March/April 2014

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SENIOR LIVING

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SPOTLIGHT ON NAPERVILLE

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Q&A WITH JIM BELUSHI

MARCH/APRIL 2014 WEST SUBURBAN LIVING • BEST OF THE WEST VOL. 19 • NUMBER

BEST OF THE

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Brian Sauerland Editor & Publisher | Chuck Cozette Managing Editor | Roseanne Segovia Assistant Editor | Jessica McAdam Intern | Sean Buckley Art Director | Catherine A. LePenske Contributing Writers Laurie Barton, Joni Hirsch Blackman, Buzz Brandt, Erin Chan Ding, Melanie Kalmar, Mary Ellen Kastenholz, Sandy Koropp, Denise Linke, Lynn Petrak, Diana Santos , Lisa Sloan, Sara Pearsaul Vice, Michele Weldon, Tom Witom Contributing Photographer Ed Ahern

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West Suburban Living (Vol. 19, No. 2 MARCH/APRIL 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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March/April

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2014

Home&Garden

54

STYLE UNDERFOOT

58

BRINGING LIFE TO OUTDOOR SPACES

Depending on how you use your home, choosing the right flooring can mean selecting different materials for different rooms or zones.

The best landscapes reflect the lifestyle and priorities of the homeowners.

Health&Wellness

72

58

SENIOR LIVING

New technology is keeping seniors in better touch with their caregivers and families and providing more options for when they choose to move.

Town Focus

78

 Feature 44

54

NAPERVILLE

With a vibrant downtown and wealth of attractions, this suburban city boasts a distinctive charm.

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

61

BEST OF THE WEST When it comes to knowing

Check out your choices for the

what’s best in the western

best the suburbs have to offer in

suburbs, we go right to

more than 85 different categories,

the source — our readers.

a very impressive list, indeed.

SUCCESS STORIES Celebrating businesses that serve our communities

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Departments

West Suburban Living

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March/April

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2014

12

88 Perspectives

8 22

96

FOREWORD

24

local authors

26

VINYL REVIVAL

Moving onwards and upwards Life in the Burbs

Sharing a few things about the area where we live and what makes it special.

Last Word

When you gotta dance, you gotta dance.

Around the Towns

12

29

Q&A

with actor/performer and Wheaton native Jim Belushi

18

GO GIRL KEEPS RIGHT ON GOING

Local entrepreneur’s dolls and books provide girls with positive and healthy body images.

New book releases from west suburban writers, plus reviews and recommendations.

Attracted by their retro feel and purer sound, music lovers are buying vinyl again.

Style&Fashion

16

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

Dining

88

REVIEW: DEVON Seafood and steak in Oakbrook Terrace

90

REVIEW: PIZZERIA NEO Neapolitan-style pizza in Naperville and St. Charles

87

NEW RESTAURANTS

92

CHEERS

stops & shops

New stores and favorite hidden gems

Out&About

29

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

The best in music, theatre and other area events

Peanut Butter Planet in Glen Ellyn, Pizzeria da Nella in Carol Stream, and Puebla Modern Mexican in St. Charles The mercurial Pinot Noir

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editor’s Note Embracing the Power of Change “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”

- George Bernard Shaw

“The best day of your life is the one on which you decide your life is your own. No apologies or excuses. No one to lean on, rely on, or blame. The gift is yours — it is an amazing journey — and you alone are responsible for the quality of it.

This is the day your life really begins.”

- Bob Moawad

“We shall not cease from exploration.

And the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started, and know the place for the first time.”

- T.S. Eliot

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for

W

hile I tend to be a forward-looking person, there have been a number of times — especially as I’ve gotten older — where I wished I could freeze-frame life and keep everything just as it was at that moment in time. Such thoughts have not necessarily been prompted by anything especially wonderful going on at the time, but tended to be more the result of a simple, but profound sense of contentment — an appreciation that life at that moment was good and to be savored.

Of course, life does go on, and like it or not, things change. In most cases, it happens gradually and can almost be imperceptible, until months and years later when the culmination of incremental changes becomes so obvious that it jumps out at you and demands notice. As editor of this magazine, that happens to me on a fairly regular basis, most recently on a visit to College of DuPage for the opening of the new Cleve Carney Art Gallery (see page 11). Though I have been out to COD many times and noted the ongoing improvements, the sheer magnitude of the transformation of the campus in recent years is still somewhat stunning. Granted, the college has been going through an unparalleled period of growth and expansion in terms of new facilities. But recalling what the school was like even just five and 10 years ago, and what it is like now, the change is nothing short of amazing. So obviously, change can be a very good thing.

they shall be satisfied.”

For another great case in point, just take a drive into downtown Naperville on a summer weekend evening — or almost any time, for that matter. The vibrance and level of activity can be truly energizing. As our writer Joni Hirsch Blackman points out in our Naperville Town Focus on page 78, it wasn’t always that way. It took great planning and the contributions of many people to bring about the transformation of Naperville’s downtown into the popular attraction it has become.

That’s not to say all change is good.

Indeed, I personally take great comfort that some things remain much the same — like the taste of a Country House cheeseburger or a Lou Malnati’s pizza. Tried and true, both are multiple-time winners in their respective dining categories in our annual Best of the West reader survey. The list of more than 85 suburban superlatives (see page 44) includes a number of other longtime favorites, along with some great new up-and-comers.

We hope you enjoy the Best of the West results as well as the rest of this issue, and, as always, thanks for being a reader!

- Matthew 5:6

Chuck Cozette, Editor & Publisher chuck@westsuburbanliving.net 8 MARCH/APRIL 2014

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THE

AROUND TOWNS COMMUNITY

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STOPS & SHOPS

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LIFE IN THE BURBS

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LOCAL AUTHORS

An Art Legacy THE NEW CLEVE CARNEY ART GALLERY recently debuted at the McAninch Arts Center (MAC) at College of DuPage by featuring numerous works from the late Glen Ellyn native’s extensive contemporary art collection. The new 1,850-sq-ft gallery — part of a $35 million renovation of the MAC — will offer year-round visual art exhibitions showcasing a variety of contemporary works by regional, national and international artists. For more information on upcoming shows or gallery hours, go to www.cod.edu/gallery.

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Q&A

Actor & Performer Jim Belushi/ Wheaton native returns to his roots, performing improv at COD

THOUGH BEST KNOWN FOR HIS EIGHT-YEAR RUN as the title character in the TV show According to Jim, Wheaton-native Jim Belushi’s self-acknowledged shameless willingness to try anything has resulted in a truly multifaceted performing career. After getting his start in theatre at Wheaton Central High School and College of DuPage, Belushi cut his comedic teeth at Second City in Chicago and then on TV’s Saturday Night Live. Early in his career, he branched out to do a variety of dramatic film roles including serving as Rob Lowe’s boorish best friend in About Last Night. He then picked up a number of starring film roles, among them buddy cop movies K-9 and Red Heat, the latter with Arnold Schwarzenegger. Through longtime friend Dan Aykroyd, Belushi became brother Zee Blues of The Blues Brothers, doing concerts across the country.

He also performs regularly with the House of Blues’ Sacred Hearts Band. More recently, the 59-year-old has returned to his comedic improv roots, touring the country with his own group, Jim Belushi and the Board of Comedy. On March 8, the group will play two shows at the MAC at College of DuPage. The first show, at 6 p.m., is a benefit to raise money for the college and the John Belushi Scholarship Fund, which Jim started in 1983 to honor the memory of his brother, also a COD alum. The second show will be at 9:30 p.m. For tickets or more information, go to www.cod.edu/foundation.

Q&A

n What are your favorite memories of growing up in Wheaton?

Jim Belushi: Playing kick the can on Grant Street. Riding my Stingray bike all over town.

The great feeling of independence and safety that Wheaton had to offer back then. Going to the North Side Pool, eating popcorn from the In-Between Store. And my loving neighbors across the street, Mr. and Mrs. Macy and their family. They were the nicest, kindest, most loving family I had ever met, inspirational and welcoming. I didn’t always feel liked as a kid, but I always felt loved by them. I loved working at the G & G Pharmacy, getting all the candy I wanted. And of course, the fountain at Seven Dwarfs, which is still there. It was a nice place to grow up and I was proud to be the entire crime rate of Wheaton. n You were part of Second City in Chicago and then on Saturday Night Live, two legendary training grounds for up and coming comedic actors. How did those years shape you as a performer?

JB: The College of DuPage really shaped my craft and my desire. Second City taught me everything there is to know about character comedy, social satire, comic rhythms, what it’s like to study the craft of doing eight shows a week. When I was 16, I went to Second City and saw my brother John and Harold Ramis perform with their group. When that first act was over, I said to myself, “I’ve never seen anything like this in my life. I want a piece of this.” When I got my first laugh on that stage, the adrenaline kicked in. I was dizzy, seeing colors almost. I was hooked.

Second City is the foundation of all my work. Saturday Night Live taught me how

RAPID FIRE

to maintain under immense pressure.

It was like learning to be a surgeon in a mash unit in Vietnam. It was the most difficult experience I ever had. Everything has been easy since then, including divorce. The only thing I’m frightened of now is when my wife drives. n The early part of your career was spent largely in film doing a series of supporting roles, many of which, including About Last Night, were more serious dramas. Were you intentionally trying to move away from comedy?

JB: I wasn’t steering away from anything, I was just trying to get work! It didn’t matter if it was comedy or drama to me. I’ve always done both. And in my best works, I mixed the two. Drama isn’t truly great without humor, and comedy isn’t truly great without a dramatic storyline. I’m still the same way. I do drama and comedy. I sing, I dance, I write, I direct — in all genres of media. I like to do it all. I never put the things I love in conflict with each other. But mostly . . . I like to work! n How did the concept for the show, According to Jim, come about? And how similar or different are you than the character you played?

JB: I had done a wonderful movie called Return to Me that Bonnie Hunt, a Chicagoan and Second City veteran, wrote and directed. I played a working-class father in it. During that time, ABC was interested in doing a family comedy. They had seen the film and thought I would make a great father. So I met with a few writers and chose to collaborate with Jon Stark and Tracy Newman. I had a lot of input in the

4. Key friends, mentors or role

5. Best advice you were ever

models early in your career?

given and by whom?

1. Favorite film of all time?

3. Favorite places to go when back

Les Schomas, Richard Holgate,

“Heroes aren’t born, they’re

Being There

in Wheaton and Chicago? Portillo’s,

BF Johnson, Mr. Gregory and

cornered.” - Mickey Rooney

2. Favorite TV show? According

Gene and Jude’s, Second City, Blues

Mr. Restivo (my probation officers)

6. Three to five words that best

to Jim! Currently, my favorite show

on Halsted, The Fudge Pot in Old

— they kept me out of jail and I

describe you? Shameless and

to watch is Banshee.

Town, and the Uptown Tobacco Shop.

had a man to talk to every week.

always hungry.

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Q&A character and the context of the show, and in the relationships. But I did not create it and I did not write it. Jon and Tracy get all the credit for that. They did a spectacular job. Most of the stories came from personal experiences. Not just mine, but also from all the writers, lifted right out of our lives and then expanded.

I’m very similar to the character in many, many ways. As Jon Stark once told me on the set, “This character isn’t you NOW, Jim. You’re much more insightful and perceptive.

You have to think of this character as the younger you.”  Part of your success, according to your website bio, is that you are shameless — that you are willing to try anything.

Is there anything you ever refused to do or regretted doing after the fact?

JB: I only regret the things that I have done that didn’t work. I’m doing the craziest thing right now in Miami, shooting a film called A Change of Heart. I play a racist, homophobic exterminator who has a heart attack and needs a heart transplant. He gets the heart of a Latino, gay, hairdresser drag queen who finds himself doing a full-on drag show, only to later find out that he really got the heart of a Japanese sushi chef. It’s a very funny and charming movie about a man finding his heart again.  You have performed in so many

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genres. Which are you most comfortable with and what do you enjoy doing most?

JB: I love all genres. There is something challenging in each of them. And overcoming the challenge is the joy. But I have to say that I enjoy the live performance genre, whether it’s Broadway, improvisation, the band, or of course, According to Jim, because it was shot in front of a live audience. I enjoy the instant gratification, the exchange of energies with the audience, and the high jeopardy of “you’ve got to get it right, right now.” That’s joyful. That’s fun. Movies are a different joy, done piece by piece, with no audience. It’s just a different kind of thinking and acting style, but I love when it comes together. It was so satisfying to watch About Last Night with an audience at the movie theater.  Are you naturally musically inclined or do you just wing it when you perform with the Blues Brothers and The Sacred Hearts Band? And what was it like being the

opening act for the Rolling Stones?

JB: I’ve always been a little musical. I did musicals in high school and sang in the choir and sang in the choir at College of DuPage. I did Pirates of Penzance on Broadway. But the band thing was a different kind of learning altogether. Danny Aykroyd wanted me to do the Blues Brothers, so I had to retrain everything in me. It’s the most fun I’ve had, really. Being in a band and singing on stage these great classic R&B songs, it’s like singing gospel music. It opened my chest. I feel lighter and more joyful than I ever have in my life. It was a great gift that Danny gave me. For the past 20 years, I’ve been singing and dancing all over the country. There’s an element of winging it, yes, for sure. When you jump up with a band, there are certain blues progressions and structures that everybody knows. Same thing with improvising and Second City, there are certain structures that we all agree on before letting ourselves go.

Opening for the Rolling Stones at Soldier Field was a TRIP! A real trip. Danny and I were on stage singing and we looked to the side and there was Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ron Wood watching us. That was an out of body experience. The Stones were smiling and laughing and were really sweet to us. It was really, really cool.  In performing with the Board of Comedy, you are returning to your Second City and Saturday Night Live roots. What do you enjoy most about sketch comedy and improv?

JB: Oh man, I’m having a ball! Every performance is different and unique, plus these improvisational actors on stage with me are geniuses. They crack me up every night. I’m just chasing the magic. Everyone, including the audience, is fully engaged and participating, and when there’s success in the scenes, there’s nothing like it. And it feels safe when you’re up there with an ensemble as your safety net. What’s great about this show is that it reunites me and Larry Joe Campbell. He’s the best partner I’ve ever had in my career. The problem with improv is that it’s life or death. You either come off stage going, “I’m going back to being an apprentice printer or become a journeyman and do graphic arts because I’m terrible.” You go right into deep depression. Or you come off that stage going, “I am God. I am a

gift to all.” And that’s the best part! 

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Award-Winning Kitchens and Baths

Pursuing Perfection Since 1977 Design Showroom 600 Industrial Drive Naperville 630.369.0500 www.thekitchenmaster.com

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Stops&Shops



Photo by Diana Santos

Photo by Mary Ellen Kastenholz

Photo by Roseanne Segovia

Hidden Gems & Longtime Favorites

PAISLEY ON MAIN

VENI VIDI VAL

APRICOT LANE

“Traditional GIFTS WITH A TWIST”

FOR UNIQUE GIFTS WITH A STORY

ONE OF THE NEWEr ADDITIONS to

is the theme at this heart of Glen Ellyn shop (494 North Main St., 630 790-2735), which is warm, welcoming and brimming with color, pattern and creativity.

Owner Sue Clery has filled the shop — which opened in 2004 and moved to its present location two years later — with gift items, accessories, jewelry and home décor. Many products are created by local artists, such as Nora Fleming’s clever serving pieces priced from $22 to $60.

Michel Design Works body lotions and Illume candles are popular.

The Vera Bradley collection fills almost an entire wall. Julia Knight decorative stemware, as well as frames and artwork featuring local schools and colleges sell quickly.

Prices range from $5 to $300.

Paisley on Main supports local non-profit organizations and customers can arrange a private shopping party with a portion of the proceeds benefitting their preferred charity. — Laurie Barton

behind them, a stop at Veni Vidi Val (25 S. LaGrange Road, LaGrange, 708 354-3686) feels like visiting an art gallery in a women’s boutique.

For the past nine years, owner Val Evans has combed art fairs throughout the country to meet artisans who create jewelry and gifts that elicit personal and uplifting messages. One popular gift, made by an Atlanta artist, is “spirit tiles” designed with inspirational messages. A LaGrange artist creates ceramic leaves that are made from actual leaves from one’s favorite tree. While most items are American-made, there are hand-created, imported Fair Trade gifts as well, such as striking wall hangings from Haiti made from recycled oil drums.

While the unique clothing lines and gifts are mostly for women, vintage radios restored and refinished by Val’s husband make wonderful gifts for men. Enticing book selections are also available.

— Mary Ellen Kastenholz

Naperville’s downtown shopping district, Apricot Lane Boutique (140 W. Jefferson St., 331 229-2829) is an exquisitely appointed shop specializing in limited quantity, southern California-inspired women’s clothing and accessories. Owner Abbie Miller has made a seamless transition from high school educator to fashion maven with her forwardthinking style and eye for quality.

Shop offerings range from casually chic retro to contemporary vintage. Trendy accessories, fashion boots and purses, signature hats and jackets, as well as clothing for every occasion are presented at affordable price points. Under Skies, YA, BB Dakota, Flying Tomato, Black Swan, and Stop Staring are just a few of the labels showcased.

In-store and at-home fashion parties are offered and a certified make-up artist is on staff to complete the overall experience.

For more on upcoming events go to www.apricotlanenaperville.com.

—Diana Santos

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.

A BOOK ABOVE Children’s book store.

136 W. Vallette, Elmhurst.

630 993-0133 THE BEER CELLAR Craft beer styles from near and far. 534 Crescent Blvd, Glen Ellyn. 630 315-5060

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HAND & STONE MASSAGE AND FACIAL SPA 10 types of massage therapies, facials, peels, etc. 792 W. Army Trail Rd., Carol Stream. 630 289-0200 HUGS & MUGS GIFT SHOP Offers keepsake mugs and

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gift items designed by adults with Down syndrome to support Gigi’s Playhouse.

2350 W. Higgins Rd., Hoffman Estates. 847 278-8531.

RETRO FITNESS Health club with strength and cardio machines,

theater room, tanning and massage services, and day care. 608 E. North Ave., Carol Stream. 630 518-4819 RIVER CITY ROASTERS Serves and roasts single source coffee from around the world and offers various

specialty roasts. 114 N. Main St., Wheaton. 630 551-8346 VINTAGE FRESH Vintage furniture and home décor, handmade items and various classes. 5122 Main St., Downers Grove.

630 541-9530

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Around towns Photo by Ed Ahern

Go Girl Keeps Right on Going Local entrepreneur’s dolls and books provide young girls with positive and healthy body images

A

t the 2013 American International Toy Fair, the atmosphere was as colorful and full of possibility as a child’s playroom.

Glen Ellyn doll maker Jodi Norgaard quickly turned a corner without looking and literally bumped into a buyer from Walmart. The impact was so hard, that they both dropped everything in their hands and burst out laughing. Before parting ways, the buyer promised to visit Norgaard’s booth the next day to hear her pitch.

Norgaard, 49, president of Dream Big Toy Company, is creator of the awardwinning “Go! Go! Sports Girls” line of athletic dolls. She recently added a book to accompany one of her dolls, written by accomplished author Kara Douglass Thom, and presented it as a Read & Play set to the Walmart buyer.

Thom reached out to Norgaard and

donated her services, because her daughters collect the dolls and she believes in the brand. “I had one book at the time, Soccer Girl,” Norgaard recalls of her pitch to

Norgaard’s local mission went global last year when she was invited to become a founding member of The Brave Girl Alliance, an international, not-for-profit organization that urges the media to use positive images of females in advertisements.

Walmart. “He said, ‘If you can write five more, we’ll pick you up.’ And they did.”

The books convey life lessons that young girls can relate to, fun facts about the particular sport, and tips for healthy

living. In April, Walmart will begin selling the individual books and the six Read & Play sets — which won the coveted Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award for 2014 — at 50 stores in the Midwest.

Norgaard is driven by a strong belief in her product. Since founding the company, she has successfully handled her own publicity, landing interviews on local and national television shows, and product endorsements from celebrity mother/ daughter teams.

On live television, she has demonstrated toys that encourage girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math, and appeared without make-up to celebrate inner-beauty. When a friend asked for her publicist’s information, she was surprised to learn that Norgaard didn’t have one.

The idea to market dolls that play sports came to Norgaard while she was

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the

Around towns

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The Benefits of a Prenuptial Agreement

M

any people still think of a prenuptial agreement as something that wealthy families use as a form of “marriage insurance” to protect their riches. In fact, a growing number of people, from a broad range of income levels, are seeking out prenuptial agreements to help answer questions about their assets before they get married. In the process, they become better prepared to handle financial issues in their marriage, and safeguard themselves against one of the leading causes of divorce.

A prenuptial agreement can be tailored to an individual couple’s needs, and it is especially helpful when couples bring the following into a marriage: A family business. Because family businesses typically are made up of multiple family members from different generations, any divorce dispute involving a family business can end up impacting a great number of people. A prenuptial agreement that specifies a spouse’s role in the company upon divorce or death can prevent costly litigation that could potentially drain the family business’ assets.

Children from previous marriages. If you have already been through a divorce involving children, in which you determined how you’d provide assets for your children, a prenuptial agreement can make your intentions for those assets clear.

Mid or late-career assets. For couples marrying later in life, they’re likely established in careers resulting from years of hard work, with assets that reflect that hard work. Prenuptial agreements can designate certain assets as nonmarital property, limit spousal support in case of divorce, or detail other financial arrangements that help both parties address their concerns – especially, for this age group – retirement funds.

Deborah Carder

Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP is dedicated to achieving the best possible results for our cllients.

Deborah Carder, a partner with Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP, helps clients with complex, financial, custody and high-asset family law matters. Ms. Carder has consistently received the honor of being selected by her peers as a Leading Lawyer in Illinois. She is the past President of the DuPage Association of Women Lawyers.

For more information, contact our Wheaton Family Law office at (630) 665-5800. Upon request, we will send you a “Straight Talk on Divorce” information booklet.

If “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” think of a prenuptial agreement as your ounce of prevention to increase your peace of mind during a marriage, and ease the transition should it come to an end. It is most definitely worth your consideration.

shopping with her daughter Grace, who was then 9 years old. Grace picked up a doll with an hourglass figure that was wearing heavy make-up, a faux-fur crop-top, mini-skirt, belly-button ring and high-heeled shoes. She asked her mother, “Is this supposed to be for me?”

Norgaard recalls the doll was named Lovely Lola. “I know for a fact there is not one parent out there who wants their daughter to look like that doll.”

At the time, she was coaching “Girls on the Run,” a club for elementary school girls that focuses on building their self-esteem as they train for a 5K run. It was Norgaard’s belief that the Lovely Lola doll, with its emphasis on looks, sent girls the wrong message. She bought it anyway to show her husband Steve.

“I just thought, ‘I think I can do something. I don’t like what the retailers are marketing to girls.’” That night, she decided to create a positive image doll based on what actual girls look like.

Two years later, at the 2008 U.S. Open, “Tennis Girl” debuted and sold out — 500 dolls in six days. Norgaard quickly added dolls that play basketball, golf, soccer, softball, and volleyball, and participate in cheerleading, dance, gymnastics, running, swimming and triathlons.

Aimed at girls ages 3 to 12, each doll wears a uniform, carries a backpack that contains miniature toy versions of athletic equipment and accessories, and has an inspirational message embroidered on its tummy.

The dolls are sold online — go to www.gogosportsgirls.com for a list of retailers — and at specialty stores throughout the U.S. Norgaard’s local mission went global last year, when she was invited to become a founding member of The Brave Girl Alliance, an international, not-for-profit organization that urges the media to use positive images of females in advertisements.

Up next for Norgaard and her company are board-books for preschool girls, a line of doll clothes, and a possible children’s TV show based on the “Go! Go! Sports Girls” brand.

— Melanie Kalmar

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in the

Life Burbs

By Joni Hirsch Blackman

Lots to Love in the Western Burbs Sharing a few favorite things about the area in which we live, and what makes it special

W

hen I moved here a couple of decades ago, I remember answering one question over and over: “You moved here from Colorado?

Why?!” At first, I pretty much agreed with their disbelief. Then, slowly but surely, I found plenty to love about the western suburbs of Chicago — our “Best of the West” issue is a perfect time to list a few of them.

Coming from a city not quite so blessed with shopping opportunities, the strongest magnet was Oakbrook Center.

The venerable mall’s combination of great stores and outdoor spaces drew me there . . . too often, probably. Now, after its 50th birthday renovation, it’s even better.

