The North Shore Weekend, August 30, 3025 by JWC Media

AUGUST

2:00

NORTH SHORE HOMECOMING

—Charles R. Swindoll

COOKS’ TOUR Fifty-Fourth Annual

COOKS’

Annual

TOUR Fifty-Fourth

The Auxiliary of The Woman’s Board of Rush University Medical Center Invites you to the

SEPTEMBER 17, 2025 COOKS’ TOUR Fifty-Fourth Annual

THE NORTH SHORE’S PREMIER HOME TOUR SINCE 1971

SEPTEMBER 17, 2025 COOKS’ TOUR Fifty-Fourth Annual

THE NORTH SHORE’S PREMIER HOME TOUR SINCE 1971

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17TH, 2025 HOMES WILL BE OPEN 9:30 A.M. TO 1:30 P.M.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17TH, 2025

HOMES WILL BE OPEN 9:30 A.M. TO 1:30 P.M.

Enjoy a perfect day touring four exquisite homes throughout the North Shore, each meticulously curated to inspire and delight the inner designer in us all!

FEATURED DESIGNERS THIS YEAR:

LAUREN BUXBAUM GORDON, PARTNER, NATE BERKUS ASSOCIATES

LOZANO JOLAS INTERIORS

ELIZABETH TAICH DESIGN

HEIDI PAUL, PAUL STUDIO DESIGN

Cap off the tour with an exclusive Cooks’ Tour lunch at Pomeroy, Winnetka’s favorite French bistro. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Visit our website for details www.nscookstour.org

Pomeroy is generously donating a portion of the lunch proceeds to Rush University Medical Center ~

COOKS’ TOUR RAFFLE 2025

Purchase raffle tickets for an amazing array of luxury prizes and exceptional experiences, including:

CHANEL Trendy “CC” Wallet on a Chain

CHRISTIAN DIOR Tribales Pearl Earrings

CHARLESTON Weekend Getaway

POMEROY Private Chef’s Tasting for 8 And more!

POMEROY Private Chef’s Tasting for 8

And more!

POMEROY Private Chef’s Tasting for 8 And more!

COOKS’ TOUR CHECKLIST

• Purchase Cooks’ Tour tickets

• Peruse raffle items

• Make Pomeroy lunch reservations

• Follow us @nscookstour

Scan the QR code or visit www.nscookstour.org

OUR CAUSE

Proceeds from the 54th annual Cooks’ Tour will support The Woman’s Board

Proceeds from the 54th annual Cooks’ Tour will support The Woman’s Board Endowed Fund for Research and Clinical Trials at Rush University Medical Center. This fund propels groundbreaking medical research along the continuum, including innovative, early–stage pilot research, promising clinical trials to test breakthrough therapies, and large-scale studies to set new standards for care.

Endowed Fund for Research and Clinical Trials at Rush University Medical Center. This fund propels groundbreaking medical research along the continuum, including innovative, early–stage pilot research, promising clinical trials to test breakthrough therapies, and large-scale studies to set new standards for care.

The Cooks’ Tour has a long-standing tradition of celebrating exceptional architectural and interior design, and Rush University Medical Center shares this appreciation. The medical center was thoughtfully designed in a distinctive butterfly shape with four triangular wings. The unique shape is an “inside-out” design, prioritizing efficient patient care by minimizing travel distances and maximizing staff visibility, while also reducing noise and stress.

The Auxiliary of The Woman’s Board of Rush University Medical Center Invites you to the

print courtesy of printmaker

Benefactor Sponsors: Katherine and Terry Banich and the attorneys of Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP Gold Level Sponsors: Jeanne and Ken McAtamney, Laurie and Ryan Cahill

print courtesy of printmaker

print courtesy of printmaker Dennis O’Malley

Dennis O’Malley

Fifty-Fourth Annual

COOKS’ TOUR

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17TH, 2025

A.M.

1:30 P.M.

Dennis O’Malley

5 north shore doings

Find out what’s happening in your neighborhood with our weekly

6 north shore sports

Reigning Class 3A boys' golf state champion Liam Kelly of New Trier Township

LIFESTYLE & ARTS

8 hashtag

Meet Jennifer Sobel, winner of the Highland Park Community Foundation’s Golden Apple Award and the Sara Sher Excellence in Teaching Prize

11 ladies first

A female-focused “Palate to Palette” event at The Gallery kicks off the third annual Revelry Food & Wine Festival in Lake Forest

12 man about film

Our critic reviews A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, a surreal romantic fantasy starring Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell

13 north shore foodie

Late August brings figs into markets, which is what makes this Fig & Honey UpsideDown Cake recipe the perfect way to welcome fall

