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Flavors of Fall, North Shore Style
Dear Readers,
Crisp air, golden leaves and the scent of something delicious simmering on the stove, October is a month that naturally brings us together around the table. Whether it’s Sunday dinners with family, tailgates with friends, or festive gatherings that kick off the holiday season, food and drink have a way of weaving stories, traditions and memories into our lives.
That sense of connection runs through this issue. From local chefs who transform seasonal ingredients into works of art, to hidden gems where you can sip, savor and linger, this issue is dedicated to celebrating the flavors that define our community.
Our cover feature spotlights Lou Canellis—Fox 32’s veteran sports anchor and lifelong Chicagoan—who shares how his Greek heritage and passion for hospitality inspired his growing group of Avli restaurants. We also had the pleasure of experiencing Ballyhoo Hospitality’s newest concept, Jackman & Co., where vibrant flavors and thoughtful details set the stage for memorable meals with friends and family.
This food and drink issue also celebrates the diversity of dining on the North Shore. We caught up with the owners of Highland Park’s Indus Progressive Indian as they marked their one-year anniversary, and we’ve rounded up a fresh crop of new and newly reimagined restaurants, coffee shops and bakeries alongside some tried-and-true favorites. Finally, our resident private chef Mila Furman offers a comforting chicken-cabbage soup recipe—perfect for a back-to-school detox and immune boost to kick off the fall season.
As we embrace sweater weather and the coziness of autumn, I encourage you to slow down, savor the moment and support the restaurants, cafes and small businesses that make our community so vibrant.
Here’s to full tables, warm hearts and a season filled with flavor.
With gratitude,
October 2025
PUBLISHER
Keely Conrey | keely.conrey@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Amelia Levin | amelia.levin@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Cat Rolfes | cat.rolfes@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Katie Bode | katie.bode@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Peter Heisinger | peter.heisinger@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Juliann Marie Brown
juliann.brown@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Amee McCaughan | amee@ameemccaughan.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Mila Furman
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Mac Yellek, Cat Rolfes
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
KEELY CONREY, PUBLISHER @NORTHSHORECITYLIFESTYLE
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.
SO MUCH GROWS HERE
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city scene
1: Caitlin and Michael Trudeau at the Citadel Theatre Gala 2: Carol Robbins and Alisa Bay at the Citadel Gala 3: Ellen and Scott Phelps at the Citadel Gala 4: Dr. Kerri Nevin (left) presents Girls’ Night Out: Thriving Through Midlife and Beyond at Styles & Smiles in Winnetka 5: Laura Cordova, Emily Hasche, Margarita Golenson and Dayton Whitman at the Girls Night Out event 6: Karen Mason (left) and Debbie Martinez (right) at the Girls Night Out event 7: Dr. Simona Bareket and Sarah Tisser at the Girls Night Out event
business monthly
Leadership Greater Chicago Announces 2026 Fellows, Spotlighting North Shore Changemakers
Leadership Greater Chicago (LGC), the region’s premier civic leadership development program, announced its 2026 Class of Signature Fellows—44 changemakers selected for their impact across sectors. Among them are three North Shore leaders: Tyrone H. Thomas, Jr. of Lake Forest (Doral Renewables), and Evanston residents Thackston Lundy (Accelerate U, NLU) and Kameelah Omar (Allstate, pictured). The fellowship equips participants with the network and insight to drive bold, transformative change throughout the Chicago region.
FURever Home Dog Sanctuary Breaks Ground
Deerfield-based David Kerpel has broken ground on a new, 19,000-square-foot-facility dog rescue on six acres of farmland in Richmond, Ill. FURever Home Dog Sanctuary is designed to rehabilitate dogs with behavioral issues that would otherwise be euthanized or spend their lives in shelters so they can be adopted into new homes. A fundraising event, Rock the Rescues, will take place on Oct. 4 at The Courthouse Tavern in McHenry. Learn more at fureverhomedogsanctuary.org.
UNWIND Adventure Yoga Retreat in Panama
Meghan Khanna and Paige Loczi are leading a yoga retreat at the gorgeous Sansara Resort in Cambutal, Panama. The retreat, held October 19-25, will include a blend of yoga and meditation practices, as well as surf outings and jungle hikes in the nearby Cerro Hoya National Park. Learn more at meghankhanna.com.
