
THE TRAVEL ISSUE
LOCAL ENTREPRENEUR BILLY DEC EXPLORES HIS FILIPINO HERITAGE





LOCAL ENTREPRENEUR BILLY DEC EXPLORES HIS FILIPINO HERITAGE
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Dear North Shore Readers,
School is out, summer is officially here, and the call to get out and explore is louder than ever! That spirit of adventure—that desire to break from routine and soak up every golden moment— is exactly what this Explore issue is all about.
Whether you're setting off to somewhere new and exotic or simply enjoying all that our vibrant North Shore community has to offer, from concerts to art walks and family festivals, this season invites us to step outside and reconnect—with ourselves, with nature, and with one another.
One inspiring local in this issue remind us of nature’s incredible power to restore and renew. Certified forest therapy guide Gayle Byck invites participants to slow down and soak in the serenity of the North Shore’s wooded paths and quiet beaches through meditative forest walks.
Our cover feature takes us even farther afield with beloved restaurateur and entrepreneur Billy Dec, who journeyed deep into the Philippines—sometimes literally off the grid—to reconnect with family, gather cherished recipes, and rediscover his roots in a way that was both personal and profound.
If your summer plans include hitting the open road, check out writer Cat Rolfe’s story featuring three unique destinations within three hours of Chicago; plus, local auto shop manager Debbie Borsic shares essential safety tips when traveling by car. If you’re looking to escape to further destinations, Robyn Cohen of Travel 100 tells us what modern travel advisors can offer for those types of curated trips.
We hope this issue sparks your curiosity and reminds you to embrace what makes you feel alive this summer—whatever that looks like for you. So here’s to adventure, near and far.
Happy exploring!
Warmly,
July 2025
PUBLISHER
Keely Conrey | keely.conrey@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Amelia Levin | amelia.levin@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Amee McCaughan | amee@ameemccaughan.com
STAFF WRITER
Alessia Girardin | alessia.girardin@citylifestyle.com
MARKET SUPPORT COORDINATOR
Sehar Uddin | sehar@stardigitalmarketing.org
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
Juliann Marie Brown juliann.brown@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Cat Rolfes | cat.rolfes@citylifestyle.com
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
KEELY CONREY, PUBLISHER @NORTHSHORECITYLIFESTYLE
Gayle
Why
A
few names carry the prestige and influence of Dr. Adam Cohen, a board-certified eyelid and facial plastic surgeon whose artistry and precision have helped redefine the standards of beauty. Renowned for his unparalleled expertise in both surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation, Dr. Cohen has built a reputation as the go-to expert for discerning clients seeking natural, transformative results. At the helm of a state-of-the-art medical spa with locations up the North Shore he has quickly become one of the most sought-after destinations in Chicagoland. Dr. Cohen blends innovation with a personalized approach, delivering cutting-edge treatments in an environment that exudes luxury and discretion. With a philosophy rooted in enhancing each patient’s unique features rather than altering them, Dr. Cohen continues to set the gold standard in modern facial aesthetics.
For many women, the word menopause can feel overwhelming or even taboo. But at Wild Moon Collective, we believe it’s time to change the narrative. Peri-menopause and menopause are a natural phase of life that deserves understanding, care, and support. While every woman’s journey is unique, there are common changes that happen during menopause. Let’s explore three key changes and how to navigate them with confidence and wellness.
During peri-menopause & menopause, estrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels drop significantly. These hormonal changes can lead to:
- Hot Flashes & Night Sweats: Sudden waves of heat can disrupt daily life and sleep.
- Mood Swings: Fluctuations in hormones may cause irritability, anxiety, or feelings of sadness.
- Weight Changes: A slower metabolism often accompanies this phase.
HOW TO MANAGE: Consider Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), natural supplements, or lifestyle changes like consistent exercise and mindfulness practices to help balance your body and mind.
As hormonal levels decline, your skin and hair may go through noticeable transformations:
- Thinning Skin: Skin can become drier, more fragile, and prone to fine lines.
- Hair Thinning or Loss: Many women experience hair shedding or thinning during menopause.
HOW TO MANAGE: Professional skincare treatments like microneedling or hydrating facials can restore moisture and vitality. For hair health, c onsider targeted solutions like scalp microneedling, nutrient-rich vitamin injections or specialized hair restoration treatments.
