03 December 2013

Dominick's 6009 N. Broadway

The Dominick's at 6009 North Broadway, in Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood, is among the locations being considered for conversion into a "Whole Foods Market."

Nothing is finalized yet.

Jackie


31 October 2013

Dominick's Goes Dark 28 December

If, by 28 December, the remaining Dominick's do not find buyers, it will be lights out for the Chicago grocer chain.  Human resources issued that date as the day current employees will be separated from parent company, Safeway.  So far, Jewel has agreed to buy only four locations.

Jackie

Howard Dominick's

Devon Market, and Morse Market, both have expressed interests in the Gateway Center Dominick's, near the Howard Red Line.

Jackie

Unification Church Building Damaged by Fire on Sheridan Road - Rogers Park - DNAinfo.com Chicago

Unification Church Building Damaged by Fire on Sheridan Road - Rogers Park - DNAinfo.com Chicago

Neighbors Plan to Patrol Streets to Keep Vandals Away This Halloween - Rogers Park - DNAinfo.com Chicago

Neighbours use combined efforts, to deter vandals.

Neighbors Plan to Patrol Streets to Keep Vandals Away This Halloween - Rogers Park - DNAinfo.com Chicago

Jackie

23 October 2013

Good Riddance to Dominick's?

Crappy service.  Poorly - maintained restrooms.  Surly workers.

Safeway, the parent company of Dominick's, is pulling out of the Chicago - area market.  Though I sympathize with the employees who risk losing their jobs, I can not ignore the substandard products or rude workers, at 6009 N. Broadway, in the Edgewater neighbourhood.  Perhaps a fresh start is what is needed.  Whoever replaces it, must offer better service and quality.

As far as prices go, Dominick's is way too expensive!   Aldi and Devon Market are my main destination for groceries; what they lack in ambiance, they make up for it in  value and quality.

Jackie

Sonic Drive-In Announces Groundbreaking Event, Details About New Restaurant - Uptown - DNAinfo.com Chicago

Just what Uptown needs:  More greasy food.

Sonic Drive-In Announces Groundbreaking Event, Details About New Restaurant - Uptown - DNAinfo.com Chicago

Jackie

23 August 2013

14 August 2013

Andersonville residents will have to go elsewhere to get cinnamon buns, because the Ann Sather's at 5207 N Clark will be closing at year's end.

Jackie

New China Buffet R.I.P.

I mourn the loss of New China Buffet, at Howard & Western.  They took good care of me as a customer.  Before I even sat down to eat, my Diet Coke was already on the table.  They were great with kids, too!

Jackie

08 August 2013

ALERT: Neighborhood Robberies

ALERT: Neighborhood Robberies

These robberies have taken place in the Edgewater neighbourhood.  The victims have been delivery drivers.  The offenders are a black male and, occasionally, a black female accomplice.

Jackie

11 July 2013

Ditching New Edgewater Library

Well, it seemed promising during the grand opening.  But, I have grown increasingly unhappy with the newly -  built Edgewater Public Library.  One problem:  CTA bus service. On more than one occasion, I and other riders have waited for the northbound, CTA 36 Broadway bus inside the brand - new bus shelter, located directly in front of the facility, only to watch buses whiz past me and continue to stop at the temporary Broadway/Elmdale bus stop, that was installed in preparation of the library's construction.  I have alerted both the CTA, and Alderman Harry Osterman's office about this issue, but the bus stop sign is still in front of the former Broadway Bank building.  In other words, the buses are not stopping in front of the library as they are supposed to.

Also, it may be a new building, but the same shitty service and clueless workforce remain.  So, I've gone back to my previous routine of utilizing the Sulzer Regional Library.  Their staff are more on the ball!

Jackie

02 July 2013

CHARIOTS OF INDIA

SUNDAY, 23rd JUNE, 2013

STARTING AT 11:30 A.M.


"The Chariot Festival of India"




Indian Classical Dance
 
Drama 

Music

Children's Activities

Henna Hand Painting

This FREE event will take place at Loyola Park, near Greenleaf and Sheridan.  There will be FREE vegetarian/yoga - friendly food.  Also, a parade (starting at 1610 W. Howard, south on Sheridan, ending at the festival site at Loyola Park).

