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ATTORNEY
Anthony J. Madonia & Associates (312) 578-9300 madonia.com
BEAUTY
Sans Soleil Sunless Tan (847) 852-6677 www.sansoleiltan.glossgenius.com
BEAUTY & WELLNESS
Alchemy Studio Aesthetics & Wellness (224) 310-2729 www.alchemystudioaw.com
FURNITURE
Luxe Furniture For Less (847) 993-7633 www.luxefurnitureforless.com/
Illinois Helpline for Opioids and Other Substances
DISCLAIMER: This publication, also known as Scarsdale Life, is owned by The N2 Company (“N2”) and is not affiliated with or sponsored by any club, developer, or homeowners association. The articles and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of N2. Advertisements appearing in this publication are paid placements and are not endorsed or recommended by N2. N2 is not responsible for the statements, opinions, or business practices of any authors, contributors, or advertisers featured herein. Portions of this publication may include content created with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) tools by authors or contributors and may not be independently verified by N2.
We’re proud to showcase businesses that share our commitment to fostering local connections. When perusing our pages, keep an eye out for the “Local Sponsor” icon to identify articles highlighting these valuable partners. Please note that businesses profiled may have provided free products and / or services for the review.
Tripp Photography
Julie Kallas Spriester
Dana Foley Resident Writer
Jessica M. Photography jessica@
Rocco Smeriglio Resident Writer
Kelly Fox Resident Writer
Emily Doubek Resident Writer
Neil and Linda Scheufler Resident Writer
Emily Walberg Resident Writer
AUGUST
As summer begins to wind down, we hope you’ve had time to soak up the sunshine, enjoy a few slower days, and make special memories with family and friends.
August always brings a sense of transition as we look ahead to back-to-school routines, fall activities, and a new season of community connection here in Arlington Heights.
As always, we love sharing the people, families, businesses, and stories that make our community so special. Have a story idea or someone we should feature?
Please reach out to us at strollscarsdale@gmail.com.
Warmly,
Dolly McCarthy Publisher
Scan the QR code to sign up to receive a digital copy of STROLL Scarsdale, nominate a neighbor, athlete or pet to be featured in an upcoming issue!
LET’S GET TOGETHER!
Community
Wednesday, September 9th, 9 - 10:15 AM
Don’t miss the Stroll Monthly coffees! Open to all in the Arlington Heights community. Our monthly coffees will be held the second Wednesday of every month at Lutheran Home, 800 W. Oakton Street, Arlington Heights. Thanks to Kobra Hall with Fulton Grace Realty for sponsoring these coffee gatherings. We look forward to seeing you all! RSVP StrollScarsdale@gmail.com.
Euchre the Bernese Mountain Dog
BY RESIDENT KELLY FOX
How long has your family lived in the community? We have lived in Arlington Heights for almost 14 years! We love living here for so many reasons. The tight-knit community, the wonderful schools and park district, and the many events going on around town. You could never get bored in Arlington Heights!
Tell us about your pet. Our pet’s name is Euchre. He is 4 years old. He is a Bernese Mountain Dog.
When and how did Euchre come to join your family? We adopted Euchre when he was two years old. He had been living on a farm as a working dog. They couldn’t take care of him anymore, and a friend had told us about him because they had adopted his sister. My four kids and my husband drove to Michigan to pick him up and it was love at first sight! He has been the best addition to our family.
Is there a story behind your pet’s name? How did you and your family come up with it? He had already been named Euchre (like the card game). It’s not a name we would have chosen for him, but we have grown to love it!
What’s the one trait or behavior that makes Euchre stand out from the rest? Euchre is the most laid-back and lovable dog you will ever meet. He is a gentle giant, and he always seems to be smiling! My four kids have a lot of energy and he does not, so it’s a good balance for our household!
Tell us about your favorite memory with Euchre. Aside from when we brought him home for the first time, my favorite memory is when we had a big snowstorm one winter, and he loved the snow so much that he laid down and refused to come in! He was so happy and content. The snow was covering him and he looked like a snow sculpture laying there so still. We ended up using a picture we took of him for our Christmas card that year!
Where does your pet love to hang out in Arlington Heights? We have a large open yard, and Euchre loves roaming around there and saying hi to his friends that pass by!
