Blog

Mother's Day in Bucktown, a Suite in Three Parts.

Wed, 16 May 2012 17:38:00 GMT

Julie Horowitz Jackson happily calls Bucktown her home now for fifteen years. Virtu, 2034 North Damen Ave, celebrated 11 years in business earlier this year. Her husband owns Color Wheel Studio, another Bucktown business, and their son attends Pulaski International School of Chicago, one of Bucktown’s four neighborhood CPS schools. Go goat or go home!

Putting my money where my mouth is, this working mom spent a joyous Mother's Day out and about in the neighborhood on a glorious sunny Sunday.

The day began with the inaugural brunch at newly opened Red Door located at the corner of Charleston and Damen. Perhaps you've heard? Chef Troy Graves and his scrumptious ways are back in Bucktown once again. You may remember Troy from his days at Meritage or even Tallulah up North. Tastebuds rejoice in savoring gastro pub fare offered in an enlightened elegance.

The space is cool and cozy with wood grained tables and banquettes. An elongated bar reaches across the dining room where you can sip hand crafted cocktails of añejo and ginger rhubarb or choose one of many brews from an extensive list. Jeremiah Krickhahn, Red Door's mixologist, simmers his own syrups in house.

Today we sat outside on the impressive patio and dined on traditional fare executed with Troy's twists. Known for his tasteful juxtapositions of both savory and sweet, I had the soy salmon with cucumber and asian pear on a bagel. Mr. Me had the Applewood smoked bacon and eggs and the kid snarfed the asparagus and gruyere quiche with mixed greens. A flight of mimosas was had in mango, ruby grapefruit, and that yummy rhubarb ginger I told you about before.

As if the meal wasn't enough, the best part was the company. Seated, community style, in this outdoor room, were so many of our neighbors, friends and customers each enjoying the day with family.

Dinner is served all week long, with the place turning more bar friendly after 10pm. On the menu you'll find small plates to share. Our favorites (so far) have been the fava bean toast with burrata and strawberries in a balsamic glaze, gnocchi or mussels, and the fantastic burger with onion marmalade.

I can't tell you how happy I am to have this corner bistro spot open once again. Just in time for some summer sun, that patio will be packed all season long.

From Red Door, we crossed the street to visit our friend Beth at the lovely Larkspur.

Painting with flowers doesn't quite come close to what we found on Sunday morning. Brilliant bouquets full of anemone and ranunculus were on hand amidst a field full of flowers fresh for you to choose. I can now say that I've seen the biggest hydrangea blossom I have ever laid eyes on, a heart shaped one that was bigger than a not so small child.

One of my favorite things about this neighbor of mine is the fact that she grows much of her stock on her own farm in Michigan. It doesn't get much more local than that.

After our visit, we headed a few blocks North to Logan skate park, one of the neighborhood's best kept secrets.

Hidden under 90/94 at Logan and Western you will find an enclosed stretch of concrete, metal and wood alive with the sound of rolling skate trucks and the distinct clink of a grind.

On that sunny Sunday the ramps were filled with kids of all ages, a skater chick here and there (woo hoo!), all waiting their turn to go with the flow. I got to sit and watch the kid master three new feats, fearless as ever, and completely mortified by my mere existence.

It's not so often that I get to enjoy a day free from Virtu, but when I have a spare moment, I try to spend some time (and some money) in our local independents.

Throughout the Six Corners and the streets beyond, we have many an option as to where to dine, play or shop. Think about your actions and consider this: each time you spend money locally, you are keeping more of those funds closer to home.

For a really neat way to spell this out clearly, check out the handy economic distribution calculator over on the Independent We Stand website.

I just entered the stats for Chicago and it told me that if every family spent just $10 a month in locally owned independent businesses, more than $277 million dollars would stay in our city. That's quite a lot of food for thought.

Check me next time when I blahg about the Wicker Park Farmer's Market. I can't wait for opening day on Sunday, June 3rd. See you there.

Trend of the ages: The Tassel

Wed, 16 May 2012 02:42:00 GMT

Moira Kelley is a sales associate at STITCH and a vintage clothing seller on Etsy. You can find her at the store or write her a line at moira@stitchchicago.com.

If you want a history lesson on the subject of fashion and accessories, tassels are a perfect example of a trend that has been around forever...literally.

There is a Biblical commandment that tells the Hebrew people to add “tassels” to their garments - which we now know as a “tallit”, or Jewish prayer shawl. Talk about history!