Parade STARTS at 11:30  A.M.

For more information,  visit the festival web site:

http://chariotfestival.org/


Jackie

28 June 2013

ARGYLE NIGHT MARKET

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Argyle Night Market
````````````````````````````````````
Every Thursday Evening
4:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.
Through 19th September, 2013
 
Between Sheridan and Kenmore
 
Vendors: 
Tank Noodle
Sun Wah BBQ
Phoenix Bean Tofu
Hai Yen,
 
Vendors from the City of Chicago farmers markets
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 

27 June 2013

Exotic Devon Avenue

Not far from the doorstep of my home, is a business district unique in Chicago.  Specifically, a street called Devon Avenue, located on the city's far north side.  Sometimes, affectionately,  nicknamed 'Little India' because of the numerous South Asian grocers, restaurants and shops, Devon may not be exclusive like Michigan Avenue or Oak Street.  But it has its own sparkle and charm. 

As I walk along this busy street, the air fills with the aroma of scented oils and burning incense. 

Patel Bros. is a marvel!  This South Asian supermarket boasts shelves upon shelves of  bagged spices,  basmati rice,  Indian snacks and lentils (known as dahl).  Then, there are the numerous restaurants that offer south Indian, vegetarian fare, sweets and various meats (often flavoured with fiery chili peppers).  And don't forget to sample the chapatis, naans, samosas and biryani dishes!

Also on Devon, further north, you will find a Georgian bakery, kosher grocery stores and bakeries.  At the corner of Devon and Kedzie, across from the CTA bus terminal, is City Fresh Market, a food retailer that moves to a more European beat. 

Recent road projects have made a visit to the neighbourhood, well, challenging.  But I have not let that deter me from savouring an aloo paratha (a flavourful pancake filled with spicy potatoes) or my usual sips of mango lassi.

Jackie

City Seeks Vendors for Devon Avenue 'Community Market' - West Rogers Park - DNAinfo.com Chicago

I hope that this venture is successful. See related article below this announcement.  Devon Avenue, truly, is a cultural gem. 

Sunday
7th July
4th August
1 September
6th October
2013
 
10:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.
 
Devon Community Market
Republic Bank parking lot
2720 West Devon Avenue


City Seeks Vendors for Devon Avenue 'Community Market' - West Rogers Park - DNAinfo.com Chicago


Jackie

DEVON COMMUNITY MARKET

Sunday
7th July
 4th August
 1st September
and 
 6th October
 2013
 
10:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.
 
The Devon Community Market
Republic Bank parking lot
2720 West Devon Avenue
 
 
Jackie


No More Preferred Card at Jewel

Now that Jewel has done away with the Preferred Card, it will be interesting to see if Dominick's follows suit.

Jackie

25 June 2013

New Edgewater Public Library, Getting the Kinks Out

Well, I have visited the brand - spankin' - new Edgewater Public Library the first two, full days since it debuted this past Saturday morning.  So far, it has been rather chaotic, at least, for the library staff.

At the opening, it was mentioned that a "Cyber Navigator" would be available to help the uninitiated find their way through the Web. Well, there isn't a navigator yet, except, for some patrons who step in and help out as best they can, whenever someone  gets stuck.  I observed one very frustrated newbie try to retrieve an online coupon from Old Country Buffet by lassoing a staff member who, unfortunately, was unable to offer one - on - one instructions because of other demands associated with her job (such as, leading group tours of the building). 

Still, all in all, it has been a positive experience for me, to explore the CPL's newest digs.  Today, I even checked out 3 books about East Indian cuisine.  As a patron, I know that the current problems will be ironed out and the new library will be well - utilized.