Peri-menopause & menopause can also affect your physical strength:
- Bone Density Loss: The risk of osteoporosis increases due to declining estrogen.
- Muscle Weakness: Some women experience reduced muscle mass and strength.
HOW TO MANAGE: Weight-bearing exercises, calcium-rich diets, supplements like vitamin D, and Bioidentical Hormone
Replacement Therapy can assist with bone health and help maintain muscle tone and overall vitality.
Peri-menopause & menopause is not the end—it’s a new chapter. At Wild Moon Collective, we’re here to support you through every step of this journey with treatments and guidance designed to help you feel empowered, beautiful, and well.
From hormone-balancing therapies to skin rejuvenation, we offer solutions to help you navigate the changes of peri-menopause & menopause with grace and confidence. Remember, this isn’t just ‘the M word’—it’s ‘your time’ to shine.
Let’s embrace this phase of life together. Reach out to schedule a consultation today and discover how we can support your journey through this new chapter in your life.
Dahlia Rose Salon & Spa celebrated its grand opening at 920 Waukegan Road in Glenview. Owned by beauty industry expert Marta Traversa, Dahlia Rose offers an elegant, full-service experience designed to pamper and inspire. Guests are invited to explore a wide range of luxurious services, including spa and head spa treatments, nail services, hair extensions, professional blowouts, custom airbrush spray tans and more. Learn more at dahliarosesalonandspa.com.
Yoga Six Glenview announced new ownership with Mazy Rhuberg. As a longtime wellness enthusiast and advocate for mindful living, Rhuberg brings fresh energy and a deep commitment to the beloved Glenview studio’s community. The studio held a soft opening last month for both longtime members and newcomers. Learn more at yogasix.com/glenview.
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Becky Thalmann of Vivica Partners led a high-impact coaching session with business owners at Empower Glenview. During the interactive event, attendees focused on solving real business challenges live—not just talking about them—and unlocked fresh strategies, clarity and momentum to last beyond the room. The next Empower session will take place Sept. 29 from 5 to 7 p.m. Register at glenviewchamber.com.
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ARTICLE BY ALESSIA GIRARDIN
AFTER LOSS LED HER BACK TO NATURE, GAYLE BYCK HELPS OTHERS FIND HEALING AND PEACE ON HER RESTORATIVE
“Are we taking a bath in the forest?” someone joked on one of Gayle Byck’s recent guided walks. “No, please keep your clothes on,” she replied with a smile.
Byck, a certified forest therapy guide, takes groups of people of all ages and abilities on two-hour walks through the forests, woods and beaches of the North Shore and Illinois. The experiences are well-received and often life-changing. And it’s true—the guided meditation leaves people feeling as clean as if they’ve just bathed.
After her father passed away, Byck visited Red Mountain Resort in Ivins, Utah, to recharge. “When I got to my favorite spot and saw all the nature and the beauty, I felt the stress leaving my body from head to toe,” she says. “I felt this total peace come over me. Then I thought, maybe I’ll give this forest bathing a shot.”
Forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku , is a Japanese practice of immersing your senses in nature to help you relax, heighten your awareness, and form a deeper connection to nature.
“Forest bathing is about slowing down, noticing your surroundings and being present”
Studies show spending time in nature can reduce stress, lower heart rate and blood pressure, improve sleep and mood, and boost the immune system.
Byck’s “In Tune with Nature” guided meditation invites people to wander alone and bring back rocks, pinecones or flowers to share with the group. This experience concludes with a tea gathering that focuses on gratitude and reciprocity with nature.
“Forest bathing is about slowing down, noticing your surroundings and being present,” Byck says. “I think we all need more of that in our lives.”
Those with dementia have also reaped the benefits of Byck’s walks. Since they spend most of their days indoors at memory care faciilities, Byck has brought outdoor items like rocks and flowers for sensory stimulation.
“I remember one man with dementia who lit up after he was reminded of the two trees in his back yard, visible from his childhood bedroom’s window,” she recalls. “As he reminisced about those moments in nature, he was full of joy.”
Another woman found coping strategies to deal with her mental health struggles as a result of the forest walks.
“There was a woman who had severe anxiety and ADHD, and by her own admission, said, ‘I have never felt so free in my life’ and started pouring her heart out during the walk,” says Byck. “She felt as though the trees were not judging her, and that she could be whoever she wanted to be.”