Fast forward a couple thousand years and the French had perfected the art. In the 16th century they created the Guild of Passementiers (“Passementerie” means the art of making elaborate trimmings). To become one of the masters of the art you needed an apprenticeship of seven years! You can’t find that kind of craftsmanship and expertise anymore. (Reference)

The more recent tassel trends of the 20th century are primarily seen in the styles of the 20s and 70s such as flapper dresses and fringed leather jackets.

However, in the past couple of seasons, tassels have been making a comeback and we’ve been noticing a lot of them on leather products. Designers like Carla Mancini and Rebecca Minkoff have incorporated fringes into their leather purses. We are also seeing a lot of zipper pulls with tassels attached on both purses and wallets. Accessories such as keychains by Russell + Hazel bring us back to the more traditional tassel look and scarves are shifting toward tallit-style embellishments.

So jump on the tassel train! You’ll be wearing a part of history with this whimsical trend.

Now You See It, Now You Don’t at the Flat Iron

Fri, 11 May 2012 20:36:00 GMT

This blog entry was contributed by: Charlie Rees of the Flat Iron Artists' Association, 1579 N. Milwaukee Ave.

A vibrant and interesting art scene exists in Wicker Park Bucktown.

An example of this vibrancy was the Now You See It, Now You Don’t mural show recently held at the Flat Iron Arts Building. 60 Chicago artists spent over a month painting murals on the interior, white walls of the Flat Iron. The result was 500 feet of a flowing canvas, lively and colorful. Thanks to these 60 artists, The Now You See It, Now You Don’t mural show was a success with more than 1,000 people in attendance.

The paint over of the murals, the Now You Don’t See It part, has started. Tarps, rollers, brushes and white paint have made their debut. The murals are disappearing, covered by coats of white paint. The white hallways of the Flat Iron will have to wait for next year’s Now You See It, Now You Don’t show.

One swipe, two swipes, many swipes of paint, then the mural is gone.

Pint: A Traditional Irish Pub with Something More

Fri, 04 May 2012 16:11:00 GMT

This blog post was contributed by: Malcolm Logan, a freelance writer and Wicker Park Bucktown resident. Visit his website at www.fillmyemptyblogspace.com. He can be reached at malcolm.logan@rcn.com.

It’s a requirement. In Chicago, every neighborhood worth its salt has to have an Irish pub.

In Wicker Park it's called Pint.

With heavy oak woodwork, panel moldings and ornate chandeliers, Pint nails an authentic Anglo-Irish decor. A characteristic red London phone booth out front completes that across-the-pond feel.

In Chicago, Irish pubs are understood to be solid local hang outs during the week as well as the happy hunting grounds of eager singles on the weekends. During the week, Pint passes muster, providing a friendly staff, adequate in number, ready to serve, and featuring 18 quality beers on tap, with an emphasis on Irish products like Guiness, Smithwicks and Harp. For food it offers shepherd’s pie, a selection of burgers, and fish and chips, hitting all the right notes. As for décor, Pint’s library room is like something out of Sherlock Holmes, with a pillared and mantled fireplace, Edwardian mirrors and overstuffed sofas, great for relaxing in.

On the weekends, Pint pumps up the volume. The cavernous bar with its brick archways and swanky upstairs loft overflow with spirited twenty-somethings, laughing, mingling and dancing. More than a dozen TVs show sports, some up close and at eye-level within the confines of individual alcoves. In fact, cozy nooks and comfortable corners abound, making Pint a great place to hang out with friends or get acquainted.

In the summer, Pint comes alive with comfortable sidewalk dining along one of the busiest sections of Milwaukee Avenue, perfect for people watching while relaxing in the heart of vibrant Wicker Park.

When it comes to food, in addition to its Irish staples, Pint offers eighteen appetizers, seven salads, fourteen sandwiches, and a selection of main courses. Beyond its eighteen drafts, Pint offers more than 40 beers in bottles, as well as cocktails, wine and a full bar.

Every Chicago neighborhood has an Irish pub – it’s practically a rule - and Wicker Park has Pint.

From local hangout to pulsing nightspot to great sidewalk dining, Pint covers all the bases. It’s everything an Irish pub should be, and more.

Pint

1547 N. Milwaukee
(773) 772-0990
Su-F: 11am-2am; Sa: 11am-3am

Wicker Park Bucktown News - May 2 2012

Thu, 03 May 2012 14:52:00 GMT

Only a Few More Days Left to Enter to Win a Beautiful Bucktown Poster

Answer questions on what kinds of businesses you'd like to see in Wicker Park Bucktown and where you'd like to spend your dollars and you're entered to win this beautiful screen-printed Bucktown poster by StudioChris. Make sure to include your email address for a chance to win! Take our survey now.

