West Suburban Living -- November/December 2019

n HOT NEW RESTAURANTS

n Q&A WITH ARTIST SUELLEN ROCCA

n SPOTLIGHT ON SCHAUMBURG

Festive SETTING THE STAGE FOR

HOLIDAY GATHERINGS

A Round-Up of the BEST in Seasonal Events

Holiday markets, light shows, festivals, housewalks, carriage rides and much more!

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ON THE JOB FOR THE HOLIDAYS

A shout out to those who find purpose, passion and joy in working during the festive season

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 $3.95 www.westsuburbanliving.net

Editor & Publisher | Chuck Cozette Managing Editor | Anne Knudsen Assistant Editor | Shelby Cozette Art Direction | C. L. Design Contributing Writers Joni Hirsch Blackman, Buzz Brandt, Jay Copp, Lynn Petrak, Lisa Sloan and Michele Weldon Contributing Photographer Ed Ahern Advertising Sales Pam Loebel, Susan Reetz Accounting Jennifer Cozette Circulation Coordinator Ken Cozette Reader Advisory Board Laurie Barton (Glen Ellyn) Linda Cassidy (Campton Hills) Mary Ellen Coombs (Wheaton), Joan Hoff (Elmhurst) M Grace Grzanek (Batavia), Liz Hunka (Wheaton) Nancy Jensen (Batavia), Holly Jordan (Wheaton) Mary Ellen Kastenholz (Western Springs) Kate Kirkpatrick (Naperville) Molly Livermore (St. Charles) Pamela Peterson (Burr Ridge) Diana Santos (Woodridge), Darla Scheidt (Darien) Jean Stawarz (Oak Brook) Marilyn Straub Garazin (Winfield) West Suburban Living is a publication of C2 Publishing, Inc. Suite 412, High Point Plaza, 4415 Harrison St, Hillside, IL 60162 630 834-4995 / 630 834-4996 (fax) wsl@westsuburbanliving.net subscriptions@westsuburbanliving.net www.westsuburbanliving.net No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission of C2 Publishing, Inc. Any views expressed in any advertisement, signed letter, article or photograph are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of West Suburban Living or its parent company.

West Suburban Living (Vol. 24, No. 10 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER; ISSN No. 1532-6705) is published monthly, except for July/August and November/December issues (10 times a year), by C2 Publishing, Inc., Suite 412, High Point Plaza, 4415 Harrison St., Hillside, IL 60162, 630 834-4995, fax 630 834-4996. Periodicals postage paid at Elmhurst, Illinois and additional mailing offices.

Subscriptions: 1 year $15; 2 years $24; 3 years $32. Single copy $3.95; back issues, as available, $7. West Suburban Living assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials. POSTMASTER: Send changes of address to West Suburban Living Magazine, P.O. Box 111, Elmhurst, IL 60126. Printed in USA.

2 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | WEST SUBURBAN LIVING

West Suburban Living

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November/December

44

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2019

Photo by Liz Lauren courtesy of Goodman Theatre

CONTENTS

Town Focus

56

SCHAUMBURG A mecca

for business, shopping and entertainment, with diverse dining options and plenty of green space for rest and recreation

SPECIAL SECTION

 Features 40

FESTIVE HOLIDAY GATHERINGS Local party and decorating pros offer tips for entertaining with style during the holidays

40

44

Photo by Kevin Devick of Devall Photography courtesy of bb Interiors

48

Holiday Gift Guide Local retailers share some of their favorite holiday gift-giving ideas

ON THE JOB FOR THE HOLIDAYS A shout-out to those who find purpose, passion and joy in working over the festive season

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November/December

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2019

21

12

61

Around the Towns

Perspectives

8

16

72

FOREWORD

Now more than ever, it’s important to shop locally

12

BY THE NUMBERS

14

Q&A

20

LOCAL AUTHORS

LOOK TO THE WESTERN SKY

For this group of west suburbanites, LEGO are building blocks of creativity

LAST WORD

Photo by Tina S. Smith courtesy of Fermilab

|

Photo by John M. Salt

West Suburban Living

Photo courtesy of True Food Kitchen

DEPARTMENTS

70

Giving gratitude for blessings of all kinds

with Suellen Rocca, artist at a 1960s cultural flashpoint

New book releases from west suburban writers

Dining

61

NEW RESTAURANTS

62

REVIEW: Cadence Kitchen & Co in Downers Grove

68

CHEERS

SCENE & SEEN

A photo gallery of recent charitable events of note

Out&About

21

westsuburbanliving.net The go-to site for the Best of the Western Suburbs at your fingertips!

Intriguing numerical tidbits

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

The best in music, theatre and other area events

6 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | WEST SUBURBAN LIVING

True Food Kitchen in Oak Brook, The Pivot Room in Naperville, GroundLevel 105 in Lombard, and Altiro Latin Fusion in Wheaton

Vintage Port: The pinnacle of Duoro Valley wines

EDITOR’S NOTE The Growing Importance of Buying Local “The meaning of life is to find your gift.

The purpose in life is to give it away.”

- Pablo Picasso

“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.”

- Robert Louis Stevenson

“Watch your thoughts, for they become words.

Watch your words, for they become actions.

Watch your actions, for they become habits.

Watch your habits, because they become character.

Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”

- Lao Tzu

“For unto us a child is born, unto us, a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

- Isaiah 9:6

I

have never bought anything online.

Actually, that’s not completely true, I’ve purchased airline tickets and made hotel reservations and such. So what I guess I really mean, is that I have never bought any thing online — nothing tangible like clothing or any of the myriad of other stuff that Amazon and the thousands of other online retailers are selling these days.

There are several reasons I have bucked the trend of buying ever more merchandise online. First, I was never much of a shopper in the first place, and as I’ve gotten older my needs have become even simpler. Having no real need to accumulate more stuff, I’m just not a “prime” customer for Amazon or other online vendors.

But even when I do need to make an occasional purchase, I have no interest in doing my buying online. I actually much prefer going to the store and just picking up what I need. Why wait for delivery, overnight or otherwise? Plus I can get an actual hands-on feel for what I’m getting.

For me, that is particularly important when it comes to clothing. I honestly can’t even imagine buying a pair of jeans just by looking at a picture on my computer.

What about the fit? Same goes for shoes and pretty much every other clothing item — I need to try them on and find out how they really look and feel. I know, I know, you can do that when your online packages arrive at home. But shopping by trial and error through the mail just seems like such an inefficient process.

There is, however, an even more important reason I have no great desire to shop online. It’s because I’m also a big believer in buying locally whenever possible.

Over the 20-plus years we have been doing this magazine, I have met and worked with

hundreds of local shop owners. I have seen their dedication and commitment firsthand, not just to their customers, but to their communities. Taken together, local retailers — and increasingly restaurants, too — make up the foundations of our downtown business districts. Not only do they need and deserve our support, but in doing so we are also helping assure that our downtowns — the physical and social hubs of our communities — remain not just viable but vibrant. We need retailers at area malls to prosper as well, not just for the sales tax dollars they help generate — though that is important — but because they, too, are integral parts of our communities.

With that in mind, this holiday season keep in mind the indirect impact your purchases can have, and consider buying local whenever possible. If we all do a little bit, it could make a big difference. And if you simply must order online, then consider going to the websites of local stores. Many have significantly ramped up their online offerings and you’ll still be shopping local.

Of course, the holidays are about much more than just shopping, so be sure to also check out our Out & About section on page 21 for an extensive listing of wonderful upcoming seasonal events.

As always, thanks for being a reader, and our sincere best wishes to you for a joyous holiday season and a prosperous new year!

Chuck Cozette, Editor & Publisher 8 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | WEST SUBURBAN LIVING

THE

AROUND TOWNS |

STOPS & SHOPS

|

LOOK TO THE WESTERN SKY

|

LOCAL AUTHORS Photo courtesy of St. Charles Park District

Q&A

Santa Takes the Train

A

ll aboard! At Metra stations around the suburbs, families huddle in wait for a once-a-year outing.

A Metra train, decked with holiday trimmings and with Santa on board or waiting at your destination, pulls into the station, bound for a make-believe North Pole.

Some trains provide hot cocoa, cookies and sing-alongs, while others have holiday crafts and story-time —

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg, of course.

All offer photo ops, merriment and memories.

Sponsored by area park districts, the Metra experience books up quickly, so register early.

Checked it twice and your town’s not on the list?

Never fear, area farms, museums and city centers offer festive trolley rides with Santa, too. — Anne Knudsen

Addison: Dec. 8 & 15 (630 833-0100) Bensenville: Dec. 7 (630 238-4920) Berwyn: Dec. 7 (708 795-2892) Bloomingdale: Dec. 20 & 21 (630 529-3650) Burr Ridge: Dec. 15 (630 920-1969) Carol Stream: Dec. 8 (www.csparks.org) Clarendon Hills: Dec. 7 (630 323-2626) Downers Grove: Nov. 23 (630 963 1300) Elmhurst: Dec. 1 (630 993-8901) Geneva: Dec. 7 & 8 (630 232-4542) Glen Ellyn: Dec. 14 & 15 (630 858-2462) Hinsdale: Dec. 8 (630 789-7090) Hoffman Estates: Dec. 8 (847 285-5432) Itasca: Dec. 7 (630 773-2257) La Grange: Dec. 7 (708 352-1762) Lombard: Dec. 1 (630 620-7322) St. Charles: Nov. 30 & Dec. 7 (630 584-1055) West Chicago: Dec. 14 & 15 (630 231-9474 ) Westmont: Dec. 7 (630 963-5252) Wheaton: Dec. 8, 14 & 15 (630) 510-4941 Wood Dale: Dec. 7 (630 595-9333) WEST SUBURBAN LIVING | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 11

THE

BY NUMBERS A NINE-HOUR-LONG, THREE-ALARM FIRE on Oct. 7 left the landmark

12

Lincoln Masonic Temple in downtown Aurora charred beyond repair.

The 97-year old, five-story Neoclassical building had been listed on the National Register of Historic places since 1982. Originally built for the Aurora Masonic Alliance, the building had more than 50-000 square feet of space, which included two assembly halls, a formal ballroom and a grand entrance hall. While it had been vacant for more than a decade, city officials had been discussing possible redevelopment options for the building as recently as August.

A year’s worth of wildlife, photographed on the grounds of Fermilab in Batavia by Tina S. Smith is available as a calendar from Fermilab for $20.

97 1, 2, 3 Twinkling lights draw 25,000 cars each holiday season to Phillips Park in Aurora for the Festival of Lights. The dazzling event brings in $1 million for area charities between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The Aurora area is home to not one, but two of the largest outdoor lights shows in Northern Illinois.

Mooseheart Holiday Lights, entering its 10th year, features 80 lighted displays on view along a two-mile route.

And while you’re in the neighborhood, check out Aurora’s Lehnertz Avenue Christmas Display, a 68-year neighborhood tradition.

A free drive-though tour tells the story of the first Christmas in illuminated books, biblical figures and a manger scene.

LET’S PLAY BALL! Eight senior softball players who enjoy casual pickup games in the Naperville Park District’s Men’s 50+ League at Gartner Park on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings have found their competitive edge.

They also play on a regional team, the Challengers, that is part of Senior Softball USA. The team recently won its third gold medal at the 2019 National Senior Games, held in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Team manager John Patti recalls the turning point in this year’s

championship: “In the third game, with two outs and trailing by six runs, 85-year-old Chris Argianis stepped to the plate and hammered the ball deep into right center field for a grand slam. The inspired team

50+

then scored three more times for the victory.”

The eight Naperville players on the Challengers team (shown at left in jerseys from another local team they play on) are: Chris Argianis, John Fieser, Rich Fleming, Steve Gadja, Larry Hall, George Pappas, Tom Vancura and Manager John Patti.

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Q&A

Suellen Rocca Romeoville artist who was at the center of a 1960s cultural flashpoint n Who were The Hairy Who? SR: We were six recent graduates of the School of the Art Institute. In 1966 we exhibited together at the Hyde Park Art Center and were invited to exhibit at the San Francisco Art Institute, The Corcoran Museum in Washington D.C. and the Center for the Visual Arts in New York. We collaborated on the posters for the exhibits — we created comic books instead of catalogues for the shows and we worked together on the installations. In one exhibit we put 1940s flowered linoleum on the exhibition walls and in another exhibit we hung large bright yellow price tags from the corner of our paintings.

IN HER EARLY 20S AS A NEWLY GRADUATED STUDENT OF ART, SUELLEN ROCCA found herself at the center of a movement. Playfully named The Hairy Who, the group was comprised of artists Jim Nutt, Gladys Nilsson, Art Green, Jim Falconer, Karl Wirsum and Rocca. Their work would become the first expression of the Chicago Imagists, characterized as a new form of representational work that drew on references outside of fine art, such as comics, cartoons and popular culture. Rocca’s work has been exhibited worldwide and is included in several major collections. Currently, she is curating an exhibit of the Chicago Imagists at Elmhurst College, where she is an instructor of art. She also curates the current exhibit,“What Came After,” at Elmhurst Art Museum.

Rocca lives in west suburban Romeoville.

Q&A

n Where did the works fit on the national art scene at the time?

SR: I think what we were doing was unique — different from what was happening in the New York scene and, in retrospect, perhaps somewhat related to artists associated with Funk Art on the West Coast. The term “imagist” was coined by art critic Franz Schulz to describe works by the Hairy Who and other artists who exhibited in small group shows at Hyde Park. They, in a sense, followed in our footsteps during the late 60s and early 70s. These groups were called the Nonplussed Some ( Ed Paschke was a member) and the False Image (Roger Brown, Christina Ramberg and Phil Hansen were members). The Imagists have always been strongly

RAPID FIRE

identified with the city of Chicago. n Where did the name of the group come from?

SR: From a raucous planning session for the exhibition, filled with laughter and punning. n What were the central themes that held the work together?

SR: We were all interested in making work that contained imagery, primarily the figure, using humor in our work, and referencing popular culture. The 60s culture was about youth, freedom of expression, the sexual revolution. I think that atmosphere provided the freedom to be ‘outrageous’ in our work.

But then it is the nature of artists to always be rebellious. n You were in your 20s when the movement came to public attention.

How did it feel to suddenly get noticed?

SR: Wonderful and overwhelming. n When did you first develop an interest in art?

SR: Very early. By eight years old I had decided I wanted to be an artist. I had wonderful support from my family. My mother was a musician and was delighted to have an artistically gifted child. I attended classes at the Art Institute from the time I was eight years old through high school and then received a scholarship to study at the School of the Art Institute. I consider myself

things, similar to what one does

at the University of Chicago, the

in a dream.

DePaul Art Museum and the

A suburban exhibit or museum

Chicago Cultural Center.

you would recommend?

Who would you be most excited

Favorite west suburban restaurant?

Three words that describe you?

The Elmhurst College Imagist Art

to meet? Barack Obama

Sushi Nest in downtown Elmhurst

Right-brained, passionate,

Collections on campus, along

What do you enjoy most about

High point of your career ?

dedicated.

with the Elmhurst Art Museum.

living in Romeoville? I like the

Seeing the painting The Art Institute

What inspires you to begin a new

How about in the city? Some less

wetlands and cornfields that still

bought for its permanent collection

painting? Experiencing new and

familiar places are the Smart

exist amongst the highways,

on display in the Modern Wing.

different relationships between

Museum and the Oriental Museum

subdivisions and warehouses.

14 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | WEST SUBURBAN LIVING

Photos courtesy of the artist and Matthew Marks Gallery

PASSED, 1988 Oil on canvas, 25.5 x 50.125 inches, Elmhurst College Art Collection

very fortunate to have had two teachers in particular who mentored me throughout those years, Addis Osborne in the museum classes and Ray Yoshida during my four years at the School of the Art Institute. n You recently curated an exhibit of the Chicago Imagists at Elmhurst Art Museum. How did people respond?

SR: The museum has such beautiful gallery spaces — the work looked so wonderful!

It is thrilling today that so many younger artists and viewers are interested in the Imagists’ work. Locally, nationally and internationally there has been a tremendous resurgence of interest. Recently there have been major exhibitions in Milan, the UK and Berlin. n How has your work changed and developed over the years?

SR: My work has always been autobiographical in the sense that metaphorically it reflects both my external and internal experiences, so naturally this changes as life evolves.

I think of my work as a continuum that evolves over time. I make work that is meaningful to me and interests me. I am glad that others find it interesting, too. n The Hairy Who paintings came from a period of social upheaval. How do you see today’s culture reflected in the art scene?

SR: Today, many artists are making work dealing with social and political issues. Art has a long history of being a powerful tool to express ideas about society. Think about Goya and Daumier from the 18th and 19th

centuries. One contemporary artist I especially like who has been making work about social issues since the 1960s is Peter Saul. n What inspired you to transition into teaching art?

SR: It is a natural outgrowth of the wonderful teaching I received from teachers who were most important to my development as an artist. For me it is a way of giving back. It is very rewarding to work with a young artist who is in the process of developing their vision. n What do you enjoy about teaching young artists?

SR: I love working with very young children and love the art they create. In the 1980s I developed a program for Museum Education at the Art Institute called Mini-Masters where I had the most wonderful conversations with 4- and 5-year-olds about works of art. I also worked through the Chicago Department of Children and Family Services in a program called Pathways to Development. One program was for adolescents in the psych unit at the University of Illinois Medical Center. It was an art class, not art therapy.

I believe that the act of making art is healing and everyone should have the opportunity to create. n How would you advise those who discover a love for art later in life?

SR: Take classes so you can be around others with the same interest. Find a good teacher who will help you develop. Study art history! Visit museums and galleries.

n

WEST SUBURBAN LIVING | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 15

TO THE

LOOK WESTERN SKY

By Joni Hirsch Blackman

Far More than Child’s Play For this group of west suburbanites, LEGO are building blocks of creativity

W

hen Jamie LeBlanc was in his early 30s and gainfully employed, he still looked forward to receiving LEGO catalogs in the mail.

“I was a closet LEGOhead,” says LeBlanc a couple of decades later. “We in the LEGO community call it your ‘dark ages’ — when you saw a cool set come out, you’d build it, but you weren’t active in the community.”

An “In Your Neighborhood” postcard from LEGO alerted him to model railroad show being held at Pheasant Run. That visit turned his LEGO universe upside down.

“It was adults, building on a different scale than I’d imagined. What I loved best was the humor, the LEGO characters doing silly things,” says LeBlanc, who is mayor of Virgil, northwest of Elburn. “I hadn’t realized other adults were building and displaying, and I hadn’t thought about the displaying aspect at all.”

He immediately joined the group behind the 2002 event, the Northern Illinois LEGO Train Club (NILTC). As the Internet became a “thing,” the wider LEGO community found each other online and a phenomenon grew.

“People outside the community are used to LEGO sets — their kids play with them.

We as adults take it to an artistic level,” says LeBlanc, now the NILTC president.

“We provide a vehicle for creative people to show what they create to the public. You can put it online and get likes, but it’s very different to stand in front of someone and have them shower you with adulation. You don’t get that feedback online.”

The NILTC’s biggest event is the annual show at Wheaton’s Cantigny Park, Dec. 14 and 15 this year. Originally a way to keep the facility busy during what had been a relatively inactive time of the year, a few train groups were invited — a scouting club,

a Lionel train club and the NILTC. By the third year, the NILTC was the sole exhibitor.

“Cantigny realized everyone was crowding around the LEGO stuff, so let’s just do LEGO. But even then, it wasn’t the juggernaut it has become,” says LeBlanc of the “controlled circus” that has drawn as many as 12,000 visitors over a weekend.

He has no idea what the 10 displays will look like. “They’re keeping it close to their vests — they want to debut them to the public and to other members. It’s kind of a one-upmanship.”

The club has 26 members and offers six to seven shows a year. Interested venues are on a three-year waiting list. One year there

“

I love turning people’s minds around.

This ain’t my kids’ LEGO!” LEGO displays are placed throughout the visitors center, the First Division Museum and McCormick House. A Marine collects Toys for Tots. Star Wars and Disney characters stroll around.

The men and women of the club have no guidelines on what they create for the holiday show. Some are imagined from scratch, others are representations of actual buildings. Some are a hybrid, “using an existing structure or movie item and adding your own twist,” says LeBlanc.

Eclectic displays are melded together by trains. “A lot of us put holiday aspects in it — but it’s not all Christmas and white snow.”

An audience-participation contest is the annual show’s newest feature. Ten members will build their best Christmas-themed LEGO creations to fit into a 10-ft by 10-ft by 2-fttall space. Patrons will vote on their favorite.

The winning artist will be awarded a large LEGO set and a random patron/voter will be selected to receive a LEGO Store gift card.

“Some people are drawn to something that makes them laugh, others are drawn to more traditional displays. It will be fun to see what resonates with the public,” says LeBlanc.

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were 10 shows, turning the club into “more of a second job than a really cool hobby.”

“Six or seven allows us to have regular jobs and lives and still be active in the club without angry spouses. It’s supposed to be fun and relieve stress, not incur stress!”

The “brick heads”— mostly from western suburbs including Western Springs, Streamwood, Elmhurst and Naperville — have fun together. Prospective members go through an introductory process before they are invited to join the “silliness and magic.”

It’s not all fun and games. Shows require lugging tables, clamping them together and securing plexiglass barriers. Members bring their own “brick” — setup can take 10 to 15 people as long as 6 or 7 hours.

Most shows are at public libraries, which loves the NILTC because it draws all ages. When arriving at a new venue, LeBlanc asks librarians, “What did you expect when you heard we’d be here?”

“A few tracks with trains running,” is the common answer. “We never thought it was THIS!” “I love turning people’s minds around,” says LeBlanc. “This ain’t my kids’ LEGO!” n

LOCAL AUTHORS

B y A n n e K nu d s e n

Confession Club

members join the group, bringing problems too big to handle alone.

A resident of Oak Park, Elizabeth Berg is the author of several best sellers, including Open House, an Oprah Book Club selection.

She is a popular speaker at venues around the country and teaches one-day writing workshops on creative fiction.

An uplifting novel of friendship, revelations and second chances

Photo by Theresa Crawford

F

riendship, community and kindness are at the center of this inspiring new novel by New York Times best-selling author Elizabeth Berg.

Set in the small, rural community of Mason, Missouri, the novel opens as a group of friends decide to start a monthly supper club. The promise of congenial evenings — talking, laughing, and sharing homemade food, and wine — becomes unglued when one of the women reveals a startlingly intimate secret. The supper club then becomes the Confession Club, as the

women gather weekly to share not only dinners but embarrassing misdeeds, deep insecurities, and long-held regrets.

The story escalates when two new

THE MEANS THAT MAKE US STRANGERS

THREE CHEERS FOR KID MCGEAR!

THE ACORN WARS

by Tom Hernandez of Plainfield

by Christine Kindberg of Wheaton

THE AMAZING WORLD OF AVIATION

by Sherri Duskey Rinker of

In this fourth novel by long-time

by Jacqueline Camacho-Ruiz

Kindberg’s debut novel is set in

St. Charles with illustrator Ag Ford

regional journalist and reporter

of North Aurora, illustrated

a racially tense environment of

In this picture book for ages 3 to

Hernandez, the birth of a young

by Karen Light of Woodridge

small-town South Carolina in the

5 by a New York Times bestselling

man’s child coincides with the

This colorful picture book is a

1960s. In this coming-of-age tale,

author, Kid McGear is the newest

death of his father. Charged with

compilation of the stories of

the daughter of an American

truck on the construction site.

writing the eulogy, the young man

heroes in aviation and space

anthropologist who has grown

She’s eager to help and to prove

confronts the secrets that have

exploration. From the Wright

up in rural Ethiopia is suddenly

she’s big enough for a tough job.

gnawed at his memories of his

brothers, who invented air

transplanted into the American

In this easy read-along-with-mom,

own childhood. As well as an

flight, to Sally Ride, the first

south. Issues of identity and

playful rhymes and captivating

intimate story of self-examination

American woman in space, each

community soon muddy her

pictures tell a tale of teamwork

and growth, The Acorn Wars

biography invites curious young

concept of home as, on the

and the ability of every little kid

is an exploration of father-son

readers inside the lives

eve of adulthood, she questions

to overcome obstacles once

relationships and a reminder

of extraordinary, fearless people

assumptions about life and love.

she puts her mind to it.

of the ultimate bonds of family.

who reached for a dream.

