Calabria Italian Deli and Cafe

UPDATE!!! CHECK OUT CALABRIAS NEW LOOK! The dining area is getting cozier everyday. After the window renovation they are now sprucing up the place. New warmer paint on the walls, new table arrangement and soon new flooring that will make the place look and feel more like a cafe, deli and Italian specialty food shop! Now the atmosphere will be as good as the food! Graci Pasquale! You done good! Check it out soon! P.S. My all time favorite is the eggplant parmesan sandwich, love it!

I always enjoy going to Calabria at 1905 W. 103rd but unfortunately it's like going to Target, you always buy more things than you intend to. Everything looks & smells sooooo good! I stopped by the other day for pizza set ups. I bought the mini-pizza set ups & of course could not leave with out a container of fresh grated Romano cheese, some lovely baked deli ham and a jar of giardiniera,(spicy chopped up Italian vegetables in oil that are great on any kind of sandwich). The pizza set ups were fun, I prepared them at home with my daughter, she has fun making up her own mini-pizza. I was thinking this would be a great idea for a child's B-day party or even girls night out, at home. The pizza sauce was sweet & the sausage was delicious and they provided plenty of cheese for the top. 15 min in the oven at 350 & Wa La! Pizza time! We are so lucky to have a great Italian Deli right in the heart of Beverly. My Italian relatives from Sicily & Calabria would be pleased!

Fresh Roasted Coffee on Premise at The Beverly Bakery & Cafe!

UPDATE! The Bevery Bakery is now ROASTING COFFEE! It is the only coffee roastery south of Bridgeport. Stop in and watch them roast! Pick up a pound, or mix up a custom pound and bring it home. There is so much to enjoy at the Beverly Bakery & Cafe at 10528 S. Western. Stop in sometime and relax in the cafe. Enjoy a delicious cup of fresh roasted coffee while agonizing over your choice of "fresh out of the oven", breads and scones, pastries, cookies, donuts and more.. If your feeling sensible enjoy a lovely and fresh breakfast or lunch first, prepared with their fresh baked breads. You can then decide which specialty cake to order for your next party or event. Your hosts and local residents Jim and Jean Marie Quigley will be happy to indulge all of your edible desires. Stop in or make it a meeting place with your friends. Find out about their special events and rotating art exhibits. You will make this cafe a regular stop in your daily plan! Call 773-238-5580 for hours.

Cafe 103 and Beverly's Pantry New Casual Attitude!

Cafe 103 in combination with Beverly's Pantry, both owned and operated by Shirley Makinney, are adding some new casual dining specials and options.

In addition to their popular Sunday brunch, from 10am to 2pm which has wonderful classic dishes such as eggs Benedict, steak and eggs and buttermilk pancakes, as well as a kids breakfast selection, the "Pantry" will soon offer a light breakfast service featuring their wonderful Intelligentsia coffee, a selection of pastries, granola and other light fare at their new cafe tables next to the beautiful cooking class area. This area has been expanded to better accommodate the popular private parties and cooking classes that take place in this gorgeous, "cooking theatre".

The "Cafe" under the direction of Chef Kevin Koziol is now preparing a delicious "Comfort Foods" menu featuring such beloved dishes as chicken and dumplings and lamb shank. The current winter lunch menu has wonderful options such as pannini sandwiches, flat bread pizzas and juicy half pound sirloin burgers. The evening menu is now offering such hearty delicacies as Beef Wellington, Grilled Barramundi and Rack of Lamb.

A private party or get together can be arranged for groups as small as six in the beautiful pantry kitchen. For a very reasonable charge you can work with the owners to create your own unique menu for that special occasion. We have worked with Shirley, Christy and her staff to arrange private parties and the food, service and of course beautiful contemporary atmosphere, whether it was in the Cafe or the gourmet, cooking class kitchen was impeccable!

And lets not forget, Cafe 103 and Beverly's Pantry are always BYOB! Bring your own beer, wine, champagne or favorite libation! This makes for a very enjoyable and affordable afternoon or evening!

For your next "casual" dining experience anytime of the day, think of Beverly's Pantry or Cafe 103. 1907-1909 W. 103rd in "Downtown Beverly" 773-238-8550 or 773-238-5115

Beverly and Morgan Park the Best Real Estate Investment Around!