LAST BUT NOT LEAST

14 sunday breakfast

Read all about the inexorable rise of Glenview native and ESPN reporter Courtney Cronin

NORTH SHORE DOINGS

EDITED BY CHEYANNE LENCIONI THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

NOW THROUGH AUGUST 31

FLOW: PAINTINGS ABOUT WATER

“Flow: Paintings About Water” is on display this month at Grove Gallery in Evanston. Forty percent of all sales from this exhibit will be donated to Alliance for the Great Lakes. grovegallery.shop

NOW THROUGH SEPTEMBER 21

PATTERNED BY NATURE

Celebrate our universal attraction to patterns through playfully planted gardens and nature-inspired artistic installations that stretch the imagination at the Chicago Botanic Garden’s “Patterned by Nature” event. Visitors are invited to explore garden beds and installations throughout the garden that feature dynamic patterns, transformational art, and upcycled fashion. chicagobotanic.org

AUGUST 30 TO SEPTEMBER 21

RACHMANINOFF AND THE TSAR

The Writers Theater 2025/2026 season begins with Rachmaninoff and the Tsar, a tale of Sergei Rachmaninoff, who recently escaped Russia in 1917. This new musical from Hershey Felder features him as the pianist and main role accompanied by Jonathan Silvestri. writerstheatre.org

SEPTEMBER 2 TO 23

SUNSET YOGA

From 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. each Tuesday in August and 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in September, immerse yourself in the beauty of Lake Forest Open Lands Association’s Mellody Farm Nature Preserve while relaxing into a gentle, restorative yoga session that will incorporate breathwork and mindfulness. All abilities welcome! lfola.org

AUGUST 30 TO 31

CHICAGO JAZZ FESTIVAL

Enjoy all forms of jazz through free, high-quality music programming at Chicago Cultural Center and Millennium Park. The festival showcases Chicago's local talent alongside national and international artists to raise awareness and appreciation for one of the city’s most beloved art forms. chicago.gov

AUGUST 30 TO 31

NASHWOOD

Celebrate Labor Day Weekend with live music in downtown Highwood. Don your cowboy hats and boots and enjoy live music and food vendors. celebratehighwood.org

AUGUST 31, SEPTEMBER 21 & OCTOBER 12

KENILWORTH WALKING TOURS

Kenilworth Historical Society presents its annual walking tours, exploring different architectural styles. Tours will last two hours and tickets can be purchased on their site. Tours begin at 1:30 p.m. and meet at the Kenilworth Train Station. kenilworthhistory.org

SEPTEMBER 4

LIBRARY QUIZTACULAR

Come to Lake Bluff

Library for a family friendly quiz night from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Put together teams of four and test your knowledge. Registration is required. lakeblufflibrary.com

SEPTEMBER 4 & 18

SIT AND KNIT

Spend an afternoon with fellow knitters from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. All levels of experience are welcome. Basic supplies will be available and a library staff member will be present to help beginners. This program will take place in the Community Room. Registration is required. wnpld.org

SEPTEMBER 5 TO 6

GET MOVIN' HIGHLAND

PARK

Get ready to move, breathe, and connect at this twoday celebration at Upside Events to support mental and physical wellbeing, featuring inspiring wellness classes and workshops from local Highland Park practitioners. Whether you're a wellness enthusiast or new to the scene, there's something for everyone to explore. chicagodancetherapy.com

SEPTEMBER 6

CHLOE JENSEN

PERFORMANCE

Dancer and choreographer Chloe Jensen will perform at noon with Aerial Dance Chicago. Jensen’s troupe of eight aerial dancers will perform original dance-in-flight choreography outside on the lawn of the Woman’s Club as part of The Wilmette Block Party. womansclubofwilmette.org

SEPTEMBER 6

THE LOVING FARM SUMMERTIME GALA

Enjoy a memorable night of celebration, community, and compassion to support the lifelong care of rescued, retired, and unwanted horses. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., there will be dinner, drinks, a silent auction, and live music. Tickets are available now. thelovingfarm.org

SEPTEMBER 6

VINTAGE CAR SHOW

Step back in time and experience the elegance, craftsmanship, and the nostalgia of a bygone era with the Vintage Car Show from noon to 4 p.m. Spend the day in Highland Park’s vast St. John’s Parking Lot, perusing an eclectic display of vintage, antique, and classic vehicles, pop culture icons, hot rods, muscle cars, and more, all while enjoying a live radio broadcast, food and libations from local vendors, and kidfriendly activities. enjoyhighlandpark.com