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OUT&ABOUT |

THEATRE

|

COMEDY

|

ART

|

FAMILY ACTIVITIES

|

HOME & GARDEN

|

AND MUCH MORE

Photo courtesy of Republic Records

MUSIC

The Jonas Brothers December 3 Pop-rock sensations bring their Happiness Begins Tour to Chicago at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont.

Call 847 635-6601

WEST SUBURBAN LIVING | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 21

OUT&ABOUT

Calendar of Events

December 7 – 8 THE NUTCRACKER

Photo courtesy of Chicago Ballet Conservatory

Visiting artists, professional dancers and dance students perform a holiday extravaganza at Hemmens Cultural Center in Elgin.

Call 847 516-2298

THEATRE | The Color Purple | Through Nov 3, Thur, 1:30 & 8 p.m.

Fri 8 p.m., Sat 3 & 8 p.m., Sun 2 & 6 p.m. The Broadway musical adapted from Alice Walker's Pulitzer prizewinning novel about an African-American women’s heroic journey. Cost: $70/55. Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Ln., Oakbrook Terrace. 630 530-0111 | The Odd Couple | Through Nov 3, Fri –Sat 8 p.m., Sun 3 p.m. Neil Simon's revision of his classic hit looks at divorced opposites sharing an apartment and gets a fresh spin with female leads. Cost: $28/23. Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W Main St, St. Charles. 630 587-8521 | Sherlock's Last Case | Through Nov 3, Thur & Fri 8 p.m., Sat 4 & 8 p.m., Sun 3 p.m. First Folio Theatre presents an adventure that mixes humor and suspense, where a threat hangs over the famous detective as he faces an opponent he never expected. Cost: $44/29.

Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W 31st St., Oak Brook.

630 986-8067 | Becky’s New Car | Through Nov 9, Fri – Sun, 8 p.m., Sun 3 p.m. No show on Sun, Oct 20. Additional shows on Sat Nov 2 & 9., 3 p.m. A woman trapped in a middleaged lifestyle jumps at the chance for change. Cost: $20. Village Theatre Guild, 2S720 Park Blvd., Glen Ellyn.

630 469-8230 | Bistro De L’Amour & Reconciliation | Nov 8 – 17, Fri – Sat 7:30 p.m., Sun 3 p.m. A story full of touching and funny vignettes in which characters come to a resolution over their differences or are just reconciled to situations beyond their control. Cost: $18. Gallery Theatre, 129 Main St.,West Chicago. 630 234-5919 | Beauty and The Beast | Nov 13 – Jan 19. Wed 1:30 & 7 p.m., Thur 7 p.m., Fri 8 p.m., Sat 3 & 8 p.m., Sun 1 & 5:30 p.m. No matinee on Nov 13; no show on Dec 25. One of Disney’s most beloved animated films comes to life on stage with all the enchanted castle characters in a holiday extravaganza. Cost: $74/36. Paramount Theatre, 23 E Galena Blvd, Aurora. 630 896–6666

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| An Elgin Old Tyme Holiday Radio Show | Nov 15 – 24, Fri – Sat, 8 p.m., Sun 2 p.m. A family friendly radio show presenting radio shows as they really were. Cost: $20. Elgin Theatre Co, 164 Division St, Elgin. 847 741-0532 | The Complete History of America | Nov 15 – 24, Fri – Sat 7 p.m. Sun 6 p.m. 600 years of history in 6,000 seconds … history will never be the same. Cost: $15/12. Vero Voce Theatre, 3755 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 584-0139 | Daddies | Nov 15 – 30, Fri Sat 8 p.m. A comical drama that takes place during the Christmas season. Cost: $17.

Riverfront Playhouse, 11 & 13 S Water St. Mall, Aurora.

630 897-9496 | Moonlight and Magnolias | Nov 15 – Dec 8, Thur – Sat 7:30 p.m., Sun 3 p.m. A comedy about 1939 Hollywood., staged by Wheaton Drama. Cost: $19/16.

Playhouse 111, 111 N. Hale Street, Wheaton. 630 587-8521 | November | Nov 15 – 24. Fri – Sat 8 p.m., Sun 2 p.m.

In this community theatre production by Grove Players, David Mamet's Oval Office satire depicts a day in the life of a beleaguered president. Cost: $20. The Lincoln Center, 935 Maple Ave, Downers Grove. 630 415-3682 | Mary Poppins | Nov 15 – Jan 19, Thur, 1:30 & 8 p.m.

Fri 8 p.m., Sat 3 & 8 p.m., Sun 2 & 6 p.m. Additional shows on Wed, Nov 20 & Dec 4, 8 p.m.; Tues Dec 31, 5 p.m. The family-friendly musical that was nominated for seven Tony awards brings memorable songs and award winning choreography to the stage. Cost: $75/60. Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Ln., Oakbrook Terrace. 630 530-0111 | National Theatre Live: 42nd Street | Thur, Nov 21, 7 p.m. and Sat, Nov 23, 2 p.m. In this live screening of the popular London West End production, one of Broadway’s classics. Cost: $24. Belushi Performance Hall at McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. 630 942-4000 | Holiday Inn | Nov 29 – Dec 21, Thur – Fri 7:30 p.m., Sat 2 & 7:30 p.m. Additional performances, Tues Dec 17, 7:30 p.m. Overshadowed Productions presents Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn is a classic romance, based on the movie starring Bing Crosby. Cost: $60/50. 900 Foster Ave, Medinah. 630 634-2100

| The Ballad of CC Scrooge: #Christmas Makeover | Nov 29 – Dec 29, Fri – Sat 8 p.m., Sun 3 p.m. A modern tale of female redemption and joy. Cost: $28/23. Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W Main St., St. Charles. 630 587-8521 | Merry Mad Mid-Mod | Dec 13 – 15, Fri – Sun 7:30 p.m., Sun 3 p.m. Wheaton Drama presents a holiday review in the style of the classic late 60s/early 70s holiday TV specials. Cost: $15. Playhouse 111, 111 N. Hale Street, Wheaton. 630 587-8521 | A Christmas Carol | Dec 13 – 22, Fri – Sat 8 p.m.

Sun 3 p.m. For the 25th consecutive year, The Riverfront Playhouse presents it own original version of the Dickens' classic. Cost: $17/15. Riverfront Playhouse, 11 & 13 S Water St. Mall, Aurora. 630 897-9496. | A Dickens Carol | Dec 14 – 30, Thur – Sat 8 p.m. Sat, Sun 3 p.m. A re-imagined telling of the story of Scrooge from Dickens’ point of view and real-life events. Cost: $35/15.

Madison Street Theatre, 1010 Madison Street Oak Park.

708 300-9396 | It’s a Wonderful Life | Sat, Dec 21, 3:30 p.m. A stage adaptation of Frank Capra’s beloved film that will transport audiences back to the golden age of radio.

Cost: $29. Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.

847 622-0300

DANCE | Ailey II | Sat Nov 9, 7:30 p.m. The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performs cutting-edge contemporary works by emerging choreographers and the company's masterpiece, Revelations. Cost: $48/39. McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. 630 942-4000 | Von Heidecke’s Chicago Festival Ballet's The Nutcracker | Sun Dec 1, 1 and 5 p.m. A classic performance of the classic holiday ballet. Cost: $38/22. Rialto Square theatre, 102 N Chicago St., Joliet.

815 726-6600 | Chicago Ballet Conservatory: The Nutcracker | Dec 7 – 8, Sat 2:30 & 7:30 p.m., Sun 2 p.m. The show features Elgin Symphony Orchestra, a magician, visiting artists, professional dancers and students from area dance schools. Cost: $50/25. Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. 847 516-2298 | Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker | Sun, Dec 8, 2 & 6 p.m. Direct from Russia, the world-renowned troupe performs the classic tale with colorful, hand-painted backdrops, 10-ft tall puppets, 3D effects and exquisite costumes. Cost: $175/29. Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Rd., Rosemont. 847 671-5100 | Alma Dance Theatre: The Nutcracker | Dec 14 – 15, Sat 7 p.m., Sun 2 p.m. The award-winning Cubanmethod ballet school performs the holiday classic featuring dancers from around the world. Cost: $38/25.

Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. 847 622-0300 | The Nutcracker with Salt Creek Ballet and New Philharmonic | Dec 14 – 15, Sat 2 & 7 p.m., Sun 1 & 5 p.m. The Salt Creek Ballet presents the holiday ballet, featuring internationally recognized guest soloists. Cost: $44/34. McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn.

630 942-4000 WEST SUBURBAN LIVING | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 23

OUT&ABOUT

Calendar of Events

COMEDY | Taylor Tomlinson | Nov 1 – 3, Fri 7:30 & 9:45 p.m., Sat 7 & 9:15 p.m., Sun 7 p.m. Comedian featured on "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon," and "Conan," as well as on Comedy Central. Cost: $22. Chicago Improv, Woodfield Mall, 5 Woodfield Rd., Schaumburg.

847 240-2001

November 14 JOHN LODGE The sounds of the Moody Blues come to Arcada Theatre in St. Charles.

Call 708 962-7000

| Eddie B | Sat, Nov 2, 8 p.m. Houston-based comic who has performed in major arenas around the world performs a stand-up routine inspired by what teachers everywhere are thinking. Cost: $50/30. Paramount Theatre, 23 E Galena Blvd., Aurora. 630 896–6666

Photo by John M. Salt

| Derek Hughes | Nov 14 – 16, Thur – Fri 8 p.m., Sat 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. Live performances by celebrated conjurer, “Stand Up Magician” and finalist on "America’s Got Talent." Cost: $25. Zanies Comedy Club at Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 584-6300 | Craig Shoemaker | Nov 21 – 23, Thur 7:30 p.m., Fri 7:30 & 9:45 p.m., Sat 7 & 9:15 p.m. Comedian and television writer, whose career has spanned more than three decades with numerous TV appearances. Cost: $24. Chicago Improv, Woodfield Mall, 5 Woodfield Rd., Schaumburg. 847 240-2001 | Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood | Sat, Nov 23, 8 p.m. "Whose Line is it Anyway?" stars Mochrie and Sherwood take their improv comedy routine live. Cost: $60/50. Wentz Gallery Hall and Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. 630 637-5375 | Second City: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Sweater | Nov 29 – Dec 22, Thur 7:30 p.m., Fri 8 p.m., Sat 2 & 8 p.m., Sun 3 p.m. While the weather outside could be frightful, the laughter inside is most delightful as comedy’s best and brightest roast the chestnuts out of all the things we lovingly loathe about the holiday season. Cost: $37. Paramount Theatre, 23 E Galena Blvd., Aurora. 630 896–6666. Additional show on Sat, Dec 7, 5 & 8 p.m. at Belushi Performance Hall at McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn.

Cost: $46/32. 630 942-4000 | Larry The Cable Guy | Sat, Dec 7, 5 & 8 p.m. Comedian who rose to fame on the Blue Collar Comedy Tour performs live. Cost: $59/39. Rialto Square theatre, 102 N Chicago St., Joliet. 815 726-6600 | Mr. Showtime David Scott | Thur, Dec 26, 8 p.m.

Standup comedian featured on HBO and Comedy Central, host of his own nationally syndicated radio show and the Guinness World Record Holder for Longest StandUp Comedy show by an Individual. Cost: $25. Zanies Comedy Club at Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 584-6300

| The Fab Four | Fri, Nov 1, 8 p.m. The Beatles tribute group performs live renditions of the bands hits. Cost: $89/39. Arcada Theatre, 105 E Main St., St. Charles.

630 962-7000 | Switchback | Sat, Nov 2, 8:30 p.m. Award-winning duo of Brian FitzGerald and Martin McCormack perform songs while playing a mix of mandolin, guitar, and bass.

Cost: $25/20. Fitzgerald’s, 6615 Roosevelt Rd., Berwyn.

708 788-2118. | Tom Keifer & The L.A. Guns | Sat, Nov 2, 8 p.m. The former front man of Cinderella headlines a show along with the American hard rock band. Cost: $99/39. Arcada Theatre, 105 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 962-7000 | Jens Lindeman | Nov 2 – 3, Sat 7:30 p.m. & Sun 3 p.m. Internationally recognized classical trumpet player performing Arutiunian's "Trumpet Concerto," along with Wagner's "Rienzi Overture" and Rimsky-Korsakov's "Scheherazade." Cost: $51/49. McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn. 630 942-4000 | Chamber Concert | Sun, Nov 3, 2:15 p.m. In this intimate concert, music lovers will hear violin pieces by Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, and Schubert performed by forte-pianist Trevor Stephenson, director of the Madison Bach Musicians. Cost: $35. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. 630 719-2468 | Newsboys United | Sun, Nov 3, 7 p.m. Christian rock band with six certified gold albums. Cost: $40/20. Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N Chicago St., Joliet. 815 726-6600

MUSIC | An Evening with Vibraphonist Brad Stirtz | Fri, Nov 1, 8, p.m. Cost: $15/10. Stage and studio percussionist performs with fellow members of the North Central College jazz faculty, including saxophonist Mitch Paliga, pianist Chris White, bassist Kelly Sill and drummer Jack Mouse. Madden Theatre at North Central College, 171 E Chicago Ave., Naperville. 630 637-7469 24 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | WEST SUBURBAN LIVING

| Daughtry | Thur, Nov 7, 7:30 p.m. American rock band performs selection of songs from its four Billboard Top Ten albums. Cost: $119/69. Arcada Theatre, 105 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 962-7000 | Jake Owen | Fri, Nov 8, 8:30 p.m. Jake Owen, Jimmie Allen and John Gurney take the stage as part of Chicago’s BIG 95.5 Rise From the Fire concert event. Cost: $65/35. Joe’s Live, 5441 Park Pl., Rosemont.

847 635-6601

| Michael Ingersoll & Christopher Kale Jones | Fri, Nov 8, 7:30 p.m. "Jersey Boys" co-stars reunite musical hits by The Everly Brothers, The Righteous Brothers, The Beatles, and many others. Cost: $36. Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. 847 622-0300 | Winger | Sat, Nov 9, 8 p.m. Hard rock band that toured with Bon Jovi, Skid Row and others performs chart topping hits. Cost: $79/39. Arcada Theatre, 105 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 962-7000 | Chicago Sinfonietta: Diwali, Love + Light | Sat, Nov 9, 8 p.m. A concert celebrating the rich heritage of the festival of light, with heightened themes of musical mythology, familiar traditions and dance, featuring India’s world-renowned violinist and composer Dr. L. Subramaniam and classic Indian Bharatanatyam dance by Chicago’s Mandala South Asian Performing Arts. Cost: $62/10. Wentz Concert Hall at North Central College, 171 E Chicago Ave., Naperville. 312 284-1554 | Veteran's Day Concert | Sun, Nov 10, 3 p.m. Handel’s A patriotic musical celebration of veterans in gratitude for their service and sacrifice, featuring Christ Church’s 100-voice Chancel Choir with the Singing Men of Oak Brook and the world-renowned Chicago Brass Band.

Christ Church, 501 Oak Brook Rd., Oak Brook. 630 321-6784 | The State of Jazz | Sun, Nov 10, 6 p.m. A celebration of the 80th Anniversary of Blue Note Records, this concert features pianist James Francies, saxophonist James Carter and vocalist Kandace Springs. Cost: $65/50. Belushi Performance Hall at McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. 630 942-4000 | Tony Orlando | Sun, Nov 10, 7:30 p.m. Top-selling recording artist, songwriter, actor and author performs songs from his numerous albums. Cost: $89/49. Arcada Theatre, 105 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 962-7000 | Moody Blues’ John Lodge | Thur, Nov 14, 7:30 p.m. Vocalist, songwriter and bass player performs the band's top hits. Cost: $89/39. Arcada Theatre, 105 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 962-7000 | Nelly | Thur, Nov 14, 7:30 p.m. Named the fourth bestselling rap artist of all time by the Recording Industry of America, the singer performsa rap that crosses over into mainstream pop music. Cost: $89/35. Rialto Square theatre, 102 N Chicago St., Joliet. 815 726-6600. | America with Special Guest Tom Fuller | Nov 15 – 16, Fri – Sat 8 p.m. Rock trio famous for their vocal harmonies performs the hits. Cost: $99/69. Arcada Theatre, 105 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 962-7000 | The Midtown Men | Sat, Nov 16, 7:30 p.m. Stars from the original cast of Broadway’s “Jersey Boys” bring to life the greatest hits of the 1960s. Cost: $75/65. Belushi Concert Hall at McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn. 630 942-4000 | Little River Band | Sat, Nov 16, 7:30 p.m. Australian rock band with 30 million records sold and numerous chart topping hits. Cost: $40/20. Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N Chicago St., Joliet. 815 726-6600 | Senior Suburban Orchestra | Tue, Nov 19, 2 p.m.

Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the U.S. Moon Landing, the performance features a Star Trek medley, and a movement from Holst's "The Planets." St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 5739 Dunham Rd., Downers Grove. www.seniorsuburbanorchestra.org WEST SUBURBAN LIVING | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 25

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Calendar of Events

the music of Pink Floyd with a full-production tribute performance. Cost: $20. Mainstage Theater at Pheasant Run, 4051 East Main Street, Saint Charles. 630 584-6300 | A Million Dollar Christmas: Presley, Perkins, Lewis and Cash | Sun, Dec 1, 4 p.m. A full catalogue of classic rock ‘n’ roll hits, plus a special selection of heartwarming holiday tunes. Cost: $65/45. Belushi Performance Hall at McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn.

630 942-4000 | The Jonas Brothers | Tues, Dec 3, 7:30 p.m. The Jonas Brothers return for their second show in the Happiness Begins Tour. Cost: $500/39. Allstate Arena, 6920 Mannheim Rd., Rosemont. 847 635-6601

December 6 ROCKAPELLA An evening of high-energy a cappella at Lund Auditorium at Dominican University in River Forest. Call 708 488-5000

| Patty Smyth | Thur, Nov 21, 7:30 p.m. Singer songwriter performs hits from her solo career and from her time in the band Scandal. Cost: $59/39. Arcada Theatre, 105 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 962-7000 | Humble Pie | Sat, Nov 23, 8 p.m. English rock band performs chart topping hits. Cost: $79/39. Arcada Theatre, 105 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 962-7000 | Brass from the Past Feat: Lenny Williams | Sat, Nov 23, 8 p.m. A tribute to the legends of rock and soul featuring

a six-piece horn section, a four-piece rhythm section, and three power singers. Cost: $35. Mainstage Theater at Pheasant Run, 4051 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 584-6300 | Millennium Carillon Thanksgiving Recital & Concert | Thur – Fri, Nov 28 – 29, noon. Enjoy holiday music outdoors with a recital on Thur and a full concert on Fri. Millennium Carillon near Rotary Hill, 443 Aurora Ave., Naperville. www.napervilleparks.org |

Think Floyd | Sat, Nov 30, 8 p.m. A celebration of

26 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | WEST SUBURBAN LIVING

| CeeLo Green | Wed, Dec 4, 7:30 p.m. Five-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and producer takes a creative spin on favorite Christmas songs. Cost: $40/20. Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N Chicago St., Joliet.

815 726-6600 | Jolly Old St. Nick Concert | Fri, Dec 6, 6:30 p.m. Ring in the holiday season with Elmhurst’s annual celebration of the city’s German roots, with traditional carols performed by the Damenchor and Männerchor authentic German choirs, plus a visit from Old St. Nick. Yorkfield Presbyterian Church, 1099 S York St., Elmhurst. 630 833-1457 | Rockapella | Fri, Dec 6, 7:30 p.m. Touring a cappella group performs high-energy renditions of holiday classics.

Cost: $42/31. Lund Auditorium at Dominican University, 7900 Division St., River Forest. 708 488-5000

Share the Holidays with . . .

| Gavin Coyle: A Celtic Christmas | Fri, Dec 6, 8 p.m. Award-winning recording artist Gavin Coyle brings his annual “A Celtic Christmas” back to the MAC. Cost: $35. Belushi Performance Hall at McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn.

630 942-4000 | Chicago A Capella: Holidays A Capella | Fri, Dec 6, 8 p.m. Entering its 27th season, the ensemble presents an eclectic mix of music including medieval and Renaissance works, contemporary twists on carols, and music for Hanukkah. Wentz Concert Hall at North Central College, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. Additional concert on Sun, Dec 15 at Pilgrim Congregational Church, 460 Lake St., Oak Park. 773 281-7820 | Evan Tyrone Martin: Nat King Cole Christmas | Fri, Dec 6, 7:30 p.m. Chicago native Evan Tyrone Martin performing holiday jazz, old style. Cost: $34. Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. 847 622-0300

Chandler 4 Corners

| Brett Michaels Christmas Party | Fri, Dec 6, 8 p.m.

Former front man of Poison performs hits from his chart topping solo album. Cost: $125/69. Arcada Theatre, 105 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 962-7000 | Tower of Power | Sat, Dec 7, 8 p.m. California soul music group celebrates its 50th anniversary. Cost: $99/59. Arcada Theatre, 105 E Main St., St. Charles.

630 962-7000

1803 Candles

F

| CarolFest Christmas Concert | Sun, Dec 8, 3 & 6 p.m. Handel’s “Messiah” is performed as well as familiar carols of the season, with a cookie and cider reception between performances. Christ Church, 501 Oak Brook Rd., Oak Brook. 630 321-6784

airyTales is a quaint boutique full of gifts and collectibles for collectors of all ages for any occasion. Established in 1992 and family-owned, we specialize in Wee Forest Folk, Lori Mitchell, Sticks Furniture, Nora Fleming, Bethany Lowe, 1803 Candles, Chandler 4 Corners and much more.

| US99 Stars and Strings | Sun, Dec 8, 6 p.m. The hottest country music acts all on one stage. Cost: $99/30. Allstate Arena, 6920 Mannheim Rd., Rosemont. 847 635-66010

We are open 7 days a week for your shopping convenience!

| A Charlie Brown Christmas | Dec 8, 7 p.m. Dec 22, 2 p.m. Alex Murphy Trio plays music originally composed

by Vince Guaraldi and his trio for the Charlie Brown Christmas TV special. Cost: $15/12. Vero Voce Theatre, 3755 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 584-0139

28 W. St. Charles Road, Lombard 630.495.6909 www.fairy-tales-inc.com

| B96 Jingle Bash | Sat, Dec 7, 6 p.m. The annual concert features Katy Perry, Camila Cabello and more.

Cost: $175/85. Allstate Arena, 6920 Mannheim Rd., Rosemont. 847 635-6601

| Wizards of Winter Holiday Rock Show | Sun, Dec 8, 7:30 p.m. A holiday rock event featuring former members of classic rock giants. Cost: $79/29. Arcada Theatre, 105 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 962-7000

Wee Forest Folk

Nora Fleming

| The Ides of March Christmas Show | Sat, Dec 14, 8 p.m. Chicago area band performs hits from its decades long career. Cost: $79/49. Arcada Theatre, 105 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 962-7000 | Christmas at the Silent Movies: Peacherine Ragtime Society Orchestra | Sat, Dec 14, 8 p.m.

Ragtime, featuring an audience sing-along of holiday classics, and a trombone parody of the famous Hallelujah Chorus. Cost: $25/13. Fermilab Ramsey Auditorium, Kirk Rd. and Pine St., Batavia. 630 840-3351 | 103.5 Kiss FM Jingle Ball | Wed, Dec 18, 7:30 p.m.

