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Vol. 38, No. 44
See high school report card scores PAGE 3
2023 EATS
Also serving North Riverside
November 1, 2023
Page B1
Major construction coming to Brookfield streets PAGE 6
Spongy moth hits Riverside
Officials plan to stop the infestation with aerial insecticide applications in the spring
All in the family
Byline EREZ BEN-AKIVA Contributing Reporter
The spongy moth is back. It may be cute, but it’s also hungry, not picky – and dangerous for trees. Riverside trustees have agreed: No more. The invasive species will be treated in affected areas with aerial applications of Btk, a naturally occurring insecticide. Those applications will likely occur in May 2024.
Riverside Ri id woman gives i back b k in i Honduras H d STORY BY BOB SKOLNIK, PAGE 6
PROVIDED
Amy Jacksic
See SPONGY MOTH on page 9
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The Landmark, November 1, 2023
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The Landmark, November 1, 2023
RBHS ranked ‘exemplary’ in state report cards LTHS gets commendable rating despite higher test scores
By BOB SKOLNIK
jumping to 12.4% this year, up from 11.1% in 2022. RBHS had a graduation rate of 94%.
Contributing Reporter
Riverside Brookfield High School received the coveted exemplary ranking in the 2023 Illinois School Report Card. Lyons Township High School was ranked as commendable. Exemplary schools are schools that rank in the top 10% of the state by the measures used by the state while commendable schools rank in the next 67%. The summary ranking is based on a variety of factors including graduation rate (50%), chronic absenteeism (10%), English Language Arts (ELA) proficiency (7.5%), math proficiency (7.5%) 9th grade on track and the number of students responding to a school climate survey. RBHS just made the exemplary designation with an overall score of 92.2. Our school’s exemplary designation is the result of collaborative approaches in all we do,” said RBHS Principal RB Principal Hector Freytas. “RB is simply an amazing place for all!” LTHS’s just missed exemplary with an overall score of 91.02. “We think we’re pretty darned close,” said LTHS Director of Curriculum and Instruction Scott Eggerding. LTHS higher overall test scores than RBHS. The Illinois State Board of Education’s proficiency standard in math is a 540 score on the SAT exam while the proficiency standard in English Language Arts is a 540 score on the evidence-based reading and writing section of the SAT. Illinois has some of the most rigorous standards for proficiency in the nation, and its benchmark for proficiency is higher than that of 45 other states, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. At LTHS, about 54% of students met or exceeded the state standard in ELA and math while at RBHS 48% exceeded the state standard in ELA and 44% did so in math. There were, as in past years, wide differences in performance among various racial and ethnic groups at both schools. This overview focuses on high schools. This publication will offer an in-depth
LTHS
look at elementary schools next week. In the meantime, you can learn more about your local schools at https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/.
RBHS The high school enrolled 1,647 students in 2023. About 47.5% of students reported they are white, while 41.7 % reported they are Hispanic. About 5% of students said they are Black. Just under 12% of students are considered low-income. At RBHS 65.2% of white students met or exceeded the state standards in ELA compared with 50% of Asian students, just 29.7% of Hispanic students and only 25% of Black students. Nearly 25% of low income RBHS students met or exceeded the state standard in ELA. In math, 70% of Asian RBHS students and 60% of white RBHS students met or exceeded the state standards while just 27.6% of Hispanic and only 15.8% of Black RBHS students did so. Only 7.6% of low income RBHS students met or exceeded the state standard in math. Overall, RBHS scores in ELA did not change much from 2022 when 48.9% met or exceeded the state standard. But RBHS’s scores actually dropped in math. About 52% of RBHS juniors met or exceeded the state standard in math in 2022 compared to just 44.7% this year. The percentage of RBHS students scoring in the lowest category in math increased to 27.6% this year compared to 22.4% in 2022. Ironically the percentage of RBHS students scoring in the highest category in math, exceeding standards, also slightly increased this year
More than 3,780 students are enrolled at Lyons Township. About 70% of students report they are white and about one-quarter are Hispanic. Black students make up about 3% of the population. Roughly 12% are considered low-income. At LTHS scores in ELA improved this year as 54.5% of students met or exceeded the state proficiency standard compared with 49.4% in 2022. LTHS scores in math inched up this year as 54.1% of students met or exceeded the state standard in 2023, up from 53.1% in 2022. Racial, ethnic and socioeconomic disparities were also evident at LTHS. Almost 74% of Asian students and 63.8% of white students met or exceeded the state standard in ELA compared to just 30.7% of Hispanic and 25.9% of Black LTHS students. And 20.2% of low income LTHS students met or exceeded the state standard in ELA. In math, 73.7% of Asian students and 63.9% of white students met or exceeded the state standard, while just 29.5% of Hispanic and 25.9% of Black students did so. Only 18.4% of low-income students at LTHS met the state standard in math. LTHS had a graduation rate of 96%. Test scores at both schools were far above state averages. Statewide only 31.6% of students met or exceeded the state standard in ELA while just 26.7% did so in math. Statewide officials said proficiency rates across the board remained below pre-pandemic levels.
C O R R E C T I O N
A story called RB football draws Kaneland again for playoff opener that was published last week contained an error in the date the last time the Riverside Brookfield High School football team returned to the Class 6A state playoffs. It was 2017. We regret the error.
IN THIS ISSUE Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Obituaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Editor Erika Hobbs Staff Reporters Francia Garcia Hernandez, Amaris Rodriguez Digital Manager Stacy Coleman Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea Designer Susan McKelvey Sales and Marketing Representatives Lourdes Nicholls, Ben Stumpe Business & Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner EMAIL jill@oakpark.com Publisher Dan Haley Special Projects Manager Susan Walker
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair Judy Greffin Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Steve Edwards, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer
HOW TO REACH US ADDRESS 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 PHONE 708-442-6739 ■ FAX 708-467-9066 E-MAIL buphues@rblandmark.com ONLINE www.RBLandmark.com The Landmark is published digitally and in print by Growing Community Media NFP. The newspaper is available on newsstands for $1.00. A one-year subscription costs $41 within Cook County and $51 outside the county. Advertising rates may be obtained by calling our office. Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS 0019-585). Postmaster send address corrections to Landmark, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302. © 2023 Growing Community Media NFP.
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The Landmark, November 1, 2023
BIG WEEK
Singo
November 1-8
Wines in the Wild Saturday, Nov. 4, 6 p.m.-10 p.m., Brookfield Zoo Enjoy some booze in the Zoo’s Discovery Center this weekend. Wines in the Wild is sponsored by the Chicago Zoological Society and will be purveyed by Prestige Countryside Liquors and SSA Group. Prestige Liquors will handle all your drinking needs from wineries and distilleries across the United State, whereas SSA Group will provide hors d’oeuvres. The fundraiser will feature a silent auction and a show to meet and greet some of the Zoo’s animals. Funds raised by the event will go toward the education, conservation, and scholarship programming needs for the Women’s Board of the Chicago Zoological Society. 8400 31st St.
Brookfield Women’s Club Youth Entrepreneur Market
FILE
Sunday, Nov. 5, 2:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m., Compassion Factory
Last year was such a success that the Brookfield Women’s Club is happy to announce that the Young Entrepreneur Market is back! If you missed last year’s market, this event is all about putting the spotlight on the kids, the young entrepreneurs! These entrepreneurs will include children from grades 4-12 who want to promote their own businesses and products they have made themselves. The Women’s Club prides themselves on supporting and encouraging the women and children of the Riverside Brookfield area. Cash only. 9210 Broadway Ave., Brookfield.
Thursday Afternoon Movie
“The Ghost and Mrs. Muir”
Thursday, Nov. 2, 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m., Riverside Township Hall Come on down the Riverside Township Hall this Thursday for a PG movie! “The Ghost and Mrs. Muir” will be playing for this special movie day. The movie runs for a little under an hour and 45 minutes. Gene Tierney, Rex Harrison, Natalie Wood, George Sanders and more act in an American supernatural romantic fantasy film that was released in 1947. This movie is a perfect after-Halloween flick because who wants to say goodbye to Halloween so soon? Make Halloween last another night and attend the hall with your friends and family! 27 Riverside Rd., Riverside.
Ames Elementary School Fall Auction Friday, Nov. 3, 6:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m., Riverside Golf Club Calling all Ames students, parents, and neighbors! Ames Elementary will be having their fall auction Friday, which will be full of Ames community members coming together for the cause of the school. This night will call participants to bid on exclusive items and experiences, connect with the community, and support the future of Ames. Food and drink will be provided so feel free to come hungry! Fun fact: This upcoming year marks 100 wonderful years of Ames. Ames encourages everyone to come dressed in their best Gatsby attire to represent the year 1924, when the school opened. Celebrate like you’re in the Roaring 20s! The best dressed will receive a prize. See you there! 2520 Des Plaines Ave., North Riverside.
Thursday, Nov. 2, 6:30 p.m., Pub 78 What do you get when you combine Bingo and Music? Singo! Pub 78 will be hosting a Singo Night where snippets from various songs are played and it is your job to name the song appropriately. Once you guess the song, you mark the correct space on your Bingo card. The first person with four across or down will receive a prize! The best part about this event is that it is free: Who doesn’t like free activities? Bring your friends and family to Pub 78 to play Singo! 3733 Grand Blvd, Brookfield.
Supreme Court Decisions Presentation Tuesday, Nov. 7, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library The League of Women Voters of the La Grange Area is sponsoring a presentation that will feature recent Supreme Court decisions. This presentation will educate people on what the rulings are and what they mean. This is an amazing opportunity considering every decision affects some part of everyone’s lives. Additionally, it is very important to know what is going on in the country. LWV member Jan Goldberg will discuss 2022-23 cases including affirmative action cases: Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard and Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina; Student Loans: Biden v. Nebraska and Dept. of Education v. Brown; and Independent State Legislature Theory: Moore v. Harper. Some upcoming cases will be discussed as well. 3541 Park Ave., Brookfield.
Compiled by Grace Harty, Contributing Reporter
CALENDAR EVENTS ■ If you would like your event to be featured here, please send a photo and details by noon of the Wednesday before it needs to be published. We can’t publish everything, but we’ll do our best to feature the week’s highlights. Email calendar@wjinc.com.
The Landmark, November 1, 2023
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St. Barbara’s School may be turned into multi-family apartments Brookfield’s planning and zoning commission recommended the proposal for approval
By FRANCIA GARCIA HERNANDEZ Staff Reporter
The former St. Barbara’s School could be converted into a multi-family building with 23 residential units. The developer is a company named The Windemere LLC, which proposes to turn the vacant elementary school into a residential building with 2- and 3-bedroom units, documents submitted to the village showed. The Skokie-based developer plans to maintain the original structure and exterior architectural features of the 9,091-square-foot building. On the first and second floors, classrooms would be turned into individual apartments, mostly preserving the existing layout. The lower level, which is an open space, would be changed to match the layout on the other floors, building plans show. The building at the intersection of Windemere and Prairie Avenues is currently owned by the Archdiocese of Chicago. It is currently located in a single-family residential zone, but under a 2021 zoning amendment, the village could approve a special use permit for adaptive reuse, allowing the property to be used as a multi-family building. The developer plans to acquire the property if the village approves its request for a special use permit and ultimately, the redevelopment proposal.
FILE
St. Barbara convent, 4000 Forest Ave., Brookfield In 2021, the village amended the zoning code to allow existing buildings such as churches and schools to be used as multi-family buildings when they are located in single-family residential areas. The developer is also seeking approval of some code variances because the building does not meet some village code
requirements regarding minimum green space, maximum building coverage and required parking spaces. The building covers 41.6% of the lot, 1.6% more than the maximum approved by the village. It also has about 2,400 square feet of green space, which the developer plans to increase to about 2,900. Yet, it would still be about 26% below the minimum green space required by the village. The apartment complex would also have 30 off-street parking spaces, 16 spaces less than required to meet the village’s requirement of two parking spaces per residential unit. Modifying the building to comply with these code requirements would require demolition or significant modifications to the existing building, the developer said. Converting the shuttered school into a multi-family development aligns with Brookfield’s plan to encourage diverse types of housing within the village. The property’s location, close to the Metra train station and local shops, could also attract potential residents while providing economic benefits to the village. Brookfield’s planning and zoning commission recommended the proposal for approval at its Oct. 26 meeting, when a public hearing about the project was also held. The proposal will be presented to the board of trustees at the next village meeting on Nov. 13.
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The Landmark, November 1, 2023
For Riverside woman, volunteering is all in the family Amy Jacksic and her sister honor their father by volunteering in a Honduras orphanage
were spartan. There was no air conditioning and Jacksic described the plumbing as basic. Jacksic, however, said she was very impressed by the school and the orphanage, adding that the children are well cared for. “They are loved, they are heard,” Jacksic said. Once at the orphanage, Jacksic and the others got to By BOB SKOLNIK work building a trench. Jacksic and the rest of the group Contributing Reporter worked without any heavy equipment. They used shovels to dig a 2½-foot deep trench and had to break up roots with A Riverside woman recently spent a week at an orphana pickaxe. Then they made cement, lugging 40-pound bags age in Honduras where she and some other volunteers dug of cement and mixing the cement with sand, rocks and a trench between two buildings that had a flooding issue. water. Then they stirred the dense mixture for 15 minutes. Amy Jacksic, who managed the Riverside Farmer’s After that they poured it into five-gallon buckets and carMarket, was a Spanish major at Colgate University, so ried the cement to where it needed to be and dumped it when she heard that her college friend and fellow Spanish into the trench. It was grueling work. The hot weather and major Glen Turf was organizing a work trip to Honduras, high humidity made it even tougher. she not only jumped at the chance to go, but also she in“It was like the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” Jacksic vited her younger sister, Emily Meyerowitz of New Jersey, said. “Mixing cement by hand and then carrying it is not who was also a Spanish major at Colgate, to come along. for the faint of heart.” Turf is the chief officer for Global Initiatives, Equity At times, Jacksic also visited the nearby, highly ranked and Belonging at Miami Country Day School, and the school, which serves children in the area, as well as kids other participants on the trip were from the Miami area. who live in the orphanage. She would walk the children to The orphanage, called Hogares Nuevo Paraiso, is in a school in the morning, typically with stray dogs that folrural area and mostly lacks Wi-Fi. Jacksic and the rest lowed them. The kids named on of them Kobe. “I loved walking the kids to school each morning and of the group stayed on the orphanage grounds in housing away from the children. She had her own room with hear about their upcoming day from them,” Jacksic said. During her time in Honduras, Jacksic and the rest of the her sister, Turf and one other volunteer. But conditions group were accompanied by an armed guard. That’s because violence and kidnappings are common in the poverty- stricken Central American country. Travel to Honduras is currently under a Level 3 advisory by the State Department, which suggests Americans to reconsider travel to the country. Why did she and her sister want to go? “We love children and we love using our Spanish,” Jacksic said. They also wanted to honor their father Richard, who died in 2020 before he could do volunteer work Habitat for Humanity after he retired. Jacksic brought with PROVIDED her 100 pounds of donaThe volunteers dug a trench at the orphanage to help with flooding. tions: clothing, toiletries,
PROVIDED
Amy Jacksic shoes, DVD’s that were donated by her and 11 residents of Riverside. Former Riverside Village President Joe Ballerine donated one large rolling suitcase. Jacksic’s cousin, Michele Krentz of North Carolina, donated a four-figure amount that covered much of the cost of the trip. Jacksic’s Spanish is still good enough that she could easily talk to the children and staff. “I never had an issue communicating,” Jacksic said. Once, at dinner, two little girls from the orphanage were seated between Jacksic and her sister. The sisters were so taken with the girls that they decided to sponsor them. Jacksic will sponsor an eight-year-old girl and her sister will sponsor the other one. “Our sponsorship will help pay for their schooling, healthcare needs, school uniforms, room and board etc. and we will send gifts for their birthdays and holidays,” Jacksic said. And she and her sister plan to go back to the orphanage and visit the girls once a year. “This was a great experience, I’ll definitely be going back, 100 percent,” Jacksic said. “Emily and I will both be going back.”