SEPTEMBER 7

ANTIQUES AND TREASURES

The Lake Forest Chapter of Infant Welfare Society of Chicago hosts its 57th annual fundraising event benefiting the children and families of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago, founded in 1911. More than 75 dealers from across the Midwest will offer treasures including furniture, glassware, garden accessories, vintage jewelry, and clothing. All funds raised will support the Angel Harvey Family Health Center in Chicago lakeforestlws.org

SEPTEMBER 9

THE GOSSIP COLUMNIST’S DAUGHTER

The Book Stall will host author Peter Orner and his new book, The Gossip Columnist’s Daughter at 6:30 p.m. This program is free and open to the public, but registration is required. thebookstall.com

SEPTEMBER 9 & 22

WINNETKA WALKING TOURS

Winnetka Historical Society offers two walking tours to finish off the season. Registration is required and information can be found at their site. winnetkahistory.org

SEPTEMBER 11 TO 14

FRIENDS OF LAKE FOREST LIBRARY BOOK SALE

The Friends of Lake Forest Library will host their 49th Book Sale in the Lake Forest Recreation Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Find a new special each day and extended hours on Friday. lakeforestlibrary.org

SEPTEMBER 13

COLORFUL COCKTAILS WITH PROJECT COLOR CORPS

Join Paige Loczi and Jonny LeRoy in Wilmette from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for a vibrant fundraiser with colorful cocktails and light bites. All

proceeds benefit Chicago Chapter’s impactful projects. givebutter.com

SEPTEMBER 14

BENEFIT OF ART 2025: TOUR D’ARTISTES

Experience exclusive studio tours of three North Shore artists, viewing their works with options to purchase, and continue to Genesis Highland Park for a collaborative art installation with cocktails and hearty bites to support Art Impact Project’s 11th year in enhancing emotional wellness through guided arts programming. Artimpactproject.org

SEPTEMBER 20

BUSKER FEST

Get ready for the North Shore’s first Busker Fest from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Celebrate street performances in Evanston with this free event. centralstreetevanston.com

SEPTEMBER 20

GOOD FEST

Come for a good evening of music, BBQ, and supporting a good cause. Proceeds support Family Promise North Shore. Music will be provided by Tributosaurus and Antler Chandelier and BBQ will be from Backyard Barbeque. Tickets are on sale now. stjohnswilmette.org

SEPTEMBER 20

THE HISTORY OF COFFEE

This adult program at Northfield Public Library will feature a presentation from coffee roaster and biologist, Dr. Brian Moskalik, from 10

a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Start your day learning about the world’s most popular beverage. Registration is required. wnpld.org

SEPTEMBER 25

CHICAGO’S BEER WARS Join Lake Bluff Library for this adult program from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Learn about prohibition and Al Capone. lakeblufflibrary.com

OCTOBER 3 TO 4 CARMEN

Chicago City Opera will celebrate the 150th anniversary of Carmen at Horatio N. May Chapel in Rosehill Cemetery. chicagocityopera.com

OCTOBER 3 TO 5

THE GREAT HIGHWOOD PUMPKIN FEST

This year's Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival is benefiting SaLT (Service and Learning Together). Enjoy live music, pumpkins, skeleton displays, and spooky fun. Leashed dogs are welcome. celebratehighwood.com

OCTOBER 15

JOSSELYN’S COCKTAILS FOR A CAUSE

Josselyn invites you to an evening of celebration and impact at its signature fundraising event, with all proceeds benefiting Josselyn programming. This event will be held at the Glen View Club. josselyn.org

To submit your event for consideration, please email events@nsweekend.com

The Great Highwood Pumpkin Fest

BY BILL MCLEAN THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GEORGE PFOERTNER

You have to feel for Evanston Township High School’s talented Kieran Low and Lester Low. Each brother lost in a playoff to New Trier Township High School (New Trier) ace Liam Kelly at a prestigious tournament in a span of nine months.

Kelly topped Kieran to capture the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Class 3A boys’ golf state tournament last October, pacing New Trier’s third-place showing at The Den at Fox Creek Golf Course in Bloomington with a 4-under-par (71-69). In early July, at an American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) event in Holly, Michigan, Kieran’s little brother settled for runner-up honors to Kelly after five playoff holes at Heather Highlands Golf Course.

Q & A WITH NEW TRIER TOWNSHIP HS JUNIOR GOLFER LIAM KELLY

Kelly, a junior and a Winnetka resident, also earned medalist honors at a Mid-America Junior Golf Tour (MAJGT) tournament held June 9-10 at The Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison.