Niall Horan, The Jonas Brothers and more perform on one stage. Cost: $125/35. Allstate Arena, 6920 Mannheim Rd, Rosemont. 847 635-6601 WEST SUBURBAN LIVING | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 27

Calendar of Events Photo courtesy of Paramount Theatre

OUT&ABOUT

November 29 – December 22 THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY SWEATER A holiday revue from the comedy team from Chicago's famed Second City at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora.

Call 630 896-6666. Also two performances on Dec 7 at The MAC at College of DuPage. Call 630 942-4000

| The FIXXmas Tour | Fri, Dec 20, 8 p.m. Rock and new wave band FIXX performs hits. Cost: $49/29. Arcada Theatre, 105 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 962-7000 | Martina McBride: The Joy of Christmas 2019 | Fri, Dec 20, 8 p.m. Country music star performs her rendition of holiday classics. Cost: $90/40. Rialto Square theatre, 102 N Chicago St., Joliet. 815 726-6600 | Trans Infinity Orchestra | Sat, Dec 21, 8 p.m.

Christmas, classical and rock music all in one show.

Cost: $45/25. Arcada Theatre, 105 E Main St., St. Charles.

630 962-7000 | Ben Vereen Christmas Show | Sun, Dec 22, 5 p.m.

Tony award winner brings a show full of song and dance to the stage. Cost: $69/29. Arcada Theatre, 105 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 962-7000 | Devon Worley Band | Fri, Dec 27, 8 p.m. Country band that rides the edge between country and rock.

Cost: $15. Mainstage Theater at Pheasant Run, 4051 East Main Street, Saint Charles. 630 584-6300 | RAAT | Fri, Dec 27, 8 p.m. American heavy metal band with gold, platinum and multi-platinum albums led by band founder Stephen Pearcy. Cost: $79/39. Arcada Theatre, 105 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 962-7000

DON’T FORGET TO VOTE!

Be sure to fill out your

BESTof the WEST ballot on page 39

| The BoDeans | Sat, Dec 28, 8 p.m. The band performs chart topping hits that won them Rolling Stone‘s readers poll for Best New American Band. Cost: $89/39. Arcada Theatre, 105 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 962-7000 | Trans-Siberian Orchestra | Mon, Dec 30, 2:30 and 8 p.m. Niall Horan, The Jonas Brothers and more perform on one stage. Cost: $80/49. Allstate Arena, 6920 Mannheim Rd., Rosemont. 847 635-6601. | Marshall Charloff and The Purple Xperience | Tues, Dec 31, 9 p.m. A five-piece group hailing from Prince’s birthplace perform a tribute. Cost: $95/55.

Arcada Theatre, 105 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 962-7000 | New Philharmonic: New Year’s Eve Concert | Tues, Dec 31, 2, 5:30 and 9 p.m. Ring in the New Year with Maestro Kirk Muspratt conducting waltzes, arias, light

28 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | WEST SUBURBAN LIVING

classical and movie music. Cost: $67/65. McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn. 630 942-4000 | The Neverly Brothers | Tues, Dec 31, 8 p.m. Band performs show-stopping hits by Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry, The Beatles and others. Mainstage Theater at Pheasant Run, 4051 E Main St., St. Charles.. 630 584-6300

ART | Troll Hunt | Ongoing exhibit, daily 7 a.m. – sunset. Giant sculptures made from reclaimed wood are positioned throughout the grounds. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. 630 719-2468 | Vicinity 2019 | Through Nov 3, Wed – Sun 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sat 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Original works in all media by artists from within 50 miles of St. Charles. Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Rd., St. Charles. 630 584-7200 | Ken Reif Solo Exhibit: Renewable Energy | Through Nov 8, Tues − Thur & Sat − Sun 11 a.m. − 5 p.m., Fri 11 a.m. − 7 p.m. A small area of the gallery is converted to a working studio where visitors may watch live creation of contemporary impressionist painting and meet the artist.

Elmhurst Artists Guild at Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 Cottage Hill Ave. Elmhurst. 630 750 3334 | Donna Castellanos: Inside Out, Outside In | Through Nov 10, Mon − Fri 8 a.m. − 8 p.m., Sat 9 a.m. − 5 p.m., Sun noon − 8 p.m. A thematic installation of everyday objects transformed into new assemblages so viewers can see how ordinary items turn inside out and outside in. Oesterle Library Gallery, 320 E School St., Naperville. 630 637-5375 | The Long Term | Through Dec 20, Mon – Fri 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sat 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. An exhibit of projects that emerged out of collaboration between teaching artists and men in Statesville Maximum Security Prison. O'Connor Art Gallery, Dominican University, 7900 Division St., River Forest. www.galleryinfo@dom.edu | What Came After: Figurative Painting in Chicago 1978-1998 | Through Jan 12, Tues − Thur & Sat − Sun 11 a.m. − 5 p.m., Fri 11 a.m. − 7 p.m. Pieces by artists

influenced by and celebrating Chicago Imagism since it was first used in the early 1970s. Cost: $9/8. Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst. 630 834-0202

groups and vote for your favorite. Robert R. McCormick House at Cantigny Park, S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton.

630 668-5161

| The McCormick House: Past, Present, Future | Through Jan 12, Tues − Thur & Sat − Sun 11 a.m. − 5 p.m., Fri 11 a.m. − 7 p.m. Curated by interior architect Robert Kleinschmidt, the exhibit presents classic mid-Century furniture as well as historic images showing how residents lived in the Mies van der Rohe home. Cost: $9/8. Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst. 630 834-0202

| Lightscape | Nov 22 – Jan 5, daily 4:30 – 10 p.m. Closed Dec 24 – 25. Along a mile-long path, the night comes alive with color, imagination, and sound, from a playful choir of singing trees to a spectacular waterfall of light.Cost: $21/10.

Chicago Botanical Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe.

847 835-5440

| Nature Artists’ Guild Holiday Exhibit | Sat – Sun, Nov 9 – 10, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Peruse 150 pieces of art from 50 artists who are members of the Nature Artists' Guild and watch demonstrations. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. 630 719-2468 | Zelene Schlosberg | Nov 22 – Jan 12, Mon & Sat, 10 a.m. − 6 p.m., Tue − Fri 10 a.m. − 9 p.m. and Sun noon − 5 p.m. A visual artist concerned with the aesthetics of fragility and the meditative power of imagery.

Schoenherr Gallery at the Fine Arts Center, 171 E Chicago Ave., Naperville. 630 637-5375

SEASONAL | WIlder Mansion Holiday Market | Nov 1 – 2, Fri, 4 p.m.– 9 p.m. and Sat, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. More than 60 artisans sell one-of-a-kind holiday gifts. Wilder Mansion, 211 S Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. 630 993-8900 | Pleasant Home Petite Boutique Holiday Market | Nov 8 – 9, Fri 4 – 9 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Gourmet foods and handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, glasswork and home decor. Historic Pleasant Home, 217 Home Ave., Oak Park.

708 383-2654 | Jingle Mingle | Fri, Nov 15, 5:30 p.m. Enjoy a visit from Santa, face painting, train rides and more. Burr Ridge Village Center, 701 Village Center Dr., Burr Ridge.

630 665-5534 | Burr Ridge Jingle Mingle | Fri, Nov 16, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Celebrate the kick-off to the holidays in Burr Ridge with train rides, crafts and a tree lighting. Various locations in downtown Burr Ridge. www.shopburrridge.com |Naperville Holiday Open House Weekend | Sat – Sun, Nov 16 – 17, shop hours. Wander through the shops downtown all weekend for some early-bird holiday savings and stock up sales, plus lively decorations and special sales and surprises. Various locations in downtown Naperville. www.downtownnaperville.com | Brookfield Zoo Tree Trim | Sat – Sun, Nov 17 – 18, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Holiday enthusiasts from 500 community groups, scout troops, clubs, schools, libraries and businesses gather to decorate trees. Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. 708 688-8000 | Winter Lights Holiday Walk | Fri, Nov 22, 6 – 9 p.m.

A holiday parade followed by a fireworks display along the banks of the Fox River. Downer Place between River St. and Broadway in downtown Aurora.

630 256-3370 | Community Trees Display | Nov 22 – Dec 29. See Christmas trees decorated by several local non-profit

| Christmas on the Fox Art & Craft Show | Sat – Sun, Nov 23 – 24, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Shop from a variety of jewelry, photography, paper crafts, soup and dip mixes and other home goods. Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S Randall Rd., St. Charles. 815 564-0994 | Hometown Holiday Block Party | Sat, Nov 23, 4 – 7 p.m. Mr. & Mrs. Claus pay a visit, along with music, dancing and train rides. City Center Fountain Plaza, 147 N York St., Elmhurst. 630 993-1600 | Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum | Nov 23 – Jan 5, 4:30 – 9:30 p.m. 50 acres of majestic trees will glow in electrifying hues of blue, green, purple, and magenta, with outdoor exhibits and installation art, including a five-piece geometric sculpture, Crown of Light, all set along a wooded path, plus concession tents and music on Tue – Thur. Cost: $23/15. The Morton Arboretum, The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. 630 768-0074 | 48th Annual Christmas Crossroads Market | Nov 23 – 24, Sat 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sun 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Shop handmade crafts from more than 165 crafters with all proceeds going to benefit local causes such as food pantries and scholarships. Cost: $4. Lockport East High School, 1333 E 7 St., Lockport. 815 588-8000 | St. Charles Holiday Homecoming | Nov 23 – 24, Fri 5 p.m. and Sat 9 a.m. The official kick off to the holiday season with music, holiday movies, sleigh rides and visits with Santa, and the St. Charles Electric Christmas parade on Saturday morning. Various locations in downtown St. Charles. 630 377-4400 | Naper Lights | Nov 26 – Dec 27 daily 4 - 6 p.m. Stroll the grounds and experience a magical lights celebration with holiday-themed figures. Naper Settlement, 523 S Webster St., Naperville. 630 420-6010 | Living Wheaton Christmas Parade | Fri, Nov 29, 6 – 9 p.m. Warm cider, roasted chestnuts, a parade, tree lighting and a special visitor from the North Pole. Front St., Downtown Wheaton. www.downtownwheaton.com | Downers Grove Gingerbread Festival | Fri – Sun, Nov 29 – Dec 1, Fri 3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m., Sat & Sun 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

A gingerbread man hunt, a gingerbread house contest, breakfast with Santa and carriage rides. Various locations in downtown Downers Grove. 630 725-0991 | Glen Ellyn Holiday Walk | Fri, Nov 29, 6 – 8:30 p.m. Watch Santa light the tree,enjoy candy and try some refreshments from popular local merchants. Downtown Glen Ellyn. www.glenellynchamber.com | Little Friends Holiday Parade of Lights | Fri, Nov 29, 7 p.m. Enjoy a holiday parade with Santa and Mrs. Claus, musical entertainment, floats and more. Various locations in downtown Naperville. www.downtownnaperville.com | Festival of Light Parade | Fri, Nov 29, 6:30 p.m.

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OUT&ABOUT

Calendar of Events

Celebrate the holiday season with the lighting up of historic Washington Square Park, with a visit from Santa, a parade, and festive decorations. Washington Square Park, 101 E Lafayette St., Ottawa. 815 434 2737 | Aurora Festival of Lights | Nov 29 – Dec 26, 5 – 9 p.m.

One of the largest outdoor drive-through holiday light displays in Northern Illinois, with more than a mile 400 festive displays, plus a singing and dancing Christmas tree, Santa’s Toy Factory, Old Man Winter, elves and reindeer and holiday trains. Phillips Park, 1000 Ray Moses Dr. Aurora.

630 256-3750 | Festival of Lights & Tree Sales | Fri – Sat, Nov 29 – Dec 30, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. A winter wonderland of twinkling lights, hot chocolate, holiday gifts and sales of Christmas trees and wreathes. Cosley Zoo, 1356 N Gary Ave., Wheaton.

630 665-5534 | Naperville Small Business Saturday | Sat, Nov 30, shop hours. Keep the holiday shopping traditions alive and support Downtown Naperville’s small businesses, filled with unique gifts and special savings. Various locations in downtown Naperville. www.downtownnaperville.com | Santa’s Craft Corner | Sat, Nov 30, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Visit with Santa, make a holiday craft and tour the zoo. Cost: $10. Cosley Zoo, 1356 N Gary Ave., Wheaton. 630 665-5534 | La Grange Small Business Saturday & Holiday Flash Sale | Sat, Nov 30, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. . La Grange shops and businesses offer sales, discounts and holiday shopping,

November 23 – January 5 ILLUMINATION Trees will glow in electrifying hues at the Morton Arboretum's annual holiday lights show, with concession tents and music on Tuesdays through Thursdays. Call 630 768-0074

and Shopper Rewards. Various locations in downtown La Grange. www.lgba.com | Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo | Sat − Sun, Nov 30 − Dec 22, and Thur - Tues, Dec 26 – 31, 10 a.m. − 9 p.m.

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With 1,000 points of light, zoo festivities also include a 20-ft-tall lit orb guests can walk through, ice-sculpting demonstrations, magic shows, live entertainment in the Holly Jolly Theater, the Talking Tree, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus,, a model train display, singing to the animals

with carolers and animal zoo chats. Cost: $22/15.

Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. 708 688-8000 | Santa House | Nov 30 – Dec 22, visit website for schedule.Visit Santa for photos and festive fun, with some nights assigned for people with special needs. Naperville Riverwalk, Jackson Ave. & Webster St., Naperville.

630 848-5000 or www.napervilleparks.org/santahouse | Mistletoe Medley | Tues, Dec 3, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

A holiday luncheon with a cash raffle, a fashion show and over 40 holiday showroom exhibitors. Cost: $85.

Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Ln., Oakbrook Terrace.

630 530-0111 | Tree Lighting at Wilder Park | Thur, Dec 5, 5:30 p.m.

Join in the holiday spirit with a festive celebration, a tree lighting and hot chocolate. Wilder Park, 175 S Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. 630 993-8900 | Cup of Cheer Holiday Market & Tea Housewalk | Thur – Fri, Dec 5 – 6, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Join the Naperville Garden Club on guided tours of four unique homes, with a holiday market, cookies, tea and a commemorative tea-cup. Cost: $55/40. www.napervillegardenclub.org

| Hinsdale Christmas Walk | Fri, Dec 6, 5 – 8 p.m.

Come for the tree lighting and stay for a kiddie express train, a cookie carousel, animated holiday characters and strolling carollers. Various locations in downtown Hinsdale. www. hinsdalechamber.com | Geneva Christmas Walk | Fri, Dec 6, 6 p.m. Enjoy the first candy cane of the season, lighting of the great tree, and Santa Clause and continue with roasted chestnuts, strolling carolers, and a live nativity. Geneva Chamber of Commerce, 8 S Third St., Geneva. 630 232-6060 | Oswego Christmas Walk | Fri, Dec 6, 5 – 8:30 p.m.

Bundle up for free Toyland Train rides, a faux ice skating rink and giant inflatable sledding hill, then stroll among the carolers and characters while enjoying ice carving demos, sumptuous food vendors, and children's crafts, games and sketch comedy skits, all along Main Street. I Main St., Oswego. www.enjoyaurora.com | Geneva Holiday House Tour | Dec 6 – 7, Fri 10 a.m.

– 8 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. An annual Holiday House Tour, featuring five homes decked with holly and festive Christmas decor, plus a holiday tea. Geneva Chamber of Commerce, 8 S Third St., Geneva. 630 232-6060 | Chris Kringle Market | Dec 6 - 8 & 13 – 15, Fri 4 – 8 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sun 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Meet Santa & Mrs Claus, chainsaw ice carving, tour the Reddick Mansion, meet live reindeer, and shop a Christmas market. Various locations in downtown Ottawa. 815 434-2737 | Spirit Village | Sat, Dec 7, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Step into the streets of Dickensian England at this holiday market, with gift shopping, live musics, crafts, an indoor petting zoo, face painting and community fellowship. Christ Church, 501 Oak Brook Rd., Oak Brook. 630 321-6784

Photos by Graham Webb

| Cocoa Crawl | Fri, Dec 6. 6 – 9 p.m. Celebrate the winter season with some toasty hot cocoa as participating venues offer samplings of hot chocolate, with a Cocoa Crawl mug available for purchase. Various locations in downtown Aurora. www.auroradowntown.org

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OUT&ABOUT

Calendar of Events

| La Grange Hometown Holiday Walk | Sat, Dec 7, 3 – 8 p.m. Get a chance to see Santa Claus ride in on a fire truck to light giant Christmas tree, with merchant open houses, live music, a petting zoo, carolers and more. Various locations in downtown La Grange. www.lgba.com | Celebrate the Season Holiday Festival | Sat, Dec 7, 1 – 7 p.m. A holiday festival with horse-drawn sleigh rides, a movie, face-painting,and story time with Mrs. Claus. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton.

630 668-5161 | Mistletoe Market | Sat, Dec 7, 1 p.m. Crafters and artists offer festive displays of holiday gifts. Visitors Center at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 668-5161 | Elgin Winter Wonderland | Sat, Dec 7, 2 p.m. Come for an indoor market, live music, a petting zoo, carriage rides and pictures with Santa. Various locations in downtown Elgin. www.elginwinterwonderland.com | Lights of Lisle | Sat – Sun, Dec 7 – 8, 4:30 p.m. Tree lighting with a Santa parade, a holiday market and a Santa train, plus ice carvings, a holiday trolley and live music. Various locations in downtown Lisle. www.villageoflisle.org | Christmas on the Farm | Sat – Sun, Dec 7 – 8, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Take a photo with Santa, sing carols around the fire, enjoy cider and cookies and learn the history of holiday traditions. Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Rd., West Chicago. 630 847-5900 | Candlelight at the Inn | Sat – Sun, Dec 7 – 8, 3 – 7 p.m. Experience the tradition of winter visits as practiced by families like the Garfield’s in their brick Inn, with music, food trucks and a live nativity scene. Garfield Farm Museum, 3N106 Garfield Rd., Campton Hills.

630 584-8485 | Holiday Cookie Walk | Sun, Dec 8, noon – 5 p.m. A Christmas take on trick or treating, where attendees are given commemorative Treat Tins to fill with cookies and other goodies from participating shops and restaurants.

Various locations in downtown Naperville. 630 544-3372 | Christmas at Pleasant Home | Sun, Dec 8, 2 p.m. A Victorian era-themed event with hot chocolate, holiday crafts and a meet-and-greet with Santa. Registration required. Cost: $13/9. Historic Pleasant Home, 217 Home Ave., Oak Park. 708 383-2654 | Winterfest Art Market | Dec 13 – 15, Fri 6 – 9 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sun 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. An art and fine craft sale with food and drinks. Water Street Studios, 160 S Water St., Batavia. 630 761-9977 | Santa Spectacular | Sat, Dec 14, 11 a.m. Face painting, balloon-twisting, pony rides and pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Various locations in downtown Burr Ridge. www.shopburrridge.com | Holiday Art & Craft Market | Dec 14 – 15, Sat 11 a.m.

- 6 p.m., Sun 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Shop for artisan holiday gifts for friends and family. Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 31st St., Oak Brook. 630 206-9566 | Home for the Holidays | Sat, Dec 21, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Horse-drawn sleigh rides, hot cocoa, a visit from Santa and a holiday movie at Lake Theatre. Various locations in downtown Oak Park. 708 383-4145

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FAMILY & GENERAL | Acorn Express Tram Tours | Through Nov 3. An hourlong tour through wetlands, prairies and woodlands. Call for times. Cost: $9/7. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. 630 968-0074 | Winter Showcase Fashion Show | Sun, Nov 3, 11 a.m.

Shop for gifts at a silent auction, enjoy a lunch and view styles presented by local boutiques. Registration required.

Cost: $45. Abbington Distinctive Banquets, 3S002 Route 53, Glen Ellyn Glen Ellyn. 630 469-0907 | The Forgotten Kingdom: Sand Stories Live | Fri, Nov 9, 7 p.m. Sand art by "America’s Got Talent" contestant Kseniya Simonova with live music by the Guy Mendilow ensemble. Cost: $35. Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. 847 622-0300 | Chicago Pet Show | Sat – Sun, Nov 9 – 10, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Over 100 pet-related companies come together for the weekend, with meet-and-greets with local rescues, pet product vendors and magic acts. Cost: $7. Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S Randall Rd., St. Charles. 630 385-4000 | Dennis Watkins, Magician and Mentalist | Fri, Nov 15, 8 p.m. This third-generation magician provides magical entertainment and illusions. Cost: $30/25. Theatre of Western Springs, 4384 Hampton Ave. 708 246-3380 | Christmas at the Mill Holiday Boutique | Nov 17, Sat – Sun 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. A once a year sale handmade jewelry, scarves, pottery, sketches, etchings by local artists. Graue Mill, 3800 York Rd., Brook. 630 655-2090

16 – with and Oak

| Ladies Night Out | Tues, Nov 19, 5 p.m. Grab your friends for a night of shopping, with over 20 participating vendors, as well as music, cocktails and appetizers. Cost: $20/15.

Downtown Glen Ellyn. www.glenellyn.org | Trolls Live | Nov 23 – 24 Sat – Sun 10 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.

Poppy, Branch and their friends come to life on-stage in Trolls LIVE. BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm Street, Rockford.

815 968-5222 | Holiday Movie at York Theatre: The Polar Express | Sat, Dec 14, 9:30 a.m. Hop aboard for a free showing of the popular animated holiday film, then stop by Elmhurst City Centre plaza to see the festive holiday display, take photos with Santa, listen to holiday tunes and enjoy seasonal community spirit. York Theatre, 150 N York St., Elmhurst. 630-833-1457 | LEGO Train Show | Dec 14 – 15, Sat 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sun 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. This tradition hosted by the Northern Illinois LEGO Train Club features entire city-scapes built out of the famous toy. Visitors Center at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 668-5161 | “A Christmas Carol” Radio Show | Sat, Dec 21, 3 & 5 p.m. Enjoy Charles Dickens’ classic holiday story, presented inside historic Freedom Hall as an old-time radio show. Robert R. McCormick House, at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 260-8162 | Family Fun Fest | Dec 28 – 29, Sat – Sun 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Huge inflatables and kiddie rides, 200 ft. indoor zip line, trampoline bungee jumping, petting zoo, carnival rides, games and more. Cost: $25/15. Mainstage Theater at Pheasant Run, 4051 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 584-6300

Photo courtesy of Downtown Downers Grove

November 29 – December 1 GINGERBREAD FESTIVAL Downtown Downers Grove's annual holiday celebration includes free carriage rides plus a variety of gingerbread-related activities. Call 630 725-0991 or go to www.downtowndg.org

KIDS | Gnome Hunt | Daily, Nov 1 – 30, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The animals may be hibernating, but gnomes can be discovered throughout the Children’s Garden, where visitors may join the hunt! The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. 630 719-2468 | James and the Giant Peach Jr. | Nov 1 – 3, Fri –Sat 7 p.m., Sun 6 p.m. Performed by children and teens, based on Roald Dahl’s tale, this musical by award-winning duo Pasek & Paul brings the story to stage. Cost: $15/12. Vero Voce Theater, 3755 East Main St., St. Charles. 630 584-0139 | Disney's Aladdin, Jr. | Nov 8 – 9, Fri 10 a.m. & 7 p.m.

Sat 2 & 6 p.m. Christian Youth Theatre brings an adaptation of the classic tale to the stage with expanded characters, new songs, and more thrills. Cost: $17/13. Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. 847 516-2298 | The Legend of Hercules | Nov 15 – 17, Fri – Sat, 7:30 p.m. Sun 2 p.m. The Children’s Theatre of Elgin brings the Greek myth to life on stage with lyrics adapted to today's hit music. Cost: $12/10. Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. 847 516-2298 | Pete the Cat | Fri, Nov 15, 9:45 & 11:30 a.m., 7 p.m.

