Craft Beer Week In Chicago Includes Trolley Tour

 The eleven-day Craft Beer "Week" is going on right now in Chicago, with a daily "tap takeover" at Crew and one coming up Friday night at Bar On Buena.  There's also a trolley tour on Wednesday through Uptown, Andersonville and Lincoln Square:

European and Asian Craft Brewers Trolley Tour (Lincoln Square/ Andersonville/ Uptown) tours European- and Asian-style craft brewers in Lincoln Square, Andersonville, and Uptown. The tour starts at Fountainhead (1970 W. Montrose Ave., 773-697-8204) at 6 p.m. Tickets are $20 and include a beer sample at each bar. Reservations are required.

There are over 300 events planned, so take a look at the schedule if you want to find out more.

Longer Nights For The Argyle Night Market

A Night Market in Taiwan

According to the City's website, the new Argyle Night Markets will run longer in the evening (5pm-9pm), but have a shorter season (through September 5th) than previously announced.

It says it will "include some vendors from the City’s other farmers markets, as well as having live performances and arts & crafts, with local artisans and local restaurants participating."

We'll take it! We're looking forward to some enjoyable Thursdays.

Bike Safety Event

Graceland Wilson Block Club came out with a newsletter this week, including a workshop to make your bike trips safer for you and the people you ride near.

Join GWNA on Saturday, June 1st when the City of Chicago’s Bicycling Ambassadors give a bicycle safety program.  The event will take place at Sunnyside Mall (Sunnyside between Magnolia and Malden) from 10 am to noon.  Learn more about cycling safety in the city, practice with some drills and even have your helmet fitted.  This event is free and all ages are welcome.  Learn more about the Bicycling Ambassadors here.

Keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates on other events, including Concerts in the Park scheduled this summer in Uptown!

"Hey Sailor" Pub Crawl On June 1

Join your neighbors and kick off Pride Month with a pub crawl sponsored by Business Partners - The Chamber for Uptown, The Chicago Reader and 312 beer.

"The official Uptown kickoff to Pride Month - HEY SAILOR, is a bar cruise featuring six of the neighborhood's finest watering holes.

Join us for an afternoon of cocktails, camaraderie, and costumes!
Prizes awarded to the finest sailor garb in the crew.

Participants include: Crew Bar & Grill, SoFo Tap, Reservoir, Nick's Uptown, Uptown Lounge, and Fat Cat."

More details are here.  Sounds like a great time.

Stop, Thieves!

Sounds like some of the same crew who stole a bike tire earlier this month and were caught by the cops have returned to their thieving ways.  A reader had an experience tonight that sounds similar to one reported a couple weeks ago.  Be alert if you park your bike in Uptown.  The previous post has some good tips in the comments.  Here's tonight's story:

"I just had a scary and fortunate situation at Buena and Sheridan with two bike thieves that have been seen in the area before. My bike was parked on the street for a few hours at Sheridan and Buena and when I left my house I saw two Hispanic guys walking with a really nice bike wheel in their hand. My wheel.

I grabbed it back out of their hands and they ran off. I called the police but the guys were gone, heading north on Broadway towards Montrose.

Be on the lookout for these two guys: 2 Hispanic men, one small, the other very large. The large guy has a shaved head and thin goatee. He has broad shoulders and was wearing a brown zip-up hooded sweatshirt and shorts. The smaller guy had short greasy hair, a white shirt with stripes and pants. Be on the lookout for this bastard odd couple."

Uptown & Its Future In The Spotlight

Wednesday night reporter Randi Belisomo of WGN presented more of her series on the Uptown Theater and the proposed Uptown Entertainment District, and there's a lot to take in:

• Will Uptown's Music District Find A Rhythm in Uptown? was on the WGN News At Nine.  A transcript and the video are here.
• At 10pm, CLTV did a half-hour live special called Creating a Music District, with Jerry Mickelson of Jam Productions (owner of the Uptown Theater), Dave Jemilo of the Green Mill, and 46th Ward alderman James Cappleman.  It's split into several segments online:  Part One, Viewer Questions & Comments, and Closing Thoughts.
• There's an interview with the Mayor about the creation of the Entertainment District and the Uptown music scene.  He mentions the Truman Parking Garage, the lighting that will come with the modernized Wilson L station, the Broadway and Argyle streetscaping, and the Entertainment District, and how he believes these will all come together to spur development, such as more restaurants and businesses.  The entire interview is about nine minutes long.
• There's an interview with Ric Addy called A Peek Inside Shake Rattle & Read.
• All the stories, from Tuesday and Wednesday, and the extras, can be found on one page:  http://wgntv.com/news/stories/chicagos-music-district/
• In addition, there will be a discussion open to the public later this month:

Pooches In The Garden At Baker & Nosh This Weekend

Bring your cocker spaniel to go with your coffee, or enjoy your scones with your scottie.  Baker & Nosh (1303 W Wilson) announced on Facebook today that Saturday is Doggie Day In The Garden:

Bring on the dogs!!  We are trying something new this weekend. This Saturday morning, we will be having Doggie Days in our garden. From 9-12, you can bring the pooch, grab a cup of coffee and a tasty treat while spending time in the garden meeting neighbors, talking with your local pet supply stores/pet photographer and letting your dog make new friends!

46th Ward Holds Ward Night At Broncho Billy Playlot Tonight

From Ald. Cappleman's email update, sent today:

Neighborhood Nights in the Ward's parks and playlots returns on Wednesday evenings. These events will allow any resident to meet with Ald. Cappleman and discuss any issue or just come to chat. Call Chris Jessup with any questions: 773-878-4646 or email at Chris@James46.org.

• When: May 15 from 5pm - 7pm
• Where: Broncho Billy Playlot at 4437 N. Magnolia Avenue

Demera Deals On Groupon

Demera Restaurant (4801 N Broadway) is featured on Groupon today, with your choice of five different dining deals at half off, starting at $14.

The deal will be available for the next four days, and can be used between May 20 and December 11th.  Take a look here for details.

WGN News Visits The Uptown Theater

In case you missed the WGN News at Nine on Tuesday, here's a link to the story. The text portion has a little more than what was shown on the air.  The direct link to the video, as shown on WGN, is here.

Remember that there will be more Wednesday night on the WGN News At Nine regarding the formation of an Entertainment District, followed by a half-hour live show on CLTV, at 10pm.

The WGN page also features a history of the Uptown in photos, from its heyday to the present, linked here.

"Night Out in the Parks" Entertainment Schedule

Today Mayor Emanuel, Chicago Park District, and DCASE (Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events) announced a summer-long program of evening events in the city's parks.  Here's what's on the agenda for Uptown* (the entire schedule is here):

• Thursday, July 11, 6pm:  Concert in the Park, Aster Playlot, 4639 N Kenmore
• Sunday, July 14th, 5pm & 8pm:  Modern interpretation of Romeo & Juliet by The Hypocrites, Margate Park, 4921 N Marine
• Monday, July 15th, 8:30pm:  Movie in the Park (Shane), Cricket Hill (Montrose east of Lake Shore Drive)
• Thursday, July 18th, 6pm:  Concert in the Park, Gooseberry Playlot, 4648 N Malden
• Friday, July 19th, 6:30pm:  Concert in the Park (Mixed Company), Chase Park, 4701 N Ashland
• Friday, July 19th, 8:30pm:  Movie in the Park (Annie), Chase Park, 4701 N Ashland
• Thursday, July 25th, 6pm:  Concert in the Park, Broncho Billy Park, 4437 N Magnolia
• Tuesday, July 30th, 8:30pm:  Movie in the Park (The Sandlot), Cricket Hill (Montrose east of Lake Shore Drive)
• Thursday, August 1st, 6pm:  Concert in the Park, Aster Playlot, 4639 N Kenmore
• Thursday, August 8th, 6pm:  Concert in the Park, Gooseberry Playlot, 4648 N Malden
• Monday, August 12th, 8:30pm:  Movie in the Park (Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory), Cricket Hill (Montrose east of Lake Shore Drive)
• Wednesday, August 14th, 8pm:  Movie in the Park (Jack the Giant Slayer), Clarendon Park Community Center, 4501 N Clarendon
• Saturday, October 19th, no time given:  Circus in the Park, Margate Park, 4921 N Marine

* There are no listings for Gill Park, at least as of today.