Byck hopes that the walks will teach people about mindfulness, and she has recently branched out (pun intended) to work with teens and young adults. “There’s something about being out in nature that helps people open up,” she says.
To learn more, visit intunehealthadvocates.com/intune-withnature.html.
A good travel advisor is like a hybrid concierge, insider and strategist— they curate experiences and leave you to create unforgettable memories
In an era of click-to-book convenience, it’s easy to forget that great travel is rarely found in a confirmation email. Today’s travelers are savvier, and more overwhelmed, than ever. An internet search might yield thousands of “top 10” lists and travel hacks, but none of it replaces what a sharp, well-connected travel advisor brings to the table.
“Anyone can book a flight,” says Robyn Cohen, travel advisor and marketing manager at Travel 100 in Northbrook. “But a great travel advisor turns trips into stories you’ll tell for years. We belong to elite global networks and spend our days building relationships – with hoteliers, tour operators, and local guides.”
Cohen, known for her discerning eye and obsession with the details, has made a career out of transforming itineraries into curated escapes. Here she shares five advantages of working with an advisor.
It’s not about knowing the name of a five-star resort—it’s about having the general manager’s cell number. Top advisors cultivate relationships with hotels, tour operators, chefs and guides.
These aren’t transactional contacts; they’re allies. The result? Upgraded rooms, personal touches and quiet luxuries no algorithm can arrange.
2.
Sure, anyone can book a deluxe suite. But advisors unlock perks: complimentary breakfasts, guaranteed upgrades, late checkouts and resort credits—often at the same price you’d find online. The difference lies in the value—less flashy, more lasting.
There’s knowing where to go, and then there’s knowing when to go, who to book and what to skip. A seasoned advisor has been there—or knows someone who has. They know which Amalfi town has better sunsets or which safari lodge gets the best morning light. They’ve seen the itinerary gaps you don’t even realize are there.
Great travel isn’t copy-and-pasted. The best advisors begin by listening. Maybe you want Michelin-star dining one night, tacos on the beach the next. Algorithms offer options; advisors shape experiences around you.
5. A HUMAN SAFETY
When things go wrong—and they sometimes do—having someone to call is everything. Flight canceled? Hotel overbooked? An advisor doesn’t panic; they pivot. It’s not just about getting there—it’s about coming back restored.
Ultimately, “a travel advisor doesn’t just book trips,” says Cohen. We “engineer the moments in between.”
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For two decades, Guanajuato has celebrated Mexico’s culinary traditions with fresh, seasonal ingredients and time-honored cooking techniques, offering locals a true taste of Mexico.
Visit us for a great lunch or dinner at our Tacos Guanajuato location at 20771 N Rand Rd Kildeer, IL 60047
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A NEW DOCUMENTARY CAPTURES CHICAGO ENTREPRENEUR BILLY DEC'S FILIPINO HERITAGE
BY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY FOOD ROOTS AND COACT AGENCY
“It’s a story of family, loss, heritage, pride and understanding identity”
Billy Dec knows how to throw an epic party. His restaurant and nightlife empire, which began with iconic Chicago venues like Circus, Le Passage, Rockit Bar & Grill and Sunda and also included the long-running club Underground, attracted celebrities like Jeremy Piven, Chance the Rapper and Katy Perry. The party hasn’t slowed: Underground moved to Nashville last year and reopened as The Blueprint Underground. And, Sunda remains as popular as ever, with the original location in Chicago’s River North, a new location in the Fulton Market neighborhood, and locations in Nashville and Tampa. A Detroit Sunda will open later this year.
So it was a major shift when Dec decided to slow down, turn inward, and travel to the Philippines—literally going off the beaten path—to connect with relatives and explore his Filipino heritage. What started as an effort to document time-honored
recipes from his lolas (Filipino for grandmother or female elder) evolved into a deeply personal journey of self-discovery and reconnection.
“I didn’t mean to make a documentary,” Dec says. “I just wanted to record recipes for a possible cookbook. I didn’t want to be writing everything down—I was moving so fast.” Instead, that footage became the foundation for “Food Roots,” a documentary due out later this year.
Growing up, Dec learned about home cooking and hospitality from his Lola Caring, who immigrated to the U.S. to help his mother raise the family. “She was known for being an amazing cook and for sharing food generously,” he says.