Existing residents of Beverly and Morgan Park have always known and new residents are finding out that investing in your home here is not as risky as one would think. Even in this financial climate you could drive around our beautiful neighborhood and see homeowners involved in significant home improvement projects ranging from a few "tear downs",(the complete demolition of a home with a new home built on that site), to gut remodels, additions and major renovations. Beverly/Morgan Park residents are confident that the investment they are making will pay off short term in the wonderful "urban/suburban" lifestyle that they can enjoy every day here and long term in the value that will be added to their home. A value they are confident will be recouped at some point if needed.

The interesting thing about Beverly/Morgan Park people is that all around it is a safe investment because for the most part once you settle in or discover Beverly and Morgan Park you rarely have the desire to leave! That's the secret to a wonderful, stable housing marketplace!

On one clear day last week, I took a few photos of projects in the area taking place right now.

Giuseppe's Trattoria Italiana on Olde Western Avenue in Blue Island

Dining at Giuseppe's Trattoria at 13351 S. Olde Western Ave,(between Broadway & Des Plaines St) in Blue Island, Illinois is like eating in your Italian, Aunts kitchen and enjoying the finest, original italian food you can imagine. There is a reason why! The owners are from Naples, Italy and the recipes are from their Aunt that still helps out, there in the restaurant.

They are very accomodating at Giuseppe's. If you ask for it and they have the ingredients then they will make it. We were in the mood for mussels in white wine garlic sauce which was not on the appetizer menu and they said no problem and soon enough they arrived surrounded by lovely pieces of garlic bread to sopp up the delicious garlicky sauce! We also enjoyed thick layers of lasagna, homemade gnnochi in a pesto creme sauce,classic and creamy fettucini alfredo and eggplant parmesan.

Finally for desert we could not leave with out sharing a gigantic piece of delicious and creamy tiramisu. Layers of lady fingers, marscapone cheese, chocolate and cream. It was a delicious dinner in a lovely, comfy atmosphere. Full service bar with beer, wine and liquor. We enjoyed delicious wine and Peroni Beer from Italy with our dinner. I look forward to returning again and again! Call for more info.(708) 388-8900

It's a Wonder if you have never been to Bill Grants Wonderburger!

Bill Grants Wonderburger 11045 S. Kedzie in Mt. Greenwood is a South side tradition, classic or legend. You pick the word, you own the experience. If you have never enjoyed a Wonderburger you just have to check it out, and if it has been a while, you have to stop in again soon just to prove to yourself it is still there and has not changed a bit.

Between the burgers, curly fries, onion rings or what ever you choose you will feel as if you have stepped back in time or landed in Mayberry RFD. Your burger or sandwich comes in a basket and everything else comes on antique melanin plates or bowls. I think they are the same plates and bowls they used when I was a child and walked up to Mt. Greenwood and went to Wonderburger after shopping at the Woolworth's next door,(that has since been torn down).

The food is good and cheap, the waitstaff young and lethargic and the atmosphere is nostalgic and worth every penny! Check it out some time soon before you no longer can!

Enjoy Patio Dining on the South Side of Chicago!

We have it all on the Southside including some great Patio Dining! So get out there and enjoy it while summertime in the city is here! Here are a few spots we love, if you know of other great patios please comment and I will be sure to add them!

Have fun early in the evening enjoy delicious pub food, play bean bag toss and toss a couple back at Quigley's Irish Pub at 4010 W. 111th at Pulaski, Oak Lawn in the corner of the shops.

It's Fiesta time on these lovely patios, enjoy a Margarita, a Mojito and some great Mexican cuisine at Mario's Tacos flower filled patio at 13325 S. Old Western Avenue in Blue Island or at La Fiesta at 3333 W. 111th Street in Mt. Greenwood.

The Maple Tree Inn also in Blue Island 13301 S. Old Western Avenue has a wonderful summer porch and the view here is amazing! Sit and watch the trains go over the massive steel bridge that looms in the near distance as you enjoy your New Orleans style cuisine, how perfect! See the photo above.

The ultimate bar patio is of course at Cork & Kerry's on 10614 S. Western Avenue. This legendary south side bar is the place to see and be "in the scene", this summer in particular for the college crowd.

The screened in patio at Limestone Grill at 13415 S. Ridgeland, Palos Hts.,keeps the bugs away and maximizes this wonderful casual fine dining experience.

Enjoy a wonderful cup of coffee, espresso or treat on the patio at any of our wonderful coffee shop cafes at Favia,107th and Hale, and The Beverly Bakery, 10528 Western

We have some new entrants to the patio scene recently with Fat Tommys(3101 W.) and TaTa's Pizza(3019 W.)on 111th Street, located in Mt. Greenwood. They have really nice lovely outdoor seating for all to enjoy! Marco's Beef at 2547 W. 111th Street next to Cardinal Fitness also has a cute little outdoor dining area.