That being said, Edgewater probably won't be my primary location.  From a personal perspective, I will likely stick with Sulzer (N. Lincoln & W. Montrose) simply because I feel that the staff there are more on the ball, and the library opens at 9:00 A.M. Monday through Saturday; and at 1:00 P.M. on Sundays.   Plus, at Edgewater, they make it a hassle to pay for, and print, documents. And only ONE of their two registers accepts payment for printouts.   At Sulzer you, conveniently,  pay for your documents at the second floor reference desk and retrieve them from one, of several, printers this branch provides to its patrons.  There are also far more computers available for use at the Lincoln Square branch.  Over a hundred!  So, there are pros and cons at the new Edgewater library.  Service has always been an issue there, and still is.

Jackie

A Reminder:  At all CPL's, while use of the computers is FREE,  printouts are 15 cents per page!


Death Of Chicago's Oldest Bookstore Tears At Fabric Of Mom-And-Pop Block - Hyde Park - DNAinfo.com Chicago

Very sad.

Death Of Chicago's Oldest Bookstore Tears At Fabric Of Mom-And-Pop Block - Hyde Park - DNAinfo.com Chicago

Jackie

Blue Nile Restaurant and Jenny's Beauty Salon, GONE!

Sadly, two businesses, on North Ravenswood (in a strip mall south of West Granville), Blue Nile Restaurant (Ethiopian cuisine), and Jenny's Beauty Salon, are now closed.  The former opened in recent years and, at first, seemed very promising; the latter was there for much longer.

In contrast, an adjacent convenience store appears to be holding its own.  And, judging by the numerous taxis parked in front of its door, Barwaqo Kabob, a restaurant that serves dishes indigenous to Somalia, is thriving!  And the aroma wafting from inside is, simply, heavenly! 

Barwaqo certainly is a hit with cabbies!


Jackie

Digital Billboard on Western Avenue 'Hideous,' Neighbors Say - West Rogers Park - DNAinfo.com Chicago


Digital Billboard on Western Avenue 'Hideous,' Neighbors Say - West Rogers Park - DNAinfo.com Chicago

24 June 2013

Qdoba Mexican Grill

Qdoba Mexican Grill takes Mexican food and tosses in Flat Top Grill, for a flavourful adventure for your taste buds.  Located mostly in the Downtown area, Qdoba is family - friendly, fast and casual ( `a la McDonald's).   

Your visit starts with flour or whole wheat tortilla; cilantro - lime rice or brown rice;  black beans or pinto beans; plus, various types of meat, ranging from chicken to pork, grilled steak to ground beef.  There are also options for vegetarians.  Then there are the different salsas; you have your choice between mild and extra - hot habanero. You line up, cafeteria - style.

The restaurant also offers burritos, taco salads, tacos, nachos grilled quesadillas and tortilla chips with your choice of their 3 - cheese queso, guacamole or salsa, as well as sour cream or cheese.

For the younger crowd (12 and under) there are smaller versions of the Naked Chicken Burrito, Chicken or Cheese Quesadillas, Chicken Nachos and a single taco. 

The beverage options are the usual sodas, bottled water, vitamin water and tea. 

The chips and guacamole plate  is a crowd pleaser!  And, for me, their Mexican Gumbo hits one out of the ballpark.  (I, of course, opted for the habanero salsa, which is pretty tame in my estimate.)  In addition to dining - in, catering is also available.  (Their catering phone number is 888.736.2224)

My favourite Chicago location is 957 W Diversey; 773.868.0213

22 June 2013

The Resurrection of the Edgewater Public Library

This morning, I was present for the opening of the brand new Edgewater Branch of the Chicago Public Library.  It has been a long wait for the community since its former self was demolished, to make room for this new facility.  More than new and improved, this new center for learning is a crowning achievement for all who were involved in its planning, funding and construction.  It is an example of elected officials, community leaders and developers working together for the betterment of residents of Edgewater and, especially, its youth who now have a destination that will impact their lives in a positive way.

Jackie


Don't Go There!

Whatever you do, do not eat at Hong Kong Buffet at McCormick Blvd, as the service and restroom maintenance have deteriorated, drastically!

Jackie

Jenny's Beauty Salon CLOSED

Sadly, Jenny's Beauty Salon, at 6124 N. Ravenswood, is now shuttered.  It has been fixture for years.

Jackie

Kam Kong Cafe

Across from Hong Kong Buffet (an eatery that has seen better days), is Kam Kong, a pan - Asian café that serves up tasty dishes ranging from Indian roti (flatbread with chicken curry dip) to teriyaki - like Coca Cola chicken (my current favourite).  Their potstickers are excellent.  Ditto the kung pao shrimp.  Make Kam Kong one of your culinary destinations.  The décor is simple, but the flavours speak volumes!