The Landmark, November 1, 2023
Brookfield plans $7.3 million in street improvements Major construction is coming next year By FRANCIA GARCIA HERNANDEZ Staff Reporter
In 2024, the village of Brookfield will undertake major construction projects aimed at improving the streets and storm sewer infrastructure. The village plans on completing street improvement projects totaling about $7.3 million with funds coming from different sources, including federal and local funds in addition to village funds. Major construction will take place on Burlington Avenue and DuBois Boulevard as they will be reconstructed in two sections totaling nearly 1 mile. On Dubois Boulevard, the section between Ogden and Burlington Avenues will be reconstructed. On Burlington Avenue, the section between Maple and Prairie Avenues will be reconstructed and the section between Dubois Boulevard and Maple Avenue will be reconstructed and resurfaced. A new storm sewer outlet to Salt Creek will also be installed from Maple Avenue to Salt Creek. In addition, intersection crossings will get accessibility improvements and some portions of sidewalks will be replaced. Brookfield residents and passersby can expect traffic disruptions starting in the spring of 2024 and continuing into the fall. The village expects to start construction in March and will provide more information to residents closer to the start of construction, Village Manager Tim Wiberg said. The total cost of this project is about $5.8 million, with a portion covered by federal funds awarded by the Illinois Department of Transportation. In 2020, the village was awarded funds from its Surface Transportation Program totaling $2.25 million, about 39% of the cost.
To cover the remaining project cost, the village obtained a $1 million grant from the Water Reclamation District. The village could partially or totally cover the rest of the costs. By the end of the year, the village will know if the West Central Municipal Conference awarded it $1.6 million in contingency funding. If awarded, Brookfield would only pay about $950,000 for the project; otherwise, it will pay $ 2.5 million, using motor fuel tax and general village to cover this sum. The village will also make improvements to portions of three other avenues — Fairview, Madison and Morton Avenues. Improvements include repairing sections of combined sewer, replacing concrete curbs, gutter, sidewalks and driveways and pavement resurfacing and patching. Accessibility improvements will also be made at intersections and alley returns. The total cost of this project is about $1.4 million and it will be covered by the village. On Fairview Avenue, the section that will be improved spans from Maple to Sunnyside Avenue. This is the only section where the street will be widened by three feet. On Madison Avenue, work will take place from Washington to Monroe Avenue whereas on Morton Avenue, the section that will be improved spans from Garfield Avenue to 31st Street. The need to improve these roads was identified during the 2021 pavement evaluation survey, Public Works Director Vincent Smith told the village board in early October. Planning for this work is underway as the village board approved an agreement with the village’s engineering contractor to provide design engineering services for these projects at the Oct. 23 village board meeting. The village expects to receive bids for construction in March 2024, with construction starting in early April and ending approximately by the end of June.
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P O L I C E
The Landmark, November 1, 2023
R E P O R T S
Hospital worker arrested for battery of ex-girlfriend A woman was arrested Wednesday for breaking into her ex-girlfriend’s North Riverside home and assaulting her. The woman, who works at Rush Oak Park Hospital, had a phone argument with her former partner, who broke up with her and blocked her as a contact. The woman then went to the victim’s house on 12th Avenue and smashed the side door window with her hand. She entered the home without permission and confronted the victim, who tried to lock herself in a room for safety. Woman grabbed the victim’s sweater collar and hit her on the face, bruising her left eye. The victim called her mother, who alerted the police. A North Riverside Police Department officer arrived at the scene and separated the two. The woman has been arrested on charges of a Class X home invasion.
Woman scammed by fake kidnappers A woman received a phone call from two men who claimed to have kidnapped her mother and demanded a ransom of $290. She sent the money via MoneyGram to a person in Mexico, but later found out that her mother was safe and not involved in any drug deal. She also reported that she saw a man test driving a police car and thought he was a kidnapper, but he turned out to be an employee of Brookfield Auto Care.
Brookfield police officers who investigated the case found out that the phone number used by the scammers was registered to a voice over internet protocol address and was not active. VOIP is a technology that lets user make phone calls over the internet instead of phone lines or cellular networks. They also checked the name of the recipient of the MoneyGram and found no records. They advised the woman to contact her bank and dispute the transaction, and to call them if she saw any suspicious people.
Man stole hats from Lids A man was arrested Friday for stealing six hats worth $197.50 from Lids at North Riverside Park Mall. The man hid the hats under his jacket and walked out of the store without paying. The store manager alerted the mall security, who detained him and brought him to the mall security office. The police arrived and found out that he had a suspended license and an Illinois Department of Corrections warrant. He also had more than 10 felony retail theft convictions in his background. He was handcuffed and taken to lockup, where he refused to have his Miranda rights read.
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He was charged with felony retail theft by enhancement and held for bond court.
Five women stole from beauty store, threatened the manager Four women took hair dye and other products from Sally Beauty Supply last week. The store manager told North Riverside police that the women took the items Oct. 24 and that two of them came back to the store on the same day and tried to steal more items. She reported that she confronted them and they ran to a black Kia Soul, where two other women were waiting. She also said that one of the women called the store and threatened to fight her outside. The police checked the license plate of the Kia Soul and found out that it belonged to an expired Pontiac. An investigation is ongoing. These items were obtained from police reports filed by the Brookfield and North Riverside police departments, Oct. 2330, and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Unless otherwise indicated, anybody named in these reports has only been charged with a crime. These cases have not been adjudicated.
Compiled by Amina Sergazina
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The Landmark, November 1, 2023
SPONGY MOTH Dangerously cute from page 1 The preliminary decision came after a presentation given by village forester Michael Collins. “It’s definitely alarming,” Collins said. “Finding the infestation alone is definitely a huge red flag in terms of our tree population.” Residents reported spongy moth sightings in the Scottswood Common area to the public works department in July. The insects are a nonnative, invasive species, first introduced to North America during the 19th Century. They have no natural controls or predators that balance the population of the moths and their impact on a landscape, so “control is an important consideration,” Collins said. At an October village meeting, Scott Schirmer, the Nursery and Northern Field Office Section Manager of the Illinois Department of Agriculture explained that spongy moths defoliate trees during a caterpillar stage that occurs in the spring.
And according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, they have a taste for more than 300 types of trees and shrubs. They defoliate their targets, which leaves them vulnerable disease and pests. Repeated defoliation can kill the trees. “Spongy moth can be fairly impactful to our tree population and especially the area where it’s been discovered has a high population of oak trees, which are their preferred host,” Collins said. Schirmer also explained the other consequences caused by an infestation, such as increased noise levels, decreased shade, reduced property values and homeowner liability for fallen tree limbs and tree removals. “Any time you have something attacking trees or causing damage on trees, it hits people at home, especially in Riverside,” Schirmer said at the meeting. Collins presented three management options for mitigating the presence and spread of spongy moth. One course of action was a monitor and evaluate approach that included moth trapping, while a second possibility was ground applications of insecticide. Collins said that applying the treatment by ground, however, is less effective and more expensive than by air.
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The final option, which trustees agreed to implement, was two aerial applications of Btk, a naturally occurring soil-borne bacteria that only kills caterpillars. It does not affect humans or other animals. Schirmer said Btk minimally impacts caterpillar species native to the area. Some species have not yet hatched into the caterpillar stage when Btk is applied in spring and thus cannot be affected. The habitats of spongy moth and monarchs, meanwhile, “don’t cross over significantly,” Schirmer said. “Even if you do have some collateral damage, you remove the spongy moth as a primary competitor for the natives,” Schirmer said at the meeting. “The natives have more background noise in the area, so they spill back in a lot quicker and rehabitate that area with less competition.” This is not Riverside’s first bout with spongy moth. Collins said he found egg masses in 2005 within Scottswood Common and Indian Gardens. In 2006, parts of Riverside, Brookfield and Lyons, received aerial applications, while ground treatments were conducted in certain spots in 2009, according to Collins. Riverside residents can learn more about spongy moth and treatment against the insect at the village’s website.
PROVIDED BY VILLAGE FORESTER MICHAEL COLLINS
A spongy moth lays eggs on an oak tree in Scottswoods Common.
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The Landmark, November 1, 2023
YOUR
BEST
LIFE
with Lisa Capone Thrive Through Connection Winter is right around the corner. Cold and snow make it hard for seniors to get out of the house, resulting in isolation. Senior living communities mitigate loneliness by offering social opportunities that don’t require you to brave the elements. • Social Engagement: with a range of on-campus activities and events like fitness classes, hobby clubs and game nights that encourage interaction, residents can stay engaged and active within their own living environment. • Built-In Social Network: being surrounded by people of the same age and in a similar stage of life makes it easier to connect with others who share your interests, experiences and concerns. • Camaraderie: it’s more comfortable to make new friends when you share meals and spend time together. Community common areas and dining plans give residents the chance to forge new relationships every day.
Democracy Needs News. News Needs YOU.
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Dear readers, Local news is essential. You know that. You subscribe to the Landmark. And thank you for that. Our reporting is what connects these villages, holds officials to account, reveals the complexity of issues we grapple with and how we celebrate our successes in these villages. But while the need for independent local news is as strong as ever, the business model that supported our newsroom for 40 years just won’t work anymore. Ads alone won’t pay the freight. Readers will need to pay more for the news they need and want. Or that news may just go away. We’ve gradually increased the price of a subscription. Thanks for not complaining. But four years back we set out to actually reinvent the financial model for local news. We didn’t tinker around the edges. We made something completely new and we named it Growing Community Media. It is the umbrella for the Landmark, Wednesday Journal of Oak Park & River Forest, Austin Weekly News and Forest Park Review. We’ve kept our advertising in print and online. Like we said, we still love our subscribers. What we did was to add a third stream of revenue. Donations: Small donors. Bigger donors. And lately some foundation support. Through COVID-19 those donations kept us in business. In 2023 they are funding our newsroom’s growth. November is here and that means Growing Community Media is launching its biggest annual fundraising drive. Our goal is big. $250,000 by Dec. 31. Highest goal we’ve ever set. It’s money we need to raise and we’re going to raise. If you are contemplating making a donation, you have the right to ask what will we spend your money on. Well, we’ve hired an editor for our four publications. First time in a long time we’ve had a single editor running the newsroom. Erika Hobbs joined GCM in August. Born in Chicago, Erika comes to us with a lot of reporting and editing experience at dailies in Baltimore, Philadelphia and Orlando. She also worked at Patch, a local reporting shop, and she has done some teaching. You are going to like her. We’re investing more in digital. More news online faster. Our newsletters will get an update and new specialized newsletters such as Big Week are already launching. We’re moving back into events, starting modestly, but growing that part of our storytelling. Print subscribers often ask about the future of our print newspapers. We’re keeping them. Print is core to our strategy. And still a darned good way to get news and to sell advertising. I’ll wrap up with the hard sell. Imagine Riverside and Brookfield without the Landmark. It’s a gloomy thought. But not impossible. We’ve worked hard and made a lot of headway in building this three-legged stool of revenues. The future though is not certain. Don’t take us for granted. We need you. These villages need news. And we’ve got a plan to make local news sustainable for years to come. We need you to get us there. Online there is a donate button. In print there is a QR code. Or mail us a check made out to Growing Community Media, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park 60302. You have our sincere gratitude. Dan Haley Publisher Growing Community Media
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Opinion THE LANDMARK VIEW
Converting St. Barbara’s
C
hange is hard. And often good. That’s what we see as the decoupling continues at the longtime St. Barbara’s Church campus in Brookfield. As part of the “Renew My Church” effort by the Archdiocese of Chicago, pieces of the Catholic parish are being sold off and repurposed. The village’s Zoning and Planning Commission last week approved a developer’s plan to convert the former St. Barbara’s School building into a 23-unit apartment building. This is a good outcome. It saves and preserves the handsome school building. It also adds housing but not density to the neighborhood which is near the Metra. And it will bring helpful added property taxes to the village. The developer’s proposal will actually convert existing classrooms into apartments, while the open space on the building’s first floor will be subdivided into apartments. These will be 2- and 3-bedroom units, which will be welcome. Like almost every preservation and conversion project this one will need some minor zoning variances. The 9,000-square-foot building covers just a couple of percentage points more of the entire lot than zoning allows. So that’s easy. The existing building footprint does not include the green space required by code, although the developer has a plan to add green space. And finally, of course, the project will fall short of the total number of parking spaces required. With its location near Metra and being in a walkable neighborhood, we’re comfortable with relaxing the spaces-per-unit requirement. Less emphasis on building for a car culture is a welcome evolution in urban/suburban planning. This is another opportunity for Brookfield to continue its shift. The plan and the zoning variances will go before the village board this month. We look for a smooth conversion.
Infrastructure investment Brookfield continues to invest in infrastructure. With the 2023 construction season just wrapping up, it is time to start planning your detours for the spring of 2024. The village is rightly working on major reconstruction of key streets with work going on both below ground and at the surface level. Burlington Avenue and Dubois Boulevard will be fully remade. A new storm sewer outlet will be installed from Maple Avenue to Salt Creek. These are major and costly projects. The village is working all angles to secure outside funding for the $5.8 million effort. Federal and state funds are committed. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District is in for $1 million. And a final grant application is pending. There will be other, smaller, and less disruptive repaving projects next year too. In an older community such as Brookfield, it is always welcome news to see determined efforts to update and improve infrastructure.