May Chamber Mixer at The Anthem

When: Wed, May 16th, 6-8pm
Where: The Anthem, 1725 W. Division
Cost: Free for Chamber Members, $5 for Non-Members
Grow your network or just casually meet your neighbors at the Chamber's May Networking Event at The Anthem! Click here for more information and to RSVP.

Summer Sidewalk Sales

When: Jul 21st-22nd & Aug 25th-26th, 2012
Where: Wicker Park Bucktown
Our two signature summer sidewalk sales exclusively for Wicker Park Bucktown merchants are back again this summer! Participation in both weekends' sales are free to WPB Chamber Members and $100 for non-members. For more information and to sign your business up to participate, click here.

Wicker Park Fest 2012

When: Sat & Sun, July 28th-29th, 2012
Where: Milwaukee Avenue between North & Paulina
Cost: $5 donation
Described as Chicago's "best street festival of the summer" by the Chicago Tribune, Wicker Park Fest 2012 is sure to top what was an amazing slate of performances, food and vendors at Wicker Park Fest '11. Check our website to find out more about the upcoming line-up and apply as a vendor! Also, "LIKE" the official fan page on Facebook!

The Importance of Strong, Healthy Bones

Wed, 02 May 2012 16:10:00 GMT

This post was written by Spirit of Women and contributed by Celia Gonzalez, Community Relations/Senior Wellness Coordinator at Saint Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center. She can be contacted at celia.gonzalez@reshealthcare.org.

Maintaining strong, healthy bones is essential as we grow older.

Hips not only provide shape and support, but also enable movement of the pelvis area and lower extremities, making them among the most important parts in the body. Daily doses of calcium and vitamin D, along with exercise, can help the body fight against bone loss. Thirty minutes of physical activity each day is recommended. Dancing, whether it’s Zumba, Salsa or Ballroom Dancing, is a great form of exercise that strengthens the bones and muscles in the legs and hips, lowers risk of heart disease and helps with weight loss.

Did you know?

Osteoporosis affects approximately ten million Americans. This disease silently weakens the bones, which increases the chances of fractures, and is common in older women.
Osteogenesis Imperfecta is a genetic disorder that causes the bones to break very easily. It can cause weak muscles, brittle teeth, a curved spine and hearing loss.
Paget's Disease causes the bones in your body to grow larger and weaker than normal. Other symptoms include arthritis and hearing loss.
Osteoarthrosis (aka degenerative joint disorder) is the most common form of arthritis and occurs when cartilage in your joints is worn down over time.

Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center

2233 W. Division

Chicago, IL 60622
(312) 770-2000
www.smemc.reshealth.org

Tale of Two Cities- Bucktown vs. Wicker Park pt. 4

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:07:00 GMT

The following blog entry was contributed by: Sam Marts and Dina Petrakis
- he's Bucktown, she's Wicker Park - who compare their two ‘hoods.

Today we take a peek at two homes of more moderate size, for those of you working your way up to a Bucktown or Wicker Park Mansion- or who prefer a smaller footprint. The approach of these two homes is dramatically different, in part due to their location- and the timing of their “remodelation”.

This Bucktown cottage has been enlarged and modernized, maintaining most of the original façade. The slot window at the top and the picture window at the parlor both increase the visual scale of the cottage and announce their modernity with new shapes. The most dramatic element is the second-story addition with a contrasting glass and metal wall in totally contemporary mode. This would not be allowed in a Landmark District and wouldn’t look congruous there. Had this renovation been more recent, it might have been a tear-down- or certainly would be a larger addition. Today, the modest scale has a place in the market again.

This Wicker Park two-flat has elements which actually make it appear cottage-like by reducing the scale of the upper level; the roof of the bay window and the canopy over the entrance come forward and the second story visually recedes. The cornice is original but the porch was reconstructed using picturesque elements as fitting this Landmark District and similar to surrounding buildings. An addition on this property would most likely be limited to the rear of the structure by Landmarks- and a tear-down would be prohibited. The scale of properties in Landmark Districts is more static- and appeals to those who appreciate both size and aesthetic.

So which is YOUR pick, “anything goes” Bucktown or “my way or the highway” Wicker Park?