Over the years, I have also enjoyed checking out all the cute little shops in the various downtown areas. Among my current favorites is Alixandra Collections in downtown Hinsdale and LaGrange, which offers great brands and a staff that is helpful without being intrusive.

Moving forward in order of importance, from shopping to eating, I have to give a nod to a longtime Naperville favorite, Front Street Cantina — which also has locations in Lemont, Geneva, Wheaton and Plainfield. I’m no gourmet eater, but Front Street is consistently delicious.

I also love the “fast casual” Go Roma in Naperville and Bolingbrook, which I liken to an Italian Panera Bread. And I can’t help but single out Falco’s Pizza in Burr Ridge.

It’s no Lou Malnati’s or Giordano’s — my go-tos for stuffed pizza — but there is just something addictive about Falco’s crust.

No list of the best things west of

Chicago would be complete without Anderson’s Bookshop. With locations in Downers Grove and Naperville, Anderson’s immediately filled the space in my heart caused by leaving Denver’s Tattered Cover bookstore. Thoughts of my

“

Center — a retro throwback that’s the Energizer bunny of roller skating. Sadly, my favorite drive-in movie theater — the old Hi-Lite 30 — closed a few years ago, though fortunately the western suburbs still have West Chicago’s Cascade Drive-In.

No list of the best things west of Chicago would be complete without Anderson’s Bookshop.

kids’ childhood always include a mental snapshot of them playing with the train in the Naperville store. These days, this warm, wise and wonderful bookshop is deservedly nationally renown, and it’s all ours.

Then there are the many great things to do here, which really was at the top of my list when I had three small children to keep busy. We especially loved taking the train to Brookfield Zoo — the journey and the destination were a treat.

My transportation of choice back then, however, was a bike, and my kids traveled in the Burley attached to the back. We often rode along the Prairie Path from Warrenville through Lombard and a couple of times all the way to Elmhurst.

We’d also ride or rollerblade along the Fox River from Aurora through Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles and South Elgin. I’d moved here from a state known throughout the country for its outdoor venues. But Denver didn’t have bike trails like this, at least when I lived there.

Some other favorites: The Aurora Skate

Another favorite find from years ago grew larger and closer. We used to go to the DuPage Children’s Museum when it was in the basement of the Wheaton Community Center. Once my children had nearly outgrown it, the museum moved closer to home and has thrived in Naperville.

Finally, there are the often overlooked paddle boats by Naperville’s Rotary Hill.

They have always signaled spring to me and I try to go paddling at least once each summer. Even during those years when it felt like all I did all summer long was drive children here and there, a stop at the paddleboat quarry made me feel like I’d had a little vacation. How many suburban places can do that?

Well, perhaps one. One of my very favorite things in the western suburbs is Naperville’s Riverwalk, both for obvious reasons and a more personal one — whenever I’m there, it makes me laugh to remember my younger son as a preschooler moaning he didn’t want to go, yet again, to “that walking river!” n

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Local Authors

By Sandy Koropp

Newest Nero Wolfe Novel

Other Recommended Reads

Wheaton mystery writer weaves baseball into plot

R

obert Goldsborough’s latest Nero Wolfe mystery novel, Murder in the Ballpark, is a delightful combination of great characters, gritty atmosphere, witty banter and good old-fashioned sleuthing.

Set in post-WWII Manhattan, the action begins on a gorgeous June day at a Giants/Dodgers ballgame at the famed Polo Grounds. Ardent Giants fan Archie Goodwin is there, bickering over beers with his long-time pal and Dodgers fan, Saul Panzer. In the fourth inning, a home run from the Giants gets the fans to their feet, but alas — just as the ball cracks off the bat, a New York state senator in the stands is shot and murdered. So much for a beautiful day at the ballpark.

Goodwin is the legman for the great crime-solver, Wolfe, a quirky genius who weaves clues together from inside his classy midtown brownstone — usually

over a mid-morning beer or three.

Wolfe wastes no time in solving the case for his client, the senator’s comely actress-wife. As in other Wolfe novels, the suspects gather in his brownstone for the satisfying final “reveal.”

A big Cubs fan, Goldsborough is especially pleased that, “In this, my ninth Nero Wolfe novel, I was finally able to

• Hyperbole and a Half is a book I bet you’d walk right past. Who would stop and pick up a wee yellow book with a silly sort of stick figure with a dog on the cover? You should. Wow, what a fresh voice author and blogger Allie Brosh has. The book is separated into short, mostly hilarious musings by Brosh, accompanied by her crude, yet perfectly wrought, amateurish drawings.

• Counting by 7’s. This is a terrific young adult read by Holly Goldberg Sloan that has a tremendous crossover following.

I’ve been recommending it to book clubs because it is concise, complex, uplifting and thought- provoking. It tells the tale of how a curious and unafraid 12-year-old genius girl, newly orphaned, impacts the lives of everyone she meets. It makes you think what all of us could do if we weren’t afraid to share our thoughts.

set part of the story against a backdrop of major league baseball, my favorite sport.”

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

Why We remain jews: The path to faith

EXPRESSIONISTA

Point of Departure

by Pamela McKuen of Glen

by Diane Kowal Kirtley of

by Vladimir Tsesis, M.D.,

Ellyn and Jackie Walker $17.

Western Springs $13. Set in

of River Forest $20. Dr. Tsesis

The book is designed to help

1841, this historical novel

searches for solutions about

girls ditch their fashion doubts,

follows 14-year-old Charlotte

the meaning of life, as he

love what they wear, and

Maillard and her family as they

recounts the path he has

accept who they are instead of

move from France to a strange

traversed from religious

following pop culture trends. It

place called Illinois in America.

ignorance to a strong belief in

also promotes better relationships

As the family settles in their new

the “One God” of the Jewish

by helping girls understand the

home, they face the horror of

religion. Tsesis shares various

personas of classmates, friends

slavery and become embroiled

experiences in his life and

and family members. It contains

in the Civil War. Charlotte, who

seeks to show that religion

quizzes, tips, how-to’s and quotes

used to be more concerned

and science are not inherently

from fashion pros who encourage

with French fashion, now faces

in conflict with each other.

girls to be themselves.

life-changing experiences.

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Until my soul gets it right

by Karen Wojcik Berner of Naperville $15. Book two in the Bibliophiles series follows suburban book club member Catherine Elbert, a woman who has never been good at making decisions.

She does know that life at her family’s farm in Wisconsin is not for her, so she packs up and moves to Peaks Island, off the coast of Portland, Maine. She thinks she is finally free but then realizes she can’t run away from herself.

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Photo by Erin Chan Ding

THE

AROUND TOWNS Lou Romanelli, owner of Music Masters Worldwide in Downers Grove.

Vinyl Revival

I

Attracted by their retro feel and a purer, warmer sound, music lovers are buying records again

n a 300-square-foot space in downtown Downers Grove, a Union Jack flag hangs from the ceiling and a t-shirt featuring The Doors sits on a shelf.

A T. Rex song vibrates through the space, washing over posters of The Beatles and Bob Dylan. And on its shelves? Vinyl records — thousands of them.

When Lou Romanelli first opened the brick and mortar location of his record store, Music Masters Worldwide, 11 years ago, he carried one crate of vinyl records. The collection he sells has gone from about 200 to 2,000. They consist not just of classic albums like Pink Floyd’s Animals but also of new releases like Arcade Fire’s Reflektor.

Even as the world has become more accustomed to downloading digital music, another segment of music-loving consumers has become enthralled — and in many cases re-enthralled — with vinyl.

No longer the domain of a cluster of hipsters in Brooklyn or Wicker Park, the revived love affair with vinyl records has injected a new enthusiasm into record stores nationwide. It’s a phenomenon that will be on full display on April 19, or Record Store Day, when independent music stores all over Chicagoland and the rest of America celebrate their unique culture with sales and parties.

That culture, in large part, has meant a renewed interest in independent music

stores and a revival of vinyl that has been embraced by numerous record store owners.

Over and over, they describe the resurgence of records with the same word — fun.

“It’s just fun,” says Romanelli. “The word you’re looking for is fun.

“Downloads, what are you getting? You’re buying air. You’re not buying physical.

This,” he says, holding up a record, “is big.

Let’s open it up. Let’s read the lyrics.

“Kids are coming in, and they’re competitive. It’s, ‘I have this, I have that.’

It’s a whole collecting thing, just like what we were like,” says a clearly pleased Romanelli.

At Val’s Halla Records in Oak Park, owner Val Camilletti estimates that records compose about 60 percent of her sales.

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THE

AROUND TOWNS “Right now, it’s outselling every other format in our store,” she says, adding that when Val’s Halla — which has been open for more than four decades — hit “serious trouble” financially in 2012, customers’ purchases of vinyl records helped save the business.

Camilletti estimates the store now carries about 20,000 to 30,000 records, and says the customer demand has infused a huge sense of enjoyment to her work.

“I’m ecstatic because it’s fun to sell records,” she says. “It’s never been as fun to sell CDs because customers never have the same degree of passion.

“It’s a kick. Whether it’s someone going back to vinyl, or people just walking around like, ‘Oh my God, I had that record.’ Or they’re young and saying, ‘Oh, wow. There’s that Black Sabbath album.’

It’s a completely different relationship between customers and CDs and customers and vinyl. So it brings back fun.”

But even more than their historic at-

Record stores boast racks of classic albums.

traction and retro feel, vinyl records simply sound better, say their fans. “The sound is absolutely better,” maintains Romanelli.

“It’s just a different, warmer sound. More real. The audiophiles have never stopped listening to records.”

Peter Kuehl, an owner of Cheap Kiss Records, which shares a space with Cornerstone Used Books in Villa Park and has a warehouse in Schaumburg, says download fatigue has also contributed to the renewed affinity for vinyl.

“I think people are getting tired of downloading music and having nothing to show for it,” Kuehl says. “iPods are

convenient, but you miss out on a lot of the music listening experience when you just download it. With records, you have a 12-by-12 inch piece of cardboard that's like a piece of art.

“You have liner notes that you can read — who played what, where it was recorded, all of the lyrics,” adds Kuehl.

“You have to take the record out of the sleeve and place it on a turntable and drop the needle on the record. There’s a whole ritual involved that can be very appealing to certain people. I think you appreciate the music more if you have to put a little into the listening experience. It’s different than just hitting a button on your computer or iPod.” “It’s still a pretty small niche market in the vast scheme of things,” acknowledges Keuhl. “But as long as there are music lovers that like the experience of listening to music in its best-sounding and coolestlooking format, there will be vinyl collectors.”

— Erin Chan Ding

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OUT&ABOUT |

THEATRE

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COMEDY

|

ART

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FAMILY ACTIVITIES

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HOME & GARDEN

|

AND MUCH MORE Photo courtesy of the McAninch Arts Center

MUSIC

Pilobolus APR. 17 This internationally acclaimed dance theatre troupe dazzles audiences with its inventive and athletic performances.

Catch them at the MAC at College of DuPage. Call 630 942-4000 for tickets.

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OUT&ABOUT

Calendar of Events

Winter got you down?

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Mar. 13 IMAGINE DRAGONS

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THEATRE | The Bay of Portugal | Through Mar 16, Fri - Sun, Fri

& Sat 8 p.m., Sun 3 p.m. Thirty years ago, it was love at first sight for Gwen and Jack, but they didn’t make it through their first marriage. Can they 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

| Young Frankenstein | Through 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 further reimagining of the American Literature legend based on Mel Brooks’ comedic masterpiece. Cost: $77/42. Drury Lane Theater, 100 Drury Ln., Oakbrook Terrace. 630 530-0111

| Nancy Drew: Girl Detective | Fri – Sun, Mar 7 – 16, Fri 7:30 p.m., Sat 11 a.m. & 4 p.m. and Sun 2:30 p.m.

Nancy Drew and her friends try to solve the mystery of a ghost or puppet that is haunting old Van Pelt Estate.

Cost: $12/6. Theatre of Western Springs, 4384 Hampton Ave., Western Springs. 708 246-3380 | Rent | Wed – Sun, Mar 12 – Apr 6, Wed 1:30 & 7:30

p.m., Thur 7:30 p.m., Fri 8 p.m., Sat 3 & 8 p.m. and Sun 1 & 5:30 p.m. Tony Award-winning musical about a group of young artists learning to survive, falling in love, finding their voices and living for today. Not for those under 18.

Cost: $50/37. Paramount Theatre, 23 E Galena Blvd., Aurora. 630 896-6666

| Isn’t It Romantic | Thur – Sat, Mar 13 – 15 & Mar 20 – 22, 8 p.m. This funny, touching play by Wendy Wasserstein, winner of both the Pulitzer Prize and the Tony Award, follows two friends in their 20s on their journey toward adulthood. Cost: $7/5. Mill Theatre at Elmhurst College, 190 E Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. 630 617-3005 | The Wonder Bread Years | Sat, Mar 15, 7:30 p.m.

Pat Hazell stars in this production, a salute to the Baby

Boomer Generation, Cost: $31. Lund Auditorium at Dominican University, 7900 W Division St., River Forest.

708 488-5000

| Les Miserables | Mar 29-June 8. Wed-Sun. Wed 1:30 p.m., Thur 1:30 & 8 p.m., Fri 8 p.m., Sat 5 & 8:45 p.m., Sun 2 & 6 p.m. Based on Victor Hugo’s novel, this classic musical revolves around Jean Valjean and his redemption during 19th century France. Cost: $61. Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Ln., Oakbrook Terrace. 630 530-0111 | Menopause The Musical | Sun, Mar 30, 2 & 7 p.m.

Parodying classic hit songs from the 60s, 70s, and 80s, about four women at a lingerie sale experiencing menopause symptoms. Cost: $60/39. Rialto Square Theatre, 15 E Van Buren St., Joliet. 815 726-6600 | The Spitfire Grill | Fri – Sun, Apr 4 - 27, Fri & Sat 8p.m., Sun 3 p.m. A recently paroled woman pursues her dream to work at Hannah’s Spitfire Grill in this musical.

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

| Gregg Edelman | Sun, Apr 6, 6 p.m. The four-time

Tony Award-nominee celebrates favorite Broadway tunes and classic melodies from the Great American Songbook in his one-man show, “Broadway State of Mind.” Cost: $40/35. Madden Theatre, 171 E Chicago Ave., Naperville. 630 637-7469

| Memphis | Mon, Apr 7, 8 p.m. Set in 1950s Memphis, this musical centers around a white DJ and a black club singer ready to make her big break. Cost: $50/40.

Rialto Square Theatre, 15 E Van Buren St., Joliet.

815 726-6600

| As You Like It | Fri – Sun, Apr 11 – 13, Fri – Sat 7:30 p.m. and Sun 3 p.m. William Shakespeare’s comedy, adapted by Krista Hansen, includes mistaken identity, cross-dressing, madness, mayhem, lust, laughter and plenty of romance. Cost: $17. Martin Recital Hall at Dominican University, 7900 W Division St.,

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River Forest. 708 488-5000

| Ben Vereen | Sat, Apr 12, 8 p.m. The Tony Award-

winning and Drama Desk Award-winning entertainer showcases his musical versatility and creativity. Cost: $45/30. Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E Benton Ave., Naperville.

630 637-7469

| Green Day’s American Idiot | Wed, Apr 23, 7 p.m.

Theatrical adaptation of the Grammy Award-winning album, telling the story of three lifelong friends forced to choose between their dreams and suburbia. Cost: $50/40. Rialto Square Theatre, 15 E Van Buren St., Joliet.

815 726-6600 | My Heart In A Suitcase | Thur, Apr 24, 9:30 a.m.

and noon. Based on Anne Lehmann Fox’s My Heart in a Suitcase, this play takes us through Anne’s life during the Holocaust. For grades 4-8. Cost: $9. Paramount Theatre, 23 E Galena Blvd., Aurora. 630 896-6666

comedy | Charlie Murphy | Thur – Sun, Mar 6 – 9, Thur, 7:30 p.m., Fri-Sat, 8 & 10:15 p.m., Sun, 7 p.m. Watch the brother of Eddie Murphy and former Chappelle’s Show actor perform improvisational theater. Cost: $33. Chicago Improv, 5 Woodfield Rd., Schaumburg. 847 240-2001 | First Fridays Improv | Fri, Mar 7 & Apr 4, 8 p.m. GreenRoom performs their improve show in front of thousands that is described as “99.27% hilarious.” Cost: $12/10.

Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin.

847 931-5900 | Jim Belushi And The Board Of Comedy |

Sat, Mar 8, two shows, 6 p.m. MAC’s 2014 Grand Opening Celebration, an evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and laughs with former SNL and Second City cast member Jim Belushi and his fellow improv masters. The show will benefit and celebrate the programs at the newly renovated McAninch Arts Center. Cost: $250.

Second show, Late Night With Jim Belushi – 9:30 p.m.

Spontaneous sketch comedy with Belushi and his Board of Comedy. Cost: $44/32. McAninch Arts Center Performance Hall, Fawell and Park Boulevards, Glen Ellyn. 630 942-4000

| Joey Coco Diaz | Sat, Mar 15, 7 & 9:30 p.m. Famous

for his role in The Longest Yard, the stand-up comedian also has the #1 selling comedy album in the US, Canada and the UK. Cost: $25 + 2 item food/bev. Zanies Comedy Club in MB Financial Park, 5437 Park, Pl., Rosemont.

847 813-0484

| Wheaton Improv Show | Fri, Mar 21 & Apr 25,

7:30 p.m. The Wheaton Improv performance troupe, a nationally ranked, student-run improvisational comedy club, takes the stage for a unique performance. Cost: $1. Armerding Lecture Hall, 501 College Ave., Wheaton.

630 752-5015

| Jim Gaffigan | Sat, Mar 22, 7 & 9:30 p.m. The platinum-selling comedian showcases his clever, quiet style on “The White Bread Tour.” Cost: $50/40. Rialto Square Theatre, 15 E Van Buren St., Joliet. 815 726-6600 | Bill Cosby | Sat, Mar 29, 2 & 8 p.m. One of America’s most beloved comedians of all time brings his humor to North Central College. Cost: $75/50. Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E Benton Ave., Naperville. 630 637-7469 | Capitol Steps | Sat, May 3, 8 p.m. Enjoy a good laugh while Capitol Steps satirizes current politics through song parodies and skits. Cost: $42/32. McAninch Arts Center Performance Hall, Fawell and Park Boulevards, Glen Ellyn. 630 942-4000

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Out&about music

Calendar of Events

| Blackie And The Rodeo Kings | Sat, Mar 1, 7 p.m.

One of the best roots-oriented bands in North America performs. Cost: $26. SecondSpace Theatre, 1700 Spartan Dr., Elgin. 847 622-0300 | Shakespeare Concert | Sun, Mar 2, 4 p.m. The Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest performs a three-part Shakespeare concert. The 10th Annual Concerto Competition Winner will also perform.

Cost: $30/20. Lund Auditorium at Dominican University, 7900 W Division St., River Forest. 708 488-5000 | Kathy Kosins | Sun, Mar 2, 6 p.m. The award-winning jazz vocalist performs an “Evening of Cabaret” with her eclectic musical palette that expands the rich history of jazz. Cost: $35/30. Madden Theatre at North Central College, 171 E Chicago Ave., Naperville. 630 637-7469 | Miley Cyrus | Fri, Mar 7, 7 p.m. Global superstar Miley Cyrus stops by the Allstate Arena on her tour, featuring Icona Pop. Cost: $90/50. Allstate Arena, 6920 N Mannheim Rd., Rosemont. 847 635-6601 | Get The Led Out | Fri, Mar 7, 8 p.m. A Led Zeppelin tribute band dubbed as the “American Led Zeppelin.”

Cost: $50/26. Rialto Square Theatre, 15 E Van Buren St., Joliet. 815 726-6600 | Matthew Morrison | Sat, Mar 8, 5 p.m. The Emmy,

Tony, and Golden-Globe nominated star has performed in Broadway hits such as Hairspray and South Pacific, and has a leading role on “Glee.” Cost: $77/27. Lund Auditorium at Dominican University, 7900 W Division St., River Forest. 708 488-5000

| George Strait | Sat, Mar 8, 7 p.m. The Grammy

music artist and The X Factor judge performs during her Neon Lights Tour, featuring Little Mix and Fifth Harmony.

Cost: $70/25. Allstate Arena, 6920 N Mannheim Rd., Rosemont. 847 635-6601

| Fruteland Jackson | Fri, Mar 14, 7:30 p.m. Fruteland

Jackson presents a blues concert that includes contemporary to traditional acoustic blues. Cost: $20/15. Glen Ellyn History Center, 800 N Main St., Glen Ellyn.

630 469-1867

| An Evening With Jazz Trumpeter Art Davis | Fri, Mar 14, 8 p.m. One of Chicago’s leading jazz trumpet artists performs. Cost: $20/15. Madden Theatre, 171 E Chicago Ave., Naperville. 630 637-7469 | Marc Cohn | Sat, Mar 15, 7 p.m. Grammy Awardwinning singer/songwriter Marc Cohn performs both his own works and the music that molded him as a musician.

Cost: $36. The Blizzard Theatre at Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Dr., Elgin. 847 622-0300 | Jeffrey Foucault | Sat, Mar 15, 7 p.m. Foucault’s

performs his music, which is a blend of country and blues that has gained him many accolades. Cost: $25. Second Space Theatre, 1700 Spartan Dr., Elgin. 847 622-0300

| Dennis DeYoung: The Music Of Styx | Sat, Mar 15, 8 p.m. Live concert with the founding member of the Styx, playing all their hits. Cost: $96/35. Rialto Square Theatre, 15 E Van Buren St., Joliet. 815 726-6600 | Gordon Lightfoot | Sat, Mar 15, 8 p.m. Legendary

folk-pop superstar performs his best music. Cost: $99/49.

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

| Agape Ringers | Sun, Mar 16, 4 p.m. The internationally acclaimed handbell choir performs. Grace Lutheran Church, 493 Forest Ave., Glen Ellyn. 630 469-1555

Award-winning country artist takes the stage. Cost: $96/75. Allstate Arena, 6920 N Mannheim Rd., Rosemont.

847 635-6601

| Jimmie Vaughan | Fri, Mar 21, 8 p.m. Brother

| Beethoven Inspired | Sat - Sun, Mar 8 – 9, Sat 8 p.m., Sun, 2:30 p.m. Hear Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2 in D Minor and Cherubini’s Requiem in C minor performed with the Elgin Choral Union and UIC Symphonic Choir.

Cost: $60/25. Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. 847 931-5900

| ABBA Mania | Fri, Mar 21, 8 p.m. The band celebrates

| Rembrandt Chamber Players | Sun, Mar 9, 2:30

p.m. Formed by some of Chicago’s leading musicians, the ensemble performs Baroque music in a historically informed manner to 21st century compositions with eclectic instrumentation. Cost: $17. Wilson Hall Second Floor Art Gallery at Fermilab, Kirk Road & Pine St., Batavia.

630 840-2787

| I’m A Soul Man | Sun, Mar 9, 6 pm. The Chicago

Modern Orchestra Project pays tribute to R&B legends Marvin Gaye, Isaac Hayes and Curtis Mayfield, featuring Frapochi Movement Ensemble, Cristal Sabbagh, Saalik Ziyad, and Yoseph Henry. Cost: $20. Martin Recital Hall at Dominican University, 7900 W Division St., River Forest.

708 488-5000

| Stomp! | Wed, Mar 12, 7:30 p.m. An eight member group that uses anything but traditional percussion instruments to create rhythmic music. Cost: $56/46. Rialto Square Theatre, 15 E Van Buren St., Joliet. 815 726-6600 | Imagine Dragons | Thur, Mar 13, 7 p.m. The platinumselling rock band takes the stage during their Into The Nights Tour, featuring Nico Vega and Naked And Famous. Cost: $50/30. Allstate Arena, 6920 N Mannheim Rd., Rosemont. 847 635-6601

| Demi Lovato | Fri, Mar 14, 7:30 p.m. Platinum-selling

of Stevie Ray Vaughan, this artist is one of the greatest and most respected guitarists of all time in his own right.

Cost: $69/39. Arcada Theatre, 105 E Main St., St Charles.

630 962-7000

the music of ABBA, reviving special memories of when ABBA ruled the airwaves. Cost: $45/35. Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E Benton Ave., Naperville. 630 637-7469

| One Night Of Queen | Fri, Mar 21, 8 p.m. Gary Mullen & The Works recreate the look, sound, pomp and showmanship of the legendary rock band Queen. Cost: $79/38. Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N River Rd., Rosemont.

847 671-5100 | Tommy James & The Shondells | Fri, Mar 21, 8 p.m.