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Where Britain Meets the Midwest
JACKMAN & CO. BRINGS PUB CLASSICS, INDIAN SPICE AND LOCAL CHARM TO GLENVIEW’S DOWNTOWN
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAT ROLFES
There’s a fine line between a pub and a parody of one. Too many places drape themselves in dark wood and Union Jacks, only to deliver limp fish and chips and a pint of something forgettable. Jackman & Co., Ballyhoo Hospitality’s latest venture in Glenview, makes no such mistake. From the moment you step into its warm, honey-toned dining room, it’s clear this is no costume drama, but a confident reimagining of the great British public house—with a distinctly Midwestern accent.
The restaurant, which opened in July in the heart of Glenview’s revitalized downtown, is named for Edwin Stanton Jackman, a village founder and benefactor whose bear fountain still presides over the town. The symbolism is apt: this is a gathering place designed with permanence in mind, not a pop-up trend.
At 5,800 square feet, with seating for nearly 270 and a sweeping 50-seat patio overlooking the North Branch of the Chicago River, it feels both spacious and intimate—a place as suited to Sunday suppers as to late-night conversations at the bar. And the bar is no afterthought. Ballyhoo has made a habit of designing restaurants around them, creating central gathering spots that anchor the room, and Jackman & Co. carries that tradition forward.
Executive Chef Matt Lehto has devised a menu that threads British comfort food with Indian aromatics, a nod to the global arc of pub culture. A tidy procession of snacks and small plates sets the tone: Devils on Horseback—bacon-wrapped, cheddar-stuffed dates glazed with maple—arrive as a smoky-sweet amusebouche, while a Peekytoe Crab Toast with dill feels restrained, a clean counterpoint.
The Housemade Crisps & Dip, Vice President of Culinary Jaysen Euler’s unabashed favorite, are simple and irresistible—perfectly salted, paper-thin potatoes
paired with a silky, tangy dip that has all the ease of bar food but the finesse of a chef’s hand.
It’s the medium and large plates, though, that reveal Jackman & Co.’s ambitions. The Battered Fish & Chips, perhaps the truest test of any pub, emerges perfectly balanced: a shatteringly crisp crust giving way to tender white fish, with golden hand-cut chips and a bracing dill tartar. Vindaloo Mussels, steamed in a broth of tomatoes, garlic and warming spices, are unexpectedly addictive—briny, fiery and best mopped up with a hunk of crusty bread.
Red Curry Prawns arrive in a vivid, aromatic sauce, their richness brightened by lemongrass and lime, the kind of dish that perfumes the table before it lands. A British Beef Roast with duck fat potatoes and Yorkshire pudding is the essence of Sunday dinner, with enough gravity to warrant sharing. And the Spatchcock Chicken, roasted until its skin caramelizes against figs and olives, might be the sleeper hit of the menu—rustic, seasonal, quietly elegant.
The drinks program, playful yet precise, matches the food’s range. The Queen Doesn’t Need a Passport, a sprightly mix of vodka, blackberry, thyme and lemon, feels like a nod to the monarchy with a wink. A Happy Marriage, with London dry gin, Italicus and dry vermouth, is both classic
Ballyhoo Hospitality's newest venture, Jackman & Co., anchors Glenview’s downtown dining scene at 1749 Glenview Road.
Warm lighting and honey-toned wood create a cozy, inviting atmosphere for dinner.
and contemporary. Guinness drinkers will find not one but five variations on tap, from the layered Black & Blue (with Allagash White) to a Snakebite with Magner’s cider.
Local partnerships also shine: Middle Brow brewed a custom Jackman Ale, a Kölsch-style beer that drinks light and easy, tailor-made for the patio. Even the mocktails are thoughtful, as in If These Walls Could Talk, a gently spiced mix of strawberry, cardamom, lemon and ginger.
Jackman & Co. resists the urge to shout its theme. There are no faux-Victorian bric-a-brac here, only a modern pub that honors its inspirations without mimicry. As Ballyhoo’s Kayla Morrison puts it, “It’s a U.K.-inspired pub, with a very thoughtful menu.”
“It has the restraint of French technique, the vibrancy of Indian spices—all filtered through a Midwestern lens,” adds Morrison, vice president of operations, who has helped launch seven restaurants with the privately held Chicago-based group.