The Landmark, November 1, 2023
11
OBITUARIES
Therese Dolmant, 91 Longtime hairdresser Therese Dolmant (nee India), 91, of North Riverside, died on Oct. 23, 2023. Born on May 16, 1932, she was a hairdresser for over 60 years and a Eucharistic minister at Mater Christi Church. She loved bowling, cooking and baking and driving her Cadillac. And she was an avid THERESE DOLMANT Frank Sinatra fan. Therese was the wife of the late Robert Dolmant; the mother of Linda Campagna and Robin (Richard) O’Connor; the stepmother of Danette Earnest; the grandmother of Jori (Jackson) Renner, Robert (Brayce) Campagna, Bradley (Jenna) O’Connor and Aimee O’Connor; the stepgrandma of Matt (DeAnne) Earnest and Lara (Dean) Baehr; great-grandmother of 12; greatgreat-grandmother of two; sister of Marian (late Dominic) Campasano; aunt of many nieces and nephews; and fun-loving cousin to many. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Edward Long, Carol (the late William) Long Heidinger and Louis Long. Services were held on Oct. 30 at Mater Christi Church, followed by interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Mater Christi Church are appreciated. Arrangements were handled by the Original Kuratko Family Funeral Home.
Sue Gross, 95 Loved bridge, golf and Riverside Sue Carol (Coughenour) Gross, 95, died on Oct. 27, 2023. Her roots were in Benton, Illinois, where she was born in 1928. Her mother, Edith, was one of 11 siblings which meant many aunts, uncles, cousins and large family gatherings. Her father died when she was 7, which prompted her to relocate
to Riverside with Sue and her younger brother, Jim, to begin a new chapter. Sue and her husband met in high school, when Agnes Clarke and Dorothy Gross set them up for a summer date that started the lifelong romance. In Riverside, she was involved in the library, garden club, Riverside Presbyterian Church, and Riverside Golf Club. Her bridge club girls meant the world to her. The family tradition at “College Camp” on Geneva Lake fostered long-lasting closeness for their family and cemented deep Riverside family friendships. Sue was the wife of Schofield Brewster Gross Jr., “Scuff,” for 65 years. She felt deep gratitude for her community of Riverside neighbors, friends, and family. In 2013 she and Scuff moved to Plymouth Place in LaGrange Park, where they sparked another close circle of friends. They raised three daughters in their Lawton Road home, Connie Sue (Michael) Schmidt, Cindy Gross, and Christy Lee (Martin) Muse. She was the grandmother of six, Michael (Nikki), Robyn (Jeremy), Sarah (Jamie), Daniel (Korneilja), David and Dexter; and great-grandmother of five, Rowen, Allie, Kalvis, Žemyna, and John Schofield. The family will host a visitation at Ivins/ Moravecek Funeral Home, 80 E. Burlington St. in Riverside from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 3. A memorial service will take place at 1 p.m., followed by a reception at the Chew Chew in Riverside. Donations in her honor will be appreciated at Riverside Presbyterian Church.
Mary Sokol, 97 Elementary school teacher Mary Sokol, 97, of Brookfield, formerly of LaGrange Park, died on Oct. 29, 2023. She was a teacher in elementary school. Services were private. Interment took place at Bohemian National Cemetery. Arrangements were handled by Hitzeman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 9445 W. 31st St., Brookfield, IL 60513.
To run an obituary SUE GROSS
Please contact Bob Uphues by e-mail: ehobbs@growingcommunitymedia.com, or fax: 708/467-9066 before Monday at noon. Please include a photo if possible.
12
Sports
The Landmark, November 1, 2023
Kaneland bounces RB from playoffs again
Final high school football game for 27 seniors By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter
It was déjà vu all over again for the Riverside Brookfield High School football team Friday night as Kaneland handed the Bulldogs a first round playoff loss for the second straight year, in a 56-20 rout, as the Bulldogs hosted their first playoff game since 2017. Kaneland (7-3) was too big and too strong for RBHS (7-3). The Knights overpowered the Bulldogs on the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball and scored touchdowns on their first five possessions of the game. They rushed for 271 yards with 220-pound running back Josh Mauthe gaining 133 yards on 18 carries, (101 yards on 12 carries in the first quarter alone) before exiting the game for good with an injury late in the second quarter. “They were running the ball down our throats and we just didn’t step up and make the plays when we needed to,” said RBHS head coach Sam Styler. The Knights drove 95 yards on 10 plays to take a 21-0 lead midway through the second quarter when Dominick DeBlasio (12 carries, 95 yards, five touchdowns) scored on a 3-yard run. That’s when the Bulldogs finally got their offense going. They responded with a 16-play, 76-yard scoring drive. On fourth and goal from the 15 yard line, quarterback Diego Gutierrez connected with David Valencia just short of
the goal line and Valencia bulled his way into the end zone to put the Bulldogs on the scoreboard with 2:43 left in the first half. But Kaneland wasn’t content to sit on its lead and scored again with just 49 seconds left in the half when quarterback Troyer Carlson connected with DeBlasio for a 23yard touchdown pass to give the Knights a 28-7 halftime lead. When Kaneland’s Aric Johnson returned the second half kickoff 85 yards for another touchdown, the rout was on. The Knights extended their lead to 42-7 before the Bulldogs could score again. Gutierrez found the endzone on a nifty 36-yard scramble with 5:09 left in the third quarter. Gutierrez (13 carries for 80 yards, 10 of 27 passing with one touchdown and two interceptions), who was under pressure all night, scrambled to his left, raced down the sideline and then cut back for the score. Late in the third quarter, Gutierrez was sacked and reinjured his recently sprained right ankle. After sitting out two series and having his injury looked at, the senior quarterback returned to the game and, despite noticeably limping, led the Bulldogs to their final score as Valencia (14 carries for 47 yards) scored his second touchdown of the game on a 3-yard run with 4:48 left. “There was nothing to lose,” Gutierrez said of his decision to return to action
STEVE JOHNSTON
Riverside-Brookfield’s Luke Kumskis (85) cuts through the Kaneland defense during the First Round of the Class 6A playoffs, Oct. 27, in Brookfield. after reinjuring his ankle. “Got a touchdown out of it so I’m proud of that.” Gutierrez has started at quarterback for the last two seasons and had substantial playing time at the position as a sophomore. Styler lauded his leadership. “He’s a battler, he’s a gamer, he’s a great leader,” Styler said. The Bulldogs’ seven wins this season was their most since 2017. “Tonight was a great opportunity for us,” Styler said. “It was a great atmosphere to be able to host a home playoff game and obviously just didn’t it get it
done, but very proud of how our guys battled throughout the entire time.” Friday night was the last high school football game for 27 seniors, a large senior group. The finality of having played their last high school football game hit the seniors after the game. A few tears were shed and there were many handshakes and hugs. “Some of these kids I’ve known since preschool, first grade, having that bond with them, realizing this was my last game playing with them, tough to realize,” Gutierrez said.
Lions football shines again in playoff opener Complete-game effort earns road victory over Stevenson
By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter
Lyons Township High School senior Ian
Gamino spent his 2022 varsity football season as the backup to graduated linebacker and co-captain Cooper King and playing on kickoff and special teams.
“I learned a lot,” Gamino said. “I was like a sponge, soaking up everything. This year, grinding in the offseason. I did track to prepare. I’ve worked hard to get
to this point.” Gamino took advantage of his opportunity Friday to help the Lions continue a 2022 tradition, stepping up in the Class 8A
S P O R T S
The Landmark, November 1, 2023
13
Despite inspired play, RB volleyball falls in regional Semifinal loss takes place at home
By BILL STONE
Sept. 21. The Bulldogs only graduate four. “I think the program has developed a lot especially the past two years” Krueger said, “and I think it’s going to
continue because I can feel a difference from last year to this year. I’m excited for the girls who are in eighth grade or are freshmen now. It’s going to be really
great. I’m glad we got to be a part of that foundation.” The match was a microcosm of the growth under RBHS coach Caitlin StaibLipinski in her second season. The Bulldogs improved from 13-10 in 2022 and won their second outright Metro Suburban Conference title in the past three seasons. “Despite the loss, I’m really proud of us,” Staib-Lipinski said. “I honestly think Downers North walked in thinking they had it and we gave them a run for their money. We played really well. We had a whole week to prepare. We watched a ton of film.” Blomgren epitomized the Bulldogs’ effort. Her solo block and four block assists equaled her single-match best. “That was, I think, the most energy I’ve had while blocking,” Blomgren said. “We talk about energy a ton and I definitely think the energy has changed. The energy’s grown more positive and I think just supporting each other has evolved as well and made a better environment.” RBHS took its first lead in the first set 9-8 and it quickly ballooned to 19-11. Downers North came back to tie at 23 but a service error and attack error gave the Bulldogs the set. “We followed the game plan. We just fell short,” Staib-Lipinski said. “We just had a hard time stopping some of our errors but some of our errors were aggressive errors and I’ll take that any day.”
son’s score with another touchdown for a 14-6 halftime lead. On special teams, senior Jack Cheney blocked a punt that senior Noah Pfafflin recovered in the end zone. “The kids are coming to practice with the right mindset and the message has been let’s put a whole game together, offense, defense and special teams, because that’s what we’re capable of,” LTHS coach Jon Beutjer said. Jackson was 13 for 19 passing for 173 yards. On the opening drive, senior Jack McQueeney scored on a 3-yard run after Jackson’s fourth-and-1 completion to junior Tucker King to the 31. King, Cooper’s younger brother, has played tight end since Pfafflin broke his left wrist two days before
the York game. “That was huge. The ball was a little high and [King] made a huge catch,” Jackson said. Stevenson scored on a 25-yard TD pass 3:12 before halftime but senior Kellen Knop blocked the extra point. After a 30yard kickoff return by senior Danny Montesano, the Lions went 58 yards to score 40.4 seconds before halftime on Jackson’s 1-yard TD run. A former running back, Cheney has been injured the last two varsity seasons for playoffs. Following his blocked punt, the free safety had an interception at the LT 48. “I’ve been out there all year. It’s been a fun year,” Cheney said. “[The block] was a
pretty awesome play. I’ve had a couple of interceptions, but that was probably the most fun, blocking that punt.” After Jackson converted third-and-20 and fourth-and-1 with 19 and 5-yard runs, he found junior Travis Stamm in stride for a 33-yard TD pass with 5:15 left in the third quarter. Senior Tommy Newcomb added a 30-yard field goal with 5:16 left. Last year, the Lions reached the 8A quarterfinals. In his third year as a playoff starter, Jackson said the team’s approach hasn’t changed. “It’s 1-0 every week and peak at the right time, peak at playoffs,” Jackson said. “That’s how we were last year and I feel like we’re going to stay like that the rest of the playoffs.”
Contributing Reporter
Seniors Addie Blomgren and Annabel Krueger have noticed the progress in the Riverside Brookfield High School girls volleyball team. In the Bulldogs’ final match, Oct. 24, just about everything went right, except the final score. On their home floor in front of an enthusiastic crowd, the No. 10-seeded Bulldogs gave No. 6 Downers Grove North a battle before losing 23-25, 25-17, 25-16 in the Class 4A RB Regional semifinals. “Honestly, that was the most energy we’ve had ever this season and it was just amazing to end it that way,” Blomgren said. “I think our heads were in it. We’ve been working really hard at practice to prepare for regionals. We thought that we were going to win. We came in ready.” Leading the Bulldogs (19-15) were Krueger (5 kills, 5 assists, 4 digs, 3 blocks), Blomgren (4 kills, 5 blocks, 2 aces), junior Sofia Owens (6 kills, 4 blocks, 2 aces, 5 points), senior Kelley Tyler (8 digs), sophomores Claire Cameron (12 assists, 2 kills, 4 digs, 7 points) and Lucy Boyle (5 kills, 4 digs, 2 aces, 26 service receptions) and freshman Mackenzie Sloger (2 kills, 2 aces, 6 points). Krueger considered this the team’s best match along with a three-set loss to defending 3A state champion St. Francis
state playoffs. The Lions (7-3) had an impressive opener, winning 31-6 at Stevenson. LTHS now will play host to rival York (9-1) at 1 p.m. Saturday in Western Springs with hopes of avenging their 24-14 homecoming loss on Oct. 14. The LTHS defense limited the Patriots (7-3) to 137 total yards and a second-quarter touchdown. Stevenson, which scored at least 24 points in six victories, didn’t cross midfield in the second half until LT led 28-6. “I feel like in the second half we really shut down their power run. We adjusted really well,” Gamino said. The offense opened with an 80-yard touchdown drive and answered Steven-
STEVE JOHNSTON
Riverside-Brookfield’s Addie Blomgren (11) follows through on a spike against Westmont on Sept. 20.
14 The Landmark, November 1, 2023 Deadline is Monday at 5:00 p.m.
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ASSISTANT VILLAGE ENGINEER/ TRANSPORTATION ENGINEER The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Assistant Village Engineer/ Transportation Engineer in the Public Works Department. The employee will be responsible for leading the planning, design, and operation of the Village’s transportation system;
designing and managing capital improvement projects; supervising and directing the Transportation Engineering Division; assisting in directing, supervising, and coordinating activities of the Engineering Division; and providing administrative support to the Village Engineer and Director of Public Works. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park. us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application..
ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN
The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Engineering Technician II in the Public Works Department. The employee performs layout, draft and design drawings from field survey information and field notes for various engineering and planning projects including existing improvements, right-of-way and various utilities and performs a variety of field inspections. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/jobs. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.
POLICE DESK CLERK FOREST PARK, IL
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PUBLIC NOTICES must be mailed or delivered by the claimant to the representative within 10 days after it has been filed. E-filing is now mandatory for documents in civil cases with limited exemptions.
