0300 Founded: 1994, Capacity: 650 Highlights of upcoming season: “American English,” Naturally 7, Mark Cohn, Dinosaur Zoo Live

|The Hemmens| 45 Symphony Way, Elgin 847 931-5900 Founded: 1969, Capacity: 1,200 Highlights of upcoming season: Home to the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, and rents its stage to local and touring groups

|McAninch Arts Center| 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn.

630 942-4000 Founded: 1986. Newly renovated and reopening Spring 2014 Capacity: 800 Highlights of upcoming season: Keb’Mo’, David Sedaris, Jim Belushi, Pilobolus Dance Theatre, Chicago Jazz Philharmonic

|North Central College| Pfeiffer Hall 310 E. Benton, Naperville.

630 637-7469 Founded: 1926, Capacity: 1,055 Highlights of upcoming season: Bill Cosby, Ben Vereen, ABBA Mania, Moscow Festival Ballet

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Artist Series at Edman Chapel at Wheaton College. The hall seats more 2,350 people and has welcomed Yo Yo Ma, Marvin Hamlisch, the Russian National Ballet, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

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ost college and university performing arts centers see themselves serving the community as much as, or even more so, than the students.

“We have a loyal subscriber base and artists guild group,” says Payne of Wheaton College.

“They really believe that Wheaton should have a professional arts scene. We want to reach out to them as well as expose our students so they can better appreciate and understand music.”

Elgin’s Art Center does some programming in conjunction with the school, but recognizes that many of their patrons come from within SEARS CENTRE ARENA, Hoffman Estates the nearby community. And they cater to that. They bring in touring artists such as John Lithgow, companies, but its schedule is fully booked. “I even have guitarist Tommy Emmanuel, and an upcoming Dinosaur Zoo waitlists for certain weekends,” says Butch Wilhelmi, the Live for kids, as well as college performing ensembles. cultural center director of the city of Elgin.

One venue, in particular, has had to adjust to the challenging economy, and has done so quite successfully. The Hemmens in “There are a lot of entertainment options in the western suburbs,” Elgin used to produce its own performances, but a few years ago acknowledges Wilhelmi. “All of these options create this energy the city-owned venue became a rental-only facility. Today, not about the arts that draw more people in. We have different types and only is it home to the Elgin Symphony and many local dance sizes of venues so there is really a different experience at each one.” n

Wentz Concert Hall 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. 630 637-7469 Founded: 2008 Capacity: 617 to 717 Highlights of upcoming season: Cat’s Pajamas Vocal Band, The Irish Rovers, Ramsey Lewis & John Pizzarelli

|Paramount Theatre| 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora.

630 896-6666 Founded: 1931, Capacity: 1,888 Highlights of upcoming season: 42nd Street, Rent, The Midtown Men, Peking Acrobats, Imagination Movers

|Pheasant Run| 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles.

630 584-6300 Remodeled: 2002, Capacity: 320 Highlights of upcoming season: American English Beatles Tribute, Nunsense, Sisters of Swing, Piano Man, ABBA Salute

|Prairie Center for the Arts| 201 Schaumburg Ct., Schaumburg. 847 895-3600 Founded: 1986, Capacity: 442 Highlights of upcoming season: Syss, Taj Mahal, Gus Giordano Dance, Luma, Senior Follies

|Rialto Square Theater| 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet.

815 726-7171 Founded: 1926, Capacity:1,966 Highlights of upcoming season: Trisha Yearwood, Stomp!, Jim

Gaffigan, Sesame Street Live, Green Day’s American Idiot, BB King

|RiverEdge Park| 360 N. Broadway St., Aurora.

630 896-6666 Founded: 2013, Capacity: 8,500 Outdoor. Upcoming season not yet announced.

|Rosemont Theatre| 5400 N. River Rd., Rosemont.

847 671-5100 Founded: 1995, Capacity: 4,400 Highlights of upcoming season: REO Speedwagon, Elvis Lives, Disney Live, Ten Tenors, Il Divo

|Sears Centre Arena| 5333 Prairie Stone Pkwy., WEST SUBURBAN LIVING

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Hoffman Estates. 847 649-2222 Founded: 2006 Capacity: 11,800. Varies depending on show.

Highlights of upcoming season: Professional Championship Bullriders, Circus Spectacular, Monster Truck Nationals, Winter Jam 2014

|Wheaton College Artist Series at Edman Memorial Chapel| 418 N. Chase St., Wheaton.

630 752-5010 Founded: 1960, Capacity: 2,400 Highlights of upcoming season: Red Priest, Vocal Essence with Wheaton College Concert Choir, Chamber Orchestra Kremlin, Charlie Albright

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Chicago Flower and Garden Show

for

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HOME GARDENERS

by S ara Pe ar s aul V ice

Tapping into the wealth of great local resources for assistance and inspiration

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ven the most experienced gardener knows that you can’t know it all about gardening. Trial and error is as much a part of the process as are beauty and inspiration.

Fortunately, west suburban gardeners can draw on a wealth of gardening resources in Chicagoland to help make their gardens grow more bountifully.

And winter is a perfect time to plan how your garden might look, come spring.

TALK TO AN EXPERT The suburbs abound with experts in gardening, many of whom kindly offer their sage advice for free.

The biggest resource is University of Illinois Extension, now in its 100th year, which provides horticultural and agricultural services in every county of the state. The Extension offices statewide are staffed with professionals and more than 3,400 Master Gardener volunteers, who have been trained and certified in gardening essentials. Master Gardeners answer questions from home

gardeners who call or stop into the county Extension office and assist in community gardening projects and workshops.

According to Richard Hentschel, Extension educator in horticulture in the St. Charles office, county Extension units offer everything from Four Seasons Gardening programs for home gardeners to the Illinois First Detector Program, to spot emerging pests and diseases. The Extension office can help diagnose plant problems and pathogens through the University of Illinois research facilities and provide expert advice to individuals

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BORROW IDEAS Home gardeners can find inspiration by viewing great gardens, even online.

Liz Omura, horticulture education and volunteer coordinator at Cantigny in Wheaton, runs the Idea Garden, which displays new ideas in garden design that change from year to year, and she finds and shares more ideas on Pinterest.

“I use Pinterest a lot for different ideas,” says Omura. She follows gardening boards and posts to 15 Pinterest boards for Cantigny on such subjects as trees, shrubs and vines.

Omura also finds inspiration by walking through her own neighborhood and older residential areas and downtowns nearby, taking photos of outstanding gardens and container plantings as she goes, as well as by making stops at great public gardens during her travels.

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What could be cozier during the cold winter months than to curl up with a good garden book or a pile of plant catalogs?

During the winter months, gardeners can find growing inspiration indoors at the Oak Park and Garfield Park (Chicago) conservatories, as well as at the Chicago Flower & Garden Show, held at Navy Pier from March 15 to 23.

This year’s show will have 20 feature gardens, presentations by experts, a teaching garden with 11 daily sessions on a variety of topics, and a marketplace of ideas and resources, all under the environmentally friendly theme of “Do Green. Do Good.”

Photo courtesy of Cantigny

and groups through its speaker’s bureau and webinars.

Some 100 Master Gardeners answer questions by phone, e-mail and in-person at the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Information Service, according to manager Kathie Hayden. She says that the most frequently asked question during the growing season is: “What is this plant and what’s wrong with it?”

“Usually, it’s the wrong plant in the wrong place,” says Hayden, such as a plant that needs moisture struggling in a dry spot. “We do encourage people to bring in samples of the plant” for diagnosis. In winter, most questions center on houseplants and starting plants from seed. The Morton Arboretum in Lisle also offers a free Plant Clinic to help diagnose problems and dispense advice to home gardeners.

Another great resource is your local independent garden center. You’ll find plenty of knowledgeable people to answer your questions and help you pick out the right plant for your garden’s environment. For those who want to avoid getting their hands dirty, landscape design firms are the go-to resource for comprehensive services, from landscape layout to plant selection, installation and maintenance.

Liz Omura teaches a class at the Idea Garden at Cantigny in Wheaton.

READ UP What could be cozier during the cold winter months than to curl up with a good garden book or a pile of plant catalogs? “January and February is our dream time,” observes Rita Hassert, library collections manager at the Sterling Morton Library at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle. She invites gardeners to spend some time in the library’s reading room: “Come in and go through journals and do your big plans for spring and summer.” Morton Arboretum members can check out books as well.

The Morton Library boasts 28,000 volumes on botany and horticulture, including books on all sorts of gardenrelated topics, and magazines and nursery catalogs that can be hard to find, such as The Garden from England’s Royal Horticulture Society.

If you’d prefer company while reading, the library hosts a book club that meets monthly to discuss a wide variety of garden books, both classic and contemporary. Children can join Arbor Reading Adventures on Wednesdays and Fridays in the library, to hear stories, make a craft and take a nature walk.

The Lenhardt Library at the Chicago Botanic Garden is another great resource, where you can browse through some 110,000 volumes and videos, as well as the archives of the Chicago Horticultural Society.

Omura suggests checking out gardening books from your local library to see if you might want to buy them as references. Some of her favorites are: Herbaceous Perennials by Allan M. Armitage, What Plant Where by Roy Lancaster, and Gardening with Foliage Plants—Leaf, Bark, and Berry by Ethne Clarke.

Of course, you can download smartphone garden apps for ready reference, too. On Facebook or at

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Photo courtesy of Cantigny

Help for home gardeners

Cantigny’s Idea Garden (above) is designed to help gardeners visualize

For children and youth, the biggest garden-related club is Illinois 4-H, still going strong under the auspices of University of Illinois Extension.

Children can start as young as five years of age and stay in a 4-H Club through age 18. You can find out about local programs and membership by contacting your county Extension office.

Take a Class Whether you want to earn a certificate in a specific horticulture subject or just spend a few hours learning more about gardening, the western suburbs offer classes and workshops galore. Classes often require registration and a fee, so check online

various flower and Morton Arboretum, offers a variety of classes, including a spring prairie walk (left) and is also home to the Sterling Morton Library (below), which boasts 28,000 volumes on

s

plant combinations.

The Garden Clubs of Illinois district that covers the western suburbs boasts 42 garden clubs with more than 2,100 members.

ngb.com, check out a list of apps recommended by the Downers Grove-based National Garden Bureau, including “Our Rose Garden” from University of Illinois Extension and “Garden Time Planner” from Burpee.

Photo s courtesy of Morton Arboretum

botany and horticulture.

Join a Club According to Carol Yee, president of the Garden Clubs of Illinois, the district that covers the western suburbs boasts 42 garden clubs with more than 2,100 members. The clubs differ in their activities but most hold monthly meetings with special presentations. “A lot are involved in community gardening projects,” says Yee. “The Naperville Garden Club and other clubs that do big fundraisers offer college scholarships in horticulture, environmental studies and

biology. It’s a good social group to meet your neighbors.”

Some clubs also hold flower shows and participate in floral competitions.

The statewide show will be held in Northbrook, April 27 and 28, featuring petite standard and dwarf plants for those who like their gardens in miniature.

To find a club in your area, visit www.gardenglories.org or call the Garden Clubs of Illinois office at 630 617-9269.

in advance.

At the Morton Arboretum, you can get a start on your Home Gardening Certificate with “Plan Your Landscape I,” a beginning course in landscape design that runs on four Wednesdays from January 15 to February 5. Shorter classes cover such topics as “Plants for Winter Gardens” on February 6 and “Getting the Garden You Want” on February 20.

Although some garden centers close during the winter months, others offer workshops to help you plan for the growing season, such as “Landscape 101: Curb Appeal” on February 22 at The Growing Place in Aurora.

The Chicago Botanic Garden classes during the winter months including “Exciting Annuals” on February 24; and “Starting from Seed” on February 8, a favorite activity of gardeners who just never stop gardening, no matter how inclement the weather. n

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THE BEST OF THE WESTERN SUBURBS...

AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Check Out Our New & Expanded Website at

www.westsuburbanliving.net SUBSCRIBE/RENEW Get a new subscription, renew an existing one, or give a gift to a friend!

FAVORITE FEATURES Check out articles from our latest issue and keep an eye out for special offers.