There are a few other Bernese Mountain Dogs in the neighborhood that come over and play! He also loves watching our son’s baseball games at the park.
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Tips to Avoid Probate and Keep Your Estate Private
Probate is the court-supervised process for gathering a deceased person’s probate assets, paying valid claims, and distributing what remains. The American Bar Association explains that probate filings can involve public records, and it also notes that property passing by beneficiary designation or by title can transfer outside probate.
Many families want the same outcome when a loved one dies: a smooth transfer of property, fewer delays, lower administrative strain, and less public exposure. In many cases, that can be done. Probate can be avoidable especially with a properly funded revocable trust, up-to-date beneficiary designations, and aligned account titles. With advance planning, the successor trustee can move many assets outside the probate process and keep personal details out of a public court file.
Working with an estate planning attorney can help your family identify which assets are likely to pass through probate and which can be structured to transfer privately through a trust
A revocable living trust is often used because it allows the person creating the trust to retain control during life while setting rules for management and distribution after death. When assets are retitled into the trust during life, the successor trustee may be able to step in without opening a full probate proceeding for those assets.
Privacy is not only about keeping financial details out of public view. It is also about reducing confusion, preserving dignity, and sparing loved ones from unnecessary court procedures during an already difficult time. Anthony J. Madonia & Associates helps people put trusts, beneficiary designations, and related planning
Dana Foley has long been a book lover and a steward of the Little Free Library program. As she prepares to open her own bookstore, Scout’s Tales, this summer, she shares her journey with Stroll.
Can you tell us about the Little Free Library program? Little Free Library (LFL) is a global organization that has libraries registered in 128 countries. When someone puts a library up, they pay a fee to have a charter number attached to their library. This puts us on the map so we can be found on an app as well as the website. Many stewards (as we are known) stamp our books and enjoy posting our own reviews and highlighting our designs and inventory. We are a community and share ideas and a love of literacy.
How has LFL made an impact on Arlington Heights? There are so many LFLs in our town! The AHML Library Foundation actually will donate books to us and many of the stewards communicate to ensure we are all well-stocked.
How can residents get involved in the LFL program? Donate books in readable condition and follow along on their socials!
What is your favorite part about having a LFL in your own yard? I get to constantly talk about books with people. The youngest readers are the best. They will tell me everything from what they are reading to the bugs they saw in my fairy garden.
Can you tell us a bit about Scout’s Tales? Being an LFL steward came from having books in the house and wanting to share them. I have always dreamed of owning my own little bookstore where I can help a reader pick out their next favorite story. Many people spoke to me about opening a bookstore and
Dana Foley Shares Love of Reading through Little Free Libraries
BY RESIDENT DANA FOLEY
I always said maybe someday and then the perfect location in downtown Arlington Heights was available. It was serendipitous.
Any advice for Arlington Heights readers? Life is too short to read a book you don’t like! You don’t need to read what everyone else is reading and there are no rules on how to read a book. Listening to an audiobook is reading. Reading a graphic novel is reading.
Scout’s Tales
22 S. Dunton Dana@ScoutsTales.com
Dana Foley with the Little Free Library in her yard.
A Little Free Library in Arlington Heights’ Scarsdale neighborhood. There are about 30 in Arlington Heights.
The
AROUND TOWN
Heartache Tonight performed Eagles hits
More
Arlington
Heights residents celebrated Pride Month with the Pride Concert in the Park.
AHML staff members posed with the village’s decorated snow plow, a community art project collaboration between the library and Arlington Heights Public Works & Engineering.
for the crowd at Harmony Park during the Sounds of Summer concert series.
Arlington Heights Garden Club and Veterans Organizations joined together to dedicate a Blue Star Highway marker downtown in honor of our country’s armed forces.
Rain couldn’t keep festivalgoers away from the 50th Annual Frontier Days.
than 50 supporters of the library marched together in the village’s 4th of July parade.
A bachelorette party celebrates their bride at the Arlington Heights Farmers Market.
The St. Viator Hockey Team was recognized at a Village Board Meeting for winning the school’s firstever Illinois High School Hockey State Championship.
Mayor Tinaglia and the Boy Scouts helped locals stock the essentials at a drive for Wheeling and Elk Grove Township’s food pantries.
Arlington Heights Junior Women’s Club hosted a bowling scholarship fundraiser.