Please let me know if you know of any other great summer patio ideas on the Southside!

Soups On! At the KODA Bistro Cooking Class!

I really enjoyed last Saturday early afternoon at Koda Bistro and Wine Bar in Beverly at 10352 S. Western Avenue. Chef Aaron Browning wowed a full house with 3 of his favorite easy to make soups including the recipe for their wonderful classic French Onion soup. Students were comfortably seated in the beautiful wine bar area and had clear sight to Chef Aaron's preparations via the overhead camera projected on the flat screen behind him. Everyone relaxed and enjoyed a glass of wine or delicious coffee as they watched and learned. Questions flowed through out the class and Chef Aaron was happy to respond as well as add his own unique stories and anecdotes from his travels in Europe and experiences in renowned kitchens including The Everest Room under Chef Jean Jojo. We learned how to prepare and sampled Potato Leek Vichyssoise, Country Lentil with Smoked Bacon and his Classic French Onion rendition. I can not wait to try them all at home and I am looking forward to the next class,contact KODA Bistro for more info. www.kodabistro.com 10352 S. Western Avenue 773-445-KODA (5632)

"The Beverly Irish Mile" or The Bars of Western Avenue in the Beverly Area of Chicago

The Bars of Western Avenue in Beverly Morgan Park or "The Beverly Irish Mile" as I would like to call it or to be historically accurate, "The Death Walk", I am not exactly thrilled with the phrase, "The Death Walk or March" but I believe that one should be historically correct. As far back as I can remember, (and this goes back as far as when The Keys Lounge and the Touch of Green were on Western), this is what they called it if you walked and hit every bar for a beer, traveling on the West side of Western Avenue, (the only side that alcohol is served on), from 9900 to 11900 South.

I would like to rename it "The Beverly Irish Mile". Just as when a "bakers dozen" has just one more donut, and just as when an Irishman will tell you, "I'm just gonna stay on for one more pint", the Irish I know are prone to slight under estimation of time and distance, so I believe it is fair to say, that a slightly less than 20 block walk down Western Avenue is a bonefied "Irish Mile". I can hear it now, "Aye it's just a bit of a mile and a few pubs, ya kin make it!"

I don't condone over consumption! But if this is done right at a slow and leisurely pace with a few friends, with food and non-alcoholic beverages in between, I think it could make for a fun day! And in the end you can say, "I walked The Beverly Irish Mile"

There are 13 bars. I am thinking this is a lucky 13! I did not include restaurant/bars. Only 2 bars serve food and that is secondary to the bar but the food is great! You could start South and go North or vice versa. I believe South to North is the best tactic. You end up in The End Zone, 2nd to last, where there is quite a bit of photographic history about the neighborhood and local athletes on display and then last but not least you end in Wrong's Tap. A classic, old style, bar which will conclude your tour of Western Avenue bars.

If you plan to attempt "The Beverly Irish Mile", I encourage you to start early and eat along the way. They have excellent bar food at Cullinan's Stadium Club and Sean's Rhino Bar, as well as at many wonderful restaurants in between, (Ken's, Franconello's and Fox's). Consider having something other than beer or alcohol and of course, you WALK IT, and don't drink and drive. Have a designated driver or pick up person at the end.

Below is the list.
All on the West side of South Western Avenue:

11848 Chandler's
11610 Cullinan’s Stadium Club - Great bar food
11136 McNally’s
11064 O’Rourke’s Office
10934 O’Briens Pub
10910 Mrs. O’Leary’s Dubliner
10638 Dingers Sports Bar
10618 Keegan’s Irish Pub
10616 Cork & Kerry Irish Pub & Garden
10350 Brubaker’s (The Bake)
10330 Sean’s Rhino Bar-Great bar food
10036 The End Zone
10014 WRONGS Tap

Enjoy the craic, good luck, good luck!

SOX & IIT Metra Stop starting in the spring of 2011!

Congratulations Beverly & Morgan Park you will now have a direct link to U.S Cellular Field, "The Cell" or as true South Siders call it SOX PARK!

Starting in the spring the Metra train which stops at 7 stops within walking distance of all of Beverly & Morgan Park will now pick you up and drop you within a block of SOX PARK!