WEEKEND UPDATES Sign up for our "Best of the Burbs" weekly e-newsletter for hot upcoming events and a chance to win prizes.

THE BEST IN WHERE TO GO & WHAT TO DO Your guide to the best concerts, shows and family activities. Or search for hot new restaurants and great new shops.

SCENE & SEEN Browse our online galleries of recent special events of note.

RESOURCE GUIDE If you need information on what's what in the western suburbs, this is a geat first stop.

LIKE US/FOLLOW US Let us keep you connected with the best the western suburbs have to offer via Twitter and Facebook.

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12/23/13 8:59 PM

Holistic Healing and Pain Relief

Non-traditional medical treatments are gaining broader acceptance by addressing specific patient needs

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he first time Lon Goluba tried acupuncture to treat his chronic back pain, he felt sure he was wasting his time.

“Dr. Frank (Yurasek) put five needles in each of my ears and one in each of my wrists, then told me to lie down for 20 minutes. I lay there thinking that this was the dumbest thing I’d ever done in my life,” recalls the 59-year-old. “But when Dr. Frank told me 66 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

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to get up, for the first time in years, I didn’t have any back pain when I moved.

My friends who convinced me to try it and came with me said, ‘Lon, you walked in like a 90-year-old man and you came out skipping.’”

What amazed Goluba even more was the effect acupuncture had on the posttraumatic stress disorder he’d developed as a result of his second tour of duty in Vietnam. Though he operated a crane as a member of the Seabees — the Navy equivalent of the Army Corps of Engineers

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— he endured countless firefights with enemy troops determined to destroy the SEAL base he was building.

“I didn’t realize I had PTSD, though my wife knew for years that something was wrong after I came back from Vietnam,” Goluba explains. “But having anesthesia during my back surgery brought the memories back. I started having nightmares day and night and saying that the only solution was death. My wife thought I was going to commit suicide. But after that first treatment, I haven’t had any nightmares and my mental state has really improved.”

So Goluba and dozens of other veterans in northern Illinois don’t mind making the weekly 90-mile trip to the National University of Health Science’s Lombard clinic for free acupuncture, naturopathic and chiropractic treatment through the clinic’s PTSD treatment program. “It’s more than worth the drive,” says Goluba.

“These people have literally taken away my pain and transformed my life.”

Veterans aren’t the only people turning to holistic healing disciplines to seek relief from chronic medical conditions. Holistic practitioners throughout the U.S. have reported increased numbers of patients, and west suburban practitioners are no exception.

“I’m seeing more people seeking my help, especially for chronic illnesses like autoimmune diseases and digestive ailments,” says Dr. Simona Ciobanu, a naturopath with Natural Elite Wellness in

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Chiropractics hiropractors, once relegated to cracking necks and straightening spines, have taken their places alongside MDs in family practice. Licensed in every state, they can draw blood; order lab tests, X-rays and MRIs; and often work at hospitals. New Mexico even licenses some chiropractors to prescribe drugs. They also can perform preventive care like prostate exams and obstetrical and gynecological exams. “Now we’re seen more as primary care physicians, because we can do almost everything an MD can and some things they can’t,” Duarte observes.

Chiropractors try to relieve joint and muscle pain by correcting the underlying muscular imbalances that are causing the

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pain. They massage and manipulate the muscles to relax knots and allow the joints and spine to return to their normal alignment.

“Conventional medicine treats pain passively, mostly through drugs that mask the pain,” Duarte says. “Studies show that if you come in with pain and just get passive care, you have a 60 percent chance of that pain growing worse within a year. Relieving pain through physical

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Oak Brook. “They’re looking for a gentler way of healing that uses natural medicines and relaxation techniques without side effects.”

What’s more, many area MDs are encouraging their patients to consult holistic practitioners, either to treat non-threatening conditions or support conventional treatment of more serious illnesses such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease. “When I first graduated (with a degree in chiropractic medicine) in 1986, I saw a lot of resistance to chiropractic in the medical community,” recalls Dr. Manuel Duarte, a licensed chiropractor/ acupuncturist and chair of clinical practice at the National University of Health Science (NUHS). “I don’t see that anymore. Often, doctors will refer patients to us because they realize that we can help people with some problems more effectively and inexpensively than conventional medicine can.”

“Most holistic treatment modalities are less invasive than conventional medical treatments,” observes Dr. Sean Rardin of Riverwalk Family Medicine in Naperville, an MD who works alongside chiropractors and naturopaths. “They offer alternatives for people who are unable to tolerate standard medical treatment.”

Holistic Health on the Rise Fifty years ago, Americans who visited holistic health practitioners stood out as either “open-minded pioneers” or “hippie weirdos.”

Though holistic clinics aren’t going to displace conventional medicine anytime soon, these days their patients have a lot of company in the waiting room.

Here, from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, are the most recent figures for number of patients seeking alternative medical treatment each year:

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Naturopathy aturopaths treat people struggling with digestive ailments, chronic auto-immune diseases or who just feel run-down, says Ciobanu. While they sometimes physically manipulate patients’ bodies like a chiropractor does, naturopaths focus primarily on nutritional counseling and the use of natural supplements to jump-start the body’s healing process.

“We believe that the body has an innate healing ability,” Ciobanu explains.

“If you give the body the proper support, you can help it bring itself back to health without complications or side effects.”

Ciobanu blames some of the ailments she treats on prescription drugs. “I see a lot of patients with digestive issues these days,” she notes. “Some of them have taken too many antibiotics, so they’ve destroyed the beneficial bacteria in their guts. Other synthetic pharmaceuticals can also compromise the digestive system and interfere with the bacteria’s ability to help break down food, which keeps the person from accessing all the nutrients in it.

Chemotherapy causes nausea, which keeps patients from getting all the nutrition they need to fight their cancers. Using probiotics (yogurt or capsules that contain live beneficial bacteria to repopulate the gut) often helps the body rebalance its digestive system.”

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n Chiropractic: 30 million n Acupuncture: 4.25 million n Homeopathy: 4 million n Reiki/healing touch: 1.25 million n Naturopathy: 1 million

rehabilitation takes longer, but it brings the risk of worsening the pain way down.”

While Dr. Daniel Palmer focused strictly on manual manipulation when he invented modern chiropractic treatment in 1895, 21st-century chiropractors use a number of aids to help muscles relax and regenerate. Sometimes they apply heat or ice to a troubled area; sometimes they bombard it with supersonic sound waves; sometimes they even call in an anesthesiologist to administer local or general anesthesia, which relaxes locked muscles and enables the chiropractor to perform deep tissue manipulation.

Chiropractors follow up their office procedures by advising patients on how to WEST SUBURBAN LIVING

change their postures, chairs, workspaces and diets to promote healing at home.

They design exercise programs to help even out muscle imbalances, and recommend over-the-counter vitamins and supplements that support the body’s healing process and immune system.

“People are seeking us out because they don’t want to take painkillers that will make them light-headed or, worse, get them addicted,” Duarte states. “Even when they’re seeing a conventional doctor, they’ll come to a chiropractor to get natural support for their healing processes.”

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Holistic healing and pain relief

Fast food and mass-market processed groceries also can disrupt the digestive system. “For many, many people, their diet is just horrendous,” Ciobanu asserts. “When they feel tired and stressed from work, it’s too easy for them to go out to eat or choose a boxed dinner from the supermarket freezer case. But the quality of food in the average store is so poor these days because of the way factory farms operate, that it just can’t sustain the body’s ability to heal itself properly.” Ciobanu educates people about the deficiencies of factory-farmed and heavily processed foods, and helps them find organic foods, locally grown foods and other more natural alternatives.

Homeopathy ost naturopaths also practice homeopathic medicine, though not all homeopathic doctors are naturopaths. Founded in 1796

by German doctor Samuel Hahnemann, homeopathy is based on the principle that treating an illness with a very small amount of the substance that triggered similar symptoms in healthy people will relieve the patient’s symptoms. The Food and Drug Administration regulates homeopathic remedies in the U.S., though the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a federal agency, cautions that there is little evidence that homeopathy works and patients should not use it to replace conventional medical care.

Ciobanu maintains that homeopathy can play a role in supporting the body’s immune system, though she also recommends that patients with diseases such as diabetes, heart disease or autoimmune disorders should also seek conventional medical advice. “There’s a time and place for different healing modalities,” she notes. “Conventional medicine is excellent for dealing with advanced pathologies that require aggressive treatment. If you use natural methods synergetically with conventional medicine, it’s great for optimizing health

and promoting gentle healing.”

Oriental medicine also uses herbs to treat patients’ illnesses, but practitioners combine natural medicines with acupuncture and healing energy techniques that spur the patient’s sympathetic nervous system to promote healing in certain spots,

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Acupuncture targets specific nerves to relieve pain in a corresponding body part.

explains Dr. Hyundo Kim, a Lisle acupuncturist and herbalist who also serves as chief clinician of Oriental medicine at NUHS. “Oriental medicine has been around for more than 3,000 years,” he says. “Traditionally, acupuncture is practiced more in northern China and herbal medicine is practiced more in southern China, but most practitioners combine them to some extent.”

Diagnosis forms the core of Oriental medicine, Kim asserts. “Conventional medicine concentrates on treating symptoms, while we try to pinpoint and eliminate the root cause of the symptoms,” he explains. “Oriental medicine also is less invasive than conventional medicine. For instance, while oncologists cut out cancerous tumors or kill them with

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chemotherapy and radiation, we focus on containing the tumor’s growth while we boost the body’s immune system to help it kill the cancer naturally, without damaging side effects.”

Acupuncture cupuncture works by using very sharp, thin and flexible needles to send signals to the brain through the sympathetic nervous system. The acupuncturist studies a map, drawn up over the course of millennia, which shows which sympathetic nerve nodes correspond to which muscles or internal organs. The needle insertion triggers the brain to send hormones, endorphins, antibodies or simply increased blood flow to the corresponding body area so that healing can begin, Kim explains.

U.S. acupuncturists have conducted many research studies based on Western science to better understand how acupuncture works and how to refine its techniques for better results, Kim says.

“We’ve seen a tremendous amount of change over the last 50 years,” he notes.

“Modern acupuncture is heavily researchbased. The National Institutes of Health have funded huge grants to support acupuncture research because it’s proving more and more useful to conventional medical applications.”

Kim is seeing more patients who are using acupuncture treatment to manage symptoms of chronic conditions, both in his private practice and at the NUHS clinic. “We relieve nausea and peripheral neuropathy in chemotherapy patients, and we have a lot of patients come in a week before they expect to menstruate for prevention of premenstrual syndrome,” he says. “They like the fact that they can manage their symptoms without resorting to expensive pharmaceuticals that often have their own unpleasant side effects.”

Dr. Frank Yurasek of Acuwerks Acupuncture Clinic of Oak Park uses acupuncture to treat both physical and

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Holistic Medicine No Longer Perceived as Being Non-Traditional

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that accompanied World War II, conventional medicine pulled away from its holistic counterparts, greatly improving its success rates and luring patients

“My generation of doctors and those currently going through medical school are much more open to alternative medicine than the doctors who came before us.”

away from the natural remedies they’d grown up with, Rardin asserts. That trend lasted until the early 1970s, when members of the rising counterculture began

comeback. By the turn of the millennium, even MDs had started exploring what holistic practices had to offer.

“When I was in medical school at Loyola University

investigating Indian ayurvedic medicine.

Acupuncture became popular after several government officials received acupuncture treatments while visiting

(graduating in 2002), I helped start an alternative medicine club,” Rardin recalls. “We had speakers come in to talk about chiropractic, acupuncture, and naturopathy. My

mental effects of post-traumatic stress disorder. He runs a free PTSD clinic for military veterans every Tuesday at NUHS, and presents one-day open clinics throughout northern and central Illinois.

“Acupuncture is proving effective at restoring the hormonal balance of people who are still recovering from physical and emotional trauma,” Yurasek asserts. “It works on several systems of the body simultaneously so that they help balance each other.”