That lens is what gives Jackman & Co. its staying power. Glenview has been angling for a culinary anchor to match its downtown ambitions, and with this opening, it may have found it. The pub feels inevitable, as though it’s always been here—which is exactly the point.
For more info or reservations: jackmanco.com.
Ballyhoo’s North Shore Lineup:
• Sophia Steak (Wilmette & Lake Forest) – upscale steakhouse
• Pomeroy (Winnetka) – elegant French bistro
• Buck Russell’s (Wilmette) – bakery/deli
• Pizza by Sal (Wilmette) – New York-style pizzeria
• DeNucci’s (Highland Park) – Italian-American comfort
COMING SOON:
• Zenzi Den (Glenview) – Japanese
• Arkadia (Winnetka) – Mediterranean
Delicate peekytoe crab with dill on crisp toast offers a light, flavorful start to the meal.
Vice President of Culinary Jaysen Euler shows off a favorite snack: housemade crisps paired with silky, tangy caviar dip.
Aromatic red curry prawns showcase vibrant flavors in every bite. (Photo credit: Ballyhoo Hospitality)
THE M WORD: UNDERSTANDING MENOPAUSE AND 3 KEY CHANGES IT BRINGS
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.
1. HORMONAL SHIFTS AND THEIR IMPACT
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.
2. SKIN AND HAIR CHANGES
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.
3. BONE AND MUSCLE HEALTH
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.
EMBRACING THE CHANGE WITH CONFIDENCE
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.
NOW Serving
From banh mi and Hawaiian eateries to cozy coffee shops, tapas and tequila, the North Shore dining scene is buzzing with new arrivals. Here’s a look at some of the latest spots to check out.
GLOBAL EATS:
Corner Banh Mi
561 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka
This casual spot opened by Kevin Diep specializes in banh mi sandwiches on fresh-baked bread from Nhu Lan Bakery, plus Vietnamese coffee, pho and noodle dishes.
Da Local Boy
320 Green Bay Rd., Highwood
Owned by Nate Domingo and Dianne Antonio, this casual eatery features Hawaiian- and Asian-fusion favorites like huli huli chicken, Pulehu short ribs, chicken katsu and poke nachos.
Tapas del Lago
329 Waukegan Ave., Highwood
Spanish-inspired small plates headline the menu at this energetic spot also serving curated wines and fun cocktails.
Ami Jerusalem Street Food
148 Green Bay Rd., Highland Park
Former fine dining chef Ami Sananes brings Israeli-inspired street food to Highland Park, with his famous hummus, falafel, sabich and shawarma with catering options.
MEXICAN:
Cabo Mexican Cocina
3147 Dundee Rd., Northbrook
Back Yard Grill’s Nick Drivas opened this authentic Mexican restaurant, where Chef Tino Almarez helms the menu of regional specialties alongside an expansive tequila selection and breezy, coastal vibes.
A look at some newer restaurants on the North Shore
ARTICLE BY BY AMELIA LEVIN
Cabo Mexican Cocina in Northbrook
Nate Domingo, owner of Da Local Boy in Highwood
Restaurante Chacahua
58 Sheridan Rd., Highwood
This buzzy new spot features a Oaxacan surf-and-turf menu of ceviche, molcajete bowls, tlayudas and more.
ICE CREAM:
Oberweis Dairy & Ice Cream
510 Winnetka Ave., Winnetka
This popular creamery opened its first new store in five years in August, located across from the Indian Hill Metra station.
BAKERIES:
Mi Colibris
481 Roger Williams Ave., Highland Park
Family-owned bakery and breakfast café from Diane Segoviano’s family-owned bakery and breakfast cafe features Mexican specialties such as conchas, chorizo breakfast burritos and cochinita pibil panini.
Hewn Bakery
894 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka
Beloved bakery from Ellen King and Julie Matthei, now with a Hubbard Woods location, featuring sourdough breads and pastries made with sustainably grown Midwestern heirloom flours.
Goddess & The Baker
3232 Lake Ave., Wilmette
The suburban outpost of this Chicago-based bakery and café was slated at press time to open this fall in Edens Plaza, offering an all-day menu of breakfast items, sandwiches, salads, coffee and baked goods.