The musician who has sold 100 million records worldwide performs with the Shondells. The Ides of March featuring Jim Peterik will start the show. Cost: $90/35. Rialto Square Theatre, 15 E Van Buren St., Joliet. 815 726-6600 | Leftover Cuties | Fri – Sat, Mar 21 – 22, 8 p.m. As part

of the Club MAC series, this quartet performs with whimsical instruments such as the ukulele, accordion, French horn, and even a bird call. Cost: $36/26. McAninch Arts Center Playhouse Theatre, Fawell and Park Boulevards, Glen Ellyn. 630 942-4000

Kremlin Chamber Orchestra | Sat, Mar 22, 7:30 p.m.

Presented by the Wheaton College Artist Series, this performance will feature the dynamic Russian chamber orchestra. Cost: $45/40. Edman Memorial Chapel at Wheaton College, NE corner of Washington and Franklin St., Wheaton. 630 752-5010

| The Ten Tenors | Sat, Mar 22, 8 p.m. The Australian troupe’s unique approach to opera brings rock and

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Out&about

Calendar of Events featuring Mike Portnoy of Dream Theatre, Billy Sheehan of Mr. Big and Richie Kotzen, formerly of Mr. Big and Poison come together to play classic rock music.

Cost: $79/49. Arcada Theatre, 105 E Main St., St Charles.

630 962-7000

Mar. 2 MOULIN ROUGE

Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet presents the classic Broadway show in a new format when they perform at Rialto Square Theatre.

Call 815 726-6600

| Cherish The Ladies | Fri, Mar 28, 8 p.m. The Irish-

American group and world-renowned Celtic music sensation performs. Cost: $44/34. McAninch Arts Center Performance Hall, Fawell and Park Boulevards, Glen Ellyn. 630 942-4000

| Three Dog Night | Fri, Mar 28, 8 p.m. The classic rock band brings their catalog of hits from the 60s and 70s.

Cost: $99/59. Arcada Theatre, 105 E Main St., St Charles.

630 962-7000 | Winter Jam 2014 | Sat, Mar 29, 6 p.m. Grammy award-winning hip-hop recording artist Lecrae leads the all-star line-up of Christian music performers. Cost: $10. Sears Centre, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. 847-649-2270 | Eddie Money | Sat, Mar 29, 8 p.m. The “Two Tickets to Paradise” artist performs. Cost: $55/29. Arcada Theatre, 105 E Main St., St Charles. 630 962-7000

classical music together. Cost: $114/53. Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N River Rd., Rosemont. 847 671-5100

| Orbert Davis’ Chicago Jazz Philharmonic | Sat, Mar 22, 8 p.m. Renowned for their rich, accessible, multicultural music experiences, the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic shares their unique Chicago jazz vibes at the MAC. Cost: $38/28. McAninch Arts Center Performance Hall, Fawell and Park Boulevards, Glen Ellyn. 630 942-4000

| Bring On Broadway: Behind The Mask | Sat – Sun,

Mar 22 - 23, Sat 7:30 p.m. & Sun 2:30 p.m. Watch Broadway vocalists, Teri Dale Hansen and Sean MacLaughlin, perform selections from Wicked, Chicago, Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera and more. Cost: $60/25. Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. 847 931-5900

| Winery Dogs | Thur, Mar 27, 7 p.m. A rock super-trio

| Janice Borla | Fri, Apr 4, 8 p.m. Joined by fellow members of North Central College’s jazz faculty, the jazz vocalist performs an evening of classic and contemporary jazz. Cost: $20/15. Madden Theatre at North Central College, 171 E Chicago Ave., Naperville.

630 637-7469 | Juan Gabriel | Fri, Apr 4, 9 p.m. The six-time Grammy

nominee and one of Mexico’s most successful vocalists performs at Allstate Arena. Cost: $176/60. Allstate Arena, 6920 N Mannheim Rd., Rosemont. 847 635-6601

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| Classic Albums Live | Sat, Apr 5, 8 p.m. These en-

semble musicians, renowned for recreating the greatest rock albums of the 60s and 70s live on stage, perform the Beatles’ Abbey Road. Cost: $45/35. McAninch Arts Center Performance Hall, Fawell and Park Boulevards, Glen Ellyn. 630 942-4000

| San Jose Taiko | Tue, Apr 8, 7:30 p.m. The company

performers create new dimensions in movement in music through traditional Japanese drumming while fusing various rhythms from around the world. Cost: $55/20. Rialto Square Theatre, 15 E Van Buren St., Joliet.

815 726-6600

| The Birth Of Gospel | Fri, Apr 11, 8 p.m. Chicago a

cappella tells the story of gospel music’s beginnings through song, featuring Oak Park and River Forest High School Gospel Choir on Friday and DuPage African Methodist Episcopal Church Voices of Tomorrow on Sunday. Cost: $38/12. Pilgrim Congregational Church, 460 Lake St., Oak Park. 773 281-7820; Also, Sun, Apr 13, 4 p.m. Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E Chicago Ave., Naperville. 773 281-7820

| Chanticleer | Sun, Apr 13, 6 p.m. Grammy award-

winning ensemble performs music from renaissance to jazz, and gospel to modern music. Cost: $55/20. Rialto Square Theatre, 15 E Van Buren St., Joliet. 815 726-6600

| Jazz Fest 2014 | Mon, Apr 14, 7:30 p.m. Polished

sound and electric jazz, featuring an internationally acclaimed guest. Cost: $13/12. Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Dr., Elgin. 847 622-0300

| The Seven Last Words Of Christ | Tue, Apr 15, 8 p.m.

The Vermeer Quartet performs during Holy Week. Cost: $10. Rosary Chapel, 7900 W Division St., River Forest, 708 488-5000

| Il Divo | Fri, Apr 18, 8 p.m. The quartet performs some of the greatest songs of Broadway from their album A Musical Affair. Cost: $138/63. Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N River Rd., Rosemont. 847 671-5100

| Foghat | Sat, Apr 19, 8 p.m. The band who brought “Slow Ride” to life performs. Cost: $59/39. Arcada Theatre, 105 E Main St., St Charles, 630 962-7000 | Kevin Costner | Mon, Apr 21, 7 p.m. Hollywood actor Kevin Costner shows off his musical skills with his band Modern West. Cost: $175/79. Arcada Theatre, 105 E Main St., St Charles. 630 962-7000

| Chicago Afro-Latin Jazz Ensemble | Sat, Apr 26, 7:30 p.m. The ensemble performs a unique fusion of traditional Cuban rhythms and modern Jazz harmony. Cost: $27. Lund Auditorium at Dominican University, 7900 W Division St., River Forest. 708 488-5000 | Dave Mason Band | Sat, Apr 26, 8 p.m. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, songwriter and legendary guitarist David Mason performs. Cost: $45/35. Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E Chicago Ave., Naperville. 630 637-7469 | Organ Extravaganza XVIII: Music Of Your Life |

Sat, Apr 26, 7 p.m. The Rialto Barton Grand Theatre Pipe Organ, Pierre Fracalanza, Chris Elliot, Jelani Eddington, and more come together for the 18th annual Organ Pipes Concert. Cost: $30. Rialto Square Theatre, 15 E Van Buren St., Joliet. 815 726-6600

| Surf City All-Stars | Sat, Apr 26, 8 p.m. The only band to ever be endorsed by The Beach Boys performs.

Cost: $59/39. Arcada Theatre, 105 E Main St., St Charles.

630 962-7000 | Joan Sebastian & Los Tigres Del Norte | Sun, Apr 27, 6 p.m. Joan Sebastian and Los Tigres Del Norte bring their Latin soul and Grammy Award-winning music to

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OUT&ABOUT

Calendar of Events Buren St., Joliet. 815 726-6600

Mar. 22

| Élan Dance Company Showcase | Sat, Mar 22, 6:30 p.m. The performance features an eclectic collection of dances from classical ballet to modern and jazz. Cost: $10/8. Naperville North High School Auditorium, 899 N Mill St., Naperville. 630 848-5000

KREMLIN CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

The Russian orchestra fills Edman Memorial Chapel at Wheaton College with their classic sounds. Call 630 752-5010 for tickets.

| Pilobolus Dance Theatre | Thur, Apr 17, 8 p.m.

Creating inventive, athletic and witty performances, the internationally acclaimed troupe performs an evening of mixed repertoire. Cost: $48/38. McAninch Arts Center Performance Hall, Fawell and Park Boulevards, Glen Ellyn. 630 942-4000

ART | The Elmhurst College Chicago Imagist And Abstract Art Collection | Ongoing, Mon – Thur, 7:30 a.m. – midnight, Fri, 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sat, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sun, noon – midnight. Focusing on artists working in Chicago between about 1950 and the present, the collection displays a broad range of artistic ideas and influences.

Elmhurst College A.C. Buehler Library, 190 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. 630 617-6110 Allstate Arena. Cost: $125/49. Allstate Arena, 6920 N Mannheim Rd., Rosemont. 847 635-6601

Edman Memorial Chapel at Wheaton College, NE corner of Washington and Franklin St., Wheaton.

630 752-5010.

| Sara Evans | Fri, May 2, 8 p.m. The platinum-selling country artist performs her chart-topping hits. Cost: $89/39. Rialto Square Theatre, 15 E Van Buren St., Joliet.

815 726-6600

DANCE | Moulin Rouge | Sun, Mar 2, 7 p.m. The ballet, performed by Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet, follows two innocents drawn to Paris in search of romance and stardom. Cost: $66/36. Rialto Square Theatre, 15 E Van

| Charlie Albright | Sat, May 3, 7:30 p.m. The Wheaton College Artist Series presents a performance by awardwinning classical pianist Charlie Albright. Cost: $45/40.

| The NeXt Gallery | Through Mar 9, Wed & Sun noon – 5 p.m. and Thur – Sat noon – 8 p.m. Presented by the St Charles Arts Council and a featured program of Charlie’s Center for the Arts, the gallery features visual and performing art of student artists in kindergarten through college. 11 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 443-3794 | Adult Painting | Through Mar 31, Mondays at noon.

Learn the basics of art, including composition, color mixing and elements of design. Cost: $150. Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W 31st St., Oak Brook, 630 206-9566

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Call for your appointment today 630 323-5214 or visit us on line at www.girgisent.com *Open Monday — Saturday, eveningLIVING hours. Same day appointments available!

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Calendar of Events

| Claymirth: The Nature Of Clay | Through Apr 12, Mon - Sat, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. A collection of sculptural and functional ceramics, including wall pieces and tiles, for display and sale. Fine Line Creative Arts Center, 37 W 570 Bolcum Rd., St. Charles. 630 584-9443 | Introduction To Stained Glass | Tuesdays, Mar 4 – Apr 8, 4 p.m. Gain an introduction to cutting, design, lead construction, soldering and framing. Cost: $125 plus $175 supply fee. Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W 31st St., Oak Brook, 630 206-9566 | First Friday Open Gallery | Fri, Mar 7, 7 p.m. The ceramic and fused glass artworks of nearly 55 resident artists will be on display and for sale. ClaySpace Ceramic Arts Center, 740 Front St., Lisle. 630 393-2529 | Dana Carter | Fri, Mar 14, 6:30 p.m. Using the windows of her studio space, natural light and art materials, Dana Carter stages “light events” that take form in a variety of media. Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 Cottage Hill Ave. 630 834-0202

family & General | One Earth Film Festival | Fri – Sun, Mar 7 – 9. Learn about climate change, sustainability and the power of human involvement through 27 sustainability-themed films and facilitated discussion. Opening Event is on Friday at 7 p.m. Closing Event is on Sunday at 6 p.m. Films will run between 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Cost: $30 for Opening Event. Most films are free. Pre-registration encouraged.

For a complete list of films, times and locations, visit www.oneearthfilmfest.org or call 773-315-1109 | WVHS Planetarium Family Nights | Fri, Mar 7 & Apr 4, 7 p.m. Themes of this planetarium event are based on the latest sky highlights, upcoming celestial events, or the latest space news. Cost: $2. The WVHS Planetarium, 2590 Ogden Ave., Aurora. 630 375-3247 | Maple Sugaring Days | Sat, Mar 8, 10 a.m. and Sun, Mar 9, 1 p.m. Celebrate spring, while experiencing the time-honored method of collecting sap the oldfashioned way. Cost: $12/8. Naper Settlement, 523 S Webster St., Naperville. 630 420-6010 | Chords For Kids | Sat, Mar 8, 7 p.m. Music and motion come together as children with autism and other special needs enjoy performances by the College’s Concert Winds ensemble. Ticket required. Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E Chicago Ave., Naperville. 630 637-7469 | Critic’s Classics Films | Tue, Mar 11 & Apr 8, 1

& 7 p.m. A member of Chicago Film Critics Association selects each film and, following the evening screening, there is a Q&A with the critic who chose the film. Watch Love Actually on Mar 11, moderated by Dann Gire and River of No Return on Apr 8, moderated by Peter Sobczynski. Cost: $5. The Elk Grove Theatre, 1050 Arlington Heights Rd., Elk Grove Village. 847-228-6707

| Silent Film Series | Thur, Mar 13 & Apr 10, 7 p.m. Join film critic, author and Chicago Sun-Times Media Local editor-in-chief Robert K. Elder for a foray into silent film classics. Watch “Sherlock Jr.” on Mar 13 and “The Kid” on Apr 10. Large Meeting Room at Elmhurst Public Library, 125 S Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. 630 279-8696 | Disney Junior Live On Tour! Pirate & Princess Adventure | Fri – Mon, Mar 14 – 17, Fri 6:30 p.m., Sat – Sun 11 a.m., 2 & 5 p.m. and Mon 6:30 p.m.

Join Sofia and Jake from Disney Junior’s, Sofia the First and Jake and the Never Land Pirates on a pirate and princess adventure through a magical kingdom and the Never Lands. Cost: $88/23. Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N River Rd., Rosemont. 847 671-5100 38 MARCH/APRIL 2014 | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | WEST SUBURBAN LIVING

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Events

| Mystery Discussion Group | Sat, Mar 15, 2 p.m.

Discussion & signing with the bestselling culinary mystery & cookbook author Joanne Fluke of her latest mystery, Blackberry Pie Murder. Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore, 7419 W Madison St., Forest Park. 708 771-7243 | Chicago Fun Family-Palooza | Sat – Sun, Mar 15 – 16, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Bursting with entertainment, thrilling activities and over the top zaniness, this two-day event offers an entertainment experience that will delight and entertain your entire family. Free for children under 3.

Cost: $15/8. The Mega Center & St. Charles Ballroom at Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E Main St., St. Charles, 630 584-6300

| David Sedaris | Sun, Mar 16, 7 p.m. The best-selling author performs readings of his newest work in “An Evening with David Sedaris.” Cost: $60/50. McAninch Arts Center Performance Hall, Fawell and Park Boulevards, Glen Ellyn. 630 942-4000 | Northwest Celtic Fest | Sat, Mar 22, 10 a.m. This festival features Celtic arts and crafts vendors, food and beverages, games for children, Celtic music and entertainment, whiskey and beer tasting, a pipe band invitational and more. Sears Centre, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. 847-649-2270 | 2014 Spring Fashion Show | Sat, Mar 29, 3 & 7 p.m., and Sun, Mar 30, 3 p.m. Senior students in the Dominican University’s apparel design and merchandising program showcase their styles. Cost: $15. Lund Auditorium at Dominican University, 7900 W Division St., River Forest.

708 488-5000 | Ape Awareness Weekend | Sat – Sun, Apr 5 – 6,

10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Learn about apes, their plight in the wild, and the need for their conservation with ape-related activities and Zoo Chats. Free for members and children 2 and under. Cost: $17/12. Tropic World at Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st Street, Brookfield. 708 688-8000

| Seussical | Sun, Apr 6, noon & 3 p.m. Join The Cat in the Hat in Theatreworks USA’s biggest show ever, based on several Dr. Seuss stories, including “Horton Hears a Who” and “Gertrude McFuzz.” Cost: $12/6. Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E Benton Ave., Naperville. 630 637-7469 | Ghosthunters – Live! | Fri, Apr 11, 8 p.m. The stars of Syfy’s reality series present audiences with their findings in paranormal research. Cost: $79/21. Rialto Square Theatre, 15 E Van Buren St., Joliet. 815 726-6600 | Breakfast With The Bunny | Sat, Apr 12 & 19 and Sun,

Apr 13, 9 & 11 a.m. The all-you-can-eat buffet will feature a special appearance from Mr. and Mrs. Bunny and musical entertainment from the band Banjo Buddies.

Reservations required. Cost: $41/29 for nonmembers and $30/22 for members. Discovery Center at Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st Street, Brookfield. 708 688-8355

| Elmhurst Reads: Notorious Chicago | Thur, Apr 24,

7 p.m. Gary Krist, author of City of Scoundrels, and Jeffrey Gusfield, author of Deadly Valentines, visit Elmhurst College for a Q&A and book signing. Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel on the campus of Elmhurst College, 190 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. 630 617-3390

| Henry And Mudge | Sat, Apr 26, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m.

Join the adventures of Henry and Mudge, and watch as Henry discovers the important responsibilities of taking care of a dog and the friends they meet along the way.

Cost: $12/6. Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E Benton Ave., Naperville.

630 637-7469 | Party For The Planet | Sun, Apr 27, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Celebrate Earth Day and learn how you can help save African painted dogs and other endangered species WEST SUBURBAN LIVING | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | MARCH/APRIL 2014 39

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Calendar of Events with activities and entertainment from the band Green Thirteen. Free for members. Cost: $17/12. Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st Street, Brookfield. 708 688-8000

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre

kids | Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia | Tue, Mar 4, 9:45 & 11:30 a.m. Mermaid Theatre Company brings to life Leo Lionni’s Caldecott Honor Books: “Swimmy,” “Frederick” and “Inch by Inch.” Performed by SchoolStage. For grades Pre-K through grade 2. Cost: $6. McAninch Arts Center, Fawell and Park Boulevards, Glen Ellyn.

630 942-2220

| Little Leprechauns | Fri, Mar 14, 1 p.m. Kids between 3-5 can enjoy stories, crafts, and other Irish inspired materials before St. Patrick’s Day. Cost: $10. Cantigny Park, 1 S 151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 260-8162

Wor th Going Downtown For - Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater- Fri - Sun, Feb 28 - Mar

2, Fri 7:30 p.m., Sat 2 & 8 p.m., Sun 3 p.m. Also, Wed - Sun, Mar 5 - 9, Wed - Fri, 7:30 p.m., Sat 2 & 8 p.m., Sun 3 p.m. Artistic director Robert Battle bends ballet, modern dance, jazz and African dance techniques.

Cost: $92/32. Auditorium Theatre at Roosevelt University.

50 E Congress Pkwy, Chicago.

312 341-2310.

- Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair- Through

May 11. Relive the experience of the Ebony Fashion Fair through the story of Mrs. Johnson and more than 60 garments of the fashion industry. Free for members and children age 12 and younger. Cost: $14/12. Chicago History Museum, 1601 N Clark St., Chicago. 312 642-4600

- Heartbeat Of Home - Tue – Sun, Mar 4 – 16, Tue – Fri 7:30 p.m., Sat 2 & 8 p.m. and Sun 2 p.m.; Also, 2 p.m. show on Mar 12 and 7:30 p.m. show on Mar 9. Created by the producers and director of Riverdance, this show features traditional Irish, Latin and Afro-Cuban music and dance. Cost: $88/40.

Oriental Theatre, 24 W Randolph St., Chicago. 800 775-2000 - Kings of Leon- Sat, Mar 8, 8 p.m. The critically-acclaimed southern rock band is on tour, performing songs from their latest album, “Mechanical Bull” along with their other hits. Gary Clark, Jr. will open the show.

Cost: $66/30. United Center, 1901 W Madison St., Chicago.

312 455-4500 - Chelsea Handler- Sun, Mar 9,

7 & 10 p.m. The comedian and talk show host is on her national tour to promote her latest book, “Uganda Be Kidding Me.” Cost: $75/55. Chicago Theatre, 175 N State St., Chicago. 312 462-6300

- Dessa Rose - Thur – Sun, Mar

workshops, cooking demos and children’s activities. This year’s theme is “Do Green, Do Good.”

Cost: $19/5. Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave., Chicago.

- Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat- Tue

13 – Apr 5, Thur & Fri 8 p.m., Sat 2 & 8 p.m. and Sun 2 p.m. A musical drama about an unlikely friendship between Ruth Sutton and Dessa Rose takes place in 1847, 14 years before the outbreak of the American Civil War. Cost: $40. Victory Gardens Richard Christiansen Theatre, 2433 N Lincoln Ave., Chicago.

773 871-3000

– Sun, Mar 18 – 30, Tue – Fri, 7:30 p.m., Sat 2 & 8 p.m., Sun 2 p.m.

Also, Sun, Mar 23, 7:30 p.m. and Wed, Mar 26, 2 p.m. Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic show follows Joseph, his 11 brothers and the coat of many colors. Cost: $179/34.

Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W Randolph St., Chicago.

877 280-9582

- Road Show - Tue – Sun, Mar 13

- John Legend- Wed, Apr 9,

– May 4, Tue, Thur and Fri 7:30 p.m., Wed 1 & 7:30 p.m., Sat 3 & 8 p.m. and Sun 2 p.m.; Also, 7:30 p.m. show on Mar 15 and 6:30 p.m. show on Apr 6. No 1 p.m. show on Mar 19. Stephen Sondheim’s musical journey of the Mizner brothers in pursuit of their dreams hits the road and returns to Chicago.

Cost: $68/40. Upstairs Chicago Shakespeare Theatre on Navy Pier, 800 E Grand Ave., Chicago.

312 595-5600

-St. Patrick’s Day Celebration -

Sat, Mar 15, 10 a.m. The famous tradition of dying the Chicago River green will take place at 10 a.m., followed by the parade at noon. The parade will start at Balbo and Columbus Drive.

312 942-9188

- Chicago Flower & Garden Show - Mon – Sun, Mar 15 – 23,

Sun – Wed 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Thur – Sat 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Find inspiration for your garden Enjoy the gardens, educational

8 p.m. The nine-time Grammy Award winning R&B singer is on tour to promote his latest album, “Love in the Future.”

Cost: $473/88. Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W Randolph St., Chicago. 877 280-9582

- The National- Tue – Fri, Apr 15-18, 7:30 p.m. The five-piece band, who have had recent success this year with their Grammy nomination and a documentary film, “Mistaken for Strangers,” will perform for four nights in Chicago with special guest, Daughter.

Cost: $39. Chicago Theatre, 175 N State St., Chicago.

312 462-6300 - Diana Ross-

Wed, Apr 30, 8 p.m. The Motown artist, former member of The Supremes, and one of the most successful female solo artists of all time performs her greatest hits.

Cost: $101/46. Chicago Theatre, 175 N State St., Chicago.

312 462-6300

| Book Party! | Fri, Mar 21, 4 p.m. Come to the museum for an afternoon of books, fun, and games celebrating art. Registration required. Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 S Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst. 630 279-8696 | Camp Hip Hop Hooray It’s Spring Break | Mon – Fri, Mar 31 – Apr 4, 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Discover new friendships, enjoy arts and crafts, play lots of group games and participate in individual and team sports. For ages 6–11.

Cost: $183/153. Main Floor at Barn Recreation Center, 421 Martin Ave., Naperville. 630 848-5000

| Dinosaur Zoo Live | Tue, Apr 1, 7 p.m., and Wed, Apr 2, 9:45 a.m. Observe and interact with extraordinarily life-like creatures that are just like those that inhabited the Southern Hemisphere millions of years ago. Cost: $24/15. Blizzard Theatre at Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Dr., Elgin. 847 622-0300 | Sesame Street Live: Can’t Stop Singing | Wed, Apr

2, 10:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Watch Elmo and the rest of Sesame Street sing and dance in this musical montage.

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

| Sesame Street Live: Can’t Stop Singing | Fri, Apr 4,

10:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m.; Sat, Apr 5, 10:30 a.m., 2 & 5:30 p.m.; Sun, Apr 6, 1 & 4:30 p.m. Watch Elmo and the rest of Sesame Street sing and dance in this musical montage. Cost: $93/21. Sears Centre, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. 847 649-2270

| Five Little Monkeys | Wed, Apr 9, 9:45 & 11:30 a.m.

This story, performed in rhyming verse, features five frisky monkeys getting into mischief as they bake a surprise birthday cake for Mom. Performed by SchoolStage. For grades Pre-K through grade 3. Cost: $6. McAninch Arts Center, Fawell and Park Boulevards, Glen Ellyn.

