






Let’s Hear It for the Guys!
As the sun begins to stretch its rays a little longer each day and summer officially knocks at our doors, we’re thrilled to bring you one of our favorite annual traditions—our Gent’s Issue. This month, we’re celebrating the men of the North Shore: the dads, brothers, mentors, entrepreneurs, creators, and everyday guys who inspire, build, lead, and love with quiet strength and unmis takable style.
From the classic gentleman to the modern trailblazer, the North Shore is brimming with men who are redefining what it means to be a “gent” in today’s world. Our cover story features Adam Amin, a Fox Sports play-by-play announcer who shares his secrets to storytelling and engaging audiences. Also in these pages, you’ll meet Paul Bumbaco, a former golf coach and owner of the popular Broken Tee Brewery in Highwood.
Kip Helverson, co-owner with Trey Gonzales of Smith’s Men’s Store in Lake Forest and Winnetka talks about the suiting services and ready-to-wear items offered at the store, just in time for Father’s Day shopping. Highly sought-after interior designer Leah Bolger shares her picks for home essentials for the modern gentleman. And Chef Ami Sananes, owner of Ami Jerusalem Street Food in Highland Park, shares a recipe for his famous hummus.
This month, we also tip our hats to all the fathers out there, honoring the men who’ve guided us, shaped us, and shown us what it means to show up with heart. Here’s to the men of the North Shore. We raise a glass to you this June!
Warmly,
KEELY CONREY, PUBLISHER @NORTHSHORECITYLIFESTYLE
June 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
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Elise Hofer Shaw
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Jenny May Stringer
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
Created by Margarita Challenger, inspired by the vibrant flavors of her home region in Guanajuato, Mexico. After moving to Chicago’s North Shore suburbs, Margarita set out to bring the authentic taste of her roots to the community.
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
847.242.0501 | myguanajuato.com
1005 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, IL 60093 V@guanajuato_tequila
Pour Homme
Designer
From Tee to Tap
How Paul Bumbaco
Calling Games the Amin Way
The
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.
Yogaview, 1231 Green Bay Rd., Wilmette, is offering a yoga retreat to the Sansara resort of Panama for yoga lovers at any age and any level. The retreat, held October 19-25, will be led by certified expert yoga instructors, Meghan Khanna and Paige Loczi. Enjoy a blend of yoga and meditation practices as well as beach outings and jungle hikes from the coastlines of Central America to Cerro Hoya National Park. yogaview.com.
Adams Driving School offers summer intensive teen programs providing 30 hours of instruction each week as well as private, behind-the-wheel lessons. Special programming for teens with ADHD include shorter videos, photo-heavy, take-home learning guides and free pick up and drop off at home or school. adamsdrivingschool.com
Scan to read more
369 Wellness Center, 1845 Oak St. Suite 15, Northfield, opened in April offering ancient holistic medicine with modern medical treatments focused on personalization, prevention, detoxification and regeneration. The center’s services include hyperbaric chamber, scalar energy, ozone and red light therapy as well as lymphatic massage and vitamin IV infusions. 369wellnesscenter.com
For our special Gentlemen’s Issue, in-demand Chicago interior designer Leah Bolger takes a break from her packed schedule to share her favorite products for the manliest of pursuits (and points of view).
ARTICLE BY ELISE HOFER SHAW
From cozy movie nights to tailgate parties, Séura has outdoor viewing covered. “The Shade Series 2 is perfect for viewing areas set beneath pergolas or awnings,” says Bolger. “It’s fully weatherproof, handles extreme temps, and offers a sleek look with 4K UHD, HDR, and top-tier brightness.” For sunny spots, she recommends the Full Sun Series. “These TVs are built for vibrant color and intense sun, with Séura’s active heating and cooling system,” she says. “They’re ultra-bright, waterproof (IP55), and work from -40 to 140°F—ideal for full-sun viewing.”
Cold plunging has gone from a post-workout trend to a mainstream wellness must, with claims of faster recovery, improved mood and cognitive function, and greater resilience. “There are endless makes and models on the market—from simple Nordic wooden tubs to hightech innovations,” says Bolger. “But I’m
especially excited about the upcoming Ice Bath by Kohler x Remedy Place.” The new collaboration brings together Kohler’s design pedigree with the wellness philosophy of Dr. Jonathan Leary, founder of Remedy Place social wellness clubs. “It’s an elegant, minimalist piece of equipment that delivers innovation and sophistication,” adds Bolger.