Wicker Park Bucktown News - April 25 2012

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 21:44:00 GMT

Every Day is Earth Day

Keep up your efforts to go green and save money with some earth-friendly ideas that you can act on any day of the year:

Small Business Energy Savings Program

Small businesses receive expert advice on energy-saving improvements for their business, and assistance with the application for rebates on energy improvement investment. There are program freebies too, such as compact fluorescent lamps, faucet aerators, and pre-rinse sprayers! For more information, please click here.

10 Simple Things: WPB Green Designation

The Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber's Green Committee has assembled a list of actions, ranging from simple, low-cost tasks to big ticket investments with long term pay-offs for member businesses that wish to go green and save money. Review the list, complete ten action items, and earn "WPB Green" designation. For more information, please click here.

Featured Green & Eco-Friendly Chamber Members:

Greenheart Shop, 1911 W. Division, is Chicago's premier eco-fair trade non-profit shop, carrying eco fair trade products made by artisans from around the world.

The ReBuilding Exchange, 2160 N. Ashland, a project of the Delta Institute, offers reclaimed building materials at a fraction of the cost, keeping them out of our landfills, and available to residents at all income levels, particularly those who can't afford the rising costs of such materials. Classes and volunteer opportunities also available!

Reynolds Power/Zap My Bill, 1286 N. Milwaukee, is a commercial, medical, municipal and industrial full-service energy solutions company that offers a fresh and innovative process for helping you save money on electricity and natural gas.

For a complete list of Green & Eco-Friendly Chamber Member Businesses, please click here.

How to Choose the Right Financial Team

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 19:19:00 GMT

The following blog entry was contributed by: Albert Spenadel, CPA, MST, owner of Spenadel Tax and Accounting Services. He can be reached at alspenadelcpa@comcast.net.

Now that you have paid your taxes, you might be thinking about how to pay less of them when next April arrives in 2013.

How do you do that? Who do you turn to for solid financial advice?

First, if you like your accountant, ask him or her for a recommendation to a financial planner. A good financial planner takes the time to listen to you and customizes a financial plan to fit your needs. Certified financial planners, designated with the acronym CFP, have taken a series of tests and are credentialed to help you with your plan. Some financial planners do not sell investment products, but others do offer investment choices. The author prefers financial planners who do not offer specific investments, because they are typically can offer independent advice. Although the author knows some fine financial planners who do offer investments, the mere fact that they offer specific investments is an inherent conflict of interest. They might steer you to investments that may not be tailored for you that they get a fee for managing your assets. Keep this in mind while choosing a financial planner. Be sure to review your plan at least annually with your planner to see if it is on-track, needs tweaking or a complete overhaul.

You may want to select an investment broker the same way you chose a financial planner. Ask your accountant first, before asking your relatives, friends or neighbors. Why? Your accountant typically sees the statements from the broker when filing his clients’ tax returns.

Here is an inside scoop:

Accountants get inundated with requests from brokers to refer business to them. The author, a CPA, only refers clients to brokers who have a proven track record with clients. However, unless you ask, you cannot see the brokerage statements for your relatives, friends or neighbors. If you ask, you might be considered being rude or obnoxious, because financial information is strictly confidential.

So far we have assumed here that you have an accountant that you trust. What if you do not? How do you find a good one? Of course, you can ask your relative, friend or neighbor again. Just because they have a CPA, Certified Public Accountant, by their name does not make them the right accountant for you. However, you do have a much better alternative. Simply go to your local chamber of commerce website, such as the WPBCC. See which accountants in your community are members of your local chamber. Talk to local business owners to see who they use. Then, set up an appointment to meet them. Be careful of accountants who demand a fee upfront for meeting with you. On the other hand, do not be obnoxious and pick the accountant’s brain too much for specific advice if you are shopping for a new one. General questions such as fees and general services offered are certainly acceptable questions to ask at the initial consultation.

All of your financial team members should have your best interests at heart first. If they do a good job for you, pay them well. This leads to the desired “Win-Win” scenario.

Pulling Off the Hat Thanks to Goorin Bros

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 21:22:00 GMT

This blog was contributed by: Stephanie Sack, owner of vive la femme, Chicago's only independent boutique for curvaceous cutie pies between sizes 12-24; and violette, Bucktown's only cheap-n-cheerful shoe store that features street chic footwear up to a size 11.

There are really two types of people when it comes to street chic fashion: those who wear hats, and those who do not.

There is even a subset of the first type, which is: those who were hats with aplomb. Goorin Bros, small storefront tucked away on the 1500 block of Milwaukee, is a dream come true for the folks who naturally look smashing while behatted.