No more taking the bus down 95th to the "L", yeah! No more driving the "Dan" with all the crazy drivers to and from the game! Yeah! Now it will be safe, cheap and convenient to go to the SOX Game!

By the way, we will also have complete convenient access to
IIT a wonderful institution of higher learning!

Oh, back to the SOX...now visitors to SOX PARK can take the Metra from downtown, enjoy the game and then proceed on to Beverly & Morgan Park and have a wonderful time in one of our local restaurants or bars! What a novel idea! (See this blog for restaurant and bar suggestions!)

Loyal SOX fans and true South Siders should also make it a point to exit the

Metra Train at 35th Street and travel just two short blocks east and visit

Mother Butters Popcorn and Confectionery, 17 W. 35th St.

Longtime Beverly residents own this gem of a shop that serves up the most

delicious popcorn and treats imaginable!

Don't forget when you go to the game,to visit Cork and Kerry at The Park, 3258 S. Princeton, 312-842-0769. Owned by our own local boys, Mike Fitz & Dave G. they also own and run Cork & Kerry on Western Avenue.

How ever you "swing it", your in for a great time with the new SOX PARK/Metra Connection!

Have a great summer!

Hearty Cafe and Pancake House lives up to it's name!

I have enjoyed dining several times at the new Hearty Cafe and Pancake House at 9623 S. Western Avenue in Beverly. The name certainly indicated the experience. The menu is endless with on going options and selections of anything you can imagine for breakfast or lunch. The portions are enormous! I have always come away with leftovers and the food is delicious. I love it that they give you an entire bowl of the mini-flavored creamers for your coffee and the hot cocoa is delicious too! I have enjoyed the croissant sandwiches, the pancakes, the grits and many other menu items. I heartily recommend the Hearty Cafe! Just get there before 3pm! They are closed for dinner. (773) 881-1000

"Fat Tommy's in Mt. Greenwood has moved to better serve you!"

If you remember and enjoyed Reds Drive-In or the "old" Janson"s then Fat Tommy's at 3031 W. 111th in Mt Greenwood will give you the same comfortable, local feel with great classic hot dog/burger stand food. Owned by a long time local resident from a large family this owner got his start the good old fashioned way by beginning with a cart serving hot dogs up under a patio umbrella at the local ball parks. Now they have moved from their smaller location in Mt. Greenwood to a larger space with an outdoor patio! The food is great & Fat Tommy's is famous for it's huge pork chop sandwiches that my brother swears by, (he is always calling me on my cell & offering to buy one for me and bring it to me wherever I happen to be). They are also famous for their "ketchup sucks" campaign. They do not believe the stuff belongs on hot dogs!With that friendly dose of attitude they also offer up all of the classics, hot dogs, burgers, beef and chicken sandwiches, barbeque ribs and sandwiches and even salads. They can also cater your next kids party or adult barbeque, they will even bring the hot dog cart! If you haven't been there, GO, if you've gone, GO AGAIN! (773) 233-FATS(3287) www.fattommyschicago.com

Finally Sugarcoated an Eco Chic Nail Boutique Opened in bustling Mt. Greenwood!

Sugarcoated Eco Chic Nail Boutique, 3754 W. 111th Street is now open! Sugarcoated is an eco friendly neighborhood nail boutique dedicated to the health and maintenance of natural nails. Sugarcoated has an environmentally friendly, stylish and comfy atmosphere, perfect for relaxing and reconnecting with friends.

Sugarcoated is not a spa, but a delightful refuge from the typical nail salon. Get ready to be pampered by Chicago's finest nail technicians, while relaxing in a non-toxic, ultra comfy and aesthetically appealing environment!

At Sugarcoated they pride ourselves in being environmentally responsible. You’ll notice the difference right away when the smell of fresh cut flowers and sugarcoated treats greet you at the door. The products are non-toxic and virtually odorless, with the exception of the addictive scent of the various natural sugar scrubs and moisturizers.

email Sugarcoated at info@sugarcoatednails.com or go to their website for ALL of the info: www.sugarcoatednails.com 773-982-8559

Celeste Vintage - Women's vintage and contemporary apparel, jewelry and accessories

A unique and stylish boutique has just recently opened in the Mt. Greenwood area of Chicago. The current owner of the Lamp Shop, Susan Faber, has invited her daughter Celeste Faber to share the cozy store front space. So now you can shop for vintage and contemporary lamps and shades and then stop over at Celeste Vintage, 3157 S. 111th Street, for beautiful vintage clothing and accessories! Celeste accepts vintage clothing on consignment as well as offers pieces from her personal collection. In addition, Celeste works with designers to become the exclusive boutique offering their fashion lines. From unique and vintage clothing, jewelry and accessories, Celeste Vintage is offering women something different and special in order to help them accentuate their vintage, contemporary or combined style! Call 773/875-7707 for info. and hours.Contact Celeste at CelesteVintage@gmail.com also become a fan of Celeste Vintage on Facebook.