But as a kid, Dec was bullied for bringing Filipino food to school. “People were like, ‘That’s gross, it smells bad,’” he recalls. “Back then I pushed it away. Now, people are exploring world cuisines. But when I went to college, I missed it.”
“There were times I was off the grid without phone signal or internet for days”
As a restaurateur, Dec added Filipino dishes like lumpia to Sunda’s menu, but always felt the approach was limited. “I realized I was really disconnected from my family… and I wasn’t learning these recipes the way my cousins were. That always made me feel guilty.”
Then came a turning point: “Two of my last three elders passed away on the same day. I thought I had all this time to learn more about my past, but then, suddenly, I didn’t. That’s when I dropped everything and left the country to learn the recipes of my ancestors.”
Finding family members across the Philippines—home to more than 7,000 islands—was no easy feat. “There were times I was off the grid for days,” he says. Staying with one cousin often led to the next connection. “It wasn’t like I could FaceTime someone or drop a Google pin.”
One memorable trek involved hiking up a storm-ravaged mountain to meet a 103-year-old mambabatok (tattoo master). “Some of the team couldn’t even make it up. But she blessed me with a tattoo once she understood my heritage. It was spiritual—like going back in time to understand who I am,” he says.
“Each dish had a story,” Dec says. For example, his Lola Caring’s lumpia differed from Lola Pilar’s version—because Lola Pilar [Dec’s grandaunt] had been raised by a neighbor in a different province, separated from her siblings. That early experience shaped her palate and the recipes she passed down.
Another poignant moment came in his grandfather’s village in Ilocos Sur. “My grandfather, Lolo Monico, would cook whatever people brought him—goat, chicken, vegetables—and serve them food, including kalderetang kambing, a goat stew.” Dec, whose middle name is Monico, felt deeply connected to a man he never really knew, but who, like him, put himself through law school and supported
his family. In the documentary, Dec talks about the tragic passing of both his father and brother.
“I kind of broke down. It was just this crazy emotional and spiritual moment.”
After returning, Dec and his Sunda team began integrating dishes from the trip. “We’re doing oxtail kare-kare and sisig dishes I was embarrassed about as a kid,” he says. “Now chefs love it, and food writers flip out when we serve it.”
One particularly nostalgic dish was ginataang kuhol, a snail-based stew that was his mother’s favorite as a child. “My cousins’ kids would pick snails from the rice fields and lemongrass, garlic, ginger, chilies from within 20 feet of the front door.”
Dec reimagined the dish with mussels and clams at Sunda alongside his chef-partner Mike Morales. “We just tried to reinvent it and elevate it in a creative way.”
Though he hadn’t set out to make a film, the power of what he captured lingered. But, the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the project and his focus shifted to survival. “I had to furlough 400 employees in one day. I was just trying to keep Sunda and our team alive,” Dec says.
A year later, Dec met Emmy-winning Filipina-American director Michele Josue on a film festival panel, and Oscarwinning producer Doug Blush through a friend. “They loved the story—culture, identity, bullying, confidence—and turned it into something meaningful.”
“Food Roots,” he says, isn’t just for the Filipino community. “Theaters at our film festival screenings have been filled with people of all ages and backgrounds. It’s a story of family, loss, heritage, pride and understanding identity—one that so many of us can relate to.”
The film helped Dec find clarity and healing. Now, he hopes it does the same for others.
“I hope it inspires people to find their own journey—to reconnect with their heritage, or just with themselves.”
Produced by three-time, Oscar-winning executive producer Doug Blush, Emmy-winning director Michele Josue, and scored by Grammy-winning Black Eyed Peas’ Apl.De.Ap, Billy Dec’s inaugural, award-winning documentary, “Food Roots,” explores themes of self-discovery, multicultural influence, and family heritage. After receiving devastating news of family loss on the other side of the world, Dec leaves Nashville to journey through his mother’s native 7,641 Islands of the Philippines to find his last remaining elders, and himself. He travels by motorcycle, boat, plane and on foot to find and preserve the lost recipes of his ancestors, discover culinary and cultural treasures, and learn family stories that forever change his life. To watch the trailer and check out the schedule of screenings, visit billydec.com/documentary.
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ARTICLE BY BY CAT ROLFES
If summer’s starting to feel more rush than retreat, it might be time to hit pause – and hit the road. Luckily, you don’t have to book a flight or sit through airport security to feel like you’ve truly gotten away. Within three hours of the North Shore are some dreamy escapes that blend charm, style, and just the right amount of indulgence.
