Issuu

A GUIDE TO LOCAL DINING GO OC

Enjoy!

Ever ything is hard, but joy is a choice

n the movie A League of Their Own, Tom Hanks character states: “The hard ... is what makes it great.” Oby, he’s talking about a specific kind of hard. The kind where you dig in, buckle down, make it work and come out with something you can be proud of. That sounds a lot like people who choose to take the risk to open a business — restaurants especially. hese days there is a different kind of hard that we are all experiencing. It’s financially and emotionally taxing to fill up our fuel tanks, shop for groceries, stay infor med about the state of our nation and world. I want to flip Hanks’ statement and make it about joy. Some days it’s hard to recognize that we need to cultivate it amidst the chaos. I wonder whether feeling joy is a betrayal of all the cruelty to fellow humans that is happening.

Yet, a meal is both necessary and an act of hope and joy. Even if you can’t dine out as much as you’d like, make the effort to support local restaurants, grocery stores, food vendors of all types. We are the webbing in the safety net that makes it possible to have such diverse dining possibilities. To paraphrase another cultural trope, “Come together, right now, over a meal.” And spread joy.

Rise Sanders-Weir Eats Magazine Editor

RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR

Double chocolate cake from Black Fodder

Hemmingway’s Bistro

• Live jazz and discounted martinis every Wednesday

• $2 Oyster Happy Hour, daily 2:30 - 5:30pm

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• Reservations recommended

• Lobster Fest on Monday & Tuesday, is now $42.95pp

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On the Cover:

In Forest Park’s Reiger Park, Amaya G. (left) enjoyed a strawberry paleta from La Michoacana de Brookfield (9102 31st Street, Brookfield); Eddie D. (center) dug into a soft-serve twist with sprinkles from Hole in the Wall Custard and Yogurt Shoppe (901 S. Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park); and Calliope G. savored a blueberry cone from Brown Cow Ice Cream (7347 Madison Street, Forest Park).

by Todd Bannor

Photo

PHOTO BY TODD BANNOR

Guests line up for tacos at Amerikas' Tacos & Dancing event.

BA DelightfulDozen

By RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR Eats Magazine Editor

y my calculations there are four meals of the day: breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert. All of them are clearly, equally important. Over the course of the past year, I’ve had some amazing bites from local restaurants, bakeries, shops and grocery stores. Here’s a few that keep returning to my mind, long after the meal has disappeared:

BREAKFAST

Raspberry crème croissant at 3 Fold. A Bakery, Oak Park

This was a surprise hit for the new east side of Oak Park bakery They imagined that they’d rotate flavors of their filled croissants, but the raspberry crème proved so popular that it became a staple on the menu. Good call!

A waffle coated with cinnamon sugar spread, bananas, shaved almonds, syrup, and powdered sugar What’s not to like? The signature crunch in Addis’ waffles comes from a touch of cornmeal in the batter Sweet, crisp and filling.

Cinnamon mocha at Whirlwind Coffee, Oak Park

When Cinco de Mayo falls on a Tuesday, I opt for a coffee drink to honor flavors from Mexico, rather than a bacchanal in the evening. This cup was overflowing with the best combo of chocolate, perfectly roasted coffee, whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon. Olé!

L UNCH

Hamburger at Cordial Inn in Brookfield

I mean, can a hamburger really rise above the rest? The menu at Cordial Inn is limited, but let me tell you, what they do, they do well. This flame-grilled cheeseburger knocked my socks off. Nothing fancy, just the basics: lettuce, onion, tomato. You can add condiments as you so desire.

Continued on page 6

Mike’s special waffle at Addis Café, Oak Park

PHOTOS BY RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR

Figs from Angelo Caputo’s Fresh Market in Elmwood Park

I love figs, but I’ve never eaten them fresh. Last summer I ended up buying several boxes from Caputo’s. My favorite meal: thin slices of French bread, shares from a generous wedge of brie cheese, half a fresh fig, topped with a kiss of honey Summer in a bite. Continued

Butter-crusted white loaf at Oak Park Bakery in Oak Park

Embarrassingly, I was only recently clued in to the loaf bread that OP Bakery makes. If you think a BLT can’t be made better, let me tell you this: lightly toast a couple of slices of this bread and you will change your mind.

Lyre’s Amaretti sour at La Barra in Riverside Sometimes I drink non-alcohol mocktails. There’s a time and a place for everything. If you are at La Barra peruse their dedicated zero-proof section of the drinks menu. This sour was as delicate, complex and satisfying as its alcohol twin.

Smoked Salmon from Carnivore in Oak Park House smoked, hand-crafted, this silky fish is great on its own, in an omelet, on a cream cheese appetizer, nestled in with an egg Benedict (OK that might be “breakfeast,” but you see where I’m going here.) I lightly tossed some with pasta, green peas and a touch of cream sauce. The piece of salmon ended before my imagination did.

Chilaquiles mole from Epazote in Riverside

The presentation with fanfare of watermelon radishes was stunning. The first bite convinced me that the rest of the meal was going to measure up as well. The Brothers Ambrosio with help from their mom bring the specific flavors of Puebla, Mexico to the plate. Thanks for the travel guide!

DESSER T

Vanilla tea from Todd & Holland Tea Merchants in Forest Park

There are so many teas to choose from here. Vanilla might be considered basic, but for me, when vanilla flavor hits the perfect note there is nothing better (I’d even say I prefer perfect vanilla to chocolate.) Nothing says cozy quite like this cuppa.

Coffee ice cream from Linda Michoacana in Chicago

At the corner of Oak Park and North avenues there is an ice cream treasure. I’m not a fan of iced coffee, but what do you know? I love coffee ice cream. Several times a summer I pop in here and get the best version I’ve tasted in the area. My family agrees, so they expect me to come home with a pint.

Your stop to: Feed your inner foodie

WTheir kale scone might be described by some as lifechanging, but their ginger crème cookie has appeared in my dreams. Don’t be fooled that they are out of stock, when you walk in and don’t see them in the front cases. They are in the cool case, just past the register

hether it’s mouthwatering authentic Mexican food, a slice of Venice, a juicy steak or yummy all-American food, Forest Park’s 40+ indie restaurants make it the perfect place to feed your inner foodie. From ﬁne dining to coffee cafes and everything in between, Forest Park serves up something to satisfy every taste bud…including delicious ‘calorie-worthy’ desserts!

• Bizzy Bees Catering

• Bobby’s Eastside

• Charlie's Restaurant

• Chubby's Hot Chicken

• Elba's Golden Steer Steakhouse

• FatDuck Tavern & Grill

• Goldyburgers

• Harvest 365 Fresh Grill

• Junction Diner

• Louie's Grill

• Madison Park Kitchen

• Old School Tavern & Grill

• O'Sullivan's Public House

• Parky's Hot Dogs

• Rhythm & Blues Cafe

• Scratch Public House

• Starship Restaurant & Catering

• Sub Tender

• The Meat Counter

Bring Your Own Food

• Duffy’s Tavern

• BABS Comedy Club

• Caffe Deluca

• Di’Vino Restaurant & Bar

• Francesca’s Fiore Pizzeria & Bakery

• Jimmy’s Place

• Piacere Mio

• China Dragon 2

• Habrae Thai Cafe

• Petra Falafel

• Yum Thai

• White Crane Creative Thai & Sushi

• Cactus Grill

• Chirrion Mexican Grill

• Macho’s Mexican Grill

• Mexican Republic Kitchen & Cantina

• NRebozo

• Tacabron

• Espresso Cafe

• Forest Park Bakery

• Kribi Coffee

• Silverland Bakery

• The Brown Cow Ice

Cream Parlor

• Twisted Cookie

• U3 Coffee

Ginger crème cookie from Broken Tart in Oak Park

Thelogoshouldalwayshavean appropriateamountofclear spacesurroundingit.