Outdoor putting greens are more than a backyard luxury—they’re a way to enhance your golf game, elevate your landscaping, and spend quality time outdoors. “On the North Shore, a lot of kids have a putter in their hands as soon as they can walk,” Bolger says with a laugh. “For a contemporary new construction project in Winnetka with a spacious backyard, I worked with Krevitz Golf Turf Solutions to integrate a sizable green just off the patio. It’s a fun amenity for guys who want to work on their short game and a great excuse to spend time as a family during the warmer months.”
CONTINUED >
High-tech shower systems are changing the way men think about self-care. Case in point: Graff’s RIVA Collection—a bold reinvention of the luxury shower experience. “RIVA is all about immersion, control, and design,” says Bolger. “You can shift spray angles, adjust water modes, lighting, and temperature—it’s like creating your own personal spa environment.” Better still, this system is compatible with Graff’s full line of contemporary and traditional heads, making the RIVA system fully customizable. “From artisan finishes to elegant knurled textures, it’s a seamless fit for any style,” adds Bolger. For gents who want a truly bespoke shower experience with cutting-edge tech, she recommends the Anthem smart system by Kohler. “Anthem’s digital controls offer built-in, preconfigured hydrotherapy journeys that add new dimensions of wellness to your daily routine.”
The Kohler Artifacts collection reinvents vintage design for modern spaces. Inspired by old-school spigots and soda fountains, the Gentleman’s bar sink faucet adds instant charm. “Nine times out of 10, when I present a range of options, my male clients pick this faucet,” Bolger says. “And I love pairing it with the stainless steel Brinx sink [also by Kohler] because it’s deep and durable enough to double as an ice bucket. So whether you’re chilling wine or preparing garnishes with your guests nearby, it’s the ultimate bar setup.”
With its iconic silhouette and unmatched engineering, the La Marzocco GB5 S is the Rolls-Royce of espresso machines. “The second generation of the GB5 is a masterclass in technical and stylistic evolution,” says Bolger, who recently designed a custom barista station for a client in Winnetka using a similar model (the GS3), even going so far as to customize the color distribution on the machine’s elements to vibe with the project. “The newer GB5 S combines luxury and tech: dimmable LED barista lights, pro app compatibility for temperature and dosage control, and USB firmware updates. If you take your morning coffee seriously, this machine is your soulmate,” she says.
Stone day is sacred in interior design—and Bolger is especially excited about a new player in the Chicago market. “Stone Boutique is opening their first showroom in the Chicagoland area and they’re redefining how people shop for stone,” says Bolger, who just completed the design of the showroom in Bensenville. “We created a lovely lobby with an adjacent sitting area, a fireplace and a presentation lounge with beautiful custom cabinetry featuring Calacatta marble counters and backsplashes, and work area, plus a private room to work one-on-one with clients.” For more masculine spaces, Bolger is drawn to dramatic natural stones with rich tones and bold veining. “If you’re leaning into a dark and moody aesthetic, a slab with drama, movement and fluting for dimension is the only way to go if you want to bring soul, texture and timeless elegance to a space.”
-
-
How Paul Bumbaco turned his love of golf and beer into Broken Tee Brewery, a Highwood hot spot with community roots
“For me, golf and beer go hand-in-hand.”
This is the POV of Paul Bumbaco, a former assistant golf club professional from New Jersey who clocked time on courses in Florida before becoming the head coach at Skokie Country Club in Glencoe in 2010. But his love of beer is always in the background.
“When I wasn’t golfing, I was brewing beer,” Bumbaco says. “I had more time to brew in the winter months. I started off as a home brewer on the stove. Then, I took over the basement of my home and built an electric brewing system.”
Bumbaco left Glencoe and headed over to Highland Park to run Steep Ravine Brewing as the general manager for three years, which got him thinking about opening his own brewery.
“I always dreamt of having my own brewery on the North Shore,” he says. “I had an idea for a golf-themed one. In May 2021, I took a job back in the golf business fitting golf clubs while doing the build out for my brewery, Broken Tee.” The name Broken Tee is a slight nod to Bumbaco’s golf background, and has resonated with golfers who get the pun.
Working at Steep Ravine Brewing taught him about the commercial side of brewing. “Steep Ravine gave me the behind-the-scenes look I wanted in the brewery setting,” he says. “I learned a lot in a short period of time.”
ARTICLE BY ALESSIA GIRARDIN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNY MAY STRINGER
Today, Broken Tee has been open for almost three years in Highwood, and the community has shown its support. “Highwood has been fantastic,” Bumbaco says. “The city does a great job of throwing local events. We also get a nice crowd from outside the city—our beer, food and taproom have been well-received.” Broken Tee also caters to families; the chicken fingers with fries are a local kids’ favorite.