A Chicago outpost since 2009 of a California-based company, the Goorin Bros store in Wicker Park is a charmingly curated space full of millinery goodness. Their hat designs draw on inspiration from various eras to evoke fashion trends and social mores from the past while remaining wonderfully current and contemporary. Classic hat shapes such as fedoras and cloches are modernized with on-trend colors and luxe fabrics for a hat that is both nostalgic and now. This is a pretty good trick for a brand that has been around since 1895, BTW. Yes, that's right...EIGHTEEN NINETY FIVE.

Spring and summer styles abound at the Wicker Park shop. Straw hats in various colors were in abundance, as were hats of all shapes and stripes in lighter, more seasonal colors. This cream fedora festooned with the feather detailing could totally live at my house and we would totally be BFFs. Hats come in a range of sizes, and are available for men, women, and children. When you shop at Goorin Bros, be prepared to try on a slew of styles and shapes. The staff is super friendly and very honest; no one wants a customer sporting a lame lid.

So tHAT's the Goorin Bros story! Get it? tHAT'S!? Happy hat shopping at Goorin Bros!

Goorin Bros

1533 N. Milwaukee
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 384-4287
www.goorin.com

Artist’s Notes by Flat Iron Artist, Charlie Rees

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:51:00 GMT

This blog entry was contributed by: Charlie Rees of the Flat Iron Artists' Association, 1579 N. Milwaukee Ave.

It was that type of day, late this morning, Friday, April 13th, when I had to escape the studio, go for a walk, breathe in the spring air and enjoy the sun. No need to be superstitious.

I headed out of the studio, across Milwaukee Avenue, down Damen, straight to Wicker Park and there, by chance, discovered some delightful works of art. They were not pretentious or insulting. They contained no political messages. They were not the work of vandals. The art was perfect for a spring morning, colorful, expressive and playful, the work of children.

Many people walking through the park, earplugs firmly in place, playing with their smart phones, missed these beautiful extemporaneous pieces of art. This is sad; because, with spring showers, winds, foot traffic, this art will vanish. Hopefully, these artists will come back to continue their delightful work.

Art is all around us. All we have to do is stop, take a moment, look and enjoy.

Wicker Park Bucktown News-April 18 2012

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 15:07:00 GMT

Win a Bucktown Poster!

Take our survey, do something great for our neighborhood and get a chance to win a beautiful screen printed poster by StudioChris! In this 10-minute survey, you can tell us what kind of businesses you want (or don't want) to see in Wicker Park Bucktown. Include your email address and you've got a chance to win. Fast & Easy! Take the survey now. Good Luck!

A Family's Community: Wicker Park Bucktown

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:08:00 GMT

Now that I've got two blog posts under my belt, I find myself being asked "Why do you do it?" The blog posts?

That's easy. Because I've lived and worked in this neighborhood for so long that I've found tons of stuff about Bucktown and Wicker Park to share with my customers.

For me, I think the question goes deeper than all of that. It speaks to the warmth and generosity of this community in which my husband and I have each chosen to open up shop and raise our son.

image courtesy of Color Wheel Art Studio

The best part of my week is Monday, my one day off. Back in the day, I used take my son on a long walk through our streets hitting as many parks as we could before he crashed. There's Ehrler Park on Cortland that's great for kids of the smaller scale. In it, you'll find a sand box, wee swings, and a tiny train to play in, hence the park became known to us as "train park".

Just down the street from the train park sits Pulaski International School of Chicago.

It used to be called Pulaksi Fine Arts Academy, but over the past few years, it has blossomed through community involvement to house one of the city's IB (International Baccalaureate) programs. Here, the focus is on developing balanced, lifelong learners who will grow into compassionate global citizens.

As an open invitation to all of the businesses of the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce, the Friends of Pulaski welcome you to join them at a business meet and greet on Tuesday, April 24th at 9:30 am.

The hour long tour will start out in the auditorium of the main building and move on throughout the school. As a business owner interested in investing deeply in my own community, I welcome you to join me, I will certainly be there. RSVPs are requested at info@friendsofpulaski.org.

On the other side of Bucktown is Walsh Park on Marshfield between Wabansia and Cortland.

Open, airy and room enough to run, we called this "school park" as it is across from Burr Elementary, where our son went to pre-school. Burr is a wonderful magnet cluster program featuring world language as their specialty. It's a great group of kids who have the opportunity to learn, of all things, Japanese, even at the Pre-K level. Incidentally, Burr is hosting their Gala this weekend. You can bid online for lots of goodies from some of our neighborhood greats like Club Lucky, Virtu, Color Wheel Studio, Building Blocks Toys, and the The T-Shirt Deli.