Thisspaceshouldalwaysuse thesameproportionsand shouldn'tbeoccupiedby extraneouselements.

Getting to know Jinny and Frank New Star Restaurant started over 60 years ago by the well-known Moy family. The Zhao family has been carrying the torch since 2014 with the same honest and delicious Chinese food every day. They added Thai, sushi and gluten free options always using the freshest ingredients!

What is your specialty?

We cover so many Asian dishes but our hibachi and sushi dishes are excellent! Our Thai noodles, Orange Chicken, Fried Rice and Eggrolls are dishes that our customers come back for.

Jinny - What inspired you to be an owner?

I was a waitress on a student visa and after years of working the owner offered me the opportunity to buy the business. In 2011 I sold Chitung in Evergreen Park. I stayed home but was bored. When I heard about the Moy family selling New Star I was intrigued. New Star turned out to be a great opportunity for me and now my son Frank and daughter Jane help me with the business so it’s been an incredible journey for all of us. I look forward to the future!

What is your most popular dish?

Our Maki Sushi! We always use fresh salmon in our dishes.

What is the best thing about New Star?

12:30pm - 9:30pm

There are several things! We always keep our place very clean. Our employees have worked here forever so they know our customers very well. We always get compliments on our take out packaging as well as the toys we give out to children who visit and the umbrellas we pass out when people are waiting outside. These gestures go a long way. Hospitality is everything. We aim to please our customers!

Flavors we savor Pizza

By RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR Eats Magazine Editor

It’s a common enough question to ask in Chicago: “What’s your favorite pizza and where does it come from?” The answers are usually passionate, opinionated and sometime full of disdain. In our highly unscientific poll, we took to social media, asking locals where they get their pie fix. Here are the answers in order of enthusiasm.

1. Bertolli’s P izza

7973 Lake St., River Forest

This was the hands-down most suggested pie purveyor It ’s been around since 1963, so they’ve had a good long time to build a following. Thin crust “River Deluxe” was called out several times. It ’s sausage, green pepper, mushroom and onion. Italian beef and giardiniera got props too

2.Old W orld P izza

7230 W North Ave., Elmwood Park

Coming in hot was this mainstay for more than half a century. New owners, who were customers for decades, are rededicating the shop to keeping the recipes just how they used to be. One middle-aged diner said, “It tastes exactly like when I was 18,” adding, “I’m so happy!”

3-4. Tied for the next level of pizza passion were:

• Villa Nova, 6821 W Pershing Road, Stickney — Their BBQ chicken pizza was a non-traditional style that got big love.

• Freddy’s, 1600 S 61st Ave., Cicero Margarita with sausage is a favorite. Thin and thick, subs and salads – walk through the aisles and out the door.

5. La Barr a

2 E Burlington St., Riverside

Ciabatta-style dough delivers a crispier crust with ample air bubbles, supporting generous and fresh toppings.

Honorable Mentions

These shops got multiple mentions from ardent admirers:

• Jimmy’s Place, 7411 W Madison St., Forest Park

• Waldo Cooney’s, 6733 Cermak Road, Berwyn

• Mama Barones, 9209 Broadway Ave., Brookfield

• Francesca’s Fiore, 7407 Madison St., Forest Park

• Scratch Public House, 7505 Madison St., Forest Park

• Trattoria 225, 225 Harrison St., Oak Park

Pour out a little marinara sauce for this departed fav:

• Milly’s Pizza in the Pan, Berwyn (though they still have locations in West Town and Lakeview in Chicago)

Newcomer Award

Taglio, 809 South Blvd., Oak Park

Roman-style pizza, similar to what Publican serves up on Harrison Street, but with more toppings on offer. By the slice or whole pie.

Catering

Plants take the spotlight

Local restaurants showcase vegetarian dishes

By RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR Eats Magazine Editor

Roasted sesame miso ramen at Alice and Friends. PROVIDED

There are so many good ve getarian and ve gan options these days. So many diners have a hearty appreciation for restaurants that make these plant-based dishes stars on the menu. We asked locals for their favorites and were swamped with choices.

First, let’s carve out space for the region’s all-ve gan spot Alice & Friends, 104 N Marion St. in Oak Park. Pretty sure they are the only 100% vegan restaurant in the area. They opened last year where Munch, the for mer vegan spot, used to be. Tops on the menu according to our social media sources are “not” dogs, heavenly curry and corn chowder.

“Everything at Alice & Friends!” JJ Olenn said. “My current favorites are the banh mi and sesame ramen with chili oil.”

“The delicious ‘not’ dog, mac & cheese, really pretty much anything is delicious there, but this is what I order every time,” Susanne Fairfax said. “Along with the desserts!”

For veggie delights at other restaurants, let’s go through this geographically. Please note, that there is no way to do justice to everything that is available; just let this tempt your tastebuds into trying even more.

BROOKFIELD

■ Sebastian’s Ale and Whiskey House – ve gan nachos

■ Little Owl Social Pub – fried avocado tacos, roasted beet and chickpea burger

“Little Owl has fried cauliflower wings with dipping sauces,” Shannon Roman Gosciejew said. “It’s cauliflower instead of chicken. That is excellent. I order that all the time.”

PROVIDED

FORES T P ARK

■ Chirrion Mexican Grill – chile rellenos

■ Mexican Republic Kitchen & Cantina – tacos: g rilled zucchini, caulifl ower, panela cheese, cactus, mushroom, elote

■ NRebozo – enchiladas Indigenas

■ Yum Thai – mixed ggie dish

Roasted cauliﬂower dish at Amerikas

OA K P ARK

■ Amerikas – calabaza, cauliflower & hummus

■ Broken Tart – ve gan muffin

RIVERSIDE

■ EmpanadUS – many ve getarian empanadas options: corn, mushroom, onion, spinach

■ Citrine Café – eggplant gateau

■ CrumbCrusher – many ve gan pastry options

■ Crepas Culichi – ve gan Huevos Divorcés, poblana crepe and chilaquiles

■ FARE – tofu bowl

■ Grape Leaves Restaurant – lentil soup, falafel, couscous

■ Hecho en Oak Park – 3 taco options: Hibiscus flower, poblano, and nopales

“Hecho en Oak Park has three ve ggie tacos that aren’t just grilled ve getables,” Cheryl Wisniewski said, meaning, “Not just an afterthought. Very tasty!”

■ Khyber Pass Restaurant – bengan bhurtha (e ggplant), chana masala, saag paneer

■ Maya Del Sol – ve ggie enchiladas

“I’m a huge fan of the wild mushroom tostada at Maya Del Sol,” Bob Tucker said. “It’s loaded with mushrooms, guacamole, pico de gallo, and plenty of other delicious toppings.”

■ Mora – Brussel sprout salad, ve gan fried rice

■ Mulata Kitchen & Coffee – empanadas, lentil soup

■ Tacos ‘76 – rice and beans, ve gan hibiscus tacos

■ Taco Mucho – roasted poblano tacos

■ Thai Neighbor – pineapple fried rice with tofu

■ Trattoria 225 – ve gan pizza

Most chefs take pride in having dishes that dazzle without meat on their menus. Try these out, then explore more. Flavor is not something you’ll be missing out on.