Bumbaco’s top beer recommendation is Nacht Putten, the Schwarzbier. The name translated to English is Putt At Night, which is a reference to the revered “Caddyshack” movie. He also recommends the Bierantoni, an Italian Pilsner, and One Hop n Haka, a single hop IPA.
The name Bierantoni comes from the family that had their Italian restaurant and liquor store in the Broken Tee space for 55 years.
“Overall, I enjoy putting golf references in the names — golfers get the golf slang in the menu,” Bumbaco says.
When it comes to the food, Bumbaco’s favorites include Our Smash Factor Burger, Highwood Hot Chicken Sandwich and Philly Cricket Cheesesteak. His top appetizer is The Trio, which includes pretzel bites, breaded cheese curds and elote bites.
During “The Masters,” one of the four men’s major championships in pro golf, Bumbaco’s team ran a take on pro golfer Scottie Scheffler’s Champions Dinner with a menu that included Firecracker Shrimp, Green Jacket Fried Chicken Sandwich and Scottie’s Double Smashburger with fries on the burger.
Bumbaco’s No. 1 goal for the brewery is to create a comfortable environment with great beer and food, and he’s proud that the brewery has stayed open and has improved every year. “Our name and brand are growing,” he says. “I want clients to feel great about their experience. When you have a great experience, you tell others. Word of mouth is still the way to go, especially in the service industry.”
Most recently, Broken Tee started canning beer at the end of last year. “Canning has been a growth point for us,” Bumbaco says. “We hope to continue to grow the brand and start distributing our product locally via kegs or cans. The beer industry is not an easy one, but I think we fit a need in the community. I’m lucky that everything has been great so far.”
Heirloom photographic art for your home. Because time flies & family is everything. Starting with an in-home design consultation to plan a unique portrait session or curate your existing images, we create artwork to celebrate the beauty of your most precious relationships.
“Over time, you develop your own style by finding what fits your personality”
It’s Monday morning on an off day. The Bulls are going to play Cleveland tomorrow. Adam Amin has until 1 p.m. to finish his research for the team in his hotel room. Then it’s lunch, gym, read, meditate and talk to friends, his family and girlfriend until 4 p.m. He’ll put his suit on, get to the arena at 5 p.m. for the 7 p.m. game., and then do it all over again tomorrow for another team.
From growing up in Addison, Illinois, to living in Chicago for most of his adult life as a sportscaster for Fox Sports—Amin is a proud local. He joined the station in June 2020 and has since continued as a playby-play announcer for NBA, NFL, MLB and NCAA college basketball games.
At the start, he didn’t know he wanted to be a broadcaster. “I was a jack of all trades master of none growing up,” he says.
That was until a friend of his from Valparaiso University in Indiana, pitched the idea of getting into broadcasting with
him at the university. Amin liked it. “I showed up on the first day of orientation in August of 2005, I found the advisor for the student-run station, WVUR-FM, and rarely left after that,” he recalls.
His broadcast journey took him to call some of the most prestigious games on live TV, but he doesn’t let those games define his success. Rather, he credits the good moments he calls during the play-byplay as his version of success.
“I don’t know if I ever felt like I’ve made it,” he says. “I think if you are judging success by what level of games you’re calling, then no one’s good except for the people at the very top—so that’s not a great way to go about judging your place. It’s the little moments that make you feel like you belong or feel like you did the job well that get you motivated. We try to keep those good moments in mind, enjoy them, and remember what made them good. Then, try to be as good or better the next time out.”
“I get emotionally invested, and I want people to be invested watching the game”
Amin likes to feel well-prepared for the match-up. “I feel like I need to know all this information, so that I feel comfortable making certain calls,” he says. “I need to be able to invoke certain things about their season, while we are talking about the teams, or what’s happening that day.”
He puts in the work. “The research I put into the broadcasts educates me on the stories of the players and coaches,” he says. “During a [Los Angeles] Rams game this season, I told a story about a rookie player who wasn’t drafted and got an opportunity to return a punt late in a game—You want to tell that story, and you want that player to succeed so the story sticks with people.”
From calling a Bulls game to an NFL match-up, Amin says there’s a different feel to each. For the Bulls, Amin calls between 65 and 70 of the 82 games played, so it doesn’t feel like he has to do a deep dive into every game.
“For a Bulls game, I like to keep the call as personalized as possible by specifically focusing on what’s going on that night,” Amin says. “And, when prepping for an opponent that is only seen twice
a year, I like to give the overarching storyline and some broader perspective on the game at play.”