Sans SOLEIL
Giana Philippas was born and raised in Mount Prospect, and has lived in Arlington Heights for the past eight years. She graduated from Prospect High School and has always loved being part of the local community. She’s always had a passion for beauty, wellness, and creating experiences that help people feel confident in themselves, which led to her starting Sans Soleil.
What’s the history and mission of your business? I started Sans Soleil with the goal of creating an elevated sunless tanning experience that felt personal and approachable. As someone who has always loved beauty, wellness, and the confidence that comes from feeling good in your own skin, I wanted to build something that combined all of those things into one experience. I wanted Sans Soleil to feel like more than just a beauty appointment — a space where clients could relax, feel their best, and leave with a natural glow that fits seamlessly into their lifestyle.
What types of services does Sans Soleil offer? Sans Soleil specializes in custom sunless tanning services, also known as spray tans. Every tan is applied by hand and fully customized to the client’s skin tone, preferences, and occasion to create a natural, seamless result. I also provide clients with personalized prep and aftercare education to ensure the best possible results and longevity of their tan.
What sets your business apart from the rest? The personalized experience behind every tan sets us apart. Each appointment is fully customized to the client’s skin tone, lifestyle, and desired result to create a natural, believable glow that never looks orange or overly done. I’ve built the brand around making clients feel comfortable, confident, and taken care of from the moment they walk in.
How does your business connect with the community? As a locally-owned small business, community has been one of the biggest parts of Sans Soleil since day one. Many of my clients are women from Arlington Heights and the surrounding Chicago suburbs, and I’ve loved building
genuine relationships with them over time. I’m incredibly grateful that clients trust me for some of their biggest life moments, whether it’s their wedding, prom, vacation, photoshoot, fitness event, or simply wanting to feel more confident in their everyday life. I also love supporting other small businesses, connecting with fellow women-owned brands, and creating a space where clients feel comfortable, confident, and cared for from the moment they walk in.
What is your vision for the future of Sans Soleil? I want to continue growing it into a leading luxury sunless tanning brand within the Chicago suburbs
“I constantly get compliments on my tan after seeing Giana. It looks natural every single time and fades so evenly.”
JENNA R.
“Sans Soleil has completely changed the way I feel about spray tanning. The attention to detail and overall experience is unmatched.”
LAUREN K.
while staying true to the personalized experience that built the business in the first place. One of the milestones I’m most proud of is celebrating one year in business as of April 2026. In that first year alone, Sans Soleil grew to over 500 clients and earned more than 100 five-star Google reviews, which was incredibly rewarding and reaffirmed that the care and experience I put into every appointment truly resonates with people.
ATHLETE OF THE MONTH
EMILY WALBERG
BY RESIDENT EMILY WALBERG
Tell us about yourself. I am Emily Walberg and I just graduated from Saint Viator High School.
What sports do you play and how did you get started? I do cross country, basketball, and track. I have been running cross country since 5th grade, I have been playing basketball since kindergarten, and I have been running track since junior year (I also played soccer my freshman and sophomore year). My mom forced me to join cross country in 5th grade because my best friend’s parents (Dave and Dawn Long) were the coaches. They would play games with us at practice, which helped to make running fun. Their dedication to running is what fostered a love of running in me and is what led me to join cross country and track in high school.
What positions do you play? In basketball, I am a shooting forward.
Although cross country and track don’t have positions, I am a distance runner so I run 3 miles for cross country and I mainly run the 1600m and 4x800 relay for track.
What do you enjoy most about your chosen sports? I enjoy pushing myself during hard workouts with my teammates and being able to compete against others as well as myself in every race.
What’s your proudest moment? My proudest moment is going to state with the cross country and basketball teams. I would like to thank my teammates for showing up every day and pushing each other to get better, my mom for constantly supporting me and watching my races and games, and my coaches for believing in me and giving their time and effort to help both me and my teammates succeed.
Who is someone you admire? I admire my siblings (Olivia, Sofia, and Matthew)
for all the hard work and dedication they each put into succeeding in their own individual sports.
What advice do you have for other athletes? Don’t compare yourself to others and don’t let one bad game or bad race define you.
What do you like to do besides sports? I like to hang out with friends, go on walks, watch T.V., and just spend time outside. I’ll be attending the University of Notre Dame this fall.