Healing Touch & Reiki eople seeking drug-free relief from chronic pain and anxiety can get help from a healing touch or reiki practitioner. Both disciplines relax and restore patients by manipulating the bio-electrical field that surrounds their bodies, explains Jennifer Fournier of Oak Brook Counseling and Wellness clinic.

“It’s a little difficult to wrap your head

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China with President Richard Nixon. Conventional medicine’s new focus on vitamin therapy paved the way for naturopathy and homeopathy to make a

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olistic medicine might be considered “New Age,” but it’s definitely not new. Even in the U.S., holistic practitioners have used herbs, physical manipulation, faith healing and other disciplines to treat patients since the first colonists set foot in the New World.

“Pioneer settlements depended on people who knew alternative healing because trained doctors often weren’t available,” observes Dr. Sean Rardin, an MD who owns Riverwalk Family Medicine in Naperville.

“By the early 20th century, alternative healing was very popular, partly because people didn’t see it as being that different than conventional medicine.”

Spurred by the technological revolution

around,” she acknowledges. “I think of our bodies as an energy source, like the flame of a candle. Outside our bodies we’re emitting an aura of energy, just like a candle flame emits light. Healing touch lets me sense where the energy in a patient’s aura is disturbed by pain, either physical or emotional, and redirect the energy to restore balance.”

A healing touch practitioner starts a new patient consultation with a one- to two-hour interview to gather as much information as possible, from medical symptoms to the patient’s family life and spiritual beliefs. Then the patient and practitioner discuss what goals they want to achieve during that treatment session.

Finally, the patient either sits or lies down on a massage table, fully clothed, while the practitioner “scans” the patient’s bio-electrical field for imbalances. Using either very light touches or hand movements just above the patient’s skin, WEST SUBURBAN LIVING

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generation of doctors and those currently going through medical school are much more open to alternative medicine than the doctors who came before us.”

Rardin not only offers chiropractic and naturopathic treatments at his family practice, he also teaches clinical practice to interns at National University of Health Sciences in Lombard.

“Our interns spend a rotation working with Dr. Rardin,” explains Dr. Manuel Duarte, NUHS’ chair of clinical practice. “They learn the process of interviewing patients, keeping patient records and diagnosis using conventional methods. That makes it easier for them to integrate their practice with conventional medical care after they graduate.”

the practitioner smooths away disturbances in the field that are related to the patient’s symptoms.

Relaxation techniques contribute to a healing touch treatment. “If you’re thinking about something that’s worrying you, that’s where your energy will go.

When you’re relaxed and focused inward, you can start healing,” Fournier explains.

She dims the lights and plays soft music in her treatment room during sessions to help patients relax.

The hope of helping the body heal itself without invasive medical procedures and medication-induced side effects is leading more and more area residents to holistic medicine.

“Conventional medicine is designed to keep you alive while you’re dying,” asserts NUHS acupuncture and chiropractic patient David Whall of Aurora. “This helps better because it actually works on what ails you.” n

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Beautiful Baths

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hough some might say function trumps form in the bathroom, the two need not be mutually exclusive. In fact, smart design strategies can produce a well-appointed bath that makes

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guests feel welcome or, in the case of a master

w a t u N t a

bath, provides a soothing space in which to start your morning or unwind at the end of the day. Here’s how four west suburban homeowners worked with local design firms to transform their bland baths into spa-like sanctuaries.

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Photos courtesy of Drury Design

Spa Sense Homeowners: Matt and Amy Koenig, Homer Glen Design: Drury Design, Glen Ellyn Project Type: Remodel

What They Wanted: Though Matt and Amy Koenig’s 13-yearold master bath was visually unappealing, that was not the worst of its problems: “It was cold and drafty — so much so that I often showered in the guest bath,” recalls Amy, who wanted a cozier room that looked and felt like one of the spas she and Matt had visited in the past.

How They Achieved It: Among the reasons the room was so cold was the lack of insulation, a vaulted ceiling and open glass shower. Radiant heat under the new natural slate floor warmed things up, as did an enclosed steam shower.

Now, the room is so comfy, says Amy, that “my kids wake up in the morning and come in and lay on the floor.”

The look of the space also has the resort appeal the couple sought, thanks to teak decking on the ceiling. “It gives it a natural, outdoorsy feel,” says Amy, who had originally hoped to do teak cabinetry but found it too costly. Instead, the teak ceiling is balanced by walnut cabinets, which include storage cabinets on top of the vanities and alongside the steam shower.

Amy and Matt worked with designer Brigitte Fabi and Drury Design to finalize the selections and make sure the many elements were complementary. The room includes a mix of different tile materials and stone, including honed limestone countertops; slate flooring and tub decking; pebble tiles in the shower and as an accent “runner” on the floor; stacked stone walls; porcelain shower tile; and glass accent tiles in the shower, in the niches surrounding the soaking tub, and outlining the mirrors.

The finished result not only pleased the couple, but also won recognition from the National Kitchen and Bath Association as the winner of last year’s “Before and After Bath Award.”

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Though Amy loves the look of the retooled space, especially the stone walls, she truly appreciates the room’s new warmth. “I definitely love the shower the most,” she says. “It’s like a little cave in there.”

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Photo courtesy of Bradford & Kent

beautiful baths

Elegant Earthtones Homeowners: Michael and Christine Brindza, Downers Grove Design: Bradford & Kent, Downers Grove Project Type: Remodel

What They Wanted: After redoing the master suite in their Downers Grove home, Michael and Christine Brindza wanted to bring their ho-hum master bath up to par. “We decided it was time to fix some of the things we missed the first time around,” says Michael of the bath they selected in 1997 when they built their home. “It was very basic, and we wanted more space, more water flow in the shower, modern materials and to make it look cooler.”

How They Achieved It: Working with Jim Goddard, architectural designer for Bradford & Kent, the couple expanded the room slightly and changed 72 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

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the footprint a bit. “The room’s nontraditional shape, with some 45-degree-angle walls, allowed us to separate the vanities and tuck away the toilet closet,” notes Goddard. “It gives it a larger appearance and allows plenty of room for two people to move around.”

At the top of the couple’s wish list was a larger whirlpool tub and roomier shower.

Inspired by one the couple saw in Hawaii, the new tub features an additional faucet mounted on the ceiling, which allows it to be filled from over head for a waterfall effect. Though they originally wanted an open, walk-in shower, the Brindzas decided to enclose it with glass to ensure it would be warm during the winter months. The shower features rain heads and body sprays, along with an extra drain to handle the increased water flow. Heated floors also boost the room’s comfort quotient.

Changing the look of the room to be more contemporary and in keeping with the rest of the home was another priority.

Cherry vanity cabinets with an espresso finish and thin, glass tiles surrounding the

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“

It was very basic, and we wanted more space, more water flow in the shower, modern materials and to make it look cooler. tub, shower and vanities add rich color and warmth to the space. With all the earthy hues, the room had the potential to be dark, but the addition of two windows, including one over the tub and one in the lavatory area, brightens the space.

The new shower and heated floors are among the couple’s favorite features, but they also enjoy the new look of the room and are more than happy with their investment. “The two places you spend the most time are the kitchen and bath.

We learned if you want to make cutbacks, those are two areas not to do it,” says Michael. “It makes sense to spend money on the bath, not just for resale but for your own comfort.”

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Photos courtesy of Normandy Remodeling

Photo courtesy of Bradford & Kent

Contemporary Appeal Homeowners: Robert and Loretta Polich, New Lenox Design: Normandy Remodeling, Hinsdale Project Type: Remodel

What They Wanted: In the two decades since moving into their New Lenox home, Robert and Loretta Polich had tackled several remodeling projects, including their kitchen and the master bath. More recently, they turned their attention to the hall bath, which was boring builder-grade and lacked the sophisticated look found elsewhere in their home. “We wanted something more contemporary and stylish,” says Robert.

How They Achieved It: Working with residential designer Chris Ebert of Normandy Remodeling, the couple was able to give the room the updated look it sorely needed. The addition of a window adjacent to the shower wall

brightened up the space, and the melding of different materials, including porcelain tile on the walls and floor, stone vessel sinks and glass accent tiles in the shower, gave it a crisp, modern feel.

Though the footprint of the room did not change, the massive double-sink vanity was replaced with two European wallmounted walnut vanities separated by a wall-mounted storage cabinet. The stone vessel sinks sit atop the vanities, which were finished with several coats of marine varnish to protect the wood.

The combination bathtub and shower features an unusual tri-fold door that opens up when the bath is in use. “It allows it to open more fully so you don’t feel like you are sitting in a fishbowl,” says Robert, who says it is his favorite feature in the retooled room.

“They were very specific about the look and feel they wanted, down to the tile,” says Ebert. Though the Polichs brought a lot of ideas to the project, it was a true collaboration with the designer, says Robert. “We relied heavily on Chris to make sure the individual pieces came WEST SUBURBAN LIVING

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together in a cohesive whole, and we were very pleased with how it came out.”

Ebert agrees that the finished combination of materials has dynamic visual appeal. “No matter where you are in the space, there is something interesting to look at, from the towel bars to the vanities, to the sinks and shower door.”

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Photo courtesy of Reliable Home Improvement

beautiful baths

Traditional Elegance Homeowners: Timothy and Lynn Zak, Aurora Design: Reliable Home Improvement, Naperville Project Type: Remodel

What They Wanted: In Timothy and Lynn Zak’s master bath, the layout of the vanities was problematic — because of the way they were situated, it was a tight space for two people to maneuver. As well as remedying that issue, the couple also sought to alter the tub and shower configuration and update the traditional look of the room.

How They Achieved It: Designer Mark Landhauser of Reliable Home Improvement, who worked with them on the project, recognized this was a problem: “If both of them were using he space at the same time, they would be shoulder to shoulder.”

To remedy this, Landhauser created a longer vanity and added a make-up area on the wall adjacent the bathtub, using custom birch cabinetry with a gunmetal 74 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

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finish. The cabinetry features carved details and a mantel-style top in the sink area. Two of the cabinets have glass inserts on the doors to accommodate display and break up the expanse of wood. Next to the shower, a cabinet designed to look like an armoire provides space for linen storage.

In addition to changing the cabinetry, the couple also sought a change to the tub and shower area. “The two now flow together,” says Landhauser, pointing out that the shower enclosure envelops part of the tub deck, allowing that portion of the

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deck to serve as a shower seat. The areas are visually united because both of them were designed in a hexagonal shape. The improved shower features a glass surround and three body sprays.

As for the look of the room, it was designed to be in keeping with the rest of the home’s traditional style. Marble flooring and countertops, rich wood tones, structured window treatments, a crystal chandelier and other elements that include touches of blue and gold give the bath a simple, yet elegant feel.

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“I

Wheaton

This historic community is home to an abundance of resources and attractions, from museums to county government to the college that bears its name

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- by Lynn Petrak

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W t v h

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e t m o F e t d g a

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“I

t’s like coming home.”

If you’re not looking closely, you might miss that line etched into some subtle signage in downtown Wheaton. After all, there’s a lot to see there, between charming storefronts, vintage buildings, churches, schools, homes and welcoming open spaces.

They say home is where the heart is, and if that’s the case, then Wheaton has captured the heart of many who live in, attend school in, work in and visit this western suburb of more than 53,000 residents, that is also the county seat of DuPage County.

“As I’m fond of saying, I don’t think we’re necessarily unique, but I do believe we’re special,” says Wheaton Mayor Mike Gresk, who has been a town leader since 2007.

According to Gresk, Wheaton continues to put the home in hometown. “We have that 150-year plus history, yet we remain a very welcoming community.”

In addition to the evocative references to home, another meaningful word that is part of the vernacular in this community is “friends.” Stroll around the campus of Wheaton College, check out the Hurley Gardens, or peek in a downtown restaurant window, and you’ll spot gatherings of people enjoying one another’s company.

In a larger sense, the notion of friendship extends to the support of many in-town treasures and resources. “There are so many ‘friends of’ groups here, like Friends of Adams Park, Friends of the Library, Friends of Danada and many others,” Gresk explains. “They are auxiliary organizations that work to raise funds and do good deeds for their favorite organization. That groundswell of support typifies the spirit and the focus we have in this community.”