PROVIDED

Fried avocado tacos at Little Owl Social Pub

Cashew tofu at Yum Thai

Kinslahger is a community gathering place designed for conversation (no TV’s) with friends new and old. We offer not only the beer we make on site but also a selection of wine, cider, cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. Feeling hungry? We have fresh pretzels from Daly Bagel, cheese & charcuterie plates and some curated snacks. Want something more substantial, you can order delivery from one of the many great local restaurants right to your seat at the bar.

Kinslahger Taproom

6806 Roosevelt Road

Oak Park, IL 60304 (844) 552-4437 x0 www.kinslahger.com

Hours: Thursday - Friday (5pm to 10pm) •

Pastries Flavors we savor

WBy RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR Eats Magazine Editor

Macrons in many ﬂavors

RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR

e’re living in a time of pastry bounty. New bakeries, old bakeries and many in between are in the mix when people are asked for their favorite. One thing is certain, residents have a sweet tooth and are not afraid to indulge it. In our highly unscientific poll, we asked for recommendations on social media for where the dough was worth the dough. Here are the answers ranked by number of responses:

1. Broken Ta rt

1108 Chicago Ave., Oak Park

Their kale scone has been described as “life changing.” David G. explains, “ Why? I don’t really like scones. I don’t like kale. I hate raisins. This scone has kale and raisins. And it ’s amazing I don’t know what kind of alchemy they do to make these work, but they do.” Kylee B. lists their espresso cinnamon roll and pimento cheese biscuit. And Angie G. slam dunks with “There is nothing bad at Broken Tart.”

RISÉ SANDEDRS-WEIR

Broken Tart pastries

2. 3 F old. A Bakery

401 South Blvd., Oak Park

This recent add to the bakery field is “like you just stepped into France,” according to Amy B. All the dough there is laminated croissant-type. Joan A. said, “Obviously the croissants are fantastic, but the quiche, the cinnamon roll, the lemon meringue. Unreal.” And there is competition for the above mentioned scone too “That raspberry and cream croissant changed my life,” Wsk K. said.

3. Sugar Fi xé Pâ tisserie

119 N Marion St., Oak Park

Many hands raised for their macrons and croissants. Nallely S. said, “Their bread pudding is probably my favorite pastry ever.”

4. Oak P ark Bakery

904 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park

If chocolate donuts are the yardstick, Danny H. said this is the place. Laura is fangirling not just on their eclairs, pecan custard coffee cake, cheese strip coffee cake, blueberry cheese coffee cake, chocolate chip coffee cake, but also, “T only thing that has changed about their pastries in my lifetime is the price.”

5. Happy Apple P ie Shop

226 Harrison St., Oak Park

“Their pie of the week usually, especially the derby day pay, Irish crème mudslide and their chocolate chess mini pies are an everyday standard for

Chocolate, raspberry cream, and plain croissants at 3 Fold

6. Spilt Milk

811 South Blvd., Oak Park

you are looking for pie, you must Spilt heir coconut cream, when they is swoon-worthy,” Angie G. said.

The rest are ties, so I’m going to list them all with one recommended item.

#7-9 are:

ublican Quality Bread, 211 Harrison Park – Dubai chocolate croissant

KELLY

Pastry selections from Publican Quality Bread

a, 106 N. Marion St., Oak Park – pain au chocolate

• Gabi Cakes, gabicakes.shop –According to Ana A., “Everything she does is top notch.”

#10 belongs to many:

• Crumbcrusher, 805 South Blvd., Oak Park – lavender cupcake

• Dunk Donuts, 1912 W. Lake St., Melrose Park – buttermilk old fashioned

• Mamma Susi’s Bake Shop, 6501 W. Roosevelt Road, Berwyn – lobster tail

• The Local Flour Stand Cafe, 6814 Windsor Ave., Berwyn – “Everything” Kay T.

• Carli’s Cookies, carlicookie.com –guava cheese cookie

Chocolate Chess pies at the Happy Apple

PROVIDED

Spilt Milk pastries

SANDOS

O ldies, but goodies

The oldest restaurants in the area

TBy RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR Eats Magazine Editor

he go-to, the stand-by, where grandma & grandpa had their first date – old restaurants built nostalgia the old-fashioned way. T hey earned it. We went looking in the way-back machine to figure out the oldest restaurants around In Riverside, it’s The Chew Chew at 33 E Burlington St. With “only” 30 years in business that still qualifies them for the title, according to the Riverside Historical Museum. The upscale American menu keeps customers coming back. Goldyburgers, 7316 Circle Ave. in Forest Park, is celebrating 100 years in business this year. The burger, sandwich, fried cheese joint has a full bar and sports on the

KENN COOK JR.

RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR

The Chew Chew in Riverside.

TV. What does it take to hit the century mark? Owner Michael Sullivan ponders the question:

“There’s the reliability and familiarity,” he said. “The fact that you’re around for as long as we have, it’s like, ‘Where can we go? There’s always Goldies.’”

Goldyburgers opened in 1926. The Goldstein Family served burgers, thus the name Their motto that persists today was, “Never had a bad one.” They had a bar back then too. It was during prohibition, but they didn’t let that get in the way. Sullivan figures the right people were paid to keep the heat off.

After 55 years in business the Goldsteins sold to Sullivan in 1981.

“I thought it was nuts that anybody was in this business for that long. And now I got 45 in it myself, so time flies when you’re having fun,” he said.

Brookfield’s oldest is Irish Times, 8869 Burlington Ave., which opened in 1991. According to the village, the restaurant became an anchor for the downtown business district. It expanded in 2008, while still holding a spot as one of the most beloved Irish restaurant and bars in the Chicago area.

Poor Phil’s in Oak Park at 139 S Marion St. has been at it since 1985. The bar, which serves an extensive beer and seafood menu among other things, was a continuation of restaurants owned in the area by the Murphy family

“The average life of a restaurant ain’t great,” founder Dennis Murphy said, “The average with luck, 5 years! Forty years is like ancient.”

In the Austin neighborhood, it’s harder to come by specifics on what might be the oldest spot, so we are going with old, plus revered. MacArthur’s Restaurant, 5412 W. Madison St. opened in 1997, then moved across the street. Their Southern cuisine has stood the test of time and touches the soul, according to diners.

Did we get any of these wrong? We’d love to hear about it, so we can write more about these mainstays.

FILE PHOTO

Goldyburgers in Forest Park.

RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR

Poor Phil’s manager Mary Murphy

RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR Irish Times in Brookﬁeld.

Anewdocumentaryvideocapturestheexperiencesofsixvisitorstoourfood pantry.Theirdifferentbackgroundsandreasonsforcominggivevoiceto countlessotherswhoareexperiencingfoodinsecurityinourregion.Showing whatispossiblewhenenoughofuscometogethertoupliftallofus. See the video

Seethedifferenceacommunitycanmake.

See the difference a community can make. A new documentary video captures the experiences of six visitors to our food pantry. Their different backgrounds and reasons for coming give voice to countless others who are experiencing food insecurity in our region. Showing what is possible when enough of us come together to uplift all of us.

The plot grows

Community gardens

ll a niche

By ALICIA SAMS

Contributing Reporter

SA Bountiful Summer

pring has finally arrived and visions of bountiful summer ve getable harvests and endless zucchini recipes are dancing in the heads of local gardeners. For people who don’t have access to backyard space and want to get their hands in the dirt, community gardens are a vibrant hub of ve getable production, gardening know-how, seed-swapping and camaraderie.