"Finding Faith," Erik Estrada At Uptown Baptist Church

On Friday, May 24, at 6:30pm, Uptown Baptist Church (1011 W Wilson) will present a free screening of the movie "FINDING FAITH."  Based on a true story, it highlights the task force efforts to rescue children from internet predators.

Erik Estrada, who stars in the movie, will be available to sign autographs following the movie screening. There's an interview with him here that explains his involvement and why he is going around the country showing this film.  The Facebook page for the movie is here.

Montrose & Greenview New Construction Nears Completion

Just over a year ago, construction started on a residential building in the weed-covered lot at Greenview and Montrose, which had been sitting empty for many years.  Now construction is substantially finished.  In our post of May 31, 2012, we said:

We're not thrilled that there won't be ground-floor retail on one of our main thoroughfares, but there are plenty of vacant storefronts in the area already.  We are excited about something being built there at long last.  Empty lots don't contribute to a healthy community, and let's face it, Chicago can use the real estate taxes.  It will be fun to take a look at the finished building and see how it compares to the artist's vision.

 So here's the comparison, the artist's rendering and the actual building:

Condo/Townhome Owner Programs Offered

Two educational programs are being offered for condo associations.

• The first program is on Tuesday, June 4 from 6:30 – 9 p.m.   It will be "A Primer on Condominium Law and Practices."  Attorney Denise DeBelle and Harry Benjamin on Condo Serve Corporation are the speakers. The program will be at Bridgeview Bank, 4753 N. Broadway in Chicago.
• The other program is Thursday, June 13 and is on "Owner Rights and Board Member Responsibilities/Duties."  It will be from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the Uptown Public Library, 929 Buena in Chicago. It will feature Attorney Sima Kirsch and Michael Rutkowski of First Community Management.

Both programs are being hosted by the Association of Condominium, Townhouse and Homeowners Associations (ACTHA), a non-profit organization. ACTHA is the largest statewide organization representing community association owners. Its mission is to provide education and information to help associations run more efficiently and effectively.

For program details and registration information, call 312-987-1906 or email gael@actha.org. Pre-registration is requested.

Free Hep-B Shots Tuesday

Welcome To The 21st Century, Bag Plaza

Photo courtesy of Google Streetview

Since last October, the Bag Plaza Corp. building at 4533 N Clark has been hidden behind scaffolding while it got a facelift and became more structurally sound.  This past week, the scaffolding came down, revealing a sleeker, more modern building.  We'll miss some of the vintage decorations, but that glass brick.... never!

WGN & CLTV Visit The Uptown Theater This Week

"Downstaging Uptown" by Eric Holubow

Curious about what the Uptown Theater looks like and what its future is?  WGN and CLTV are taking an in-depth look this week:

• "The doors of the historic Uptown Theater were shuttered for the final time in 1981. Since then the majestic theater has sat dark and boarded up, a skeleton of the crowned jewel on Chicago's North Side that once boasted "an acre of seats in a magic city." Watch WGN-TV's News at Nine this Tuesday at 9pm as Randi Belisomo takes our cameras inside the theater to show you what it looks like now. Find out what is waiting to come back to life.
• Then tune in Wednesday for the News at Nine at 9pm as Randi reports about the plans for a music district in Uptown which would center around the Uptown Theater.
• Will it become a reality? We will take a closer look at that question during a LIVE half-hour special "Creating a Music District" on CLTV Wednesday, May 15th at 10pm. Uptown Theater owner Jerry Mickelson, Alderman James Cappleman and The Green Mill owner Dave Jemilo will join Randi Belisomo to discuss the plans and take viewers' questions. Tune in to CLTV or watch live on the live stream at www.wgntv.com/live).

You can submit questions to the CLTV Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/cltvnews?ref=tn_tnmn) or call 877-358-CLTV (2588) with your questions or comments. You can also follow the discussion on Twitter with @CLTVNews and using the hashtag #Uptown.

If you miss it, all of the stories will be posted on our web sites at www.wgntv.com and www.cltv.com."