630 942-2220 | Easter Egg Hunt | Sat, Apr 19, 11 a.m. Visit with the Easter Bunny and collect Easter eggs with prizes inside.

Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton.

630 260-8162 | Sleeping Beauty | Wed - Sat, Apr 23 - Jun 7. Wed - Fri

10 a.m., Sat 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. Also, Fri, May 16 & 23, 12 p.m. No performances May 1, 3, 28-30, In this magical retelling of the Brothers Grimm tale, the vengeful sorceress Magenta casts an enchanted curse on the beautiful Princess Amber. Sleeping Beauty’s spell can only be broken by her true love’s first kiss before time runs out. Cost: $15. Families can have the special opportunity to have breakfast with the characters on select performance dates. Drury Lane Theatre for Young Adults, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. 630 530-0111

| Scooby-Doo: Live Musical Mysteries | Sat., May 3,

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1 & 4 p.m. A trouble-making ghost is haunting a local theater and Shaggy, Scooby and the rest of the Gang are on their way in the Mystery Machine to help solve it. Cost: $52/29. Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N River Rd., Rosemont. 847 671-5100

history | Jamestown Settlement | Sun, Mar 9, 4 p.m. Captain

John Smith, portrayed by Terry Lynch of HFK Presents, explains how he helped settle Jamestown in the Virginia Territory. Reservations recommended. Cost: $7/5. Century Memorial Chapel at Naper Settlement, 523 S Webster St., Naperville. 630 420-6010

| C.S. Lewis: Why He Matters Today | Thur, Mar 27, 7-9 p.m. Watch the film screening of a documentary based on the critically-acclaimed author and his influence on contemporary life. The Marion E. Wade Center, 501 College Ave., Wheaton. 630 752-5908

| Meet The Kitchen Maid | Sun, Mar 30, 11:30 a.m.

Leslie Goddard educates audiences on the difficulties of life and work of Margaret Powell, a kitchen maid and cook who worked in wealthy English homes during the 1920s. Cost: $10. Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook. 630 206-9566

| Food Revolution: How The Civil War Changed Food In America | Sun, Apr 13, 4 p.m. Dr. Bruce Kraig, founding president of Culinary Historians of Chicago, talks about the history of food in the id-19th century.

Cost: $7/5. Century Memorial Chapel at Naper Settlement, 523 S Webster St., Naperville. 630 420-6010 | Clio’s Chroniclers | Sun, Apr 27, 2 p.m. The History

Discussion Group will discuss Margaret Macmillan’s Paris 1919: Six Months That Changed the World. Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore, 7419 W Madison St., Forest Park.

708 771-7243

home & garden | Edible Theme Gardens | Sat, Mar 8, 9:30 a.m. Get

inspired for spring gardening by planning a themed garden you can eat. Cost: $43/35. Sycamore Room in Visitor Center at The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. 630 719-2468

| Weed Ladies Spring Floral Show And Sale | Thur

– Sat, Mar 20 – 22, 10 a.m. and Sun, Mar 23, 1 p.m. The Weed Ladies spring sale features unique seasonal silk and dried floral arrangements and accessories. The Daniels House at Naper Settlement, 523 S Webster St., Naperville. 630 305-5289

| At Home In Hinsdale | Sat, Mar 22, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

A day-long expo educating home owners on various home design and remodeling topics, personally instructed by local vendors. The Community House, 415 W. Eighth St., Hinsdale. 630 323-1085 | Food And Foliage | Sat, Mar 22, 2 p.m. Discover

creative new ideas for growing edibles in your garden or in containers this spring. Cost: $43/35. Sycamore Room in Visitor Center at The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. 630 719-2468

| Beauty And Bounty | Sat, Mar 29, 9:30 a.m. Learn to design an edible landscape with vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers as your landscape materials. Cost: $43/35. Sycamore Room in Visitor Center at The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. 630 719-2468 | Arbor Day Plant Sale | Sat - Sun, Apr 26 – 27,

Sat noon – 5 p.m., Sun 11 a.m – 5 p.m. Trees, shrubs, WEST SUBURBAN LIVING | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | MARCH/APRIL 2014 41

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Photos by Graham Webb

OUT&ABOUT

Calendar of Events

vegetables, perennials, ferns, ground covers, and native plants are all sold by experts. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. 630 968-0074

WEDDINGS

LINEA

HAIR SALON & DAY SPA Gift Certificates Always Make Great Gifts!

THE LINEA STAFF MEMBERS OFFER: Facials • Make-up • Eyebrow Waxing • Precision Hair Cuts • Perms • Low Lights • High Lights • Colors • Manicures & Pedicures • Formal Occasion Styles •

Employment Opportunities Available

Convenient Hours: Mon 9am-8pm; Tues 9am-9pm; Wed 8am-8pm; Thurs 6am-10pm; Fri & Sat 6am-5pm 518 N. Main Street,Glen Ellyn 630.790.8001 • www.lineasalon.com

| Bridal Show | Sun, Mar 23, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Find everything you need to plan your perfect wedding at the First Annual Wilder Mansion Bridal Show.

Pre-registration encouraged. Wilder Mansion, 211 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst, 630 993-8186 | Wedding Walk | Sun, Apr 6, noon – 4 p.m. Join DG

Bride for a day of fun, prizes and inspiration, and personally meet with wedding professionals that will help you plan the wedding of your dreams. Cost: $25 for Bride + 2 guests (additional guests are $5 at the door). Gatto’s Restaurant and Bar, 5123 Main St., Downers Grove. www.dgbride.com

OUTDOORS | Fun Run In Color 5K | Sat, Apr 5, 8 a.m. Participants

can walk or run through the route in Downtown Wheaton as they get blasted with color powder. Free for children 5 years and under. Registration required. For more information, visit www.wheatonparkdistrict.com/funrun.

Cost: $25/20. Memorial Park, 208 W Union Ave., Wheaton. 630 510-4989

| Foodie 5K | Sat, Apr 12, 9 a.m. A community fun run to benefit Northern Illinois Food Bank, featuring a post-run festival with live entertainment, food trucks and activities for children. Free for children ages 5 and under. Registration required. Cost: $35/15. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 443-6910 | Arbor Day 10K Run | Sun, Apr 13, 8 a.m. Celebrate the return of spring by participating in the Arboretum’s 10K running event. Registration required. Cost: $40/30.

The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois 53, Lisle. 630-968-0074

HEALTH & FITNESS | Healthy Children Conference + Expo | Sat, Mar 8, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sun, Mar 9, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Gain insight from some of the nation’s most respected pediatric experts through exhibits, conference sessions and other tailored show floor features. Free for children 18 and under. To view full agenda and registration information, visit www.healthychildrenexpo.org. Cost: $10/8. Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N River Rd., Rosemont. 703 683-8500

SPORTS | Big East Women’s Basketball Tournament | Sun

Mar. 9 BILL COSBY

The beloved comedian brings his classic humor to Pfeiffer Hall at North Central College.

Call 630 637-7469 for tickets.

| Illinois’ Reckoning | Fri, Mar 7, 7:30 a.m. The Seventh

Annual Elmhurst College Governmental Forum, moderated by former Illinois Governor James R. Thompson. Cost: $25 (includes full breakfast). Drury Lane Conference Center in Oakbrook Terrace at Elmhurst College, 190 E Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. 630 617-3390

| Women, Religion & Dialogue | Thur, Mar 13, 7 p.m.

Interfaith panel featuring Jeannine Hill-Fletcher, ThD, Paula Hirschboeck, PhD, and Jenan Mohajir. Cost: $10.

Martin Recital Hall at Dominican University, 7900 W Division St., River Forest, 708 488-5000 | Community Event With Condoleezza Rice | Wed Mar 19, 2:45 p.m. As part of the 2014 World Leaders Forum, the former Secretary of State will address “The United States in a Changing World,” followed by a Q&A Session at Judson University. Cost: $100/65. Also, VIP Event at Hilton Chicago at 4:15 p.m. For more information, visit www.worldleadersforum. Judson University, 1 151 N. State St., Elgin. 847 628-2076 | Morality And Blame | Wed, Mar 19, 7:30 p.m. Dr. George Sher, the Herbert S. Autrey Professor of Philosophy at Rice University, examines the role blame plays in human life. Blanchard 339 Lecture Hall at Wheaton College, 501 College Ave., Wheaton. 630 752-5040 | Jillian Michaels | Wed, Apr 9, 7:30 p.m. As part of her “Maximize Your Life” tour, the popular health and wellness expert shows how to harness potential, accomplish goals, and live life exceptionally. Cost: $150/25. Rialto Square Theatre, 15 E Van Buren St., Joliet. 815 726-6600

– Tue, Mar 9 – 11, Sun noon and 6 p.m., Mon 3 p.m. and Tue 8 p.m. Allstate Arena will host the quarterfinal, semifinal and championship games of the 2014 BIG EAST Women’s Basketball Championship. Cost: $25/15.

Allstate Arena, 6920 N Mannheim Rd., Rosemont.

847 635-6601

| Jan Tichy | Fri, Apr 25, 6:30 p.m. Jan Tichy will discuss the influence of modernist László Moholy-Nagy on his practice, his projections at Mies’ Crown Hall, and his collaborative, public art installation Project Cabrini.

Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 Cottage Hill Ave. 630 834-0202

LECTURES

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.

| Brave New Media World | Thur, Mar 6, 7 p.m. Facebook co-founder and New Republic owner Chris Hughes will give a lecture about his involvement with social media.

Cost: $20. Founders Lounge at Elmhurst College’s Frick Center, 190 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. 630 617-3390 42 MARCH/APRIL 2014 | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | WEST SUBURBAN LIVING

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SUMMER CAMP GUIDE Wheaton Park District offers

A Full Range of Educational & Sports Camps

E

The Wheaton Park District is offering a number of engaging and educational camps for kids of all ages this summer! With a variety of themes and scheduling options, such as half-day, full-day, and extended day, parents can choose the perfect camp to ensure their kids are busy, growing, and learning all summer. Athletes can try one of many sports camps, like the Wheaton Wings soccer scoring or goalie camps, youth volleyball camp, floor hockey camp, or Camp Sports and Sorts, which teaches basics of several different sports. Or the nature enthusiast can enjoy the sun in a camp specifically designed for the great outdoors. From fishing to adventure, Lincoln Marsh camps are full of exciting and informational opportunities for kids ages 4-14. And new this year, Camp Unplugged is for kids who love canoeing, archery, swimming, and learning about the environment.

For more information about Wheaton Park District camps, visit http://wheatonparkdistrict.com/pgs/programs/camps/overview.html.

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very day we explore something new to give your child an engaging, creative learning experience in the Summer!

Ocean Week, Camping Out, Make A Mess, Buried Treasure Week, Outdoor Play and More!

Nutritious snacks provided.

Happy Times offers a safe, interactive, fun learning environment for children ages 3-6. All teachers are Early Childhood Professionals and are CPR and First Aid Certified. Come visit one of the original Naperville Preschools and see why we are so special! Week to week enrollment begins March 1st and is ongoing!

Happy Times Preschool 420 W Gartner Rd., Naperville 630-355-8282

www.thehappytimespreschool.com Hours: 8:30a-12p Monday -Thursday June 9th- July 31st.

Weekly Rates: $100 for 4 days and $50 for 2 days

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WEST SUBURBAN LIVING’S 18TH ANNUAL

BEST OF THE WEST When it comes to knowing what’s BEST in the western suburbs, we go right to the source — our readers. Following are your

choices for the BEST the western suburbs have to offer in more than

85 categories — a very impressive list, indeed.

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Photo courtesy of Two Brothers Brewing

Dining BEST STEAK BEST: Gibson’s Bar & Steakhouse in Oak Brook and Rosemont 2nd: Morton’s Steakhouse in Naperville, Rosemont and Schaumburg 3rd: TIE: The Capital Grille in Lombard and Rosemont and Ditka’s in Oakbrook Terrace Other Favorites: Foxfire Restaurant in Geneva; The Grotto in Oak Brook; Jameson’s Charhouse in Bloomingdale and Woodridge; Magnum’s Prime Steak House in Lombard; Shula’s Steak House in Itasca; Sullivan’s Steakhouse in Naperville; and Wildwood in Geneva

BEST PLACE FOR SEAFOOD BEST: Chinn’s 34th Street Fishery in Lisle 2nd: Parkers’ Restaurant & Bar in Downers Grove 3rd: TIE: Devon Seafood and Steak in Oakbrook Terrace; and Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen in Westmont Other Favorites: Catch 35 in Naperville; Seasons 52 in Oak Brook and Schaumburg; Shaw’s Crab House in Schaumburg

BEST NEW RESTAURANT BEST: Barbakoa in Downers Grove 2nd: Altiro Latin Fusion in Geneva 3rd: Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille in Oak Brook Other Favorites: Davanti Enoteca in Western Springs;

Best Microbrewery/ Brewpub: Two Brothers Brewing Fox’s Pizza Pub In Hinsdale; and Neat Kitchen & Bar in Westmont

BEST ROMANTIC RESTAURANT BEST: Fiora’s in Geneva 2nd: The Melting Pot in Downers Grove, Naperville and Schaumburg 3rd: Niche Restaurant in Geneva Other Favorites: Gibson’s Bar & Steakhouse in Oak Brook and Rosemont; Parker’s Restaurant & Bar in Downers Grove; and Wildfire in Oak Brook and Schaumburg

BEST MICROBREWERY/ BREWPUB A sincere THANKS to all those who voted. For those who didn’t, we hope you will next year. And to all our readers, we hope you find this information both fun and useful.

BEST: Two Brothers Tap House in Warrenville 2nd: Emmett’s in Downers Grove and West Dundee

3rd: Gordon Biersch in Bolingbrook Other Favorites: Geneva Ale House; Hofbrauhaus in Rosemont; Lunar Brewing in Villa Park; Old Town Pour House in Oak Brook; Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery in Lombard and Warrenville; Stockholm’s in Geneva; and World of Beer in Naperville

BEST RESTAURANT IF MONEY IS NO OBJECT BEST: Capital Grille in Lombard and Rosemont 2nd: TIE Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse in Oak Brook and Rosemont; and Niche in Geneva 3rd: Nick’s Fish Market in Rosemont Other Favorites: Atwater’s at the Herrington Inn & Spa in

Geneva; Tallgrass in Lockport; and Vie in Western Springs

BEST OUTDOOR DINING BEST: Redstone American Grill in Oakbrook Terrace 2nd: Ivy in Wheaton 3rd: TIE: Fiora’s in Geneva and Meson Sabika in Naperville Other Favorites: Ballydoyle in Aurora and Downers Grove; DOC Wine Bar in Lombard; Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse in Oak Brook; Harry Carays in Lombard; Maya del Sol in Oak Park; Palmer Place in LaGrange; Roberto’s Ristorante in Elmhurst; Topaz Café in Burr Ridge; and Villa Verone in Geneva

BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT BEST: Clara’s Pasta

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Photo courtesy of the Forest Preserve District ofDuPage

best of the west

Best Park or Forest Preserve: Blackwell in Woodridge 2nd: Biaggi’s RIstorante Italiano in Naperville 3rd: Capri Ristorante in Burr Ridge Other Favorites: Carrabba’s Italian Grill in Naperville and Woodridge; Francesca’s, multiple locations; Gatto’s Restaurant & Bar in Downers Grove; Il Poggiolo in HInsdale; La Tosca Ristorante and Pizzeria in Villa Park; Mamma Onesta’s in Lockport; Marconi’s Ristorante in LaGrange; Olive Garden, multiple locations; Roberto’s Ristorante in Elmhurst; and Volare in Oakbrook Terrace

Best Sunday brunch Best: Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace 2nd: Allgauer’s at the Lisle/ Naperville Hilton 3rd: Nosh in Geneva Other Favorites: Atwater’s in

Geneva; Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles; and The Red Oak Room at Cantigny Golf in Wheaton

Best place for breakfast Best: Egg Harbor Café, multiple locations 2nd: Nosh in Geneva 3rd: TIE: Jam ‘n’ Jelly in Darien and Woodridge; and Blueberry Hill Breakfast Café in Aurora, Darien, LaGrange and Oak Brook Other Favorites: Butterfield’s Pancake House in Naperville and Wheaton; Egg’lectic Café in Wheaton; Honey Jam Café in Bolingbrook and Downers Grove; Juicy-O in Downers Grove, Naperville and Willowbrook; Moondance Diner in Burr Ridge and Westmont; Omega Restaurant in Downers

Grove and Schaumburg; Our Kitchen in Elmhurst; Red Apple Pancake House in Carol Stream; and Suzette’s Creperie in Wheaton

Best barbecue Best: The Patio in Bolingbrook, Darien and Lombard 2nd: Famous Dave’s in Addison, Bolingbrook and Oswego 3rd: TIE: Q BBQ in LaGrange and Naperville; and Uncle Bub’s BBQ in Westmont Other Favorites: Russell’s Barbecue in Elmwood Park; Salt Creek Barbecue in Glendale Heights; and Sweet Baby Ray’s in Elk Grove Village and Wood Dale

Best pizza Best: Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, multiple locations 2nd: Giordano’s,

multiple locations 3rd: Aurelio’s Pizza, multiple locations Other Favorites: Angelo’s Pizza in Downers Grove; Di Nico’s in Berwyn and LaGrange; Giuliano’s Pizza in Hinsdale; Nancy’s Pizza, multiple locations; Nonno’s Pizza in Berwyn; Papa’s Pizza Place in Bolingbrook and Woodridge; Papa Passero’s in Westmont; and Roberto’s Ristorante in Elmhurst

Best burger Best: Country House in Clarendon Hills, Geneva and Lisle 2nd: Five Guys, multiple locations 3rd: Tom and Eddie’s in Geneva, Lombard and Naperville Other Favorites: Alfie’s Inn in Glen Ellyn; Back Alley Burger in Elmhurst and LaGrange;

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Photo by Ed Ahern

Photo courtesy of the Forest Preserve District ofDuPage

Best deli/ sandwich shop

Schmaltz Deli

DuPage Inn Bar & Grill in Downers Grove; Meatheads, mutiple locations; Palmer Place in La Grange; Portillo’s, multiple locations; Red Robin, multiple locations; Smashburger, multiple locations; Stockholm’s in Geneva; and Tap House Grill in Glen Ellyn

Best hot dog Best: Portillo’s, multiple locations 2nd: Doggie Diner, multiple locations 3rd: Scooby’s Hot Dogs in West Chicago Other Favorites: Gene and Jude’s in River Grove; Kombs Beef & Dogs in Countryside; and Mickey’s Drive-In in Villa Park

Best ice cream or dessert Best: Oberweis, multiple locations 2nd: Graham’s Fine Chocolate & Ice Cream in Geneva 3rd: Tates Old Fashioned Ice Cream in LaGrange and Wheaton Other Favorites: Every Day’s a Sundae in Downers Grove;

Kimmer’s Ice Cream in St. Charles; Petersen’s Ice Cream in Oak Park; Seven Dwarfs in Wheaton

Best place for vegetarian and/or healthy fare Best: Pinched Mediterranean Grill in Lombard 2nd: Borrowed Earth Café in Downers Grove 3rd: Munch in Oak Park Other Favorites: OMango in Aurora; Prasino in LaGrange and Rosemont; Shree in Westmont; and Vegan Café in Lockport

and Ginger & Garlic in Naperville 3rd: P.F. Chang’s in Lombard and Schaumburg Other Favorites: China Chef in Carol Stream and Westmont; Gen Hoe in Geneva; Gong Ho in Downers Grove; Kiku in Naperville; Stir Crazy in Oak Brook; and Yokohama in Westmont

Best coffeehouse Best: Grahams 318 in Geneva 2nd: Arcedium in St. Charles 3rd: Funky Java in Villa Park Other Favorites: Café La Fortuna in Hinsdale; Elijah’s Coffee & Tea in Elmhurst; Le Chocolat du Bouchard in Naperville; and Safari Café in Lisle

Photo courtesy of The Patio

Best Deli/ Sandwich Shop:

Best: Schmaltz Deli in Naperville 2nd: TIE: Berto’s Deli & Pasta Shoppe in Downers Grove; and Jersey Mike’s, multiple locations 3rd: TIE: Augustino’s Rock and Roll Deli in Carol Stream and West Chicago; Fontano’s Subs in Hinsdale and Naperville; Frankie’s Deli in Lombard; Rosalia’s Deli in Elmhurst; and Shane’s Deli in Wheaton Other Favorites: Snackers Café in Western Springs; Westchester Deli

Best sushi Best: Sushi House, multiple locations 2nd: TIE: Nabuki in Hinsdale; and RA Sushi in Lombard 3rd: Swordfish in Batavia Other Favorites: Bistro Nami in Clarendon Hills; Japan 77 in Glendale Heights; JuRin in Geneva and South Elgin; Sushi Nest in Elmhurst; Wok ‘n Fire, multiple locations; and Yokohama in Westmont

Best asian restaurant Best: Wok ‘n Fire, multiple locations 2nd: TIE: FuYuan in Wheaton;

Best Barbecue: The Patio

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best of the west

Best: Adagio Teas in Naperville 2nd: Pinecone Cottage Tea House in Downers Grove 3rd: TIE: Emerson Creek Pottery and Tea Room in Oswego; and The Little Traveler in Geneva Other Favorites: Argo Tea in Schaumburg; Bello Tea in Downers Grove; and Suzettes Creperie in Wheaton

Best irish pub Best: McNally’s in St. Charles 2nd: Ballydoyle’s in Aurora and Downers Grove 3rd: Muldoons in Wheaton Other Favorites: Irish Times in Brookfield; Quigley’s in Naperville; and Shannon’s in Glen Ellyn

BEST service at a restaurant

Steakhouse in Oak Brook and Rosemont 3rd: Morton’s Steakhouse in Naperville, Rosemont and Schaumburg Other Favorites: Fiora’s in Geneva; and Parkers’ Restaurant & Bar in Downers Grove

best cheap eats Best: Portillo’s, multiple locations Other Favorites: Back Alley Burger in Elmhurst and LaGrange; Labriola Bakery Café in Oak Brook; and Panera Bread, multiple locations

best french restaurant Best: Mon Ami Gabi in Oak Brook 2nd: Tallgrass in Lockport 3rd: Suzette’s Creperie in Wheaton Other Favorites: Paris Bistro in Naperville

Best: Ditka’s in Oakbrook Terrace 2nd: Gibson’s Bar &

best kid-friendly restaurant

Best downtown chicago restaurant

Best: Chuck E. Cheese, mulitple locations 2nd: All Aboard Diner in Downers Grove 3rd: Gabby’s Kitchen in St. Charles Other Favorites: Christy’s Restaurant and Pancake House in Wood Dale; and Portillo’s, multiple locations

Best: Girl and the Goat 2nd: Signature Room at the 95th 3rd: Grand Lux Café Other Favorites: Aliena, Blackbird, Café Iberico, Harry Caray’s, Pump Room, The Purple Pig, Spiaggia and Tru

best place to buy wine Best: Binny’s, multiple locations 2nd: Malloy’s Finest Wine & Spirits in Glen Ellyn, Lisle and Naperville Other Favorites: Galena Cellars in Geneva; Gibby’s Wine Den in Geneva; Hillgrove Wine & Bistro in Western Springs; Hinsdale Wine Shop; Lynfred Winery in Roselle and Tasting deVine in Naperville and Wheaton; Trader Joes, multiple locations; and Wine With Me in Itasca

Favorite TV Show: Modern Family

Best fish fry Best: Village Tavern & Grill in Carol Stream and Schaumburg 2nd: The Little Owl in Geneva 3rd: Johnson’s Door County Fish in Lombard

Best mexican restaurant Best: Bien Trucha in Geneva 2nd: Yerbabuena Mexican Cuisine in Lisle 3rd: Front Street Cantina in Geneva, Lemont, Naperville, Plainfield and Wheaton Other Favorites: Jose Maria’s in Geneva; La Campana in Bloomingdale; Maya del Sol in Oak Park; and Uncle Julio’s in Lombard

A E

fa Photo courtesy of ABC/Bob D’Amico

Best tea room/ tea house

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Photo courtesy of Hindale Chamber of Commerce

3rd: Downtown Chicago Other Favorites: Door County; Kohler, Wisconsin; Las Vegas, Saugatuck, Michigan; Starved Rock; and the Wisconsin Dells

Best historic landmark/attraction Best: Cantigny Park in Wheaton 2nd: Graue Mill and Museum in Oak Brook 3rd: TIE: Naper Settlement in Naperville; and the Prairie Path

Best Craft or Art Show:

