4th Annual Sunnyside Mall Art & Music Festival, August 6

Join your community of local artists and musicians on Saturday, August 6 from 9am -3pm in the Sunnyside Mall between Beacon and Magnolia on Sunnyside (4500 N) for the 4th Annual Sunnyside Mall Art & Music Festival.  In addition to hearing great music and buying handcrafted goods, bring the kids for crafts and eat breakfast and lunch at the Orfrenda Food Truck and Heritage Coffee Cart. Local musicians will be playing rock-n-roll, blues, jazz and folk. Artists will be selling paintings, drawings, jewelry, ceramics, photography and homemade body care products. Come enjoy the day with your neighbors and support your local artisans!

CLK Properties Begins To Market Retail/Outdoor Space at 1325 W. Wilson

The large retail space of 1325 W. Wilson

CLK Properties has new advertising up in the windows of the retail space in its newly acquired 1325 W. Wilson property. You might remember this was the former Fontana Grill spot that was popular with a lot of folks in Sheridan Park. The storefront has been completely gutted and is even larger than before and ready to be built out. The outdoor space makes this extremely attractive to a restaurant operator. The CLK site isn't showing this location just yet, but keep checking.

In the meantime, interested parties can contact Michele Klampfer at 516-364-1200 or by email at michele@clkcm.com

Spread the word! Wouldn't this be the perfect spot for the rumored Graham Elliot/DMK collaboration?

Sunday Is The Last Day for Inspiration Kitchens (At Least For Now)

Due to the cuts and delays in the Illinois budget, Inspiration Kitchens will close its doors after Sunday. Help them go out in style!

"Come out and celebrate 10 years of serving great food in Uptown with one last brunch at Inspiration Kitchens - Uptown!  Our big finale is this Sunday, July 31, 9 am - 4 pm.

Specials:

• Summer Inspired French Toast. Thick sliced brioche dipped in lemon scented custard, lavender scented blueberries & strawberries, whipped “goat cheese” Chantilly cream, berry-honey syrup
• Sticky Toffee Pancakes. Buttermilk pancakes, drizzled toffee syrup, candied & salted pecans, cream cheese icing
• Watermelon & Mint Salad. Cooling summer watermelon, pink sea salt, fresh mint, baby arugula & pickled red onions, balsamic syrup
• Catfish & Grits. Crispy cornmeal encrusted catfish, creamy jalapeño & cheddar grits, spiced creole sauce, tobacco onions
• Pork & Pepper Skillet. Slow braised pork shoulder, red pepper confit, candied jalapenos, breakfast potatoes, queso fresco, eggs your way, cilantro “pesto”

Can't make it this weekend?  We'll still be open for business at Inspiration Kitchens - Garfield Park, 3504 W. Lake St. whenever your next craving strikes.  Click here for hours and information.

Thank you for more than 10-years of supporting our work to help homeless and low-income individuals gain the skills they need to escape poverty and build a better life!"

Inspiration Corporation's website is here. And remember, when they announced the closing, they said, "As we look to the future, we are happy to report that we are already in talks with a partner to launch a new Inspiration Kitchens project in Uptown with an entirely new concept next year, so please stay tuned for updates."

Shooting in Front of Christopher House (Leland and Winthrop)

Around 11 AM, witnesses report approximately 10-12 shots were fired in front of Christopher House (on the corner of N. Winthrop and W. Leland Ave). A young man suffered a grazed wound to the shoulder. The car fled away in the alley south of Leland between Broadway and Winthrop. 

Footage caught on the scene shortly after the shooting (police arriving and roping off the streets with tape):

CBS2 was on the scene later in the afternoon, expect a report this evening. 

A communication regarding the shooting from Alderman James Cappleman:

"Hi , 

At around 11am today, a young man suffered a grazed wound in the shoulder from gunfire at the corner of Winthrop and Leland. The man is being treated at Illinois Masonic and is expected to fully recover.

I spoke with Commander Cesario a few minutes ago, who told me that Area North Detectives were on the scene, and that there will be an increased police presence in the area. If you or anyone you know witnessed today's shooting, please call the Area North Detectives at 312-744-8200.

I want to encourage all residents to call 911 if they see any suspicious activity that they believe needs immediate attention by the police. Even if you're not sure about making a call, it's fine to call 911 and let the operator assess what the next steps should be.

One effective strategy that some neighbors are using is the establishment of a phone tree. When one neighbor calls 911 for suspicious activity, other neighbors are notified to look out the window and call 911 as well.