If you haven't seen this inside of this magnificent theater, check out the slide show here, by undercity.org. And check out the documentary Uptown: Portrait of a Palace, which is on Vimeo, and may still be available on DVD from Compass Rose.

Uptown Carnival Is A Go

Uptown Update ran a post in January about some very ambitious plans for a Chicago Uptown Lakefront Carnival and Entertainment Festival, to run for 18 days in June and July.  Many readers expressed doubts that an event of that magnitude would be able to take place, especially during a very busy time for Uptown, with the Pride Parade taking place at the same time.

We heard back this week from the organizers of the Carnival, Uptowners who've been cutting through municipal red tape right and left, dealing with various city departments, and the Carnival will take place, on a smaller scale and in August.  It sounds like a lot of fun, and the organizers have a ten-year contract, so look for it to get bigger and better as time goes on.

The new dates are Thursday, August 1st through Sunday, August 4th.  It will happen at the lakefront, between Wilson and Lawrence, from Lake Shore Drive to the lake.  There will be free admission, as well as entertainment, carnival rides, food and music. There will be a DJ/dance area, an entertainment stage, and two beer gardens.

The non-profit overseeing the Carnival is "Saluting Our Heroes."  The website says:  "Portions of proceeds will go to the Chicago Police and Fire foundations, the Goldstar Families Memorial, as well as local churches, schools and various non-profits."

They are looking for vendors for food, art, and entertainment.  They are also seeking non-profits to sell event wristbands to make money for the organizations.

You can read more details about the Carnival itself and how to be part of it, here.

Stuck In The Middle With You

As of 4pm, Lawrence is closed between Broadway and Winthrop, as a truck turned into an convertible by getting wedged under the Lawrence underpass.  Gonna be some slow going in the area while everything gets un-jammed.

Shermain Miles Found Sane, Will Stand Trial

Shermain Miles was in court this morning and was found to be legally sane, and fit to stand trial for several charges she's racked up while on parole for armed robbery.

She remains in prison for parole violations while awaiting trial for these new charges.

According to the Sun-Times:  "A trial date has not yet been set for Miles most recent misdemeanor cases, but Miles’ public defender Friday told Judge Marvin Luckman that she hopes to reach an agreement to avoid a trial."

You can read the entire article here.

"Stamp Out Hunger" Saturday

On Saturday, May 11, 2013, Campbell Soup Company will again join forces with the National Association of Letter Carriers to Stamp Out Hunger across America. The annual Stamp Out Hunger drive is the nation’s largest single-day food drive, providing assistance to the millions of Americans.

To participate in the Stamp Out Hunger drive, Chicago residents are encouraged to leave a sturdy bag containing non-perishable food items, such as canned soup, canned vegetables, peanut butter, pasta, rice or cereal, next to their mailbox prior to the time of regular mail delivery on Saturday, May 11. Local letter carriers will collect these food donations as they deliver the mail and take them to local food banks.  Read more about it here.

Don't Let This Happen To You

Avoid street-sweeping tickets by registering with SweepAroundUs, which will remind you of street cleaning days for your area by sending you text messages or emails, or by putting sweep days on your calendar.  It's free.

Go to SweepAround.us and register there, or you can use it to check for your area's cleaning days.

Litter Patrol Picks Up Saturday

 They're making Buena Park prettier -- care to join them?

Buena Park Litter Patrol

Saturday, May 11th, 10am to noon

Meet at KFC parking Lot at Buena and Broadway

We will be walking the streets of Buena Park picking up trash along the way. Come on out, meet your neighbors and help keep Buena Park clean and green.

We'll Back You, Blackhawks

RedEye has an article on where Hawks fans can watch the playoffs, and Uptown's Crew is mentioned:

Crew Bar & Grill, 4804 N. Broadway, 773-784-2739
A hangout for gay sports fans since opening in 2004, this Uptown bar became a Blackhawks partner bar at the program's start. The 108-seat bar has been known to fill up with Hawks gear-clad fans 30 minutes before game time, though there's often some turnover as the game goes on. Staffers flash a goal light behind the bar whenever the Hawks score and play the same songs heard during games at the United Center—with fans often singing along. Captain Morgan, Jack Daniel's and Ketel One cocktails are all $1 off on gamedays.