Best park/ forest preserve

Hinsdale Fine Arts Festival

Photo courtesy of ABC/Bob D’Amico

favorite tv show Best: Modern Family 2nd: Homeland 3rd: TIE: Chicago Fire and Downton Abbey Other Favorites: The Big Bang Theory, CSI, The Good Wife, Mad Men, Nashville, NCIS and Scandal

Best festival or fair Best: Ribfest in Naperville 2nd: Swedish Days in Geneva 3rd: Scarecrow Festival in St. Charles Other Favorites: Lockport Old Canal Days; Eyes to the Skies in Lisle; Festival of the Vine in Geneva; and Last Fling in Naperville

Best farmer’s market Best: Wheaton 2nd: Downers Grove 3rd: Naperville Other Favorites: Hinsdale, LaGrange, Oak Park and Western Springs

Best AREA Museum Best: DuPage Children’s

Museum in Naperville 2nd: Cantigny Park in Wheaton 3rd: Naper Settlement in Naperville Other Favorites: Elmhurst Art Museum; Geneva History Museum; Graue Mill and Museum in Oak Brook; and Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art in Elmhurst

Best public library Best: Naperville 2nd: Schaumburg 3rd: TIE: Indian Prarie in Darien; and Hinsdale Other Favorites: Bloomingdale, Elmhurst, Geneva, Oak Park, St. Charles, Woodridge, Wheaton

and Gravity 3rd: 12 Years a Slave Other Favorites: American Hustle, Blue Jasmine, and Silver Linings Playbook

Best craft or art show Best: Hinsdale Fine Arts Festival 2nd: Geneva Arts Fair 3rd: LaGrange Craft Show Other Favorite: Autumn Festival in Villa Park; Downers Grove FIne Arts Festival; and Festival of the Vine Arts & Craft Show

Best weekend getaway Best: Galena 2nd: Lake Geneva

Best movie theater Best: Tivoli in Downers Grove 2nd: Hollywood Boulevard in Woodridge 3rd: Cinemark at Seven Bridges in Woodridge Other Favorites: Marcus Theatres in Addison; York Theatre in Elmhurst; and AMC Yorktown in Lombard

Photo courtesy of Columbia Pictures

Activities & Entertainment

Best: Blackwell Forest Preserve in Wheaton 2nd: Morton Arboretum in Lisle 3rd: Danada in Wheaton Other Favorites: Graue Mill and Museum in Oak Brook; Green Valley Forest Preserve in Naperville; Herrick Lake in Wheaton; LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve in St. Charles; Ty Warner Park in Westmont; Waterfall Glen Forest Preseve in Darien; and Wilder Park in Elmhurst

Best place for kid’s party Best: Chuck E. Cheese, multiple locations 2nd: Laser Quest in Downers Grove

Favorite Movie in the Past Year: Captain Phillips

Best movie in past year Best: Captain Phillips 2nd: TIE: The Book Thief

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Best Place to Buy Antiques: Affordable Antiques

Best place for live music Best: FitzGerald’s in Berwyn 2nd: EvenFlow in Geneva 3rd: First Midwest Bank Amplitheatre in Tinley Park Other Favorites: The Lodge at Four Lakes in Lisle; Mojoes in Joliet; Paramount Theatre in Aurora; Rosemont Theatre; and Toyota Park in Bridgeview

venue for live theatre Best: Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace 2nd: Paramount Theatre in Aurora 3rd: Theatre of Western Springs Other Favorites: McAninch Arts Center in Glen Ellyn; and Steel Beam Theatre in St. Charles

Best place for singles Best: The Lodge at Four Lakes in Lisle

Best book you’ve read lately Best: 50 Shades of Grey 2nd: The Hunger Games

Shopping Best Mall/ shopping center Best: Oakbrook Center in Oak Brook 2nd: Yorktown Shopping Center in Lombard 3rd: Geneva Commons in Geneva Other Favorites: Promenade Bollingbrook; and Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg

Best bargain shopping/ outlet store Best: Chicago Premium Outlets in Aurora 2nd: Nordstrom Rack in Oak Brook, Naperville and Schaumburg 3rd: TJ Maxx, multiple locations

Other Favorites: Marshalls, multiple locations

Most unique gift shop Best: Cocoon in Geneva 2nd: Avec Panache in Downers Grove 3rd: Gabby’s Gifts in Downers Grove Other Favorites: Little Traveler in Geneva; Odalisque Beauty Apothecary in Geneva; and Vini Vidi Val in LaGrange

Best Women’s clothing store or boutique Best: Alixandria Collection in Hinsdale and LaGrange 2nd: Jeans and a Cute Top Shop in Downers Grove, St. Charles and Wheaton 3rd: Hot Mama in Naperville, Oak Brook and Wheaton Other Favorites: Chico’s, multiple locations; Coldwater Creek in Bollingbrook, Geneva, Naperville and Oak Brook; Dress Barn, multiple locations; Katy’s Boutique in Glen Ellyn; and Nordstrom, multiple locations

best department store Best: Nordstrom in Oak Brook and Schaumburg 2nd: Macy’s, multiple locations 3rd: Von Maur in Lombard and St. Charles Other Favorites: Carson’s, multiple locations; JC Penney, multiple locations; Kohl’s, multiple locations; and Target, multiple locations

Best Pet Store: Wet Nose

Photo by Ed Ahern

3rd: Sky High Sports in Naperville Other Favorites: All Dressed Up Costumes in Batavia; Jump Zone in Bolingbrook and Schaumburg; and Pump It Up in Elmhurst, Lisle and Schaumburg

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Photo courtesy of The Dump

Other Favorites: Here Comes the Bride in Addison; and Jasmine Galleria in Lombard

Best place to buy appliances

The Dump

Best place to buy men’s clothing Best: Nordstrom in Oak Brook and Schaumburg 2nd: Men’s Warehouse, multiple locations 3rd: Jos A Bank Clothiers in Burr Ridge, Oak Brook, Schaumburg and Wheaton Other Favorites: Billy’s Closet in Wheaton; Hinsdale Clothiers; Kohl’s, multiple locations; Louis for Men in Downers Grove; and Macy’s, multiple locations

Photo by Ed Ahern

Best place for women’s shoes Best: DSW, multiple locations 2nd: Nordstrom in Oak Brook and Schaumburg 3rd: Clark’s, multiple locations Other Favorites: Giesche Shoes in Geneva and Glen Ellyn; and Nora’s Shoe Shop in Geneva and Oak Park

BEST NEW STORE Best: The Dump Furniture Outlet in Lombard 2nd: Bella Roba in Wheaton 3rd: Nothing Bundt Cakes in Naperville and Wheaton Other Favorites: My Other Closet in Countryside; Old Time Pottery in West Chicago; and Quilters Quest in Woodridge

Best place to buy women’s jeans Best: Jeans and a Cute Top Shop in Downers Grove,

St. Charles and Wheaton 2nd: Gap, multiple locations 3rd: Coldwater Creek in Bollingbrook, Geneva, Naperville and Oak Brook

Best place to buy ChILDREN’S clothes Best: Gap Kids, multiple locations 2nd: Nordstrom in Oak Brook and Schaumburg 3rd: My Sister Kate in Hinsdale Other Favorites: Justice, multiple locations; and Old Navy, multiple locations

Best KITCHEN AND HOUSEWARES STORE Best: Bed Bath and Beyond, multiple locations 2nd: TIE: Sur La Table in Oak Brook and Naperville; and William Sonoma in Geneva, Oak Brook and Naperville 3rd: Crate & Barrel in Geneva, Oak Brook, Naperville and Schaumburg Other Favorites: HomeGoods, multiple locations; and Marcel’s Culinary Experience in Glen Ellyn

Best resale/ consignment store Best: Plato’s Closet in Geneva, Glendale Heights, Oakbrook Terrace, Naperville and Schaumburg 2nd: Resale Connection in Lisle 3rd: TIE: The Courtyard in Hinsdale; and My Favorite Things in Downers Grove and St. Charles Other Favorites: Consign and Redesign in LaGrange; Jane Pabon in Geneva; and Wise Penny Resale Shop in Wheaton

Best bridal boutique Best: Veiled in Elegance in Geneva 2nd: The Dress by Nicole in Wheaton 3rd: The Crystal Bride in Geneva

Best decorative accessories for the home Best: HomeGoods, multiple locations 2nd: Kirkland’s in Bloomingdale, Hoffman Estates, Joliet and Woodridge 3rd: Pottery Barn in Geneva, Oak Brook and Naperville Other Favorites: Cocoon in Geneva; Crate & Barrel in Geneva, Oak Brook, Naperville and Schaumburg; Pier 1 Imports, multiple locations;

Best Nursery/ Garden Center: Wannemaker’s

Photo courtesy of Wannemaker’s

Best New Store:

Best: Best Buy, multiple locations 2nd: TIE: Grants Appliances in Aurora, Downers Grove and Joilet; and Sears, multiple locations 3rd: Abt Appliances and Electronics in Glenview Other Favorites: Young’s Appliances, Glen Ellyn

Best place to buy antiques Best: Affordable Antiques in Naperville 2nd: Jackson Square Mall in La Grange Other Favorites: Antique Market III in St. Charles; and Bella Roba in Wheaton

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Photo courtesy of Chicago Blackhawks

best of the west

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Best Chicago Area Sports Team: Blackhawks

Restoration Hardware in Oak Brook; and 610 Home in Geneva

Best place for furniture Best: Tom’s Price in Bloomingdale, South Barrington and Wheaton 2nd: Ethan Allen in Lombard, Naperville and Schaumburg 3rd: Pottery Barn in Geneva, Oak Brook and Naperville Other Favorites: Beidelman’s in Naperville; The Dump in Lombard; Linly Designs in Clarendon Hills; Macy’s, multiple locations; Room & Board in Oak Brook; Walter E. Smithe in Geneva, Glendale Heights, Naperville, and Oak Brook

Best pet STORE/boutique Best: Wet Nose in Geneva and Oak Brook

2nd: TIE: Happy Dog Barkery in Downers Grove; and PetSmart, multiple locations 3rd: Two Bostons Pet Boutique in Geneva and Naperville Other Favorites: Dog Patch in Naperville; and Urban Mutt in Berwyn, Glen Ellyn and LaGrange

Best grocery, food market or gourmet shop Best: Whole Foods; multiple locations 2nd: TIE: Marianos, multiple locations; and Trader Joe’s, multiple locations 3rd: TIE: Blue Goose in St. Charles; and Standard Market in Westmont Other Favorites: Caputos in Addison, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Hanover Park, Naperville and South Elgin; Casey’s Market in Western Springs; Devries Grocery &

Meat Market in LaGrange; Kramer Foods in Hinsdale; and Lemon Tree Grocer in Downers Grove

Best nursery/ garden center Best: Wannemaker’s in Downers Grove 2nd: The Growing Place in Aurora and Naperville 3rd: TIE: Wasco Nursery & Garden Center in St. Charles;and Vern Goer’s Greenhouse in Hinsdale Other Favorites: Planter’s Palette in Winfield; and Platt Hill Nursery in Bloomingdale

Services Best hair salon Best: Mario Tricoci Hair Salon & Day Spa, multiple locations 2nd: Zano Salons in Batavia, Lisle and Naperville

3rd: Rocco & Rocco in Downers Grove Other Favorites: Dye Hard Salon in Western Springs; Icon Salon in Villa Park; and Zazu in Hinsdale, Naperville and Wheaton

Best FITNESS CENTER/ HEALTH CLUB Best: X-Sport Fitness, multiple locations 2nd: Edward Health & Fitness in Naperville and Woodridge 3rd: Good Samaritan Health and Wellness Center in Downers Grove Other Favorites: Anytime Fitness in Bartlett, Glendale Heights, Naperville and Roselle; LA FItness, multiple locations; Life Time Fitness in Bloomingdale, Burr Ridge, Romeoville, Schaumburg and Warrenville; Parks Plus Fitness Center in Wheaton; and YMCA, multiple locations

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Best: Kirschbaums Bakery in Western Springs 2nd: Ingram’s Busy Bee Bakery in Downers Grove 3rd: Kean’s in Itasca Other Favorites: Blackberry Market in Glen Ellyn; Flour Barrel in Glen Ellyn; Graham’s 318 in Geneva; Harners in Aurora; Jarosch in Elk Grove Village; Kirsten’s Danish Bakery in Burr Ridge; Labriola in Oakbrook Terrace; and Weber’s Bakery in Chicago

Best Auto Repair Shop Best: Bartel’s Auto Clinic in Carol Stream, Oswego and Plainfield 2nd: Lang’s Auto Service in Downers Grove

Best LOCAL HOTEL Best: Herrington Inn in Geneva 2nd: Westin Lombard 3rd: Hilton Lisle/Naperville in Lisle Other Favorites: Carleton in Oak Park; Chicago Marriott Naperville; Eaglewood Resort in Itasca; Hotel Arista in Naperville; and Hotel Baker in St. Charles

General

Sports Best AREA PUBLIC GOLF COURSE Best: Arrowhead Golf Club in Wheaton 2nd: Cantigny Golf in Wheaton 3rd: Downers Grove Golf Club Other Favorites: Cog Hill Golf & Country Club in Lemont; Orchard Valley in Aurora; Prairie Landing Golf Club in West Chicago; Village Greens of Woodridge; and Zigfield Troy Golf in Woodridge

Best golf driving range Best: Riedy’s Tee Time in Lisle 2nd: Arrowhead Golf Club in Wheaton 3rd: Top Golf in Wood Dale Other Favorites: Downers Grove Golf Club; Oak Brook Golf Club; Mill Creek Golf Club in Geneva; Village Greens of Woodridge; and Zigfield Troy Golf in Woodridge

Best AREA Bowling alley Best: Brunswick Zone, multiple locations 2nd: Lucky Strike in Lombard 3rd: Suburbanite Bowl in Westmont

Best AREA CELEBRITY Best: Chicago Blackhawks Coach Joel Quenneville 2nd: Former Chicago Bears Coach Mike Ditka 3rd: Oprah Winfrey Other Favorites: TV weather person Tracy Butler; radio host Eric Ferguson; former pro athlete Bo Jackson; and actresses Jenny McCarthy and Melissa McCarthy

RECENTLY CLOSED SPOT YOU’LL MISS THE MOST Best: Dominick’s, multiple locations 2nd: Grant Square Restaurant in Hinsdale 3rd: Courtright’s Restaurant in Willow Springs Other Favorites: My Favorite Toy Store in Downers Grove and Elmhurst

Best Landmark or Historic Attraction: Cantigny

Other Favorites: Bowling Green Sports Center in West Chicago; Stardust Bowl in Addison; St. Charles Bowl; and Willowbrook Lanes

Chicago Area

FAVORITE sports bar or place to watch sports

Best: Ron Magers, ABC7 2nd: Tom Skilling, WGN9 3rd: TIE: Tracy Butler, ABC7; and Allison Rosati, NBC5 Other Favorites: Dick Johnson, NBC5; and Alan Krashesky, ABC7

FAVORITE BROADCAST NEWS PERSONALITY

Best: Champps Americana Restaurant in Lombard and Schaumburg 2nd: Buffalo Wild Wings, multiple locations 3rd: Another Round Bar & Grill in Downers Grove Other Favorites: Ditka’s in Oakbrook Terrace; and Poor Phil’s Bar & Grill in Oak Park

Best NEWSPAPER OR MAGAZINE COLUMNIST

FAVORITE CHICAGO AREA SPORTS TEAM

Best: John Kass, Chicago Tribune 2nd: Neil Steinberg, Chicago Sun-TImes

FAVORITE RADIO PERSONALITY

Best: Blackhawks 2nd: Bears 3rd: Cubs Other Favorites: Bulls, White Sox

Best: Steve Cochran, WGN 720 AM 2nd: Eric and Kathy, WTMX 101.9 FM 3rd: TIE: Roe Conn WLS 890 AM; and Steve Dahl, podcasting

FAVORITE CHICAGO athlete/personality Best: Chicago Blackhawks Coach Joel Quenneville 2nd: Mike Ditka, former Chicago Bears coach 3rd: Michael Jordan, former Chicago Bulls player Other Favorites: Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks; Brandon Marshall, Chicago Bears; Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls

person you would most like to have lunch with Best: Oprah Winfrey 2nd: President Barack Obama Other Favorites: Warren Buffet, Hillary Clinton, Ellen DeGeneres, Mike Ditka, Pope Francis, and Michael Jordan Photo courtesy of Cantigny

Photo courtesy of Chicago Blackhawks

Best AREA BAKERY

town you’d want to live in (other THAN YOUR OWN) Best: Hinsdale 2nd: Wheaton 3rd: TIE: Glen Ellyn and Naperville Other Favorites: Burr Ridge, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Geneva, Oak Brook and St. Charles

BEST ANNUAL CHICAGO PUBLIC EVENT OR FESTIVAL Best: Taste of Chicago 2nd: Lollapalooza 3rd: Blues Fest Other Favorites: Chicago Marathon and Tall Ships n WEST SUBURBAN LIVING | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | MARCH/APRIL 2014 53

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Greater texture, subtle patterns, and more masculine colors like chocolate, dusty gray and black, are among the trends in carpet.

W

hen choosing flooring for your home, it is good to remember that, much like clothing, one size

does not fit all. Depending on your personal preferences and the way you use your home, it’s likely you’ll need to select several different materials for different rooms or zones.

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When decorating, most flooring

experts recommend that you start from the ground up. “Carpet and flooring first, then paint and furnishings,” says Kate Martin-Moeller, business manager for Russell Martin Carpets and Rugs in Naperville. “Build everything off of that.”

Reflect on your lifestyle and needs when selecting carpet or other flooring.

For example, if you have kids and/or pets, that may mean choosing a durable, easy-care, stain-resistant surface. “You really want your home to look like you on your very best day,” she says.

MAGIC CARPETS The average homeowner changes their home’s carpeting every seven to nine years.

Many opt to redo one part of the home at a time. “It’s an ongoing evolution, not the whole house at once,” says Martin-Moeller.

Right now, solid color patterned carpets called LCLs (loop/cut loop) are a top choice for family rooms and other living spaces, says Steve DeSitter, co-owner of DeSitter Flooring, which has locations in Carol Stream, LaGrange and Bolingbrook.

Many LCLs have a subtle textural pattern, overall or geometric, many of which are inspired by nature.

Men’s and women’s high fashion is influencing the aesthetic direction of carpet today, as evidenced by products

showcased at the recent Surfaces Show in Las Vegas, says Martin-Moeller. “We are seeing handsome textures and understated patterns like pinstripes, herringbones and subtle plaids,” she says, adding that more masculine colors, like chocolate, dusty gray and black, are gaining favor.

“In the wool carpets and area rugs that are mostly woven, we are seeing ikat-style patterns being popular, and more transitional versus traditional styles,” says Lisa Carlson Nelson of Carlson’s Flooring in Geneva. “We are also seeing that the texture of the fibers is important, and the return of some bulky yarn systems, dare I say ‘shag’-type carpets.”

Soft fibers are another trend. In bedrooms, which are almost always carpeted, the softer the fiber, the better.

Nylon fiber with the feel of silk is attracting a lot of notice. “People want to step on something soft when they get out of bed in the morning,” says DeSitter.

Though something is on trend, it may not be the right choice for your home.

“Beautiful materials, like bamboo, silk, viscose, appeal to customers shopping with their hands, but most want something that is not only soft, but will look good down the road,” points out Martin-Moeller.

Area rugs are a great way to add a dash of color, texture and pattern. And since they are not permanently installed, they

allow you to give a room a new look without a lot of fuss.

When it comes to area rugs, customization is the big trend, at a variety of price points. As a more affordable option, sometimes customers have wall-to-wall patterns cut and bound at the edges to create a custom rug.

Though contemporary and transitional patterns are currently among the most popular, many people prefer the classic styling of traditional oriental rugs, which can also fit into a contemporary or transitional interior.

Edward Pajian, president of Caram Carpet Designers and Manufacturers International in Lisle, says that his company’s fine silk and wool carpets are unique because they are available in custom sizes. Since the company designs and manufactures its own products, smaller-sized rugs can be made to feature the same pattern as a larger rug, but rendered in a smaller scale that is proportionate to the carpet size. Most other providers simply create a smaller carpet from a larger one.

POPS OF COLOR As for color, Martin-Moeller recommends you take your cues from what you love to wear in order to pick something personal for your floor covering.

The latest trends in flooring for every room in your home.

By Lisa Sloan WEST SUBURBAN LIVING

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Style Underfoot

In today’s marketplace, pops of brighter colors are coming back into vogue, which analysts link to the economic upturn.

“Color traditionally ebbs and flows with the economy, with less warmth and brightness during times of depression,” says MartinMoeller. “These days, things are warming up a bit, with hues like navy and warm gray.”

Pajian agrees, noting that neutral browns and grays were the most popular requests when the economy was struggling, but says color is coming back, including shades of scarlet and orange. “Now, using as many colors as possible is the new neutral,” he says, “but people are still looking for a midrange, not too bold.”

TILE STYLE One category where neutrals still rule is tile. Whether porcelain, ceramic, or natural stone, tile carries the day in bathrooms, kitchens, foyers, mudrooms and basements.

DeSitter is seeing a Zen trend in bathrooms with “an organic, spa-like feel created by soft colors and subdued textures, like soft gray and beige marble.”

Tile accents in the bath usually extend beyond the floor to the walls, where larger format (18 x 18 or 12 x 24) tile in a honed finish is popular, especially when paired with an eye-appealing accent tile, whether glass or having a pearlesque finish.

Though many like the look and feel of marble, those with practical concerns about upkeep often select porcelain tiles that resemble stone and even hardwood.

Another area where tile continues to be popular is the kitchen, where ceramic and porcelain have an advantage over natural stone because they are stain-resistant and easier to maintain. Subway tiles in a range of sizes and materials, including small “mini bricks” are still big for accents and backsplashes. The linear look of these tiles plays into the modern feel many homeowners are seeking.

Tile is also favored for the mudroom, a common entry point into the home, especially slate or porcelain tile that replicates slate. “Slate hides a multitude of sins and it 56 MARCH/APRIL 2014

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is reasonably priced,” explains DeSitter.

WARM WOODS Hardwood flooring or flooring that resembles wood still reigns near the top of many homeowners’ wish lists. “There is no denying the warmth and inherent beauty you get from hardwood, and it is still the dominant flooring on the first floor of most homes,” says DeSitter, who predicts this will continue to be the case for years to come, pointing out that wood’s timeless appeal can boost home values.

Wider planks as well as hand-scraped and wire-brushed looks are among the top sellers. Color is moving beyond basic brown to encompass woods with gray tones.

Darker hues, like chocolate and espresso, are still desirable. Traditional red oak is still around, but Nelson says customers are looking to exotic hardwoods, like acacia, as a more interesting alternative.

LAMINATES AND LUXURY VINYL Though laminates continue to be a viable choice because of their affordability and ease of installation, they aren’t a good choice for areas like basements and baths, where humidity is difficult to control and moisture can be a concern. Both of those issues can cause the joints in a laminate floor to swell and buckle. As a result, many homeowners are turning to luxury vinyl tiles or planks.

“The fastest-growing segment of the flooring industry is luxury vinyl tile,” says DeSitter. “It is not your grandmother’s vinyl floor.” Thick and extremely durable, it is often used in commercial environments like restaurants. Through digital imagery on the surface and added textures, manufacturers are creating highly detailed wood and tile looks that are difficult to discern from the real thing.

Finally, if you are opting for several types of flooring material or styles, work with someone who can help you coordinate them into a cohesive whole. As MartinMoeller points out, “You want to create a pulled-together, intentional look.” n

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Backyards are increasingly becoming extensions of the home, especially when it comes to entertaining.

Bringing

Life

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Photo by Linda Oyama Bryan

Photos courtesy of Grant & Power Landscaping

Outdoor Spaces

L

The best landscapes reflect the lifestyle and priorities of the homeowners

by S a r a Pe a r s a u l Vi c e

andscape design is always in sync with the latest styles — from changing color preferences to ecological developments to stay-at-home lifestyles. We asked local experts to identify trends and tips to help home gardeners update their landscapes in the coming growing season. While traditional designs remain popular in the western suburbs, gardeners are experimenting with new plant varieties and accessories to add pizzazz to the great outdoors.

LIVE IT UP When landscape architects are called in to consult with clients, their questions tend to center on how the outdoor area will be used. Do you entertain? Do you need space for children to play? Do you like to garden or would you rather not get your hands dirty?