Even for those who don’t call Wheaton home, the community draws many people from around and beyond the Chicago area for its many amenities and resources — including Wheaton College — as well as its spirit of friendliness and kinship.

As the new year opens, there are plenty of new things to do and see in Wheaton as well as many venerable institutions and sites which have defined the community throughout its history dating back to 1825.

DOWNTOWN WHEATON Downtown Wheaton exemplifies the combination of modern and traditional elements that give Wheaton its homey feel and welcoming vibe. “Downtown offers a very attractive mix of great restaurants, boutiques, gift shops and home interior shops,” says Paula Barrington, executive director for the Downtown Wheaton Association. These shops are complemented, she says, by “a variety of service-oriented businesses all within a few blocks, from salons to drycleaners to printer, tailor and medical offices.”

On the streets of Downtown Wheaton, one can find stores that have been in town for nearly 100 years as well as signs heralding the grand opening of new businesses. Longtime downtown stalwarts include places like Carlson True Value Hardware, Carlson Paint, Art & Wallpaper, Carlson Glass & Mirror — which, as their names imply, were founded by the same family — Stones Jewelry, The Little Popcorn Shop, John’s Shoe Repair, Wheaton Meat and Holstein’s Garage, among others.

On the other end of the spectrum, new merchants are hanging a shingle in town as well. “Over the course of the past few years, despite the economy, Downtown Wheaton has attracted a variety of new shops and eateries with several more expected to open during the first few months of 2014,” reports Barrington.

One of the newer businesses in Wheaton that is located at the gateway to the downtown area is a Mariano’s grocery store, built on the site of a previous middle school.

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called Pample Mousse and a coffee shop called River City Roasters.

One project in the works in Downtown Wheaton is close to the heart of many in town, and embodies the “Friends of” nature of its residents: the renovation of an old-time movie house, called the Wheaton Grand Theater on Hale Street. According to Barrington, the owner’s plan is to restore the theater and offer live entertainment and special events.

The effort is being funded privately after an earlier referendum for public funding didn’t pass. Various fundraisers have been held over the last year or so, including a recent talent contest.

Downtown Wheaton is also home to a variety of eateries — from steaks and chops at places like Ivy and The Bank, to sushi at Sushi Mono, to crepes at Suzette’s Creperie, to contemporary American fare at nearby Adele’s, to name just a few.

Wheaton’s homey charm is also readily evident in the many vintage homes surrounding the downtown. Several of these historic residences have been transformed into local businesses, lending another touch of small-town quaintness to the community.

The walk-to-town-and-train appeal of this western suburb isn’t just for those who own homes in the historic district.

“The variety of housing options that are within easy walking distance of Downtown Wheaton include townhomes, apartments, condos and classic vintage single family homes,” says Barrington.

If you’ve driven through Wheaton lately, you might have noticed a sprawling new development at Front and Cross streets.

The apartment complex has already opened

(Opposite page, top row from left) Wheaton College, downtown Wheaton, and Rice Lake. (Middle row, from left). Flowers at the French Market, the Wheaton Public Library and Adams Park and Cantigny Park. (Bottom row, from left) The Wheaton Municipal Band at the annual 4th of July Parade, the tower of the old County Courthouse building; and Martin Memorial Plaza in downtown.

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 81

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Town Focus

Wheaton

Photo courtesy of Cantigny

Resources

The Gardens at Cantigny

Wheaton Public Library Total Holdings - 521,048 n Items Checked Out Per Year - 1,151,812 n Visitors Per Year - 558,610 n

Attractions n Cosley Zoo - 1356 N Gary Ave., 630 655-5534. Five-acre zoo featuring a variety of domestic farm animals and native Illinois wildlife.

DuPage Art League 218 W. Front St., 630 653-7090.

A not-for-profit art school and gallery. n

DuPage County Fairgrounds 2015 Manchester Rd., 630 668-6636. Venue for concerts and entertainment including the County Fair n

Wheaton College - 501 College Ave, 630 752-5000.

Christian liberal arts college and graduate school with approximately 3,000 students. n

Wheaton Drama - 111 N. Hale St., 630 260-1820. Local community theatre group. n

n Danada House - 3S501 Naperville Rd., 630 668-5392.

Wedding, banquet, meeting or party venue.

Recreation n Arrowhead

Golf Club 26W151 Butterfield Rd., 630 653-5800. Recently redesigned golf course and club house featuring fine dining and special events.

n Central Athletic Center- 500

S. Naperville Rd., 630 260-6430.

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Multiple basketball and volleyball courts, plus batting cages, soccer and baseball/ softball training areas.

-100 N. Naperville Rd., 630 655-4710.

Mini golf course & skate park. n Clocktower Commons

n Danada Equestrian Center 3S507 Naperville Rd., 630 668-6012. Horsemanship classes and other equinerelated activities and events. n Illinois

Prairie Path 616 Delles Rd., 630 752-0120.

62 miles of biking, hiking, jogging, equestrian and nature trails make up the first successful “rail-to-trail” conversion in the U.S.

n Lincoln Marsh - Harrison and

Pierce Ave., 630 871-2810.

146 acres of prairies, woodlands and savannas around open water marsh. n Northside

Family Aquatic Center - 509 N. West St., 630 653-3345. Zero-depth baby pool, volleyball and sand area, diving board, drop slide, and more.

Rice Pool & Water Park 1777 S. Blanchard St., 630 690-4880. Zero depth pool, lap lanes, three slides, three diving boards, children’s spray area, volleyball area, concessions and more. n

n Wheaton

Sports Center 1000 W. Prairie Ave., 630 690-0887. 14 tennis courts, two swimming pools,

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weight and cardio areas, racquetball and day spa.

Museums n Billy

Graham Museum 500 College Ave., 630 752-5909. Exhibits that depict the themes of missions, evangelism — especially the ministry of Billy Graham — and contemporary Christian art.

Park - 1S151 Winfield Rd., 630 668-5161.

Sprawling, 500-acre park, home to the Robert R. McCormick Museum, the Cantigny First Division war museum, lush gardens, and an award-winning 18-hole golf course. Also hosts concerts, special events and a variety of classes.

n Cantigny

for History - 315 W. Front St., second floor.

Exhibits and programs to preserve the heritage of Wheaton. Second facility at 606 N. Main St. featuring programs on slavery and the Underground Railroad.

n Center

n DuPage

County Historical Museum -102 E. Wesley St., 630 510-4941. Exhibits and collections documenting the history of DuPage County.

n Marion

E. Wade Center 351 E. Lincoln Ave., 630 752-5908. Collections of the writings of British authors C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Owen Barfield, G.K. Chesterton, George MacDonald, Dorothy L. Sayers and Charles Williams.

several units, with others available soon.

Future improvements are on the mind of the city’s leaders, too. A new 20- to 30-year strategic plan is in its final stages and is being reviewed by the city council.

Among its recommendations are a major updating of the Main Street corridor from Roosevelt Road to downtown.

Befitting its central location and broad attraction, downtown Wheaton is the site of many special events throughout the year including a wine and cultural arts festival in September, an annual chili cook-off, as well as the popular “Dickens of a Christmas” celebration during the holidays.

Perhaps the most popular event in Downtown Wheaton is the French Market, which this year was extended through December. Located at the intersection of Main Street and Liberty Drive, the French Market offers fare that one would find at a local farmer’s market, in addition to a variety of other items that evoke French outdoor marketplaces, from foodstuffs like baked goods, natural meats and cheeses, to local wares like artworks, jewelry, scarves, gifts and other specialty items.

CANTIGNY PARK One local attraction that is practically synonymous with the town of Wheaton — and has been for the better part of a century — is Cantigny. The 500-acre recreation area and public park once belonged to Colonel Robert R. McCormick, an early publisher and owner of the Chicago Tribune. McCormick gifted the land and buildings to the community, asking that the estate be used for recreation and education.

Today, true to that vision, Cantigny is a hub of activity for visitors and residents alike. “Cantigny is simply a one-of-a-kind place,” says Jeff Reiter, senior manager of communications for both the park and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation. “Kids, parents and grandparents can all find something to enjoy. Families like to come here, and those same families like to bring their out-of-town guests. Some of our older

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Town Focus

Wheaton

Population n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n

2012 pop est - 53,469 Increase from 2000 - 0.9% Median age - 38.4 years 19 and under - 27.6% 20-24 - 7.8% 25-34 - 11% 35-44 - 12.4% 45-54 - 16.1% 55-64 - 12.9% 65 and over: 12.2% % Male - 48.8% % Female - 51.2% % White - 87.3% % African-American - 4.5% % Asian - 5.1% % Hispanic - 4.9%

* Race percentages add up to more than 100 because respondents were allowed to check multiple boxes.

Income n

Median Household Income - $84,980

n

% Household Income $100,000 and over - 43.8%

Education % High school degree or more - 95.3% n % Bachelor’s degree or higher - 59.5% n % Graduate or Professional Degree - 25.5% n

Housing Total households - 19,191 % Family Households - 69.3% n % Married Couple Families - 58.6% n Avg Household Size - 2.58 n Mean Value of OwnerOccupied Housing Units $354,000 n Owner-occupied housing units - 73.5% n Renter-occupied housing units - 26.5% n Gross median rent - $1,136 n n

visitors remember climbing on the tanks when they were a kid, and now their kids or their grandkids are climbing on them, too. We love stories like that.”

Reiter says that Cantigny appeals to all types of people because of its plethora of things to do and see. “For some, it’s the gardens or museums. For others, it’s the picnic grounds, concerts or special events,” he says. “And everyone seems to appreciate the low cost.” Indeed, Cantigny’s two museums — the McCormick Museum and First Division Museum — are both free, with only a minimal parking fee.

Looking ahead to this year — and n keeping with the what’s-old-is-new-again improvements in Wheaton — there are some changes coming to Cantigny. A new front entrance will be added on Winfield Road, designed to allow visitors to enter and exit more easily. Also, this summer, Cantigny will host the Chicago Sinfonietta for the first time for a concert. The West Suburban Symphony will return to the park to perform as well. As Reiter notes, “We are the ‘little Ravinia’ of the western suburbs.”

Cantigny, which is closed in January except for some private events, re-opens for weekends in February and resumes its daily schedule in March. “The season really ramps up in April and May when 84 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

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Photo by Ed Ahern

Statistical Snapshot

Business/Employment n n n n

Total Number of Firms: 5,311 % Residents Employed - 62.9% % Residents Unemployed - 4.4% Avg. Travel Time to Work - 27.3 min Sources: U.S. Census, City-Data.com and American Community Survey

the gardens come to life,” says Reiter.

Highlights of the year include a two-day Art in Bloom festival in June, Sunday afternoon concerts and vintage baseball games in the summer, Revolutionary War and Civil War weekends in the fall, a 5K Run/Walk in November and a popular LEGO train show in December.

COSLEY ZOO Wheaton is home to tens of thousands of people, but thanks to the Cosley Zoo, it’s also home to an array of domestic farm animals and native Illinois wildlife — from cows and sheep, to woolly llamas, to foxes and bobcats, to hawks and herons. The zoo grounds also include an antique railroad caboose, a barn that dates back more than a 125 years and a scenic duck pond.

In addition to the wildlife exhibits at the five-acre, nationally-recognized zoo, visitors can take advantage of Cosley Zoo’s many educational programs offered throughout the year. The zoo also offers a popular series of camps for kids and a junior zookeepers program for young adults in seventh to twelfth grades.

WHEATON COLLEGE While many people have or will put down roots in Wheaton, some do it for a

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shorter time as students at Wheaton College. The four-year private Christian school is not only a part of the physical landscape of Wheaton, but has become part of its intrinsic character.

“The relationship we have with Wheaton College is special, and I think it’s because the two grew up together. The first president of the village — one of the Wheaton boys — was on the board of directors for the college,” says Gresk of the town’s founding family’s ties to both the city and the school.

LaTonya Taylor, director of media relations for Wheaton College, says that strong relationship continues. Citing the variety of academic lectures, concerts and conferences on campus that are open to the public, she maintains that the college is a great resource for lifelong learning.