Kam Kong is located at 6261 N. McCormick Blvd, Chicago, IL 60659 (across from Home Depot).  Their phone number is 773.866.2222. 

The restaurant also has a web site:  http://www.kamkongcafe.com

Their business hours are 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM daily; 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM Friday and Saturday. They serve lunch and dinner.  They also offer carryout and delivery ($15 minimum, $2.50 delivery charge).  Parking availability is hit or miss.

Highly recommended.

Jackie

18 June 2013

Accessing Devon Market During Construction

It certainly has been challenging lately to shop at my favourite grocer:  Devon Market.  But I have decided to deal with the inconvenience, because I feel that it is important to support mom - and - pop businesses in the area.  Devon Market is a unique presence in the Rogers Park and Edgewater communities.  Happily, the food retailer is still busy, despite the construction.  That's a good sign.

I am willing to put up with the dust and fleet of trucks, to get to this gem in my 'hood'.  (Nothing is going to come between me and their homemade, Balkan bread!)

Jackie

Chateau Hotel: Remaining Tenants Have Until Friday to Vacate - Uptown - DNAinfo.com Chicago

Chateau Hotel: Remaining Tenants Have Until Friday to Vacate - Uptown - DNAinfo.com Chicago

23 May 2013

Golfer Ken Venturi's Passing

I don't follow golf, at all; in fact, I find the sport too slow.  Personally, I prefer fast - paced games such as basketball and ice hockey.  But a good friend of my family's who happened to be a pro - golfer, and a well - respected golf analyst for CBS Sports, passed away recently.

Ken Venturi and my father formed a friendship. More than once, I recall, as a kid, waking up in the morning to find Mr. Venturi asleep on our family's couch.  Also, I remember the weekend my mother and I spent at Ken and his wife, Beau's, home in Marco Island, Florida. In fact, the couple went out of town and allowed us to have the place all to ourselves!   I 'caught dinner'  for Mom and me, as the ocean was right behind the house.  

Ken Venturi will be greatly missed.

Jackie





06 May 2013

Edgewater Branch Library Grand Opening

22nd June, 2013
10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
 
The Grand Opening of
the
Edgewater Branch Library


Jackie

Thursday, 2 May 2013 Sexual Assault/Robbery

Last Thursday, 2nd May, 2013, in broad daylight, a 22 - year - old female was robbed and sexually assaulted while waiting for a bus in the 6300 block of North Clark Street, near Devon Avenue.  The suspect took the victim to the 1500 block of Highland, where he robbed and sexually assaulted her.  The victim was taken to a nearby hospital, thereafter. 

The suspect is described as a black male, 5' 8", 300 pounds.  Anyone with information about this attack should contact police, at 312.744.8261


Jackie

29 April 2013

City Seeks Vendors for Devon Avenue 'Community Market' - DNAinfo.com Chicago

This would be a tremendous boost to Devon Avenue (a hidden jewel in Chicago, in my estimate).  I hope it materializes.


City Seeks Vendors for Devon Avenue 'Community Market' - DNAinfo.com Chicago


Jackie



24 April 2013

Nelson Funeral Home Landlord Seeking 'Special' Tenant - DNAinfo.com Chicago

I'm very saddened by the closing of Nelson Funeral Home, at Ashland and Foster.  A beer joint? 

Nelson Funeral Home Landlord Seeking 'Special' Tenant - DNAinfo.com Chicago

Jackie

A New Breakfast Destination

Markello's a new restaurant at 7137 North Clark, celebrates its grand opening on Sunday, 28 April, 2013, at 10:00 A.M., with a breakfast buffet for $7.99.


Jackie

15 April 2013

Matthew Warren’s suicide sparks mental-illness debate

I was diagnosed with depression back in 2001, shortly after a suicide attempt;  but I suspect that I have had the disorder for far longer and prior to the diagnosis. 

It seems that within church circles that any discussion of mental illness is taboo.  The suicide of Matthew Warren, the son of the widely - known evangelist, brings the subject out of the shadows and into the open.  Hopefully, it will spark more dialogue and debate about this sensitive issue.  In particular, how it relates to Christians and Christian churches.  Churches, after all, are not mere buildings with steeples; they are made up of human beings, some of whom struggle with mental illness, myself included.