Local gardens include the Forest Park Community Garden, Riverside Community Garden, and the Austin Garden Collective supporting over 25 gardens. They all have opportunities.

The Forest Park Community Garden is heading into its 17th season with over 60 garden club members committed to their mission of providing access to knowledge and space for people to grow their own healthy, organic produce. FPGC sits on Illinois Department of Transportation Land just west of Harlem Avenue, just before the entrance to I-290. It features 54 individual garden plots and, for the first time this year, a beehive

The garden today is the result of hard work by a devoted board. After COVID, the original founders moved away and the garden fell into disrepair. When current Board President Rachel Hanel found out about it, she gathered community mem-

Donated harvest from Riverside Community Garden.

bers together to keep the garden growing. This group is now in its third year of running the garden. They have every intention of beating last year’s production of 260 pounds of produce donated over the season to Beyond Hunger

Continued on page 22

RIVERSIDE COMMUNITY GARDEN

FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GARDEN

Claire Cotto Hanel tending her garden.

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Wine

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Continued from page 21

“We feel really proud of how far we’ve gotten,” Hanel said. “All the plots are rented. We hold workshops and events and parties and it’s really awesome to see how people help each other out in the community.”

The group has also worked on the natural landscape surrounding the garden, seeding the hillside with native plants and flowers to “keep the ecosystem diverse in the way that native animals and bugs need them to be,” Hanel said. There are prairie patches and a pollinator flower hill in the middle of the garden, which benefits pollinators and vegetable gardeners alike

FPGC’s season kicks of f on May 17 with a hands-on organic gardening workshop open to all. It will be led by Jack Schooley from the Illinois Extension Office.

The Riverside Community Garden is hosted at Ascension Lutheran Church on Nuttall Road. All the produce grown is donated to two local food pantries and the summer school lunch program at the Church.

Started in 2019, it has become a place for people to develop skills, have fun, and build friendship while serving

the community. They had an Earth Day festival, built a seed library, held a plant swap and even have summer yoga classes in the garden. “It’s been kind of magical,” says Doherty Founding board member Bridget Doherty grew up in Riverside and knew about community gardens from her time living in the city. When she moved back, she wanted to learn about vegetable gardening and realized there were other people who wanted to as well and “we just kind of went for it.”

All three gardens welcome volunteers from the greater community, offering opportunities to learn and grow healthy food for themselves and the community.

Where to go to grow

facebook.com/ RivCommGarden

Instagram: @ riversideilcommunitygarden Facebook.com/ ForestParkGrows

Instagram: @forestparkgrows Austingardencollective.org

FOREST PARK COMMUNITY GARDEN

Gardener John Lui with his potato harvest.

MULATA

The Salad Empanada. Lettuce be honest - you came for the empanada. We just gave it a leafy entourage. 136 N. Oak Park Ave, Oak Park. • MulataKitchen.com –or Order Online Anytime

Yama Sushi Bar

Yama Sushi Bar’s specialty maki rolls are served with artistic sauce drawings and multiple house-made sauces, creating a playful and interactive dining experience. Guests can mix and match ﬂavors while enjoying beautifully plated sushi crafted with fresh ingredients

Located in the heart of Oak Park - 731 Lake St.

Come try our homemade spinach & ricotta infused gnocchi. Served in a fresh vodka sauce with cherry tomatoes. Quality ingredients are what matters and that’s what we have been delivering proudly for over 14 years 116 N Oak Park Ave, Oak Park, IL 60301 · ilvicolotrattoria.com• (708) 386-5801

iL Vicolo

Food just tastes be er outside

An al fresco food nder

AU S TIN

By RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR Eats Magazine Editor

Asummer picnic, barbeque on the grill, the sun shining just enough to war m your face, but not so bright that its make you squint. Those are meals that settle into our sense memories. You can create that feeling all summer long in these al fresco dining spots.

These restaurants go beyond scraping up a table and chairs to put outside. They go all-out on the sidewalk, rooftop or patio to make a meal feel like a mini summer vacation. The feel of dining outside is part of the decision to go there.

BROOKFIELD

Irish Times, 8869 Burlington Avenue, (Patio)

Skadarliya, 9237 Ogden Avenue, (Patio)

Mary’s Morning Mixup, 9110 Broadway Ave, (Patio)

BERWYN (Roosevelt Road only)

Babygold BBQ, 6613 Roosevelt Road, (Patio)

TNT Rooftop Restaurant, 5405 W Madison Street, (Rooftop)

FORES T P ARK

Fat Duck Tavern & Grill, 7218 Madison Street , (Patio)

O’Sullivan’s Public House, 7244 Madison Street, (Patio)

Francesca’s Fiore, 7407 Madison Street, (Sidewalk)

Caffe de Luca, 7427 Madison Street , (Rooftop)

Mexican Republic Kitchen & Cantina, 7404 Madison Street (Patio)

Autre Monde Cafe & Spirits, 6727 W. Roosevelt Road, (Patio)

Charlie’s Restaurant, 7427 Roosevelt Road, (Patio)

OA K P ARK

Amerikas, 734 Lake Street, (Sidewalk)

Chicago Waffles, 726 Lake Street, (Sidewalk)

Hoja Santa, 722 Lake Street, (Sidewalk)

Scratch on Lake, 733 Lake Street, (Sidewalk)

Hemmingway's Bistro, 211 N. Oak Park Avenue, (Patio)

Citrine Café, 100 S. Oak Park Avenue (Sidewalk)

Crepas Culichi, 1101 Lake Street, (Sidewalk)

Maya Del Sol, 144 S. Oak Park Avenue, (Patio)

Poor Phil’s, 139 S. Marion Street, (Sidewalk)

Avenue Ale House, 825 S. Oak Park Avenue, (Rooftop)

One Lake Brewing, 1 Lake Street, (Rooftop)

RIVER FORES T

Black Fodder Coffee, 349 Ashland Avenue, (Patio)

RIVERSIDE

La Barra, 2 E. Burlington Street, (Sidewalk)

La Estancia, 25 Forest Ave., (Sidewalk)

E3504 W. Lake St. | Chicago, IL 60624

3504 W. Lake St. | Chicago, IL 60624

Dine In

11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Boxed lunches

Full buffets and more!

3504 W. Lake St. | Chicago, IL 60624

Need an event space? Inspiration

Need an event space? Inspiration Kitchens is available for rentals.

View our menu and start a catering inquiry today!

Kitchens is available for rentals.

very dollar spent at Inspiration Kitchens creates access and opportunities for Chicagoans experiencing homelessness and poverty. Inspiration Kitchens is the social enterprise restaurant and foodservice training program of Inspiration Corporation, a Chicago non-profit that has been serving our city since 1989.

www.inspirationkitchens.org

Need an event space? Inspiration

Kitchens is available for rentals.

Students at Inspiration Kitchens get 12 weeks of hands-on training in the culinary arts while also learning essential employment skills like resume writing and interviewing. They’re supported by a team of chef instructors and case managers who ensure they are set up for success.

3504 W. Lake St. | Chicago, IL 60624 www.inspirationkitchens.org Kitchens

@inspirationkitchens

Every dollar spent opportunities for Chicagoans poverty. Inspiration foodservice training non-profit that has

Every opportunities poverty. foodservice non-profit

Students at Inspiration the culinary arts while resume writing and case managers who

Every dollar spent opportunities poverty. Inspiration foodservice training non-profit that Students at Inspiration the culinary arts resume writing case managers

Those completing businesses and work

Those completing the program have gone on to start their own businesses and work at restaurants across Chicago and beyond.