What do you hope to accomplish someday? I hope to one day run a marathon.
Are you an athlete or would you like to nominate an athlete? Scan QR Code to submit!
Emily was a three-sport athlete at Saint Viator.
Emily at State with her Saint Viator basketball teammates.
Emily and her family at a race.
MAKERPLACE CELEBRATES 5TH ANNIVERSARY
Arlington Heights Memorial Library program fostering creative endeavors
BY APRIL JO HARDER, AHML COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING SUPERVISOR
The Arlington Heights Memorial Library’s Makerplace is designed for adults to learn new skills, explore culinary interests or use state-of-the-art equipment to work independently on creative projects.
The Makerplace staff leads with innovation and creativity through the collective strength of its talented staff, who each have unique talents and areas of expertise. New residents, small business owners, young entrepreneurs and emerging artists have all found the Makerplace a useful resource over the years.
The beginnings of the Arlington Heights Memorial Library can be traced back to a meeting in the home of Elizabeth Walker, the wife of a school principal. Inspired by the Chautauqua movement, she and her friends were determined to bring culture to the community then known as Dunton. They organized a ladies’ reading circle, collected books and eventually became the Arlington Heights Woman’s Club. Over the years, the library continued to grow,
relocating in 1930 to the Village Municipal Building on Vail Avenue, and by the mid20th century, it had become a central part of community life.
In 1952, the newly-constructed 8,000-square-foot Memorial Library building was dedicated. The original library building at 112 N. Belmont Avenue opened as the library’s Makerplace in 2021, and the words “Memorial Library” still remain above its entrance.
From a small reading circle to a dynamic space for creation, the Arlington Heights Memorial Library continues to evolve; a place for people to gather, learn, create, celebrate and continue discovering together for generations to come.
AHML MAKERPLACE
112 N. Belmont Ave.
https://www.ahml.info/makerplace Hours:
Tuesday–Thursday: 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sunday: noon–5 p.m.
Monday & Friday: Closed
USING THE MAKERPLACE
Do you need a reservation to use the Makerplace? The Makerplace is open for drop-in use during regular hours, no library card required. Its most popular equipment is reservable, and reservations are highly recommended for those pieces. Library cardholders can reserve equipment up to one week in advance by calling 847-392-0100, and non-cardholders can reserve the same day, if available. Patrons can also book a free 30-minute oneon-one appointment with a staff member for more hands-on help. Can businesses use the Makerplace? Yes! Local small business owners have used its 3D printers to prototype parts before moving on to larger-scale manufacturing, used the sublimation equipment to make branded merchandise for their business, the Cricut machines to cut out window stickers for their business hours, and the laser cutters to create custom leave-behinds for sales calls.
“I felt very excited that there’s a place for creatives and people who like to make things, because in art school, you’re just surrounded by creatives, but then when you are back in the suburbs, it’s a harder thing to come by.”
RAYMOND “RK” LIU, ORIGAMI ARTIST AND GRAPHIC DESIGNER.
A resident uses a sewing machine at the Makerplace.
April Jo Harder and the AHML staff at the Makerplace.
Northwest Compass Sees Residents Through Crisis
BY EMILY DOUBEK, NORTHWEST COMPASS BOARD MEMBER
Northwest Compass is a nonprofit organization serving Arlington Heights and the surrounding suburbs. It began in the early 1980s as the Community and Economic Development Association (CEDA) of Cook County Northwest SelfHelp Center. In 2015, the organization dramatically and definitively re-defined its mission to be more responsive to the one issue impacting most of its clients: a safe and affordable place to live.
What type of programs does it offer? Through programs like HYPE for at-risk youth, coordinated housing support, their partnership with WINGS to assist women and children in domestic situations, and financial counseling, Northwest Compass helps clients achieve stability and selfsufficiency. The organization relies on community partnerships, volunteers, and
donations to fulfill its mission of fostering personal responsibility and strengthening the local community.
Why is Northwest Compass so important to our community? Northwest Compass plays a vital role in the northwest suburbs by providing stability, resources, and hope to neighbors in need. Through programs focused on housing, food security, and empowerment, NWC helps individuals and families overcome crisis and build lasting independence. By addressing the root causes of homelessness, hunger, and financial hardship, the organization strengthens the overall health of our community—creating safer, more stable neighborhoods where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
How to get involved: We are always welcoming volunteers, donations, and individuals interested in serving on our board. Volunteering with Northwest Compass is a great way to help your neighbors in crisis and share your talent and time to make our community better. Please visit the Northwest Compass website for more information on becoming a volunteer.