On the eve of the Trevians’ season opener in Deerfield earlier this month, we caught up with Kelly, who’s now averaging 260-265 yards off the tee, with an approximate 30-yard rollout.

What else did you do this summer?

I caddied the Western Amateur at my home course (Skokie Country Club in

Glencoe). Pretty cool experience. My golfer competes at UNLV. I noticed college golfers make some of the same mistakes high school golfers do. But they’re also extremely precise, dead straight.

What should we know about this fall’s varsity squad?

We have a lot of really good talent. (Senior and Air Force-bound) Logan Keeter (fifth at the IHSA state meet last year) is precise with his irons to the green. Our most improved player has to be (senior) Jake Douglass. He worked really hard this summer after being our 12th man last season. Jake is highly motivated. I see him definitely making our state lineup.

Your thoughts on New Trier golf coach Peter Drevline?

He was intimidating at first. You know, he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates (7th round, 1986). I see him now as a great golf coach, an outstanding strategist who oversees

organized, well-thought-out practices. Coach runs a tight ship.

Pro golfer Scottie Scheffler is having a Tiger-Woods-in-his prime kind of season. What impresses you most about his game? He’s incredibly consistent. Such a great player.

Your favorite professional golfer?

Tiger Woods, but he’s retired. I like watching Ludvig Aberg of Sweden. He’s quick in his pre-shot, and he’s super smooth, a natural in all aspects of the game.

Are you looking forward to the collegesearch process?

Yes. It’ll take a lot of work to earn a chance to play Division I golf. But I’m excited to explore places for my future as a student and as a golfer. Right now, I’m thinking I’ll major in either business or finance. I’ll probably start visiting colleges in December. I love golf, and I want to compete in the sport for as long as possible.

Liam Kelly

#HASHTAG

EDITED

REDDING WORTH ILLUSTRATION BY TOM BACHTELL

#ON MY NIGHTSTAND

A glass of water, Floret Farm’s Cut Flower Garden—a book I´ve been dying to get into so I can grow my own flowers and a Spanish copy of Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown because it is my daughter’s current fave.

The Highland Park Community Foundation (HPCF) believes that excellence in teaching is essential to helping young people reach their full potential. To recognize outstanding educators, HPCF annually presents the Golden Apple Award and the Sara Sher Excellence in Teaching Prize to an exceptional teacher in the Highland Park-Highwood public schools. This year, HPCF honored JENNIFER SOBEL, a 7th grade Dual Language Spanish/Spanish Language Arts teacher, for her dedication, innovation, and meaningful impact both in and beyond the classroom. Sobel creates a classroom environment where students feel valued, challenged, and supported. Her highest priority is ensuring that every student “knows the feeling of being loved and cared for, that they matter, and that there’s always someone in their corner.” Sobel doesn’t just teach the curriculum—she instills life lessons, cultivates critical thinking, promotes kindness, and helps students approach challenges with confidence. As one colleague shares, “Jennifer is a passionate educator and leader committed to social justice, equity in education, and the pillars of Dual Language education. She has developed a Spanish Language Arts curriculum centered on social justice and equity, allowing students to see themselves represented in what they are learning.” Sobel is a teacher who leaves a lasting impression on everyone she encounters. Her work reflects the very best of what education can be—compassionate, inclusive, and empowering. Here is how this leader in education stays current while making a profound impact in the lives of her students and the broader school community.

#IN MY EARBUDS

I love horror podcasts so Scared to Death and Old Gods of Appalachia are some of my favorites. Musically, I listen to anything from Taylor Swift and Chappell Roan to Ivan Cornejo and Bad Bunny. I like to keep current with what my students listen to and expand my musical taste. However, lately, OG Reggaeton from the 2000s (think Daddy Yankee's Gasolina) has been looping in my music library.

#ON MY MOBILE

I use the internet to explore and expand my interests and to educate myself on different issues, so I follow international news agencies as well as a fantastic community of teachers on Instagram. I also follow a lot of cooking and child development experts—a favorite is @consofii.

BY CASSIE STRIKER

On September 7, Chicago Stars FC, the city’s professional women’s soccer team, will play a highly anticipated match against the 2024 NWSL champions, Orlando Pride in Evanston.

The game, dubbed the Wintrust Lakefront Faceoff, will take place at Northwestern’s Martin Field. Local fans will have a chance to rally around one of their own as Juliet Barnes, a lifelong Chicago-area sports visionary, steps onto the sidelines as the team’s Director of Medical.

For Barnes, this moment is a homecoming. Raised in Evanston with her parents, three siblings, and several cousins nearby, Barnes' upbringing was steeped in a sense of community and family. Her father is from Chicago's west side, and her mother is a first-generation immigrant from the Philippines. They instilled in her the values of hard work and kindness. Barnes credits this foundation, along with the opportunities afforded by the Evanston and North Shore area, for shaping her outlook and career.