The College also offers a Community School for the Arts, with professional instruction in fine arts for students of many ages. The school serves 1,500 students from 50 area communities, offering music lessons for violin, viola, cello, piano and flute, preparatory music lessons, early childhood music, special needs music, and training in the visual arts. In addition, the school’s Community Outreach for Developing Artists program provides access to young artistically underexposed talents who might not otherwise have an opportunity to grow.

Another of the college’s resources is the Billy Graham Center Museum,3 which focuses on the history of Christian evangelism and its impact on American culture. The family-oriented museum features a variety of exhibits and religious art.

Also on campus is the Marion E. Wade Center, known for its collection of books and writings by several British authors, including C.S Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and more. Fans of Lewis’ popular Narnia books will be interested in knowing that the center’s museum showcases the authors’ family wardrobe.

Another big deal — literally and figuratively — is the restored skeleton of

“Perry” — an Ice Age mastodon discovered in Glen Ellyn in 1963 that is on display at the college’s science center.

Those visiting any of the sites at Wheaton College can get a bite to eat at one of the three cafés on campus that are open to the public. Expect more than the typical college fare, as the Princeton Review ranked Wheaton’s campus food the sixth best in the country. You can even take the food home with you through a program called “From Our House to Yours,” designed to give families a break from cooking dinner.

Wheaton College isn’t the only institution of higher education in town.

The Illinois Institute of Technology also has an extension site in Wheaton — the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Campus — targeted toward meeting the needs of professional graduate and upper-level undergraduate students.

On other learning levels, three high schools serve the Wheaton community —Wheaton-North, Wheaton-Warrenville South and St. Francis.

DUPAGE COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM Just as Wheaton College and the village of Wheaton share a history, so does the building that currently houses the DuPage County Historical Museum, operated by the Wheaton Park District and owned by DuPage County.

The stately stone building — which was the original site of the Adams Memorial Library — is in the center of the downtown area. When visitors open the wooden doors, they’re transported back in time, as they browse rooms of exhibits featuring a wide range of historic artifacts and photos.

One of the exhibits planed for the coming year will be “Fashion Accessories In Vogue and Out,” with displays of fashions from the 1800s through today’s times.

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Wheaton

with hands-on activities that appeal to different ages and interests as well as ongoing special events.

While its holdings are extensive, the county historical museum is just one of several places in town that celebrate local history. Among others is the DuPage Heritage Gallery on County Farm Road, which highlights the history and lives of DuPage citizens, through its own collection of artifacts and photos. There is also the Center for History, which seeks to preserve the historic heritage of Wheaton and also has special exhibits on slavery and the Underground Railroad.

DANADA In keeping with the notion of Wheaton as a place to come home to, some residences in town are true destinations. One example is Danada House, a popular 19-room mansion that serves as a site for weddings, receptions, and other special events. Though the facility is owned by the DuPage Forest Preserve, true to the town’s reputation for community support, an organization called Friends of Danada operates Danada House.

The property originally belonged to Daniel and Ada Rice — hence the name, Danada. The Rices raised thoroughbred horses — including 1965 Kentucky Derby winner Lucky Debonair — which is why the grounds still include an equestrian center. A variety of programs are offered, from riding classes and camps to trail rides to horse-drawn hayrides in May and June and sleigh rides in the winter.

In all, the Danada property and preserve spans more than 800 acres of woodlands, wetlands and prairies. Fishermen (and women) take advantage of Rice Lake, while hikers and bikers can be found along the preserve’s three miles of multi-purpose trails.

The Danada site is also home to the headquarters of the DuPage Forest Preserve, which oversees the county-wide forest preserve system including Herrick Lake in Wheaton.

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THE DUPAGE COUNTY FAIR As the county seat, Wheaton is a destination for those needing to do business — legal or otherwise — that involves county government. The busy courthouse and government buildings on County Farm road are a testament to that.

The fact that Wheaton is the hub of the county also makes it the site for the annual DuPage County Fair, which in 2014 will run July 23rd through 27th.

The event attracts thousands of attendees, drawn by traditional county fair activities like 4-H contests, carnival rides and daily entertainment including concerts. Familyfriendly contests are offered, too, like a hay bale toss for young men, a haystack treasure hunt for younger kids, a husband calling contest for married women over 18 and a pie-eating contest for all ages.

Beyond the fair, the fairgrounds are used for a variety of other events during the year as well, from dog training classes to winter tennis programs to model railroad shows.

ADAMS PARK Long before green space became a buzzword, Adams Park was a jewel in downtown Wheaton. Spanning a square block, the park was originally the property of early Wheaton resident John Quincy Adams — and yes, he was a relative of the father-and son- John Adams and John Quincy Adams who were U.S. presidents.

Today, the park is a respite for many in the busy downtown area, a spot to savor a quick outdoor lunch on a sunny summer day or a quiet stroll under a winter blanket of fresh fallen snow. A large fountain that once graced the front of the Adams’ home is a hallmark of the park.

Once again reflecting the community spirit, there are plenty of friends of Adams Park as well. Volunteers help tend the garden throughout the year and a special Adams Park Preservation Council is dedicated to caring for the site. 

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DINING

RESTAURANT OPENINGS

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REVIEWS

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LISTINGS

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CHEERS WINE COLUMN

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AND MUCH MORE

Falafelji NEW LA GRANGE LOCATION

L

a Grange’s diverse dining scene includes Thai, Mexican, Italian, German, Japanese, Indian and Chinese restaurants that call the town home.

The recent arrival of Falafelji, 13 S. La Grange Rd. (708 469-7262), further adds to the cultural melting pot. The 20-seat eatery, owned by Bilal Beiram, who started a similar establishment in Lyons in late 2012, features an alluring

menu of Middle Eastern fare.

Manager Jamil Allan says the most popular dishes include homemade falafel (deep-fried fritters made of chickpeas, herbs and spices) and chicken and beef shawerma sandwiches. Also available are hummus, baba ghanoush (pureed char-broiled eggplant, tahini and lemon juice), stuffed grape leaves and tabbouleh salad, among others.

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The average dinner with beverage and dessert runs about $12. Customers order at a walk-up counter and the food is brought to their table.

Falafelji also does a brisk carryout business and accommodates online delivery orders within a five-mile radius. It’s open from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on Sunday.

No alcohol is served.

— T.R. Witom

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Photo courtesy of Gibson’s

GoOd food

By T.R. Witom

Gibson’s Oak Brook location does the iconic steakhouse proud

A

rea residents who crave a big, juicy steak can appease their hunger at a number of venues without traipsing far from home. But for true beef lovers, at or near the top of any list is Gibson’s, the celebrated Chicago steakhouse which opened a location in Oak Brook in mid-2010 and operates a similar outpost in Rosemont.

The restaurant group has captured high praise from Zagat dining guide editors: “A first-class icon, this Gold Coast beef palace and its suburban sequels tempt serious steak lovers with flavorful meat and all the trimmings, towering desserts, stiff drinks and a wide wine selection.”

Gibson’s offers gracious, attentive service; high-quality fare; and a refined, clubby atmosphere; all of which make it an ideal destination for a splurge to celebrate a special occasion or to seal an important business deal. As might be expected, it has heady prices to match.

Most entrées on the mainly a la carte menu average in the mid-$20s to upper-$40s.

Though the Gibson’s menu lists a handful of fish entrées and a token chicken dish, its prime Angus beef, aged

for at least 40 days, is clearly the star of the show.

Appetizers including oysters, fried calamari and shrimp cocktail, as well as house-made hummus and pan-roasted mussels, are well worth consideration. But even a diner with a ravenous appetite would do best to think twice before indulging in such gustatory foreplay, considering the substantial main-course portions and sizable side dishes served here.

Under the steaks and chops category, options include various cuts of filet, New York sirloin, bone-in sirloin, a 20-oz T-bone and 26-oz porterhouse. Double-cut lamb chops and a spicy pork chop round out the list. Many of these meats look even larger than imagined when brought to the table by the wait staff and displayed on a silver tray.

Other entrée specials — each of which come with a choice of house salad (the fresh greens with chunky blue cheese dressing is highly palatable) or soup of the day (a savory Bookbinders) — included pan-seared scallops, Alaskan king crabs, Australian lobster tail (alone

Gibson’s classic Filet Mignon

or in combination with beef) and herb-crusted salmon.

Our waiter endorsed W.R.’s Chicago Cut, a 22-oz bone-in ribeye, and from the first bite of the tender, succulent meat I could understand its popularity. This steak was well-trimmed and flawlessly prepared on a super-high heat grill. A creamy bearnaise dipping sauce that accompanied added an over-the-top coup de grâce.

Among the side dishes offered are a double-baked potato, creamed spinach, asparagus and Crab Mac ‘n Four Cheese — with bacon, andouille sausage, and cheese croutons.

Desserts such as apple crostada and key lime pie are made on the premises.

For us, the Macadamia Turtle Pie rang a lot of bells with its winning combo of nuts, caramel, chocolate and ice cream. n

QUICK FACTS

Gibson’s /

2105 Spring Rd., Oak Brook. 630 954-0000.

Other locations in Rosemont and Chicago. www.gibsonssteakhouse.com

recommended dishes:

cost:

hours:

extras:

Filet mignon,

Appetizers: $11.50-$35

Lunch: Mon-Sun

Free valet parking.

W.R.’s Chicago cut,

Entrees: $12.50-$163

11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Reservations accepted.

Macadamia Turtle Pie

Desserts: $8.75-$15.25

Dinner: Sun-Th 3 p.m.-10

Outdoor seating. Late

p.m.; Fri-Sat 3 p.m.-11 pm

night bar menu.

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DINING LISTINGS Following is a sampling of some of the best dining destinations in the western suburbs, including reader favorites, advertisers and a cross-section of just plain good places to grab a bite. Bon appétit!  CENTRAL DUPAGE  NW DUPAGE & UPPER FOX VALLEY  SW DUPAGE & LOWER FOX VALLEY  SE DUPAGE & SW COOK  NE DUPAGE & NW COOK

Roosevelt Rd, Oakbrook Terrace. 630 932-9323.

Classic neighborhood restaurant and pub serving American cuisine. Capacity: 200 at 45 tables. Yrs in bus: 18. Chef’s Choice: Izzy’s jambalaya pasta and Black Angus burgers. Entrée prices: $7-$15. Extras: Bar, carry-out, banquets, outdoor dining, kids’ menu, daily specials. M-Th 11:30 am-1 am, F-Sat 11:30 am-2 am, Sun noon-1 am. Reservations: Yes, for 10 or more. Additional location at 304 W Army Trail Rd, Bloomingdale, 630 351-8870.  ARROWHEAD RESTAURANT & BAR: 26W151

Butterfield Rd, Wheaton. 630 510-5070. Classic American fare and premium spirits in a golf-themed décor and a panoramic view of the golf course.

Capacity: 120 inside, 60 on patio. Yrs in bus: 7. Chef’s Choice: Cajun Ribeye. Entrée prices: $10-$23. Extras: Bar, banquets, seasonal outdoor dining, wine list, private rooms, carry-out, weekly and daily specials, 15 HDTVs. M-Th 11-11, F 11 am-1 am, Sun 11-9.

Reservations: Yes.

 BARCLAY’S AMERICAN GRILLE: 1120 Pleasant St,

 ADELLE’S: 535 W Liberty Dr, Wheaton. 630 784-8015.

New twists on old American favorites served by seasoned professionals in a stylish ambiance. Capacity: 160 plus 50 on outdoor patio. Yrs in bus: 9.5. Chef’s Choice: White fish. Entrée prices: $18-$34. Extras: Bar, outdoor dining, banquets, wine room, carry-out, live jazz Th at 7 pm, live music on select other nights, lounge. T-Th 4:30-9, F-Sat 4:30-10, Sun 4-8. Reservations: Recommended.

 ALLGAUER’S: 3003 Corporate West Dr, Lisle; in the

Hilton Lisle/Naperville. 630 245-7650. Classic American fare with an eclectic twist in a contemporary environment.