“It is very important for us to find out what people want and why, including the style and feel,” says Jan-Gerrit Bouwman, senior landscape architect at Grant & Power Landscaping in West Chicago. He

is seeing demand for high-quality entertainment features and outdoor kitchens that go way beyond the grill, such as countertops that can seat a crowd and TVs and sound systems that can take on the elements. A recent installation included a water curtain combined with a pergola as a unique focal point. In addition, homeowners are favoring natural materials over man-made for patios and decks.

As with any good design, “form ever follows function,” in the words of famed

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BE BOLD Anyone who has browsed through a garden center in recent years has seen the explosion of bright colors that plant breeders have cultivated in both flowers and foliage.

Although pastels are still popular, more gardeners are going for intense color.

The Pantone color of the year for 2014 (Radiant Orchid) will be seen in fashion as well as flowers, including the Proven Winners line of plants. According to Jeanine Standard of Proven Winners, the company polls consumers every year on their favorite colors for plants. One of the big trends is the combination of multiple colors in one plant, such as bi-color blooms. In petunias alone, Proven

Photo courtesy of Ball Horticultural Company

Tomatoes are still the favorite vegetable by far, and some plants have become more decorative.

recommends planting alternatives such as begonias and New Guinea impatiens, which are not subject to the disease and come in a variety of colors.

TAKE IT EASY Breeders are also cultivating plants that give maximum impact with minimum effort, since not all homeowners enjoy the hands-on aspects of gardening. “The first thing they say is they want no maintenance,” says Mary Saba, landscape design coordinator at The Growing Place in Aurora, of her typical customer. “Then they say what they do want, which is color.

Everyone wants a flower that will bloom all summer.”

“People Although nature is not are looking always so accommodating, Winners offers 28 varieties. to maximize plants are being bred to Color in the cool seasons the use of be more well-behaved of spring and fall is also their outside on their own. Saba important. Proven Winners notes that dwarf conifers, has bred reblooming lilacs and space.” in particular, are “truly azaleas that flower in spring and almost no maintenance.” then again in late summer.

“If you want less maintenance, stick Ball Horticultural Company of West with more trees and shrubs,” advises Freya Chicago, which includes the Burpee Wellin, nursery manager at Wannemaker’s brand, is breeding colorful plants that can Home and Garden in Downers Grove. “If take both sun and shade, as well as hot and you like to garden, put in more perennials.” cool conditions. Ball’s CoolWave pansies Wellin also recommends paying more can be planted in early spring or fall and attention to foliage. “One of the great will return the following spring. tricks in design is to think about foliage Osteospermum, with its daisy-like flowers, and its texture,” she says. “Put a fine is another option for cool weather, including texture next to a large leaf, and the garden the new White Lightning variety for 2014. starts to pop.”

Color can be found in foliage, too.

Ball’s Kong coleus sports color combos GO A LITTLE WILD such as red, green and brown, all in one “Gardening for wildlife is a big trend,” giant leaf. Although coleus prefers shady says Gibson, “particularly for birds and spots, new varieties can also stand the sun. butterflies, and more so for honeybees.”

In fact, breeding plants that provide color In keeping with the well-tended suburban in the shade has become more of a priority garden, Ball has developed a compact now that the popular flowering plant version of the old-fashioned butterfly bush, impatiens walleriana has been infected which “tends to get really big really quickly.” with downy mildew, a fungal disease that The compact version stays about three feet can return year after year. Jeff Gibson, in size but still attracts butterflies galore. business manager for Ball Landscape,



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Chicago architect Louis Sullivan. The desired functions then turn into outdoor living spaces, which “blur the lines between inside and out,” observes Bob Hursthouse, president of Hursthouse Landscape Architecture in Bolingbrook, who likes to tie landscape design into the home’s interior design and architectural style and materials. In an award-winning project, Hursthouse redesigned an existing landscape to add a series of outdoor spaces, beginning with a covered porch that leads to a patio and steps to an outdoor kitchen and fire pit. He also recommends incorporating landscape lighting “to draw you out in the evenings.”

Of course, large landscape projects such as outdoor kitchens can be well beyond the budget of the average homeowner, but some of the same elements can be added less expensively. Rebecca LaBarre, landscape designer for Evergreen Landscape in Hampshire, is seeing an increase in accessories for the outside, such as pergolas, small water features, fireplaces and fire pits.

“People are looking to maximize the use of their outside space,” she explains, noting that high-end design features are now available to those with a smaller budget.

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BRINGING LIFE TO OUTDOOR SPACES

 Design Tips from the Experts

Get the big picture.

“My single biggest piece of advice is to step back and look at your yard from across the street. Look beyond your house to what your neighbors have. The view is the single thing that drives landscape design — from your driveway or your kitchen window.”

Mary Saba, The Growing Place

Create privacy.

“Most people need screening from their neighbors. Think of how that can be done creatively.

Rather than just a big wall or a hedge, consider a mix of evergreens and flowering trees.”

Rebecca LaBarre, Evergreen Landscape

Prioritize your ideas.

Native plants from the Midwest are reliable draws for wildlife, and Ball has developed “new natives” that are a little less wild looking and offer more color, such as Cheyenne Spirit coneflowers.

With the growing concern over the honeybee die-off, gardeners are looking to provide more pollen sources for bees.

Gibson notes that those sources change over the growing season — from flowering crabapples in early spring to grasses, flowers and shrubs through fall.

“It has become increasingly difficult for homeowners to really determine what pieces of the landscape are truly important to them. We are all overloaded with ideas. Go to HGTV, Houzz and Pinterest to pull a bunch of ideas together and then rank order them. Less is more. Pick three or four features that will give you a sense of peace and comfort.”

Bob Hursthouse, Hursthouse Landscape Architects

Think ahead.

“Don’t bite off too much to start.

Work in one little section. You may have a big project in mind, but start small and see what you like. Start with anchor plants such as bigger trees and shrubs.

Whatever you pick, think of what it is going to be in 10 years.”

VEG OUT Vegetable gardening is also on the rise, with new vertical growing systems and specially designed containers for the space or time-challenged. Here, too, new veggie varieties are a little less ungainly. “The trend,” says Gibson, “is toward more controlled plants and varieties that are more compact.”

While local garden centers offer a wide

Freya Wellin, Wannemaker’s Home and Garden

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(Cloc kwise from to Buddle p) ia-Flutt erby Petite Tutti Fru itti in pink; a mix of Pan CoolW sy ave; C oleus Kong Jr. Gre en Ha and E lo; china cea Cheye nne S pirit.

assortment of vegetable plants, the tomato reigns supreme. Gibson says that tomatoes comprise about 90 percent of all vegetable seeds and plants sold by Burpee.

PLANT FOR THE FUTURE Perhaps the biggest trend, which has been on the rise for several years, is sustainability — thinking of the ecological impact of your yard on your community and the environment. The Chicago Flower and Garden Show is touting “Do Green, Do Good” as its theme for 2014.

Show Director Tony Abruscato explains that the theme encompasses everything from green gardening practices, such as organic lawn and garden care, to developing community gardens and cultivating the next generation of gardeners. 

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SUCCESS

Stories

Celebrating

2014

Businesses that Serve Our Communities

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Success Stories

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All In The Family It’s hard to define a success story when you really think about it.

How do you measure success and who decides who is worthy of the title “successful?” The more I thought about it, the more I realized that success is not about any one spectacular moment that defines a business, but a compilation of hundreds, if not thousands, of small or even minuscule events that can impact a business and its customers. Success for Russell Martin has come from challenging ourselves every day to rethink the opportunities that our clients and community provide for us. The true reward itself rarely comes in a monetary form, but is more likely to be presented as the gift of another opportunity: a brand new opportunity with its own new set of challenges.

Success is understanding that there is no “one size fits all” solution for our customers and the path of least resistance is not the path for us.

We revel in the uncharted waters that this business of five decades has seen and now sit eagerly looking forward to the challenges that the next five decades promise to bring. In that regard, success in business is a lot like life in general: it’s not where you end up but how you get there. It’s about the endless chain of opportunities and challenges that help link a business from project to project, growing stronger with every new solution.

Success is knowing there is always more to learn, another mountain to climb, and a new possibility around every corner.

The one thing I am sure of is that none of our success could ever have happened if it were not for our amazing customers and our talented staff. For that opportunity, we thank you all. ~ Sam Martin (2nd generation at Russell Martin)

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RUSSELL MARTIN CARPET AND RUGS 633 N. Washington St., Naperville

630-961-1312

• RMcarpets.com

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Success Stories

Celebrating

50 years and a move to a new location!

Charles Vincent George Architects, founded in 1962 by Chuck George, recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, and with it, a move to a larger location at 1245 E. Diehl Road in Naperville.

The firm’s new offices were designed in a postindustrial style with exposed steel and contemporary detailing mixed with warm wood tones to speak to both the modern aesthetic often desired by our commercial clientele and the nostalgic, warm feeling desired by our residential clients.

The firm is most renowned for their designs of Naperville’s Riverwalk, Downtown Naperville planning, the Millennium Carillon Tower, and hundreds of homes and community buildings designed over the last 50 years.

“Our quality high-end custom residential work sets the mark for quality standards in the western suburbs,” says CVG

President Bruce George. “We also are noted for our expertise in the design of banking and recreational facilities.”

CVG Architects has had a special bond with the City of Naperville and its growth since 1962.

CHARLES VINCENT GEORGE ARCHITECTS Bruce George, President

1245 E. Diehl Road, Suite 101 630-357-2023 • www.cvgarchitects.com

One part artistic adventure and one part cocktail party is what attracted

Lynn & John Day to open a business unlike any other!

On July 13, 2012, Lynn & John began their mobile art & wine party business as the new franchise owners of Bottle & Bottega, followed by the grand opening of their colorful & vibrant B.Y.O.B. studio on December 19, 2012 in downtown Glen Ellyn.

A stroke of artistic genius paints a totally new picture of what is possible when friends, couples or colleagues get together for a Bottle & Bottega art party … a party that inspires the inner artist in everyone, regardless of skill or practice, through a blend of hands-on painting events with instruction by a professional artist and, of course, a glass of your favorite wine.

Through the offering of public, private, and corporate “paint and wine” events, over 8,000 “masterpieces” have been created since inception. The extra care provided to their guests was rewarded when Bottle & Bottega corporate presented the Glen Ellyn franchisees with “The Mona Lisa” Award for Exceptional Customer Service for 2013.

Both Lynn & John are excited to continue pursuing their passion for creativity, innovation and discovery, reaching for dreams through individual determination and collective teamwork, nurturing individual talent, caring about those around them, and enjoying the process of each individual’s achievement, all while having FUN!

Creating memorable and fun events for our guests is our number one priority.

We look to provide each one with a one-of-a-kind innovative and interactive experience.”

Bottle & Bottega Lynn & John Day, Owners

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498 Crescent Blvd.

Glen Ellyn 630.984.4955 www.bottleandbottega.com/glenellyn

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Success Stories

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The home remodeling business had been around for many years before Reliable Home Improvement existed, and it was a hit-or-miss industry when it came to the quality and reliability of contractors.

In 1967, Gilbert Ducato started Reliable Home Improvement with a commitment to using the highest quality construction methods and the best materials available, to show up on time and when promised, and most importantly, to adhere to the same high standard of ethics that has been the hallmark of “Reliable Home Improvement” for nearly 50 years.

Reliable is family-owned and operated and has been in business for almost 5 decades. We have successfully evolved over time in a competitive industry. The younger generations are bringing new technology and new design ideas, which we are combining with the same construction quality that has helped grow the business for the past 47 years. We continue to serve the western suburbs with a 15,000-sq-ft Showroom and Design Gallery in Naperville that is open to the public. “Customers can come in and see FULL size kitchen and bathroom designs, along with hundreds of fixture styles, flooring, stone selections, and tile finishes. But the best part is, we have trained designers on staff that will help our first-time customers pick out what they are looking for and walk them through all the options,” says Christine Ducato, Marketing Director.

Many decisions and tradesmen are involved with a home remodeling project, whether a bathroom remodel or kitchen renovation. Reliable has learned over the years how to keep schedules coordinated, so projects take 1/3 the time to complete, thanks to a state-of-the-art planning process. With full-time Superintendents on the job every day, we are able to make sure all projects remain on schedule. Success didn’t come overnight for Reliable, it has been a consistent effort over 47 years in business to continually strive to be the best, and to seek to maximize the asset value we add to our customers’ homes.

“It’s the overall experience that most customers appreciate from us. When going through a home remodeling project, we want to make sure our customers not only get high-quality craftsmanship and design, but that their entire experience is exceptional as well,” adds Ducato. With cutting-edge design, customer service and high quality construction, Reliable has become one of the most respected home remodeling firms in the Western Suburbs.

Reliable Home Improvement Gil and Rose Ducato, Owners

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1300 W. Ferry Road Naperville 630 579-6600 • www.reliablehomeimprov.com

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Success Stories

Keeping the Fire Burning Founded by Bill Wilson, eight years ago in downtown Lombard, Bricks Wood Fired Pizza & CafĂŠ has become a well-known name in the western suburbs. Discovering brick oven pizza while on vacation in San Diego, Bill had a craving of that chewy, crispy Neapolitan-style pizza. Before the Neapolitan style craze hit, the Chicagoland was void of the perfect pie. After two years of designing and recipe development, the first Bricks was created. Fast-forward eight years, Bricks Wood Fired Pizza & CafĂŠ now has three locations: Lombard, Wheaton, and Naperville, with plans of opening more locations.

Founder Bill Wilson, partnered up with brother-sister combo Patricia and Sam Vlahos, who have worked in the restaurant industry alongside their restaurateur father, John Vlahos at an early age and helped in all aspects of restaurants. Naturally it was in their blood to be in the restaurant business. Anchored by an oven that is a scorching 800 degrees, these pizzas can be produced in and out within two minutes! Bricks is not only Wood Fired, but also Family Inspired, as this business is not only a job, but also a passion to these owners.

Their pizza may not be deep, but their love of the perfect Neapolitan pizza is!

Bricks Wood Fired Pizza & Cafe 132 W. St Charles Rd., Lombard 630.691.1900

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www.brickswoodfiredpizza.com

103 E. Front St., Wheaton 630.784.4620

1763 Freedom Dr., Naperville 630.799.6860

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Success Stories

Come “Paint & Sip” in Downtown Naperville Pinot’s Palette, an upscale

Naperville area. The first two months

Paint and Sip franchise known for providing guests with an entertaining

have been very successful and exciting! The feedback from the

evening of art and wine, opened

local community has been incredibly

at 175 W. Jackson in Naperville,

positive, and Pinot’s Palette is excited to be a part of the Western Suburbs.

this past December.

Pinot’s Palette’s mission is to bring fine art to the masses in a fun way.

Guests sign up online to attend a

Pinot’s Palette, an award-winning franchise—which began as a single, Houston-area studio in 2009—now

two-hour or three-hour painting class

boasts 65 locations in 27 states and

where they are instructed by a local,

continues to pioneer the Paint and

trained artist on how to recreate the featured painting of the night. Pinot’s

Sip industry. For more information, visit www.PinotsPalette.com.

Palette provides all of the art supplies, and guests can purchase their favorite cocktails from the bar.

Franchisees, Pamela Bartlett and Christa Juergens, both Naperville residents, are excited about opening this studio in the city’s Downtown

175 W. Jackson St., Naperville 331-457-5440 www.pinotspalette.com/naperville

Pinot’s Palette is looking forward being part of the Western Suburbs where guests can ‘Paint. Drink. Have Fun.’ — our motto!

A PASSION FOR DESIGN Liam Brex Custom Design and Cabinetry was the dream of Amy Sandack and Lisa Sleckman. They shared passion for design and a goal to create their own work environment where clients not only got the best in kitchen and bath design, but also develop into lifelong clients and family friends. With their complementing strengths in technical skill and innovative design, Amy and Lisa have developed a business where they walk their clients through every stage of the design process to a finished product that exceeds their customers’ expectations.

In addition to designing interiors, Liam Brex’s beautiful downtown Naperville showroom is host to many different types of cooking classes and tasting dinners. Most recently, Food Network Chef, Ben Vaughn, participated in a series of six dinners where he and his friends in the culinary world created delicious tasting menus for up to 60 people.

Liam Brex has been a labor of love from the beginning, and for the last eight years Amy and Lisa continue to grow their business with the same dedication to their coworkers, clients, architects and builders. With their teamwork and careful listening, they create relationships with their clients and work hard to see not only their dreams become a reality, but the dreams of the people that trust them to design their spaces.

222 S. Main St., Naperville

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(630) 848-0222

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Create Your Own Happiness My personal motto: “Create your own happiness.” My business mantra: “Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value,” a quote from Albert Einstein. One of my mother’s favorite reminders: “Bloom where you’re planted.” As a small business owner, I believe I have finally been able to combine all three of my favorite quotes into a daily reality.

Twenty-one years ago I moved to the Fox River Valley and was introduced to the wonderful festivals and boutique shopping in the charming and historic city of Geneva and quickly discovered my favorite shop on Third Street, CIRCA. It became my weekly “vintage fix,” offering a fantastic and eclectic mix of vintage clothing, jewelry and home décor, with an occasional French flair and bohemian atmosphere. Shopping at its best! My home décor and personal style are a collective reflection of my treasure hunting and shopping local at CIRCA and at the other shops in lovely Geneva.

In early 2011, I was sharing the Geneva shopping experience with my sisters and nieces and was thrilled to see CIRCA open again after it had been closed for a season. That visit was true serendipity as the owner had decided to sell the shop after a successful 25 years and was looking for a buyer. I chose to “create my own happiness,” and five months later I was the proud new owner of CIRCA, offering antique, vintage and new treasures to Geneva shoppers.

As a daughter of small business owners, I also know the true sense of a family operation and appreciate having my siblings, nieces and nephews involved in many aspects of the shop. Now, almost three years later, I have “bloomed” where I have been planted, and I strive to be of value by giving back to the community I belong to. CIRCA is proud to support Literacy Volunteers Fox Valley, The Geneva History Center, the Greater Geneva Art Guild and happy to sponsor Shakespeare in the Park, The Steeple Walk and The Geneva Film Festival.

— Christina Lambert, Owner

“Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.”

– Albert Einstein

Circa 123 S. Third Street ~ Geneva, IL 60134 ~ 630-208-0013 ~ CircaInGeneva.com CircaInGeneva@gmail.com

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New computer technology is keeping seniors in better touch with their caregivers and families, allowing many to stay in their homes longer. And when they do choose to move, the options are better and more varied than ever.

Living Well A century ago, most senior citizens lived out their lives at home because that’s where their resources were. Their families either lived with them or on the farm down the road, they kept their retirement savings in the local bank and their doctors made regular house calls — most still driving up to their patients’ doors in a horse-drawn carriage.

World War II and the scientific advances it inspired changed all that.

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Returning soldiers settled where they could find high-paying industrial jobs, often far from their families. The medical technology boom made house calls obsolete because doctors couldn’t bring their new equipment with them. Seniors’ money still sat in their local bank, but with fewer relatives nearby to drive them downtown, they often found themselves stranded at home, unable to access their savings or shop for the groceries they needed. Under those circumstances, retirement homes that met their residents’ every daily need became a favored option

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for seniors and their families alike.

“In 1930, about 60 percent of senior citizens received medical care at home.

By the 1950s, only about 11 percent (of seniors) were still getting home health care. The rest had moved into nursing homes,” states Dr. Thomas Cornwell, director of Cadence Health’s new home health care initiative.

While science is still advancing at a break-neck pace, the new technology it has produced in the last few years is making both at-home care and nursing home care a better deal for today’s seniors, families

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and caregivers. “The industry has been evolving for the last several years around the new technologies that are available to monitor patient care,” says Sherry Kizer, senior vice president of senior living services at Lexington Square in Elmhurst and Lombard.

Wireless technology, for example, helps Lexington Square’s medical staff monitor patients’ health remotely and unobtrusively. Sensors in each apartment record when and how long patients sleep, when they bathe and when they use the toilet — information that nurses can use to spot the onset of chronic illnesses long before symptoms become apparent.

“We have a baseline recorded for each patient,” explains Kizer. “When we see readings that don’t match the baseline, that gives our nurses an opportunity to start a conversation with the patient about his or her health status.”

The sensors do not videotape patients.

Instead, they monitor when beds and bathroom fixtures are operated. “They’re housed in small boxes. After the first hour, patients forget they’re even there,” Kizer notes. “They’ve helped us catch many urinary tract infections before the patient needs hospitalization to treat them, and they help us catch abnormal reactions to medications quickly so we can intervene before the patient gets too far off baseline.”

All assisted living and memory care apartments come equipped with the sensors, says Kizer, and retirement home residents can request them.

Lexington Square, Arden Courts in Glen Ellyn and Geneva, and other facilities that offer memory care for dementia patients are fitting their residents with GPS devices to ensure their safety.

“We give memory care residents in our Elmhurst facility pendants that contain GPS responders,” Kizer states. “That way we can find someone who’s lost and in distress.” While the facility has never had to track a patient lost outside its walls, staff has found that monitoring patients’ whereabouts

throughout the day is helpful in scheduling activities. “The GPS records tell us how many people play pool at any given time, or when spaces get the most use,” explains Kizer. “Then we can schedule around those peak times and offer residents new activities that don’t conflict with what they already enjoy doing.”

“In 1930, about 60 percent of senior citizens received medical care at home.

By the 1950s, only about 11 percent (of seniors) were still getting home health care.

Alden Gardens in Bloomingdale is one of two Illinois facilities that has adopted CareMerge, an interactive mobile technology produced in Chicago that lets nursing home medical staff, caregivers, patients and family members communicate quickly and easily to provide updates and discuss patient care decisions. The system, which

Just as many of today’s seniors are more tech savvy, care providers and senior living facilities are also increasingly using computers and technology to monitor the health and well-being of their patients and residents.

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also maintains patients’ electronic health records, helps cut facilities’ administrative costs as well as helping coordinate patient care and giving patients and their families a stronger voice in medical decisions, explains CareMerge founder Asif Khan on the Assisted Living Federation of America’s website.

“With so many staff members providing care and coming and going, it was impossible to keep track of every single detail. Fortunately, CareMerge’s ToDo’s app is available to help us organize and track all our work orders,” asserts Alden Gardens Executive Director Josh Anderson.

“We have more family involvement here than any other community I’ve ever run — and that’s priceless!”

Wireless networking also gives residents at all levels of care Internet access so they can keep in touch with friends, relatives and the outside world. “Not all of our patients use the Internet or social media, but it’s available to everyone and the patients who do use it seem to enjoy it,” observes Claudeen Saxon, director of business development at The Tillers

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SENIOR LIVING

Determining the Best CareGiving Option An array of choices, from home health providers to assisted living

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weeks or months. The senior’s doctors should be involved, as well as family members and the senior himself. As a society we seem to be missing the boat on these conversations because neither seniors nor their families want to think of them being too old to live independently.

Often we wait too long, when it’s too late for the senior to make his or her wishes known.”

The first step for most seniors who begin to lose the ability to live on their own is to get whatever help they need to remain in their own homes. Traditionally, children, grandchildren, siblings or other relatives provide that help, doing not only household chores, shopping and driving, but helping the senior bathe, dress and manage medications.

“Families are the number one caregivers for seniors in the U.S.,” Durkin says. “They put in billions of unpaid hours of service each year. But the number of Baby Boomers who have aging parents and children still at home is growing, and these ‘sandwich generation’ people have less and less ability to care for their seniors.”

Enter the growing number of senior home care providers and home health providers. David Hachmeister founded Caring Senior Service in Elmhurst after watching his mother-in-law pine away miserably in a nursing home.

“She had a terrible time in the facility.

Every time we saw her, she asked when she could go back home,” Hachmeister recalls. “I wanted to help other seniors avoid the pain and sorrow she went through by helping them stay in their homes as long as possible.”

hen former Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan reached his Medicare-mandated limit of inpatient therapy at Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital in Wheaton in January, he faced a choice — continue his therapy by visiting outpatient clinics several times a week, or work with therapists in his west suburban home through Cadence’s CNS Home Health & Hospice Center.

“Marianjoy gave me information on home health care while I was there, and I decided it would be more convenient,” says Ryan, 68, who was recovering from quadruple bypass surgery. “I spent most of the last year in and out of the hospital, and I wanted to be home and not always going out.”

While Ryan enjoyed the convenience of holding therapy sessions at home and found his therapists both professional and pleasant, he noted that home health care might not fit everyone’s needs. “People who are considering care options should talk with their primary care physicians and weigh all the factors,” he advises. “Home health care is a very worthy alternative, but it’s not the only one.”