As a student at Evanston Township High School—where she was a three-sport high school athlete, a member of the show choir and drama club, and even homecoming queen—and graduate of Northwestern University’s Masters in Sports Administration program, she forged strong connections with the community.

“Evanston's a unique place,” she says. “Having the opportunities that I've had in this area ... has shaped me.” She recalls a

community that rallies around its youth, investing in them with the hope that they'll one day return to invest back. “Everyone— the teachers, coaches, parents—who truly want to see you succeed and thrive—is why the community shapes the type of people it does and why you end up loving the place so much.”

Career Defined by Global Experiences

Barnes started as an athletic trainer for an organization that supported schools like New Trier and Highland Park, as well as professional teams like the Chicago Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, and Sky. These early relationships led to a role with the Youth National Soccer teams, where she worked with many of today's National Women’s Soccer League professionals. She parlayed her experience with the Northwestern Women's Lacrosse team into a full-time position with the university, and from there, she built her reputation with U.S. Soccer.

She served as Head Athletic Trainer for the U.S. Women’s National Team, playing a pivotal role in the 2023 Women’s World Cup and 2024 Olympic gold medal victory.

These experiences, she explains, were truly one-of-a-kind: “The travel, the schedule, it’s crazy. But as a result, I’ve had incredible experiences and been able to travel the entire world from Croatia to Qatar to Portugal and Thailand through soccer.”

The relationships she cultivated worldwide are her proudest accomplishment.

“I’ve had great mentors along the way— people in every city and country who I’ve made connections with by being my authentic self,” she adds.

A Homecoming with a Purpose

After years of traveling the globe, Barnes made the heartfelt decision to return home to Evanston to be closer to her family. When the opportunity arose to join the Chicago Stars F.C., she saw it as a chance to build something new.

“It was bittersweet leaving U.S. Soccer,” she says, “but I wanted to be able to create a safe space for the players, where they could trust us and we could build a high-performance culture.”

Barnes is fueled by the athletes themselves. “What drives me is the athlete,” she explains. “Doing my craft exceptionally well so the athletes are able to excel at their craft and pursue what they love so much.”

The September 7 match is an opportunity

to return to the familiar grounds where she got her start, with a new outlook and a new team.

“It’s surreal to be back at Northwestern with an entirely new group of athletes,” she adds. “I want them to feel the love from Evanston and Northwestern University as much as I have.”

The Stars Align Under New Ownership

The club itself has undergone a dramatic transformation. In 2023, Laura Ricketts, a Wilmette resident and co-owner of the Chicago Cubs, led a group of investors to purchase the team. The move injected energy and investment into the organization, including a renewed focus on community outreach and a commitment to world-class player support.

Barnes is energized by this new chapter.

“It has been a roller coaster of a lot of different things—emotions, performance, and lots of changes,” she says of the season so far. “But it feels like we're going in the right direction.”

She credits the players’ determination and belief they have in one another. “That’s what it’s about, believing in each other,” she affirms, adding that the September 7 match will be an exciting challenge, and support from the community will be crucial. “Any time you go to a match and see the stands full, you feel supported to know that people are investing in the program and our athletes, and that’s a great feeling.”

For Barnes, the match is a testament to the community that shaped her and an op-

portunity to share her love for the sport and the North Shore with a new generation.

“The more people that come out, the more fans who engage with the sport and the team they love so much, the greater significance it takes on for all of us,” she says.

The Chicago Stars FC vs. Orlando Pride, “Wintrust Lakefront Faceoff,” is on Sunday, September 7 at 2 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, scan the QR code on this page or visit chicagostars.com/tickets/lakefront-faceoff.

THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

Chicago Stars PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN NG

Chicago Stars Director of Medical Juliet Barnes PHOTOGRAPHY BY GRETCHEN SCHNEIDER

LADIES FIRST

A female-focused “Palate to Palette” event at The Gallery on September 4 kicks off the third annual Revelry Food & Wine Festival in Lake Forest.

Whether it’s a meal so perfectly plated that it begs to be photographed or a bowl of fruit on a Cezanne canvas, there has long been a symmetry between the palate and the palette. A September 4 event at The Gallery in Lake Forest celebrates these connections with “Palate to Palette: Ladies First”—a showcase of women in the food, beverage, and creative industries, including an exhibit by six North Shore artists.