Those completing businesses and And sometimes, the program and working his way thriving at the

And sometimes, they the program and has working his way up, thriving at the helm

And sometimes, they come full circle – Antwain Lee is a graduate of the program and has been on our staff since 2018. In 2024, after working his way up, he became Restaurant Chef. A west-side native, he is thriving at the helm of Inspiration Kitchens.

Antwain and the team look forward to welcoming you for a meal! @inspirationkitchens

Students the culinary resume case Those businesses And the program working thriving “It’s been coworkers Antwain

“It’s been going well coworkers who are Antwain and the team

“It’s been going coworkers who Antwain and the

Every dollar spent opportunities for poverty. Inspiration foodservice training non-profit that Students at Inspiration the culinary arts resume writing case managers who Those completing businesses and work

And sometimes, the program and working his way thriving at the helm

“It’s been going well – it's challenging, but it’s fun. It’s good to have coworkers who are team players and step up to the plate.”

“It’s been going coworkers who are Antwain and the Inspiration than

Spizzico Pizza and Pasta

Lebanese street food in the heart of Oak Park. Served over creamy hummus with rice, Arabic salad, garlic smash and pickles. Chicken Shawarma Bowl — $13.99

Submarine Tender

200 Des Plaines Ave., Forest Park submarinetender.com

A Forest Park institution since 1985, with meats sliced fresh daily Seasoned gyro meat, tomatoes, onions and sauce piled on a pita, served with fries and a drink. Gyro Combo Meal — $13.25

Junction Diner

7401 Madison St., Forest Park thejunctiondiner.com

A train-themed diner where a model locomotive delivers food directly to the counter Cheeseburger with Fries — $13.00

Bodhi Thai Bistro

6211 W. Roosevelt Rd., Berwyn mybodhithai.com

Soup of the day, an appetizer and a full entree — BYOB. Lunch Special — $11.95

PHOTOS BY ADAM SIEMER

Irish Times

8869 Burlington, Brookfield irishtimespub.com

A pub menu that holds up well beyond bar food. Homemade corned beef sliced and served hot or cold on marble rye. Classic Corned Beef Sandwich — $14.00

Alpine Food Shop

7538 W. North Ave., Elmwood Park alpinefoodshop.com

A deli counter institution. Nine inches of ham, salami, capicola and provolone on fresh bread with homemade oil and vinegar. The Alpine Sandwich — $8.79

Johnnie's Beef

7500 W. North Ave., Elmwood Park

The Chicago-area standard for Italian beef since 1961. Order it dipped with sweet peppers or hot giardiniera. Cash only. Italian Beef

Freddy's Pizza

1600 S. 61st Ave., Cicero freddyspizza.com

Part Italian deli, part corner grocery, part neighborhood institution. Chicken in a lemon cream sauce over pasta. Cash only Chicken Limone — Under $15. Cash only

Chef Daddy's 5944 W. Lake St., Chicago chefdaddys.net

An Austin soul food anchor since 2015. Baked chicken dark with two sides — candied yams, mac and cheese, greens and more. Everything made from scratch. Baked Chicken Dark with 2 Sides — $10.99

Hangry Cluck 6620 W. North Ave., Chicago hangryclucks.com

Nashville-style chicken on the Oak Park/Chicago border Three tenders with fries, Cluck sauce, your choice of coleslaw

Taqueria El Grande 9132 31st St., Brookfield taqueria-el-grande.menu-world.com

Authentic Mexican cooking with a devoted local following. Three tacos on corn tortillas with your choice of meat, accompanied by rice and beans. Taco Dinner — $10.99

SEASONED WITH LOVE FOR GENERATIONS

Located in the heart of Little Italy and now in Elmwood Park, Pompei has been serving authentic Italian cuisine for over ﬁve generations. CARRY OUT | DELIVERY

In Japanese, the word “Yama” means “mountain.” While mountains and the ocean may seem very different, in Japanese culture they are both deeply connected to nature and freshness. That idea became part of the inspiration behind Yama Sushi Bar, a neighborhood sushi restaurant focused on quality ingredients, creativity, and genuine hospitality.

The restaurant was created by owner Uracha, who has over 15 years of restaurant experience and always dreamed of opening a small local sushi restaurant where people could feel comfortable and connected. For Uracha, Yama is more than just a business, it is a way to share the food and flavors she personally loves with the community. Many of the dishes served at the restaurant are meals she genuinely enjoys herself and wanted others to experience as well.

One of Yama’s most unique features is the presentation of its specialty maki rolls. The chefs carefully create artistic sauce drawings and plate designs to make the dining experience feel more fun, interactive, and memorable. Different sauces are served alongside the rolls so guests can mix and match flavors while enjoying the visual presentation of each dish.

Beyond the freshness of the sushi bar, Yama is also known for its popular ramen. The broth is simmered for over 10 hours using pork bones and chicken stock to create a rich homemade flavor. Each bowl is served with homemade soft boiled eggs and house-prepared chashu pork, reflecting the restaurant’s dedication to comfort, detail, and quality ingredients.

Route yourself to...

By RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR Eats Reporter

“

et hip to this timely tip,” the song

Get Your Kicks on Route 66 says.

Motor northwest with your best guy or gal to Elmwood Park for food that makes any road trip a taste sensation.

With a patio right on the circle, this tavern is the place to sit back and watch the world go by. Relax with summer drink specials from their full bar and a take a bite of their signature smash burgers – built to order – and flatbread pizzas. Tavern pizzas take thin crust to new levels of crispiness.

The bar offerings include a revved-up cocktail menu: martinis, mules, mojitos and a white gummy bear martini. The food menu focuses on bites that go hand-in-hand with their excellent beverages. Burgers, salads, soups, nachos, pretzels … there’s no way to steer wrong.

A newcomer to the route, Pompei brought the tastes of Chicago’s Little Italy to town in 2025. Now you can relish their five generations of experience in pizza, salads, pasta, but you haven’t “been there, done that” until you try their savory strudels: turkey stuffing, beef Angelo, BBQ chicken and more.

Flavor dips south of the border at this convenient grab-and-go, eat-in or savor the patio spot. Online reviewers rave about the al pastor tacos, horchata and quesabirria. The selection of beers and margaritas (try the blueberry one) get props too. Making this your go-to for tacos won’t disappoint.

A beer garden destination worth the drive: crafted cocktails, smooth music and an ample food menu. The answer to a long day?

Wind down with a Pistachio martini or Tequila Collins. Savor appetizers, salads, sandwiches or main dishes, like fish & chips, cavatelli with vodka or phyllo chicken pot pie.

Elmwood Park has a long standing reputation for being home to outstanding restaurants. As a Village we are proud to share this reputation and work hard to promote it.

RESTAURANTS

CandyStore! CandyStore!

Alpine

7538 W North Ave

Alpine

7538 W North Ave

Armand’s Pizzeria

7538 W North Ave

Armand’s Pizzeria 7650 W North Ave

7650 W North Ave

Armand’s Pizzeria

Ashleys Café & Tap

7650 W North Ave

7500 W Grand Ave

The Barre Studio & Café

Ashleys Café & Tap

Bon Vivant Juice & Smoothie Bar

Dunkin Donuts

Great American

Old World

Bagel 7230 W North Ave

7201 W. Grand Ave

Dunkin Donuts 7201 W. Grand Ave

Eggsperience 16 Conti Pkwy

Gringo & Blondie 7514 W North Ave

Great American Bagel

7230 W North Ave

12 W. Conti Parkway

7500 W Grand Ave

7334 W. Diversey Ave

7230 W North Ave

Pompei 22 W. Conti Parkway

Panera

Old World

7400 North Ave

Panera 7400 North Ave

7230 W North Ave

Panera

Russell’s Barbecue 1621 Thatcher Ave

Elmwood Park has a long standing reputation for being home to outstanding restaurants. As a Village we are proud to share this reputation and work hard to promote it.