Volunteers deliver food and stock food pantries for neighbors in Arlington Heights and the surrounding communities.
Everybody’s Favorite Marshall Salad
BY RESIDENTS NEIL & LINDA SCHEUFLER
Neil and Linda’s Marshall Salad was originally served at Pattullo’s Restaurant in Marshall, Michigan, where it got rave reviews.
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 medium heads of romaine lettuce
• 1 lemon, squeezed
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3/4 cup salad oil
• 1/4 pound diced bacon, sautéed until crisp, then drained
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup coarsely grated Swiss cheese
• 2/3 cup slivered toasted almonds
• 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup of croutons for garnish
DIRECTIONS:
1. Wash, dry and tear romaine into bite-size pieces. Store in refrigerator in plastic bag until crisp or needed.
2. In a small bowl, combine lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper and oil. Let stand, covered, for three hours.
“We like to make this during the summer and it’s always a big hit.”
NEIL SCHEUFLER
3. Just before serving, add sautéed and drained bacon, almonds, both cheeses, and tomatoes to romaine. Toss with the dressing and taste, adding more salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with croutons and serve immediately. Serves 12-14 people
Share your favorite recipe! Scan QR Code to submit!
Schultz Schultz SAY H E L
TO
The Schultz family enjoys a hot August night in their backyard.
Family members: Theresa, Chris, Sydney (sophomore at Hersey High School) and Lucy (7th grader at MacArthur Middle School).
How long have you lived in Arlington Heights? We have called Arlington Heights home for the past 15 years. Theresa grew up in Park Ridge, and Chris grew up in the Edgebrook neighborhood of Chicago. After we got married, we spent three years living in Fort Worth, Texas, for Chris’ job. As much as we enjoyed that chapter of our lives, we always knew we wanted to return to the Chicagoland area to be close to family and raise our children in a strong, family-oriented community. We were drawn to Arlington Heights for its outstanding schools, beautiful parks, vibrant downtown, and, most importantly, the proximity to family. It’s been incredible to see how much life has unfolded here and how deeply rooted our family has become in this community.
What university did you attend?
Chris attended the University of Iowa, where he earned a degree in Civil Engineering, and Theresa attended the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, earning a degree in Marketing. One of our favorite memories from college was studying abroad during our senior year in Australia. Chris studied in Newcastle University, and I studied at Geelong University—just an 18-hour train ride apart, no big deal!
How did you meet? Chris and I have known each other for most of our lives and have been married for 19 years. I attended Maine South High School and Chris attended Loyola Academy. We met during our freshman year of high school through a mutual friend, whom we are still very close with today. Our relationship started as a friendship before turning into something more junior year, and we’ve been together ever since. Some of our favorite early memories include Friday night Blockbuster rentals, bowling dates, and playing Ms. Pac-Man. High school sports were also a big part of our lives growing up; we spent a lot of time cheering each other on. Chris competed in wrestling, shot put, and
discus, while I was a track sprinter. I was fortunate to qualify for the state track meet all four years of high school, and Chris qualified for the state wrestling tournament his senior year before later being inducted into the Loyola Academy Wrestling Hall of Fame. Those were some of the most memorable and impactful years. Adventure has always been part of our story, too. Together, we’ve gone skydiving, bungee jumping, scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef, and even swum with sharks in open water. Those adventures helped shape our relationship, and probably added a few gray hairs for our moms.
What do you do for work? I had a 10-year career in sales & marketing before becoming a mom. While raising my girls, I worked part-time at Berkshire
Hathaway HomeServices in Elk Grove as front desk sales support. In 2024, I founded Cardio Kidz, a nonprofit organization that supports the physical, social, and emotional growth of children of all abilities through movement, goal setting, and confidence-building activities. Cardio Kidz was created to provide children with a positive and inclusive environment where they can develop healthy habits, build confidence, and discover the joy of movement without pressure or comparison. There are seasonal programs in Arlington Heights, Palatine, and Hoffman Estates.In addition to Cardio Kidz, I have coached track and field at Cooper Middle School for the past four years. Chris is an Associate Civil Engineer in the Transportation Division at Burns & McDonnell. Fun fact: it’s his first job out of college!