“The opportunity to celebrate artists and chefs that I love and admire in a space and time where the art and food industry are struggling gives such hope and optimism for the power of collaboration—proving demand for human connection within our community,” says Cecilia Lanyon, owner of The Gallery. “It is the pleasure of a lifetime.”

Hosted by Kelsey Brito, the immersive “Palate to Palette” event kicks off the third annual Revelry Food and Wine Festival in Lake Forest, which includes four days of artful tastings and other gastronomic-themed offerings at various locations. Founded in 2023 by Lanyon, her business partner Chef Dominic Zumpano,

and Chef Beau MacMillan, the nonprofit festival aims to build community through culinary, artistic, and cultural experiences while also supporting hunger relief in partnership with the Northern Illinois Food Bank.

Pairing art with live music, food, and cocktails curated by North Shore Distillery, the kickoff party goes from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

“This year's opening event is specifically geared toward celebrating women,” adds Lanyon, who acts as curator for the festival.

“Beyond the pride I feel to be able to represent these creative professionals, the actual curatorial process is my absolute favorite. In a time of infinite content, it is easy for images and ideas to become scattered. This event offers a unique 1-1 opportunity where people consume content that is not on a screen.”

Featured artists include Diane Tang, Susan Bloch, Katie Meuser, Roslyne Smith, Karen Ross, and Linda Scholly—each working in mediums that range from oil and watercolor to sculpture, precious metal, and encaustic.

“Each woman in this exhibit is an artist I greatly admire, with unique insight, approach, and method to creating their artwork. It is amazing to work with these women as individuals to learn about the significance of their current body of work—and then have the opportunity to choose how it is displayed to the public. I find that the artwork may interact not unlike watching a room of people circulating,” explains Lanyon, adding that the creative mingling that comes with a group show that brings to mind the quote “The whole is greater than the sum of all its parts.”

“Having personally worked with each of these astounding women over the last eight years, I can’t wait to see what impact an exhibit combining all

of their collective work will have,” she adds. “I know they will complement each other with different mediums and art styles.”

Tang, whose diverse range of mediums include beeswax and honey from the bee hive on her Lake Forest property, says her process for creating art work is often similar to cooking.

“I throw a little bit of this in, and a little of that,” she says. “Ceramics in particular is very similar to baking. You can’t bake it too much or it will burn, and you can’t underbake it either.”

The visual aesthetics are also very similar.

“If it doesn’t quite look right for the presentation, sometimes I take powdered pigment and put that on—just like you’d put paprika on a deviled egg,” adds Tang.

Lanyon and Zumpano have been exploring

these connections between art and food for eight years at The Gallery.

“Art enthusiasts come in for the exhibit and stay for the food, and food lovers come in for the food and stay for the art,” she says, explaining that the vision for this concept began with Chef Zumpano. “His passion, creativity, and compulsion to cook was eerily similar to my feelings about painting. To cook for someone— and to create for someone—are two of the most personal and vulnerable things you can do. The Gallery showcases the almost indistinguishable creative expressions by the artist and the chef.”

For more information about the “Palate to Palette: Ladies First” kickoff event, visit thegallerylf.com.

SAVE THESE DATES

The Revelry Food & Wine Festival continues through September 7, bringing together celebrity chefs, beverage professionals, artists, and musicians for an unforgettable weekend of flavor, creativity, and connection. The lineup includes:

Friday, September 5:

Masters of Taste Luncheon

Enjoy a gourmet afternoon from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Forester Hotel, featuring curated bites and expert pairings. hosted by Top Chef Lindsay Autry.

Friday, September 5: Farm & Country

Come to Elawa Farm from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. for evening of rustic elegance and seasonal flavors, hosted by Food Network Chef Jonathan Sawyer.

Saturday, September 6: Fedoras & Ferraris

Glamour meets gastronomy this 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. event at the historic David Adler Estate, hosted by Top Chef Joe Flamm.

Sunday, September 7:

Whiskey, Wu-Tang & Wagyu

Close the festival with a burger battle showdown and celebration of hip hop at Gorton Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is hosted by Iron Chef and Top Chef Stephanie Izard, and emceed by Food Network Chef Beau MacMillan.

For more information about the Revelry Food & Wine Festival, visit revelryfoodandwine.com.

Chef Kelsey Brito's Passion Lime Pie

"I Saw The Writing on the Wall," by Karen Ross "Cocktail," by Diane Tang

A BIG BOLD BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY

BY FELIX MCMILLAN, MAN ABOUT FILM

ILLUSTRATION BY TOM BACHTELL

VERDICT:

A Big Bold Beautiful Journey indulges our thirst for beautiful daydreams, only to remind us how vital it is to wake up. It gives you an hour and a half to wander in memory’s lacquered halls—and then, with quiet force, urges you to step back into your own life with clearer eyes.