7400 North Ave

Gringo & Blondie 7514 W North Ave

Happy Wok 1742 N Harlem Ave

Great American Bagel 7230 W North Ave

RESTAURANTS

Burger King

Blue Fire Restaurant

Bon Vivant Juice & Smoothie Bar

Happy Wok 1742 N Harlem Ave

Inari 7428 W North Ave

Alpine

1750 Harlem Ave

7440 W North Ave

Burger Moovement

7538 W North Ave

Gringo & Blondie 7514 W North Ave

Inari

Dunkin Donuts

7428 W North Ave

7201 W. Grand Ave

7334 W. Diversey Ave

Armand’s Pizzeria

7512 W North Ave

Burger King 1750 Harlem Ave

Café Cubano 7426 W North Ave

7650 W North Ave

Ashleys Café & Tap

Caputo’s

Jim & Pete’s 7806 W North Ave

7500 W Grand Ave

Burger Moovement

Fresh Markets

7512 W North Ave

Burger Moovement 7512 W North Ave

2400 N Harlem Ave

Bon Vivant Juice & Smoothie Bar

Café Cubano

Circle Tavern

7334 W. Diversey Ave

18 Conti Pkwy

Caputo’s Fresh Markets

Burger King

7426 W North Ave

Culvers

Caputo’s

1750 Harlem Ave

2400 N Harlem Ave

7542 W Grand Ave

Burger Moovement

Fresh Markets

Spizzico& Senor Jefe

7446 W North Ave

Russell’s Barbecue 1621 Thatcher Ave

Subway 2836 N. Harlem Ave

Russell’s Barbecue 1621 Thatcher Ave

Spizzico& Senor Jefe

Shawarma Bite 1732 N. Harlem Ave

Old World

7230 W. North Ave

7446 W North Ave

7230 W North Ave

Jim & Pete’s 7806 W North Ave

Happy Wok 1742 N Harlem Ave

Eggsperience 16 Conti Pkwy

Inari

Tacos 2 Go 7530 W. Grand Ave

Panera

Subway

Jimmy John’s 1702 N Harlem Ave

Great American Bagel

7230 W North Ave

7428 W North Ave

Jim & Pete’s

Johnnie’s 7500 W North Ave

Gringo & Blondie

Johnnie’s 7500 W North Ave

7514 W North Ave

Massa Café 7434 W North Ave

Happy Wok 1742 N Harlem Ave

7806 W North Ave

Massa Café 7434 W North Ave

Jimmy John’s 1702 N Harlem Ave

Inari

McDonalds 7217 W Grand Ave

7428 W North Ave

Spizzico & Senor Jefe 7446 W North Ave

The Barre Studio & Café

7400 North Ave

2836 N. Harlem Ave

Russell’s Barbecue

7230 W. North Ave

1621 Thatcher Ave

12 W. Conti Parkway

Tacos 2 Go

Tony D’s

Shea’s Lounge 7841 Grand Ave

Spizzico& Senor Jefe

7725 W Belmont Ave

7530 W. Grand Ave

7446 W North Ave

Subway

Trattoria Peppino’s 7440 W North Ave

Subway 2836 N. Harlem Ave

2836 N. Harlem Ave

The Barre Studio & Café

Union Tap

7230 W. North Ave

12 W. Conti Parkway

7707 Westwood #1A

Tacos 2 Go

7512 W North Ave

2400 N Harlem Ave

Donny G’s 7308 W North Ave

Café Cubano

Cilantro 7446 W. North Ave

7426 W North Ave

Circle Tavern

Caputo’s

18 Conti Pkwy

Circle Tavern 18 Conti Pkwy

Fresh Markets

Celtic Corner

Johnnie’s

Melange 7426 North Ave.

2400 N Harlem Ave

Circle Tavern

Culvers 7542 W Grand Ave

Donny G’s

Dugout

18 Conti Pkwy

Culvers

7308 W North Ave

Donny G’s 7308 W North Ave

7542 W Grand Ave

Donny G’s

Dunkin Donuts 7201 W. Grand Ave

7308 W North Ave

Celtic Corner

Circle Tavern

Dugout

Celtic Corner

Circle Tavern

Celtic Corner Circle Tavern

Dugout

George’s

7500 W North Ave

New Star Restaurant 7444 W North Ave

Jim & Pete’s 7806 W North Ave

McDonalds 7217 W Grand Ave

Jimmy John’s 1702 N Harlem Ave

BARS

Massa Café 7434 W North Ave

New Star Restaurant 7444 W North Ave

George’s Green Star Hunters On The Rocks Phil’s Sports Bar

Johnnie’s 7500 W North Ave

McDonalds 7217 W Grand Ave

Massa Café

7434 W North Ave

New Star Restaurant 7444 W North Ave

Old World 7230 W North Ave

McDonalds 7217 W Grand Ave

New Star Restaurant

7444 W North Ave

Overload Kitchen 7841 W. Belmont Ave

BARS

George’s Green Star Hunters On The Rocks

Green Star Hunters On The Rocks

Dugout George’s Green Star Hunters On The Rocks Phil’s Sports Bar

Phil’s Sports Bar

Tony D’s

Wing Stop 1740 N Harlem Ave

Tacos 2 Go 7530 W. Grand Ave

7530 W. Grand Ave

The Barre Studio & Café

7725 W Belmont Ave

Tony D’s 7725 W Belmont Ave

12 W. Conti Parkway

Trattoria Peppino’s

7440 W North Ave

Tony D’s

Tiny Tap Union Tap

the sweet moments it has brought families.

Union Tap

Union Tap 7707 Westwood #1A

7725 W Belmont Ave

Trattoria Peppino’s 7440 W North Ave

7707 Westwood #1A

Union Tap

Wiklanski Bakery 7841 W. Belmont Ave

7707 Westwood #1A

Wing Stop 1740 N Harlem Ave

Tiny Tap Union Tap

We do not sell chocolate, but we have lots of delightful sugar candy options! Credit cards and cash accepted, and some candy can be purchased by the pound.

Stop by for a sweet bite!

Located at:

7301 Harrison St. Forest Park, IL 60130

Hours are: M-F 7:30am-4:30pm / Sat 7:30am-2:30pm

Flavors we savor Tacos

By RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR Eats Magazine Editor

Let’s just say that there are a lot of opinions about tacos. What’s best in them. What is and isn’t authentic. While I love the tacos mentioned too, my childhood heart wants at least one that qualifies as Tex-Mex. That seems to be in the shortest supply. In our highly unscientific social media poll, we asked where you quench your taco thirst. Here are the answers in order of enthusiasm:

1. Tacos '76

838 Madison St., Oak Park

Kristine M. said “I am a Texas transplant and Tacos 76 is good. Their beans are excellent and their enchiladas suizas are my favorite.” Melisa A. caveated that nothing locally matches Mexico City’s tacos, but at Taco '76, she said, “I love their pickled vegetables.”