Specializes in USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood and chops. Capacity: 196 at 44 tables. Yrs in bus: 32. Chef’s Choice: Potato-crusted halibut. Entrée prices: $21-$35; lunch menu $9-$15. Extras: Bar, banquets, Sun brunch, breakfast buffet Mon-Sun, lunch buffet M-F, family friendly, F seafood & prime rib buffet. Breakfast M-F 6:30-11 am, Sat 7-11 am, Sun 7-9:30 am; Lunch M-Sat 11-3; Dinner M-Sun 4-10, F seafood & prime rib buffet 5:30-9:30, Sun brunch 10:30-2:30. Reservations: Recommended.

 AMBER CAFÉ: 13 N Cass Ave, Westmont. 630 515-8080.

Contemporary American cuisine in a newly remodeled setting. Capacity: 70 inside, 50 outside. Chef’s Choice: Pan-roasted Lake Superior whitefish. Yrs in bus: 9.

Entrée prices: $15-$37. Extras: Outdoor dining, bar, private parties on Sun, wine list. T-Sat 5-10. Reservations: Recommended.

 ANYWAY’S CHICAGO RESTAURANT & PUB: 5 E

Oak Park; in the Carleton Hotel. 708 848-4250. Classic American cuisine “with a twist,” with some selections prepared on a wood-burning grill. Capacity: 140. Yrs in bus: 4. Chef’s Choice: Maytag Bleu Cheese Chips.

Entrée prices: Avg: $15-$30. Extras: Bar, banquets, outdoor dining, kids’ menu, carry-out. M-Th 5-10, F-Sat 5-11, Sun 5-9. Reservations: Yes.

 BIAGGI’S RISTORANTE ITALIANO: 2752 Showplace

Dr, Naperville. 630 428-8500. Classic and contemporary authentic Italian dining in a casual, friendly setting.

Capacity: 240. Yrs in bus: 7. Chef’s Choice: Black fettuccini with lobster & wild mushrooms. Entrée prices: $10-$20. Extras: Exhibition kitchen, bar, wine list, children’s menu, gluten-free menu, carry-out, catering, private parties, family friendly. M-Th 11:309:30, F-Sat 11:30-10:30, Sun 11-9. Reservations: Yes. Additional location at 20560 N Rand Rd, Deer Park, 847 438-1850.

 BRICKS WOOD FIRED PIZZA & CAFÉ: 132 W St.

Charles Rd, Lombard. 630 691-1900. Wood-fired, brick oven pizza, salads, sandwiches and gourmet soups in a comfortable, fast-casual café atmosphere.

Capacity: 50. Yrs in bus: 8. Chef’s Choice: Classic margherita and artichoke pesto pizzas. Entrée prices: $7-$13. Extras: Carry-out. M-Th 11-9, F-Sat 11-10, Sun noon-8. Reservations: No. Additional locations at 103 Front St, Wheaton, 630 784-4620 and 1763 Freedom Dr, Naperville, 630 799-6860.

 CARLUCCI: 1801 Butterfield Rd, Downers Grove.

630 512-0990. Rustic Italian restaurant serving Tuscan

Just Opened Photo courtesy of Fire It Up

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ire It Up Fusion Taco Grill recently put down roots

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Two of the most popular

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Naperville (630 305-8225). The

per order) which feature flour

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lemon aioli; and the Gringo

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bean filling, onion, mixed

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sour cream. Other versions

Deguzman, kitchen manager,

include Southwest Chicken,

who describes the place as

portabella, steak and

“upscale casual.” Its sauces

barbecue pork.

are homemade and the emphasis is on local

Salads, side dishes and mini brownie chimichangas for



Fire It Up is open TuesdaySaturday from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. It serves craft beers and premium wines. Taco dishes are priced from $7-$8.50.

Guzman says plans are in the works to facilitate phone

westsuburbanliving.net

and online orders. — T.R. Witom

WEST SUBURBAN LIVING

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CHECK US OUT ONLINE

dessert round out the menu.

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 89

12/25/13 3:34 PM

Photos courtesy of fire + wine

GoOd food

By Jennie McKee

fire + wine Wood-fired pizza, pasta & small plates in Glen Ellyn

F

ire + wine has generated some serious buzz since opening a few years ago in downtown Glen Ellyn at the corner of Main and Duane streets.

Those in search of a warm and welcoming nighttime destination have been flocking to the restaurant to enjoy its rustic, yet refined ambiance and upscale but unpretentious cuisine.

Run by Michael and Anthony Vai — father and son, respectively — and Chef Brian Goewey, the eatery specializes in small plates, fresh pasta, as well as wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, with lots of seasonal ingredients and gluten-free options. It also boasts fresh-pressed cocktails, draft beers and wines from across the country.

On a recent visit, the restaurant was at near capacity and was positively humming, even on a chilly weeknight.

Guests sat at the cozy bar at the front of the restaurant, chatting and watching the flat-screen television, which was tuned to a hockey game that particular evening.

Others enjoyed a meal at one of the high-top tables lining the bar.

Although the restaurant does not take reservations, it does offer “priority seating,” so we called ahead — which

is strongly recommended, especially during peak dining hours. After a short wait, we were seated in the ample dining area, which is separated from the bar by a brick wall and features a large window looking out onto the street, as well as plenty of booths and tables. The restaurant’s interior exudes a casual, urban vibe, from the exposed brick walls and extensive dark woods, to the candles atop each table and the modern-looking lamps with ambercolored shades hanging from the ceiling.

Although small plates ($8 to $18) such as the Meatball Sliders and Zucchini Fries sounded tempting, we took our friendly server’s advice and went with the Medjool Dates, the day’s featured starter.

The warm, satisfying organic dates were wrapped in pancetta, stuffed with marcona almonds, and drizzled with local honey.

As we enjoyed our tasty appetizer, we couldn’t help but notice the wide range of other patrons, from women enjoying a night out and couples of all ages, to families with small children. The latter could be partially attributable to the diverse kids’ menu ($5 - $9), which offers much to

Pancetta + Arugula Wood-fired Neapolitan Pizza

tempt a young diner, from classics such as Mac + Cheese to Quinoa + Vegetables and other more adventurous options.

The restaurant offers a wide selection of wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas ($12 to $15), from basics like the Four Cheese and Sausage + Ricotta to more exotic selections like the Pancetta + Organic Egg pizza. My husband gave high marks to the Butcher’s Corner pizza, topped with fresh sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms and mozzarella, while I enjoyed the creamy, flavorful Butternut Squash Risotto pasta ($16) which, like many dishes at fire + wine, uses seasonal ingredients to great effect.

We capped off our satisfying meal with a decadent espresso and the chocolaty and very filling Nutella Calzone + Berries ($9), one of several desserts offered. n

QUICK FACTS

fire + wine/

433 N. Main St., Glen Ellyn. 630 793-9955 www.fireandwine.net

recommended dishes:

cost:

hours:

extras:

Medjool Dates, The

Appetizers: $5 to $18

T – Th, 4 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Priority seating, live

Butcher’s Corner Pizza,

Entrées: $12 to $17

Fri, 4 p.m. – 12 a.m.

music on third Thursday

Butternut Squash

Desserts: $4 to $9

Sat, 3 p.m. – 12 a.m.

of the month, gluten-

Risotto Pasta, Nutella

Sun, 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.

free options, takeout,

Calzone + Berries

Mon – Closed

on-street parking

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12/23/13 4:29 PM

DINING cuisine. Capacity: 300. Yrs in bus: 10. Chef’s Choice: Linguini bobonato. Entrée prices: $12-$33. Extras: Carryout, private dining, outdoor dining, bar open later, daily specials, live entertainment. Lunch M-F 11:30-3:30; Dinner M-Th 3:30-9:30, F 3:30-10:30, Sat 4:30-10:30, Sun 4:30-9:30.

Reservations: Recommended.  CHAMA GAUCHA: 3008 Finley Rd, Downers Grove.

630 324-6002. A Brazilian churrasco-style steakhouse featuring 14 meat selections and a large salad bar. Capacity: 350.

Yrs in bus: 4. Chef’s Choice: Picanha. Entrée prices: $24$40. Extras: Full bar, private rooms seating 25-75, all-youcan-eat dining. Lunch M-F 11:30-2; Dinner M-Th 5-9:30, F 5-10, Sat 4-10, Sun 4-8:30. Reservations: Recommended.

 CHINN’S 34TH STREET FISHERY: 3011 W Ogden Ave, Lisle. 630 637-1777. Seafood, steaks and pasta served in a casual maritime setting. Capacity: 200 at 46 tables.

Yrs in bus: 18. Chef’s Choice: Dover sole and king crab legs. Entrée prices: $15-$49. Extras: Bar, carry-out, private parties, kids’ menu, catering, family friendly. M-Th 11-10, F-Sat 11-11, Sun 3-9. Reservations: No, but call-ahead seating available.

Make Your Holiday Entertaining Reservations Now!

 CITYGATE GRILLE: 2020 Calamos Ct, Naperville.

630 718-1010. Fine dining serving contemporary American fare with a Mediterranean influence. Capacity: 220. Yrs in bus: 4. Chef’s Choice: Seared Diver Scallops and Steak Risotto. Entrée prices: $10-$48, Avg: $25.

Extras: Live music F or Sat, private parties, catering, kids’ menu. Lunch M-F 11:30-4; Dinner M-Th 4-10, F-Sat 5-11 (bar open later F-Sat). Reservations: Yes.  THE CLUBHOUSE: 298 Oakbrook Center (next to Neiman Marcus), Oak Brook. 630 472-0600. Upscale American cuisine in a sparkling, world-class country club setting. Capacity: 400 on multi-levels. Yrs in bus: 16.

Chef’s Choice: Chicken Romano and pecan-crusted tilapia. Entrée prices: $11-$38. Extras: Full bar, outdoor dining, carry-out, banquets, kids’ menu. Lunch M-Sun 11-4; Dinner M-Th 4-10:30, F-Sat 4-11:30, Sun 4-9:30; Sun brunch buffet 10-2. Reservations: Recommended.  DEVON SEAFOOD + STEAK: 17W400 22nd St, Oakbrook

Terrace. 630 516-0180. Sleek, upscale venue serving fresh seafood and steak. Capacity: 237. Yrs in bus: 1.5. Chef’s Choice: Sockeye Salmon and Lump Crab Cakes. Entrée prices: $21-$58, lunch $11-$25. Extras: Private banquet room, vegetarian and gluten-free menus, wine list, happy hour M-F, full bar (open later), half-priced wine bottles on Sun. M-Sat 11-10, Sun 2-9, Sun brunch 10-2. Reservations: Yes.

Experience the Finest Selection of Italian Cuisine One-of-a-Kind Gourmet Specialties, Custom Created by Experienced Chefs

 DITKA’S: Rt 83 & 22nd St, Oakbrook Terrace. 630 572-2200.

Fine dining steakhouse also offering fresh seafood, burgers and sandwiches in a hospitable and vibrant atmosphere. Capacity: 350. Yrs in bus: 6. Chef’s Choice: Da Pork Chop and Pot Roast Nachos. Entrée prices: $10-$50. Extras: Award-winning wine list, full bar, private rooms, breakfast on Sat & Sun 9-2, complimentary valet parking, gluten-free options. M-Th 11-10, F 11-11, Sat 9 am-11 pm, Sun 9-9.Reservations: Yes. Additional location in Chicago.

 EMILIO’S TAPAS BAR: 4100 Roosevelt Rd, Hillside.

708 547-7177. Spanish tapas in an authentic countryside atmosphere. Capacity: 150. Yrs in bus: 25. Chef’s Choice: Paella and datiles con bacon. Entrée prices: $6-$15 per person. Extras: Outdoor dining, online reservations, carry-out, bar, family friendly, “Tapeo” $1.95 bites menu 4:30-6:30 M-F at bar. M 4:30-9:30, T-Th 11:30-9:30, F-Sat 11:30-10, Sun 4-9. Reservations: Yes. Additional location in Chicago.

483 Spring Road

•

Elmhurst

630.279.8486

www.robertosristorante.net

Mon - Thurs 11 am - 11 pm • Fri 11 am - midnight • Sat 4 pm - midnight • Sun 2 - 10 pm

 FIORA’S: 317 S Third St, Geneva. 630 262-1317.