I also encourage you to participate in Court Advocacy, a program that coordinates trained residents to attend court proceedings when a person who is charged with a serious crime goes before a judge. On a number of occasions, I have attended these court hearings as well because it sends a very clear message to the judge that we take these types of offenses, that affect the quality of life for area residents, very seriously.

Additionally, please consider attending National Night Out this Tuesday, August 2 at Margate Park, 4921 N. Marine Drive, from 5:30 pm until 7:30 pm. There will be food and refreshments, youth activities, and entertainment.

Violent crime such as this will not to be tolerated in our neighborhoods. Please get involved to help us all address it."

   Best,

  

Update: Click here for the video from CBS2. 

Team PAWS Dog Wash at SoFo Tap this Saturday

Get your pup scrubbed while enjoying some cocktails at Doggy Days this Saturday during the Mutts & Suds Dog Wash Fundraiser for Team PAWS Chicago!

They’ll be out back on the patio of SoFo Tap (4923 North Clark) to give your pooch a bath for a suggested donation of only **$10** and selling tix for a 50/50 raffle!  Dog Wash hours are noon to 5pm.

SoFo will be featuring 1/2 price pints and Fireball shots from 12-3pm, and $1 from each Bird Dog Whiskey purchase will go to Team PAWS. Come on out and support Chicago’s NO-KILL Shelter and the runners that give their miles to save animal lives!

For more information, see the Facebook Event Page.

WFCW Holds Annual Garden Walk This Saturday

Rogue Tickets? Watch Your Car For 7-Day Tow Notices

Something to keep an eye out for, unfortunately. If this has happened to you, please contact your alderman. In this case, it took place in the 48th Ward, Harry Osterman's turf.

A reader wrote in:

"Hey there,

Sending this message because I'm not sure if we have an unscrupulous city employee wandering Uptown. It may be important to get the word out.

This afternoon I went to my car (parked on the 800 block of W Margate Terrace) and had one of those impossible-to-remove stickers that said "Tow notice" (picture attached), and next to it on the window was some writing. On the notice, a box was checked that indicated by car had been left unattended for more than 7 days.

In reality, I legally parked the car about 24 hours ago, and before that I was parked on a completely different block. I have receipts to document I was out running errands yesterday.

What was going to happen if I hadn't gone to my car was my car was going to be illegally towed sometime this afternoon. I got lucky, and the only real issue is getting the sticker remnants off my car. I'm also a little concerned they'll just tow the car anyway even though the notice is half ripped off and my car is two blocks away now, so just ignoring it completely seems like it could come back to haunt me.

I tried calling the number on the notice, but it goes to a generic voicemail. I left a message but have not received a response as of yet."

We advised him to use GooGone on the sticker, and to call the 20th District CAPS office. If this happens to you, the same advice stands.

#TBT - November 2009: Maryville Site In Development Talks

click to enlarge

Throwback Thursday! Development has been a long time coming to Clarendon/Montrose. In this November 2009 News-Star front-page article, a deal was in the works for Sedgwick Properties to build 850 new housing units and a Roundy's supermarket on the site along with 100,000sf of retail space. Several community meetings had already been held (spoiler alert -- many, many more were to come). Finally, in 2016, another developer and a much smaller plan has made its way through the community and city council approval process. Nothing happens easy in Uptown.... but we're glad this finally seems to be happening.

Sheridan Park Planters Pop Up On Wilson

One of the new planters at Wilson & Malden

Something that would have been unheard of when Uptown Update began back in 2007 has taken place.

Planters that are nearly identical to the ones that line Broadway through Buena Park are being installed down Wilson Avenue through Sheridan Park.
This is certainly thanks to our Uptown SSA #34. If you are unfamiliar with our SSA in Uptown, check out this link to learn more.

Progress abounds.

Proposed Wilson/Broadway Development Passes 46th Ward Z&D Committee

Night rendering of 4601 N. Broadway proposal, looking NE (MX3 Architects)

From Ald. Cappleman's newsletter:

"BROADWAY/WILSON DEVELOPMENT APPROVED. The 46th Ward Zoning & Development Committee met Monday, July 25, and overwhelmingly approved a 10 story mixed-use development on the NE corner of Broadway & Wilson. The next public step will be for the development to go through the City's Zoning Committee. Click here for more information about this development."

According to the notes,. the votes was 14 in favor, 5 opposing, and 1 abstention.