2. Hecho en Oak P ark

1053 Lake St Oak Park

Hecho was mentioned a lot, but not a lot of details from people who raised their hands on what tops their tortilla there. For Samina H. it ’s their authentic masa tortillas. For Mariannell B. it ’s the vegetarian options and “the margaritas are fab!”

3. Gudino’ s

6629 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn

Steak tacos got a shout out from Lori D. but it’s there chile relleno taco that is her go-to, “They make it with rice, lettuce and tomato and the combination of flavors is awesome – crispy and crunchy,

while also smooth and creamy.” Alex R.’s favorites there are barbacoa, pollo, al pastor and carnitas.

4. Tacos Azteca

9200 Ogden Ave., Brookfield

5. Hacienda Memos

6822 W. North Ave., Chicago

6. Z acatacos

6212 Cermak Road & 3837 S. Harlem Ave., Berwyn

7. Taco Mucho

220 Harrison St., Oak Park

Teresa S. said, “Nothing beats Taco Mucho’s blackened fish taco.”

8. NRebozo

7403 Madison St., Forest Park

“I love nopales at NRebozo They’re hard to find in most taco places. Chef Paco always has the best everything!” said Joy H

Honorable Mentions

In alphabetical order:

• Amerikas, 734 Lake St., Oak Park

• Boss Burrito, 1110 Westgate St., Oak Park

• Cactus Grill, 315 S Harlem Ave., Forest Park

• El Duranguito, 402 Lake St., Maywood

• Hoja Santa, 722 Lake St., Oak Park

• Margaritas, 804 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park

• Maria’s Mexican Restaurant, 1905 N. Harlem Ave., Chicago

• El Nuevo Vallarta Sports Bar & Grill, 6801 Cermak Road, Berwyn

• Peeple’s Tacos, 5944 W Chicago Ave., Chicago

• Taco Pros, 2 Chicago Avenue & 6427 W. North Ave., Oak Park

• Tacabron, 7330 Harrison St., Forest Park

• Tacos 2 Go, 7530 W Grand Ave., Elmwood Park

• Taqueria El Grande, 9132 31st St., Brookfield

Made in Forest Park, Juicy Gummy Clusters a hit

Ferrara’s breakout launch comes from Harrison Street factory

By ADAM SIEMER Contributing Reporter

The next time you tear open a bag of Nerds Juicy Gummy Clusters, there’s a good chance the candy in your hand was made right in our backyard, at the Ferrara Candy Company factory in Forest Park. Ferrara Candy Company has deep roots in the area. Founded in 1908, when Italian immigrant Salvatore Ferrara began selling candy-coated almonds out of a bakery in

large as the original and packed with a burst of juice in the middle. The first flavor out of the gate is Bold Strawberry Punch.

Getting there wasn’t simple. Fusing tiny Nerds shells onto a gummy base is trickier than producing a standard gummy, and adding a liquid center raised the difficulty even further. Ferrara’s technical teams worked closely with the Forest Park factory crew to make sure the juice enhanced the candy rather than overpowered it, as Nerds brand manager Michael Butler told the Forest Park Review (forestparkreview. com, Oct. 31, 2025).

The growth trajectory behind the launch tells a bigger story. Ferrara acquired the Nerds brand in 2018 when it was generating about $50 million in annual sales. By last year, Nerds did $850 million in sales, according to the Forest Park Review. In its most recent fiscal year, the Nerds brand grew by another 9%, according to Ferrara, and the company reported $2.2 billion in overall net sales (ferrara.com, March 3, 2026).

The momentum isn’t just domestic. Ferrara expanded Nerds Gummy Clusters into the United Kingdom, w here it became the fastest-growing candy brand in the market, and in Canada, Gummy Clusters won Product of the Year for the second consecutive year. Closer to home, Ferrara recently purchased a manufacturing plant in neighboring Bellwood as part of more than $156 million in capital investments

Fans can also visit the Ferrara outlet store inside the factory, which sells freshly made Ferrara favorites. T he shop is open 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through F riday and 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday. It is closed Sunday

For a community that has long been home to Ferrara’s operations, the breakout success of Gummy Clusters is a point of local pride, and a reminder that one of the country’s fastest-growing confection brands is manufactured right in the neighborhood.

Italian Home Cooking

ADAM SIEMER

BREAKFAST/LUNCH OPTIONS

• Break Burrito

• Frittata

• Huevos Rancheros

• Huevos con chorizo

• French toast

DRINK OPTIONS

• Coffee

• Hot Chocolate

• Soda

DELIVERY AVAILABLE

Order of 30 meals or more qualify for delivery. A $30 delivery fee applies.

To market, to market

Local farmers markets deliver more than fresh produce

By RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR Eats Magazine Editor

Each summer, local far mers markets extend the legs on collapsable tables, spread out the bounty of the season and provide a community hub. Austin, Brookfield, Oak Park and Riverside all host events that provide a farm to kitchen experience and more.

The Austin Town Hall Farmers Market is held on Thursdays from 1-6 p.m., starting in June and going through the end of October. At 5610 W. Lake St. in Chicago, the event is managed by Forty Acre Fresh Market.

“We’re small but mighty,” market manager Lily Thornton

said. “It’s more than just a grocery shopping experience. People come to sit and listen to our entertainment and chat with their neighbors and the vendors. We try to bring in a good amount of community resources to the market.”

Throughout the season, they host chef demos and workout classes. There is a DJ every week. As with all four markets mentioned here, they take SNAP cards and provide a dollar-for-dollar match to increase the purchasing power for fresh food.

Continued on page 40

TESS GRAHAM PHOTOGRAPHY

Austin Town Hall Farmers Market

JOE KREML

Oak Park Farmers Market

Open for Dinner

Continued from page 39

In Brookfield the market, with more than 70 weekly vendors, is on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The location is the west side of the village hall at 8820 Brookfield Ave. The 19th season kicks off in June and runs through the end of October.

“We have a rotation this year of 138 vendors,” manager Gina Sharenow said. “This is one of the few markets that allows vendors to go one week or 12 weeks or all 21 weeks. Another unique thing about the market is three years ago, I incorporated a young entrepreneurs market.”

Children under the age of 16 can sell their wares. Top items are 3D printed animals, crochet projects, hand-made jewelry and body scrubs.

“It’s really neat for them to get the full experience of being a vendor,” Sharenow said. “They have to show up at the same time. They have to set up. They don’t leave until everybody else leaves.”

Oak Park is the granddaddy of these markets in the parking lot at 460 Lake St. This season will be their 51st on Saturdays 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., May through October

“We focus on being a grower and producer market,” manager Jack Carmody said. “We don’t have any crafts or prepared foods where peo-

ple are bringing in things that they themselves didn’t grow or raise.”

Special events include an August corn roast, September pie bake-off and end-of-theseason stone soup. Oak Park Township’s bus is available to bring seniors to the market and unsold produce is rescued and donated to Beyond Hunger’s food pantry when possible.

T he Riverside Far mers Market typically has 20-24 vendors set up surrounding the historic water town in the central business district at 10 Pine Ave.

“Being a smaller market, something that we really focus on is trying to have as little to no overlap as possible when it comes to what the vendors sell,” Megan Siska, assistant director of Parks and Recreation, said. “That way we can still take advantage of having as many offerings as we possibly can.”

Operating from June through Oct. 7, the market takes place on Wednesdays from 2:30-7 p.m.

“It’s definitely a community place,” Siska said. “Some people come every week to do their shopping, and they go there with their families just to see people, to get a little bit of a walk around.”