The entire article is here.

A Visit To Tik Tok Falafel

Tik Tok Falafel opened a month ago, in the former Alma Pita storefront (Wilson between Magnolia and Malden), but yesterday was the first chance we've had to eat there.  In a word: delicious.  Two big thumbs up for the falafel wrap, and there are many menu items we're looking forward to trying in the future.  The interior has also been redone, with a counter running along the front of the store, and lots of light coming in through the front windows.  Alma Pita fans will like that the chairs with the "cedars of Lebanon" cut-outs are still there.

We talked to the owner, Moe Jaber, about why he decided to open Tik Tok Falafel and to get more information on one of Uptown's newest eateries:

What are the restaurant's hours?  They're currently being determined.  Right now, they're 10am-9pm, Monday through Saturday.

Do you have any other restaurants, or is Tik Tok your first?   Moe has previously opened Shami Kabob & Grill in Orland Park, and spends his time in both restaurants.  When he's not at Tik Tok, his father runs the show.

Whose recipes are you using?  Family recipes?  Turns out that Moe trained at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Chicago, and all the recipes are his own.  After graduation, he spent a year in Jerusalem, perfecting his falafel, and other, recipes.  He is particularly proud of the Falafel Burger on the menu, something most Mediterranean restaurants don't offer.

Why Uptown?  One of the big draws was that the storefront is located so close to Truman College, and he hopes to attract many of the students across the street to Tik Tok.  He also says he likes Uptown because it's a lively, diverse neighborhood full of friendly people and he thought moderately priced, good ethnic food would be successful here.

Why should people come to eat at Tik Tok?  All the food is made fresh to order with only fresh ingredients.  Nothing is prepared in advance or sits around waiting.

Moe also mentioned that even people who have dietary restrictions can find lots to eat at Tik Tok.  The hummus and the soups, among others, are vegan, and most of the appetizers (for example, baba ganosh, kibbesh, shami dip) and salads (Tik Tok Salad, Jerusalem Salad, Tabbouleh) are vegetarian. In addition, all foods are prepared in compliance with zabiha halal.

Moe would recommend that on your first visit, try the Tik Tok Mix appetizer (hummus, baba ganosh, falafel, tabbouleh, and Shami dip, $8) or the Tik Tok Royal Plate (grilled skewers of shish kabob, chicken tawook, shawarma, and kefta kabob served with onions and bell peppers, $10) as a way to get acquainted with the various menu items.  He also recommends the falafel plate, the kefta and the chicken shawarma.

You can follow Tik Tok on Facebook; the website is still under construction.

When we were there, most of the tables were full, so we hope people are getting to know this little gem.  Drop by and pick up a menu, or better yet, order a meal.  Takeout is available as well as dining in.

Neighborhood Night At Broncho Billy Park Tonight

From Ald. Cappleman's email update, sent today:

Neighborhood Nights in the Ward's parks and playlots returns on Wednesday evenings. These events will allow any resident to meet with Ald. Cappleman and discuss any issue or just come to chat. Call Chris Jessup with any questions: 773-878-4646 or email at Chris@James46.org.

• When: May 8 from 5pm - 7pm
• Where: Broncho Billy Playlot at 4437 N. Magnolia Avenue

It's The Pit[s] ! But New Business Blooms

So how did the city of Chicago decide to welcome Uptown's new flower shop, Forget Me Knodt, the week before Mother's Day, one of the biggest flower-giving days of the year?

It dug a great big hole in the sidewalk in front of the shop (1313 West Wilson)!

Owner Janessa wants you to know that she and Forget Me Knodt are open.  Don't be fooled by the giant pit in front of the shop.

In her blog entry about the situation, she says: 

"And please, if you read this, spread the word: we are open ALL week, with extended hours on Saturday and Sunday, and we’re taking orders for weekend deliveries in the city and suburbs now through Friday. 

Just give us a call at 773-944-1041, or stop in! We’ll be getting new shipments of fresh flowers, plants and gifts in all week long!"

And you can tell whoever's getting the flowers how hard you had to work to get them, too.