Theatreworks USA stages a show for young children featuring a blue cat who takes his friend, the most organized second grader on earth, on an adventure, where they both learn something new about inspiration.

Cost: $20/14. Belushi Performance Hall at McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. 630 942-4000 | Model Railroad Madness! | Sat, Nov 16, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

All aboard for a day full of model train fun where local model train enthusiasts and collectors from Chicagoland T-Trak show their innovative track layouts and share how model trains work. Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E Park Ave., Elmhurst. 630 833-1457 | A Christmas Carol | Nov 29 – Dec 3, Mon – Sat (call for

schedule). Created for young audiences, this production of Charles Dickens classic tale tells a heartwarming story that will put kids in the holiday spirit. Cost: $75/60.

Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Ln., Oakbrook Terrace.

630 530-0111 | Santa’s Craft Corner | Saturdays, Nov 30, Dec 7 & 14, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Visit Santa, make a craft or two and tour the zoo. Cosley Zoo, 1356 N Gary Ave, Wheaton.

630 665-5534 | Holly The Elf Saves Xmas Eve | Dec 6 – 8, Fri – Sat 7:30 p.m., Sat 3 p.m., Sun 1 p.m. Santa, the reindeer, and all the caribou who live in the North have come down with a nasty case of the Candy Cane Flu. Mainstage Theater at Pheasant Run, 4051 East Main Street, Saint Charles.

630 584-6300 | Mrs. Claus! A Holiday Musical | Dec 11 – 22, Mon – Fri 10:30 a.m., Sat – Sun, 1 p.m. Chicago Kids Company presents a holiday musical. Cost: $18/14. Mainstage Theater, 4051 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 584-6300

HOME & GARDEN | Workshop: Forcing Flower Bulbs for Indoor Blooms | Sun, Nov 3, 9 a.m. Bring your garden indoors over winter by learning to force potted flower bulbs such as daffodils, tulips and hyacinths. Registration required. Cost: $50.

Cantigny Greenhouse, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton.

630 260-8162 | Weed Ladies Winter Floral Design Sales | Nov 7 – 10, Thur – Sat 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sun 1– 4 p.m. Creative seasonal arrangements made with silk and dried florals.

Naper Settlement, 523 S Webster St., Naperville.

630 420- 6010 | 11th Annual Heritage Farm Artisan Craft & Food Fair | Nov 9 – 10, Sat 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Sun 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

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Calendar of Events

Photo courtesy of House Theatre of Chicago

OUT&ABOUT

Browse crafts and food items at three locations on the farm, with jewelry, soaps, crafts, hams, coffee and more. Heritage Prairie Farm, 2N308 Brundige Rd., Elburn. 630 443-5989 | Holiday Open House | Nov 16 – 17, Sat 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sun, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. A weekend of tasty treats, festive decorations and holiday spirit. The Growing Place, 25W471 Plank Rd., Naperville. 630 355-4000 | Christmas at the Mill | Sat – Sun, Nov 16 – 17, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Local artists sell handcrafted decorations, jewelry, pottery and knitted items. Graue Mill and Museum, York & Spring Rd., Oak Brook. 630 655-2090 | Shades of Crimson: Poinsettia Display & Sale | Fri, Nov 22, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Enjoy a sea of over 15 varieties of festive poinsettia, with 3,000 plants ready to buy. Cantigny Greenhouse, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 260-8162

THE NUTCRACKER BY HOUSE THEATRE OF CHICAGO

Wor th Going Downtown For Jerry Seinfeld Fri – Sat, Nov 1– 2, 7 & 9:30 p.m. America’s premier comedian performs his signature stand-up routine.

Chicago Theatre, 175 N State St. 312 462-6300 Dance Chicago Nov 2 – 17. An annual dance festival featuring 250 performing groups and 2,500 artists spanning a variety of genres. Cost: $31/18. Athenaeum Theatre. 2936 N Southport Ave. 773 935-6875 Hozier Nov 3 – 4, Sun – Mon, 8 p.m. Irish musician, singer, and songwriter performing chart topping hits and songs from his newest album "Wasteland Baby."

Cost: $265/60. Chicago Theatre, 175 N State St. 312 462-6300 Penn & Teller Fri, Nov 8, 8 p.m.

American magicians and entertainers noted for their ongoing act that combines elements of comedy with magic.

Cost: $80/44. Chicago Theatre, 175 N State St. 312 462-6300 The Nutcracker Nov 8 – Dec 29.

A ballet-free, improv adaptation of the holiday classic, featuring puppetry and original songs. The House Theatre of Chicago. Cost: $50/30. Chopin Theatre, 1543 W Division. 773 769-3832 House Theatre of Chicago: The Nutcracker Thur – Sun, Nov 8 – 29 A no-ballet, all-comedy version of the holiday favorite. Cost: $50/20.

Chopin Theatre, 1543 W Division St. 773 769-3832

Chicago Sinfonietta: Diwali, Love + Light Mon, Nov 11, 7:30 p.m. A music and dance concert celebrating the heritage of India's festival of light, with worldclass violinist Dr. L. Subramaniam.

Cost: $62/10. Symphony Center, 220 S Michigan Ave. 312 284-1554 Christkindlmarket Nov 15 – Dec 24. An authentic outdoor market with vendors from all around the world. Daley Plaza, 50 W Washington St. 312 494 - 2175 A Christmas Carol Nov 16 – Dec 29. Charles Dickens’ classic tale infused with flying ghosts, song and dance. Cost: $129/35.

Goodman Theatre, 170 N Dearborn St. 312 443-3800 Cher Wed, Nov 27, 7:30 p.m.

Legendary multi-award winning entertainer performs with opening acts Nile Rodgers and Chic. Cost: $500/47. United Center, 1901 W Madison St. 312 455-4500 ‘Twas the Night Before…by Cirque du Soleil Nov 29 – Dec 8, Fri 2 & 8 p.m., Sat 1, 4 and 8 p.m.

Sun noon, 3 & 6 p.m. An acrobatic spin on the holiday classic. Chicago Theatre, 175 N State St. 312 462-6300 Joffrey Ballet’s The Nutcracker Nov 30 – Dec 29. Wheeldon's acclaimed turn-of-the-century tale told in dance by Chicago's foremost ballet company. Cost: $174/40. Auditorium Theatre, 50 E Ida B. Wells Dr. 312 386-8905

Celine Dion Sun, Dec 1, 7:30 p.m. One of the superstars of pop music performs as part of her Courage World Tour. Cost: $500/47. United Center, 1901 W Madison St. 312 455-4500 Julie Andrews Tues, Dec 10, 7:30 p.m. Award winning actress shares experiences from her early days and her book Home Work: A Memoir of My Hollywood Years.

Cost: $149/58. Chicago Theatre, 175 N State St. 312 462-6300 CSO: Merry, Merry Chicago Dec 14 – 23. A holiday-themed performance of festive favorites featuring members of the Chicago Symphony Chorus and special guests. Cost: $150/55.

Symphony Center, 220 S Michigan Ave. 312 294-3000 The Light in the Piazza Dec 14 – 29. Renée Fleming stars in a Adam Guettel's musical of young love in Italy. Cost: $219/49. $279/49. Lyric Opera of Chicago, 20 N Wacker. 312 827-5600 The Phantom of the Opera Dec 18 – Jan 5. Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit show. Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W Randolph St. 312 462-6300 Brett Eldredge Dec 20 – 21, Fri – Sat 8 p.m. The country music star brings his Christmas album, "Glow" and sings holiday favorites.

Chicago Theatre, 175 N State St. 312 462-6300

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| Wreath or Porch Pot | Saturdays, Nov 23 in Naperville & 30 in Aurora, 1 p.m. Create your own one-of-kind 20” wreath or 13” porch pot with the help of our designers. Cost: $55 The Growing Place, 2000 Montgomery Rd., Aurora and 25W471 Plank Rd., Naperville. 630 355-4000 | Thanksgiving Centerpiece Workshop | Mon, Nov 25, 6:30 p.m. Create a holiday arrangement from fresh flowers and greenery, with expert instruction from Joyce Grattoni, AIFD. Registration required. Cost: $50/45. Cantigny Greenhouse, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 260-8162 | Firefly Market | Nov 30 – Dec 1, Sat 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sun, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Visit to a "handmade" market with more than 100 small businesses from across the Midwest and shop for one-of-a-kind gifts. Cost: $6/5. DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Rd., Wheaton. www.fireflycandlemarket.com

FOOD & DRINK | Wheaton 11th Annual Chili Cook-Off | Sat, Nov 2, 1 – 5 p.m. Chili lovers enjoy samples of recipes, plus a scavenger hunt. Cost: $22/10. Downtown Wheaton Association, 108 E Wesley Street, Wheaton. 630 682-0633 | Art & Wine Walk | Sat, Nov 2, 2 – 8 p.m. Guests will enjoy samples of wine, appetizers and art at each participating business along the way, with an opportunity to view great art while also doing some holiday shopping. Cost: 35/30.

Various locations in downtown Ottawa. 815 434 2737 | DuPage Pads: Wake Up Your Spirit Breakfast | Wed, Nov 6, 7 – 8:30 a.m. Chris Norton shares his story as a college athlete who made a miraculous recovery from a spinal cord injury, with a gourmet breakfast to help solve homelessness.

Cost: $50/45. Abbingdon Distinctive Banquets, 3S002 Route 53, Glen Ellyn 630 682-3846 | Buddy Holly Tribute Lunch | Wed, Nov 6, 11:30 a.m. A three-course lunch followed by a tribute performance of the music of Buddy Holly. Cost: $34. St. Andrews Golf and Country Club, 2241 Route 59, West Chicago.

630 231-3100 | Battlefield to Table Dinner | Fri, Nov 8, 6 p.m. Guest chef JD Kammes, a 1st Infantry Division veteran who cooks alongside Chef Kammes and tells stories of his experiences. Registration required. Cost:$110. Le Jardin at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 668-5161

| Brew It Forward | Sat, Nov 9, 1 p.m. Support Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans, with beer tastings, food, storytelling and hot chocolate. Cost: $10/3. Tank Park at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton.

630 668-5165 | IllumiBrew at The Morton Arboretum | Fri, Nov 22, 5:30 – 10 p.m. Come to the opening night of the Arboretum's seasonal Illuminations with beer tastings along the trails. For ages 21 and up. Cost: $60/25. The Morton Arboretum, The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle.

630 768-0074 | Mothertruckin’ Beer Fest | Sat, Nov 23, 11 a.m. Craft beers and food trucks, with live music. Cost: $100/45.

Sears Centre Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Pkwy., Hoffman Estates. 847 649-2222 | Suzette’s Christmas Tea | Nov 27 – Dec 31, Mon – Sat 2:30 p.m., Sun 1 p.m. Enjoy a time-honored holiday tradition with Suzette’s three-course tea. Cost: $52/16.

Suzette’s Crêperie, 211 W Front St., Wheaton. 630 462-0898 | Thanksgiving Day Brunch | Nov 28, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Leave the cooking to Drury Lane this year and enjoy a meal full of traditional favorites. Cost: $65/15. Lucille Restaurant, 100 Drury Ln., Oakbrook Terrace. 630 530-8300 | Teddy Bear Tea | Fri, Nov 29, 9:30 a.m. & noon. Come for a visit from Ole St. Nick and a teddy bear to take home for Christmas. Cost: $25/23. Rialto Square Theatre, 15 E Van Buren St., Joliet. 815 726-7171 | Breakfast with Santa | Saturdays, Nov 30, Dec 7, 14 & 21. 11 a.m. Meet Santa and make your own doughnuts then sip hot chocolate from the build-your-own hot cocoa bar. Cost: $30/20. Lucille Restaurant, 100 Drury Ln., Oakbrook Terrace. 630 530-8300 | Drury Lane Brunch with Santa | Sundays, Dec 1, 8, 15 and 22, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Enjoy eggnog, hand-carved prime rib and other holiday favorites while getting your picture taken with Santa. Cost: $60/15. Lucille Restaurant, 100 Drury Ln., Oakbrook Terrace. 630 530-8300 | Breakfast with Santa in Downers Grove | Sundays, Dec 1 & 8, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Breakfast with plenty of photo ops with Santa is served at multiple restaurants in the downtown area. Reservations required. Dec 1: Pinecone Cottage, 630 963-9130; Ballydoyle Irish Pub & Restaurant, 630 969-0600; Another Round, 630-963-0333.

Dec 8: Pinecone Cottage, 630 963-9130; Cadence Kitchen & Co. , 630 442-7631; Emmett's Brewing Co..

630 434-8500 | Breakfast with Santa | Sundays, Dec 1,8, 15 & 22, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Enjoy our enhanced breakfast buffet while taking in the festive holiday spirit, visit Santa's Workshop, decorate cookies, and leave your list with the man in the red suit. Cost: $25/13. Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E Main St., St. Charles. 630 584-6300 | Brunch with Santa | Sun, Dec 1 & 22, 10 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. Treat your little ones with face painting, balloon animals and pictures with Santa. Registration required.

Cost: $38/33. Le Jardin at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 668-8463 | Brunch with the Grinch | Sat, Dec 7 & 14, 10 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. A holiday buffet with a viewing of "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas," followed by a photo opportunity with the Grinch himself. Cost: $38/33. Red Oak

Room at Cantigny Golf, 27W270 Mack Rd., Wheaton.

630 668-8463 | Pasta Making Class | Saturdays, Dec 7 & 14, 12:30 p.m. Learn to make fresh pasta with Chef du Cuisine Brett Neubauer, with a sparkling wine greeting and a four -course family style meal after class. Che Figata, Cost: $75.

2155 CityGate Ln., Naperville. 630 579-3210 | Breakfast with Santa | Sun, Dec 8, 9:30, 9:45, 10 & 10:15 a.m. Enjoy breakfast with Christmas movies, singing carols and visiting with St. Nick. Cost: $16/11. St. Andrews Golf and Country Club, 2241 Route 59, West Chicago.

630 231-3100 | Naperville Holiday Cookie Walk | Sun Dec 8, noon.

Downtown Naperville’s annual Holiday Sweets & Treats Walk is back. Downtown Naperville. 630 544-3372 | Breakfast with Santa | Sat, Dec 14, 8:30 a.m. A morning of crafts, a magic show, pictures with Santa and a breakfast buffet. Cost: $23/15. DoubleTree by Hilton, 3003 Corporate West Drive, Lisle. 630 245-7600. | Supper with St. Nick | Fri – Mon, Dec 20 – 23, 5 p.m. A decadent buffet and a chance to snap a picture with Santa Claus. Cost: $90/60. Thornhill Education Center at The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. 630 725-2066 | New Year’s Eve Party | Tues, Dec 31, 7 p.m. Close the year with a dinner buffet, a champagne toast and party favors, plus live music from Brock & Abrams and Mike Bruccoleri. Cost: $78. St. Andrews Golf and Country Club, 2241 Route 59, West Chicago. 630 231-3100 | New Year's Eve Gala | Tues, Dec 31, 9 p.m. Ring in the new year with a five-course meal, an open bar and champagne. DoubleTree by Hilton, 3003 Corporate West Drive, Lisle. 630 245-7600

OUTDOORS | Glacial History Bike Tour | Sun, Nov 3, 9 – 11 a.m.

Learn the geologic history of the Midwest while cycling the roads of the Arboretum through rolling terrain of hills, valleys and meadows that reveal a story of glaciers and erosion over the past 15,000 years.

Cost: $20. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle.

630 968-0074 | Tree Walk & Talk | Tues, Nov 5, 11 a.m. Learn about Cantigny’s magnificent trees and enjoy the fall foliage on this guided tour led by Cantigny forester Chris Roberts.

Visitors Center, Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton.

630 668-5161 | Thanksgiving Gratitude Walk | Sat, Nov 16, 1:30 p.m.

Contemplate what you’re grateful for on this guided walk of the grounds of the historic estate, just in time for Thanksgiving. Ages 18 and up, Registration required. Cost: $5. Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 31st St., Oak Brook.

630 206-9566 | Black Friday Guided Hike | Fri, Nov 29, 8 a.m. Skip the holiday shopping stress and enjoy a peaceful nature walk with a steaming cup of hot cocoa. Cost: $20/16. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle.

630 968-0074

CHECK US OUT ONLINE

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WEST SUBURBAN LIVING | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 37

OUT&ABOUT

Calendar of Events

SPORTS/FITNESS | 16th Annual Cantigny 5K Run/Walk | Sat, Nov 2, 7 a.m. Participate in a charitable run with all proceeds benefiting the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans.

Registration required. Cost: $20. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd, Wheaton. 630 668-5161 | Golf Turkey Shoot | Sun, Nov 3, 9:30 a.m. Tournament with a two-person best ball format, followed by lunch, drinks and prizes, including frozen turkeys for Thanksgiving dinner. Cost: $60. St. Andrews Golf and Country Club, 2241 Route 59, West Chicago.

630 231-3100 | Turkey Shoot Golf Tournament | Sat – Sun, Nov 16 – 17, 10 a.m. A festive holiday event for players at all levels, this nine-hole, cross-country scramble gives turkeys as team prizes, with the option of donating the monetary value of the bird to Naperville Parks Foundation. Registration required. Cost: $40. Sat, Naperbrook, 22204 W. 111th St., Plainfield; Sun, Springbrook, 2220 W. 83rd St., Naperville.

630 848-5060

| Reddick Mansion Candlelight Tours | Sat, Dec 6 & 13, 1 6 – 8 p.m. , Visit the mansion in all its holiday glory for special candlelight tours. Cost: $10. Reddick Mansion, 106 W Lafayette St., Ottawa, 815 434 2737

LECTURES | Food Evolution: Film Screening and Discussion | Tue, Nov 5, 7 p.m. A film screening followed by a discussion on food and the role of science in navigating global food challenges, presented in partnership with the College of DuPage Horticulture Department. | Emily Dickinson: Poet and Gardener with Author Marta McDowell | Wed, Nov 13, 7 p.m. Discover another side of poet, who was also an avid gardener and who grew flowers and exotic plants as McDowell shares excerpts of Dickinson's letters and poems. Cost: $20. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. 630 968-0074

| Brookfield Zoo Reindeer Run | Fri, Nov 29, 7 p.m. Grab your glow sticks and running shoes and enjoy a two-mile running course entirely within Brookfield Zoo. Cost: $27/22.

Brookfield Zoo, 8400 W 31st St., Brookfield 708 688-8000

| History of St. James Farm | Mon, Nov 25, 3 p.m. Kevin Davis, St. James Farm Forest Preserve researcher and volunteer, presents an overview of Cantigny’s neighbor to the south. Registration required. Robert R. McCormick House at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton.

630 260-8162

HISTORY

LITERATURE

| Leslie Goddard: It's a Wonderful Life | Sat, Nov 9, 2 p.m. The popular actress and historian tells behind-thescenes stories of the making of the classic movie and shares rare photographs, plus a screening of the movie.

Glen Ellyn History Center, 800 N Main St., Glen Ellyn.

630 469-6372

| Isak Gasi | Thur, Nov 7, 7 p.m. The former Yugoslavian/ Bosnian national canoeing team member and survivor of internment in the Luka Brcko death camp discusses Eyewitness: My Journey to The Hague, his memoir of surviving the war and being a key prosecution witness against Serb war criminals at The Hague tribunal. First Division Museum, Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 668-5161

| Paul Revere's Horse Is Missing! | Sat, Nov 9, 1 p.m.

Step back in time to the Revolutionary War in fun-filled, interactive show will generate enthusiasm for history, theatre, problem solving and teamwork. Cost: $12/10.

DuPage County Historical Museum, 102 East Wesley St., Wheaton. 630 510-4941 | On the Right Track: By Rail to Chicago & Beyond | Nov 14 – Mar 29 , Sun & Tues – Fri 1 – 5 p.m. Sat 10 a.m.

– 5 p.m. Take a journey through 170 years of railroading history in an exhibit explores how railroads carved out the suburban landscape, featuring scale models and artifacts like vintage telegraph equipment, dining car china, and a steam engine bell and whistle Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E Park Ave., Elmhurst. 630 833-1457 | Date with History: Battle of the Bulge | Thur, Nov 21, 7 p.m. Author, historian and U.S. Army Colonel (retired) Gregory Fontenot discusses “Loss and Redemption at St Vith: The 7th Armored Division in the Battle of the Bulge.” Visitor Center at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 668-5161 | Lincoln on the Gettysburg Address | Sat, Nov 23, 7 p.m. Foremost Abraham Lincoln historian and portrayer Kevin Wood presents a full-length one-man program, enhanced by projections and music of the era.

Cost: $20/15. Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Ct., Schaumburg. 847 895-3600.

| Sherri Duskey Rinker | Sat, Nov 9, 2 p.m. New York Times bestseller shares her new children’s picture book, Three Cheers for Kid McGear. Anderson’s Bookshop, 123 W Jefferson Ave, Naperville. 630 355-2665 | Neil Pasricha | Wed Nov 13, 7 p.m. Popular TED talker shares secrets to living a better life and signs his new book You Are Awesome: How to Navigate Change, Wrestle with Failure, and Live an Intentional Life. Anderson’s Bookshop, 26 S La Grange Rd., La Grange. 708 582-6353 | Christopher Kimball | Wed, Dec 4, 7 p.m. Milk Street: The New Rules is the latest cookbook from the James Beard Award-winning author. Anderson’s Bookshop, 123 W Jefferson Ave, Naperville. 630 355-2665 | Rick Beyer | Thur, Dec 5, 7 p.m. Author and documentary filmmaker Rick Beyer discusses The Ghost Army of World War II, his book on the top-secret Army unit that employed battlefield trickery to fool the enemy and gain strategic advantage. Visitors Center at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd., Wheaton. 630 668-5161 Information is as accurate as possible, but details change or events are canceled. Call to verify all information. To list an event, submit two months in advance to: Out & About, P.O. Box 111, Elmhurst, IL 60126, or wsl@westsuburbanliving.net.

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Photo by Kevin Devick of Devall Photography courtesy of bb Interiors

Setting the stage for

FestiveHoliday

BY LISA SLOAN

G AT H E R I N G S

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Photo courtesy of Linly Designs

T

he holidays and entertaining go hand in hand — who doesn’t look forward to celebrating the season with delicious food and drink in an environment that offers a feast for the senses? We’ve gathered advice from suburban party and decorating pros to help holiday hosts and hostesses plan an event sure to delight all in attendance.

BLOOMS, BOUGHS, BERRIES AND BRANCHES Set the stage for your soiree at the front door — with decorated urns or other vessels, wreaths and lights to greet guests — then carry the look on into the house.

One of the best ways to stylishly facilitate the transition indoors is with staircase garlands, says Janet Linly of Linly Designs in Clarendon Hills. “They are the first holiday element you see when you enter a home. Garlands can completely transform the feel of a space and give a house an instant holiday atmosphere.”

Fragrant evergreens, a holiday essential, will typically last indoors for several weeks. Pine, cedar, eucalyptus, juniper and balsam are the most aromatic, especially when combined. Depending on where and for what you plan to use them, check with your florist for advice on selecting the best types.

While they won’t contribute a pine aroma, some of today’s faux greens look virtually identical to the real thing, and can easily be used alongside their fresh counterparts.

You may even be able to enlist your florist to help freshen up permanent pieces you already have, such as wreaths, with new ribbons, bows, lighting and trims.

Flowering bulbs, such as tulips, along with hydrangeas, roses and poinsettias in new colors and shapes are predicted to adorn many arrangements this season. Succulents, which continue to be popular year-round, are another great option for filling containers, from rustic boxes to delicate dishes. With their variety of shapes and colors, they can be easily integrated into a holiday theme, says Cyndi Weber, manager of the La Grange Park location of Phillip’s Flowers & Gifts.

Other unique natural elements will also continue to be sought after this year. Weber predicts curly willow, seed pods and pampas grass to figure in this year’s indoor and outdoor displays. “Anything to contribute a woodsy,

outdoor feeling and texture,” she says.