Laundromat Coming To Wilson & Magnolia Strip Mall

The strip mall at 4550 N. Magnolia (Google)

According to building permits with the city, a laundromat is coming to the corner space of the strip mall on the SW corner of Wilson and Magnolia. This space was most recently "Uptown Produce." It isn't the most exciting retail we can think of, but it is certainly something that a lot of people can use. Butcher paper has been up in the windows for a while, so inquiring minds were wondering what was in store for the spot. Now we know!

Buttercup Cinema Tonight Features Jungle Book, Yoga Saturday... and Martinis!

Please join us this Friday, July 22nd, for the next movie, Jungle Book (1942,) staring Sabu, in our Movies at Buttercup at Dusk series, curated by Victor Herrera.

We would like to say a very special thank you to Somerset Place Apartments for their support in making this movie presentation possible.

Additional support provided by Green Team Properties at Keller Williams Realty, Big Chicks, Karen Ayers-State Farm Agent, Foremost Liquors on Argyle, and Cedar St/FLATS Chicago.

You can find more information about the event at the following site: https://www.facebook.com/events/1032624150184682/

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click to enlarge

Yoga - Saturday, July 23rd at 8:00 am
Yoga at Buttercup with Toni Yogatones, RN, BSN, CYT. Every Saturday, at 8am - through August 13th. This class is appropriate for all experience levels. $5 Suggested donation.

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Annual Fundraiser Sunday, July 31st, at Marty's
SAVE THE DATE: Please join us for our annual fundraiser event at Marty's Martini Bar, Sunday, July 31st, 2016, at 2pm - 1511 W Balmoral. The funds we raise support our efforts with movie nights, yoga, and other programming. It is also a good time to chat with neighbors, and exchange ideas about Buttercup Park. https://www.facebook.com/events/461085724085520/

Buttercup Park is located at 4901 North Sheridan, at Ainslie.

Alchemy Starts Here

The signs are up at Lawrence House for Owen + Alchemy, the juice bar that won the #FLATSproject small business incubator project. It will be in the easternmost storefront of the building.

City Sidewalks, Busy Sidewalks

It looks like the concrete is about ready to be poured for the sidewalks outside Bridgeview Bank at Broadway and Lawrence. It's been an extensive undertaking to shore up the infrastructure there, and is the reason the Broadway streetscape has been delayed. We look forward to having new sidewalks soon, and we're sure Starbucks is looking forward to having its sidewalk cafe space back.

Broadway & Wilson Development Approved By Truman Square Neighbors Block Club

Night rendering of 4601 N. Broadway proposal, looking NE (MX3 Architects)

Residents of Truman Square voted overwhelmingly (86-9) to approve the zoning change required to construct an 11 story transit oriented development on the NE corner of Broadway and Wilson. Ballots were cast online and by paper ballots that were distributed around Truman Square. Residents living in the boundaries of Broadway to Sheridan and Lawrence to Wilson were eligible to vote.

The proposal includes 197 residential rental units. 80% of the units will be studios, but NOT the "micro-studios" that some are familiar with. The remaining 20% will be a mix of one and two bedroom units. Retail will comprise the entire ground floor and will be a mix of multiple storefronts.

Next stop for the proposal will be the next 46th Ward Zoning & Development meeting where it will be voted on by Uptown block clubs and other Uptown organizations.

No So Lucky

Lucky, we hardly knew ye!

We had posted last November in the former Pecking Order spot at 4416 North Clark said a Mexican restaurant would be opening there soon. In February, the Pecking Order awning was painted over and the name "Lucky" went up.

But it turns out to be not lucky for the prospective restaurateur. Today there is a sign saying that the space, restaurant fixtures, and liquor license are for sale.

Know someone interested? Call 312-841-9322

We're Having A Heat Wave, A Tropical Heat Wave

The next few days are going to be hot and humid, sauna level hot. Heat indices are predicted to be around 110 from Thursday afternoon until Saturday.  It's supposed to be hottest weather we've had in three years.

While you may have air conditioning, not everyone does, so please remember to check in on neighbors and friends who may be vulnerable. Every year we have the sad duty of reporting the heat-related death of someone in Uptown, usually someone who lives alone without a/c and is found in a closed-up home. Let's do our collective best to not let that happen this summer.

Below is the City's flyer on how to handle the heat. Remember that

• several of Uptown's parks have water features to keep kids cool
• there's a cooling center at 845 West Wilson (at Hazel) 
• Gill Park, Chase Park, Welles Park and Uplift High School have public swimming pools
• libraries and park fieldhouses are cooling centers as well

And this shouldn't have to be said, but don't leave your kids or your pets in a parked car. Call 911 immediately if you see this.