For nationally-televised, NFL games, there’s a huge fan base with a lot of fervor, so Amin has his work cut out for him.
“For a Sunday NFL match-up, if I were to copy and paste every little bit of information I type into my tablet or laptop during the week and put it into a Word document, it would end up being something like 40 or 50 pages long,” Amin says. “It’s like I’m writing a 50-page research paper every single week for a football game.”
He developed his broadcasting style learning from the greats growing up. “I think everybody in this profession takes pieces from some of their influencers they listened to growing up,” Amin says. “In Chicago, I listened to Pat Hughes, Harry Caray, Pat Foley, Jim Durham, Neil Funk, Tom Dore and Wayne Larrivee. I took little pieces of their style or vocabulary and tried them out.”
Developing your own voice takes time, Amin says, but when you find it, you feel more confident about your calls.
CONTINUED >
“Over time, you develop your own style by finding what fits your personality,” he says. “Find out what makes you laugh, and start to inject parts of your personality into little moments. That’s when you start feeling comfortable.”
Excitable, emotional and invested are the three words that come to mind to describe Amin’s on-air personality. “I get emotionally invested, and I want people to be invested watching the game. Especially if they don’t have connections to the teams, or who particular players might be,” he says. “Big calls are when I get emotional, but the rest of the time I hope I am conversational and easy to listen to.”
Q: FAVORITE ARENA OR STADIUM TO CALL A GAME?
A: Madison Square Garden for basketball games.
Q: BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?
A: You get out of experiences what you put into them. If you put a lot of yourself into something, you get a lot back in return.
Q: WHAT’S ON YOUR GAME-DAY PLAYLIST?
A: I’ve been DJing since I was 13. House music is something I listen to when I get ready for a game to get pumped up.
Q: CHICAGO-STYLE DEEP DISH OR THIN CRUST?
A: Thin crust. My parents used to own a little grocery store, and right next door was Nardi’s Pizza–I grew up on that. D’Agostino’s is my favorite today.
Smith’s
Men’s Store carries on a North Shore tradition just in time for Father’s Day
Kip Helverson and Trey Gonzales took over Smith’s Men’s Store in Lake Forest—an 88-year-old institution— in 2019. Though neither came from a retail background, both brought valuable experience and a passion for preserving the legacy of a long-standing local business. Helverson had spent over three decades in the software industry, working at companies like Oracle, SAP, and two startups. Gonzales came from the interior design industry, where he developed a strong foundation in customer service and operations. Together, the duo refreshed the store with a new layout and modern approach while maintaining the traditions that loyal customers have cherished for generations.
In 2024, they opened a second location in Winnetka in response to growing demand from customers. “We are a traditional men’s store and haberdashery,” says co-owner Kip Helverson. “We offer a wide variety of casual attire and sportswear, as well as a full-service clothing department with both ready-to-wear and custom clothing. Our focus has always been on relationships, fit and consistency.” While the storefronts may boast a more modernized look today—complete with a bourbon bar for shopping parties and groomsmen fittings—Smith’s continues to honor its long legacy by catering to gentlemen (and the women who love them) across the North Shore who are looking for a shopping experience that’s as top-notch as the clothing. We caught up with Helverson to learn more.
ARTICLE BY AMELIA LEVIN
“Our focus has always been on relationships, fit and consistency”
“We work with master tailors to take measurements and create the pattern. Gentlemen can pick the fabric and finishes and then we’ll cut and craft the suit in the shop completely by hand with three to four fittings to make sure everything is perfect.”
“We provide custom tailoring and madeto-measure options from brands like Jack Victor, Southern Tide, Samuelsohn, Oxxford Clothes and Stantt. These suits and jackets are manufactured offsite, but we provide alterations as needed with our tailors.”
“We offer a variety of ready-towear shirts, trousers, sport coats, suits, shoes and casual wear. Brands include Johnnie-O, Peter Millar, Alan Paine and Martin Dingman.”
“Our customers enjoy rounding out their wardrobe with the perfect belt, tie, bow tie or shoes. We also offer leather goods such as wallets and shaving kits as well as socks and other everyday essentials or gifts.”
SIMPLE AND SERIOUSLY ADDICTIVE — THIS HUMMUS IS A MUST FOR ANY SUMMERTIME SPREAD.