Fruits also make long-lasting additions to arrangements, wreaths, garlands and more. From pomegranates to pears and pineapples, fruit has been incorporated into holiday decor since Colonial times.

While lightweight faux fruits might work best for especially large pieces, fresh produce can be used for many arrangements and can be easily changed out as needed for extended display. And clove-studded fruits (oranges, limes and other citrus work especially well) can last a few fragrant weeks or more.

As an alternative to a large centerpiece for the dining table, Andrew Parravano, owner of Andrew’s Garden in Wheaton, encourages clients, especially those with high ceilings, to consider aiming higher. He has even used the technique in his own home. “You can have an arrangement suspended up off the table, or, if you have the space, with elongated pieces that hang down canopy style. Then you can load up the table with candles and small coordinating arrangements. It’s a huge ‘wow’ effect.”

For those who wish to have a hand in making their floral decor, most florists and even some garden centers will assist with selecting bunches of material to purchase for DIY creations. Some even offer workshops in which you pay for materials and learn to create an arrangement. Andrew’s Garden for example, has several upcoming centerpiece classes in November and December.

Another option is to work with a florist for statement pieces, such as centerpieces, wreaths and outdoor containers, but put together some smaller details that tie in to the same look, like buffet table and bar embellishments or table accents.

CREATIVE COLORS While there’s no disputing the season’s association with red and green, many other color palettes are coming into play, and these can be employed to equally festive effect, whether you’re seeking rustic appeal, a touch of elegance or a modern viewpoint.

Ian Essex, a lead designer for bb Interiors in Geneva, says its design team enjoys putting a fresh spin on traditional holiday decor. “When we think of Christmas and the holidays, we think of the glistening snow and the warmth from the fire,” he says.

“That’s why we love decorating for the holidays with whites, golds, champagnes and a soft touch of cohesive color throughout the home.”

Linly agrees that “over the past few years neutral and monochromatic colors of silver, champagne and gold have been very

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FESTIVE HOLIDAY GATHERINGS

Tiny Touches Key decorating spots are the entry, stairway, family room, mantel and dining room, but here are five other places where you can add a spot of holiday charm.

• Decorate a tiny live tree for the guest room.

Gift it to your guests or plant it in the spring.

• Display a rosemary tree or bay leaf or lemon leaf wreaths in the kitchen.

• Place a small coordinating arrangement

Photo courtesy of Linly Designs

or bouquet in the first-floor powder room.

sought after. What’s been exciting is to introduce accents of jewel tones into the color palette each year — we’ve done blue, rose gold, amber, etc.,” she says, adding that this year’s accent color is emerald green.

Parravano says that requests for a greater variety and mix of colors are overtaking traditional floral choices as well. “They want something with a holiday feel that doesn’t look like things their parents did,” he says, offering the example of a rich wine red paired with rose gold or gold and complemented with blush tones and seasonal textures.

Weber agrees, noting she thinks navy blue paired with gray or silver and frost pomegranate will be a trending floral palette for this year.

PERSONALIZED PICKS As is the case for home decor in general, mixing and matching pieces and styles can work for the holidays as well. It’s a time of year that embodies nostalgia, so it makes sense to incorporate heirlooms or vintage goods into your displays, giving them a distinctively personal touch.

“Christmas is about family, and we get many people who bring in a vintage container that belonged to their mother or grandmother to use as the basis of an arrangement,” says Weber.

Parravano describes the latest holiday decorating trends as “creativity individualistic.” For example, he has customers who seek to have everything from an antique dough bowl to a ram’s horn on a pedestal to serve as a centerpiece container. “People are asking for things that are outside of the box. We’ve seen an interest in more unique and personalized designs than in the past,” he says.

Of course, incorporating more recently acquired treasures into your holiday vignettes is also a way to express your personal style.

• Adorn every window with an ornament suspended from ribbon or a tiny lighted wreath.

• Tuck a sprig of seasonal greens into each cloth napkin or use lemon leaves as place cards.

“Adding a few new pieces each year, and disposing of the tired ones helps keep things fresh,” says Essex, noting that bb Interiors is known for distinctive items such as handcrafted glass Simon Pearce trees and handmade Santas embellished with vintage treasures made by local artisan Dee Gann.

Simple but classic, “Candles are a great addition to any space,” says Linly. “A candle not only provides a type of ambient light but it also creates a great holiday atmosphere,” she explains, adding that placing silk garlands around the bases of lamps or bows on chandeliers are other easy ways to add a touch of Christmas spirit in every room of the home.

GOOD SCENTS In addition to making sure your home is visually appealing to your guests, don’t overlook the opportunity to welcome them with enticing aromas. Of course, your greenery and florals will contribute to that and you may also include scented candles or potpourri throughout the entertaining space, but there are other ways to introduce aromatic elements.

“Culinary aromatherapy is big,” says David Miller, owner of Chef by Request, a catering service based out of Lisle. ”When guests come in, we want them to be engaged by the aroma.

We want them to say, ‘Wow, what is that?’ and seek it out.”

Miller says such “aroma decor” might include mulling cider in the kitchen or even tucking a heated pot full of mulling spices, berries and oranges within a food station hidden amid stones or decor. At a carving station, he might include a pan sizzling with fresh garlic cloves or steeped rosemary. For a similar effect, you might sauté garlic and spices and walk the pan around the party space before guests arrive. “This will throw out a scent that will waft through the air,” he explains. “It lures people in and relaxes

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Entryway staircase garlands can provide a home with an immediate holiday ambiance.

them and really makes them feel like they are walking into a holiday party.”

Photo courtesy of Linly Designs

RAISE THE BAR Be the toast of the town with creative liquid refreshments, both alcoholic beverages and alcohol-free drinks. While some might go with a standard bar or stick to a selection of wine and beer, you can up your game with a customized drink station or signature cocktail.

Miller says that a customized drink station can offer the flexibility for both alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.

For example, you might have mulled cider, with bourbon or Grand Marnier as add-ons, or a champagne station with various juices, such as pomegranate and cranberry, as well as accoutrements like lavender rock candy stir sticks. “One thing people really like is our Santa’s Little Helper hot cocoa bar, with cocoa, homemade marshmallows and candy canes. If you have kids there, you can keep the alcohol bottles off the table and have servers who offer the adults two-ounce chocolate cups full of Baileys or peppermint schnapps.”

Photo courtesy of Linly Designs

TASTY BITES Indulgent treats and delectable appetizers can be among the most memorable elements of a successful party, which is why choosing the right food is typically at the top of most party-planners lists.

Currently, Miller says, traditional foods are making a comeback. “The trend for awhile was super contemporary, but now we’re seeing more comfort foods, but in cute little grab and go versions. You might have mashed potatoes in a martini

Since the kitchen tends to be a natural gathering place for guests, it can also be a good, though often neglected, room for holiday decor.

glass, a small cast iron pan with potatoes and chicken ragout or ramekins of chicken pot pie or shrimp DeJonghe.”

Sizing things down allows you to offer more different types of foods, which can be tailored to suit your budget and accommodate guests with a variety of dietary needs.

Sweets tables are still big and often feature glamorous displays and elevations of sweet desserts, such as pastries, cookies pies, crème brûlée, or croquembouche. “Nothing says holiday like a sweets table,” says Miller.

For those looking to DIY part of the party, Miller recommends hiring a catering company for the savory foods and service and providing your own dessert or wine. “You want the buffet to look uniform, not like a potluck,” he notes.

For many gatherings, it is wise to consider hiring a server or two. “People love to go to parties where food is passed. If you are social, you don’t want to make a plate and go sit down to eat. It’s more fun to grab something off a tray, pop it in, and go back to your conversation.”

Miller personally hires staff for all his events and tries to educate clients about the value of having help on hand.

Depending on the party size and number of staff, services may include cooking or finishing food on site, passing food, replenishing platters, clearing tables and removing garbage during the event, and handling setup and takedown.

“You’ll be able to enjoy your party,” he explains, “and at the end, your house is clean.” n

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ON THE JOB

for the

Holidays

Photos by Liz Lauren courtesy of Goodman Theatre

By Jay Copp

A shout-out to those who find purpose, passion and joy in working during the festive season

‘T

is the season of the tug of home. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” we hear on the radio. Our sentiments exactly. But for some, call them the lucky unlucky, it’s the workplace, notwithstanding extended hours and the stresses of commerce, customer interactions or the needs and expectations of audiences or congregants, where the joy of the season fully resonates.

CHRISTMAS CAROLING During the holidays, day after day and often twice a day, Malcolm Ruhl hangs out with a miserly, grouchy businessman,

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The holidays are especially busy for Malcolm Ruhl of Elk Grove Village (above and top playing accordion), music director of “The Christmas Carol” at Goodman Theatre in Chicago.

Photos courtesy of Bob Hildreth

a wee lad with a crutch and three nettlesome souls, full of unsolicited yet indispensable advice. Ruhl is the music director for “A Christmas Carol” at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago.

Ruhl coordinates the music that is part of some scenes in the play and also performs as a musician in the scenes. So from Nov. 16 to Dec. 29, for 52 shows, he commutes from his residence in Elk Grove Village to Chicago. When there is both a matinee and an evening performance, between shows he scarfs down the dinner he brings, pulls out his laptop to work on other shows he’s involved with and even rushes out of the Loop theater to do a little Christmas shopping.

One year, when his role with a second show was particularly demanding, he sometimes had to take the El to the Apollo Theater in Lincoln Park between his two performances at the Goodman so he could duly monitor “Million Dollar Quartet.”

But don’t cry for him, Chicago.

“It’s true everyone else is being entertained and is enjoying their free time. But the great thing is I’m doing a Christmas show, as opposed to another show. So I’m still working, but I’m celebrating the season, too,” says Ruhl, part of the show for 15 years.

In fact, the seasonal lessons of “A Christmas Carol” that makes it such an enduring classic for audiences also resonates with Ruhl, even as he helps deliver that message on stage.

“Scrooge’s journey is from an emotionally repressed place. He’s focused on money. So many people in London at that time were miserable. He didn’t want to be miserable.

“His journey is one where he sees the world from a different perspective. He sees what life is like for other people.

The show tells that story as much as for me as it does for the audience. It’s so easy to accept an oversimplified version of the world, to not see the bigger picture.

“Santa Bob” Hildreth of Elgin plays Santa at upwards of 50 holiday events, often accompanied

by Mrs. Claus, his wife, Carol.

So many people have it worse than I do.

I don’t want to pity them but understand and connect with them.”

In the spirit of the season, the cast is able to forge a close-knit camaraderie during the show’s run. “A lot of the cast is returning, and it feels like family. It’s like Thanksgiving where you get back together.

For the people new to the show, they’re like the people at Thanksgiving you meet for the first time,” says Ruhl.

A cast tradition, once attended by the musicians but now open to the other actors, is an informal “jam session” in the mezzanine after a couple of the Sunday shows.

Not surprisingly, music also is a part of the holiday festivities at the Ruhl home.

After the Christmas Eve show, family and friends gather there, and Ruhl plays carols and other songs on the piano.

Ruhl’s wife attends the opening show, and their two children, now adults, once gladly attended the show. Maddi, 29, no longer is in the audience — his grown child is now on stage playing the flute in some scenes. “That combines the personal and professional. I never thought I’d get to do that.

It doesn’t get any better than that,” says Ruhl.

Or maybe the one time it does get even better is when a performance of “A Christmas Carol” is tailored to people with autism and other challenges, as the Goodman does each year. The lights are not as bright. The sounds are not as loud.

The ghosts are not quite so scary.

“Normally it’s hard to see the impact on the audience,” says Ruhl. “But during this curtain call I can see the people in the audience, and I know some of the parents never expected to take their children to a show.

They have tears in their eyes.”

TOY JOY A kid in a candy store?

That hardly compares to a kid in a toy store. Just ask Cindy Militz, the manager at Anderson’s Toyshop in Naperville. “They’re so excited to come here. Their eyes just light up,” she says.

That seasonal excitement is lit like a fuse in the shop from the beginning of October, when Christmas shoppers first appear, to Christmas Eve. The joy of her role in gift giving easily offsets the demands of working retail.

“It can be stressful at times. I’ve had other retail jobs. But I really love this job,” says Militz, who also once taught preschool.

“I love Christmas. I love kids. We have very nice customers. There’s just a very good atmosphere here.”

The toy shop is set up not only

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for buying but also for playing. Younger children flock to the Thomas the Tank toys. Older children like to dig their hands into the Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty and Mad Mattr, modeling dough. An inviolable rule of the universe for children — don’t touch — is delightfully suspended here.

The shop sounds and looks like Christmas this time of year. Christmas music plays. A decorated tree glistens under the lights. Workers wear elf caps.

Parents who shop here are encouraged to join the fun — they’re given a clipboard with a List for Santa sheet attached to it.

It’s not unusual for parents to slyly buy gifts while their younger children are preoccupied with a toy in the store. “We’re good at hiding it all behind the counter,” says Militz.

Instead of electronic toys, the toy shop features aisles of educational toys, as well as traditional board games such as Monopoly, more contemporary games such as Rubik’s Race and perennial favorites such as LEGO and Playmobil.

A hot toy this year is Gravitrax, a modular track system for designing and building marble runs. Star Wars and Harry Potter LEGOs continue to fly off the shelves.

Opened in 2016, the shop is a sister store of Anderson’s Bookshop, located one store away. Despite selling toys for three years, Militz is a full and eager participant in holiday activities. She squeezes in visits to the holiday light shows at the Morton Arboretum and Brookfield Zoo. “I do as much as I can. The more the better,” she says.

Militz’s children are grown, but she still buys them stuffed animals and games.

She also fields a steady stream of questions from not only customers but also family and friends on what a 3-year-old or whomever would like. She’s happy to oblige. “I’m very impressed with the toys today,” she says. “I wish they had them when I was little.”

PREACHING WHAT SHE PRACTICES With three children between the ages of 11 and 16, Tracey Bianchi knows Christmas as a busy season. But it’s

Photo by Jennifer Finlen courtesy of Anderson’s Bookshop

ON THE JOB FOR THE HOLIDAYS

While the holidays are typically very busy and can be stressful at times, Cindy Militz, manager at Anderson’s Toyshop in Naperville, loves to see the excitement in the eyes of her young customers.

especially so for her — she’s Rev. Tracey Bianchi, the worship and teaching pastor at Christ Church of Oak Brook.

Churches get especially busy around the holidays. There are more services.

The need for comfort and counseling also ratchets up as the holidays exacerbate feelings of loneliness and longing.

On Christmas Eve, Bianchi preaches at the 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. services. The congregants gather eager for an uplifting experience, an expectation of wrapping up the frenzy and excitement of the season in a crisp spiritual bow. But on Christmas morning Bianchi will serve breakfast for her parents and then later will cook dinner for her in-laws.

She also needs to be at the church far in advance of the first service.

“Sure, I’d like to be able to help my daughter put on her Christmas dress,” says Bianchi. “There is this tension we all agree to when we work for the church. It’s hard to put on your family traditions when you are serving others. It’s hard to prepare a Christmas meal when you’re exhausted,” she says.

But, ultimately, she’s happy to play

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a crucial role in helping others experience the joy of the season.

“It’s humbling. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve others, to play a part in the family traditions of others,” she says.

Being a parent — walking in the same shoes of her congregants and trying to avoid the same pitfalls — helps her ministry.

“Our family is no different. We are part of the world like everyone else,” she says.

“We get caught up in the same hullaballoo.

We have to talk about what really matters.

Do we want to spend more time together or do we really need to go to the mall to get another gift?”

Her Christmas Eve services draw a lot of young families, and, after clearing it with her children, Bianchi relates stories of her own family in her sermons. One year she talked about Christmas cards with family photos. “They present a perfect picture of the family. But behind the scenes we may be anxious and scared.

We’re looking for approval,” she preached.

Then she told the congregants about her family’s Christmas card that year. The family looked great on the slopes with their skis. But, in fact, the goggles on

OUR HOLIDAY HERO Christmas is not a job for him. It’s his genuine identity. For more than 30 years, “Santa Bob,” known to his former students as Mr. Hildreth, has gently asked children what they want under the tree and charmed adults with his folksy, genial demeanor.

He first put on the red suit as a teenager in Cicero at the request of his mom, the head of the PTA. “We need a Santa? Will you do it?” she asked him, even though he needed padding for plumpness and, of course, a white beard for facsimile.

Mom must have known something.

It was his destiny to be Santa. He “grew” into the role literally, or, shall we day, figuratively. Padding was no longer needed by the time he took on the role on a consistent basis. His hair also had turned white, and his beard came in white and fluffy. He looks so much like Santa that countless times when he’s in public in regular clothes children point and their jaws drop.

Santa Bob always knows what to say.

“Why are you here?” a child at a store or restaurant will stammer. “I’m making sure everything is OK.” Or, he says, “You know about the list and checking it twice? This is No. 1.”

Santa Bob, whose second home is in Elgin, also often passes out a wooden coin that says either “Caught being good” or “True believer.” He asks the child what he or she wants for Christmas and tells the child to place the coin under the tree, as the parent listens in and quickly figures out what to purchase before Dec. 25.

Bob Hildreth worked as a teacher and principal in Cicero, St. Charles, Lyons and

Blue Island before retiring in 2013. He formerly lived in Downers Grove. During the holidays, his home is “decorated from top to bottom,” including no less than four trees, says Carol, his wife.

Santa Bob works about 50 events a year including a summer gig in the 4th of July parade for Hinsdale. He visits children’s hospitals, retirement centers and park districts. He’s the main attraction of Polar Expresses and straps on blades for Skate with Santa. He poses with pets for a fundraiser for the Elgin police department and hops on a red Harley with a S. Claus license plate for the ABATE Toy and Food Run in Elburn.

at Marshall Field’s. They always took two cars so gifts were under the tree when they arrived home.

Once two of their children somehow “caught” Santa in the act, glimpsing his backside as he placed the gifts under the tree. The children hurried to tell their parents. By the time they got to Dad, there he was still snoozing on the couch.

It’s the children they meet outside the home that make Christmas special for Santa Bob and Mrs. Claus. One year, at Shriner’s Children Hospital in Chicago, they met 9-year-old “Amy,” who had been at the hospital most of her life. “She really, really wanted glitter slime,” recalls Santa

Photo courtesy of Christ Church of Oak Brook

one of her children hid the torrent of tears that had erupted.

Christmas is often misunderstood, says Bianchi. It’s not a magical day that eliminates problems or sorrows. It is a gift of hope and consolation. “The Christmas story is not about Jesus coming into the world, and everything is now great,” she says. “It’s about Him being with us in our pain.”

Preaching at multiple services on Christmas Eve while managing family responsibilities at home can be exhausting, acknowledges Rev. Tracey Bianchi of Christ Church of Oak Brook, but its well worth the opportunity to help congregants experience the true joy of the season.

Mrs. Claus, conveniently played by Carol, is often at his side. She’s especially needed when young children shriek and cry at the sight of the strange-looking fellow in the red suit. “I say, ‘Go to grandma.’ They’re not afraid of her,” explains Santa Bob. Mr. and Mrs. Claus were also scheming partners years ago when it came to their four children. The family spent Christmas Day downtown seeing the Loop Christmas windows and feasting in the Walnut Room

Bob. So she got it that day. But she soon gave it to another girl who was crying because there was no glitter slime left.

Those kinds of experiences, that spirit of generosity, inspires even the person who epitomizes gift-giving. “We need to always remember the real reason for Christmas,” says Santa Bob. “We need to pray and help one another. We’re all in this together, no matter our race, color or creed. Let’s enjoy life and take care of each other.” n

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SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

W E S T

S U B U R B A N

L I V I N G ’ S

Holiday GIFT GUIDE Leading area retailers share some of their best gift-giving suggestions

A WIDE RANGE OF GIFT-GIVING ITEMS! We have very unique items in every category for this gift giving season: USA-made clothing, artisan jewelry, purses, belts, and other accessories, home decoration objects, mixed media art, Artemisia gift cards, and cute stocking stuffer ideas!

ARTEMISIA 101 S. 3rd St., Geneva, 630 262-0249 www.artemisiastyle.com

LOCKETS FROM BRIGHTON Get your lockets personalized in-store for the Holidays DEAN’S CLOTHING 226 S. Main St., Naperville. 630 355-3007 www.deansclothing.com

NEW THOMAS KINKADE HERO’S HOLIDAY BOUQUET Share the magic of the season with this radiant holiday centerpiece featuring a hand-painted Kinkade fire station collectible. Two gifts in one! Item #9X205.

PHILLIP’S FLOWERS Local and nationwide delivery by Phillip’s Flowers in Elmhurst, Hinsdale, La Grange, Lombard, Naperville, Westmont and Wheaton. Call 630 719-5200 or visit www.PhillipsFlowers.com.

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Holiday GIFT GUIDE

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

ART AND CUSTOM FRAMING Art and custom framing make the perfect holiday gift. Let us help you create an unforgettable memory.

PROUD FOX FRAME SHOP AND GALLERY 213 W. State St., Geneva 630 262-8797 www.proudfoxgallery.com

ANGEL EYES EYE CREAM If an eye cream could change your life this would be it!

Experience unmatched hydrating results with Angel Eyes eye cream from PERICH Skincare & Makeup.

THE GNOME COLONY CO. 485 N. Main St., Glen Ellyn, 630 793-5284 www.MichaelPerich.com

DOWNTOWN NAPERVILLE GIFT CARDS Give the gift that allows them to choose with a Downtown Naperville gift card! For use at over 165 shops, restaurants and spas in Downtown Naperville. New designs to choose, including holiday, any-occasion or birthday. No fees to purchase. May be purchased in person or online and mailed to you or a lucky recipient.

DOWNTOWN NAPERVILLE ALLIANCE Main Street Promenade, 55 S. Main St., Suite 351, Naperville 630 544-3367 or www.downtownnaperville.com

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THE GIFT OF MASSAGE The perfect gift for everyone on your list, relaxation and rejuvenation — hand delivered. Stop by, call or visit our website for a variety of gift card specials.

ELEMENTS MASSAGE GENEVA 507 S. 3rd St. • 630 232-7335 www.elementsmassage.com/geneva

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

Holiday

GIFT GUIDE

COSLEY ZOO GIFT MEMBERSHIPS GIVE A GIFT THAT LASTS ALL YEAR LONG Starting at $59, a Cosley Zoo family membership makes the perfect holiday gift. Or upgrade your membership for an extra $10 and receive a Cosley Zoo ornament plus three extra months of benefits. Members receive free Cosley Zoo admission and free or discounted admission to more than 160 other zoos and aquariums, animal feedings, behind-the-scenes access, event discounts and more.

Join at cosleyzoo.org/get-involved.

COSLEY ZOO 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton • www.cosleyzoo.org

NEW CLASSIC HOLLY ORNAMENT BOUQUET Send festive wishes near or far with this delightful bouquet of fresh holiday flowers nestled in a new hand-glazed, keepsake ornament bowl. Item #9X405.

PHILLIP’S FLOWERS Local and nationwide delivery by Phillip’s Flowers in Elmhurst, Hinsdale, La Grange, Lombard, Naperville, Westmont and Wheaton.

Call 630 719-5200 or visit www.PhillipsFlowers.com.

GOD JUL! The 2019 Swedish Tomtes are in. Find joyful and innovative gifts with a European twist at STOCKHOLM OBJECTS. Everything from home accents to clothing and jewelry.

SO Stockholm Objects Locations: SO Hinsdale, 39 S. Washington SO La Grange, 717 W. Hillgrove SO Harbert, Michigan, 13630 Red Arrow Hwy. 630 655-0966 • www.stockholmobjects.com

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Holiday GIFT GUIDE

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

HAVEN INTERIORS STUDIO & GALLERY Gifts from the heart that will be treasured a lifetime — original oil pastels paintings

by George Shipperley, an award-winning local Fox Valley artist.