Good luck! May the blackouts be few and may the weather get temperate soon.

They Do Rehab Right

KFC and Nhu Lan Sandwich Shop were forced to close after a roof fire at Weiss Plaza (Lawrence & Sheridan) last December. Both have always intended to reopen, but have been slowed by the red tape of dealing with the insurance companies and Chicago's construction permit process.

Thanks to reader JMM, who provided the photo above, we know that reconstruction has finally been able to start at KFC. We hope Nhu Lan isn't that far behind.

Incidentally, we are hearing that Nhu Lan will be slightly larger after the build-out and KFC slightly smaller.

La Ciudad, WGN, Dan Ponce, and Carne Asada

Paper Shredding/Electronics Recycling Next Saturday

From Ald. Cappleman's recent weekly newsletter:

"Back by popular demand, the 46th Ward Office, along with State Rep. Greg Harris, will host our annual "Shred-A-Thon & Electronic Recycling Day on Saturday, July 23 from 9am to noon at the 46th Ward Office located at 4544 N. Broadway.

Here's your chance to get rid of old bank statements, cancelled checks, or old records that are no longer needed. Also, bring electronic equipment for recycling as well.

This service is exclusively for residents only; businesses are prohibited from participating."

Know A Kid Who Needs A Haircut? Help Pay It Forward

La Ciudad To Appear on Chicago's Best Sunday Night

WGN's Chicago's Best filmed a segment at Uptown's hidden gem, La Ciudad (4515 North Sheridan), in June. Now we'll get to see what happened that evening, as Chicago's Best features "Best Mexican" on Sunday night at 10pm (and several times during the week following).

Be sure to tune in to see Chef Hugo and your neighbors enjoy a meal and the spotlight. We hope it brings lots of business to one of our favorite Uptown spots.

Hong Ngu To Open Next To Argyle Red Line Station

According to Eater Chicago, a new restaurant from the co-owner of Anna's Asian Grill & Sushi Bar on Irving Park will open in the former space of Vinh Phat (1113 West Argyle). In an email with Eater Chicago, owner Oanh Ngo said, "Most of the restaurants on Arygle are old fashioned and very busy with their decor. We keep the traditions of Asia like the street food decor inside without putting 100 dishes on the menu."

Ms. Ngo also just opened a Taiwanese shaved ice shop at Racine and Grace this past week, called Snow Junkie. It doesn't look like much is going on at 1113 West Argyle at the moment, but we hope to see signs of life before long.

Vinh Phat has a big green "REVOKED" sign on its front door. Not sure what that's about; anyone know?

Wear Your Best Vintage Clothing To Vintage Garage This Sunday And Win Stuff!

This Sunday is the fourth Vintage Garage of the season, and it sounds like a lot of fun. The themes are tiki, rockabilly (with a live band), and vintage clothing.

Show up wearing your best vintage clothes and you may win Garage Bucks (good for purchases at the Vintage Garage) or a season pass, which will get you into the remaining shows (August, September, and October) for free.

This Sunday is the first live band to play at the Garage. Enjoy the retro sounds of Rosie and the Rivets as you shop more than 100 vendors for treasures.  They'll be playing hits from the 1950s and 1960s between 11am and 3pm.

Vintage Garage is a perfect shopping environment. Enjoy the fresh air while being protected from the sun and the rain. The temps are always ten degrees cooler inside the parking structure.

Vintage Garage takes place on the third Sunday of each month between spring and fall. Admission is five dollars, and it runs from 10am until 5pm.

It all takes place in the parking garage at 5051 North Broadway, immediately north of Argyle Street.  For more information, check out their website.

Stolen Goods Recovered, Police Looking For Owners

This isn't in Uptown, but often thieves come from outside the community. If you have had something stolen that you really would like to get back, this may be worth checking out:

Police recently arrested a man who had been running a massive fencing operation from his home on the West Side. They recovered a considerable amount of stolen goods from his property. He admitted that he had been trafficking stolen items for more than ten years. According to the police, "The types of items recovered include (but are not limited to) bicycles, snow blowers, landscaping equipment, chainsaws, ladders, construction grade equipment, power tools, and tool boxes."