Half way in between is the Drummond play lot.

It quick, it's convenient, you can bounce a ball around all while getting to see the community garden created by the kids at Drummond Montessori. From what I understand, one of the LSC Community members offers a lot of TLC to the raised beds of the blacktop. Speaking of the LSC, it stands for Local School Council. Elections happen to be today, April 18th. You can walk into any of your neighborhood schools and vote as a community member. Remember, it takes a village to raise that child.

Our favorite park in the 'hood happens to be Wicker Park.

So many of us are familiar with the fountain, the playing field, the fact that it houses some serious awesomeness like the Wicker Park Farmer's Market, the Green Music Fest, Movies in the Park, etc. My son and I know and love it, though, for the bears. The bears? Yes, the bear fountain where kids of small stature can stand underneath their playful spray any time after Memorial Day. We are waiting for the fountains to be turned on at "Bear Park".

At Wicker Park you will be amazed by the sheer number of kids that come through after school from A.N. Pritzker School. Pritzker houses the local gifted program. Keep an eye out come May, as you will see Pritzer's 4th Annual Community Arts Project entitled "Playthings" hosted by many of our local neighborhood businesses.

So, why the long chat about our local schools? Because it is important to so many of us, business owners and families, alike, that we each invest in our community on both sides of the dialog.

So often, I am asked by a PTO to give something to their upcoming event. The next time a parent walks in your door with a letter asking for your help, I urge you to consider donating to one of the many schools within our community. There's always a benefit that needs bruschetta, a team in search of jerseys, even a classroom that ran out of simple construction paper. So many resources have been cut from our curricula that there are opportunities for each of us, all throughout the year. Help out one of those schools, and I guarantee the kids will love you for it. The giant pile of hand drawn thank you notes will totally melt your heart.

Beautiful, Bountiful Brunch Spots

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 14:40:00 GMT

This blog entry was contributed by: Mark Dollard, Realtor. Visit his blog at dollardnsense.com. He can be reached at mark.dollard@gmail.com.

As the weather turns especially nice and springtime has settled in, weekend brunch becomes something akin to a necessity.

Part of what makes Wicker Park and Bucktown great is the prevalence of restaurants with outdoor eating spaces and dedicated brunch menus. Here is a guide to getting your egg, pancake and Bloody Mary fix in WPB this spring.

For the design, health and eco-conscious, you would be hard pressed to find a better option than prasino. It’s a modern, chic spot that prides itself on sustainable dining options. Everything is done here with style, even the tea service. The menu is quite comprehensive and it’s one of the rare Chicago places that will include pancakes with your omelette (that’s a huge plus in my book).

For a little more casual option, Milk and Honey Cafe is right down the street and boasts a lively, yet cozy vibe for brunch. The menu isn’t huge, but every item is very well-thought-out and imaginative. It’s definitely the kind of place where you don’t want to substitute ingredients because they have been put together with great care.

If you are looking for traditional southern brunch, there’s no place better than (well, kind of obviously) The Southern to tame your brunch cravings. The doughnuts are a great starter with a very nice coffee anglaise for dipping and all the dishes are very well made. Plus, they have good drink specials and an extensive set of Bloody Marys to choose from (ask your server).

Brunch doesn’t get any bigger or livelier than at Feast in Bucktown. Feast boasts a very diverse menu (anything from chilaquiles to crab benedict) and a huge crowd on the weekends. This is a favorite spot for families and an institution to many Wicker Park and Bucktown community insiders.

Wicker Park Bucktown News-April 11 2012

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:26:00 GMT

Summer Event Vendor Applications

We are NOW accepting vendor applications for the following exciting upcoming Chamber events and festivals.

For artists, retail, restaurants and non-profits:
Wicker Park Fest
July 28-29

Polish Triangle Marketplace
June 7-Sept. 27

For Wicker Park Bucktown Businesses:
Summer Sidewalk Sales
July 21-22 and/or Aug. 25-26

Space is limited, so please send in your application today!

Your Input Needed!

The Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce and WPB SSA #33, 1414 N. Ashland, need your input! We have hired Business Districts, Inc, to conduct a market study to identify our neighborhood's unique strengths and opportunities. Please take the survey now and pass it on to your customers, partners, neighbors, and fellow business owners. Your help completing and circulating the survey will be invaluable to the market study results and help our local economy thrive. Thank you!