Senior citizens and their families face a sometimes bewildering array of choices for long-term care, from hiring an aide for a few hours of housework per week, to 24-hour skilled care in a nursing home.

Deciding what level of care to seek and when to seek it is not something seniors and their families should expect to settle in a phone call or even an afternoon visit.

“This is not a one-time conversation,” asserts Sue Durkin, an advanced practice clinical nurse specialist in geriatrics at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove. “This is an issue that should be discussed early, over several

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Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Oswego. “They’re happier when they can stay connected to their kids and grandchildren.”

Brookdale Living offers Connected Living, a private senior-optimized Internet platform, to residents at The Meadows in Glen Ellyn and The Devonshire in Lisle.

Residents who don’t have their own personal computers can go to their facility’s cyber café, where interfaces automatically display in large print, and staff members are on hand to help them navigate search engines and websites. Each facility maintains its own website, where residents can find dining room menus, search activity schedules and share photos with other residents, as well as access public websites through a protected portal.

Seniors who need help with daily living but who don’t want to leave their homes also depend on the Internet, says David Hachmeister, founder of Caring Senior Service in Elmhurst, which provides part-time and full-time in-home caregivers.

Hachmeister sets up ClearCare home monitoring software for his clients that lets family members log in to see their senior’s daily schedules, medical updates, general status and — most importantly — when the caregiver arrives and leaves each day.

“So many of our clients reported having had trouble with other home care agencies because their caregivers would simply not show up because they had car trouble or a childcare issue,” notes Hachmeister.

“ClearCare gives family members peace of mind. You really don’t want to be stuck in a business meeting in Denver wondering if your mother’s caregiver ever showed up.

This software lets you pull up that information on your phone or your laptop.”

Hachmeister and his office manager, Carissa Dalenberg, also use the software to make sure their employees arrive at their clients’ homes on time.

The small but growing number of doctors who specialize in home health care use both the Internet and solid state miniaturization to provide clinic-quality care in their patients’ bedrooms. X-ray

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Determining the Best Caregiving Option

caregivers are certified nurse’s aides, so they have experience helping frail or injured seniors move around their homes.

Some families avoid the risk of hiring outside help by moving aged parents or other relatives into their own homes. But that option brings a different set of concerns, cautions Jody Kanikula, director of Metropolitan Services of DuPage’s in-home senior respite program. That program matches volunteers willing to spend three hours a week watching a senior who needs continuous supervision to give the families a needed weekly break.

“Finances and time for oneself are the two biggest issues,” Kanikula explains.

“Families often have to make financial sacrifices to care for a senior at home, like one spouse giving up a job or paying for home health care services that Medicare doesn’t cover. And it’s tricky to use the senior’s own money to pay for things like that. Time away becomes a huge issue because everyone needs time to run errands or just wind down, and it’s very hard to do that when you’re responsible for someone who can’t be left alone.”

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Kanikula recommends that families helping a senior live at home — whether in his or her own home or with a relative — seek free or low-cost help from some of the local community agencies to patch together a support system. “I call it making a quilt of care,” she says. “We’re very lucky in DuPage County because we have many services for seniors and their families.”

At some point, at least half of seniors will find it increasingly difficult to live at home, even with help from family or outside caregivers. That point might come when the senior suffers an injury that requires hospitalization or inpatient rehabilitation, says Claudeen Saxon of The Tillers Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Oswego.

“Sometimes, a patient will enter a rehab facility and realize that he or she will not recover enough to return home,” Saxon notes. “Then that person and his or her family must find a long-term care facility that meets their needs. For some people, that decision is almost a relief because they’ve been struggling to live at home when they really shouldn’t have been.”

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“For the last five years, we’ve seen more people trying home health care before they go to a more structured care situation,” agrees Sherry Kizer, senior vice president of senior living services at Lexington Square in Elmhurst and Lombard. “An independent spouse will try to care for a spouse with Alzheimer’s or other chronic medical issues because they don’t want to be separated. But often it gets to the point when it’s not safe for them to be at home because of physical or mental impairments.”

An age-in-place complex solves that problem by letting seniors settle in while they’re still independent enough to make their own decisions and enjoy the social activities available in a retirement home setting, Kizer explains. If they become ill or frail enough to need assisted living services, they can simply move to a different facility at the same location without having to leave their spouses or new friends. Many assisted living and memory care centers offer double rooms so that spouses can move in together, even if only one of them needs specialized care.

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machines, ultrasound machines and other equipment that once took up entire hospital rooms now fit into the back of a minivan, while smartphones with specialized cases and apps can administer an electrocardiogram, transmit the data to a cardiologist’s office and return a diagnostic report to the doctor before he steps out of the patient’s front door.

“There’s not a lot I can do in a medical office that I can’t do in somebody’s home,” Cornwell asserts. “I give X-rays, I give

“As the Baby Boomers continue to age and decline in health, we as a society will not be able to take up those beds with seniors who don’t need acute care.” ultrasounds, I treat blood clots. I even have a patient on a ventilator at home. Plus, elderly patients are more comfortable being examined and treated at home, so they don’t get disoriented and they can cooperate more fully with the doctor.”

Though home health care still costs more per visit than operating medical clinics, the growing shortage of beds in hospitals, assisted-living facilities and nursing homes will give insurance companies increasing incentive to cover them, Cornwell states. “We do not have enough beds to keep doing what we’ve been doing the last 60 years,” he says.

“As the Baby Boomers continue to age and decline in health, we as a society will not be able to take up those beds with seniors who don’t need acute care.”

“Ten thousand people turn 65 every day in the U.S.,” Hachmeister says. “We’re living longer in a debilitated state of health.

In the years ahead, many more people won’t be able to afford to spend years in a nursing home. But new technology will enable more and more of them to live longer at home.” n WEST SUBURBAN LIVING

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NAPERVILLE With a vibrant downtown and wealth of attractions, this suburban city boasts a distinctive charm

A

by Joni Hir sch Blackman

djectives describing Naperville are usually associated with much smaller towns. In fact, it may be the most charming and quaint 144,000-resident city in the country.

Perhaps best known for its regular appearances on nationwide “best” lists, Naperville’s website indeed lists countless awards. Residents suffering from accolade overload pretty much ignore them because they’ve heard it all before. Case in point is the 10-year streak for the number one ranking of the Naperville Public Library compared to other libraries serving cities 100,000 - 250,000 people. That’s something no other library in the country has achieved.

A recent number one ranking on a list of “Best Places to Retire Early” (by Kiplinger/ Yahoo Home) notes Naperville’s Photos courtesy of the City of proximity to that big city to the Naperville. Photo at left courtesy of North Central College. east. “In about an hour aboard

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the Metra commuter-rail system . . . residents can relish everything that makes Chicago famous, including its food, bars, beach, architecture, sports teams and art scene.”

While those comments may be true, Naperville residents note their own town has everything on that list — all within walking distance of said train.

“Our town is alive from 4:30 or 5 in the morning when the coffee places open, through the day, evening and when the night owls are out, all the way until midnight or 1 or 2 a.m., depending on the day of the week and the weather,” says Steve Rubin, a lifelong resident who is also chair of the city’s Downtown Advisory Commission. “It’s a very, very dynamic downtown — not unlike Chicago’s Streeterville. We’ve even got our own water feature,” he adds with a smile.

Few locations offer the wholesome 24-hour

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atmosphere of downtown Naperville’s stores, restaurants, entertainment and outdoor venues, agrees city planning operations manager Allison Laff.

“A lot of downtowns are busy daytime or nighttime. But it’s unusual to have that success morning to late night,” says Laff.

“We have the vibrance of nightlife and then in the morning, it’s back to the familyfriendly town where people come to work and shop. It’s the best of all worlds.”

Naperville’s latest honor — fourth on Movato’s “10 Safest Mid-Sized Cities in America” — doesn’t hurt.

“People come here to enjoy themselves and they know it’s a safe community,” says Mayor George Pradel, who has served nearly 19 years as mayor and was a Naperville police officer for 30 years before that. “They also appreciate that we have free parking.”

Local business owners’ vision in removing parking meters to compete with the shopping mall built west of Naperville in 1975 was one of many visionary choices which helped create the uber-success that is Naperville’s downtown. But at least one third-generation Napervillian believes

— there was always vision that allowed us to become what we are now.”

Other towns try to emulate various aspects of Naperville’s attributes. But according to Rubin, they often are missing a key ingredient.

“I distinctly remember a nearby town calling us after our sesquicentennial celebration (in 1981) We said ‘we’d be happy to help, when is it?’ They said, ‘next month.’ I remember my dad being involved and it took a year and a half or two years of planning, and a long time of thinking before then. We had events, follies, a wagon train from Chicago.

That takes a long time to plan. That’s one thing Naperville has always done well — the planning, the long-term vision.”

What really makes the difference, says Laff, is that Naperville’s business and property owners are involved in that process. “They’ve always led the charge of coming up with the vision — the

the last couple of years have been another turning point in Naperville’s rise.

“I used to hear, ‘I came to shop in Naperville to fill in and get that last gift or two’ during the holidays,” says Rubin, whose family partnership brought the first national retailer, Talbots, to town more than 20 years ago — 50 years after his grandfather brought Naperville its first supermarket, A&P. “For the last two years, I’ve been hearing, ‘I come to Naperville to shop for the holidays, then I met my husband for dinner or I met my friends for lunch.’

We have become a primary location for shopping — we have hit a critical mass.”

Two projects in progress are going to change the face of downtown Naperville yet again, as stores like Anthropologie, J. Crew and Bluemercury, as well as the downtown’s first hotel, will soon be arriving.

“We’re going to have another level of stores coming to town, another strata that adds to the critical mass making us a shopping destination of choice,” says Rubin. “We’re a lifestyle center, but a natural one. Why? That goes back to the downtown plans for the last 40 years

(Opposite page) A scenic bridge on the Riverwalk, downtown shops including Main Street Promenade, Centennial Beach, and the campus of North Central College. (Below, from left) Fredenhagen Park, DuPage Children’s Museum, and the Millennium Carillon.

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Town Focus

Naperville

Photo courtesy of North Central College

Resources

Wentz Concert Hall at North Central College

Naperville Public Library Total Holdings - 803,266 n Items Checked Out Per Year - 3,972,838 n Visitors Per Year - 1,958,060 n

Attractions  Center Stage Theatre

1665 Quincy Ave., 630 355-9212. Naperville’s newest performance center and home to Kidz Kabaret youth theater group.

 Century Walk - 34 Chicago Ave., 630 355-5553. Public art initiative featuring 40+ murals, mosaics and sculptures throughout downtown.  DuPage Symphony Orchestra - 817 Shiloh Cir., 630 778-1003. Two-time Illinois Community Orchestra of the Year enters its 60th year of symphonic performances.  Millennium Carillon - 443 Aurora Ave., 630 848-3611.

The fourth largest carillon in the world which features 72 bronze bells.  Naperville Community Concert Center - 104 E. Benton Ave., 630 305-5226.

Naperville-owned facility for performance arts groups located in Central Park.  Naperville Riverwalk

400 S. Eagle St., 630 305-5984.

1.75 miles of walkway along the DuPage River that winds through the downtown area.

 North Central College 30 N. Brainard St., 630 637-5100. Independent iberal arts college with approximately 3,000 students offering 55+ undergraduate majors and graduate programming.  Von Oven Scout

Reservation - 701 S. West St., 630 983-1508. 10-acre campground designed for use by Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and organized youth groups.

 Wentz Concert Hall 171 E. Chicago Ave., 630 637-7649. North Central College’s fine arts performing center, featuring jazz, classical, and contemporary music concerts.

Recreation  Centennial Beach

500 W. Jackson Ave., 630 848-5000. Nearly six acres of pool and beach located in a former quarry.

 Knoch Knolls Park 336 Knoch Knolls Rd., 630 848-5000. 224-acre park which will be home to a new 5,000-sq-ft nature center in September.  Nike Sports Complex 288 W. Diehl Rd., 630 848-5000.

Lighted, synthetic turf field, multi-use fields, lighted courts for tennis, basketball and volleyball, a playground

people who can carry out the vision are helping to make it.”

The new developments — Main Street Promenade East at the north end of downtown, adjacent to the Van Buren 80 MARCH/APRIL 2014

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and walking/bicycle trails.

 Odyssey Fun World 3440 Odyssey Court.

630 416-2222. Four indoor rides, a jungle gym, Laser Trek, and two paintball courses.  Paddleboat Quarry 630 848-5000. Adjacent to the Riverwalk, offers four-person boat rentals throughout the warm weather months.  Players Indoor Sports Center - 1740 Quincy Ave., 630 470-6400. 95,000-sq-ft indoor sports facility.  Springbrook Golf Course 2220 W. 83rd St., 630 848-5060.

18-hole course with a natural turf driving range, putting green and clubhouse.

Museums  DuPage Children’s Museum

301 N. Washington St., 630 637-8000. Features exhibits designed to spark creativity and problem solving in young children and enhance the childadult learning partnership.

 Naper Settlement

523 S. Webster St., 630 420-6010. 12-acre living history museum consisting of 30 historical buildings and structures, with exhibitions and programs detailing daily life in Naperville in the 19th century.

parking deck, and Water Street, south of Main at the south end — will change downtown dramatically, perhaps more than people realize, Rubin says.

“Water Street will add another level |

of excitement to the city. It will anchor the south side,” he explains. “Right now, you drive by that area and you don’t notice it.

It’s just a bunch of ugly old buildings.”

Approved last year, the Water Street project is expected to break ground in June. It will include a Hotel Indigo, retail, restaurants and offices as well as a parking deck. The project was debated for several years before it was finally approved last year after scaling back its size somewhat.

“People were up there making speeches about ‘this is not what the Riverwalk was supposed to be, all these businesses on the river bank,’ and I had to chuckle at their misstating of history,” says architect Bruce George, whose firm, Charles Vincent George, designed the Riverwalk in 1979. “That’s the exact opposite of Jim Moser’s vision — it was all about bringing business back to Naperville, surrounding the river and making it a feature to draw business in.”

Moser’s vision began with a trip to San Antonio, when he saw the Riverwalk there and imagined what Naperville could draw with such an attraction upgrading the thenunderutilized DuPage River though town.

Then other visionaries built on that, choosing to put the new city hall and library downtown, rather than further out.

Among the many beneficiaries of that vision is Nicki Anderson, the new CEO of the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce. Anderson and her husband, Bill — owner of Naperville’s Oswald’s Pharmacy — have lived and raised their family downtown, and for 20 years she has run her business, Reality Fitness, downtown as well.

“Many small business owners of Naperville are from here, and most are dedicated to the success of everybody, not just themselves,” says Anderson. “It’s got a whole different feel. You walk in a shop and the attitude is not, ‘We hope you will buy something!’ but ‘What would you like to know about Naperville?’”

When her friends come to visit, they comment on what they call the “Naperville vibe,” continues Anderson. “They say we’re

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the ‘cutest little community,’ and then they’ll say, ‘this is a happening town.’”

People certainly notice. It is common for groups representing envious cities, most recently from North Carolina and Oklahoma, to show up in town to take a tour and ask city planners for advice.

“We often get, ‘How did you get all these businesses here?’” says Laff. “We tell them we do planning, but a lot of it is driven by our involved property owners who work hard to get the businesses here.”

One thing Naperville doesn’t have downtown may be just as important in its success: the train does not run through the center of downtown, but rather north of the business district.

“You can get off the train and comfortably walk to town, but the train doesn’t go through town,” says North Central College President Troy Hammond.

“That walkable gap completely changes the character of our downtown, with the Riverwalk and the pleasant nature of it.

Take the train to come here, and walk downtown. Visitors can have a fantastic experience all day without having a car.

There’s not many places in America you can say that, but that is Naperville.”

Hammond moved to Naperville in 2010, before becoming president of NCC last year. His corporate-transferee-to-collegepresident route is reminiscent of Ken Small, the man who was sent to Naperville in the late 1960s to help build Bell Labs and ended up loving the town so much, he declined a transfer back to New Jersey and became mayor from 1971-1975.

Naperville transplants often pitch in and get involved — even many native Napervillians say that’s helped make the city the success it is.

“Naperville has a history, a culture to it,” says Rubin. “If you come from out of town and want to be in a small-town atmosphere and be involved, it’s very inviting.”

The combination of old and new serves Naperville well, too, says Mary Lou Wehrli, a DuPage Forest Preserve Commissioner whose family has been in WEST SUBURBAN LIVING

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Town Focus

Naperville

Statistical Snapshot

 2012 pop est - 143,684  Increase from 2000 - 11.9%  Median age - 37.9 years  19 and under - 31.3%  20-24 - 4.8%  25-34 - 10.3%  35-44 - 15.3%  45-54 - 18.3%  55-64 - 11.4%  65 and over: 8.7%  % Male - 48.6%  % Female - 51.4%  % White - 73.0%  % African-American - 4.6%  % Asian - 14.9%  % Hispanic - 5.3%

Education

 % High school degree or more - 94.1%

 % Bachelor’s degree or higher - 65.5%

 % Graduate Degree - 30.0%

Photo courtesy of Ciry of Naperville

Population

Income

 Median Household

 Owner-occupied units - 77%  Renter-occupied units - 23%  Gross median rent - $1,189

Housing

Business/Employment

Income - $110,131

 Total households - 45,584  % Family Households - 75.1%  Avg Household Size - 2.8  Mean Value of Owner Occupied Housing Units $429,500

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to Work - 30.6 min

Sources: U.S. Census, City-Data.com and American Community Survey

roof. A canoe launch will also be built in the park, and the current nine-hole disc golf course will be expanded to 18 holes, with the help of some goats hired last fall to clear brush from the land.

Wehrli, who attended the groundbreaking with many of her Wehrli and Knoch relatives, is sure her philanthropic grandparents would be happy a nature center will be where cows used to graze, pigs enjoyed the mud and the Knoch’s had a summer home.

“They’d spend the night there and had a playhouse for us grandkids. There was a well, a pump house and an outdoor fireplace made of stone,” says Wehrli, noting she and her family still enjoy the park today. “Grandpa thought someday Naperville would grow out this far maybe.

Now it’s available to all of us in perpetuity.

It’s a gift to everyone to keep it public.”

While Naperville is known for its restaurants and shopping, attractions like the nature center should remind visitors of the city’s many natural draws.

“It’s a destination that will satisfy your sense of wonder. It’s something people who are deciding ‘where should we go today?’ often don’t think of,” says Wehrli, a former member of the park district board.

Best of all, she says, is the nature

Naperville for generations.“As an old-timer, having a solid foundation of hardworking people and the opportunity to welcome new people with ideas and participation improves everything.”

One of Naperville’s newest attractions, a staffed nature center, is under construction on what used to be a dairy farm belonging to Wehrli’s grandparents, Win and Irene Knoch. More like a forest preserve than a typical park, Knoch Knolls park is a 224-acre wooded property about five miles south of downtown, at the confluence of the east and west branches of the DuPage River, where the park district holds hay rides each fall.

Park District Executive Director Ray McGury says this property — Naperville’s “largest and most diverse natural area” — was selected after residents listed a nature center as their number one request from the park district for nine straight years.

Opening in September, the center will contain indoor and outdoor educational exhibits including a river aquarium, an interactive wall map of the DuPage River watershed, and plants and animals of the DuPage River. Built with nature in mind, the 5,000-square-foot building itself will exhibit environmental sustainability, using photovoltaic panels and a partial “green” 82 MARCH/APRIL 2014

 Total Number of Firms: 14,322  % Residents Employed - 93%  % Residents Unemployed - 7%  Avg. Travel Time

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center’s location on the city’s bike trail.

Naperville’s extensive bike trails, many which have been built in the last 10 years, connect from McDowell Forest Preserve on the north side of town to Knoch Knolls park on the south side. Underpasses at Ogden Avenue and 75th Street have made biking through Naperville’s 39 square miles much easier.

The 40 or 50 miles of “phenomenal” trails throughout Naperville are one of its best-kept secrets, says McGury. Information about bike and walking trails is available at napervilleparks.org, but here’s a tip from McGury, parks director since 2008: a water fountain for people and dogs has been installed next to the fire station along the Spring Brook Prairie path.

“City water was already running there and a friend of mine who is retired from the fire department called and said we could install a water fountain there for joggers. That’s an example of Naperville — we get it done. It sounds inconsequential, but it speaks volumes on what this community’s about,” says McGury, a former Naperville police captain.

Water isn’t the only thing running through Naperville — the city’s first marathon was held last fall and was a resounding success. The November event hosted 3,500 runners who started at North Central College and wound through Naperville’s forest preserves and streets. Next year, the marathon’s route will change and the race will be open to 7,500 runners.

It was only logical to start and end the Naperville marathon at North Central. The city’s extensive running community exists largely because of the college’s running culture, says president Hammond.

“In the 40 years since the NCAA Division III was organized, our men’s cross country team has won 15 national championships and 15 second places.

We are nationally known for running.”

North Central built a unique residential hall/recreation center building in 2009 that includes a 200-meter indoor running

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TOWN FOCUS

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630-946-6420

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175 W. Jackson / Suite 135 / Downtown Naperville 84 MARCH/APRIL 2014

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Naperville

track, named after NCC’s longtime coach, Al Carius. Last March, the NCAA indoor track championships were held there, drawing 4,000-5,000 people representing 70 colleges around the country.

“The NCAA looked at what we had to offer at that event and promptly said, ‘can we come back?’ They immediately booked us again for 2017,” saysHammond.

North Central has given Naperville even more in the past several years. The spectacular Wentz Concert Hall, which opened in 2008, regularly brings in performers, from Yo Yo Ma t o Charlie Daniels.

The college also partners with Anderson’s Bookshop to bring speakers and authors to campus. “We’re like their speaker’s bureau,” says store owner Becky Anderson. “We’ve brought in Madeline Albright, Caroline Kennedy, Chris Matthews, even Carmen Diaz.”

Perhaps nothing says Naperville as much as events. On any given weekend, an event is happening somewhere in town.

“Nearly every special event in Naperville ties in with a cause bigger than the event itself,” notes Wehrli. “Even at events like the marathon, our special events help us think beyond ourselves and our own enjoyment of the event.”

That is the case for Naperville’s two biggest events, both of which give profits to charities: Ribfest, held each year the week of July 4, and the Last Fling, on Labor Day weekend.

Naper Settlement, the city’s living history museum — named one of the Chicago area’s 25 largest tourist attractions by Crain’s Chicago Business last year — is also the site of many events, from Maple Sugaring Days, to wine tastings, to Civil War reenactments and Oktoberfest.

On any given day, the Settlement’s exhibits allow busloads of school-children to learn how Naperville first began, and to learn about early settlers’ lives. “They get a real education when they come out there,” says Pradel.

Children are always welcome in

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N c t M a o f N y o t T l t e

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Naperville, the city once voted #1 in the country in which to raise children. Among the reasons why is the DuPage Children’s Museum, located just steps from the train and a few blocks north of downtown, which offers a variety of educational programs for kids. On the other side of downtown, Nichols Library provides children’s programs year-round for residents, but in the summer, offers events such as its puppet shows at the Riverwalk amphitheatre once a week.

The park district also sponsors a summer lunchtime entertainment series along the Riverwalk with all sorts of outdoor entertainment for the whole family.

Another attraction is the city’s unusual Millennium Carillon, which began as a private venture as a gift to the city in the new millennium, but created some controversy when the city finished paying for it.

“But now it’s a high point,” says Pradel.

“Every time I turn around, I see people taking pictures with the Carillon. It was a labor of love that brought that to Naperville.”

Carilloneurs play music with the bells of the carillon, located on Rotary Hill along the Riverwalk, each Saturday at noon and 7 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m.

Tours are also given from May to October up the 160-foot-tall, 14-story structure.

Views from the top are spectacular — a beautiful way to admire all of Naperville, not to mention the Chicago skyline.

From up there, during the warmer weather months, one might see hundreds of people sprawled out on blankets with picnics and seated on benches in front of the city’s bandshell in Central Park, a block east of Washington Street.

“Central Park is something people don’t see when they drive through town,” said Wehrli. “It’s a real gem. It was given to the city by the county when the county seat moved to Wheaton.”

Yet Naperville’s most famous feature, its oft-called “Crown Jewel,” the Riverwalk, should have the last word. Mayor Pradel calls it the “river of life,” a creation that, years ago, helped keep downtown WEST SUBURBAN LIVING

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Town Focus

Naperville

Naperville alive and today keeps it thriving.