COFFEE SHOPS:
Double Cup Coffee
1929 Sheridan Rd., Highland Park
Tech industry veteran David McGowan and wife Amy—longtime Highland Park residents—opened this cozy new shop in their hometown. The café serves espresso drinks and pourovers using beans roasted by friend Gabe Damiani’s artisan Bear Lake Coffee Co. roastery in Wisconsin, along with treats from Sweet Mandy B’s, fresh-baked goods and salads.
Bean Bar
1901 Cherry Lane, Northbrook
Opened in April, this expansive spot with cozy alcoves and meeting spaces features a menu of espresso drinks and flavorful lattes (pistachio, dirty lavender chai), smoothies and a breakfast and lunch menu.
Complimentary Café
1700 St. Johns Ave., Highland Park
This Skokie-based coffee shop opened an outpost inside the Highland Park Metra Station this summer serving espresso drinks and global eats like empanadas and Filipino cookies.
RECONCEPTED/RELAUNCHED:
Deere Park
200 Green Bay Rd., Highwood
Greenwood Tavern’s owner Josh Kaplan teamed up with North Shore native and acclaimed chef Todd Stein to helm the menu at this re-concepted American brasserie featuring lobster dumplings, whole Branzino and handmade pasta dishes.
Josh Kaplan and Chef Todd Stein of the newly reconcepted Deere Park in Highwood (credit: Neil Burger)
ELEGANT ALL-DAY DINING:
The Lunchroom and The Lago Room at SPACE 519
1515 Sheridan Rd., Wilmette
This luxury department store at the newly renovated, historic Plaza Del Lago in Wilmette houses two new dining concepts: The Lunchroom, a brunch and lunch spot with a California-style menu, charming patio and counter service for barista drinks, baked goods and gourmet grab-and-go, and The Lago Room, a 40-seat, European-style, day-to-evening café with breezy vibes.
Not new, but worth the reminder — here are some North Shore City Lifestyle favorites:
MEXICAN:
Guanajuato Contemporary Mexican Restaurant and Tequila Bar
1005 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka
Margarita Challenger’s Hubbard Woods hotspot specializes in tacos, enchiladas, seafood dishes and homemade salsas with a pet-friendly patio and kids’ menu.
PIZZA AND ITALIAN BEEF:
Viccino’s Pizza Co.
1905 Glenview Rd., 2773 Pfingston Rd., Glenview
Doug Denenberg’s Glenview institution since 1998 has also served its famous giardiniera pizza, panino sandwiches and Italian beef out of its Northfield location (as Northshore Pizza Co., 300 N. Happ Rd.) since 2019.
DATE NIGHT AND GROUP OUTINGS:
Foxtail on the Lake
1177 Howard Ave., Des Plaines
Tucked a little off the beaten path, this stunning spot is worth the trip for the eclectic menu, sweeping views and energetic vibes. Chef/Owner Tim Canning’s working on another location at the historic Glenview House with a target opening in January 2026.
BAR BITES:
28 Mile Distilling Company
454 Sheridan Rd., Highwood
Our go-to spot for craft cocktails, lite bites and a regular rotation of live bands.
Guanajuato Contemporary Mexican & Tequila Bar in Hubbard Woods
Viccino's in Glenview and Northbrook is known for its deep dish pizza but also paninis and Italian beef
Mil Colibris in Highland Park
SPACE 519's The Lunchroom at the newly redeveloped Plaza Del Lago in Wilmette
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From Stadium Lights to Taverna Nights
Inside Avli Taverna, which was refreshed in summer 2024. (Photo credit: Mac Yellek)
Lou Canellis and his wife, Monica, who were married in June 2005 (photo provided)
ARTICLE BY CAT ROLFES
LOU CANELLIS BUILDS CHICAGO LEGACIES IN SPORTS AND DINING
The Avli table blends modern Greek small plates and mains with inventive twists. (Photo credit Mac Yellek)
“We’re not done bringing the best of Greek culture to Chicago.”
The man who introduced Chicago to Sunday afternoons with the Bears is now plotting how the city might dance on Saturday nights.