Far mers markets are a civic glue – the town square of old.

BROOKFIELD FARMERS MARKET

Brookﬁeld Farmers Market

Zemi Coffee

Zemi Coffee brings Puerto Rico to every cup through bold cold brew with our unique coconut topper, refreshing Frescas of passion fruit/strawberry and limeade, plus our new Coquito Latte featuring creamy coconut blends and island-inspired ﬂavor. Find us at zemicoffeecart.com.

Demand soars for dry drinks

Don’t mock these cocktails

By RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR | Eats Magazine Editor

Perhaps you’re laying of f the sauce, or you know how easy a good cocktail goes down, so you’re pacing yourself. Some don’t care for the stinging taste of alcohol at all. Re gardless of the reason, there is a surge of alternate options on many cocktail menus.

The drinks are called “mocktails” or “zeroproof.” Many restaurants and bars are cater-

ing to sophisticated tastes without the spirits. Goodbye Shirley Temple.

At Amerikas, 734 Lake St. in Oak Park, a few well-made drinks look like cocktails, but drink like you can still drive. A hibiscus flower and chile de árbol syrup power one of their options. The other is created with passion fruit syrup, a dash of their margarita mix, topped off with Topo Chico sparkling mineral water

Passionfruit mocktail at Amerikas

Planter’s Punch and Dr. Fong at Chef Shangri-La

Discover the amazing businesses and community organizations that help make Brookfield and the surrounding towns such a vibrant place to live, shop, and connect.

Scan the QR code to explore our 2026 member directory and event calendar, and learn more about the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce members who are making a difference in and around our community.

Aracelys Bakery

Farmers Market Vendor

Bill’s Place Express

Brookfield Breakfast

Down To Earth Herbal Infusions

Little Shops & Farmers Market Vendor

Fill My Jar, Llc

Four Star Coffee Co.

Little Shop & Farmers Market Vendor

Happier Now Cafe & Market

Mama Barone's

Mattone Restaurant

Milk & Manna Boba And Cafe

Paisan’s Pizza

Pineapple Bakery

Farmers Market Vendor

Sebastians Ale And Whisky House

Share Food Share Love

The Social Play

The Vulgar Vegan

Little Shops And Farmers Market Vendor

Amerikas

Advertiser & Restaurant Index

734 Lake St, Oak Park (708) 613-4254 amerikasrestaurant.com

Brookfield Chamber of Commerce . . . 44 PO Box 38, Brookfield info@brookfieldchamber.net

Byline Bank

1001 Lake St, Oak Park (708) 660-1000 bylinebank.com

Chef Daddy

5944 W Lake St, Chicago (773) 423-6443 Chefdaddy.net

The Chew Chew .

33 E Burlington, Riverside (708) 447-8781 thechewchew.com

Cordial Inn Bar & Grill

back cover

1 9207 31st St, Brookfield (708) 485-9753

Ferrera Pan Candy Store

34 7301 Harrison St, Forest Park

Forest Park Chamber of Commerce

7 PO Box 617, Forest Park (708) 366-2543 exploreforestpark.com

George’s Restaurant

145 S. Oak Park Ave, Oak Park (708) 848-4949

Wok

1122 N Maple - 17th Ave, LaGrange Park (708) 354-3930 goldenwokcuisine.com

Hemmingway’s Bistro

211 N Oak Park Ave, Oak Park (708) 524-0806

hemmingways-bistro.com

Vicolo

116 N Oak Park Ave, Oak Park (708) 386-5108 ilvicolooakpark.com

Kitchen

3504 W Lake St, Chicago inspirationkitchens.org

Jimmy’s Place

7411 W Madison St, Forest Park (708) 771-7476

jimmysplaceforestpark.com

6806 Roosevelt Rd, Oak Park (844) 552-4437 kinslahger.com

7422 W Madison St, Forest Park (708) 488-8889

804 S Oak Park Ave, Oak Park (708) 386-3386 margaritasoakpark.com

S Oak Park Ave, Oak Park (708) 358-9800 mayadelsol.com

W. North Ave, Elmwood Park (708) 453-8242

newstarrestaurant.com

Advertiser & Restaurant Index

Sawa’s Old Warsaw

9200 W Cermak Rd, Broadview (708) 343-9040 sawasoldwarsaw.com

Share Food Share Love Food Pantry

20 9030 Brookfield Ave, Brookfield (630) 347-5390

sharefoodsharelove.com

Silverland Bakery

439 Des Plaines Ave, Forest Park (708) 488-0800

silverlandbakery.com

Desserts Flavors we savor

By RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR Eats Reporter

At the end of a really good meal (or really any meal), I always have eyes for dessert. My mom used to tell her mom, when she didn’t eat all her dinner, that she was full of “that kind of food,” and therefore ready for dessert. Grandma didn’t buy it. She was of the clean-plate club.

These are not ranked, since there wasn’t enough overlap in votes, just make a checklist from this list and get out there and try these

Mango sticky rice

From several locations. This is a traditional Thai dessert made with steamed glutinous rice, rich sweetened coconut milk and juicy mango slices. Get it seasonally (when mangos are ripe) at:

Habrae

7230 Madison St., Forest Park

Yum Thai

7330 Madison St., Forest Park

Mama Thai

1112 Madison St., Oak Park

Chocoflan

Vanilla flan, layered with chocolate cake, drizzled with chocolate sauce and topped with whipped cream

Mexican Republic Kitchen & Cantina, 7404 Madison St., Forest Park

Flan

Maya Del Sol

144 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park

Soufflé du jour

Chocolate or mango/Grand Marnier

Hemmingway’s Bistro

211 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park

Pr etzel skillet cookie

The Little Gem Cafe 189 N. Marion St., Oak Park

Br e ad pudding with caramel sauce

Cucina Paradiso 814 North Blvd., Oak Park

Berry cobbler

Strawberry, raspberry, blueberry filling with a sweet biscuity crust, topped with house-whipped cream

Babygold Barbecue 6613 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn

C annoli

Ciro, 1048 Pleasant St., Oak Park

L ebanon Night

Chilled custard with cinnamon, pistachios, coconut, a hint of rose water and sweet syrup

Grape Leaves Restaurant, 129 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park

Ta ro ice cr ea m

Mora, 201 Harrison St., Oak Park

P ot de crème

Autre Monde Cafe

6727 W. Roosevelt Road, Berwyn

Ti r amisu

Rustico, 155 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park

Cheesecak e

Di’Vino Restaurant & Bar

1527 S. Harlem Ave., Forest Park

DI’VINO RESTAURANT & BAR

DiVino-cheesecake

MEXICAN REPUBLIC KITCHEN & CANTINA

GRAPE LEAVES RESTAURANT

To learn more about our commitment, visit bylinebank.com/oprf , Senior Universal Banker Assistant Branch Manager

Denise Warren, Branch Manager

My Hanh La, Senior Universal Banker

Susie Goldschmidt, Market President

Isbeth Saravia, Assistant Branch Manager

Denise Warren, Branch Manager

Susie Goldschmidt, Market President

Whether you’re seeing a movie at the Lake Theatre or strolling through Austin Gardens, we think you should be able to get all of your banking done in your neighborhood... with people who love the area as much as you do. Byline is privileged to be a part of the Oak Park and River Forest community, and we are proud to partner with local nonprofits like Thrive Counseling Center and sponsor local events like Thursday Night Out in downtown Oak Park.

To learn more about our commitment, visit bylinebank.com/oprf

Byline Bank. Member FDIC.