New Drama Debuts At Pegasus Players

Pegasus Players is debuting a new play that's getting rave reviews.  If You Split A Second asks: "What happens when a man makes a choice that is so devastating it explodes the lives of everyone he loves?" Mick Johnson is a man who has everything but doesn’t know how to keep it: a new job promotion, promise of a home, a loving wife - Jane, and two kids. In one second he was given a choice — to give into his rage and risk it all or walk away. As Mick sits in prison with nothing but time, he questions how and why he 'took the wrong side of the split' and watches the life of family unfold through another man's eyes."

Don't miss this contemporary drama that explores crime and punishment, choices and consequences and the gift/curse of family.

It's playing Thursdays through Sundays at Pegasus's home at 4520 North Beacon.  Tickets are only $25 (General Admission), with Student, Senior and Group Discounts Available.  You can see the schedule and buy your tickets here.  There are some weekend matinees, but it all goes away after June 2nd.

Pegasus Players is a not-for-profit company that has been making theatre accessible to Uptowners since 1978.  They're good people and they put on good shows, so stop by and see get some culture at a very reasonable price.

SNL's Julia Sweeney To Appear At Paper Machete This Saturday

We've mentioned before that one of Uptown's hidden gems takes place every Saturday at the Green Mill at 3pm:  Paper Machete, a live current events magazine that its founder describes as "part spoken-word show, part vaudeville revue."  Free, weekly, and fun!

This Saturday, there's even more reason to attend:  Julia Sweeney, actress/author/comedian, will be the headliner in a Mother's Day Edition of the show.

Founder Christopher Piatt tells us:  "Julia Sweeney is headlining this Saturday's Paper Machete.  It should be a totally hot show; the lineup of non-famous talent is also excellent. And the show is still 100% FREE!"

If you haven't checked out the Machete before, this is a really good opportunity to see what's going on behind the green velvet drapes.

CPS Hearing Officers Give Their Reports On School Closings, And There Are Some Surprises

Graeme Stewart School, back in the day.  Its appearance is largely unchanged today.

Late Monday night, CPS released the opinions of the Independent Hearing Officers on the closings of 50+ public schools, including Stewart, which is scheduled to be closed with its students transferring to Brennemann, and Stockton, which is scheduled to be consolidated with Courtenay at Stockton's campus.

In the hearing report on Stewart, Retired Judge Charles Winkler says that both Stewart's and Brennemann's principals favor the plan, and that Brennemann is a better school than Stewart.  He also notes that Stewart can accommodate 600 students, and currently has only 256 students enrolled.  However, he ends his report by saying:

Since a definitive safety plan will not be ready until August, 2013, CPS should consider delaying an implementation of the proposal until the 2014-2015 school year.  The 256 students at Stewart will be traveling a new route to school.  Will an understaffed Chicago Police Department be able to provide enough officers to assist the Stewart children?  Will CPS be able to hire a private security company to furnish properly trained personnel?  Is there really enough time to get everyone up to speed so the 14,400 children from the closing schools are provided safe passage?

You can see Judge Winkler's entire Stewart report here.

As for Stockton, many more parents, teachers and community members testified at the hearings and made statements, a fact noted in Judge Winkler's report.  Many parents objected to making the "new Courtenay" a neighborhood school rather than keeping it as it has been: 100% lottery, drawing from all over the city.  Parents also noted that with the high number of special ed students at both schools (30% at Courtenay and 33% at Stockton), accommodation for all would be difficult.

Judge Winkler ends his report on Stockton by repeating the same statement about delaying the consolidation as he did for Stewart, and adds:

CPS should address and consider the plea the keep the Courtenay model intact: a 100% enrollment without boundaries.

You can see Judge Winkler's entire Stockton report here.

As for Trumbull, which is in Edgewater and the 40th Ward, but the closing of which will affect Uptown's McCutcheon, one of three receiving schools for Trumbull's students, Retired Judge Gilbert Grossi's report concludes:

With appropriate consideration to the passion, emotion, time and effort put in on both sides of this issue, finding that the CEO's proposal complies with 5/34-230 and the Guidelines, the Hearing Officer recommends, in accordance with the CEO's proposal, that she recommend to the Board, and the Board approve, the closure of Lyman Trumbull Elementary School.

You can see Judge Grossi's entire Trumbull report here.