From blueberry fields and designer tents to cozy treehouses and whiskey-fueled lofts, here are three getaways that are big on experience and low on stress.
Glamping For The Bon Vivant Camper
It’s not a mirage. You really can pick blueberries in the morning, sip rosé in the afternoon, and retreat to a candlelit tent at night. The Fields of Michigan is a luxury “glampground” tucked into a working farm just outside the beachy harbor town of South Haven.
The safari-style tents are less campsite, more boutique hotel suite, with king beds, high-end linens, private bathrooms, and vintage-meets-modern decor. Your mornings start with a breakfast basket on your deck. Days might include a bike ride to the beach, an in-tent massage, or lounging with a book in the sun. By night, sip craft cocktails under the stars and gather for a locally sourced farm-to-table communal meal by in-house Chef/Sommelier Mindy Trafman, who owns and runs Saugatuck catering company Somm+Seed. It’s all very farmhouse-chic, without trying too hard.
Elevated Living For The Nature Lover
Remember when treehouses were magical? They still are – especially when they come with rainfall showers, heated floors, and a fire table on your private deck.
Starved Rock Treehouses offers sleek, adults-only suites tucked high in the quiet woods of Ottawa. Inside, you’ll find airy layouts, Scandinavian-style woodwork, plush robes, and oversized windows that blur the line between indoors and out. Step outside, and it’s all trees, birdsong, and deep breaths you forgot you needed.
You’re just minutes from Starved Rock State Park, where sandstone canyons, seasonal waterfalls, and winding trails offer the kind of natural drama that feels like you’ve traveled much farther than you have.
A Stylish Stay For The Industrial Romantic
Above the bustling Journeyman Distillery in
Three Oaks sits The Flat , a loft-style stay for up to six people with a downtown Soho vibe and a speakeasy soul. Think exposed brick, timber beams, oversized windows, and just the right amount of cheeky wall art. There’s a full chef’s kitchen, a record player, and leather club chairs made for long conversations and slow pours.
Downstairs, tour the working distillery, sample small-batch spirits, or linger over a cocktail in the stylish tasting room. Outside, explore Three Oaks, a walkable town with gallery charm, a vintage movie house, and great pastries at nearby Froehlich’s.
ARTICLE BY AMELIA LEVIN
Certified Auto Body is a family-owned, customer service-focused, collision repair shop in Lake Bluff that has served the North Shore for more than 40 years. Debbie Borsic has handled the marketing and management efforts for her brother-in-law Jack Lasheff’s shop since 1989. Here are her tips for what to do if you’re in an accident on the road—and how to protect yourself against future ones.
“EVEN IF YOU’RE AT FAULT IN AN ACCIDENT, WE’LL STILL CALL YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY TO SEE WHAT WE CAN DO”
STEP 1: COLLECT ALL THE NECESSARY INFORMATION
“If you’re in an accident, take a picture of the other person’s insurance card—not the AAA card. Also take a picture of their driver’s license, license plates, and any damage to their car and your car. Make sure you take note of the make and model. And always try to exchange phone numbers. We can file a claim much faster and easier if we have all of those things.”
STEP 2: FILE THE RIGHT CLAIM —OR DON’T FILE AT ALL
“Even if you’re at fault in an accident, we’ll still call your insurance company to see what we can do. We can also walk you through the pros and cons of filing versus not filing. We’re able to check deductible amounts and accident history to help you do the math and see what’s best. If you have a $1,000 deductible and the repair costs $1,500, it’s better to pay out of pocket because the insurance company could raise your rates.”
STEP 3: KNOW THE BENEFITS OF A LIFETIME WARRANTY
“For any parts damaged in a collision—or even from severe weather such as hail—that we repair, we go beyond the manufacturer’s warranty by offering a lifetime warranty on the part. We also offer a lifetime warranty on any paint applied to the part.”
“We offer a one-year Auto Guard subscription for repairs that cost $3,000 or less and a two-year subscription for repairs that cost more—for all cars in a household, even if you only brought one in. That means if you’re in an accident, and then another driver in the household has an accident in the same year or two with a different car, we offer rebates of $500 or more for the repairs to reduce out-of-pocket costs. We pay for these extended coverage plans, but to us, it’s a small thank-you to our customers and repeat customers.”
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