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PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY. Request of Jason Issac Arroyo Case Number CONC001250 There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: Jason Issac Arroyo to the new name of: Jason Issac Roth The court date will be held: On November 9, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Richard J. Daley Center, 50 W. Washington Street, Rm. 1702, Chicago, IL 60602 via ZOOM at ZOOM ID 986 9592 1385 Passcode 539505. Zoom Call-In Number 312-626-6799 Published in Wednesday Journal Oct 25, Nov 1, Nov 8, 2023
PUBLIC NOTICES IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS, COUNTY DEPARTMENT, PROBATE DIVISION ESTATE OF RITA QUILLE, DECEASED. NO. 2023 P 007191 Notice is given to creditors of the death of the above named decedent. Letters of office were issued to BRIAN QUILLE, 1957 W RACE, CHICAGO, IL 60622, as Independent Executor. The estate will be administered without court supervision, unless under section 5/28-4 of the Probate Act (Ill. Compiled Stat. 1992, Ch. 755, par. 5/28-4) any interested person terminates independent administration at any time by mailing or delivering a petition to terminate to the clerk. Claims against the estate may be filed in the office of the clerk in Room 1202, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 W. Washington St., Chicago, IL, or with the representative, or both, on or before April 9, 2024, or, if mailing or delivery of a notice from the representative is required by section 5/18-3 of the Probate Act, the date stated in that notice. Any claim not filed on or before that date is barred. Copies of a claim filed with the clerk
To e-file, you must first create an account with an e-filing service provider. Visit Http://efile.illinoiscourts.gov/service-providers.htm to learn more and to select a service provider. If you need additional help or have trouble e-filing, visit http://www.illnoscourts.gov/FAQ/ gethelp.asp. Published in Wednesday Journal November 1, 8, 15, 2023
PUBLIC NOTICES SUMMONS (CITACION JUDICIAL) NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: (AVISO AL DEMANDADO): SHEKI D. WELCH, an individual and DOES 1 to 25 YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: (LO ESTÁ DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE): EB HALEM, LLC d/b/a DRIVE LA, a California Liability Corporation NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below. You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www. lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. ¡AVISO! Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 días, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su versión. Lea la información a continuación. Tiene 30 DÍAS DE CALENDARIO después de que le entreguen esta citación y papeles legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefónica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en
The Landmark, November 1, 2023 15
CLASSIFIED BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICES
la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y más información en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www. sucorte.ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede más cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario de la corte que le dé un formulario de exención de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podrá quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin más advertencia.
PUBLIC NOTICE STATE OF ILLINOIS VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD Notice of Public Hearing Village of Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission November 16, 2023, at 7:00 PM
PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Monday 20 November 2023 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Avenue, Forest Park, Illinois, the Planning and Zoning Commission will conduct a public hearing to consider a request for a variation to reduce the side yard setback and a variation to reduce the required lot width, lot area and lot coverage to construct a new single family dwelling at the following location:
Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remisión a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www.lawhelpcalifornia. org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www.sucorte. ca.gov) o poniéndose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales. AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperación de $10,000 ó más de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesión de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso. CASE NUMBER: (Número del Caso): 23VECV00177 The name ad address of the court is: (El nombre y direccion de la corte es): Superior Court of California County of Los Angeles, Northwest District Van Nuys Courthouse 6230 Sylmar Avenue, Van Nuys, CA 91401 The name, address and telephone number of plaintiff’s attorney or plaintiff without an attorney is: (El nombre, la direccion y el numero de telfono del abogado el demandante, o demandante que no tiene abogado, es): Keith M. Davidson, Esq. (SBN212216) Tel: (323)658-5444 KMD Law 2629 Townsgate Road, Suite 205 Westlake Village, CA 91361 Date (Fecha): 3/20/2023 Clerk (Secretario): David W. Slayton, Executive Officer/ Clerk of Court By Deputy (Adjunto): A. Salcdeo Published in Forest Park Review November 1, 8, 15, 22, 2023
NOTICE is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the Planning and Zoning Commission of the Village of Brookfield on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at 7:00 PM in the Edward Barcal Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois to consider a request by the Village of Brookfield, as petitioner, to amend the text of the Village of Brookfield Zoning Ordinance Chapter 62 Zoning, Article III – Off-Street Parking and Loading, Section 224 Control of Off-Street Facilities of the Municipal Code. The public is invited to attend the public hearing and present oral and/ or written comments. Written comments may be provided prior to 4:00 PM on the day of the meeting to: Village of Brookfield, Planning and Zoning Commission c/o Kate Portillo, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, IL 60513 and at kportillo@brookfieldil.gov. Oral or written public testimony may be given during the public hearing. The application may be viewed at the Village of Brookfield Village Hall during normal business hours. Public hearings may be continued from time to time without further notice, except as otherwise required under the Illinois Open Meetings Act. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodation in order to participate in any meeting may contact the Village of Brookfield at (708) 4857344 prior to the meeting. Wheelchair access is available through the front (south) entrance of Village Hall. By the Order of Chuck Grund, Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman. Published in RB Landmark November 1, 2023
PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Monday 20 November 2023 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Village Hall, 517 Desplaines Avenue, Forest Park, Illinois, the Village of Forest Park Planning and Zoning Commission will conduct a Public Hearing to consider a request for a variation to reduce the minimum lot width, lot area and a variation to reduce the side yard setback(s) and rear yard setback for the following property: LOTS 23 AND 24 IN BLOCK 1 IN ADAM SCHAAF AND W.A.KREIDLER’S ADDITION TO SOUTH OAK PARK BEING A SUBDIVISION OF THE WEST ½ OF THE NORTHEAST ¼ OF THE SOUTHEAST ¼ OF SECTION 13, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH RANGE 12 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN IN COOK COUNTY ILLINOIS Commonly known as 836 Circle Ave. PIN: 15-13-405-020-0000 and 15-13405-021-0000 The petitioner is Patrick Buckley dba Cill Dara, Marsha East, Chairman Planning and Zoning Commission, Chairperson Published in the Forest Park Review November 1, 2023
LOT 269 E.A. CUMMINGS AND COMPANY’S MADISON STREET ADDITION TO SECTION 13, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, SITUATION IN THE VILLAGE OF FOREST PARK, COUNTY OF COOK, IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS. Commonly known as: 7713 Wilcox Ave. Forest Park Il. 60130 PIN 15-13-105-018-0000 The petitioner is George Rosca dba RG Green Builder Signed: Marsha East Planning and Zoning Chairperson
PUBLIC NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed bids from qualified vendors at the Public Works Center, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. CST until 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 for the following: Village of Oak Park UPM COLD MIX PATCH MATERIAL Bid Number: 24-105 Bid documents may be obtained from the Village’s website at http://www.oakpark.us/bid. For questions, please call Public Works at (708) 358-5700 during the above hours. Published in Wednesday Journal November 1, 2023
Published in the Forest Park Review November 1, 2023
PUBLIC NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed bids from qualified mechanical contractors at the Public Works Center, 201 South Blvd., Oak Park, IL 60302 Mon thru Fri, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm until 11:00 am on Wed, Nov. 29, 2023 for the following: Village of Oak Park Public Works Center AHU 2 AC Replacement Proposal Number: 23-136 Issuance Date: 11/1/23 There will be a mandatory pre-bid meeting at the Public Works Center, 201 South Blvd., Oak Park, IL on Wed., Nov. 8, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. Bid documents may be obtained from the Village website at http:// www.oak-park.us/bid. For questions please call Public Works at (708) 358-5700. Published in Wednesday Journal November 1, 2023
PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE OF COURT DATE FOR REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE STATE OF ILLINOIS, CIRCUIT COURT COOK COUNTY
LEGAL NOTICE
Request of BILLY MICHAEL SMITH Case Number 2023 CONC001645 There will be a court date on my Request to change my name from: BILLLY MICHAEL SMITH to the new name of: CASEY WILLIAM STWEWART III The court date will be held: On January 25, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. on Zoom. Zoom Meeting ID: 91404109299 Passcode: 407193 Published in Wednesday Journal November 1, 8, 15, 2023
The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed bids from qualified fire sprinkler system testing companies at the Public Works Center, 201 South Blvd., Oak Park, IL 60302 Mon thru Fri, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm until 10:00 am on Wed, Nov. 29, 2023 for the following: Village of Oak Park Fire Sprinkler System Testing Services Proposal Number: 23-135 Issuance Date: 11/1/23 There will be a mandatory pre-bid meeting at the Public Works Center, 201 South Blvd., Oak Park, IL on Mon., Nov. 6, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. Bid documents may be obtained from the Village website at http:// www.oak-park.us/bid. For questions please call Public Works at (708) 358-5700. Published in Wednesday Journal November 1, 2023
Let the sun shine in...
Public Notice:
Your right to know...In print • Online Available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year OakPark.com • RBLandmark.com • ForestParkReview.com • AustinWeeklyNews.com PublicNoticeIllinois.com
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE HOLDERS OF BENCHMARK 2018-B1 MORTGAGE TRUST COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2018-B1 Plaintiff, -v.1120 RETAIL LLC, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS Defendants 2020 CH 06119 1114-1126 LAKE STREET OAK PARK, IL 60301 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on September 28, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on November 20, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1114-1126 LAKE STREET, OAK PARK, IL 60301 Property Index No. 16-07-119-0290000, 16-07-119-030-0000, AND 1607-119-031-0000 The real estate is improved with a mixed-use commercial / residential property. The judgment amount was $16,499,313.09. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.
You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact ALEX PORTER, LATHROP GPM LLP Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 155 N WACKER DRIVE, SUITE 3000, CHICAGO, IL, 60606 (312) 920-3333. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. ALEX PORTER LATHROP GPM LLP 155 N WACKER DRIVE, SUITE 3000 CHICAGO IL, 60606 312-920-3333 E-Mail: alex.porter@lathropgpm.com Attorney Code. 46500 Case Number: 2020 CH 06119 TJSC#: 43-3860 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 2020 CH 06119 I3231381
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination. The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. Restrictions or prohibitions of pets do not apply to service animals. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-669-9777. GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA
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The Landmark, November 1, 2023
2 1 E . B U R L I N GTO N R OA D, R I V E R S I D E | 70 8 . 4 47.72 07 G IN M CO
ON SO
D OL S ST JU
116 E Quincy St, Riverside $425,000
380 Herrick Rd, Riverside $375,000
D OL S ST JU
125 Woodside Rd, Riverside $590,000
302-306 River Oaks Dr, Calumet City $300,000 AL NT E R
1425 Ashland Ave, River Forest $1,125,000
69 Longcommon Rd, Riverside $189,900
10 S Wille St, #309, Mount Prospect $225,000
541 Barnsdale Rd #1, LaGrange Park $1,400/mo
1347 Cuyler Ave, Berwyn $439,000 AL CI R E MM O C
7722 Madison St, River Forest $18/sq ft
When it comes to selling and buying homes... experience, results and ties to the community make all the difference. Curious about the current real estate market and the impact on your home’s value? Thinking about selling, but need to find your next home first? Can’t find your dream home in this competitive market? Contact one of our local market experts for a free, confidential consultation.
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
A Paid Advertising Section
growingcommunitymedia.org
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(subject to private party schedule)
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EATS B2 November 1, 2023
EATS
Special Advertising Section
L
November 1, 2023 B3
sponsored by
The joys of dining
ike every meal well served in a local restaurant, our annual EATS special section is a collaboration of creative people, fully focused on a great outcome. Gathering so many local restaurants into one section reflects the spectacular diversity of cuisines and attitudes that we all enjoy in the eight communities represented in this year’s EATS section. Oak Park, Forest Park, Elmwood Park, Austin, Berwyn, River Forest, Brookfield and Riverside have, each in their way, become dining hubs drawing not only locals and but also curious diners from across the area. So many people are living out their dreams of creating a restaurant, building it up, opening it to change and welcoming their customers to enjoy that hospitality. We have thanks to offer, too. This year, our lead sponsor for EATS is Takeout 25. This nonprofit sprang into ac-
tion during the pandemic with a goal of sustaining our local restaurants during a spectacularly hard time. They created motivation and an infrastructure for generous and hungry people to still enjoy a great meal even during COVID. Now, Takeout25 is perpetually innovating to support restaurants and doing it across a wider range of nearby neighborhoods. Ours is a natural partnership in promoting the joy of good and curious eating. A final thanks to Risé Sanders-Weir, who has stepped up as our lead freelance writer for this section. When she told us she was a devoted local diner, she was speaking the truth. Hope you enjoy this year’s EATS. And happy dining.
Adorn your table... deliciously. Broken Tart cakes, pies, and cookies are getting all dressed up for Thanksgiving. Stop into our shop or visit brokentart.com to place your holiday order today!
BROKEN TART Cakes. Bakes. Coffee. 1108 Chicago Avenue, Oak Park www.brokentart.com
Dan Haley Publisher
Contributing Reporter and Photographer Risé Sanders-Weir Digital Manager Stacey Coleman Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea Designer Susan McKelvey Marketing Representatives Lourdes Nicholls, Ben Stumpe Business & Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair Judy Greffin Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Steve Edwards, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer HOW TO REACH US 141 S. Oak Park Ave. Oak Pak, IL 60302 Phone 708-524-8300 www.oakpark.com
Editor Erika Hobbs Publisher Dan Haley Special Projects Manager Susan Walker
© 2023 Growing Community Media NFP.
B4 November 1, 2023
EATS
Special Advertising Section
sponsored by
Longtime friends now partners at Victory Italian
V
Pair grew up in Melrose Park so Oak Park felt like home
ictory Italian is the collaboration of Chef Joe Farina and restaurant and real estate developer Tony Gambino. Joe and Tony grew up in Melrose Park together and would meet occasionally over the years to discuss doing a project together. Farina was the culinary director of Rosebud restaurants for years and Gambino was in the Mexican restaurant business with Taco Fresco and Fuego Loco. Finally in 2016 they were able to do a joint restaurant in South Loop called Victory Tap. Growing up in Melrose Park, a location in the Oak Park, River Forest area was familiar and something both were enthusiastic about. When the pair
found the location at South Blvd. and Marion Street, they both loved it and could see that the overall space would work well for a Victory Italian restaurant. The entrepreneurs enlarged the bar and changed the floor plan of the former wine and cheese market into a traditional looking Italian restaurant. The look is not trendy, instead they chose an old school approach to the room with darker wood, copper and white marble to give the room an upscale but warm and comfortable feel. The food too is traditional Italian. They like to say it is Chicago Style Italian food. Homemade pastas, Chicken Parmesan, Brick Chicken and Farina’s
famous meatballs are featured on the menu. Victory also always has a few strong steak, chop and seafood entrees on the menu as well. Those include the popular Chilean Seabass, Lamb Chops Oreganata and the New York Strip Steak Gambino style. Gambino, formerly a resident of Oak Park who lived on South Blvd.,
only blocks away from the restaurant, loves the area and the town. Victory is now in its third year and its owners believe they have brought something to Oak Park that will become part of the neighborhood and the community. Victory is open daily from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and is open for lunch on Friday and Saturday. Victory also has a great catering menu with family meals and for the holiday’s items like seafood salad, baked or raw clams, calamari. ... to help anyone attempting the seven fishes.