European-influenced American cuisine served in one of Geneva’s historic landmark buildings. Capacity: 120 inside, 60 outside. Yrs in bus: 4. Chef’s Choice: Boneless short rib. Entrée prices: $14-$32, Avg: $24. Extras: Indoor and outdoor bars, live music, private dining, wine cellar, kids’ menu, catering, carry-out, wine list, lounge, outdoor dining. Lunch T-Sat 11:30-2; Dinner T-Sat 5:30-9.

Reservations: Recommended.

 FU YUAN: 118 W Liberty Dr, Wheaton. 630 668-8770.

Traditional Chinese favorites in a casual setting.

Capacity: 50. Yrs in bus: 22. Chef’s Choice: Sesame chicken and Mongolian beef. Entrée prices: $6-$10.

Extras: Carry-out. M-Th 11:15-8:30, F-Sat 11:15-9.

Reservations: Yes.

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cheers

By Buzz Brandt n Gatto’s Restaurant & Bar: 5123 Main St, Downers Grove. 630 515-6400. Italian comfort food served in a rustic setting. Capacity: 145. Yrs in bus: 5. Chef’s Choice: Chicken carmine. Entrée prices: $8-$24. Extras: Private parties, bar, catering, carry-out. M-Th 4-10, F 4-11, Sat 11-11, Sun 4-9. Reservations: Yes, for 6 or more. n Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse: 70 Yorktown

Center in the Westin Hotel, Lombard. 630 953-3400.

Classic Italian steakhouse in a sports-themed atmosphere.

Capacity: 550. Yrs in bus: 6. Chef’s Choice: Prime steaks and chops. Entree prices: $12-$45. Extras: Outdoor dining, bar, sports memorabilia, carry-out. Lunch M-Sun 11-5 (bar only); Dinner M-Sat 5-10, Sun 4-9. Reservations: Yes. Additional location at 10233 W Higgins Rd, Rosemont, 847 699-1200.

A Surge in Red Wine Blends

n Heaven On Seven: 224 S Main St, Naperville. 630

A

fter years of taking a back seat to single-varietals, red wine blends are currently experiencing a surge of popularity. Dozens and dozens of lower-priced labels like Apothic Red, Ménage à Trois, and The Prisoner crowd the shelves, all Zinfandel-based blends that are fruity, plush and easy on the palate. These newcomers may be all the rage, but red blends are nothing novel, sharing a pedigree that stretches back centuries.

Vintners blend varietals for a very specific reason: to create altogether new wines with an aroma, depth of flavor, structure and finish far more complex and balanced than the sum of the individual parts, as the best elements of each wine lend their strengths to the finished product. So the aggressive tannins of a young Cabernet, for example, can be softened by an addition of Merlot, and Syrah and Mourvèdre (and any number of 15 other grape varieties) can be blended to enhance Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s Grenache base.

92 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

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The art of blending wine is practiced the world over. France’s famous Bordeaux blend is a proprietary mixture of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Carménère, while in the Rhône Valley, combinations based on Syrah and Grenache predominate.

Italian winemakers, frustrated with the restrictive regulations governing the production of Chianti, have challenged authority with so-called “Super Tuscan” wines: high-end blends primarily based on Cabernet or

Sangiovese. As in the southern Rhône, Australian vintners combine Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre to make berry-rich GSMs; Argentina bases its blends on Malbec; and Spain makes use of Tempranillo for its Riojas. In this country, a stand-alone varietal must by law contain at least 75 percent of the varietal grape. In 1988, a group of Napa Valley vintners formed an association to produce Bordeaux-style blends called “Meritage” wines that could vary in composition as long as the classic Bordeaux grapes were used. n

Expert wine recommendations • Bruce jaroski Malloy’s Finest in Naperville - 2010 Daou Chardonnay, $40, from Paso Robles, California. Gold color, soft and rich, with a nose of tropical fruits and melon and a flood of apple, pineapple, and banana on the midpalate.

- 2011 Jeff Runquist 1448, $17, from California. 44 percent Petite Syrah blended with

WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET

Syrah, Zinfandel, and Tempranillo.

Dark purple with aromas of black raspberries and vanilla oak piled onto flavors of and blackberries, backed by zesty acidity and tannins.

• Sean chaudhry The Cellar Door in Downers Grove - 2011 Shatter, $27, from France.

Ruby red Grenache with nose of crushed cherries and

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rhubarb and notes of French Oak. The entry leads to strawberries, blackberries and blueberries with alcoholic heat.

- 2010 Pali Riviera Pinot Noir, $24, from California.

Bright, fruity bouquet of cherries, cranberries, and blackberries with a rich and layered palate of black fruits, raspberries, and spice with notes of mineral and oak.

717-0777. Louisiana-style restaurant featuring Cajun and Creole entrées. Capacity: 120. Yrs in bus: 10. Chef’s Choice: Shrimp voodoo over rice. Entrée prices: $9-$20.

Extras: Cooking classes, receptions, bar, catering. M-Th 11-10, F 11-11, Sat 10 am-11 pm, Sun 10-9, Sat-Sun brunch 10-3. Reservations: Yes.

n Hugo’s Frog Bar And Fish House: 55 S Main St,

Naperville. 630 548-3764. Fresh seafood and steaks in a relaxed atmosphere. Capacity: 200. Yrs in bus: 9. Chef’s Choice: Crab cakes and frog legs. Entrée prices: $15-$35.

Extras: Bar (open late), live blues and jazz, valet parking, private parties, outdoor dining. M-Sat 11 am-midnight, Sun 11-11. Reservations: Recommended.

n Houlihan’s: 321 Rice Lake Square, Wheaton.

630 690-5550. American menu and eclectic décor.

Capacity: 321 at 70 tables. Yrs in bus: 19. Chef’s Choice: Stuffed chicken breast. Entrée prices: $7-$25, Avg: $11.

Extras: Flat screen TVs, seasonal outdoor patio, small plate menu, family friendly, bar, carry-out. M-Th 11-11, F-Sat 11 am-midnight, Sun 11-10. Reservations: Yes. Additional locations at 1322 Commons Dr, Geneva, 630 345-8000; 2860 Showplace Dr, Naperville, 630 536-0022 and 56 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, 630 573-0220.

n Il Poggiolo: 8 E First St, Hinsdale. 630 734-9400.

Regional Italian fare. Capacity: 130. Yrs in bus: 4. Chef’s Choice: Ranzino con rapini. Entrée prices: $13-$30. Extras: Wine list, catering, delivery, outdoor seating. Lunch M-Sat 11:30-2:30; Dinner M-Th 5-9, F-Sat 5-11, Sun 4-9.

Reservations: Yes.

n Marion Street Grille: 189 N Marion St, Oak Park.

708 383-1551. Old-time steakhouse serving steaks, chops, ribs and fresh seafood in a friendly, neighborhood atmosphere. Capacity: 60 at 26 tables. Yrs in bus: 18. Chef’s Choice: Sautéed frog legs and steak. Entrée prices: $18-$28. Extras: Bar, outdoor dining, carry-out, gluten-free options, private parties. T-Sat 5-10, Sun 5-9. Reservations: Yes.

n Mesón Sabika: 1025 Aurora Ave, Naperville.

630 983-3000. Spanish cuisine in a multi-dining room mansion with well manicured grounds. Capacity: 300.

Yrs in bus: 22. Chef’s Choice: Tapas, Paella and Signature Sangria. Tapas prices: $5-$17. Extras: Banquets, carry-out, bar, outdoor dining, family friendly, Sun brunch 11-2, wine list, vegetarian and gluten-free menus. M-Th 11:30-10, F 11:30-11, Sat 5-11, Sun 4:30-9. Reservations: Recommended.

n Nabuki: 18 E First St, Hinsdale. 630 654-8880.

Contemporary Japanese cuisine and sushi restaurant serving traditional and innovative dishes. Capacity: 100. Yrs in bus: 2.5. Chef’s Choice: Red devil roll. Entrée prices: $14-$32. Extras: Kid’s menu, carry-out, bar. Lunch M-F 11:30-2:30; Dinner M-Th 5-10, F-Sat 5-11, Sun 5-8.

Reservations: Recommended.

n Niche: 14 S Third St, Geneva. 630 262-1000.

Contemporary American cuisine including seasonal and local foods in a warm atmosphere. Capacity: 72.

Yrs in bus: 6. Chef’s Choice: Pumpernickel-crusted halibut.

Entrée prices: $15-$30. Extras: Wine list, bar. T-Th 5:30-9, F-Sat 5:30-10. Reservations: Recommended.

n Palmer Place: 56 S LaGrange Rd, LaGrange.

708 482-7127. Casual American fare featuring 35 kinds of hamburgers. Capacity: 400+ (seats 220 inside, 260 outside).

Yrs in bus: 37. Chef’s Choice: Sirloin steak sandwich.

Entrée prices: $8-$24. Extras: Bar with over 300 beers, kid’s

WEST SUBURBAN LIVING

12/23/13 6:06 PM

DIning The place to go in the western suburbs for

Just Opened

GREAT SEAFOOD

Fulla Bologna New Old World deli and sandwich shop in Elmhurst

F

ulla Bologna Old World

different food items “all house

Delicatessen, which

made.” The selections range

opened in early November at

from sandwiches, soups,

118 S. York St. in Elmhurst

salads and pizza, and the

(630 279-7990), brings to town

average meal costs $6.

a combination take-out deli

and 20-seat eat-in restaurant.

Fulla Bologna expects to sell

a variety of lunch meats,

Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.;

food service veteran, says at

including turkey and beef, by

Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; and

any given time diners will be

the pound from its refrigerated

Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

able to choose from some 40

display cases.

Manager Brian Weber, a

Starting in January,

menu, outdoor dining. M-Th 11 am-midnight, F-Sat 11-1 am, Sun noon-11. Reservations: No. n Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen: 921 Pasquinelli Dr,

Westmont. 630 455-9846. Fresh seafood from around the world with a Cajun flare in a casual dining atmosphere.

Capacity: 350 at 70 tables. Yrs in bus: 16. Chef’s Choice: Blackened mahi. Entrée prices: $18-$40, Avg: $20. Extras: Bar, outdoor dining, family friendly, banquets, live music F-Sat nights. Sun-Th 11-10, F-Sat 11-11. Reservations: Yes, but not Sat after 3 pm.

n Parkers’ Restaurant and Bar: 1000 31st St, located

at 31st St & Highland Ave, Downers Grove. 630 960-5700.

Casually elegant restaurant serving a contemporary American menu. Capacity: 250. Yrs in bus: 13. Chef’s Choice: Cedar-planked halibut; lavender and honeyglazed duck. Entrée prices: $14-$35, Avg: $26. Extras: Bar, outdoor dining, private dining, live music in lounge Th-Sat. Lunch M-F 11:30-2:30; Dinner M-Th 5-10, F-Sat 5-10:30, Sun 4-8:30. Reservations: Recommended.

Business hours are

— T.R. Witom

n Sullivan’s Steakhouse: 244 S Main St, Naperville.

630 305-0230. Steak, chops and seafood in a 1940s Chicago-style décor. Capacity: 300. Yrs in bus: 14. Chef’s Choice: Seafood and steak. Entrée prices: $30-$60. Extras: Bar, live jazz, valet parking, open-air boardroom. Lunch M-F 11:30-2:30; Dinner M-F 5-11, Sat 4:30-11, Sun 4:30-10.

Reservations: Recommended.

n Sushi House: 830 E Ogden Ave, Westmont.

630 920-8948. Sushi, sashimi and other Japanese fare.

Capacity: 100. Yrs in bus: 20. Chef’s Choice: Best West roll. Entrée prices: $9-$18. Extras: Carry-out, catering, delivery, private parties, children’s menu, full bar. M-F 11:30-9:30, Sat noon-10, Sun 12:30-9. Reservations: Yes. Additional locations at 950 Warren St, Downers Grove, 630 968-0088; 120 W Calender Ave, LaGrange, 708 354-8899; 175 W Jackson Ave, Naperville, 630 717-8888; 1107 Lake St, Oak Park, 708 660-8899; and 281 Rice Lake Square, Wheaton, 630 221-8986.

Chinn’s 34th Street Fishery - 3011 West Ogden Ave.