Beverly's Newest Women's Boutique- Van Wade Lifestyle Boutique!

The 99th Street Metra stop is becoming the Beverly Fashion hub with the addition of the latest women's boutique. Owner Terence Van Wade has introduced his unique style to the women of Beverly and Morgan Park. Stop by 1739 W. 99th Street and enter Van Wade Lifestyle Boutique, to shop for beautiful, colorful and silky tops, tunics and dresses. Select an up to the date bag from his selection of the latest handbags. Accent that beautiful outfit with a unique and up to the minute jewelry item or accessory. The boutique is lovely, spacious and inviting and Terence will assist you in selecting just the right items for that special occasion or no occasion at all! Call 773-233-7921 for hours. Happy shopping!

Party Pro's - From Start to Finish, Let Party Pro's Handle it All!

The next time you have a party in your home or in a local venue that requires servers either casual or formal, contact local resident, Janice Griffin at Party Pro's. They will set up, serve, break down and clean up and you will not have to lift a finger! Party Pro's work with local caterers such as Calabria Imports and many others. They have served local events at various parishes and for groups around the area such as St. Barnabas, St. Christina and the Local VFW posts. They serve the south side and south suburban areas of Chicago.

Party Pro's will set up, serve and replenish food and appetizers, serve soft drinks and coffee, set out desserts, serve cakes and more! When the party is over you can sit back and relax and let Party Pro's handle all of the cleanup! What ever your party planning needs you do not need to go any further than local owners, The Party Pro's. Contact Janice Griffin at 708/227-5979 or 773/233-5401

Let's Get Poppin a Morgan Park Treat since 1995

I am tempted to go to Let's Get Poppin, 11758 S. Western, in Morgan Park, far more often than my figure can afford! I love to treat myself and my daughter, and husband if he is lucky, to treats from this delightful shop. From the moment you enter your knees go weak with the delicious smells and sights.


So much to choose from! Their popcorn is handmade using only the finest ingredients. The popcorn, which is a hybrid mushroom popcorn, is dry popped without oils. They use only real butter, brown sugar and 100% real cheese. It is made one batch at a time and comes in 15 wonderful flavors!From delicious Plain to every version of Cheese and Carmel to such unique delights as Bacon Cheddar, BBQ, Jalapeno/Red Pepper, Sour Cream & Chive, Ranch. Then there are the unique sweet treat versions of Macadamia Nut, Pecan Caramel, Cashew Caramel and Banana Walnut. These popcorn treats are available in a variety of sizes and in gift tins as well. You can shop in the store or order on line.

In addition to popcorn there are delicious baked goods such as thick rich carrot and red velvet cake slices and other delicious pastry items. Enjoy a cool ICEE, ice cream treat or beverage too!

I love this cute little shop and enjoy trying all of the different flavors of popcorn and variety of treats. You will too! Stop in and enjoy!
11758 S. Western Ave (773) 779-6132 Toll Free: (866) 476-7746 M-F 10-8, Sat 10-7 Closed Sunday.

Beverly, Morgan Park and Neighboring Areas Surviving and Thriving in this Economy!

The residents of Beverly, Morgan Park, Mt Greenwood and some surrounding suburban areas have survived the Real Estate disaster better than they think. The homes above are just a sample of the beautiful homes that we enjoy living within and looking at every single day! In Beverly and Morgan Park we have had strong home sales and even bench mark closings in the last 9 months that have proven that the quality, unique and historic nature of our home stock as well as the strength and support of the people and communities will continue to prevail even in the most difficult times.

Where there have been sporadic, foreclosures or board ups, in our areas, they have not drastically effected the value of the nearby homes for sale. These are the homes that have been well maintained through the years and are priced accordingly. Buyers in this market know the difference. They are willing to pay a little more in a good solid neighborhood, with great schools, parks, neighbors and access to transportation. They know this is still a solid investment. They would rather purchase and live here then get a "great deal" in a transitioning suburb or neighborhood full of foreclosures, not knowing if and or when that "great deal" will ever pay off.