The following article underlines the seriousness of the problem, and how churches need to be part of the conversation on mental health among their flock, and in American society, in general:

Matthew Warren’s suicide sparks mental-illness debate

Jackie

11 April 2013

Hello Sushi Bar and Thai Cuisine

Usually, when I have a craving for sushi, I just get out the bamboo mat and make it myself.  But, sometimes, I like to let someone else do the rolling!  For that, I like to go to "Hello Sushi Bar and Thai Cuisine."   This BYOB Asian restaurant has an extensive menu with an emphasis on sushi and Thai. 

But they prepare more than sushi and curries, and last Wednesday, I decided to order one of their lunch specials:  Garlic chicken.  Priced at around $6, I found it a fairly good value, and the portions of chicken and vegetables, and rice were adequate for a light lunch. I chose an egg roll as an appetizer. They also serve several varieties of sushi, including maki and nigiri.  Among the curry dishes, I have no favourites, as are all exceptional in my opinion.

The waitstaff are attentive and courteous, and the menu, huge!

Hello Sushi is located at 1553 West Devon Ave; their phone number is 773.942.6734 

They are also on the Web:  http://www.hellosushibarthaicuisine.com/


Jackie



03 April 2013

"Papa John's" in Rogers Park

In Rogers Park,
there is a new
 
 
"Papa John's" 
 1245 West Devon @North Broadway
   773.274.9700
 
Presently, they are not accepting online orders due to a temporary power outage.
 
 
I have not eaten a Papa John's pizza since the 1990's (in Nashville).  But I thoroughly enjoyed it.
 
 
 
Jackie


26 March 2013

Uptown Update: Hungering For Himalayan?

Uptown Update: Hungering For Himalayan?: Himalayan/Nepali cuisine... that's something you don't come across every day.  Luckily for us, that void in Uptown will soon be ...

Fast Food for the Poor

Recently, the building of a new Burger King, on Clark and Howard, in Chicago's Rogers Park neighbourhood, was given the green light by an alderman.  In this particular area anchored by a Dominick's and the Howard Red Line, the addition of a fast food business is a bad idea because of the impact it will have on the health of its residents.  Hypertension, obesity, and diabetes will only add to the hardships many in the neighbourhood already face.

Jobs are crucial to the economic health of Chicago neighbourhoods, and the presence of new businesses can revive communities hit hard by the recession and crime.  Am I being picky?  Perhaps. But, I wonder if an eatery offering healthier, as well as affordable,  options might be offered for Rogers Park's residents.  It would offer employment opportunities, without having a negative effect on its customers' physical health.   Also, a new business does little good when potential customers are afraid to venture out onto the street, out of concern for themselves and their families.  Yes.  Rogers Park needs jobs; but it also needs safe neighbourhoods, affordable housing, and quality schools for its youngest residents.

Perhaps I am not qualified to comment on this issue, but I can not help but wonder whether better alternatives - besides Burger King -  are possible.  Is this the best that our city and business leaders can do for Chicago's poor?  Again, I wonder.

Jackie
 

22 February 2013

Visit "Ino's Pizzeria"

Located in what used to be Gaztrowagon, at 5973 North Clark Street, in Chicago's Edgewater neighbourhood, Ino's Pizzeria serves up some of the best pizzas I have ever tasted.  I sampled their thin crust topped with veggies, pepperoni, sausage and just plain cheese, and they all hit the ball out of the park.  

Besides pizza,  Ino's menu also includes, sandwiches, pasta dishes, ribs and chicken wings.  They are open from 11:00 A.M. til 10:30 P.M. Monday through Thursday;  11:00 A.M. til 11:30 P.M. Friday and Saturday; and 12:00 P.M. til 10:00 P.M. on Sunday.  There are a few tables at their location, but they also offer carryout and delivery service.  Their phone number is:  773.275.8830  Also, they accept most major credit cards (as well as cash, of course!).

Ino's is also on FACEBOOK.


Jackie

26 January 2013

Devon Street Dining

Devon Street Dining: Arya Bhavan, Hyderabad House, Mysore Woodlands, and more