Starting at $700.

HAVEN INTERIORS STUDIO 15 S. 3rd St. Geneva, 630 402-0444 www.haveninteriorsltd.com

ERTE “NEGLIGEE, #57” BRONZE SCULPTURE Shop small this holiday at The Perfect Thing in Wheaton.

Family owned, we offer a wide selection of unique treasures, from collectibles to furniture, art and rugs. You will certainly find the perfect gift at The Perfect Thing!

THE PERFECT THING 204 W. Liberty Dr., Wheaton.

630 665-5200 www.theperfectthing.net

NEW SEND A HUG FESTIVE FRIEND BOUQUET Say “Season’s Greetings” to all with this cheery bouquet of fresh holiday blooms designed in a festive snowman mug for sipping fun all season. Item #9X505.

PHILLIP’S FLOWERS Local and nationwide delivery by Phillip’s Flowers in Elmhurst, Hinsdale, La Grange, Lombard, Naperville, Westmont and Wheaton. Call 630 719-5200 or visit www.PhillipsFlowers.com.

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GRAHAM’S SAMPLER ASSORTMENTS Santa’s Best Kept Secret!! Give the gift of chocolate with an assortment of our delicious hand-dipped confections, featuring a mix of our French ganache truffles, English toffee, creams, caramels, skalies, meltaways, cherries and more!

Celebrate deliciously this holiday season with gifts from Graham’s. Sampler Assortments $9.49 and up.

Will ship anywhere in the USA. Place your order early to ensure delivery by Christmas.

GRAHAM’S FINE CHOCOLATES & ICE CREAM Original Kitchen & Store: 302 S. 3rd St., Geneva • 630 232-6655 Wheaton Location: 119 W. Front St. Wheaton • 630 221-1199 Order online 24/7: www.grahamschocolate.com

Holiday

GIFT GUIDE

GIVE THE GIFT OF GREEN FROM THE GROWING PLACE Breathe life into your list with houseplants and Christmas cacti. Out of the ordinary gifts, decor, fresh cut trees, porch pots, wreaths and more tucked inside the Gift Shop.

THE GROWING PLACE GARDEN CENTER Two locations: 25W471 Plank Rd., Naperville. 630 355-4000 2000 Montgomery Rd., Aurora. 630 820-8088 www.thegrowingplace.com

THE OLIVE MILL Give the gift sure to please! Experience the European tradition of sampling the freshest selection of small batch and artisan extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars from all over the world! Great holiday gift ideas and tantalizing choices for entertaining.

Gift baskets, body lotions, soaps and more.

Cruets and dipping bowl sets, tapenades and gourmet dips, flavored oils and vinegars.

THE OLIVE MILL 315 James St., Geneva, 630 262-0210 or www.theolivemillstores.com

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Holiday GIFT GUIDE

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

CHRISTMAS IN DOWNTOWN WHEATON Downtown Wheaton gift certificates make the perfect gift and are accepted by all downtown shops and restaurants. Visit www.downtownwheaton.com for purchase details.

SASS-N-CLASS Wrap up your holidays! Let us help you with perfect gifts, photo cards and invitations.

SASS-N-CLASS 19 W. First St., Hinsdale 630 655-2420 or www.sass-n-class.net

THE NEW KALEIDOSCOPE CANFIELD WATCH FROM SHINOLA All That Shimmers Is Bold. Good from All Angles.

Handcrafted Shinola watches start at $500 STATE STREET JEWELERS 230 W. State St., Geneva, 630 232-2085 www.statestreetjewelers.com

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Holiday

GIFT GUIDE

ALL THINGS BEAUTIFUL FOR THE HOLIDAYS Warm your holiday season with cozy home decor, furniture, inspirational art, unique gifts, women’s apparel, stunning jewelry, candles and the latest and greatest in gifts to treat yourself or someone special.

VELVET GRACE 4025 U.S. 34, Oswego 630 636-6570 www.velvetgrace.net

MORRISON JEWELRY & GOLDSMITH STUDIO Our unique earrings are a woman’s best friend, 24/7. Become a new friend . . .

MORRISON JEWELRY & GOLDSMITH STUDIO 233 W. State St., Geneva, 630 262-0035 www.morrisonjewelry.us

TOWN HOUSE BOOKS Share the gift of a book with a child in need. Pick out a favorite book and Town House will discount it 20 percent, wrap it and deliver it to the families of our local Head Start program in time for Christmas.

TOWN HOUSE BOOKS 105 N. 2nd Ave., St. Charles. 630 584-8600 or www.townhousebooks.com

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RENNAISSANCE HOTEL & CONVENTION CENTER

PRAIRIE ARTS FESTIVAL

Schaumburg

BOOMERS STADIUM

A mecca for business, shopping and entertainment,

with diverse dining options and plenty of green space for rest and relaxation

LYNN PETRAK

A

nyone who says that retail is dead, that streaming and delivery have replaced restaurants and entertainment venues, and that corporate life is on its way out, might want to make a trek

to Schaumburg. This northwest suburb, which experienced a veritable explosion of growth in the 1970s, 80s and 90s with a plethora of new stores and office buildings, continues to be a hub of activity for all kinds of dining, shopping and entertainment pursuits. Beyond the gleaming buildings and bright signs, visitors can find quiet places and spaces for recreation, relaxation or reinvigoration.

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THE CLOCK TOWER AT TOWN SQUARE

VOLKENING HERITAGE FARM

VOLKENING LAKE

MEDIEVAL TIMES

HAVE A BALL AT THE MALL A trip to this ‘burg of a ‘burb starts with the iconic Greater Woodfield area.

Bring your good walking shoes to browse one of the biggest shopping centers in the country —the two million-sq-ft Woodfield Mall.

Do some real brick-and-mortar shopping . . . for clothing, jewelry, gifts, books, electronics, toys and more at the nearly 300 stores at Woodfield, from A (Apple) to Z (Zara). Check out the goods at chain stores and classic department stores including Macy’s, Nordstrom, J.C. Penney and some of the last Chicagoarea locations of their kind at Sears and Lord & Taylor. Pamper yourself at the many beauty stores, spas and salons inside the mall. Support a locally-owned business

on Small Business Saturday during the holiday season or any day, for that matter, at places like Fali Jewelers.

Indulge in some grub . . . after burning calories with all those steps at the recently revamped dining area on the upper level, featuring Blaze Pizza, Chill Bubble Tea, Maoz Falafel & Grill, Stan’s Donuts, Wok-a-Holic and Chipotle. (Fans of “Stranger Things” on Netflix can get a Starcourt Mall vibe by ordering a cone at Baskin-Robbins or Cold Stone Creamery.)

Sit down for a meal . . . at one of the full-service restaurants at Woodfield Mall, like Rainforest Café (entertaining for the kiddos, too), the Cheesecake Factory, Texas de Brazil or Uncle Julio’s, among many others.

Hit the streets . . . at The Streets of Woodfield. Located near Woodfield Mall, this is another shopping, dining and entertainment area that includes national chain stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods, LOFT and Crate & Barrel. Dine at one of the restaurants in this open-air mini mall community, like Shaw’s Crab House, Tokio Pub or Maggiano’s Little Italy. We all scream for the custom-ice cream sandwiches at Cream Bar.

BEYOND THE MALL Pursue other avenues for shopping and dining in this bustling ‘burb. You can board a free Woodfield Trolley that makes stops at different points in Greater Woodfield, from the mall and the Streets of Woodfield to IKEA, as well as hotel and convention center locations.

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TOWN FOCUS

Schaumburg

Shop and dine . . . as you savor Swedish meatballs right after buying a new table set at the giant, colorful IKEA. Or satisfy carnivorous cravings for steaks, burgers and other meats at Weber Grill (where you can take a class on grilling), Morton’s, Sam & Harry’s or Kuma’s Corner.

[ QUICK TAKE] • Est. 2017 population is 74,184 • Median age is 39 • Ethnic mix is 55% Caucasian; 12% Hispanic; 3% African American; 27% Asian;

Rise and shine . . . at breakfast spots like Wildberry Pancakes & Café, Checkers Pancake House or Maxfield’s Pancake House & Restaurant, to name a few.

• Median household income is $76,122

Eat your way around the world . . . courtesy of ethnically-inspired fare at restaurants that specialize in African, Asian, Latin, Italian, German, Greek, Indian, Middle Eastern and Polish foods and drinks; try the Ayamashe spicy stew at Bisi African Restaurant, for example, or sample stuffed cabbage and homemade Polish pierogi at Bacowka Restaurant.

McCool’s Irish Club, Escape Lounge & Sports Bar or Coach House Bar & Grill.

Remember why Chicago staples are so good . . . at Chicago-centric spots like Firehouse Dogs, named the best spot for hot dogs in Illinois by Travel + Leisure magazine.

Say “Cheers!” . . . at Miller’s Ale House or Granite City Food & Brewery.

Stay out late . . . and live the nightlife at hot spots like Drink, Alumni Club, Finn

• Median house value is $232,500 Sources: 2015 U.S. Census, City-Data.com and usa.com

Eat old style . . . by visiting the historic downtown district of the village near Schaumburg and Roselle Roads. You can savor the homemade German pancakes at Walker Brothers Pancake House. Once you’ve enjoyed a glimpse of Schaumburg past, try the catch of the day at Bonefish Grill or spoon a cold treat at Oberweis Ice Cream & Dairy or Menchie’s yogurt.

BRING YOUR “A” GAME It’s game-on in this suburb, with all kinds of contests and pastimes to ramp up your competitive nature.

Play to your heart’s content . . . at PAC-MAN Entertainment, designed for gamers of all ages and interests. Go old school with video games like the namesake PAC-Man as well as bowling. Nosh on decidedly grown-up beverages and foods while you’re playing, including shareable plates, entrées and desserts.

ENTERTAIN NEW IDEAS Prevent cabin fever this winter, with so much to do and see at Schaumburg’s many entertainment venues.

Chuckle, chortle, cackle or downright guffaw . . . at Chicago Improv at Woodfield Mall and the Laugh Out Loud Theatre at the Streets of Woodfield. Catch a headliner on the weekend, watch an upand-coming comic, go on a group outing or, in the case of LOL Theatre, take a class and crack up your friends.

Put it all together . . . at LEGOLAND Discovery Center, designed for kids between ages three and 10. Yes, they can build something with LEGO bricks, but they can also ride a roller coaster, watch a 4-D movie, build a test car and see it go on the track, and much more. Parents, you can listen as a LEGO master builder shares some tips, so next time you help with LEGO, you can totally crush it.

BISON’S BLUFF

a longtime attraction that stages medieval tournaments with jousting knights on horseback and hearty dinners (try the tomato bisque with the garlic bread!) that don’t require any bothersome utensils.

Eat with your hands . . . and watch a feast for the eyes at Medieval Times,

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LEGOLAND

Make another play . . . at GameWorks Schaumburg, which offers hundreds of interactive games in e-sports lounges, such as Fortnite, Super Smash Bros. or Minecraft. Try your hand at classic games like pool, darts, and air hockey.

In between the pivotal moments in your game, order up a burger or other foods featured on the menu.

Try to beat your best score . . . or compete with friends at the three-level Punch Bowl Social, whether it’s childhood favorites like foosball and Jenga or hightech virtual reality. Belt it out at karaoke, if you’re in the mood.

Launch yourself . . . at Zump!Zone, where you can bounce around inflatables, work your way through an obstacle course, or careen down a slide.

TOWN FOCUS

Schaumburg

Play ball . . . or at least watch the experts play when spring rolls around at the Schaumburg Boomers Stadium, home to the Schaumburg Boomers of the professional Frontier League. Stay for the fireworks after the game.

Build up your knowledge of architecture . . . on a tour of the seven-acre home and studio of modernist architect Paul Schweiker, constructed in 1938.

Get ready for takeoff . . . at the Schaumburg Regional Airport, which also has an on-site flight school, “Red Baron” rides in an open-cockpit bi-plane, and a popular restaurant for all ages, Pilot Pete’s.

Serve ‘em up . . . at Schaumburg Tennis Plus, a tennis and fitness club run by the Schaumburg Park District.

Pretend its summer again . . . with a dip in the pool at The Water Works, an indoor water park complete with water slides, a rapid water channel, zero depth pool and water playground.

DECK THE HALLS Ring in the holidays at happenings in Schaumburg. Begin with “Ooohs” and “aaahs” as they flip on the switch at the Village of Schaumburg Holiday Tree Lighting the day after Thanksgiving, at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts.

Step inside a world of toys . . . at LEGOLAND Discovery Center, which puts on a “Bricktacular” holiday show, where you can build a LEGO ornament.

Or stop by for the New Year’s Eve Balloon Drop (the balloons are real, not made of Legos, in case you’re wondering).

Get all the festive feels . . . at a holiday performance at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, including a Presto Holiday Concert by the Schaumburg Youth Symphony Orchestra with the Schaumburg Youth Chorus on Dec. 21, a “Celebrate the King” gospel performance on Dec. 22 or a staging of “The Nutcracker” between Dec. 6 and 15 by the Schaumburg Dance Ensemble.

HEED NATURE’S CALL

AL LARSON PRAIRIE CENTER FOR THE ARTS

lectures that are part of an ongoing series, like a program on the history of ladies’ hats on Nov. 10 and another on the fascinating role that Edith Wilson played in her husband’s presidency. Stick around in 2020 for Black History Month programs, a student film fest and Senior Follies, among a variety of other programs.

Take a stroll . . . through the Chicago Athenaeum International Sculpture Park on the grounds of the art center and take in the sight of contemporary sculptures from several American artists.

JOIN THE CULTURE CLUB

Rediscover America . . . and experience the only Native American-owned and operated arts institution in the state, the Trickster Art Gallery in downtown Schaumburg. Learn about Native American history and culture through exhibits devoted to a range of topics. On Veterans Day, discover the contributions of Native American veterans. Don’t forget to stop in the gift shop, which offers a variety of artworks for sale.

Appreciate all kinds of cultural and educational offerings at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, built on the grounds of the village’s Robert O. Atcher Municipal Center. Upcoming events include an evening with Abraham Lincoln portrayer and historian Kevin Wood on Nov. 23, a piano battle on Feb. 7 and

Be there or be square . . . at the Schaumburg Town Square located in the historic district that’s known as Olde Schaumburg Center. Visit the Veterans Memorial or check out the second biggest library in Illinois, the Schaumburg Township District Library.

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See beyond Schaumburg office towers and developments by downshifting to serene surroundings at the Ned Brown Forest Preserve, the Paul Douglas Forest Preserve or the many parks maintained by the Schaumburg Park District.

Savor the four-season scenery . . . at the 135-acre Spring Valley Nature Center, with vast spaces of natural areas.

Throw it back to the 1880s . . . at the Volkening Heritage farm at Spring Valley, a living history farm that depicts the life of German settlers to the area in the 19th century. It features a farmhouse that is one of the oldest structures in Schaumburg. (Hurry, the farm closes Dec. 1 and re-opens in the spring).

Play where the buffalo roam . . . or at least where you can see life-size statues of bison, at the Bison’s Bluff Nature Playground at Spring Valley. It also features play structures that look like cliffs and is designed for imaginative play.

Hop on a bike . . . if the weather’s fine and see why Schaumburg is one of the state’s most bicycle-friendly communities.

Map out the many scenic paths, that cut through town, nearing 90 miles worth.

Finally, if you’re going be in town for a bit, meet up or stay for a spell at one of the many hotels in Schaumburg, including the imposing Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center, home to a full schedule of events and programs throughout the year. n

DINING |

REVIEWS

|

LISTINGS

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CHEERS WINE COLUMN

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AND MUCH MORE Photo courtesy of True Food Kitchen

RESTAURANT OPENINGS

OPENING SOON

True Food Kitchen

G

ood health is at the heart

Bib Gourmand list. Wholesome, simple and

of the finely crafted, flavorful

seasonal ingredients, from nutrient-dense

or indulgence. The guilt-free flourless chocolate cake on the dessert menu is a case in point.

and always nutritious menu

staples to lesser known “superfoods,” meld

at True Food Kitchen, set

in signature dishes on the fall menu like the

kitchen where guests can take a peek at

to open on Nov. 20 at 105

The bright, airy interior has an open

Butternut Squash Pizza, the vegan Unbeetable

the culinary craft that goes into each dish.

Oakbrook Center in Oak Brook (630 716-3056).

Burger, and the Thai Coconut Sea Bass.

A lively “scratch” bar features freshly pressed

juices, organic teas and natural refreshers

This tried, tested and award-winning

All-veggie favorites such as the Ancient

concept originated in Phoenix, and has

Grains Bowl, the Organic Tuscan Kale Salad

like Kale Aid and a Hangover Rx as well as

expanded to more than 30 restaurants

and the Spaghetti Squash Casserole share

handcrafted cocktails. On warm-weather

across 13 states. The Oak Brook location

a similar theme — they are created for

days, there’s seating on an outdoor

is the second in Illinois — Chicago’s River

diners who believe that eating well does

patio, amidst basins of fresh herbs and

North restaurant is on the city’s Michelin

not require compromise on flavor, creativity

scented spices.

— Anne Knudsen

WEST SUBURBAN LIVING | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 61

By Lynn Petrak Photos courtesy of Cadence Kitchen & Co

GOOD FOOD

Cadence Kitchen & Co Great eats and good beats in Downers Grove

T

o say Cadence Kitchen hits the right notes wouldn’t be an overstatement.

This downtown Downers Grove eatery, which opened 18 months ago in a space that once housed the Lemon Tree grocery/restaurant concept, is like vinyl in a digital world when it comes to the nuances of flavor and presentation.

Any restaurant that serves dinner and drinks, for instance, has fried appetizers and bar snacks on its menu. But Cadence brings a different level of taste, with its sumptuous and surprisingly light and pillowy crab beignets paired with sweet mustard for dipping; and its bowl of popcorn, seasoned with togarashi (a Japanese blended spice), lime zest and Parmesan. Those are just two examples in a lineup of eclectic starters and shareables, which also includes warm marinated olives, crispy cauliflower and venison carpaccio, along with winning duos like whipped ricotta and honey, burrata and bacon, and duck and roasted Brussel sprouts.

Scanning the menu at Cadence is like reading the liner notes on a record — go too fast and you might miss an interesting detail, like the fact that the beets tossed into a colorful grilled steak salad are braised for extra oomph of flavor. You’ll also appreciate clever drink names that take a cue from iconic songs, like the Purple Rain,

Comfortably Numb or Under My Thumb cocktails.

Diners will find an array of options here, spanning hearty locally and regionally sourced meat and poultry, fresh seafood beyond the usual staples (grilled octopus, seared diver scallops and a Steak Fattie, a 12-oz ribeye with a short rib poutine nut-crusted grouper) and rustic of beloved artists. Half-circle booths that pastas, such as a perfect-for-winter dish bring to mind turntables encircle the of pappardelle bolognese with short rib, expansive “hi-fi” bar. In another dining pancetta, tomato, anise and basil. Much area, wood paneling and racks of ceiling thought is given to sides, too, which lights evoke a mash-up between a retro have a bit of a twist, from the jalapeno recording studio and a sunken 70s pork belly mac ’n cheese to the four-year basement lounge, complete with leather aged cheddar polenta. Here, too, nuance couches, fuzzy pillows and a cozy fireplace. separates ordinary everyday dishes Want to wear your love for this place and a savory, satisfactory experience.

Dessert is hardly the B side. Houseon your sleeve? Pick up a Cadence patch made churros hit just the right chord, from the host stand to show your fandom.

For all of the creativity from chefs and paired with dulce de leche and vanilla ice co-owners Tim Canning and Todd Davies cream. Go for a tasty throwback with a — who met in culinary school and worked chocolate malt pie or a fried peach pie with together in highly rated restaurants in the Michigan peaches and a cornflake crumble.

As you might expect from a restaurant city — the prices are reasonable, with snacks named after notes and sequences attributed starting at $5 and the top entrée at $38.

Cadence offers the use of small dining to music, there is a definite musical vibe rooms for private events, including the at Cadence. Wall art includes pieces “EP Room” for 50 to 70 guests and fashioned or inspired by records, sheets a “Riff Room” for 30 to 40 guests. n of musical and instruments and photos

QUICK FACTS

Cadence Kitchen & Co

5101 Mochel Dr., Downers Grove, 630 442-7631 www.cadencekitchen.co

RECOMMENDED DISHES

COST

HOURS

EXTRAS

Pork belly mac ‘n

Shareables: $5 – $15

Mon – Thur, 3 p.m. – midnight

Private dining;

cheese; grilled octopus;

Entrées: $14 – $38

Fri, 2 p.m. – 1 a.m.

entire restaurant

house-made churros

Salads: $5 – $17

Sat, 11 a.m. – 1 a.m.

rental; take-out

62 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | WEST SUBURBAN LIVING

DINING n n n n Opening Soon West Dundee

NE DUPAGE & NW COOK

Schaumburg Bartlett

Itasca

Bloomingdale

South Elgin

Glen St. Charles Ellyn West Chicago

Geneva

Elmhurst

CENTRAL DUPAGE

Lisle

Oak Park

355

Willowbrook

Bolingbrook

SW DUPAGE & LOWER FOX VALLEY Plainfield

La Grange

Oak Brook Hinsdale

Naperville Oswego

90 294

290

88

Aurora

190

290

Wheaton

Batavia North Aurora

Photo courtesy of WhirleyBall

NW DUPAGE & UPPER FOX VALLEY

South Barrington

55

Romeoville

Burr Ridge Lemont

294

SE DUPAGE & SW COOK

LISTINGS

The Pivot Room

C

Give upscale fast-casual a whirl at WhirlyBall in Naperville rave-worthy dishes

using quality, seasonal

served with buttermilk waffles

and a rotating roster

ingredients for bold plates

and maple syrup. Salads are

of craft beers are the name

with local flavor. The Brick

sized as entrées and are

of game at The Pivot Room,

Chicken, for instance, is

packed with fresh fare — bibb

a soon-to-be-opened

a herbed boneless half-

lettuce, radicchio, arugula,

full-service restaurant inside

chicken, served with

endive, heirloom tomatoes,

WhirlyBall at 3101 Odyssey Ct.

fingerling lyonnaise potatoes,

baby carrots, radish and

in Naperville (630 932-4800).

grilled asparagus, roasted

other seasonal favorites.

The spacious 75-seat

cherry tomatoes, capers and

Shareables are big here,

dining room is where guests

a white wine garlic chicken

too, including handheld

can gather and relax. The

jus. The Pivot Burger features

sandwiches and roasted

menu, created by Chef Larry

smoked gouda, bourbon

veggie pizzas made from

Donahue, who has devised

grilled onions and bacon

home-made dough — all

n A TODA MADRE: 499 N Main St, Glen Ellyn. 630

inspired dishes for Weber Grill

jam. There’s a short rib dish

good choices for the outdoor

474-0969 Upscale, Mexico-inspired fare in a lively, modern setting. Capacity: 80, plus 12 at bar. Yrs in bus: 4. Chef’s Choice: Pescado tacos. Entrée prices: $14-$26. Extras: Full bar. Lunch: T-Sun 11:30-3, Dinner: T-Th 5-9, F-Sat 5-10, Sun 5-8. Reservations: Accepted.

Affiliated with Bien Trucha in Geneva, Santo Cielo in Naperville and Quiubo in Naperville.

and Lettuce Entertain You

braised in stout gravy, and

patio and terrace on warm

restaurants, centers on

a plate of crispy chicken

sunny days. — Anne Knudsen

Following is a sampling of some of the best dining destinations in the western suburbs, including reader favorites, advertisers and a cross-section of just plain good places to grab a bite. Bon appétit! n CENTRAL DUPAGE n NW DUPAGE & UPPER FOX VALLEY n SW DUPAGE & LOWER FOX VALLEY n SE DUPAGE & SW COOK n NE DUPAGE & NW COOK

n ADELLE’S: 535 W Liberty Dr, Wheaton. 630 784-8015.