There may be no one thing Napervillians appreciate more, no one place each and every person mentions when asked about Naperville. But its status as the essential artery of Naperville is fitting, since it came to be thanks to the vision of a longtime resident, and was built with the help of many volunteers.

That legacy continues to be built upon, as the Naperville City Council recently approved a mile-long addition to the Riverwalk, extending it south to Martin Avenue toward Edward Hospital.

Though everyone loves and appreciates the Riverwalk, there are always a few new things to learn about it.

On Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon, during warmer weather in the Smykal Free Speech pavilion by the Dandelion Fountain on Jackson Avenue, the “over 40” crowd shows up with guitars for an informal jam session.

“It’s a hangout for older people,” says Wehrli. “You don’t have to be an American Idol, just be you.”

Across the river near the Carillon is another favorite, the paddleboat quarry, where the four-seater boats are available for half-hour and hourly rentals. The park district is considering turning the Eatery into something of a wine/beer garden.

Another favorite place along the Riverwalk is Centennial Beach, the former quarry turned public swimming hole by town leaders and volunteers in 1931 for the city’s centennial. Updated with care in 2011, the historic facility goes from a sandy zero depth to 15 feet deep and features diving boards as well as rafts floating in the middle of the deepest waters.

In fact, Centennial Beach drew visitors from afar as long ago as the 1930s, when Chicagoans routinely made the excursion on the train, spending the day cooling off in the waters of the beach.

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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

Puebla Modern Mexican

A

NEW TWIST ON MEXICAN IN ST. CHARLES s its name implies, Puebla Modern Mexican at 51 S. First St., St. Charles (630) 945-3408, aims to stand out from the crowd, says owner-operator Tony Alfonso.

Its creative menu and chic décor combine to make a statement, Alfonso says, citing one of the recently opened restaurant’s most popular dishes, puerco y mole, which features pork shoulder that’s cured in-house for a week and served with roasted garlic, Mexican

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boasts more than 50 types of tequila.

Alfonso says the décor strives for a contemporary, urban feel and includes hand-painted Mexican tiles and elegant woodwork and counter tops. The place seats 150 and is open Tuesday-Thursday from 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday, 10:30 a.m.10 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Reservations are accepted.

Puebla is Alfonso’s third restaurant to open in four years. He also operates Pizzeria NEO restaurants in St. Charles and Naperville.

— T.R. Witom

oregano and mole poblano, topped with a slice of pork belly.

“We elevate the pork dish, and that makes a difference — a modern approach, different from what your old-school Mexican restaurants might offer,” he says, adding that Chef Tom Torres is not afraid to break with tradition.

Puebla offers six different salsas and guacamole and four ceviches, including an inventive scallop version with chayote, kiwi, pineapple and roasted squash seeds.

Prices average $12 a person at lunch and $22-$23 at dinner. A well-stocked bar |

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GoOd food

By T.R. Witom

Devon Seafood and steak in Oakbrook Terrace

D

evon Seafood & Steak in Oakbrook Terrace has a menu that will make even the most jaded diner sit up and take notice.

While steaks are duly represented, this fine restaurant — run by the same management team that operated Braxton Seafood Grill at Oakbrook Center for many years — especially shines when it comes to piscatory delights.

Committed to buying what it calls “top of the catch,” Devon’s fresh fish offerings change from one day to the next, depending on what’s available from its trusted fishmongers. During a recent visit, featured selections included Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, black grouper, swordfish, spearfish and seared scallops.

But that’s only the beginning.

Diners who dive into the menu’s starters list will typically find not only lobster, crab and three or four varieties of fresh oysters, but options galore to please seafood lovers and landlubbers alike.

Spicy tuna sushi rolls, fried calamari, jumbo lump crab cakes and Prince Edward Island mussels, as well as roasted duck flatbread and goat cheese bruschetta, are all represented.

Looking for other popular options? Consider Devon’s Maine lobster bisque or spicy creole gumbo.

Among the salads, an appealing option is the baby greens and watercress, dressed in a honey balsamic vinaigrette with feta and toasted pine nuts.

The two entrées we sampled provided a tasty testimony to Executive Chef John Cosnotti’s culinary acumen.

Shellfish bouillabaisse ($29) was a dish to savor. This fragrant stew contained a tasty mix of perfectly cooked mussels, shrimp, scallops, calamari rings and lobster, flavored by tomatoes and fennel and mildly spiked by an espelette pepper rouille.

Another recommended dish is the pretzel-crusted trout, an appetite-pleaser from the first bite to the last. A large serving of the fish was plated with haricot vert, frisee and roasted potatoes in a bacon-mustard vinaigrette.

Grilled salmon panzanella, almondcrusted tilapia and blackened chicken penne pasta were some other options as well as center-cut filet mignon, bone-in ribeye, flat iron steak and frites, and

Filet with Lobster Mac n’ Cheese

Kansas City strip.

Choose from several classic options for dessert, from crème brûlée to carrot cake to Key lime pie. We opted for the chocolate lava cake, a luscious option, though place your order early, as it can take up to 15 minutes preparation time.

Devon’s bar serves artisanal cocktails, including 10 specialty martinis. Its wine cellar features mostly California labels, offered by the glass or bottle ($29 to $250). On Sundays, wines less than $100 are half-priced. Happy hour offers appetizer specials from 4-7 p.m. MondaySaturday and 4-9 p.m. Sunday.

Soft, low lighting and modern artwork lend a warm, clubby air to the dining room, which accommodates 237 guests, with additional seating at tables and hightops in the bar area.

Two private-party rooms add to the capacity as does a seasonal patio. n

QUICK FACTS

Devon Seafood & Steak/

17W400 22nd St., Oakbrook Terrace.

630 516-0180 www.devonseafood.com

recommended dishes:

cost:

hours:

extras:

Pretzel-crusted trout

Appetizers $8.50 - $15.50

Mon - Fri 11 a.m.- 10 p.m.

Valet parking available

Shellfish bouillabaisse

Entrees: $19.50 - $44

Sat 4 - 10 p.m.

Private party rooms

Chocolate lava cake

Desserts: $5 - $7.50

Sun 4 - 9 p.m.

Seasonal patio

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DIning 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.

Listings

n Arrowhead Restaurant & Bar: 26W151

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!

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. n Barclay’s American Grille: 1120 Pleasant St,

n Central DuPage n Nw DuPage & Upper Fox Valley n Sw DuPage & lower fox valley n Se Dupage & SW Cook n Ne DuPage & nw cook n 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. n 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. n Anyway’s Chicago Restaurant & Pub: 5 E

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.

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. n 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. n 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. n Chama Gaucha: 3008 Finley Rd, Downers Grove.

630 324-6002. A Brazilian churrasco-style steakhouse

Just Opened Photo by Roseanne Segovia

Peanut Butter Planet Classic food favorite finds its way to Glen Ellyn

P

eanut Butter Planet,

five-star gourmet restaurant,”

a new restaurant that

he adds, noting that the new

pays obeisance to one of

venue fills a niche.

America’s favorite foods,

The menu offers a dozen

opened in mid-February at

different gourmet PB&J

546 Crescent Blvd., Glen Ellyn

sandwiches — from classic

(630 858-7265). The place

versions to riffs on s’mores and

food artisans. No high fructose

is owned by Frank Pecora

Elvis Presley’s PB&J-banana

corn syrup, hydrogenated oils

and his business partner,

favorite, here called Nuttin’

or trans fats are used.

Larry Hanson.

But a Hound Dog. Coffee, tea

and assorted breakfast items

Planet has set its business

percent of all U.S. households

such as bagels, croissants and

hours from 6 a.m.-6 p.m.

consume some type of

muffins round out the menu.

Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m.

peanut-based product on

Pecora says the objective is to

Saturday; and 7 a.m.-4 p.m.

a daily basis, Pecora says

keep most sandwiches under

Sunday. The restaurant seats

opening the restaurant was

$5; the one exception will be

nine at tables and there’s

a matter of common sense.

three sliders for $6.

counter space for four. Pecora

“It’s not rocket science or that

expects carryout trade to

we’re attempting to be a

and jellies are produced by

Citing statistics that 90

All of its nut butters, jams

Initially, Peanut Butter

be brisk.

— T.R. Witom

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Photo courtesy of Eric Kleinberg Photography

GoOd food

By T.R. Witom

Pizzeria NEO Neapolitan-style pizza in Naperville and St. Charles

O

ur love for pizza is so vast, it seems to know no bounds.

For many, it’s a dietary staple consumed in its various guises and styles — thick, thin, deep dish, stuffed. Heck, if pressed, we’ll even chow down on a packaged pie from the freezer aisle.

But the good stuff, the kind of product turned out by a trusted Italian restaurant — something you might enjoy with a glass of wine or cold beer — offers a gustatory experience that’s hard to beat.

You’ll find it at Pizzeria NEO in Naperville, which has distinguished itself since its opening in June 2012 by offering a menu starring authentic Neapolitanstyle pizza. Founders Tony Alfonso and Gaetano Sorrentino came to town as experienced restaurateurs, having operated their flagship Pizzeria NEO in St. Charles since July 2010.

Diners can easily observe the staff as they work fresh-made dough, add ingredients imported from Naples, and bake pizzas in the artisanal way using a wood-fired brick oven, the interior temperature of which reaches 900 degrees.

The 100-seat establishment, occupying remodeled space that once housed Tangerine Café, features a trendy, modern interior. Candlelight adds to the

warm ambience of the restaurant, while artwork depicting historic scenes of Italy dresses up the wall space. Electronic, clubtype music contributes an urban vibe that says NEO is not your typical pizza joint.

A full bar stocks red, white and sparkling wines, domestic and Italian, sold by the glass or bottle. Also available are craft beers and signature cocktails, including an intriguing Pineapple Upside Down Cake Martini. Customers can bring their own wine, but a $15 corkage fee is imposed.

Before diving into the pizza, the appetizer selections merit consideration.

My dining partner and I opted to order a small platter from the salami bar, sharing two types of cured pork sausages, soppressata and finocchiona, grilled zucchini and a tasty morsel of aged pecorino, a sheep’s milk cheese.

Other antipasti include nine varieties of bruschetta with toppings of arugula and sauteed portobello mushroom with garlic aioli, prosciutto sun-dried tomato chutney, and sauteed broccoli rapini and sausage, among others.

Two popular starters, highlighted

Porchetta pizza with pistachio, red onion and mozzarella

by our waiter, were burrata, a delicate, soft-textured cheese made with a creamy center of fresh mozzarella; and polpette di carne, homemade meatballs served on crostini with marinara.

Unwilling to bypass the pizza or the pasta of the day — easy to inhale ravioli with a portobello cream sauce — we ordered both dishes. It was a good decision, even if some pizza traveled home with us in a box.

The pizza, with a beautiful thin crust that brought back memories of a Roman holiday, had a colorful edible canopy of ingredients that included slices of mortadella, cherry tomatoes, arugula and chunks of burrata. Ten more pizzas are offered, among them Margherita, Prosciutto and Speck.

NEO also wows with its unusual take on dessert — a deconstructed cannoli served in a martini glass. n

QUICK FACTS

Pizzeria NEO /

47 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. 630 922-8200.

31 S. First St., St. Charles. 630 377-8700. www.pizzerianeo.com

recommended dishes:

cost:

hours:

extras:

Burrata, Polpette di

Appetizers $6-$14

Sun - Th 5-11 p.m.

Free parking next door,

Carne, Wood Fired

Entrees: $10-$16

Fri-Sat 5 p.m. - midnight

reservations accepted,

Pizzas, Ravioli

Desserts: $7

daily specials, free WiFi

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DIning 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-you-can-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. n Chinn’s 34th Street Fishery: 3011 W Ogden Ave,

Just Opened

Pizzeria da Nella Authentic Neopolitan-style pizza and homemade pasta in Carol Stream

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.

B

uilding on the success

oven was built by three

Rounding out the menu are

of their 18-month-old

artisans from Naples,” says

two to three pasta dishes

Pizzeria da Nella in Chicago’s

Frank. Nella, a native of Italy, is

made fresh daily, homemade

Lincoln Park neighborhood,

in charge of the open kitchen

gnocchi, and various

owners Frank Grassano and

in the 85-seat restaurant.

appetizers and salads.

n Devon Seafood + Steak: 17W400 22nd St, Oakbrook

his wife, Chef Nella, in late

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.

January opened a second

pizzas at the flagship outlet in

reservations and offers full bar

outlet at 600 E. North Ave.,

Chicago are the Diavola, with

service. It accepts carryout

Carol Stream (630 580-9143).

tomatoes, mozzarella, spicy

orders and eventually plans to

salami, red pepper flakes

initiate delivery service within

n 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: 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. n 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,

Authentic Neopolitan-

Three of the most popular

style pizza is a big attraction

and basil; the Buffalina, with

a three-mile radius.

at the new venue, which

tomatoes, basil and buffalo

occupies re-decorated

mozzarella; and the Bianco,

11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday

space that once housed the

with smoked mozzarella,

through Thursday and 11 a.m.-

Vietnamese Bistro.

prosciutto di Parma, arugula

11 p.m. on weekends.

and Parmesan.

“Our brick wood-burning

Business hours are from

— T.R. Witom

n Mesón Sabika: 1025 Aurora Ave, Naperville.

outdoor dining. Lunch T-Sat 11:30-2; Dinner T-Sat 5:30-9.

Reservations: Recommended.

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 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.

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cheers

By Buzz Brandt

The place to go in the western suburbs for

GREAT SEAFOOD

The Mercurial Pinot Noir

S

ensual, seductive, light in body and low in tannins, Pinot Noir is a mercurial wine, exhibiting an expansive range of aromas, flavors and textures, depending on terroir and winemaking styles. The thin-skinned, dark purple grapes grow in tightly-clustered, cone-shaped bunches resembling pine cones (Pinot Noir is derived from the French words for “pine” and “black”), preferring cooler, drier climates and well-drained soils such as those of Burgundy, the Central Otago of New Zealand, Oregon’s Willamette Valley, and California’s Carneros and Russian River Valley.

Pinot is also a notoriously difficult grape to grow, since the delicate skins — which account for the wine’s characteristic lighter body and color — also make it sensitive to light exposure and susceptible to damage by vine diseases, mold, fungi and pests.

Although Pinot’s ultimate origins are unclear, the chalky hills of Burgundy’s Côte d’Or

Chinn’s 34th Street Fishery - 3011 West Ogden Ave.

LISLE 630.637.1777

Coming in september

17th Annual

DINING GUIDE

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region is its traditional homeland. Here it was discovered by the ancient Romans invading the indigenous Gallic tribes.

Over time, the medieval church adopted the grape for the wine of sacrament, cultivating vines and producing wine in church-owned vineyards.

By the 1850s, the grape had migrated to California, eventually making its way to Oregon, where it flourished in the Burgundianlike climate and soils of the Willamette Valley.

In its best expression — and especially when young — Pinot Noir

dominates the senses with a brilliant garnet color and aromas and flavors of ripe strawberries and raspberries mingled with notes of cherry, plum, violets, spice, smoke, mineral and leather.

Burgundian Pinots (aka “Burgundies”) tend to be more earthy in character, with lower alcohol levels and more robust tannins and acidity; the palate is supported by a backbone of minerals and herbs. California and Oregon Pinots lean more toward jammy fruit, with less structure and higher alcohol levels. n

Expert wine recommendations • SAM MCDANIEL Standard Market Wine Shop in Westmont - 2011 Girasole Pinot Noir, $15, from California.

Aromas of strawberries and cherries with hints of clove, nuts, smoke and spice combine with flavors of cherries and spice.

- 2009 Scherrer Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, $40, from California.

Unfiltered Pinot has red fruit, blackberry and orange peel with a deep core of black cherry, herbs and earth.

Low acids with finely-textured tannins.

• GENO KENNY Geno’s Fine Wine in Elgin - 2007 Blue Rock Cabernet, $39, from California.

Deep nose of cassis, eucalyptus, blueberries, blackberries, flint

and spice. Rich and juicy palate with black cherries, blackberries, cassis and plum with fine-grained tannins and sweet vanilla notes.

- 2012 Meiomi Pinot Noir, $22, from California.

Lush and balanced.

Scents of cherries, plums, cranberries, spice and cedar are the prelude for a dense palate of ripe and red black fruit and a hint of chocolate.

WEST SUBURBAN LIVING

2/21/14 12:40 PM

DINING  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.  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.  RA SUSHI: 310 Yorktown Center, Lombard.

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, 6 or more.  REDSTONE AMERICAN GRILL: 13 Lincoln Center,

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.  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.  SEASONS 52: 3 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook.

630 571-4752. Fresh grill and wine bar focusing on low-calorie 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.

Make Your Holiday Entertaining Reservations Now!

 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.  SUZETTE’S: 211 W Front St, Wheaton. 630 462-0898.

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, carryout, 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.

Experience the Finest Selection of Italian Cuisine One-of-a-Kind Gourmet Specialties, Custom Created by Experienced Chefs

 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.  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.

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

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SCENE&SEEN

Charitable Events of Note

PILLARS COMMUNITY raised over $187,000 at their Bollywood-inspired Pillars Ball. The money raised helps provide services to those in the community. Members of the 2014 Pillars Ball Committee include (above left, from left to right): Brian Doruff of Westchester, Lynn Lacey of La Grange, co-chair Michelle Halm of La Grange, Cheryl Cannistra of Willow Springs, co-chair Mari Cantorna of Countryside, Lisa Hilgenberg of Brookfield, Zada Clarke of Western Springs, Pillars Director of Special Events & External Relations Sam Madan of Naperville, and Lauren Williamson of La Grange. Also enjoying the evening were (above, top right, from left to right) Jan Bomher,

Photos: John Reilly Photography

Pillars Board Chair Margie Morris, and Frank Bomher, all from Hinsdale; and (above, lower right) Pillars’ President and CEO Ann Schreiner and Mark Suppelsa of WGN-TV.

GUESTS OF CATHOLIC CHARITIES’ 24TH ANNUAL SPIRIT OF SAINT NICHOLAS BALL helped to raise an estimated $885,000 while celebrating the life and generosity of Saint Nicholas and his care toward children. Enjoying the night were guests (above left, left to right) Tom and Peggy Graham of River Forest, Dr. Mary Ann Malloy of Oak Brook, and Bob Graham of River Forest. During the event, Monsignor Michael M. Boland (above right, on the left) presented Francis Cardinal George with a Timothy Schmalz “Homeless Jesus” statue in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Cardinal’s ordination to the priesthood.

The proceeds from the event will go toward helping the 20,000 children who are supported each year by Catholic Charities programs.

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2/20/14 11:51 PM

METROPOLITAN FAMILY SERVICES Wheaton League President Marilyn Karim (left) and Treasurer Mary Jane Banta (right) presented a check for $11,000 to Theresa Nihill, Executive Director of Metropolitan Family Services, DuPage County. The money was raised from the Wheaton League’s Christmas auction. The money will be used to carry out the programs of Metropolitan Family Services DuPage, which helps thousands of people in crisis each year.

NEARLY $230,000 WAS RAISED for 26 charities at the inaugural Edward Hospital Naperville Marathon & Half Marathon held in November.

Yonatan Mascote (top right) of Naperville was the winner of the marathon. Presenting his award was Pam Davis (top center), System CEO of Edward Hospital and Elmhurst Memorial Healthcare; and Naperville Mayor George Pradel (top, at left). Amanda Mirochna (bottom photo, center) won the women’s marathon. She accepts congratulations from Mayor Pradel. Looking on are Davis and Race Director Bob Hackett.

ALMOST HOME FOUNDATION, a no-kill animal rescue based in Elk Grove Village, held its annual “Little Paws, Big Hearts” gala in December.

More than 300 volunteers and guests attended the event and helped raise $90,000 for the rescue by bidding on auction items that included Chicago

DUPAGE

Blackhawks memorabilia and vacation packages

COMMUNITY

to Africa and Costa Rica. During a 15-minute

FOUNDATION Grant

bidding frenzy, $30,000 of the total amount was

Committee Member

raised to help construct a dog park to go behind

Ruth Carlson of

the rescue’s new dog kennel. Enjoying the night

Wheaton (far left)

were (top photo, left to right) auction coordinator and volunteer Deanne Markos of Schaumburg, charity chair Kelli Zopfi, and Danielle Weder of Glen Ellyn; (middle photo, left to right) volunteers Michele Zeiler, Megan Ludeman, and Kaylee Curuc,

presents an $8,000 grant to Salt Creek Ballet to support a new and revamped production of “The Nutcracker” in the

all from Schaumburg; and (bottom photo, left to

coming year. Accepting the award on behalf of Salt Creek Ballet is board member

right) Almost Home Foundation founders Claire

Katharine L.S. Hamilton of Hinsdale (left center), Executive Director Christina Salerno

Sleigh of Hoffman Estates, Chuck Hanson of

of Clarendon Hills (right center), and Board Vice President Greg Sjullie of Elmhurst.

Medinah, and Linda Wyka of Elk Grove Village.

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Last Word

By Michele Weldon

When You Gotta Dance, You Gotta Dance You don’t need an excuse or a special occasion to get up and get down and boogie

“I

don’t dance. Ever.”

A new friend proclaimed this to me shortly after we met. And I am seriously considering the future of our friendship, or if there is a future at all. I simply cannot subscribe to such a disdainful approach to what I consider a vitamin supplement to life. I really love to dance.

No, I mean, I really love to dance.

It’s not that I’m a professionally trained ballerina, or trained in any genre of dance for that matter. Completely amateur in my love of swaying and sliding, I have, however, been known to bust a move now and again. OK, I have been known to dance a lot — at parties, weddings, concerts or any venue where the music is loud and the audience is invited to get up and get down.

Of course, I do not twerk. I do not gyrate, grind or grab like Beyoncé or Miley.

I am not an exhibitionist — though I am an admitted extrovert — and I do not need an audience. I dance in the shower, I dance in my room by myself, I dance in my office with the door closed. I hear a song I love and I just want to keep moving.

This is not a newly acquired passion.

My sisters and I — and occasionally our brothers — danced in our basement to 45 rpm records we played over and over again, from Petula Clark’s Downtown, to Top 40 hits from the Monkees and the Beatles — even some Buffalo Springfield, Donovan and Rolling Stones. My friends and I held dance contests during sleepovers where Motown was the favorite label and Michael Jackson was a superstar who was our age.

I danced at middle school sock hops

Dancing for me is as immersive and distracting as reading — but with a calorie burn. I can dance for hours without prescribed moves, premeditation or self-conscious deceit.

and later, high school dances in gyms, foyers and cafeterias. I danced with girlfriends in groups and boyfriends alone, and with few exceptions, the girlfriends were better dancers.

I am a self-taught dancer in the same way I am a self-taught cook, with a smattering of classes here and there and lots of watching people on TV. Just as in cooking, I know the basics and I improvise on the spices.

Surely I am no Ginger Rogers or even Madonna. But I can dance for hours — without prescribed moves, without choreography, without premeditation or self-conscious deceit — and feel as if only minutes have passed. Dancing for me is as immersive and fully distracting as reading — but with a calorie burn.

I contend the music must truly be in me because in the car I am one of those drivers whose shoulders you see moving from side to side as I am doing my best to shimmy and twist while stalled westbound on 290.

I was once pulled over by a policeman who said, “Do you know how long I have been following you? Turn off your radio.” He gave me a warning, not a ticket, so I did a happy dance.

Years ago my father taught me how to do the box step and cha-cha. I remember as a young girl, when I stepped on his toes, he would remind me, “Mich, don’t look down

at your feet and don’t worry how you are doing. Just keep dancing.” His favorite song was Satin Doll by Duke Ellington; I smile and sway every time I hear it.

When my sons were babies, I would hold them each in my arms and dance in the living room, singing in their ears. I wanted them to love dancing as much as I do. When they got older, I would turn on the cassette player and we would dance in the family room after doing the dinner dishes. Pretty much they jumped up and down, hopping and clapping and smiling. I don’t believe they ever grasped the concept of dancing to the beat. But now in their 20s, all three are good dancers, and unlike an army of men in my generation, they will voluntarily and without cajoling get up and dance at parties and weddings. I am taking at least some of the credit. To their girlfriends and future wives who also love to dance? You are welcome.

“Dance is a song of the body. Either of joy or pain,” the legendary choreographer and modern dancer Martha Graham once said.

I agree. I don’t understand anyone who says he or she won’t dance, can’t dance or worse, hates to dance. Hate is a big word.

I don’t ever like to use; it’s too limiting and aggressive. And it is a word I never, ever would use about dancing. n

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