Of course this is a daydream for many and not a possibility. You must guard your mind against slipping into nostalgia, against dwelling in the past and forgetting to live in the moment. But this film grants you 90 minutes in which to roam those silver-lit what-ifs, before the credits roll—and you must wake up and live again.

In Kogonada’s latest romantic fantasy, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, two strangers, Sarah (Margot Robbie) and David (Colin Farrell), meet at a wedding and are whisked into a surreal odyssey that spans their most pivotal memories. Some doors open to past regrets. Others might just open to second chances. Robbie and Farrell are luminous, their chemistry muted but magnetic—a waltz of emotional recognition rather than fireworks.

Kogonada, whose previous meditations— notably After Yang and Columbus—were precise and tender, leans this time into exu-

berance. The film is dressed in silk and light: memory-scapes flicker like golden mirages, and Joe Hisaishi’s score swells patiently. It’s cinema as daydream, and intoxicating in that way.

But rest assured, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey is more than a pretty ride. It is, quietly, about the responsibility of memory. The film frequently undercuts its own fever-dream romanticism with curt cuts back to the loneliness of now. Sarah’s imagined chance at lost love isn’t glamorous—it’s a bittersweet siren. And Farrell plays David with a weary tenderness: a man gingerly aware that fantasy can be both balm and poison.

Kevin Kline and Phoebe Waller-Bridge appear in fleeting, graceful supporting roles, calibrating the tone with levity and humanity. The urgency lies in the tension between longing—and living. The film doesn’t want you to run away; it wants you to return—and rebuild.

FIG & HONEY UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE

Late August brings figs into markets — dusky, soft-skinned, and fleeting. They don’t keep long, which makes them feel like treasure. This cake takes full advantage of their ephemeral season by showcasing them in the most dramatic way: baked upside down in a honey-butter glaze until they glisten like stained glass.

The method is straightforward — caramelize honey and butter in a skillet, arrange halved figs cut-side down, then spread a light, moist batter over top. After baking, the cake is inverted, and what emerges is a glossy, jewel-toned surface of figs embedded in amber syrup. It’s rustic enough for a weeknight dessert, but beautiful enough to anchor a dinner party.

INGREDIENTS

• 8–10 fresh ripe figs, halved lengthwise

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided

• ½ cup honey

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp kosher salt

• ½ cup whole milk (or buttermilk for tang)

• Zest of 1 lemon

METHOD

PREPARE THE PAN Heat oven to 350°F. In a 9-inch ovenproof skillet (cast iron works well), melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add honey and cook until the mixture bubbles gently, 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat. Arrange figs cut-side down in concentric circles, covering the base.

MAKE THE BATTER In a large bowl, cream remaining 4 tablespoons butter with sugar until light and fluffy, 2–3 minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and lemon zest.

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add half the dry mixture to the butter mixture, then stir in milk. Add remaining dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overbeat.

ASSEMBLE AND BAKE Gently spread batter over figs in skillet, smoothing evenly. Bake until golden and a tester comes out clean, 35–40 minutes.

INVERT THE CAKE Let rest 10 minutes. Run a knife around edges, then invert onto a platter. The figs should release easily, lacquered in honey glaze. If any cling to the skillet, lift them out and nestle them back on top.

SERVE Best warm, with a dollop of crème fraîche, mascarpone, or softly whipped cream.

NOTES & VARIATIONS

Black Mission figs bring the most dramatic contrast, but green Kadota figs give a gentler, honeyed palette.

A spoonful of brandy or orange liqueur stirred into the glaze deepens the flavor.

The cake keeps one day at room temperature, but figs are most luscious fresh out of the oven.

WHY IT WORKS The figs collapse slightly under heat, releasing juices into the honey glaze, which soaks the crumb just enough to keep it tender without sogginess. The result is a cake that is both light and luxurious, a fleeting ode to late-summer abundance.

FROM WGBK 88.5 FM TO ESPN

Glenbrook South High School graduate Courtney Cronin’s rise at ESPN is stuck on a breakneck

speed.

BY BILL MCLEAN

ILLUSTRATION BY BARRY BLITT

What good could possibly come from having suffered a pair of serious head injuries before age 15?

Plenty, in a feel-good way, if you’re Glenview native and former Glenbrook South High School (GSHS) JV soccer player Courtney Cronin.

“My mom (Pamela), right after my second concussion, told me, ‘That’s it, you’re done with soccer. Find something else to do,’” recalls Cronin, now 35.