New twists on old American favorites served by seasoned professionals in a stylish ambiance.

Capacity: 130 plus 40 at bar and 50 on outdoor patio. Yrs in bus: 16. Chef’s Choice: Risotto of the day, fish tacos, Chef’s Whim Deviled Eggs and beer brined chicken. Entrée prices: $16-$34. Extras: Bar, outdoor dining, banquets, fireplaces, carry-out, handcrafted cocktails, craft beers, live jazz Th at 7 pm, live music on select other nights, lounge, fireplaces. T-Th 4:30-8:30, F-Sat 4:30-9:30, Sun – M banquets only. Reservations: Recommended. n AL CHULO: 1400 S Neltnor Blvd, West Chicago.

630 520-0615. Mexican fare with bold flavors in a comfortable environment. Capacity: 60. Yrs in bus: 3. Chef’s choice: Sopes. Entrée prices: $8-$11. Extras: Full bar, parking. M-Th 11-9 F-Sat 11-10. Reservations: Yes. Affiliated with Altiro Latin Fusion in Geneva, La Grange, Chicago, Wheaton and Aurora. n AL’S CHAR-HOUSE: 32 S La Grange Rd, La Grange.

708 354-6255. Western-style steak house and saloon serving huge downtown steaks and specialty drinks without the downtown prices. Capacity: 200. Yrs in bus: 30. Chef’s Choice: Steak or rib dinners. Entrée prices: $20-$35. Extras: Carry-out, bar, banquets, family friendly. M-Th 4-10, F 3-11, Sat 2-11, Sun noon-10.

Reservations: Yes.

n AMERIKAS: 734 Lake St, Oak Park. 708 613-4254.

Nuevo Latino cuisine with contemporary American flair in an intimate setting. Capacity: 44. Yrs in Bus: 2.

Chef’s Choice: Branzino: oven roasted whole Mediterranean bass with avocado salsa, radishes, watercress, pickled onions, and mojo de ajo Extras: Shareable plates; bar. Brunch: Sat-Sun 10-2; Dinner: Mon-Sat 5-11, Sun 4-9. Reservations: Yes. n ANYWAYS RESTAURANT & PUB: 5 E Roosevelt Rd, Oakbrook Terrace. 630 932-9323. Neighborhood pub and restaurant serving American cuisine.

Capacity: 200 at 45 tables. Yrs in bus: 24. Chef’s Choice: Crockpot Pot Roast and Filet Mignon Sliders. Entrée prices: $8-$15. Extras: Bar, carry-out, banquets, outdoor dining, kids’ menu. M-Th 11:30-1 am, F-Sat 11:30-2 am, Sun noon-1 am. Reservations: Yes. Additional location at 304 W Army Trail Rd, Bloomingdale, 630 351-8870. n ARROWHEAD RESTAURANT & BAR: 26W151 Butterfield Rd, Wheaton. 630 653-5800. Classic American fare, a vast craft beer selection and premium spirits with a golf-themed décor and panoramic golf course views. Capacity: 120 inside, 75 on patio. Yrs in bus: 13. Chef’s Choice: Holy Schnitzel. Entrée prices: $16-$25. Extras: Bar, banquets, outdoor dining, wine & beer lists, private rooms, carry-out and delivery, weekly/daily specials, 12 HDTVs. Hours: Sun 11-11 (kitchen closes at 9); M-Th 11-11 (kitchen closes at 9); F-Sat 11-midnight (kitchen closes at 9:30). Reservations: Yes.

n ATWATER’S: 15 S River Ln, Geneva; in the Herrington Inn & Spa. 630 208-8920. Eclectic Americancuisine with a rotating, seasonal menu in a European-style atrium setting overlooking the Fox River. Capacity: 40. Yrs in bus: 24. Entrée prices: $24-$59. Extras: Bar, outdoor dining, banquets, catering, private dining in gazebo, event space.

Breakfast M-F 7 am-11 am, Sat-Sun 8 am-11 am; Lunch M-Sun 11-2; Dinner Sun-Th 5-9, F-Sat 5-10; Brunch Sun 11-2. Reservations: Yes. n AUTRE MONDE CAFÉ: 6727 W Roosevelt Rd,

Berwyn. 708 775-8122. Mediterranean-infused fare served in an urban setting. Capacity: 85 inside, 75 patio seating. Yrs in bus: 8. Entrée prices: $19-$30, smaller plates $9-$18. Chef’s Choice: Pastas made fresh daily and flatbreads. Extras: Outdoor patio, private parties, catering, wine list. T-Th 5-10, F-Sat 5-11, Sun 5-9. Reservations: Yes. n BIAGGI’S RISTORANTE ITALIANO: 2752

Showplace Dr, Naperville. 630 428-8500. Classic and contemporary authentic Italian dining in a casual setting. Capacity: 240. Yrs in bus: 12.

Chef’s Choice: Black fettuccine with lobster & wild mushrooms. Entrée prices: $10-$30.

Extras: Exhibition kitchen, bar, wine list, kid’s menu, gluten-free menu, carry-out, catering, private parties. M-Th 11:30-9, F-Sat 11:30-10, Sun 11-9. Reservations: Yes. Additional location at 20560 N Rand Rd, Deer Park, 847 438-1850.

WEST SUBURBAN LIVING | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 63

DINING Photo courtesy of GroundLevel 105

n n n n Recently Opened

GroundLevel 105

ecently opened at

familiar American fare, with

sausage and Gulf shrimp

105 W. St. Charles Rd.,

appetizers that include

gumbo, Skuna Bay salmon,

in Lombard (630 376-4105),

crab cakes and Macaroni

a rib-eye rubbed with

GroundLevel 105 promises

& Cheese Nips. Other,

sun-dried tomato butter

a smartly casual dining

elevated selections include

or the wok-tossed Orient

experience with all the

lamb lollipops and lobster

Fettuccine, among other

comforts of home.

nachos zested with lime

entrées. Sides include

The welcoming interior,

essence. A creative mix

sauteed spinach, smashed

with wood-lined walls as

of salads includes one that

sweet potato and cornbread.

well as wooden floors and

combines roasted, pickled

For those with a yen for

tables, is at once elegant

and raw cauliflower with

something sweet, the dessert

and comfortable. A giant

apples, pecans and shreds

menu offers chocolate

vintage photo of Lombard

of aged cheddar.

molten cake and carrot

train station showcases the

On to mains, priced

cake, plus fresh fruit, sorbets

restaurant’s hometown pride.

from $14 – $22, guests may

and gelato.

The menu suggests

choose a hearty andouille

n BARREL HOUSE SOCIAL: 100 W Burlington, La Grange. 708 469-7529. Locally owned upscale sports bar serving casual American cuisine in a relaxed, rustic atmosphere. Capacity: 125 in restaurant/bar, 75 in beer garden, 16 on sidewalk patio. Yrs in bus: 2 Chef’s Choice: Chef Matt’s Famous Chicken Pot Pie. Entrée prices: $10-$25.

Extras: 11 HDTVs, beer garden with 2 HDTVs, private dining, special events, live music, whiskey tastings, kids menu, carry out. Sun-Th 11 am-11:30 pm, F-Sat 11:00 am-1 am. Reservations: Yes. Affiliated with One Fifty One Kitchen & Bar and Pints, both in Elmhurst. n BEATRIX: 272 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook.

630 491-1415. Chic dining experience with coffeehouse comfort and healthy food. Capacity: 250. Mths in bus: 6. Chef’s Choice: Chicken Bebe.

Entree prices: $15-$35. Extras: Extensive coffee menu, coffee and pastry bar, weekend brunch, gluten-free menu, kids menu, family-style meals for large groups.

M-Th 7-10, F 7-10:30, Sat 8-10:30, Sun 8-9.

n CAPRI RISTORANTE: 324 Burr Ridge Pkwy, Burr Ridge. 630 455-4003. Authentic Italian fare served in a warm, elegant setting. Capacity: 150. Yrs in bus: 14. Chef’s Choice: Homemade rigatoni with vodka sauce. Entrée prices: $15-$40. Extras: Full bar, outdoor dining, private parties. M 11:30-2 & 4-11, T-F 11:30-11, Sat 4-midnight, Sun 2-9. Additional location at 6934 Wolf Rd., Indian Head Park, 708 505-1100. n CATCH 35: 35 S Washington St, Naperville.

n COUNTRY HOUSE: 2095 S Kirk Rd, Geneva.

630 208-8181. Steaks, burgers, sandwiches, seafood, salads and pasta in a casual and rustic setting.

Capacity: 240 at 30 tables inside, 70 outside. Yrs in bus: 46. Chef’s Choice: Country Cheeseburger. Entrée prices: $9-$20, avg: $12. Extras: Carry-out, bar, kids’ menu, outdoor dining, catering and banquets. Sun-Th 11-10, F-Sat 11-11; bar open Sun-Th until Midnight and F-Sat until 1 am. Reservations: Yes. Additional locations at 241 55th St, Clarendon Hills, 630 325-1444; and 2799 Maple Ave, Lisle, 630 983-0545. n DELL RHEA CHICKEN BASKET: 645 Joliet Rd,

Modern American cuisine served with elegance in Lombard

R

375. Yrs in bus: 10. Chef’s Choice: Gnocchi Carbonara. Entrée prices: $10-$30. Extras: Outdoor patio, bar, wine club, tasting room, retail boutique, private parties, live music Th-Sat. M-Th 11-9:30, F-Sat 11-10:30, Sun 11-9. Additional locations at 100 W Higgins Rd, South Barrington, 847 836- 9463; 1740 Freedom Dr, Naperville, 630 245-8000; 950 Lake St, Oak Park, 708 613-2999.

— Anne Knudsen

630 717-3500. A deep variety of seafood and premium steaks in an uptown atmosphere. Capacity: 192 (including bar seating: 247. Yrs in bus: 15. Chef’s Choice: Chilean sea bass. Entrée prices: $16-$50.

Extras: Bar, private parties, outdoor dining, valet parking T-Sat. Lunch M-Sat 11:30-4; Dinner M-Sat 4-10, Sun 4-9. Reservations: Yes. n CHE FIGATA: 2155 City Gate Ln., Naperville.

630 579-3210. Authentic Italian restaurant and marketplace characterized by fresh, homemade dishes in an open space with views into a working kitchen. Capacity: 200 (inside); 50 (outside). Yrs in bus: 1.5. Chef’s Choice: Cauliflower trio, agro dolce and diver boat sea scallops. Extras: Chef’s counter dining, patio, handcrafted cocktails, private dining, valet parking. M-Th 11-10, F-Sat 11-11, Sun 11-9.

Reservations: Yes. Affiliated with Tap In Pub and Zorba Cocktail Lounge in Naperville..

n CITYGATE GRILLE: 2020 Calamos Ct, Naperville.

630 718-1010. USDA Prime Steakhouse. Capacity: 220.

Yrs in bus: 10. Chef’s Choice: 20 oz bone-in rib eye in Bordelaise sauce. Entrée prices: $18-$50, Avg: $25.

Extras: Live music F-Sat, private parties, catering, kids’ menu. M-Th 11:30-9, F 11:30-10, Sat 5-10 (bar open later F-Sat). Reservations: Yes.. n COOPER’S HAWK WINERY & RESTAURANT:

510 Village Center Dr, Burr Ridge. 630 887-0123.

Upscale, yet casual dining featuring award-winning wines from Cooper’s Hawk’s own winery. Capacity:

64 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | WEST SUBURBAN LIVING

Willowbrook. 630 325-0780. World-famous fried chicken in a 1940s-style Route 66 roadhouse. Capacity: 225 at 40 tables. Yrs in bus: 74. Chef’s Choice: Fried Chicken on the Bone, Spicy Chicken & Waffles, Chicken Pot Pie. Entrée prices: $10-$20, avg: $13. Extras: Carry-out, bar, video gaming, 50+ craft style beers. Sun-Th 11-9, F-Sat 11-10. n D.O.C. WINE BAR: 326 Yorktown Center, Lombard.

630 627-6666. Light, contemporary fare and 300+ wines. Capacity: 150. Yrs in bus: 12. Chef’s Choice: Butcher’s block charcuterie. Entrée prices: $15-$32.

Extras: Full bar, lounge, wine flights, retail shop, private dining, daily specials. M-Th 11:30-10, F 11:30-11 pm, Sat noon-11 pm, Sun noon-9 pm. Reservations: Yes. n EDDIE MERLOT’S: 28254 Diehl Rd, Warrenville.

630 393-1900. Upscale contemporary steakhouse with a lighter ambiance and known for its wine.

Capacity: 260. Yrs in bus: 7. Chef’s Choice: Prime aged steaks and wagyu. Entree prices: $23-$51.

Extras: Extensive wine list, outdoor dining, lounge with drink specials. M-Th 4-9, F-Sat 4-10, Sun 4-8. Reservations: Recommended. Additional location at 201 Bridewell Dr, Burr Ridge. 630 468-2098 n EMILIO’S TAPAS BAR: 4100 Roosevelt Rd, Hillside.

708 547-7177. Spanish tapas in an authentic country atmosphere. Capacity: 130 inside, 20 outside. Yrs in bus: 31. Chef’s Choice: Paella and datiles con bacon.

Entrée prices: $6-$23. Extras: Bar, flowered patio, online reservations, carry-out, Happy Hour Tapas 4:30-6:30 M-F, live entertainment Fridays, catering. M 4:30-9:30, T-Th 11:30-9:30, F-Sat 11:30-10, Sun 4-9. Reservations: Yes. n FIRE + WINE: 433 N Main St, Glen Ellyn. 630 793-9955.

Rustic, inviting restaurant with modern Italian flair, serving small-plate fare, authentic Neapolitan artisan pizzas and classic pastas in a family-friendly atmosphere. Capacity: 135. Yrs in bus: 7. Chef’s Choice: Hanger Steak and Grilled Romaine Salad.

Entrée prices: $9-$19. Extras: Bar, wine list, craft beer, kids’ menu, private event hosting. T-Th 4-10, F 4-11, Sat 3-11 and Sun 3-9. Affiliated with VAI’s in Naperville. n FOXFIRE STEAKS, CHOPS & SEAFOOD: 17 W State St, Geneva. 630 232-1369. Casual steakhouse with downtown atmosphere. Capacity: 185. Yrs in bus: 16.

Chef’s Choice: Pittsburgh Ribeye Steak. Entrée prices: $18-$46, lunch $9+. Extras: Bar (open later), outdoor dining, daily specials, carry-out, bar menu, wine list.

M-Th 11-9, F-Sat 11-10. Reservations: Yes. n FULLER HOUSE: 35 E First St, Hinsdale. 630 537-1653.

Craft beer and bar food in an industrial, rustic setting.

Capacity: 140. Yrs in bus: 3. Chef’s Choice: Buffalo shrimp or brisket grilled cheese. Entrée prices: $16-$21.

Extras: TVs, sidewalk seating, beer garden, full bar,

beer garden. M-Th 11-11, F-Sat 11-midnight, Sun 11-10.

Affiliated with Pierce Tavern in Downers Grove. n GIA MIA: 106 N Hale St, Wheaton. 630 480-2480.

A Southern Italian-inspired, chef-driven menu concept built for sharing and locally crafted, in a rustic environment. Capacity: 120. Yrs in bus: 4. Chef’s Choice: Hand-crafted veal meatballs. Entrée prices: $12-$19. Extras: Full bar, M half-priced pizza, W half-priced bottles of wine, outdoor dining, happy hour at Geneva location, carry-out, mobile brick-oven for off-site events. M-Tu 11-9, W-Sat 11-10, Sun - closed for private events. Reservations: Yes. Additional location at 13 N Third St. Geneva, 630 405-5544.

Affiliated with Harry & Eddie’s in Hinsdale and Livia Italian Eatery in Geneva and Elmhurst. n GIBSONS STEAKHOUSE: 2105 S Spring Rd, Oak Brook, 630 954-0000. Classic steakhouse in a 1920s art-deco setting. Capacity: 260. Yrs in bus: 19. Chef’s Choice: WR’s Chicago Cut. Entrée prices: $12-$52.

Extras: Carry-out, catering, free valet parking, private parties, piano bar (open until 2 am). Reservations: Yes. M-Sat 11 am-midnight, Sun 11-11. Additional location at 5464 N River Rd, Rosemont. 847 928-9900. n HARRY & EDDIE’S: 29 E 1st St., Hinsdale.

630 590-9047. Upscale American tavern flavor fare in a renovated 1920s theatre. Capacity: 180. Mths in bus: 2. Chef’s Choice: Lamb chops. Extras: Music from a grand piano, full bar, featuring pre-Prohibition craft cocktails, outdoor patio, carry out, private event space, valet parking. Reservations: Yes. Affiliated with Gia Mia in Wheaton and Geneva, and Livia Italian Eatery in Geneva and Elmhurst. n HARRY CARAY’S ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE: 70 Yorktown Center, Lombard; in the Westin Hotel. 630 953-3400.

Classic Italian steakhouse with a sports theme.

Capacity: 550. Yrs in bus: 12. Chef’s Choice: Prime steaks, chops and Italian specialties. Entrée prices: $12-$52. Extras: Outdoor dining, bar, sports memorabilia, carry-out, private events. Lunch M-Sat 11-5 (bar only), Sun 11-4; Dinner M-Sat 5-10, Sun 4-9. Reservations: Yes. Additional location at 10233 W Higgins Rd, Rosemont, 847 699-1200. Affiliated with Holy Mackerel! Fresh Seafood in Lombard. n HEMMINGWAY’S BISTRO: 211 N Oak Park Ave, Oak

Park. 708 524-0806. Upscale French dishes in a Parisian bistro atmosphere. Capacity: 80. Yrs in bus: 16. Chef’s Choice: Herb-crusted whitefish. Entrée prices: $21-$35.

Extras: Banquets, bar, valet parking on weekends, W & Sun jazz and martini night, Sun champagne brunch 11-3 with live jazz. M-Sun 7 -10. n HOLY MACKEREL! FRESH SEAFOOD: 70 Yorktown Center, Lombard; in the Westin Hotel. 630 953-3444.

Fresh spin on fish house classics in a vintage décor.

Capacity: 150. Yrs in bus: 12. Chef’s Choice: Kasu marinated sea bass. Entrée prices: $9-$46. Extras: Private parties, bar, carry-out. Breakfast M-Sat 6-11, Sun 6 am-noon; Lunch M-Sat 11-4; Dinner M-Sat 4-9.

Reservations: Yes. Affiliated with Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse. n IKE & OAK BREWING CO: 6315 Main St. Woodridge (331 998-2907). Scandinavia-inspired setting houses a sleek modern brewpub serving quick bites, pizzas’s salads and more. Mths in bus: 3. Chef’s Choice: Scotch deviled eggs. Extras: Indoor-outdoor beer hall, game room, patio. M-Th 5-10, F-Sat 4-11, Sun 4-9. Reservations: No. n LIVIA ITALIAN EATERY: 207 S Third St., Geneva.

630 402-6444. An Italian inspired, chef-driven, locally crafted menu in an upscale ambiance. Yrs in bus: 2. Chef’s Choice: Hoisin pork chops with whipped potatoes. Entrée prices: $10-$33. Extras: Tues fundraiser

WEST SUBURBAN LIVING | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 65

DINING program, Wed half-priced bottles of wine, full bar, outdoor seating, carry-out, weekend brunch, happy hour, catering services, chef communal table, private event space (Elmhurst location only). M-T 11-9 pm, W-Sat 11-10, Sun 11-9. Reservations: Yes. Additional location at 116 E Schiller St, Geneva, 630 402-6195.

Affiliated with Gia Mia in Wheaton and Geneva, and Harry & Eddie’s in Hinsdale. n MESÓN SABIKA: 1025 Aurora Ave, Naperville.

630-983-3000. Spanish cuisine in a multi-dining room mansion with well-manicured grounds. Capacity: 300.

Yrs in bus: 30. Popular items: Patatas con aioli, queso de cabra, datiles con tocino. Tapas prices: $7-$19.

Extras: Corporate events, outdoor dining, private parties, vegetarian, gluten free, and vegan options.

M-Th 11:30-10, F 11:30-11, Sat 5-11, Sun Brunch 10:30-2, Sun Dinner 4:30-9. Reservations: Yes. n MICHAEL JORDAN’S RESTAURANT: 1225 W 22nd St, Oak Brook. 630 828-2932. Elevated American restaurant and bar featuring premium quality and seasonal ingredients prepared in an active, open-view kitchen, inspired by namesake Michael Jordan. Yrs in bus: 2. Chef’s Choice: Triangle Offense (Crab Cake, Nueske’s Double Smoked Bacon. Entrée prices: $15$50. Extras: Full bar, TVs, Wi-Fi, valet, outdoor seating.

M-Th 11-10, F 11-midnight, Sat 11-9, Sun 3-9. Reservations: Yes. At same location: MJ’s Coffee Bar & Market, with Chicago-based Metric Coffee, breakfast daily and fresh salads and sandwiches packaged to go, M-Th 11-10, F 11-midnight. n MORTON’S: 1751 Freedom Dr, Naperville.

630 577-1372. Steaks and seafood in an upscale steakhouse featuring an à la carte menu. Capacity: 175. Yrs in bus: 11. Chef’s Choice: Porterhouse steak and veal chop. Entrée prices: $40-$60. Extras: Bar, free

valet parking T-Sat, lounge, private dining, patio. M-Th 5:30-10, F 5:30-11, Sat 5-11, Sun 5-10 (bar opens at 4).

Reservations: Recommended. Additional locations at 9525 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Rosemont, 847 678-5155; and 1470 McConnor Pkwy, Schaumburg, 847 413-8771. n NOBEL HOUSE: 305 W State St, Geneva.

630 402-0452. American comfort food, handcrafted cocktails and in-house smoked meats served up at this gastro pub. Capacity: 70. Yrs in bus: 5. Chef’s Choice: Smoked brisket sandwich. Entrée prices: $10-$15. Extras: Carry-out, full bar, Wi-Fi, TVs, catering, brunch 30 taps. M-T 11-10, W-Th 11-11, F 11-2 am, Sat-Sun 10-2 am. Reservations: No. Second location at 419 N. Main Street, Glen Ellyn, 630 547-2180 n ONE FIFTY ONE KITCHEN | BAR: 151 N York St, Elmhurst. 331 979-7198. A locally owned and operated American restaurant featuring a seasonally inspired menu, locally sourced ingredients and a creative cocktail program, with an inviting rustic chic décor. Yrs in bus: 3. Capacity: 100 in dining room, 50 in bar area, 24 on sidewalk patio. Chef’s Choice: Hanger steak with grilled, crispy fingerling potatoes, béarnaise, chimichurri sauce. Entrée prices: $11-$34.

Extras: Private dining, weekly specials, outdoor dining, brunch+bottomless mimosas, wine tastings, special events, cocktail and cooking demonstrations, kids’ menu, catering. M-Th 11:30-10, F 11:30-11, Sat 10-11, Sun 10-9. Reservations: Yes. Affiliated with Barrel House Social in La Grange and Pints in Elmhurst.

menu, outdoor & rooftop dining. M-Th 11am-midnight, F-Sat 11am-1 am, Sun noon-11. Reservations: No. n PARKER’S RESTAURANT & BAR: 1000 31st St,

Downers Grove. 630 960-5700. Casually elegant restaurant serving contemporary American menu.

Capacity: 250. Yrs in bus: 18. Chef’s Choice: Cedar-planked halibut and charcoal-grilled center cut pork chop. Entrée prices: $14-$65, Avg: $32. Extras: Bar, outdoor dining, private dining, live music in lounge M-Sat. M-Th 11:30-10, F 11:30-10:30, Sat 4-10:30, Sun 4-8:30. Reservations: Recommended. n THE PATIO: 7440 S Kingery Hwy (Rt 83), Darien.