Lou Canellis—Fox 32’s veteran sports anchor, lifelong Chicagoan, and self-professed “kid from the South Side who got lucky”—just returned from a culinary trip with his partners, Louie Alexakis and Ian Vlahakis, where they toured Greek restaurants with the curiosity of scouts. They weren’t hunting for the next quarterback. They were casting around for bouzouki music, the clatter of small plates, a spark that could inspire Avli’s next chapter. If the plans hold, Chicago could see it by 2026.
Avli doesn’t need rescuing. Since opening its first Chicago outpost in Lincoln Park in 2018, the brand has multiplied into River North, Lakeshore East and most recently Milwaukee.
Walk into one of its dining rooms and the first impression is brightness—sunlight through tall windows, wicker lamps casting honey-colored glow, walls washed in white like a seaside village. You feel a kind of Greek modernism filtered through Chicago warmth.
The food arrives in generous waves, unfussy and abundant: Greek salad crowned with a slab of feta slick with olive oil, crisp zucchini chips dusted with salt, lamb meatballs in sauce rich enough to demand bread. At the bar, cocktails lean bright and citrusy, balanced with herbaceous Greek liqueurs.
The flavors are contemporary but never coy, rooted in tradition and in the spirit of “philoxenia.” The word translates literally as “love of strangers,” and it gave English its term for hospitality, but in Greece it carries far more weight. Ancient custom held that a guest might be a god in disguise, and so every visitor was met with respect, generosity and a seat at the table. That instinct—part reverence, part warmth—runs through Avli. It’s why a dinner here feels less like dining out
than being folded into an embrace, one that extends from the kitchen to the city itself.
For Canellis, it’s a natural second act. He has spent decades turning stadium soundbites into stories, explaining the triumphs and heartbreaks of the Bears to a city that needs its sports as much as oxygen. In front of the cameras he’s a polished professional, but inside Avli he is part host, part ambassador, moving from table to table like a man greeting old friends. The careers may look different—broadcast desk versus restaurant dining room—but they share the same throughline: Chicago as both subject and audience.
His television résumé is formidable. Since joining the Fox 32 Sports team in 2009, Canellis has anchored the station’s Bears coverage with the intensity of a fan and the authority of an insider. He’s interviewed legends, swapped stories with Hall of Famers, and carried the energy of Soldier Field into living rooms across the city.
“I grew up dreaming about being close to the Bears,” he says. “Now I get to tell their story every week. It’s still surreal.”
Those relationships—athletes, celebrities, coaches—follow him off the set, too. Walk into Avli on a Sunday evening and it’s not unusual to see a familiar face from the sports world slipping into a corner booth. More than once, Canellis has seen former players lean back over mezze and recall locker-room memories while diners around them pretend not to eavesdrop.
The leap from TV to tavern isn’t as strange as it seems. Both are built on presence.
Sports television demands authority and charm; restaurants demand warmth and vision. Canellis brings both, plus the same polish he has honed on air. Where co-founder Louie Alexakis focuses on operations and cuisine, Canellis sees himself as Avli’s
ambassador-in-chief, the guy who spreads the gospel of Greek dining with a Chicago accent.
“Some restaurants look like photo ops,” he says. “Avli feels like work—joyful work, but work. We’re building something that lasts.”
Longevity has been his quiet obsession. Broadcasting is fast, ephemeral; you live and die by each week’s ratings and each game’s final score. Restaurants, on the other hand, plant themselves in neighborhoods, in memories. The couple that celebrates their anniversary at Avli River North, the family that gathers at Avli on the Park after a graduation—that’s the kind of permanence Canellis is after.
The instinct traces back to his upbringing. Born and raised in Chicago, the son of Greek immigrants, Canellis learned early the value of family and community. Meals weren’t just about food; they were about being together, telling stories, making people feel welcome. Those values still guide him. His wife, Monica, and their daughter, Gia, are his compass.
“Chicago raised me,” he says, “but they center me.” To balance a public career in sports and a high-profile role in dining, he leans on family as both anchor and measure of success.
That perspective has sharpened with time. Sports broadcasting has given him a front-row seat to fame, to athletes whose names live on jerseys long after their careers end. Restaurants have taught him something more subtle: that legacy is built not just on visibility but on hospitality, on how people feel when they walk away from the table.
Which brings him to that culinary trip. Touring restaurants with his partners wasn’t just about scouting menus. It was about sensing atmosphere—the kind of place where Chicagoans might clap along to a bouzouki riff, where food and music blur into memory.