LISLE 630.637.1777

n Suzette’s: 211 W Front St, Wheaton. 630 462-0898.

630 627-6800. Contemporary Japanese dining featuring signature rock ‘n roll themed sushi creations.

Capacity: 240. Yrs in bus: 6. Chef’s Choice: Las Vegas roll.

Entrée prices: $15-$20.Extras: Bar, outdoor dining, catering, sushi rolling classes, happy hour M-Sat 3-7. Sun-W 11-11, Th-Sat 11 am-midnight. Reservations: Yes, for 6 or more.

Crêperie, pâtisserie, boulangerie, French country bistro and wine bar in a casual setting. Capacity: 75. Yrs in bus: 13. Chef’s Choice: Beef bourguignon crêpe. Entrée prices: $10-$30. Extras: Wine bar, bakery, carry-out, full bar, outdoor dining, pâtisserie open at 7 am M-Sat, Sun brunch 11-2, afternoon tea T-Sat 2 pm, Sun 1 pm. Breakfast M-Sat 7-11 am, Sun 8-11 am; Lunch M-Sat 11-4; Dinner T-Th 5-9, F-Sat 5-9:30. Reservations: Recommended.

n Redstone American Grill: 13 Lincoln Center,

n Vie: 4471 Lawn Ave, Western Springs. 708 246-2082.

n RA Sushi: 310 Yorktown Center, Lombard.

Oakbrook Terrace. 630 268-0313. Spirited, rugged and romantic upscale dining. Capacity: 350. Yrs in bus: 9.

Chef’s Choice: Chilean sea bass. Entrée prices: $12-$39, Avg: $28. Extras: Bar, lounge, outdoor dining, firepit. M-Th 11-11, F-Sat 11 am-midnight, Sun 10-10. Reservations: Yes.

n Roberto’s Ristorante & Pizzeria: 483 Spring Rd,

Elmhurst. 630 279-8486. Italian cuisine served in a romantic, neighborhood setting accented by white tablecloths.

Capacity: 250. Yrs in bus: 51. Chef’s Choice: Chicken Parmesan. Entrée prices: $14-$44. Extras: Carry-out, bar, outdoor dining, catering, family friendly, banquets. M-Th 11-11, F-Sat 2-midnight, Sun 2-10. Reservations: Yes.

n Seasons 52: 3 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook.

630 571-4752. Fresh grill and wine bar focusing on lowcalorie entrées and farmers’ market-influenced fare.

Capacity: 350. Yrs in bus: 3. Chef’s Choice: Caramelized sea scallops. Entrée prices: $16-$25. Extras: Extensive wine list, live music, private dining. Sun-Th 11-10, F-Sat 11-11.

Reservations: Yes, recommended. Additional location at 1770 E Higgins Rd, Schaumburg. 847 517-5252.

n SugarToad: 2139 CityGate Ln, Naperville; in

the Hotel Arista. 630 778-8623. American cuisine with a French touch in a modern, classy décor.

Capacity: 80. Yrs in bus: 5. Chef’s Choice: scallops Entrée prices: $10-$35. Extras: Bar, catering, outdoor dining, on-site garden, carry-out, brunch 6:30-2. M-F 6:30 am-10 pm, Sat 7 am-10 pm, Sun 7 am-9 pm.

Reservations: Recommended.

17th Annual

DINING GUIDE

Seasonal, contemporary American à la carte menu with European influences in an elegant atmosphere. Capacity: 120. Yrs in bus: 9. Chef’s Choice: Gnocchi. Entrée prices: $32+. Extras: Bar, gluten-free and vegetarian options, Private parties, M-Th 5-9, F-Sat 5-10. Reservations: Yes.

n Waterleaf Restaurant: 425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn.

630 942-6881. Offering locally grown, seasonal ingredients, Waterleaf offers a contemporary approach to fine dining.

Capacity: 120. Yrs in bus: 2. Chef’s Choice: Seared scallop.

Entrée prices: $18-$36. Extras: Private dining, bar, outdoor dining, cooking classes, wine room, Sun brunch 11-2:30.

Lunch W-F 11:30 - 2 pm, Sat 11:30-2:30; Dinner W-F 5-8:30, Sat 5-9, Sun 4:30-8:30. Reservations: Yes.

n Wildwood: 477 S Third St, Geneva. 630 377-8325.

Upscale American cuisine featuring steaks and seafood in a modern setting. Capacity: 250. Yrs in bus: 7. Entrée prices: $18-$42. Extras: Bar, extensive wine list, piano lounge, live entertainment on weekends, outdoor dining.

Lunch T-Sat 11:30-2:30; Dinner Sun-Th 5-9:30, F-Sat 5-10, Sun brunch 10 am-2 pm. Reservations: Yes.

n York Tavern: 3702 York Rd, Oak Brook. 630 323-5090.

The oldest, continuously operating restaurant in DuPage County, restored and updated in 2006, serving burgers and American fare. Capacity: 60. Yrs in bus: 170. Chef’s Choice: Burgers. Entrée prices: $6-$20. Extras: Carry-out, bar. M-F 11 am-1 am, Sat 11 am-2 am, Sun noon-10.

Reservations: No.

WEST SUBURBAN LIVING

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 93

12/23/13 6:07 PM

SCENE&SEEN

Photos by Barbara Rozgonyi

Charitable Events of Note

AMONG THE EVENT HOSTS for the Glen Ellyn Kitchen Walk and Afterwalk Gourmet Reception were (from left) Baird & Warner Managing Broker John Matthews of Glen Ellyn; Jim and Gail Drury of Drury Design in Glen Ellyn; CEO of Bridge Communities John Hayner of Glen Ellyn; Bridge Communities Co-Founder Mark Milligan of Glen Ellyn; Baird & Warner Realtor and Kitchen Walk Project Manager Carrie Morris of Glen Ellyn; Corporate Chef Craig Bell (also shown below) and Territory Sales Consultant Jason Turner of Sub-Zero & Wolf of Glendale Heights. The walk featured interior tours of six beautiful kitchens and raised an estimated $8,000 for Bridge Janet Derrick (center), executive director of Naperville CARES, greets guests and supporters at the organization’s eighth annual Toasting for a Cause at Sullivan’s Steakhouse in Naperville.

The event raised an estimated $40,000 to help local families in financial crisis.

Communities, which provides transitional housing and programs to assist homeless families throughout DuPage County.

Wheaton Mayor Mike Gresk (left) congratulates Ivy Restaurant owner Richard O’Gorman (center) and Chef Joe Pascolla, both of Carol Stream, for winning the People’s Choice first place award in the Downtown Wheaton Association’s First Annual Chili Cook Off. Also part of the event was a “Waiter’s Race,” in which restaurant servers completed an elaborate obstacle course that required balancing a tray of filled water glasses and maneuvering through tires, traffic cones and

Over $200,000 was raised at the 53rd Annual Torchlight Dinner

low rise jumps. Mandi Duncan (right), a member

of Providence Life Services. It was also a special night for (from left)

of the wait staff at Suzette’s Creperie and a

Cindy Veldman of Lombard; Beverly and Marla Folkerts, both of

student at Wheaton College, was the winner

Geneva; Phyllis Veldman of Westchester; Christine and Brittany

and received a $50 gift certificate. The event,

Schlaman, both of Round Lake; Ashley Veldman of Lombard;

which drew an estimated 1,000 attendees, raised

and Jenny Dunn of Aurora, who came together to celebrate the

approximately $10,000, which will be used to

memory of their mother and grandmother, Lena Keizer, who was

promote the downtown business district as

the Auxiliary President for many years for Providence Life Services’

a place to work, shop and dine.

Saratoga Grove facility in Downers Grove. The event was held at the Museum of Science and Industry.

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Photos by Barbara Rozgonyi

More than 200 guests enjoyed Oak-Leyden Developmental Services’ 26th Annual Benefit, “We’ve Got Great Taste” held at The Nineteenth Century Club in Oak Park. The event (top photo) raised $75,000 which will be used to help OakLeyden’s more than 500 children and adults with developmental disabilities reach their highest potential. The event also honored those whose extraordinary efforts make the community a premier area in which to work and live. Among them were Riley Edmunds and Madeline Strand of River Forest (above photo, center) flanked on the right by Oak-Leyden’s President & CEO Bob Atkinson and on the left by Mistress of Ceremonies, Cara Carriveau of REWIND 103.3FM radio. The two teens were co-chairs of the annual 9/11 Bonnie Brae Charity LemonAide Stand, which raised more than $31,000 to build an outdoor therapeutic play area for Oak-Leyden’s littlest participants. Also enjoying the evening (bottom photo) were Longhouse Capital Advisors sponsor Michael Boisvert of LaGrange, President of Oak-Leyden’s Board of Trustees Tony Grant of Oak Park, and Alex Rowe, a native Oak Parker with Oppenheimer & Co.

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12/25/13 2:59 PM

Last Word

By Michele Weldon

The Key to Having a Hopeful Attitude It mostly comes down to a matter of perspective and the ability to “get over ourselves”

T

he more birthdays I accumulate and with each year that passes, the less I want to be around people who are not hopeful in the face of every new day — people who mistake negativity for pragmatism. I do not want to surround myself with people who are waiting for something to change instead of realizing they can make a change.

They know who they are. Wait, maybe they don’t, which is likely the problem.

Hope — that natural inclination to view the world and its complications as positive — is not something that lands on you. You do not open the front door and it rushes in along with the January wind.

Hope is neither haphazard nor assigned; it is a decision you can make to include in your life, just as easily as you can decide how you will answer the phone, what shoes to put on or what route you will drive to your office.

I do not, however, equate being hopeful with people — and we all know at least a few — who wear blinders, oblivious to reality, dreamers wishing for the best, but making no strides to do anything concrete.

They use hope as a way to avoid planning and stepping into a process that could be transformative. They use hope to avoid what is real, to submit to stasis.

Growing up, if any of the six of us — my three sisters, two brothers and me — were complaining about anything minor, from a bad day at school to a TV show we missed, my mother was sure to set us straight.

“You’re not allowed to have a bad mood.”

I had never heard anyone other than her say that. Isn’t it our right to feel what we

My mother would simply not tolerate what she called acting like a “Gloomy Gus.” She told us to think about all the blessings we had and how fortunate we were.

feel? Don’t we have the freedom to choose how we act? Not in the house on Clinton and Jackson avenues. And certainly not in front of my mom.

My mother simply would not tolerate what she called, “acting like a Gloomy Gus,” so she told us each to think about all the blessings we had, how fortunate we were and what we could do for someone else. And while we were pondering that, we should hurry up and empty the dishwasher, clean the kitchen, do homework or fold a load of clothes. Basically she told us to get over ourselves. Which I think is the biggest reason I am hopeful. I get over myself.

Sometimes I watch TV shows like “The Voice,” where talented singers — young and older — full of hope and the encouragement of their families, display all the willfulness they can to persuade judges and viewers to match the hope they have for themselves and their musical careers.

Many times throughout the day I watch the news on my laptop, phone or television and see stories about people who survive tornados, typhoons, injustice and violence and am inspired by their hopefulness in the face of despair. And I hope to mimic their bravery.

I am proud to be someone who is mostly hopeful. I am hopeful about my

own ambitions, about the futures of my three sons, about the world around me. I cringe when someone I meet or sit next to at an event descends into a diatribe about what the world is coming to or that is soaked in clichés and judgment and sour proclamations. I know it would not be fruitful to try to change his or her mind, because hope is something chosen, not something taught in haste. You can’t convert someone to become hopeful in one sitting.

Well, I can guess you can hope you can.

This is not to say that I, like everyone else, have not had unfortunate experiences in my life and setbacks, from the personal to the professional. My hope has been eroded at times, but it always flows back.

What I adopted from my mother — and my father as well — is that you handle whatever confronts you and hope for the best.

Because without hope, you just spend every day going through the motions completing tasks or ignoring what you need to do.

Hope is about self and also about others, about wishing and working for fulfillment, but also for love and connection, about seeing beyond today. We hope that something good will come of everything we do and everyone we encounter. We look ahead with humor. We look back with humility. And we hope. n

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