The Schultz family in Boone, IA at Rail Explorers.
Tell us about your kids. Our daughters are both very involved in a variety of activities. Lucy is a Level 6 gymnast at American Academy of Gymnastics in Wheeling and recently earned her black belt in Shotokan Karate at Midwest Shotokan Karate in Arlington Heights under Sensei Veronica. She also enjoys track and field and gave hurdles a try this year. Sydney played on the freshman volleyball team and continues to amaze us as she reaches new heights in high jump, in addition to earning her brown belt in karate.
Do you have any pets? Patches is our 5-year-old mini Goldendoodle. He also answers to Patchy, Patches O’Houlihan and Patchy Baby. He is thoroughly spoiled, knows it, and gives us all 100 times the love in return.
What are your favorite places in the community? Chris will always say Portillo’s beef is better, but I will forever vote Johnnie’s. I grew up going to the Elmwood Park location and was thrilled
when they opened in Arlington Heights. Some of our favorite local spots include Tugo’s Tea House, Egg Harbor, Gatsby’s, Ttowa and Shakou. We love going to the Farmers Market; the smells alone are worth the trip, even though we never leave empty-handed. The Arlington Heights Library has been such an important part of our lives, from story times, playdates and summer reading with the girls when they were young to the business resources that have helped tremendously with starting and growing my nonprofit.
How does your family contribute to fostering a sense of community spirit in Arlington Heights? Community involvement has always been a priority. I am a founding board member of Hearts for Hope (since 2018), a local charity supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. Through the support of dedicated volunteers and generous donors, the organization has helped assemble and distribute more than 15,000 care packs for
individuals living on the streets and in shelters. On more than one occasion, I have even seen one of those care bags being used here in Arlington Heights, which is a powerful reminder of the impact being made. I am also a proud board member of the Arlington Heights Park Foundation (since 2019). I also enjoy volunteering with and supporting several other incredible local organizations, including Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Illinois, Camp I Am Me, C.I.T.Y. of Support, Faith Feeds, Good Neighbors Network, LMJ’s Lost Souls, Music for the Ages, and SLSF.
What’s your favorite part of living in the community? One of our favorite memories has been watching Cardio Kidz grow from an idea into something that now impacts hundreds of children and families. Our favorite part about Arlington Heights is the people. It truly feels like a community where neighbors support one another, local businesses invest in each other, and families are genuinely connected.
Introducing the STROLL Book Club!
PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE inaugural meeting of the STROLL Arlington Heights Book Club! We will be reading Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke for our first club on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at 7 p.m. Stroll Book Club will meet on the last Tuesday of every month.
Meeting place for September is Scout’s Tales Bookstore, 22 S. Dunton Ave.
Email Julie at strollscarsdale@gmail.com to RSVP and for September meeting details. Come enjoy good books & good times with your neighbors!!
Lucy and Sydney Schultz and their dog, Patches. Photo credit: Jessica M. Photography
Rocco’s Review
Osteria Trulli
BY RESIDENT ROCCO SMERIGLIO
This month my wife and I convinced Bob and Carolyn Napoleon to head to north Arlington Heights for a true Italian experience at Osteria Trulli. Although we were local, we may as well have been in Puglia, Italy. It is not often these days to see an owner also serve as the executive chef, but we were able to sneak in for a meal just 48 hours before chef/owner Giovanni DeNigris departed to his hometown of Puglia.
In true Italian fashion, Giovanni and his staff welcomed us with open arms. The authentic selections on the menu jumped out at us, and we were ready to dig in. The beef barley soup and very fresh salads were a wonderful way to start the evening. However, things got very interesting when we tried the eggplant appetizer (on the menu as Melanzane al Cartoccio). Even if you are not a fan of eggplant, Giovanni prepares this in a pomodoro sauce with parmesan that is a delight.