“We’re always looking ahead,” Canellis says. “Chicago deserves the best of what Greek culture can offer, and we’re not done bringing it.”
And maybe that’s the secret to Lou Canellis: the man who can break down a blitz on Sunday and break bread on Saturday. He’s built a career out of making Chicago feel like part of the huddle, whether it’s in front of the cameras or across a table set with feta and olive oil. In both arenas, he knows the playbook by heart: loyalty, pride and a little showmanship.
More info: avli.us/avli-taverna
Broadcaster Chip Caray, actor Vince Vaughn and Canellis at Wrigley Field, October 29, 2016—Game 4 of the World Series (photo provided)
Avli co-owners Louie Alexakis, Ian Vlahakis (seated) and Lou Canellis (photo credit: Mac Yellek)
Former Bear Leonard Floyd with Canellis, Tom Thayer & Dan Hampton (seated), April 29, 2016, when Chicago drafted Floyd ninth overall (photo provided)
Avli co-owners Louie Alexakis, Ian Vlahakis (seated) and Lou Canellis (photo credit: Mac Yellek)
Monica lifts baby Gia to greet dad on the sidelines (photo provided)
Lou Canellis interviews Hall of Fame coach Mike Ditka, October 2015 (photo provided)
Gia joins dad at the Fox News anchor desk, April 28, 2024 (photo provided)
Canellis interviews Kris Bryant after Cubs’ historic 2016 World Series win—breaking a 108-year drought (photo provided)
Healing Through Food
Ajit and Sukhu Kalra of Indus infuse Highland Park with flavor and renewal after tragedy
When Ajit and Sukhu Kalra opened their first, full-service Indian restaurant in Highland Park in June 2024, they made history. The once-dry town had never seen a fine-dining concept rooted in Indian cuisine.
“Indian food is the fastest-growing cuisine in the U.S. right now,” Ajit says. “But we don’t see other Indian restaurants as competition— the more people get familiar with Indian flavors, the better for everyone.”
Opening Indus Progressive Indian in Highland Park was about more than food. The Kalras, longtime residents, wanted to support the community after the tragic mass shooting during the town’s Fourth of July parade in 2022.
“We’ve lived here for 15 years and are raising our children here,” Ajit says. “We realized that if we were going to make an impact, then we should invest our time, energy and finances right here—at ground zero on Central Avenue. I remember our soft opening week, neighbors came in with tears, saying it was the first time they had been back to that location.”
Both Ajit and Sukhu come from culinary roots. Sukhu grew up in a planned city north of New Delhi, known for its green spaces and views of the Himalayan foothills. Ajit’s late father, Jiggs Kalra, was a renowned food writer and New York Times bestselling cookbook author celebrated for capturing the essence of North Indian cuisine.
ARTICLE BY BY AMELIA LEVIN
“We were actually working on a cookbook together before he passed away in 2019,” Ajit says. “Opening Indus became a way to carry on his legacy, but in my own voice.”
The couple’s first venture began in 2012 with a Chicago food truck.
“Sukhu was running the truck day-to-day, but at that time the city didn’t allow on-truck cooking and the parking restrictions were tough,” Ajit recalls. “We enjoyed a good year of success, but with all the regulations and then expecting our first child, we decided to step away.”
They re-entered the business in 2019 with Bhoomi, a quick-service concept featuring organic, pasture-raised ingredients. Permitting delays and the pandemic forced a pivot into Urbanspace Food Hall. “That allowed us to focus on what we loved most—creating the food—without all the overhead,” Ajit says.
The concept was an instant hit, and its success allowed them to selffund Indus. “We used our savings and borrowed from local banks, but
Chicken biryani with housemade naan (credit: Simi Jois)
we didn’t want to dilute ownership. It gave us the freedom to create without compromise,” Ajit says.
Indus’ buzz continues today, with regulars returning for the samosas and chicken tikka masala that made Bhoomi so popular.
“The tikka masala is the dish most people in the U.S. know, but ours is different,” Sukhu says. “We use San Marzano tomatoes for their richness and sweetness, and we roast all our spices in-house. The flavors are just unique and beautiful.”