630 920-0211. Casual dining with American food and specializing in BBQ ribs. Capacity: 300. Yrs in bus: 27. Chef’s Choice: BBQ ribs. Entrée prices: $7-$22.

Extras: Outdoor dining, drive-up window. M-Th 10:3010, F-Sat 10:30-11 pm, Sun 10:30-9:30. Additional locations at 4400 Fox Valley Center Dr, Aurora.

630 820-8800; 151 S Weber Rd, Bolingbrook, 630 226-9696; and 2780 S Highland Ave, Lombard, 630 627-2600. n PATTEN HOUSE RESTAURANT & BAR: 124 S 2nd St, Geneva. 630 492-5040. An historic landmark building, featuring a unique menu with Cajun flair. Capacity: 250. Yrs in bus: 6. Chef’s Choice: BBQ Pork Sandwich and Honey Sriracha Glazed Brussels Sprouts. Entrée prices: $18-$30. Extras: Bar, outdoor seating, TVs. M-Th 11-10, F-Sat 11-11, Sun 10-10. Reservations: Yes.

n PALMER PLACE: 56 S La Grange Rd, La Grange. 708

n PERRY’S STEAKHOUSE & GRILLE: 5 Oakbrook

482-7127. Casual American fare featuring 35 kinds of hamburgers. Capacity: 220 inside, 260 outside. Yrs in bus: 42. Chef’s Choice: Sirloin steak sandwich. Entrée prices: $9-$24. Extras: Bar with over 300 beers, kid’s

Center, Oak Brook. 630 571-1808. Classic steakhouse with premium steaks and fare prepared tableside.

Capacity: 300+. Yrs in bus: 6. Chef’s Choice: 14–oz New York Strip steak and Perry’s Famous Pork Chops.

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Entrée prices: $26-$59. Extras: Private dining rooms, island bar, outdoor patio, live music Th-Sat, carry-out. M-Th 4-10, F 11-10, Sat 4-10, Sun 4-9.

Reservations: Yes. Additional location at 1780 Golf Rd, Schaumburg. n PIERCE TAVERN: 5135 Main St., Downers Grove, 630 869-5333. A neighborhood eatery in a historic building with a menu serving always-fresh ingredients and many comfort-food favorites. Yrs in bus: 1. Capacity: 100 inside, 25 outside. Chef’s Choice: Brisket grilled cheese, burgers and wood-fired pizzas.

Entrée prices: $12-$21. Extras: Patio, bourbon, wine and beer menu. Reservations: For six or more. Affiliated with Fuller House in Hinsdale. n PINTS: 112 S York Rd, Elmhurst. 630 833-4303. A

locally owned and operated neighborhood sports bar serving craft beers, gourmet burgers, sandwiches and salads in a fun, inviting atmosphere. Yrs in bus: 9. Capacity: 130 inside; 75 in beer garden. Chef’s Choice: Badger Burger: BBQ, bacon, fried onions and cheddar cheese on pretzel bun. Entrée prices: $8-$16. Extras: 17 HDTVs, beer garden with retractable awning and 3 HDTVs, private events, carry out, catering, kids menu, daily specials, special events. Sun-Th 11 am-1 am, F-Sat 11 am-2 am.

Affiliated with Barrel House Social in La Grange and 151 Kitchen & Bar in Elmhurst.

Make Your Holiday Entertaining Reservations Now!

n ROBERTO’S RISTORANTE & PIZZERIA: 483 Spring

Rd, Elmhurst. 630 279-8486. Italian cuisine served in a romantic setting. Capacity: 250. Yrs in bus: 58.

Chef’s Choice: Fish entrées. Entrée prices: $14-$44.

Extras: Carry-out, bar, outdoor dining, catering, family friendly, banquets. M-Th 11-11, F 11am-midnight, Sat 4-midnight, Sun 2-10. Reservations: Yes. n ROKA AKOR: 166 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook.

630 348-9210. Premium sushi and nigiri offered alongside robati (fireside cooking) specialties. Yrs in bus: 1.5. Chef’s Choice: Omakase (“to entrust the chef”). Entrée prices: $12-$42. Extras: sushi counter, full bar, private rooms, patio. Sun-Sat 11:30-3:30 pm; M-Th 3:30-10 pm, F-Sat 3:30-10:30 pm, Sun 3:30-9 pm.

Reservations: Yes.

Experience the Finest Selection of Italian Cuisine One-of-a-Kind Gourmet Specialties, Custom Created by Experienced Chefs

n SANTO CIELO: 123 Water St., Naperville, inside Hotel

Indigo. 630 323-0700. Globally influenced menu in an airy space with views on downtown Naperville.

Capacity: 140. Yrs in bus: 1. Chef’s Choice: Squid Ink Pappardelle. Entrée prices: $16-$28. Extras: Bar, craft cocktails, private dining room. Sun 10:30-9, T-W 11:3010, Th 11:30-11, F-Sat 11:30-1am. Reservations: Yes. Affiliated with Bien Trucha in Geneva, A Toda Madre in Glen Ellyn and Quiubo in Naperville.

483 Spring Road www.robertosristorante.com

•

Elmhurst

630.279.8486

n SEASONS 52: 3 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook.

630 571-4752. Fresh grill and wine bar with low-calorie entrées and farmers’ market fare. Capacity: 350. Yrs in bus: 7. Chef’s Choice: Caramelized sea scallops.

Entrée prices: $16-$25. Extras: Extensive wine list, live music, private dining. M-Th 11-10, F-Sat 11-11, Sun 10-9.

Reservations: Yes. Additional location at 1770 E Higgins Rd, Schaumburg. 847 517-5252.

Mon - Thurs 11 am - 11 pm • Fri 11 am - midnight • Sat 4 pm - midnight • Sun 2 - 10 pm

n SIXTYFOUR: A WINE BAR: 123 Water St, Naperville.

630 780-6464. Wine bar serving hand-crafted small plates and featuring 64 Wines by the Glass Every Day as well as 64 local and regional craft beers. Capacity: 130. Yrs in bus: 2. Chef’s Choice: Beef Tenderloin and Truffle Fries. Entrée prices: $14-$17. Extras: Private events, beer & wine, outdoor seating, expert sommeliers, TVs, Wi-Fi. Sun-Th 11-10, F-Sat 11-11.

Reservations: Yes, open table. Affiliated with the Reserve Room at same location.

n SUSHI HOUSE: 830 E Ogden Ave, Westmont.

630 920-8948. Sushi, sashimi and Japanese fare.

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WINE STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT, AND CIRCULATION (REQUIRED BY 39 USC 3685) 1. Publication title: West Suburban Living 2. Publication number: 1532-6705 3. Filing date: 9/30/19 4. Issue frequency: 10x a Year; Jan, Feb, March, April, May, June, July/Aug, Sept, Oct, Nov/Dec 5. Number of issues published annually: 10 6. Annual subscription rate: $15 7. Known office of publication: 4415 W. Harrison St., Suite 412, Hillside, IL 60162 8. General business office of publication: Same as above 9. Publisher: Chuck Cozette 4415 W. Harrison St., Suite 412, Hillside, IL 60162 Editor: Same as above Managing Editor: Anne Knudsen 10. Owner: C2 Publishing, Inc., 4415 W. Harrison St., Suite 412, Hillside, IL 60162 11. Known bondholders, mortgagees, and other security holders owning or holding 1% or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages, or other securities: None 12. Tax status: Has not changed during preceding 12 months 13. Publication title: West Suburban Living 14. Issue date for circulation data below: Oct 2017 No. of copies 15. Extent and Average # of copies each issue of single issue nature of circulation during preceding published nearest to filing date 12 months A. Total no. of copies (net 25,492 25,467 press run) B. Paid and/or requested circulation 1. Paid/requested outside-county 11,995 11,793 mail subscriptions 2. Paid in-county — — subscriptions 3. Sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, counter sales, and other non-USPS 725 748 distribution 4. Other classes 110 145 mailed through the USPS C. Total paid and/or requested circulation 12,830

12,686

D. Free distribution by mail 1. Outside-county 2. In-county 3. Other classes mailed through the USPS 4. Free distribution outside the mail E. Total free distribution F. Total distribution G. Copies not distributed

12,222

12,346

—

—

—

—

75

44

12,297

12,390

25,127

25,076

340

365

25,467 H. Total I. Percent paid and/or requested circulation 51%

25,441 51%

I certify that the statements made by me above are correct and complete.

–Chuck Cozette, Publisher

By Buzz Brandt

Vintage Port The Pinnacle of Duoro Valley Wines

T

wisting and snaking through the rugged terrain of northern Portugal, the Duoro River winds westward toward the Atlantic Ocean, cutting its way past steep-terraced hillsides where grapevines, supported by rows of stone terraces, grow in the schist and granite soil.

This is the Duoro Valley wine region, the traditional home of the sweet, fullbodied, unctuous elixir known as Port wine, undoubtedly the most famous of all fortified dessert wines. And of all the styles of Port wine, from Ruby and Tawny to Late Bottle Vintage, the absolute pinnacle is Vintage Port.

Like all Ports, the production of Vintage Port begins with the handharvesting and crushing (by human feet in shallow, open granite vats called lagares) of indigenous grape varietals like Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesca and Tinta Roriz, followed by a short fermentation period. When the residual sugar has reached peak levels, the winemaker adds a clear neutral spirit to the must to kill the yeast and stop fermentation, thus retaining the natural sweetness of the grapes. The resulting wine is then transferred to oak aging barrels or vats.

All Ports are blended wines, composed of many grape varieties harvested from different vineyards and normally from different vintage years. But Vintage Port is made from selected first-quality grapes from one exceptional single vintage year, (called a “declared” vintage), with sugars, tannins, and acidity all in perfect balance. The wines are aged for approximately two years in oak before being bottled and cellared for decades, allowing them to develop their signature complexity and remarkable layers of flavor and aroma.

Vintage Ports are wines of ultimate refinement and elegance, dark purple to ruby red in the glass, and opulent with the perfumed aromas

and flavors of blackberries, cherries, plums, black currants, figs, violets, sweet spice and black pepper, with hints of chocolate, coffee, caramel and toffee. They are sweet, full on the palate, and balanced with silky, well-integrated tannins and mouth-watering acidity, ending with a long, lush, satisfying finish.

Since they are unfiltered and have built up significant amounts of bottle sediment during the aging process, these wines must be decanted before serving.

Vintage Ports are usually consumed at the end of a meal and pair beautifully with blue cheeses like Stilton and Roquefort, as well as with dark chocolate, figs and walnuts. n

OENOLOGY 101 The Basics of All Things Wine Port wines derive their name from the northern coastal Portuguese town of Porto, located in the Duoro Valley. By law wines labeled “Port” can only derive from this region.

Like Sherry and Vermouth, Port is a fortified wine, meaning that a distilled neutral spirit is added to boost alcohol levels to 20 percent. Port came about when the British began to ship wine from Portugal in the late 17th century, adding brandy to preserve it for the sea voyage back to England.

All Ports are aged to

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develop their aroma and flavor profiles. Those aged completely in oak barrels or vats are Ruby (2 – 3 years); Tawny (5 – 40 years); and Late Bottled Vintage (4 – 6 years).

Ports cellared first in oak that complete their maturing in bottles are Single Quinta Vintage (10 – 20 years) and Vintage (decades).

Approximately two percent of wine grapes are made into Vintage Port and a Vintage Port year is declared only two or three times in a decade.

DINING Photo courtesy of Altiro Latin Fusion

n n n n Recently Opened

Altiro Latin Fusion

A contemporary spin on south-of-the-border fare in Wheaton

T

apas-style fusion dishes

in lime juice, red onions,

with pineapple. Larger

inspired by the cuisines

cilantro, tomatoes, cilantro

plates include a shareable

of Spain, Mexico and South

and guacamole. A fall

seafood paella, lamb braised

America are the signature

favorite is the Ala Poblana,

in cactus leaves and served

offerings of regional restaurant

a creamy roasted pepper

with warm tortillas, and a

group, Latin Asian Fusion.

soup with queso fresco, sour

pan-seared lemon herb

Adding to locations in

cream, and potatoes. A

chicken in poblano sauce.

Geneva, La Grange and West

salad of fresh mixed greens

All meats are hormone

Chicago, the new restaurant

is spiced up with a mango

free, poultry is grass fed,

at 132 N. Hale St., in Wheaton

and cucumber pico de gallo.

and produce is locally

(630 480-0397) follows the

An inventive menu of

sourced and delivered

same distinctive formula.

tacos stars unexpected

fresh daily.

ingredients like Slagel farm

A fifth west suburban

with bold flavors begin with

pork belly as well as house-

location for Altiro Latin Fusion

appetizers, including Al

made chorizo, garlic shrimp

is planned soon for Aurora.

Ceviche — tilapia marinated

or portabello mushrooms

Small plates bursting

Capacity: 100. Yrs in bus: 24. Chef’s Choice: Cracker roll. Entrée prices: $10-$20. Extras: Carry-out, catering, delivery, private parties, sushi bar. M-F 11:30-10, Sat noon-10, Sun noon-9:30. Reservations: Yes. Additional locations at 950 Warren Ave, Downers Grove, 630 968-0088; 1107 Lake St, Oak Park, 708 660-8899; and 281 Rice Lake Square, Wheaton, 630 221-8986 n SUZETTE’S: 211 W Front St, Wheaton. 630 462-0898.

Crêperie, pâtisserie, boulangerie, French country bistro and wine bar in a casual setting. Capacity: 88. Yrs in bus: 19. Chef’s Choice: Beef bourguignon crêpe and Suzette’s benedict. Entrée prices: $13-$40. Extras: Wine bar, bakery, carry-out, full bar, outdoor dining, private parties, boutique weddings, occasional live music. Pâtisserie open T-Sat 7-9, Sun 8-2. Afternoon tea open T-Sat at 2, Sun at 1.

Reservations: Recommended. n THIRTY 0 THREE: 3003 Corporate West Dr, Lisle; in

Hilton Lisle/Naperville. 630 245-7650. Classic American fare with a twist in a contemporary environment.

Specializes in locally sourced, dry- aged steaks, fresh seafood and chops. Capacity: 196 at 44 tables.

Yrs in bus: 37. Chef’s Choice: Potato-crusted halibut.

Entrée prices: $25- $44; lunch menu $9-$18. Extras: Bar, banquets, Sunday brunch, breakfast buffet Mon-Sun, lunch buffet M-F, seafood buffet on Friday.

Breakfast M-F 6:30 -11, Sat 7-11, Sun 7-9:30; Lunch M-Sat 11-3; Dinner M-Sun 4-10, F seafood & prime rib buffet 5:30-8:30, Sun brunch 10:30-2:30. Reservations: Recommended.

— Anne Knudsen

n WHITE CHOCOLATE GRILL: 1803 Freedom Dr, Naperville. 630 505-8300. Classic American fare with made-from-scratch selections. Capacity: 292. Yrs in bus: 10. Chef’s Choice: White chocolate desserts.

Entrée prices: $11-$28. Extras: Exhibition kitchen, private rooms. Sun-M 11-9, T-Sat 11-10. n WHITE FENCE FARM: 1376 Joliet Rd, Romeoville.

630 739-1720. Chicken, shrimp, fish, steaks and cocktails served in country atmosphere. Capacity: 1,100. Yrs in bus: 65. Chef’s Choice: Roasted ½ Chicken. Entrée prices: $8-$28. Extras: Carry-out, banquets, car museum, petting zoo, private parties, entertainment shows.

T-F 5-9, Sat 4-9, Sun noon-8. Reservations: Yes for 8 or more. n YERBABUENA: 4734 Main St, Lisle. 630 852-8040.

Upscale, yet casual Mexican restaurant serving traditional fare and signature dishes. Capacity: 150 indoor, 50 outdoor. Yrs in bus: 18. Chef’s Choice: Carnitas with roasted tomatillo jalapeno sauce. Entrée prices: $9-$20. Extras: Outdoor dining, carry-out, catering, vegan/vegetarian options. M-Th 11-9, F-Sat 11-10.

n YORK TAVERN: 3702 York Rd, Oak Brook.

630 323-5090. The oldest, continuously operating restaurant in DuPage County, restored and updated in 2006, serving burgers and American fare. Capacity: 60. Yrs in bus: 174. Chef’s Choice: Burgers. Entrée prices: $6-$20. Extras: Carry-out, bar. M-F 11am-1 am, Sat 11am-2 am, Sun 11-10. Reservations: No.

CHECK US OUT ONLINE

4

westsuburbanliving.net

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SCENE&SEEN

Charitable Events of Note

Dr. Tom Britton, president/CEO of Gateway Foundation, John and Abby Blacketor of Hinsdale, and Teresa Garate of Glenview

Travis Brooks of Chicago and Dan and Tracy Molitor of Lockport

Jim Scarpace, director of Gateway Foundation Aurora, with daughter Dani, both of Plainfield

Dr. Sandeep Gaomkar of Naperville and Samara Francis of Aurora

Photos courtesy of DTKindler Photography

THE INAUGURAL GATEWAY FOUNDATION ILLUMINATING RECOVERY ADDICTION TREATMENT FUNDRAISER, recently held in Chicago, brought in more than $140,000 to pay for ongoing treatment programs for substance abuse across the state. Nearly 250 people attended.

Gateway Foundation is currently rolling out new recovery

programming, including an Alcohol-Use-Only Disorder program in Aurora and Out in Recovery, a recently opened residential program in Lake Villa, which focuses on the unique needs of LGBTQ+ people struggling with substance use disorders

COCKTAILS FOR A CAUSE, a partnership between Aurora Downtown, the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry and Wyckwood House, recently welcomed 50 guests to an evening of cocktails, tacos, shopping and community. Ten percent of all purchases made

THE LEGACY GUILD RAISED OVER $80,000 to fund college scholarships at its September golf and tennis tournaments. The event, held at the La Grange Country Club, drew 150 people and included a reception and dinner.

during the evening benefitted the food pantry, helping stock shelves for area families in need.

At left, from left: Shannon Gutierrez, owner of Wyckwood House; Marissa Amoni, manager of Aurora Downtown; and Cat Battista, executive director of the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry

Below left, from left: Golfers Mike Zaura of La Grange Park and George Brown of Naperville.

Below right, from left, front: Joan Vander Linde of La Grange and Carrie Golden of Countryside; back: Alison Kelly and Jennifer Conroyd of La Grange and Kathy Dierkes of Clarendon Hills

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Robert Genirs and Corinne Sloan of Oak Brook

Maggie and David Hill of Hinsdale

Above from left: John and Jen Plumpe of Hinsdale; Mike and Natalie Ryan of Oak Brook; Chad and Melissa Gramann of Burr Ridge; and Mary and Larry Baron of Hinsdale A RECORD $393,000 WAS RAISED AT THE 15TH ANNUAL AUTUMN AFFAIR, held recently by the Elmhurst Memorial Hospital Foundation at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago. More than 330 people attended the gala, the Foundation’s largest fundraiser of the year, which supports Elmhurst Hospital programs and services that directly impact patients.

A portion of the proceeds from the event will support Elmhurst

Hospital’s digital, patient-centered technology advancements that align with Edward-Elmhurst Health’s “Safe, seamless, and personal” initiative.

Natalie and Mike Ryan of Oak Brook

From left: Denis Savard, former Chicago Blackhawks player; Tom Livingston, president of the Village of La Grange; emcee Dionne Miller; and former White Sox player Bill Melton

Former Blackhawk Blackhawk Denis Denis Savard Savard Former Patty and Mark Ptacek of Western Springs AGING CARE CONNECTIONS 18TH ANNUAL SPORTS BALL GALA, held at the Chicago Marriott Southwest in Burr Ridge, recently raised a record $127,000 for the La Grange based charity. Master of Ceremonies Dionne Miller, ABC 7 sports anchor, was joined by sports celebrities Bill Melton of the Chicago White Sox and Denis Savard of the Chicago Blackhawks for an evening of cocktails, dinner, a sports-gear themed auction and entertainment from popular stand-up comedian Jan Slavin. Tom Livingston, president of the Village of La Grange and former Chief Illiniwek at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champagne, was one of the speakers at the event.

Proceeds will help further Aging Care Connections core mission of providing services and care that allow seniors to enjoy full lives within their community.

WEST SUBURBAN LIVING | WWW.WESTSUBURBANLIVING.NET | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 71

LAST WORD

By Michele Weldon

Giving Gratitude for Blessings of All Kinds Sometimes thanks can even be in order for hard but helpful lessons learned

I

heard years ago that you have a year to write a thank you note for a gift received, a kindness or a gesture. I may be mistaken, and I may be tardy, but I am thankful always, nonetheless.

Like all of us, I have the predictable people to thank and for whom I am sincerely grateful. Among them are my late parents, my magnificent brothers and sisters and their spouses, my three grown sons, and a litany of friends who stretch back to childhood, through college and the many professional stops and starts that followed.

I am grateful for my health and my ability to do work I enjoy. I am grateful for all the things that are sprinkled throughout the years of a life I know I am lucky to have.

But I am also grateful for some unusual twists and turns because of the lessons they have taught me and how they have shaped me. Here is my list of Twisted Gratitude, to those people, encounters and incidents that left indelible impressions.

The first of my special thanks is to “Susan By The Pool,” who made me realize what it means to be confident and afloat with possibilities. When I was a about seven or eight, Susan, another girl on the swim team, took it upon herself to spend a few minutes of an otherwise sunny afternoon detailing my faults. Decades before “The Bachelor” franchise, she was doing what could be a camera close-up confession about what she didn’t like about me.

“You are so full of yourself,” Susan chided.

I tried not to crumble before her, but kept nodding and walked away in silence, wishing that my mother would pack up all six of us from the local pool and go home. No such

“I am grateful for some unusual twists and turns because of the lessons they have taught me and how they have shaped me.” luck; we were there another few hours.

Once home, mom asked me what was wrong and I told her. She replied, “Well, why would anyone want to be empty of herself?”

While I am at it, my second round of thanks goes to my mother for her endless pieces of wisdom, boundless love and encouragement, a sense of style and so much I cannot even keep proper inventory.

But an additional and admittedly unusual thanks goes to my mom because she did not like to cook. So I learned to love it.

Our home menus for eight were about convenience, simplicity, speed and a host of prepared supplementary foods boxed, canned and frozen. Beyond the mandatory tuna potato chip casserole and TV dinners that defined the gastronomic delicacies of my generation, my mom made a recurring meal — a centerpiece of meat that had cooked all day, heated frozen vegetables, and mashed potatoes that came from buds in a box, stirred with water.

I vowed when I could reach the stove top I would spice up our dinners with some surprising flavors. My mother was grateful for the help and I loved the reception from my dad, brothers and sisters.

I still love to cook because I know that a little more time and a few fresh ingredients — basil, artichokes, arugula, fresh tomatoes, Parmesan and red peppers — can transform a frozen pizza to an

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exquisite indulgence.

Professionally, I am grateful to my first boss out of graduate school — the owner and publisher of a magazine where the office politics revolved around his wife, a secretary and me — in spite of the masthead filled with names I learned he simply fabricated.

“When is the assistant editor coming in?” I asked about two weeks into the job.

There is no assistant editor, the secretary told me, the name is fiction, as are all the other positions and surnames making the operation looking five times larger than it is.

“Are those new glasses?” the publisher and editor said to me one morning in an unusually cheery tone.

“Why, no, I’ve had these for a few years.”

“Well it’s time to get your eyes checked and get a new prescription because you missed three errors copy editing this month’s edition,” he said with a scowl.

With that, I learned that not every man was a prince — or even a duke — like my father or my brothers and sons, and I am grateful for that lesson.

This time of year it seems we are all giving thanks for the obvious and the not-so-obvious gifts. I join in praise for the people and circumstances that have populated my life, including the not-so-great ones, even if it is too late to send a note. n