We have also had new business's enter the market and they have found support and success. If that is not enough to convince people that the Beverly and Morgan Park areas and nearby communities such as Mt. Greenwood are here to stay then nothing will!

So, I make these comments in a cautionary way. I suggest that we need to go out and support our local business's even more. We do not want them to go the way of a few retailers that have recently closed...The World Music Company and Beverly Flower Shop - Beverly, The Jungle Gym in West Beverly, Sonoma Cafe and Coffee Shop and Baja Sol Tortilla Grill - Evergreen Park and Corrigan's Bar and Grill in Mt Greenwood, to mention a few. Our hearts go out to the owners and employees that were dependent on these business's for their livelihood. We wish them success in their next endeavor.

I hope I do not have to add more names to this list in the near future. Please spend your money and do ALL OF YOUR SHOPPING and DINING with LOCAL INDEPENDENT MERCHANTS and RESTAURANTS. Let your friends and relatives know about your plan and encourage them to do the same. This fits in with the spirit of the neighborhood and economy, will make everyone involved happy, make the neighborhood more prosperous and the gift or experience will have even more significance.

Pete's Fresh Market - NOW OPEN in Evergreen Park, IL

Evergreen Park is celebrating the opening of Pete's Fresh Market a 55,000 square-foot grocery store on the former site of Frank's Nursery and Crafts at the northeast corner of 95th Street and Ridgeway Avenue. Pete's has a reputation for selling the freshest produce, including an extensive selection of organic produce, meats and more at excellant prices. I can not wait to shop in this beautiful new store so close and convenient to the Beverly, Morgan Park Area.

Times are Tough All Around. If You're Going to Shop, Dine and Socialize Please, DO IT LOCAL!!

Because of this blog and my occupation I spend a great deal of time talking to retailers, restauranteurs, and business people. I hear the same thing all the time, "Where are all of the customers?", "If things don't change I don't know if I can make it." My heart goes out to these owners. I get frustrated when I hear about my neighbors and friends taking their dining and shopping dollars outside of the neighborhood or hanging out, shopping, or dining at a NATIONAL CHAIN. Yet these are the same people that will complain when we have no unique restaurants or shops and instead have vacant storefronts. Yes, times are tough and people are tightening the purse strings but we know we still go out to eat periodically and we have to shop for birthday gifts and the necessities of life.

Here are a few suggestions:

The next time you need a pound of coffee instead of going to the super market buy a fresh pound from your favorite local cafe! Beverly Bakery 105th & Western is ROASTING IT'S OWN! It is the only coffee roaster south of Bridgeport! Other options are the Beverly Coffee Shop 111th & Fairfield, Favia 107th at Metra, Blue Moon 103rd at Metra. Beverly's Pantry sells Intelligentsia which is what they serve next door at Cafe 103. All the coffee will be 100% better, fresher, comparably priced and the cafe owner will sincerely appreciate your business.

The next time you plan a girls' night out or dinner with friends, STAY IN THE NEIGHBOROOD! Support the restaurants or they won't be here for us. You're also supporting the waitstaff and employees that live local and need your tips! Relax, have a sip of wine or beer, and feel all warm and fuzzy inside knowing you're just a few minutes away from your little darlings yet a world away mentally and having a great dinner and night out at Cafe 103, Koda, Ken's, Richies, Franconellos, Fox's Pub or any of our other fine restaurants.

The next time you need a small gift or unique item check out one of our local retailers. Think outside the box. Many of our local florists, cafes, gourmet shops, etc. will have a unique gift that will surprise you and delight the receiver! Try Gumption Gifts, Beverly's Pantry Gourmet gifts, World Music, Simmerling Gallery all on 103rd at the Metra. Check out Ms. Priss and Blossom Boys, Red Bliss and Lori's Cake Walk Chicago at 99th & the Metra.

Hankering for a bite to eat, want something fresh and lite and inexpensive without all the time and big tip of a sit down restaurant? Try one of the local cafe/coffee shops mentioned above, grab a bite at Calabria Italian Deli Cafe on 103rd at the Metra or dine at the latest entre into the cafe scene with excellant food, Sweet Escapes in Mt. Greenwood at 104th & Kedzie. They have the BEST CORNED BEEF SANDWICH and more.

This week or weekend, instead of going to a movie at a big theatre or trying to think of something to do just check out The Music Station or The Beverly Art Center website and pick something, dang it!

Seriously folks... We are all in this together. Let's help each other and help out our community.

I will say it again, say it loud, SHOP, DINE, SOCIALIZE LOCAL!