The masala brisket has also become a favorite. “We slow-smoke it for 14 hours with an Indian rub,” Sukhu adds. “It’s served with a house-made barbecue chutney—a Texas-style sauce layered with Indian spices. Last
year for the High Holidays we had so many requests for it that people served it instead of their traditional brisket recipes.”
Other highlights include the layered biryani sealed with naan dough as well as vegan samosas with three house-made chutneys: cilantro-mint, tangy tamarind and a spicy tomato variation. Desserts, like a chocolate ganache with cardamom and fennel, are made in-house by Executive Chef Vetri Selvaraj.
Partnerships with local businesses have been part of the journey. “We’ve collaborated with Lynfred Winery, hosting dinners together and sending guests there for a glass of wine while they wait for a table—and also to DeNucci’s,” Sukhu says. “What’s happening in Highland Park right now feels like the start of a dining revival. We’re lucky to be part of it.”
Lamb shank curry (credit: Simi Jois)
Sukhu and Ajit Kalra of Indus Progressive Indian
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DETOX CHICKENCABBAGE SOUP
The immunity-boosting trio of pepper, turmeric and cabbage makes this soup perfect for fall’s start
This is not just soup—it’s a reset button in a bowl for back to school season. Every spoonful feels like it’s doing something good for your body (and your mood). Use fresh, crisp cabbage for the best results
and avoid red cabbage—it will change color and flavor in the soup. For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for tofu added at the end, or add lentils with the potatoes.
ARTICLE BY CHEF MILA FURMAN
Chef Mila Furman's Detox Chicken-Cabbage Soup
Girl and the Kitchen is Chicago’s premier boutique private chef and catering company, founded by chef Mila Furman. Blending global flavors with a modern, high-end touch, the brand brings restaurant-quality dining to intimate gatherings,
luxury events, and everyday family meals. From custom meal prep to unforgettable catering, Girl and the Kitchen transforms every occasion into a culinary experience.
Learn more at girlandthekitchen.com.
DETOX CHICKEN-CABBAGE SOUP
Ingredients:
• Olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced into rounds
• 2 leeks, sliced into small rounds
• ½ large head of cabbage or 1 small cabbage, cored and cut into squares
• 1 large Idaho or russett potato, cut into medium-size cubes
• 5 cloves garlic
• 1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled
• 2 (2-inch) pieces fresh turmeric, peeled
• 4 cups water or chicken broth
• 2 bone-in chicken breasts
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 3 scallions, sliced
• 1/4 teaspoon each: Kosher or sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
• Chopped fresh dill and parsley, for garnish (optional)
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon (optional)
Directions:
1. Heat the oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots and leeks and cook until onions are soft and transluscent, about 2 to 3 minutes.
2. Place the garlic, ginger and turmeric in a food processor and and process until finely minced, or mince by hand using a sharp knife or microplane.
3. Add the turmeric mixture into the pot and continue to cook for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add the water, chicken breasts and tomatoes and bring to a rolling boil.
4. Once boiling, add the potatoes and partially cover the pot with a lid to allow some of the steam to escape and prevent overflowing. Reduce heat to a strong simmer.
5. Continue to simmer until potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes. Reduce heat to low.
6. Remove chicken and bones from the pot. Shred the chicken from the pot using two forks and set aside, discarding the bones.
7. Turn off heat and add the fresh herbs, lemon zest and juice, if using. Add the shredded chicken back to the pot. Serve into bowls and enjoy!
Chef Mila Furman, owner of Girl and the Kitchen, offers private chef and meal prep services for clients on the North Shore.
Boulevardier Cocktail: A BOURBON TWIST ON NEGRONI
Love Negronis? Try a whiskey Boulevardier this fall.
Maybe you love a classic Negroni but also enjoy whiskey. Enter the Boulevardier—a cocktail born in 1920s Paris, beloved today as the Negroni’s darker, warmer cousin.
After years behind the bar, Ted Banick, former owner of Teddy O’Brian’s in Highwood, knows how to balance bold spirits. When the weather turns cool, his go-to cocktail is the Boulevardier. His twist? No. 14 bourbon from Vermont Spirits—an award-winning craft bourbon aged at least five years and finished with rare early-run maple sap. Its balanced sweetness makes it a natural fit for fall and winter.