RECIPE BY CHEF AMI SANANES, AMI JERUSALEM STREET FOOD
ingredients
• 1 (15.5 oz.) can garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• Ice water
• 1/3 cup tahini
• 1 garlic clove, smashed, peeled
• juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 – 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Pita bread, pita chips or naan, cucumber/ carrot slices, za'atar spice (optional) and extra-virgin olive oil for serving
directions
1. Boil chickpeas: drain one can of chickpeas and add them to a small saucepan on the stove. Fill the can with water. Dump water into the saucepan with chickpeas. Add baking soda. Bring water and chickpeas to boil. Once boiling, turn heat to medium low and let chickpeas simmer for 12 minutes until falling apart and the skins are falling off. Drain in a colander.
2. Make tahini base: While chickpeas simmer, add tahini, about 3 tablespoons ice water, lemon juice and garlic to a food processor. Blend on high, about 1 to 2 minutes. It will be watery at first and then will become light and fluffy. Scrape down sides and bottom as needed. Add 1 more tablespoon of cold water if needed to get the blades moving.
3. Finish hummus: Add drained chickpeas to the tahini base in the food processor. Process until super fluffy and creamy, about 2 to 5 minutes. Stop to scrape sides and bottom as needed. Add salt and cumin and process until incorporated.
4. Serve: Serve hummus at room temp with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle of za’atar spice, if desired. Serve with toasted naan or your favorite pita chips and crudite for dipping. Store in airtight container with a plastic wrap lightly pressed against top layer of hummus for 3 to 4 days.
JUNE 1ST THROUGH OCTOBER
Winnetka Farmer’s Market Opens
Station Park, 754 Elm St., Winnetka | 7:30 AM
Enjoy a “social-vibe” at the market featuring more than 40 full-time vendors. Farmers and bakers from Illinois Wisconsin and Michigan sell the freshest in-season produce, while craft vendors and local merchants offer handmade, unique items. Learn more at wngchamber.com.
JUNE 12TH
Taylor Swift Theme
Night at Ravinia District
Food Truck Thursdays
Jens Jensen Park, 486 Roger Williams Ave., Highland Park | 4:30 PM
Get ready to listen to all your favorite Taylor Swift tunes with a live DJ and Taylor Swift impersonator. “Shake it off” at this event, and rep your favorite “era” while enjoying tons of family fun. Learn more at ravinia.org.
JUNE 14TH AND 15TH
Arts on Sheridan
484 Central Avenue, Highland Park | 10:00 AM
This brand-new art festival will feature more than 100 talented artists from near and far with a wide range of original works including paintings, ceramics, photography and more. Learn more at amdurproductions.com.
CONTINUED
JUNE 18TH THROUGH AUGUST
“Always Something There” at the Marriott Theatre
10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire | 5:00 PM
Find your Walkman and your favorite mix tape and check out this modern musical homage to the beloved teen-flicks of the 1980s. Buy tickets at marriotttheatre.com.
JUNE 20TH AND 21ST
Winnetka Music Festival
Intersection of Hibbard Road and Elm Street, Winnetka
The Winnetka Music Festival features interactive experiences for the whole family, with food, beer, wine and great music. Performers include The Revivalists, Cold War Kids, Natasha Bedingfield, Pete Yorn, Cracker and Egy. Learn more at winnetkamusicfestival.com.
JUNE 27TH AND 28TH North Shore Exchange Summer Sidewalk Sale
327 Hazel Ave., Glencoe | 10:00 AM
During this annual event, customers can shop up to 90% off designer brands including Chanel, Dior, Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Hermès. Early access wristbands are available for purchase at northshoreexchange.org
Whether you’re seeking rejuvenating facials, microneedling, lasers, injectables, or women’s wellness services, we offer customized treatments designed to help you feel your best inside and out.
Are you feeling out of balance? Fatigue, memory loss, mood swings, anxiety, hot flashes, poor sleep, and weight gain are just a few of the many signs of hormone imbalances. At Wild Moon Collective, we offer Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)—a natural and customized approach to help women restore their energy, confidence, and overall well-being.
Unlike synthetic hormones, BHRT uses plant-based hormones that are chemically identical to the ones your body naturally produces. This means fewer side effects and a more natural, balanced way to regain your health. Whether you’re dealing with symptoms of menopause, perimenopause, or other hormonal changes, BHRT offers a safe, effective solution.
We understand that every woman’s body is unique. Our expert providers will work closely with you to create a personalized BHRT plan based on your specific hormone needs. Through comprehensive testing and ongoing support, we help you achieve optimal hormone balance and get back to feeling your best. It’s Time to Feel Like YOU Again. Don’t let hormonal changes hold you back. Take control of your health and vitality with Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy.