Andersonville McDonald's

Well - Dressed Panhandlers

This past Sunday morning, I went inside the McDonald's located at North Clark St. and Bryn Mawr in Chicago's Andersonville neighbourhood. Before I could even get in line to place my order, a nicely - dressed woman and a young girl (between 12 and 13 years of age) approached me with a box of assorted candy bars and asked me if I would like to buy candy to help her keep her daughter in school. I shook my head, indicating that I was not interested. But the woman persisted and followed me to the register, pleading, "But it's for a good cause." By now, I was getting perturbed by what I considered panhandling, no matter how well - dressed the beggars. This time, I made no gesture and I simply ignored her.

I found it annoying that these people were not asked to leave by restaurant management. I should have known better than to go to this particular McDonald's, as it has had a serious problem with loitering beggars and street people (many of whom reek of urine and months of not bathing) inside its building, for years. After this woman finally got the message and left me alone, she sought out other victims and began her harassment of other customers as they entered the restaurant. I find it unsettling enough when a business allows this kind of activity outside its building; but I am very indignant when it occurs inside it.

Finally, a McDonald's employee approached the well - dressed panhandlers and ordered them to cease soliciting their candy to their customers. But, to my dismay, the offending duo were not escorted out the door! Via my cellphone, I called the McDonald's toll - free, customer phone number to air my complaint. Hopefully, this will curtail scenes like this. But since this particular location has allowed unsavoury characters like this to harass their customers, I am not holding my breath and will not return as a customer.

Jackie

Falafil Shack Update

Recently, during a recent visit to the new Edgewater/Rogers Park eatery, "Falafil Shack," I told the owner that he needs more customers, noting that I was the only soul inside the restaurant. He lamented that building a customer base takes time, and added that once a steady stream of patrons becomes a common sight at Falafil Shack, he will raise the prices, because his business won't survive if he continues to charge such cheap prices. There are some kinks at the restaurant that need to be worked out. For instance, on this occasion, I ordered the grilled chicken legs that was listed on the menu. "No! It takes too long," the owner replied. It takes too long? Rather than leave in a huff, I ordered an alternate: the combo featuring kifta (ground lamb and beef), a chicken kebab, and rice. If customers get this kind of response too often, they will stop coming. If the dish is too time - consuming, he either needs to hire someone to cook the food while he writes down the orders; or omit the item from the menu.

I go out of my way to support mom - and - pop businesses, as opposed to spending my money at an establishment run by a corporation. I hope that Falafil Shack can work out its problems, because, I really want the restaurant to succeed. It is a brave soul who starts a business while a recession is in - progress.

Jackie

Edgewater/Rogers Park Bakeries

Ayutla Bakery
6963 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60626

(773) 764 - 9077

Grab a tray and a pair of tongs, then, help yourself to sweet treasures at this Mexican bakery in Rogers Park. Whether you have a taste for donuts or sweet rolls, this place will satisfy your sweet tooth!
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La Baguette Bakery
5712 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60660

(773) 878 - 8553

La Baguette has been a fixture in the Andersonville area for several years and, for good reason. Their sugary creations are of excellent quality, whatever your weakness. Their decorative cakes, both carryout and special - ordered, are a feast for the eyes as well as the palette.
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Swedish Bakery
5348 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60640

(773) 561 - 8919

Even though Andersonville no longer is predominantly Scandinavian, Swedish Bakery continues to thrive and draw a crowd...literally! Early in the morning, you are likely to be greeted by a long line of customers ordering marzipan desserts, cinnamon raisin bread and other irresistible temptations produced in their ovens.
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Jackie

Rogers Park Bakery

I have been buying various pastries at Ayutla Bakery for a couple of years now. What comes out of their ovens is consistently good. Whether you have a taste for a twisted donut or a sweet roll, this place offers it, and at reasonable prices. Their strawberry muffins are to die for! They also have tasty sandwich rolls.

Like many Hispanic bakeries, you grab a tray and a pair of tongs, select what looks good (but then what doesn't look good here?), bring it to the register, pay for your choices and go home with your delectable treasure.

Ayutla Bakery is located at 6963 N. Clark in the Rogers Park neighborhood, a half block North of Morse. Their phone number is 773.764.9077

Jackie

Edgewater/Rogers Park Burglary Alert

There have been a rash of residential break - ins lately, in the areas of Edgewater and Rogers Park. Apparently, the person(s) involved have been burglarizing people's apartments and are very much aware of their victims' morning routine. Several occupants have returned home from work to find that their residences have been burglarized. Almost all of the burglaries occurred in the daytime.

Jackie

New Middle Eastern Eatery

It has only three tables and the decor is simple. I ordered two falafel sandwiches at the new "Falafil Shack" at 6130 N. Ravenswood. They were $2.99 each (not a bad price). You can order the sandwich with hummus or salad; I asked for salad and tahini on the falafels. The tahini had the right amount of heat, not overpowering.

Their menu offers only one kind of soup: Lentil. You can order a deluxe falafel that comes with fried eggplant, fried potatoes and fried zucchini. Other fare include baba ghannouj ($3.99), Jerusalem salad ($2.99), chicken kabob ($7.99), and 3 grilled chicken legs ($4.99). Your only choice of dessert is baklava.

The gentleman who waited on me seemed nice. Check them out! This location, for years, was a Chinese takeout that I would order from at least once a week. The owner decided to retire and end the business. Then, it was an Indian/Pakistani eatery that closed after only two months in business. Hopefully Falafil Shack will stick around much longer than that.

Jackie

New Middle Eastern Eatery

Welcome "Falafil Shack" to the neighborhood. They are located at 6130 N. Ravenswood, in the West Ridge area.

Jackie