A sophomore in high school at the time, Cronin put her head down as a rookie broadcaster at WGKB 88.5, the student-run radio station at GSHS, and discovered in no time that she wanted to pursue a career in sports broadcasting.

“I’m pretty sure my first experience covering a sport in high school was a JV football game,” the 2008 GSHS graduate says. “It snowballed from there.” Did it ever.

Imagine a mass of snow dwarfing Mont Blanc.

Cronin, a graduate of Indiana University, is in her fourth season as a National Football League (NFL) reporter/on-air personality covering the Chicago Bears for ESPN after being hired—on August 1, 2017, her 27th birthday of all days— by the Bristol, Connecticut-based sports media company to cover the Minnesota Vikings, who reached the National Football Conference Championship game in January 2018.

She has appeared regularly on ESPN’s SportsCenter and a slew of shows, including “NFL Live,” “Get Up”, and “First Take.” The unflappable Cronin also battled other national sports journalists on ESPN’s “Around the Horn,” which aired from November 2002 until May 2025 and allowed its panelists to offer an entertaining mix of interesting insights and informed opinions on professional and college sports.

There’s more. Cronin—a huge Chicago sports talk radio fan while growing up—and Peter Burns co-host ESPN’s “The Best Week Ever” radio show on Sunday mornings, and Cronin

Three years later, in 2016, the San Jose Mercury News hired Cronin to work as a multimedia sports reporter, covering the Golden State Warriors of the National Basketball Association and the Oakland Raiders and the San Francisco 49ers of the NFL, among other assignments. Her Mercury News editor, Bud Geracie, emerged as the unofficial Boss of the Year when he let rabid Chicago Cubs fan Courtney Cronin attend Game 5 of the 2016 World Series at Wrigley Field in the middle of the NFL season. Cronin watched the Cubs’ pivotal win that night with her older brother, Michael, now 37 and another former WGBK staffer.

“I’ll never forget Bud telling me, ‘By all means, go to Chicago, be a fan, enjoy that game,’” Cronin says. “That was an emotional experience, sitting next to my brother in the bleachers and watching the Cubs—my family’s favorite baseball team—win a game that led to them cracking such a lengthy curse.”

John Conatser FOUNDER & PUBLISHER

Jennifer Sturgeon ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

TheNSWeekend@ TheNSWeekend Courtney Cronin

What I found out was, the more prepared I was, the easier it was for me to let my personality shine through on-air.

reports on the Bears often from Halas Hall in Lake Forest for ESPN’s Chicago radio station, 1000 AM.

There’s still more. She has written breaking news stories for espn.com, two of which shed light on the firing of a Bears coach and the contract status of another Bears employee. And a podcast becomes a must-listen when Cronin serves as one of its contributors.

Cronin’s crowded plate of professional commitments rivals that of a famished NFL offensive lineman’s plate at dinnertime.

“It was the perfect storm,” Cronin says of finding her comfort zone in broadcasting as a teen under the invaluable guidance of 1992 GSHS alumnus and WGBK faculty advisor

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Dr. Dan “Doc” Oswald. “It started with the opportunity to try a real-world experience in high school. Add that to my strong interest in sports and covering them, as well as the amount of time I dedicated to learning all I could about the field.

“Doc,” adds WGBK’s sports director as a GSHS senior, “was always in my corner and put me in a position to get better. He was really good at giving me feedback and helping me find my voice as a young broadcaster.”

After cutting more of her teeth while providing content for Indiana University Student Television and earning degrees in journalism and Spanish at the Big Ten school, Cronin landed the position of reporter/editor at The ClarionLedger in Jackson, Mississippi.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

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But pro football has been her bailiwick since the Cubs edged Cleveland in seven games to win the World Series nine years ago.

“I was so green,” Cronin says of her first season covering the Vikings for ESPN. “That 2017 season, they were one win away from making it to the Super Bowl, and I was on SportsCenter all the time. So busy. But I took advantage of those on-camera opportunities, rep after rep after rep. What I found out was, the more prepared I was, the easier it was for me to let my personality shine through on-air.”

Her hard work paid off in spades. Journalists don’t apply for ESPN jobs; ESPN goes after journalists, offering jobs to only the best.

“I never had a dream, as a kid, to someday work for ESPN, but here I am, doing what I absolutely love to do, whether it be delivering sports news or sharing an opinion about a team on several platforms. I feel fortunate for the opportunity to work for ESPN every day.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without Doc.”

PHOTOGRAPHY AND ART

Kevin Ng, George Pfoertner, Gretchen Schneider, PHOTOGRAPHY

Tom Bachtell, Barry Blitt ILLUSTRATION

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