No. 14
Boulevardier
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 ounces No. 14 Bourbon
• 1/2 ounce sweet (Italian) vermouth
• 1 ounce Campari
• Large ice cube
• Orange peel
INSTRUCTIONS:
Stir ingredients with ice until well chilled. Strain into rocks glass over one large cube. Garnish with an orange twist, releasing its oils along the rim before dropping it in.
Smooth but not overly sweet, No. 14 layers notes of honeyed oak, caramel and cherry-vanilla, with a flash of maple on the finish. That subtle maple character softens Campari’s bitterness, creating a silky, well-rounded cocktail for cool nights.
The original recipe called for equal parts whiskey, Campari and sweet vermouth. But like most bartenders, Banick tweaks the proportions. “The bourbon deserves to shine,” he says. “With No. 14, you don’t need as much vermouth—the maple finish already gives it silky sweetness.” His version dials back the vermouth, giving the drink a rounder body while keeping its signature bitter-sweet bite.
QUIET LUXURY
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS OCTOBER 2025
THROUGH OCTOBER 12TH
“Misery” at Citadel Theatre
300 S. Waukegan Rd., Lake Forest | Times Vary
Romance novelist Paul Sheldon is rescued from a car crash by his obsessed fan, Annie Wilkes, and held captive after she discovers he killed off her favorite character. Forced to rewrite his novel under her watch, Paul finds himself trapped in a nail-biting catand-mouse game that will have you at the edge of your seat. Buy tickets at CitadelTheatre.org.
OCTOBER 3RD - 5TH
The Great Highwood Pumpkin Fest
Downtown Highwood | 12:00 PM
Highwood’s beloved Pumpkin Fest returns with three days of live music across three stages, plus costume contests for kids and pets, pumpkin pie eating competitions, trick-or-treating, food and artisan vendors and a sprawling carnival. Now in its 15th year, the event also features month-long fall installations and benefits SaLT (Service and Learning Together), a student-led nonprofit supporting families in need.
OCTOBER 4TH
TEDxWilmette Live Recording at the Wilmette Recreation Center
3000 Glenview Road, Wilmette | 1:00 PM
This live recording features six inspiring speakers sharing transformative ideas under the theme “Actually, You Can.” Tickets are $50. Speakers include Annie Aggens, Kayce Ataiyero, Gizelle Clemens, Amber Johnson, Tara May and Stacey Woehrle. For details and tickets visit tedxwilmette.com.
1828 John� Dr, Glenview, IL 60025 (224) 616-3258 www.twi�tedtrunkglenview.com TheTwi�tedTrunk
OCTOBER 15TH
Josselyn’s Cocktails for a Cause
Glen View Club, 100 Golf Rd., Glenview | 6:00 PM
Proceeds for this fundraising event support therapy, psychiatry, youth programs and more through Josselyn’s affordable, community-based mental health services, serving over 7,800 residents in 300+ Chicagoland communities. Learn more and buy tickets at josselyn.org/cocktails2025.
OCTOBER 16TH
8th Annual GPF Foundation’s Lens & Light Gala
Northmoor Country Club , 820 Edgewood Rd., Highland Park | 6:00 PM
This annual fundraiser supports The GPF Foundation, named after the late Gregory Paul Friedman to raise awareness about the dangers of recreational drug use and create programming to educate the public. This year’s honored guest is Diane Quon, a North Shore native and Academy Award-nominated film producer. Buy tickets at gpffoundation.org
OCTOBER 23RD
Travel 100’s Exclusive Evening with Silversea Cruises
225 Northfield Road, Northfield | 5:30 PM
Discover the world of luxury expedition travel at this preview of Silversea’s Expedition Cruises—from Antarctica’s icy landscapes and the Galápagos Islands’ incredible wildlife to the cultural treasures of the Arctic, Africa and beyond. With small, elegant ships, expert-led excursions, and all-inclusive comfort, Silversea combines adventure with true luxury. Beverages and appetizers will be served. RSVP at events@t100g.com.
Bespoke Designs | Unmatched Craftsmanship | Effortless Elegance
At DDK Kitchen Design Group, we go beyond kitchens—our expert designers and remodelers transform entire homes with sophisticated, high-end craftsmanship. From stunning kitchen renovations to full-home remodels, we create spaces that reflect your lifestyle and elevate your home’s value.