Victory Italian victoryitalian.com
100 South Marion, Oak Park
Hours: Sunday - Thursday: 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm Friday - Saturday: 12:00 pm - 11:00 pm
EATS
Special Advertising Section
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November 1, 2023 B5
A year in the life of Broken Tart Sisters connecting bakery with the villages
B
By RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR
roken Tart did it. Surviving the first year is a milestone for small businesses. What was once a coinlaundry at 1108 Chicago Ave. has established itself as a beloved bakery. The owners, sisters Krissy and Katie Mack, are humbled and overjoyed that their sweet dream was embraced by the community. Katie Mack remembers the opening. “When we were trying to plan for this, we just didn’t know. How many scones are we going to sell in a day -- like 12, like 24?” She got her answer, “The demand has been crazy. Thank you to the community for such amazing support since day one.” Customers have quickly picked favorites. Some have called the kale scone “life changing.” Others are devotees of the overnight oats, ginger crème cookies, sweet or savory biscuits, or the citrus-glazed olive oil cake. Chef Krissy Mack is attracted to ingredients that are both intriguing and, of course, delicious. She says she doesn’t follow trends, but she does enjoy introducing flavors. “I like buckwheat flour. Not everywhere, but it has the most amazing texture.”
Broken Tart brokentart.com
1108 Chicago Ave, Oak Park Hours:
Tuesday through Saturday: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Katie Mack who came to the endeavor with marketing skills adds, “Being in the culinary scene you want to try something that’s interesting. But I think we have something for everybody.” For lunch, there is a daily focaccia and at the end of the week, “Sandwich Friday.” Cakes continue to be an important part of the business too. To satisfy demand they usually require a seven-day advance order. Not to be forgotten, the sisters are also proud of their beverage program, which includes coffee from Big Shoulders and Ruby Coffee Roasters. Supporting other local businesses is something Krissy and Katie are excited to have the opportunity to do. One example is on select Saturdays this year they have partnered with Mood, just across the
RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR
Broken Tart pastries street, to host Le Marche, a Parisian-style street market with a curated selection of food, fashion, antiques, and art vendors. The sidewalk patio in front of Broken Tart has also become a draw. “We like to be a community spot,” said Katie Mack. To keep that going as the weather turns
crisp, the two are already imagining how they can extend the patio season, especially when Christmas trees arrive in the lot across the street. Both sisters agree. “We want people to bring their kids and get a hot chocolate. It’s very Hallmark. We want to continue to deliver delicious products and experiences.”
RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR
B6 November 1, 2023
EATS
Special Advertising Section
sponsored by
More seating, a bigger kitchen and growing menu at Poke Burrito
P PHOTOS COURTESY OF POKE BURRITO
Lake Street spot expanding into space next door
oke Burrito has announced its expansion into the retail space just next door to its longtime current location at 1025 Lake St., Oak Park. The new space will expand both the dining space and the kitchen and allow for several new items to be added to the menu. “It took us over a year to finish up our new dining space with additional kitchen
space,” said Jimmy Chen, the enthusiastic owner of the restaurant. “Now you are able to dine in a bigger and newly renovated pleasant environment with many of our new specialty food menu items,” he said. According to the very limited space in our current store, we couldn’t serve many customers at once, which we are very unhappy about.”
Special Advertising Section
EATS
sponsored by
November 1, 2023 B7
Poke Burrito
pokeburritochicago.com 1025 Lake St., Oak Park Hours:
Monday/Thursday: 11 a.m to 9 p.m. Friday: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Chen said adding more space for dine-in customers while expanding the kitchen space for his crew has “always been the first thing on my mind.” Chen announced the Oak Park store will be launching new menu items including Korean Corn Dogs, Japanese Ramen, Mochi Donut, Hong Kong Bubble Waffle, Waffle Ice Cream, Funnel Cake, and additional Japanese appetizers. Korean corn dogs are an upgraded version of regular hot dogs. It has a corn-like shape, wrapped in amazing batter, filled inside with hot dogs, mozzarella cheese, rice cakes, or fish cakes fried in a batter on a stick. You can also dress with sugar, ketchup, mustard, and/or mayo to make it into your favorite style. They are a sweet and savory treat that can be made in a variety of different ways. Pulling cheesy strings out of corn dogs is an additional fun fact.
Mochi donuts, also known as Poi Mochi, are a fusion pastry crossing traditional American doughnuts and Japanese mochi. The mochi donuts are Poke Burrito’s own special mixture of “hybrid batter” made out of glutinous rice flour and tapioca flour which makes a doughnut more fluffy, and moist, and will give you the most satisfying chew. Mochi donuts are uniquely shaped into eight mochi balls connected into a circular flower shape that is easy to pull apart and designed to share with your loved ones. The “new” bubble waffle has a different unique shape which is rolled up into a cone and stuffed with deliciously flavorful ice cream and eye-catching colorful toppings. When you take your first bite, says Chen, you will instantly feel cheated. It’s like a soft pancake disguised as a bubbleshaped waffle. Since winter is coming, Chen said it’s the perfect time to bring back their Japanese Ramen. “We’ve got a newly developed kitchen to create the most delicious and savory bowl of ramen to warm up your day.”
PHOTOS COURTESY OF POKE BURRITO
B8 November 1, 2023
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Inari welcomes beginners and connoisseurs
A kaleidoscope of fresh tastes at Inari
I FILE
Real flames are on the menu when customers order the flaming dragon specialty roll at Inari Sushi in Elmwood Park.
By RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR
nari Sushi wants to introduce diners to both the elegant and fun sides of sushi, sashimi, maki, poke. Many of us love the taste of sushi but are a bit intimidated when faced with the terminology that comes with it. At Inari Sushi on restaurant row in Elmwood Park, you can sit back with a glass of sake (Japanese rice wine), hot tea, or a cocktail and know you are in good hands. Alcoholic drinks are 50% off during
their happy hour each day from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Other drink specials extend into the full day: Monday is half priced wine and sake; Tuesdays bring $6 martinis and $3 inari sushi (fried tofu pockets stuffed with rice) which makes a great sweet/sour appetizer. The restaurant features the freshest ingredients possible in both their traditional and innovative menu. Here’s a primer: sashimi is simply thin slices of raw fish and other seafoods meant to be eaten after a quick dip in soy sauce. Sushi are the same slices, but now served over vinegarseasoned rice balls. Vegetables and eggs join items on the sushi menu. Maki is where Inari gets seriously creative. Their rolls come filled with a
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RibFest Every Day! Mickey’s is the place! Mickey’s Rib Special 1/2 Slab Dinner B.B.Q. RIBS & CHICKEN BURGERS & HOT DOGS
$22.99
includes fries or baked potato, coleslaw and garlic bread
525 N Harlem Ave, Oak Park (708) 848-3333 11am - 9pm Daily Italian Beef
Inari Sushi inarisushi.com
7428 W. North Ave., Elmwood Park Hours:
3 Vienna
Monday-Thursday: 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Hot Dogs w/ Fries
10.99
Friday-Saturday: 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
$
Sunday: 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. kaleidoscope of tasty combinations. Summer rolls feature vegetables and sashimi without rice. Samurai, Hamachi-Kama, and White Tuna Crunch rolls are on the specials list as well. All are under $17. One stand-out is their Flaming Dragon Roll. Filled with tempura shrimp, scallions, and sweet and spicy mayo inside, the roll is topped with salmon, super white tuna, black tobiko and sesame seeds. But wait, there’s more. When the dish arrives at the table, it’s set on fire. Inari also offers the increasingly popular poke bowls (pronounced po-KAY). This Hawaiian dish respects the island’s deep ties to Japanese culture. Think of the bowls as deconstructed Maki. Cubes of fish are served over rice, accompanied by a variety of vegetables and toppings. Lunch specials are a great way to explore
$15.49
Full Slab Dinner
Sandwich w/ Fries .99 $
10
Wednesday
Gyros Plate Dinner 1 lb meat, 2 pita breads, fries & 3 cups sauce $14.99
Every day Special!
Gyros with fries $9.99
PHOTOS COURTESY OF INARI SUSHI
1/4 Lb Double Cheeseburger
Big Mickey! $ .99
3
SAWA’SOld OLD Warsaw WARSAW Sawa’s Authentic Polish-American Smorgasbord
and find out what you like. A sushi sashimi combo goes for under $20. There is even a vegan lunch combo! A recent diner commented that Inari helped his son get into the spirit. Their server gave him connected chopstick trainers to help eat the authentic way. Inari is on a mission to help everyone enjoy sushi.
Restaurant • Lounge • Banquets • The Jazz Room Authentic Smorgasbord DinePolish-American In • Carry Out • Catering • Delivery
www.SawasOldWarsaw.com Restaurant • Lounge • Banquets • Dine In • Carry Out • Catering & Delivery
www.SawasOldWarsaw.com
THANKSGIVING JOINFEA US FOR ST OUR
THANKSGIVING FEAST
Sliced Turkey Carved Round of Beef Carved Ham off the Bone Pierogies Sliced Turkey Broasted Chicken Mashed Potatoes with Brown Gravy Fresh Smoke Polish Sausage Carved Round& of Beef Sauerkraut Best Salad Bar in Town Carved Ham off the Bone Holiday Sweet Potatoes Mushroom & ChickenHours Noodle Soup Broasted Chicken Stuffing Eve - Closed Apple Christmas Crepes + Soft Serve Ice Cream Fresh & Smoke Polish Sausage Christmas Day - Closed Potato Pumpkin PieYears + Dessert Table Shrimp CocktailPancakes New Eve Closed Pierogies New Years Day - Closed Kolaczki + Assorted Cakes Stuffing/Sauerkraut Mushroom Soup Sweet Potatoes Mashed Potatoes with Brown Gravy Veteran’s Day Special Potato Pancakes Full Salad Bar Saturday, November 11 Stuffed Cabbage Dessert Table 50% off all day for all veterans Pumpkin Pie (Must show proof) Kolaczki
$23 Adults
Reservations Required
$32 Adults•$13 Children $10 Children
11am to 8pm Seating reservations every 2 hours Seating reservations every 1/2 hour Cermak ~ Broadview, ILRoad ~ 708.343.9040 Sawa’s9200 Old W. Warsaw ~Rd 9200 W. Cermak ~ Broadview, IL ~ 708.343.9040 Ample Parking Available ~ Large Families Welcome ~ Video Poker Ample Parking Available ~ Large Families Welcome ~ Video Poker Sign-up for the Polonia Gazeta (Email Newsletter) for upcoming events
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Culture, taste blend at Anfora Wine Merchants
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nfora Wine Merchants, 128 S. Marion St., is a combination retail shop enoteca (wine library), named after a two handled terracotta vessel used in Ancient Rome to store or transport wine. Since opening three years ago, the Pleasant District storefront has become a regional wine destination and captured national attention because of press received from the James Beard award winning drinks publication, Punch. “Our approach to wine at Anfora is not how a standard sommelier would approach it,” said Adrian Weisell, co-owner of Anfora Wine Merchants “Wine is about more than taste to us. We look at wine drinking through a cultural and historical lens.” The Marion Street shop honors and celebrates, particularly, but not exclusively, Italian wines; a country with more indigenous grape varieties spanning well beyond the more well-known international varietals.
So many ways to engage with wine at Anfora
ANFORA WINE MERCHANTS
A welcoming retail space engages customers upon entry, floral murals cover walls and terracotta pendant fixtures hang from the ceiling.
Wooden shelves house bottles of wine and a set of double doors give way to a cozy room with a counter suitable for hosting small classes and enjoying a glass with friends. Anfora’s knowledgeable staff strive to make the shop a festive gathering space where people come to select a bottle to open at home or enjoy a bottle of wine onsite with friends. Anfora has a dynamic wine by the glass list, but Weisell is quick to point out the entire shop is available to be enjoyed for a modest corkage fee. The shelves are a retail wine list filled with unique offerings, where you’ll find bottles for the everyday, celebration, or collection. Anfora is building a deeper sense of community through its wine club, annual store membership, and Sunday tastings. Between their monthly wine club, and the annual store membership, the shop welcomes hundreds of local wine-lovers each
month to pick up their curated collections, or to an exclusive monthly wine tasting for annual store members. Approximately twice a month Anfora hosts $5 Sunday afternoon casual tastings, which are open to the public to taste through five wines the proprietors love right now. The best way to learn about Anfora’s events is to sign up for its email list (anforawinemerchants.com), or to stop into the shop and check out the monthly calendar. Anfora Wine Merchants is a social destination where people embrace the thoughtful approach the entire staff takes to curate a wine tasting experience no matter if it is a private event or casual outing with friends.
Anfora Wine Merchants Anforawinemerchants.com 128 S. Marion St., Oak Park 708-613-5388
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Wise Cup a mix of coffee and artisan specials
W
Don’t miss monthly Indian food pop-ups
month. Customers can pre-order off a menu of Indian street food dishes for carryout as well as limited dine-in tables. The menu changes from month-to-month, rotating among different regional Indian cuisines. Past menus have included: Pav bhaji, a popular vegan stew of assorted vegetables and Indian spices from Mumbai; Summer specials like samosa chaat with stewed chickpeas topped with a golden samosa, chutney, yogurt, onions and tomatoes; Creative lentil flights with garlic naan satisfy curious diners; and Wise Cup’s roti tacos, which bring a taste of Calcutta to Lake Street.
ise Cup is independently owned and operated by Shivangi and Naveen Khetarpal, Oak Park locals who opened the coffee shop six years ago in Downtown Oak Park. It is located at 1018 Lake St. Wise Cup offers an array of traditional as well as innovative coffee drinks, baked goods and special Indian treats including samosas. Every fresh item at this hip spot in Downtown Oak Park is thoughtfully created by local artisans including the locally roasted coffee, sweet and savory treats, and unique hand thrown mugs. Newly added to the menu are Seasonal Chutney Jars -- a very flavorful dipping sauce for everyday use. It’s an authentic family recipe! In 2020, Wise Cup also began hosting pop-up meals featuring regional Indian fare. The pop-ups were a hit and the Khetarpals have since continued the program on the first Saturday of every
Shivangi Khetarpal says, “We want to sprinkle the taste of India in this community and want people to know what Indian moms love to make.”
Wise Cup owner Naveen Khetarpa
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Whether you’re looking for a place to meet friends, get some work done with a wonderful cup of coffee or tea, grab something quick before a movie at the
Lake Theater, or try some of their unique offerings, you really can’t beat this very special and vibrant spot in the heart of Downtown Oak Park.
Wise Cup
wise-cup.business.site 1018 Lake St., Oak Park 708-628-3707
B12 November 1, 2023
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A local culinary legend prepares for her final bow
rom her humble start as a personal chef serving four clients, Angie Montroy has seen her business, Angie’s Pantry, grow into a successful weekly meal service offering healthy, homemade fare with a client list of over 1,700 families.
After 25 years in the business, Angie has announced plans to retire in early 2024. She is seeking to sell her business which has deep roots in these villages. Angie got her start in the mid-90s when she offered her personal chef services to four clients and grew to include small catered events. Eventually, she started a food blog at AngiesPantryBlog.com, sharing recipes, food stories, cooking and budgeting tips. Her success paved the way for multiple appearances on WTTW’s Chicago Tonight in 2010, and her meal service business kept growing. Angie initially worked out of the kitchen in her home in River Forest, then moved on to renting space at the 19th Century Club until 2018 when she opened
and trans fats. There are about her doors to the storefront two dozen recipes she offers kitchen of Angie’s Pantry at that she says are client “faves,” 809 South Blvd. in Oak Park. including one she crafted for the “The storefront combined Beyond Hunger “Healthy Chef with the ability for people to Challenge.” She was crowned order online really helped me the winning professional chef expand,” she said. “I hired a both years she entered the really incredible staff to assist competition -- 2018 and 2021 with certain areas, but I am -- beating out renowned chefs at still the chef in the kitchen Angie Montroy local restaurants. every week. It’s physically demanding work, but we all put a lot of But Angie is more than just a chef. love into it.” She has a passion for giving back to the The Angie’s Pantry staff includes Nancy Walker, Julie Scheuring, Maureen Pond, Jonathan Reedy, David Snyder and Barbora Zamboni. Angie credits her success to the team effort of her staff. “They are the most amazing people to work with. I couldn’t do anything without them!” she said. Working together, they currently create up to 300 individual meals every week, full of healthy ingredients and thoughtfully curated gluten- free and vegetarian options, and free of preservatives, artificial ingredients
community. “I believe in helping however I can, and I know a lot of my clients feel the same way,” she said. “So I gave them an option to make it easy to make a difference.” On her weekly order form, a line item was added offering patrons the opportunity to make a donation. Through the years, Angie and her loyal patrons have collectively donated over $28,000 to charities close to her heart, including Beyond Hunger, Housing
Forward and UNICEF/Help Ukraine. As Angie steps into the next chapter of her life, she looks forward to a slower pace, cherishing moments with her family. With her youngest off to college and her eldest son recently married, she playfully hints at the prospect of future grandkids. “I do have some other things in the works, like an Angie’s Pantry cookbook,” she said. “I also have a special place in my heart for the homeless community, and I am hoping to direct some energy toward a project to benefit them.” In February 2024, Angie will present her final menu, marking the end of a remarkable 25-year journey. She’s in talks with potential buyers for her business, hoping to pass on her legacy to someone who shares her unwavering love for it.
Angie’s Pantry angiespantry.com
809 South Blvd., Oak Park
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Scan the QR code for our full Catering Menu or visit jimandpetes.com
OAKPARK.COM | RIVERFOREST.COM
Wednesday Journal, December 9, 2020
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B14 November 1, 2023
Taste is the identity of Harvest 365
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Self-serve buffet serves good food and God
R
By RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR
ated as one of the best self-serve family-style restaurants in Illinois by Yelp, Harvest 365 is dedicated to fresh, bountiful, and affordable food. From their beautifully renovated location at 7610 W. Roosevelt Rd. in Forest Park, their kitchen prepares foods from around the world with Asian, Mexican, and Italian options. But a special focus is put on Southern and Soul dishes. Fried chicken and fish, collard greens, cornbread, peach cobbler and other homestyle favorites anchor the hot portion of the food bar. A cold bar serves salad fixings, fruits, and desserts. Special grilled entrees can be had for an additional charge. Recent offerings include Atlantic salmon, smoked brisket, ribeye steak, jumbo shrimp and lamb chops. “Our lamb chops are known to be the best in the on this side of town! We are all about fresh. You won’t find canned and frozen foods here,” says Sister Mary Lyons, director of Planning and Operations for both the restaurant and the Living Word Christian Center. The restaurant is literally and figuratively backed by Bill Winston Ministries, led by Sister Mary’s brother Bill Watson. His stated vision is to build strong community relationships and to serve the community with integrity, excellence, and value.
PROVIDED
Fried fish
PROVIDED
Lamb chops
Harvest 365 harvest365grill.com
7610 W. Roosevelt Rd., Forest Park Hours:
Tuesday through Sunday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Monday Sister Mary elaborates on the reason for a church to run a restaurant, “Our goal is to serve the community. And to provide a place where families can come, have a nice place to dine, and maybe host a party. God replenishes us for serving. We sew seed because it will return in a harvest.” The price for dine-in is $16.99 for adults and $10.99 for children. There is a take-out option as well, where you fill containers and pay $9.99 per pound. Catering is also a vibrant part of the business. Trays can be ordered and picked up when a crowd needs to feast. There is a focus on healthier eating, but it’s more about
providing options according to Sister Mary. Strengthening community from the inside and out is what this organization is all about. But it does come down to good food. Taste is Our Identity is the motto emblazoned over the grill.
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November 1, 2023 B15
#fantasticfungi • caffedeluca.com
#mealservice • angiespantry.com
Celebrate fall flavors at Caffé De Lucca with a hearty wild mushroom risotto. Shaved Parmesan takes this rich dish to the next level.
Try our home meal service! No menu planning, prep or contracts - just fresh, healthy and delicious meals you can warm and serve.
Caffé DeLuca
Angie’s Pantry
7427 Madison St, Forest Park
809 South Boulevard, Oak Park
anforawinemerchants.com Aperitivo has never been more fun. The perfect mix of nibbles and the very best bottles. Cin Cin!
Brokentart.com
Anfora Wine Merchants
Cakes. Bakes. Coffee. Made fresh daily in our tiny bakery. Come for the baked goods, stay for the good vibes.
128 S Marion St, Oak Park
Broken Tart 1108 Chicago Avenue, Oak Park
Cafecubanochicago.com Join Cafe Cubano for an authentic Cuban lunch or dinner. Have your pick of hand crafted tropical drinks. Fall featured drink is our homemade Sangria.
Café Cubano 7426 W North Ave, Elmwood Park
B16 November 1, 2023
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November 1, 2023 B17
Betty’s Pizza & Pasta mixes classics and a fresh vibe
A
Pizza and, increasingly, much more
t Betty’s Pizza & Pasta, 1003 South Blvd., Oak Park, now in its second year of operation, the familiar scent of melting cheese and baking dough greets customers upon arrival. What once was a cozy, vintage style interior, however, has undergone a significant transformation. New lighting, a new ceiling, and more appealing colors all encompass the warm and inviting interior. The walls, once adorned with simple framed pictures, are now decked with an array of vibrant and striking artwork, all created by the talented staff itself. Customers remain engaged in the ageold debate of whether to fold their extralarge New York style slices or savor them flat. Some still adhere to the tradition of folding to prevent the infamous “flop,”
while others, determined to keep their hands clean, indulge in a no fold policy, embracing the challenge of finishing their slices in multiple bites. Betty’s Pizza & Pasta has become a staple in the Pleasant District showcasing the creative talents of its own team alongside its scrumptious menu. While retaining its fun and unpretentious vibe, the restaurant now exudes a contemporary charm, balancing the nostalgia of the past with the energy of the present. The homage to Oak Park’s founding figure, Betty Kettlestrings, remains intact in the restaurant’s name, but the South Boulevard establishment has fully embraced its own unique culinary identity. Betty’s has perfected its pizza recipe and expanded its menu to offer an even wider array of tantalizing options.
The signature 18-inch pizzas, still cut into eight generous slices, maintain their unique texture, boasting a crispy bottom and a fluffy, soft top. Alongside the classic pies featuring whole milk mozzarella and flavorful toppings, the menu now includes a variety of specialty pizzas, including the Mikey’s Hot Honey Pie and the famed Garlic and Zucchini Pie. In addition, Betty’s Pizza & Pasta now offers a “slice happy hour” offering slices for purchase every day from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Also, check out Betty’s Family Dinner Special. Beyond the ‘za, Betty’s has expanded its offerings to include an array of delectable appetizers such as eggplant parmesan, garlic parmesan chicken wings and retains the famous meatballs and the irresistible garlic knots. Additionally, the menu features an enticing selection of pasta dishes. The salads, available in small and large sizes, have also garnered attention, with the arugula and quinoa salad, featuring apples, blue cheese and
crispy bacon, emerging as a particular favorite among patrons. Kettlestrings Restaurant Group is thrilled to invite everyone to experience the revamped Betty’s Pizza and Pasta. With its updated interior and the added charm of the staff’s own artwork, the restaurant continues to be the go-to destination for a slice of both New York and the creative spirit of its own team.
Betty’s Pizza & Pasta bettyspizzapasta.com
1003 South Blvd., Oak Park 708-434-5526 Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 4pm - 10pm Sunday 4pm - 9pm
B18 November 1, 2023
N Rebozo continues tradition with a twist
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Happily relocated from Oak Park to Forest Park
T
By RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR
here is nothing quite like Chef Paco’s enthusiasm for his food and his customers at N Rebozo. Nowadays he exclaims, “Oh my God,” from a location at 7403 Madison St. in Forest Park. During the fall and winter months his Chile Nogada is the seasonal star of the menu. The dish is a Poblano pepper filled with a sweet and savory mix of beef, nuts, dried fruit, blanketed with a creamy walnut sauce and topped with pomegranate seeds. This mixture of flavors goes beyond the kitchen for Paco, “When you taste sweet, sour, spicy, this is the same for the life. Sometimes the life is sweet; sometimes the life is spicy. When you get the balance, that’s my philosophy for the restaurant and for everything. This balance.” Fiesta Mole is the dish that made Chef Paco a fixture in the local restaurant scene. The platter features six enchi-
RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR
Chef Paco ladas with a choice of cheese, chicken, chorizo, guacamole, hibiscus, or grilled steak inside. Each one finished with a different mole. Those six are chosen each week from a total of 40 mole recipes, two of which are the chef ’s original creations: Poblano and Pipian. The mescal margaritas are a blissful match with either
N Rebozo
newrebozos.com
7403 Madison St., Forest Park Hours:
Tuesday through Saturday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday
PROVIDED
PROVIDED
Chili Nogada
Fiesta Mole platters
of these two featured entrees. The extensive drink menu focuses on fresh and authentic takes on traditional recipes. An Agave Old Fashioned recalls cocktail culture of the past the with a modern Mexican twist. And Micheladas bridge the beer and cocktail divide. And when you are done with the main course, don’t sleep on dessert. Paco encourages you to try the flan, “People say they don’t like flan. Don’t worry. … I make authentic Mexican flan, creamy. If you try my flan, you’ll love it.” The elegant space where N Rebozo has landed on Madison Street previously was Heritage restaurant. Chef Paco believes it is the perfect environment for his unique take on Mexican food. The open dining room also allows him to be more present with his customers, whom he loves dearly. “You love what you eat … everybody happy. Paco happy. This is gives me mas energy.” Expect nothing less from Chef Paco.
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November 1, 2023 B19
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November 1, 2023 B21
victoryitalian.com
This is a Cucina classic. Chicken Pistachio is pan-fried with pistachio breadcrumb crust, red pepper cream balsamic sauce, creamy polenta, grilled asparagus.
Don’t just carve pumpkins, carve out some time for family this fall with Victory’s family meals! We’ll bring all the cozy fall favorites to you! More cheese, please! Get all the warm and cozy fall flavors from our orecchiette rapini & sausage.
Cucina Paradiso
Victory Italian
#mycucina | cucinaoakpark.com
100 S Marion St, Oak Park
814 North Blvd, Oak Park
#morethanpizza | bettyspizzapasta.com Did you know that Betty’s serves up more than NY Style pies and delicious pastas. Stop in soon to try our garlic parmesan wings and other new menu delights.
Betty’s Pizza & Pasta 1103 South Blvd, Oak Park #harvest365grill | harvest365grill.com A trio of fresh lamb chops are grilled to order when you add a premium entrée to your allyou-care-to-eat food bar meal.
Harvest 365 Restaurant and Fresh Grill 7610 W Roosevelt Road Suite 120, Forest Park
#encorebylittlegem | encorelittlegem.com Our eggplant rollatini. Dining and live music Tuesday through Saturday.
Encore! by Little Gem 187 N Marion St, Oak Park
B22 November 1, 2023
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Cucina Paradiso satisfies local Italian lovers Menu is built to thrill and satisfy
C RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR
Sweet spicy pepperoni pizza
By RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR
ucina Paradiso has thrived at 814 North Blvd. for 28 years. The secret, according to owner Anthony Gambino, is attention to detail. Every delicious detail. The menu is a balance between an homage to cozy red-sauce Italian cooking and a forward view of flavors diners are hungry for now. “We have some main staples that we started with. I could never substitute them with anything because our customers would be upset with us. Then obviously we create those dishes with our unique touches and quality ingredients,” said Gambino. One dish that’s always on the menu is Rigatoni Bolognese with homemade meat sauce, tomatoes, cream, onions, fresh mozzarella. One of the most popular is a fresh egg noodle pappardelle with tricolor peppers, a light cream sauce and blackened shrimp. Another fresh pasta offering is a giant rigatoni egg noodle with a brandy
Cucina Paradiso www.cucinaoakpark.com 814 North Blvd. Oak Park
Hours: Everyday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. cream sauce and shiitake, button and cremini mushrooms, spiced with fresh thyme and garlic. The four seasons drive most changes to the menu. Gambino is proud that they print their menu every day, responding to what is at the height of flavor. Three to four dishes rotate on and off every few weeks. The bounty of summer zucchini is the taste inside cheesy Cucina puffs. A similar approach is taken at the bar. Gambino credits mixologist Karina Nunez with revising old favorites with fresh ingredients. Try for example their Blackberry Old Fashioned with fresh, muddled blackberries and house-made sage syrup. Gambino gives credit to his staff, “They
Your Holiday Party will be the Holiday Party.
Cucina’s Private Room
TwoMayToz Event Catering
Let us put together the perfect party package for you. F A M I LY O W N E D A N D O P E R A T E D S I N C E 1 9 9 5 Cucina Paradiso
814 North Blvd., Oak Park
ph: 708.848.3434
cucinaoakpark.com
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RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR
Fresh rigatoni with mushroom are Cucina.” It’s worth noting that key personnel have been at the restaurant for more than a decade. This includes managers Jeremy Troyer and Kim Rozhik who hold down the fort since the restaurant is open every day of the week. Chef Mike Bouse executes the tightrope walk between tradition and trends. The pepperoni pizza is an example of how to invent. The current iteration is both spicy and sweet. Gambino describes the pie, “We’re using top ingredients and then drizzling it with a Calabrian chili honey. So that’s where we bring a twist and up the game.” Gambino says when he started out, he was, “…young, eager, and either extremely determined or very foolish.” The gamble has paid off, with many wins for locals who love to eat.
RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR
Cucina puffs
RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR
B24 November 1, 2023
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Est. 1955
Specialy Subs & Italian Delacacies Elmwood Park has a long standing reputation for being home to outstanding As a reputation Village we are Elmwood Park has restaurants. a long standing forproud being to share this reputation and work hard to promote home to outstanding restaurants. As a Village we areit.proud
to share this reputation and work hard to promote it. RESTAURANTS
AlpineAlpine
RESTAURANTS Dunkin Donuts Eggsperience
Old World Panera
Armand’s Pizzeria Armand's 7538Pizzeria W North Ave
Eggsperience Great American Bagel 7201 W. Grand Ave
Panera Russell's 7230 W Barbecue North Ave
7538 W North Ave 7538 W North Ave Alpine 7650 W North Ave 7650 W North Ave Armand’s Pizzeria
Ashleys Café & Tap 7650 W Ave Ashleys Café & Tap Ave 7500 W North Grand
7500 W Grand AveJuice Ashleys Café & Tap Bon Vivant & 7500 W Grand Burger King Smoothie Bar Ave
7201 W. Grand Ave 16 Conti Pkwy Dunkin Donuts 16 Conti Pkwy 7230 W North Ave Eggsperience
Great American Bagel 16 Conti PkwyAve Gringo & 7230 WBlondie North
7308 W North Ave
7400 North Ave 1621 Thatcher Ave Panera
Russell’s Barbecue 7400 North Ave Spizzico & Senor 1621 Thatcher Ave Jefe
7514 W North Ave Bagel Spizzico& 7446 W North Ave Great American Russell’s Barbecue Gringo & Blondie Senor Jefe 7230Wok WNorth NorthAve Ave 1621 7514 W 7446 WThatcher North Happy Sports NookAveAve
7334Vivant W. Diversey Ave 1742 Bon Juice & Gringo & Blondie 1750 Harlem Ave N Harlem Ave Happy Wok 7514 W North Ave 1742 N Harlem Ave Smoothie Bar Burger King Burger Moovementt Inari Sushi 1750 W. Harlem Ave Ave Inari 7334 Diversey Happy Wok 7512 W North Ave 7428 W North Ave 7428 Ave 1742W NNorth Harlem Ave Burger King Moovement Burger Café Cubano Jim & Pete's 7512 W North Ave 1750 Harlem Ave Jim & Pete’s Inari 7426 W North Ave 7806 W North Ave 7806 Café Cubano 7428W WNorth NorthAve Ave Burger Moovement Caputo's Jimmy John's 7426 W W North North Ave Jimmy John’s 7512 Ave Jim & Pete’s Fresh Markets 1702 N Harlem AveAve 1702 Caputo’s 7806NWHarlem North Ave Café Cubano 2400 N Harlem Ave Johnnie's FreshW Markets Johnnie’s 7426 North Ave Jimmy John’s Circle2400 Tavern N Harlem Ave 7500 7500 North WW North AveAve 1702 N Harlem Ave Caputo’s 18 Conti Pkwy Circle Tavern Massa Café Massa Café Fresh Markets Johnnie’s 18 Conti Pkwy 7434 North Culvers WW North AveAve 2400 N Harlem Ave 7434 7500 W North Ave 7542 W Grand Ave Culvers McDonalds McDonalds Circle Tavern Massa Café 7542 7217 W Grand Ave Donny G's W Grand Ave 18 Conti Pkwy 7217 W Grand Ave Ave 7434 W North Donny 7308 W NorthG’s Ave New Star Restaurant Culvers New Star Restaurant McDonalds 7308 W North Ave 7444 W North Ave Dunkin Donuts 7542 W Grand Ave 7444 7217 W Grand W North Ave Ave 7201 W Grand Ave
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7230 W North Ave 7400 North Ave Old World
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Celtic Corner Circle Tavern Dugout CELTIC CORNER Celtic Corner George’s CIRCLE TAVERN Circle Tavern
Green Star Hunters BARS On The Rocks GREEN Green Star STAR Phil’s Sports Bar HUNTERS Hunters
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Spizzico& Senor Jefe 7841 Grand Ave Subway 7446 W North Ave 2836 N. Harlem Ave Subway 7230 W. North Ave Subway 2836 N Harlem Ave Tacos 2 N. Go 2836 Harlem 230 W North Ave Ave 7530 W.W. Grand Ave 7230 North Ave
Tacos 2 Go The Barre Studio Tacos Go Ave 7530 W2Grand & 7530 Café W. Grand Ave The 12 W. Barre Conti Studio Parkway The Barre Studio & Café Tony D’s & Café 12 W Conti Parkway 7725 W Belmont Ave
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7440 W North Ave
Wing Stop Union Tap
Union Tap Ave 7707 #1A 1740 NWestwood Harlem
Owned and operated by The Bonaccorsi Family
7538 West North Avenue • Elmwood Park, Illinois (708) 453 - 3505
Golden Wok Restaurant 1122 N. Maple - 17th Ave. LaGrange Park • 708-354-3930 www.wok138.com
WeConnect Finest Cantonese and Mandarin Food at reasonable prices. TUES - SUNDAY: NOON - 8PM • CLOSED MONDAYS
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"The Best French Food Outside of France" "First-rate dining destination" Pat Bruno, Chicago Sun-Times
Hemmingway’s Bistro Serving Lunch and Dinner daily, 11am - 9pm • Champagne Sunday Brunch with Live Jazz, 11am - 3pm • Live jazz and discounted martinis every Wednesday • $2 Oyster Happy Hour, daily 2:30 - 5:30pm
• Full service bar and wine list • Reservations recommended
• 1.5lb Maine Lobster every Monday & Tuesday - $39.95
211 N. OAK PARK AVE., OAK PARK, IL (Steps away from Hemingway’s Birthplace and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Home & Studio)
708.524.0806 • WWW.HEMMINGWAYSBISTRO.COM
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7407 Madison St, Forest Park, IL 60130 708.771.3063 | www.fiorebakes.com
Monday - Thursday 11:30AM – 9PM
Friday 11:30AM – 10PM
Saturday Brunch | 10AM - 2PM Dinner | 2PM - 10PM
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Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner! Don’t miss the meatballs! 7841 Grand Ave, Elmwood Park
Sun - Fri: 9 am - 2 am, Sat: 9 am - 3 am
(224) 833 - 1800 • sportznook.com
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Sportz Nook is a restaurant but looks like a bar
D
A growing menu of delicious fare
ave Carlson is putting his own culinary spin on the Sportz Nook menu while keeping alive the memory of its former owner with a weekly meatloaf special. With more than 35 televisions tuned into sporting events across the globe, The Sportz Nook, 7841 W. Grand Ave., invites hungry locals to “come in a stranger and leave a friend.” Carlson, the general manager, has 12 beers on tap and put considerable attention to detail in the menu that keeps customers coming back for breakfast, lunch and dinner. “Our customers like to say we are a restaurant disguised as a bar,” said Carlson with a smile. “You can come in at 9 a.m. for a Denver omelet, play some games in the afternoon, or have a dinner that will really surprise you.” The diminutive bar opened in May 2022 and Carlson took over the role of general manager just two months after the opening. His love for food service blossomed at age 13 when he took his first job as a busboy and dishwasher at a banquet hall. Over the years he worked in restaurants across the city and developed his own arsenal of recipes. And now he is bringing his own culinary
Sportz Nook sportznook.com
7841 Grand Ave., Elmwood Park 224-833-1800 touch to the Elmwood Park bar menu. “I’ve been cooking for 45 years and I have a palette,” said Carlson. “I started working on my meatball recipe when I was 15 years old and I’ve perfected it over the years.” Today, Carlson serves up his “dense yet tender” bocce meatballs at Sportz Nook. They start with a combination of beef, pork and veal, Pecorino-Romano brings flavor and Carlson swears by the addition of Liborio breadcrumbs. He is singularly devoted to the bakery located just around the corner from the bar. The meatballs are baked and then simmered in a scratch made red sauce. The menu is being expanded to include grilled whiskey BBQ shrimp and a hummus plate to please vegetarians. Carlson is also proud to serve white wine steamed mussels at the restaurant that masquerades as a bar. “We are getting the reputation for hav-
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Hummus plate
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The “bocce” meatballs are a menu specialty at Sportz Nook in Elmwood Park. They are slow simmered in house-made red sauce and full of flavor. ing really good food and that matters to me,” said Carlson who credits his longtime friend Terry Harb for bringing him to The Sportz Nook. Harb, who owned several restaurants and bars, was “always begging” Carlson to come to work for him. Carlson refused until Harb pitched him the management position at The Sportz Nook. “I’d known him for 16 years and I always said no until he mentioned Elmwood Park,” said Carlson. “I grew up here; this is my home — I just can’t say no to Elmwood Park.” Harb loved Carlson’s homestyle dishes and had insisted that he put his famous meatloaf on the menu when the weather turned cold.
Sadly, Harb died before winter, but Carlson honors his friend’s memory by offering the meatloaf entrée every Friday evening. “The meatloaf is made with love, and I know how much he loved it,” said Carlson who credits the dish for keeping Harb’s memory alive. The Sportz Nook brings a surprisingly robust menu to a traditional bar. Carlson credits his friendly staff and growing customer base for their gaining popularity. The bar offers patio seating in the summer, occasional live music on the weekend and filling menu options every day of the week. Come in for a limoncello martini and stay for the meatballs.
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White wine steamed mussels
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Rocky’s Cheese Steak
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A special light, a simple welcoming at Little Gem Café
I
magine you are in Paris or London on a chilly autumn day where leaves of burnt orange, yellow and green go swirling and dancing through the crisp clear air. A rosy warm glow fills your cheeks and the newness of fall fills you with vigor! On North Marion Street framed in rich dark oak, you see flickering shimmers of amber and gold through tall, wide windows encasing The Little Gem Cafe. A stylish little restaurant. Intimate. Elegant. Romantic and warm with a friendly welcoming feel. Here you are treated to a relaxed fine dining experience. Casual or smart all feel at ease.
Celebrating its 9th anniversary on Marion Street it’s because of the lighting that saturates the gold ornate ceiling and bounces off the mirrors, the bar and candlelit tables or maybe because of the overall cuteness of the space? The exposed brick, mahogany bar, solid wood tables and cherry wood chairs. However, as we celebrate our 9th anniversary heading into our 10th year, we think it’s time to spill the beans. It’s you! You are The Little Gem. Everyone in this lovely spot on Marion Street looks forward to serving you.
The Little Gem Café offers regional cuisine with seasonal specials served for lunch, brunch and dinner. While reservations are recommended, walkins are always welcome. Lots of people have asked where the name The Little Gem came from. Everyone thinks
189 N Marion St, Oak Park, Ill Info@Thelittlegemcafe.com 708.613.5491 | thelittlegemcafe.com
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Dinner, dancing, cocktails, live music
ittle Gem, one of Oak Park’s small and happy dining discoveries, has expanded with the opening of ENCORE! And true to its owner’s musical roots, the new spot, right next door to the old spot on Marion Street, in music infused. Live jazz and country blues featuring Chicago artists in an intimate venue will be the core of the music at ENCORE! Along with great food and drinks. The new restaurant is cozy, cheerful and warm. You’ll find music that comes from the heart and the hearth right in front of an antique oak fireplace. At ENCORE! there are two beautiful bars to choose from with a specialty bourbon collection that also feature fine wines, craft beers and cocktails. Service is always upbeat and friendly, for example your server Kyle is happy to say he has been at Little Gem since Day 1. That was in 2014. The owners are very hands on and there is always laughter in the air. Little Gem and Encore! are perfect for any occasion. Catering and private parties are available. And did we mention dancing. Dining, dancing, cocktails. What could be better? Come in and say hi. We will love to see you.
The details Encore!
The Little Gem Cafe
187 N. Marion St. Oak Park. Visit Encorelittlegem.com
189 N. Marion St. Oak Park. Visit Thelittlegemcafe.com
708-613-5491 Gift cards, private parties and customized menus are available. To book a party call 917-327-8997 or email us: info@thelittlegemcafe.com Outdoor dining weather permitting.
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Always changing, La Lupita stays true to its roots New bar, new kitchen and, coming soon, an upstairs lounge
T Quesabirrias
LA LUPITA
By RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR
here’s lots to love on the revised menu at La Lupita. Quesabirras is a flavor sensation. The dish is made of marinated goat meat, cooked in a rich broth. The tender meat is then folded into a tortilla nestled with cheese. The reserved broth is served as a side for dipping. The owner Sal Figueroa says, “When we added the quesabirras, there was a video that went viral on TikTok and Instagram. We have been bombarded with people who want to try it.” Back when Covid shut down the dining room, Figueroa opened an al fresco patio on the sidewalk out front and made good use of the downtime to renovate inside. A new kitchen was built in the back, allowing the dining room to expand, and that made room for a full bar.
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La Lupita
lalupitaberwyn.com
6539 Cermak Rd., Berwyn Hours:
Monday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. to midnight Sunday: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Two hits have emerged from the expanded drink offerings. One is the margarita flights. Pick from a selection of guava, mango, lime, tamarind, d, cucumber, and strawberry. Another nother is mescal-based options. tions. The liquor’s smokey profile adds a depth and nd complexity to classicc drinks, but it also opens up new options like the popular hijass por dios: a combination ion of berries and a house-made e-made mezcal and organic agave syrup. And just added – a variety of mojitos.
But that is not all that’s new. Brunch, Mexican style. French toast leads the menu filled with favorites like chilaquiles and huevos divorciados. A mimosa flight m makes it a celebration. c Elsewhere on the Elsewh menu are vegetarian and even vegan options ve waiting to be w tried: Bistek tr de Soya a la Mexicana, NoMexi palitos Azteca, Chilies Az Rellenos de Queso, and many more. “We are, the only are I believe, belie
LA LUPITA
Mexican restaurant in the area with vegan options,” he says. Each weekday La Lupita features a different happy hour drink special from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. And one more new feature in the works is a lounge on the second
floor, which is slated to open at the end of the year. Change is fun, but don’t worry. Lupita, Figueroa’s mom whom the restaurant is named for, is still there, handmaking her signature blue and yellow tortillas.
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Inside story of Spilt Milk
What’s your specialty? We are a bakery specializing in homemade pies and American-style pastries. We bake everything from scratch, right here at our shop in Oak Park -- and we strive to use local and seasonal ingredients whenever possible. We love partnering with local farms and purveyors to feature “The Best of the Midwest” in all of our pastries!
When did you open Spilt Milk? Molly and I started our business in 2014, and initially we baked out of Molly’s apartment kitchen for farmers’ markets, weddings and events. We eventually started renting space at Kitchen Chicago, a commissary kitchen in the West Loop. But we were growing quickly and knew we needed a kitchen of our own and a retail space to continue to keep up with demand. In 2016, we rented a small storefront in Oak Park and opened Spilt Milk Pastry in October 2016. The rest is history! We are inspired by all sorts of things -- but to be honest, most of our recipes are rooted
Two sisters, one story of love for baking and community
in family tradition. Growing up, our mom and dad were always baking and cooking -- and we draw a huge amount of inspiration from our parents and grandparents. Cooking was such a part of our family tradition, as it is for so many folks!
selection of butter shortbread cookies is so yummy, I could eat about a million of the rosemary shortbread cookies. I also love our Ham and Gruyere sandwich with homemade pickles and lots of butter.
What is the best thing about Spilt Milk?
We worked with the wonderful Theresa Jurgus from Baird & Warner to help us scout our current location. It was a mad scramble to get our current location open in just 6 weeks from lease signing to opening day. That included doing a full kitchen build-out (with permits!). It truly takes a village -- I still marvel at the community effort that went into opening our current shop and am so grateful for the support of our neighbors and friends who helped us along our journey!
We love Oak Park and the community of folks that really make this village special. The customers have sustained us through some pretty difficult years as we’ve grown our business and had to pivot in every possible direction over the past few years to keep things humming along. We are proud to be part of the community here and feel so grateful to our customers and the folks who trust us to cook and bake for all their celebrations big and small.
What’s your most popular dish or item? What is your favorite dish? Our bestsellers are Key Lime Pie and our Savory Breakfast Quiche. Personally, my favorites are always changing ... but our
How did you choose your location on South Blvd.?
How do you differentiate yourself from other bakeries? Honestly, we don’t worry too much about this. We try to focus on our product and making it the best it can be. I think it’s incredible that Oak Park has so many stellar
bakeries in town, and the wider Chicago community is spoiled for excellent pie and pastry shops. It’s an inspiration to be part of the bakery community here. There’s always something delicious to try!
Where do you see Spilt Milk in 5 years? Hopefully still standing -- ha! Molly and I love Spilt Milk, and we hope to be here for many years to come. My daughter Winnie recently told me that when she grows up, she wants to help mommy and Aunt Molly run the bakery. That brought some tears to my eyes. We have worked so hard to build this bakery, and we love our team, we love the community, and we love the food!
Spilt Milk
spiltmilkpatry.com
811 South Blvd., Oak Park
B32 November 1, 2023
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Kinslahger Taproom encourages a return to pub life Bring friends or make friends at Kinslahger
Y WWW.ALEXANDERMOROZOV.COM
By RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR
ou can sip Kinslahger brews all over town. Ordering them in restaurants or picking up a pack to enjoy at home is great, but the Kinslahger Taproom is an experience all its own. The cozy storefront space at 6806 Roosevelt Rd. fronts the brewery. Its early 1900s vibe harkens back to a time when local bars were neighborhood gathering places. Owner Keith Huizinga wants to encourage that kind of interaction again, “It’s intimate. There’s no TVs. I want people to come down here, have a conversation with a friend or spouse or whoever, and enjoy the space.” An ideal night at the taproom for him is one table with a group playing cards, another full of friends reconnecting, but the best is when new connections are made. “It’s been so much fun since we’ve been open and I’m behind the bar
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Special Advertising Section to see people develop friendships.” Kinslahger offers a variety of beverages beyond beer: craft wines, a rotating selection of unique cocktails, regionally made sodas, and even non-alcoholic brews. The menu celebrates small and often local businesses. Pretzels are served up from the Daly Bagel with house-made mustard. Other snacks are similarly curated: Japanese almonds, peanuts and a meat and cheese board. Customers are also welcome to order in or bring food from home. Kinslahger’s reputation has soared over its almost 8 years in operation. Oak Park’s original brewery is focused on lager-style fermentation where the ingredients are the star of the show – rather than the brewing process itself, which is more common with ales. The bar’s draft line-up is a trip around the beer world: German dunkel, Baltic porter, New World lager. One of their most popular offerings is the Chicago Common, an ode to the bricks of the same name. The deep, earthly red is full-bodied with piney hops and rye spiciness. Onsite Huizinga offers more limited-run options, “We do different flavors that we call the Weekly Kinsman, just something that’s always rotating through as a small batch. It’s fun for us to be creative.” A favorite is a pilsner infused with a hint of jalapeno peppers and a Berlin
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6806 Roosevelt Rd., Oak Park Hours:
Thursday and Friday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday: 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Available for private events Credit card only
weiss augmented with a dash of raspberry syrup. These are only poured in the taproom. Luring us in and providing a place to reconnect with community, make new friends, and enjoy conversation, just like our great-grandparents did before TV. … and we did a bit more before the pandemic.
WWW.ALEXANDERMOROZOV.COM
November 1, 2023 B33
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Sushi & Sashimi Lunch Special
Dine -in / Carry Out Delivery Catering/Bar / Banquet
Chinese • Thai • Japanese Cuisine • Hibachi Steak House
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
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708-453-8242
Hours:
Mon.–Thurs. 11:30am–9:30pm, Fri. & Sat. 11:30am–10:30pm Sunday 12:30pm - 9:30pm
7444 North Avenue • Elmwood Park FAX 708-453-3044 • NewStarRestaurant.com
Fresh flavors are the star at New Star
Small touches, fresh ingredients make New Star shine By RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR
F
Contributing Reporter
reshness is the most important element in New Star’s success, according to owner Jinny Zhao. That is the way to ensure the best quality and consistent flavors. When she bought the restaurant almost a decade ago, Zhao transformed the kitchen to follow that rule. And it guided her as she turned an underused banquet room into a hibachi steak house. Tucked in the back of New Star are eight teppan grills, where chefs cook in front of diners. It’s dinner and a show. More than one group of diners sit together around each grill, so it’s best to make reservations if a larger group wants to be seated together. Japanese steak houses are famous for flaming onion volcanos, acrobatic feats
with eggs and even whole bowls of fried rice. While New Star doesn’t disappoint on the stage show, the real draw is the quality. “Japanese style cooking uses fresh meat, fresh everything and just cooking for you. People love it,” says Zhao. To keep improving the dining experience, New Star doubles down on freshness by making its own hibachi sauce. Better known as Yum-Yum sauce, the ingredients include fresh apple, fresh peach and tomatoes. “Even myself, I put some on a bowl of rice, my Yum-Yum sauce, and just eat it. It tastes so good,” says Zhao. That joy comes through in everything Jinny Zhao does. As she updated the restaurant space and menu, she wanted to attract a new generation of customers looking for even more options. “I was thinking that the young people, they do love sushi,” says Zhao. So, she added a sushi bar and an
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Special Advertising Section extensive Thai menu. Both of those benefit from the freshest vegetables. None come from a can at New Star. Generous portions are standard too. There is a full bar which features tropical drinks. This expansive take on Asian foodways means that diners at one table can sample many different styles at one meal. The smallest detail does not go unnoticed by Zhao. She designed the colorful bags covered in sunflowers that await take-out customers in the warmer months. When the weather takes a turn for the chilly, the restaurant switches to a zipped, insulated bag. The investment in high quality take-out bags is worth it to Zhao. “Chinese foods need to keep warm. If you order in cold weather like Chicago, when you get home, I don’t want it to get cold,” she says. For dine-in customers there are special touches too. Coloring pages, crayons, and even small toys to keep children occupied while they wait for their adults to be done talking. But it’s the rack of umbrellas that really sets New Star apart when it comes to customer service. Years ago, when Zhao was on vacation in Taiwan with her children, she was caught in the rain and needed to make a run for it to get to the airport on time. A kindly store owner told her to take an umbrella. She insisted that she couldn’t because she would be unable to return it. Zhao took the umbrella and returned with a lesson in customer service.
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“I came back to the United States, thinking, wow, I should do something like that. When older people or people with kids come in, when it’s raining, we say take one and bring it back next time when you visit.” The location on Elmwood Park’s North Avenue restaurant row creates an atmosphere and advantage for customers that Zhao loves. “The people you can walk up and down here and say, ‘Hey, I want to eat this. I want to eat that.’ Also, we’ve got a parking lot on the corner.” The parking lot actually belongs to Zhao. It came with the restaurant when she purchased it, but she shares it with all the restaurants on the row. What is good for the customer is good for New Star, says Zhao. Zhao, who had previously owned another restaurant, came out of retirement to undertake the challenge of New Star. She is proud of what she has accomplished, “I am enjoying doing this.”
New Star
newstarrestaurant.com
7444 W. North Ave., Elmwood Park Hours:
Monday: Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday: Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Sunday: noon to 9:30 p.m.
RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR
Teppanyaki chef at work
BURGERS, BEERS, & CHEERS Mon-Thursday 7am to 1:30am, Fri-Sat 7am - 2:30am, Sun 11am to 1:30am.
B36 November 1, 2023
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#holidayfestivities | kettlestringsgrove.com
Our seared tuna with sesame. Delicious regional and season menu. Serving brunch, lunch, and dinner.
The Holidays are fast approaching. Reach out now to schedule your holiday gathering at Kettlestrings Grove. From date night to office gatherings, we’ve got you covered
The Little Gem Cafe
Kettlestrings Grove Cocktail Bar
189 N Marion St, Oak Park
105 S Marion St, Oak Park
Th EA ank TS s t sp o o on ur so r!
wise-cup.business.site Newly added to the menu: Seasonal Chutney Jars-a very flavorful dipping sauce for everyday use. It’s an authentic family recipe.
Wise Cup 1018 Lake St, Oak Park
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mmm...
Eats Exceptional Edibles Ciro
1048 Pleasant St, Oak Park “This is his delicious signature dish Ziti Rigati alla Nanella!” - Andrea Spinasanto
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7407 Madison St, Forest Park “Ricotta Melezana Pizza... I’m from Jersey & I know pizza! “ - Lauren Marie
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220 Harrison St, Oak Park “Their steak tacos, nachos and margaritas are all marvelous!” - JN Rowan
Autre Monde Cafe & Spirits
6727 W Roosevelt Rd, Berwyn “The Mezze platter- as a Turkish American growing up with all these flavors, not only is this dish tasty with a great cocktail, but it makes me feel like I’m home, eating with family.” - Zerrin Bulut
B38 November 1, 2023
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Try a new restaurant this week! What is a Green Dining Hub? A GROUP OF RESTAURANTS THAT:
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OFFER LOCAL THEIR OWN WAYS TAKE TAKEOUT 25 IS TOILLINOIS’ FIRST GREEN DINING IMPACT ON ENVIRONMENTAL EXPERIENCES OUR CLIMATE ACTION GREEN DINING HUB
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TAKEOUT 25 IS ILLINOIS’ Sustainability ChampionsFIRST GREEN DINING HUB
Addis Café Fritzi’s Delicatessen Anfora Wine Merchants Happy Apple Pie Shop Takeout 25 Green Dining Hub Autre Sustainability Monde Café Kettlestrings ChampionsGrove Betty’s Pizza Kettlestrings Tavern Addis Café Khyber Fritzi’s Delicatessen Big Shrimpin’ Pass Anfora Wine Merchants Happy Apple Pie Shop Blackout Baking Kribi Coffee Autre Monde Café Kettlestrings Grove Brewpoint Coffee Media Noche Café Betty’s Pizza Kettlestrings Tavern Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor Mora Big Shrimpin’ KhyberAsian Pass Kitchen BuzzBaking Café One Lake Brewing Blackout Kribi Coffee Brewpoint Coffee Poke MediaBurrito Noche Café Candycopia Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor Mora Asian Kitchen Carnivore Starship Buzz Café One Lake Brewing Chicago Waffles Sugar Beet Food Co-op Candycopia Poke Burrito Chubby’s Hot Chicken Mucho Carnivore Taco Starship The Daly Bagel Cup Food Co-op Chicago Waffles Wise Sugar Beet Chubby’s Hot Chicken
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Bagel journey Wise Cup Each participant The is onDaly a unique to be more sustainable. Your support helps them go further. Each participant is on a unique journey to be more sustainable. Your support helps them go further.
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Support Your Support Your Favorite Green Favorite Green Restaurants! Restaurants!
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A food delivery service started by a restaurateur Delivery First a problem solver for restaurants and customers
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elivery First, a food delivery start-up founded by Chicagoland restaurateurs, is disrupting the intersection of restaurants and last mile logistics. Delivery First is a food delivery service that was created by restaurant people for restaurant people with the central idea being to save restaurants money on delivery. While deliveries took off during the pandemic, Delivery First grew rapidly. When founder Anthony Gambino realized how order generation and catering platforms charged high percentage fees that hurt restaurant profitability he decided to take charge of his company’s deliveries. Delivery First aims to forge meaningful local partnerships, backed by a team of 200-plus and growing “on demand” drivers.
Unlike larger order generation companies, Delivery First concentrates on three distinct differences. Their drivers are all employees, not gig workers, Delivery First employs and insures its drivers, providing drivers with hourly wages, tips, 401(k) options, and workman’s comp. Delivery First charges a flat fee, sparing restaurants from raising prices to cover delivery costs and enabling more predictability than the 20 to 30% fees charged by the larger order generation platforms. Delivery First also allows a restaurant to set its own delivery fee, meaning the restaurant can cover as much of the delivery fee as they care to. Delivery First will deliver any order the restaurant receives whether by phone, via the
restaurant’s own online platform, or even a third party generated order. Delivery First does not need to generate the order to take the delivery. Delivery First serves most of suburban Chicago and the city, and has a team experienced in navigating restaurant tech and enabling the digital transformation and integrations with multiple POS systems. Contact us at 312-900-9868 and the ad below.
Delivery First deliveryfirst.com
132 N York St, Elmhurst, IL 312-900-9868
B40 November 1, 2023
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