Our entrees included the Grigliata with exceptionally fresh octopus, Calamari and Prawns, and the Chicken Scaloppini Vesuvio, which threw me back to my grandmother’s kitchen and was prepared to perfection. We were also treated to fresh Orecchiette con Ossa e Bracciole with sirloin simmered in neckbone ragu, and the Cavatelli Crudaiola with a fresh garden of tomato, basil and garlic. The taste, flavor, freshness and presentation were all highlights of the entrees selected, however
Rocco and Andrea Smeriglio (right) with Bob and Carolyn Napoleon (left) flank executive chef Giovanni DeNigris.
the care and the passion that Giovanni and the staff at Osteria Trulli put into every element of the dining experience is what made our dinner truly outstanding.
Osteria Trulli has been open since 2015.
The culinary heritage of Italy is clearly demonstrated in Giovanni’s work and if you have a passion for real Italian food, take the time to find your way to 1510 E. Hintz Rd. in Arlington Heights.
Special thanks to Giovanni for his cooperation as well as our server, Maria,
who was so knowledgeable and graceful handling all our inquiries and enthusiasm for this wonderful meal.
Fresh bread and wine round out the traditional Pugliese meals at Osteria Trulli.
Rocco and his dinner companions found the Calamari and Prawns to be a standout dish.
The Grigliata features fresh octopus.
Andrea and Carolyn enjoy the Pugliese atmosphere at Osteria Trulli.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
SATURDAY, AUGUST 1 - SATURDAY, AUGUST 29
8:00am -12:00pm
Arlington Heights Farmers Market 110 W. Fremont St.
The Farmers Market is held every Saturday from May through October. www.arlingtonheightsfarmersmarket.org
MONDAY, AUGUST 3
6:00pm - 2:15pm
Park District Pool Deck Party: Barefoot Hawaiian Polynesian Music and Dance Heritage Park, 506 W. Victoria Ln. ahpd.org
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Sounds of Summer Concert: The Chicago Experience - Chicago Tribute Harmony Park, 7 S. Vail Ave. vah.com
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
5:00pm -10:00pm
Park District BBQ, Bands & Brews Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W. Fremont St.
Stop by for delicious food & beverages available for purchase from Eddie’s of Arlington and stay for kids’ crafts, games, and live music from Abby Kaye and local favorite Exit 147 The Band! ahpd.org
SATURDAY, AUGUST 8
5:00pm -10:00pm Park District Irish Fest
Arlington Heights Historical Museum, 110 W. Fremont St.
There’s Irish fun for all ages with great food and beverages available for purchase from Eddie’s of Arlington, a Wee Ones Fun Zone, dance performances from the Hogan Irish Dancers, bagpiping, and live music with Galway Gals and The Messengers! ahpd.org
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12
All Day
High School District 214 First Day of School
THURSDAY, AUGUST 13
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Sounds of Summer Concert: Motown Nation - Favorite Motown Hits Harmony Park, 7 S. Vail Ave. vah.com
FRIDAY, AUGUST 14
7:30pm - 9:00pm
Movie in the Park: “Zootopia 2” Frontier Park, 1933 N. Kennicott Dr. Movie begins at sunset. Rain location is the Camelot Park gym. Please check this page on movie day for weather updates. ahpd.org
TUESDAY, AUGUST 18
All Day
Saint Viator High School First Day of School
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19
All Day
Our Lady of the Wayside First Day of School
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19
All Day
Saint James School First Day of School
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20
All Day
Arlington Heights School District 25 First Day of School
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20
7:00pm - 8:30pm Sounds of Summer Concert: The Disco Circus - Disco/Funk Tribute Harmony Park, 7 S. Vail Ave. vah.com
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26
12:00pm - 5:00pm Community Blood Drive Arlington Heights Memorial Library, Hendrickson Room, 500 N. Dunton Ave. Bring a photo ID. Appointments are strongly recommended. Walk-ins may be accommodated if schedule permits, but cannot be guaranteed. Any donor related questions can be directed to 1-800-7To-GIVE
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27
7:00pm - 8:30pm Sounds of Summer Concert: The Blooze Brothers - Tribute to The Blues Brothers
Harmony Park, 7 S. Vail Ave. vah.com
SUNDAY, AUGUST 30
10am - 5pm
55th Annual A Walk in the Park Art Fair North School Park
410 N. Arlington Heights Rd.
SAVE THE DATE! NEW GROUP! STROLL BOOK CLUB
Meets monthly starting Tuesday, September 29th @ 7 PM Book Pick: Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke. RSVP strollscarsdale@gmail.com