If you have had something stolen and want to see if it was among the recovered items, you are invited to see what the police found.  The viewing will take place at the 15th District Police Station Community Room, located at 5701 W. Madison Ave.  Viewing takes place:

• Friday, July 15th, 7am to 7pm
• Saturday, July 16th from 8am to 3pm

The police say, "It appears that the items originated in the Cook County area.  Victims attending the viewing should bring identification, proof of purchase, copy of police report, as well as any evidence related to their loss (i.e. video, pictures, or witnesses).  Detectives will be in attendance to assist victims with recovering their property."

Uptown Community Garden Tours This Saturday

For more information, go to the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1254502137901587/

Shelter Vacates Historic Home On Sheridan Due To Budget Cuts

4506 N. Sheridan, formerly the "Neon Street" shelter by Heartland Alliance

Heartland Alliance is no longer operating its "Neon Street" shelter out of 4506 N. Sheridan. Due to budget cuts, Heartland has moved the shelter to another scattered site that is less costly to operate. Panels have put up around the first floor to protect the property. No word on what Heartland plans to do with this building, which has had an interesting past.

The home was built in 1902 for Julius H. Holsher and was designed by famed architect George W. Maher, who designed many homes in Uptown. It later served as the McCready Funeral home and had a morbid tie to gangster John Dillinger when his body was brought here to be embalmed and thousands of people rushed to this spot to catch a glimpse of his coffin as he returned to Indiana for his wake.

If this home eventually goes on the market, it will join another single family home just to the north at 4516 N. Sheridan that currently is listed as "contingent."

Bezazian Buzz and Book Sale

Two events coming up at the Bezazian Branch Library, located at 1226 West Ainslie:

• Wednesday evening at 6:30, Friends of Bezazian meet at the library. If you'd like to join the group of volunteers who advocate for this neighborhood gem, please stop by.
• On Saturday, there will be a pop-up book sale outside the library run by Friends of Bezazian. Last time hardcovers were a buck and paperbacks were 50¢. Stop by between 10am and 2pm and restock your shelves!

Budget Impasse Forces An End To Inspiration Kitchens

We have been told by Inspiration Corp. for a long time about how badly the lack of funding from Springfield has impacted their programs. Even with the stopgap budget passed last week, they are only receiving from the state half of what they've paid out, half of the money they are due.

Last night we heard from a reader:  "I had brunch at Inspiration Kitchen on Saturday and sadly found out they are closing at the end of the month.  The lack of a passed state budget has put this restaurant out of business.  They will be having customer appreciation events between now and July 30th.  Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but wanted to make everyone aware."

We wrote to Inspiration Corp. to confirm, and today we got one of the saddest press releases we can remember:

"I am writing to share the news that we at Inspiration Corporation have made the difficult decision to close our Inspiration Kitchens – Uptown social enterprise restaurant after brunch on Sunday, July 31st.  I am sure that this decision will be difficult for many of the patrons who have so generously supported our first experiment in social enterprise over the last 10 years.

We are so proud of the amazing staff at the restaurant – many of whom are graduates of our Foodservice Training program – that has worked hard to serve up delicious food and superb customer experience, earning glowing reviews and universal praise.

More importantly, we have been able to assist more than 500 low-income and homeless job-seekers in finding careers in the culinary industry through our training program.

While we are closing one of our locations, we are not walking away from our commitment to serving Chicago’s most vulnerable residents.  We continue to operate our Foodservice Training program at our Inspiration Kitchens – Garfield Park facility, and remain committed to using social enterprise as a vehicle to help people build new careers and brighter futures.

And we are not walking away from the Uptown community, where we have operated since 1989 when Lisa Nigro pulled her little red wagon through the streets. Inspiration Cafe, at Wilson and Broadway, will continue to serve hot meals in an atmosphere of dignity and respect to individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty, relying on more than 1,000 volunteers each year, many from the Uptown community.

Unfortunately, Inspiration Kitchens – Uptown has struggled to remain viable over the last three years as public support for individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty has diminished or disappeared.

In 2014, we lost more than $350,000 in federal funding for our Foodservice Training program in Uptown and were forced to consolidate at our west side restaurant.  The following year saw cuts to funding from the State of Illinois for similar programs, culminating in an entire fiscal year without a state budget.

We can no longer justify the cost of running Inspiration Kitchens – Uptown, which as a full-service restaurant carries high fixed costs with low profit-margins.

Like many other nonprofit organizations in the state, we are struggling to meet the increasing demand for services with diminished resources, and we have been forced to make painful cuts to ensure that we are spending our limited funds on the programs that provide the greatest possible benefit for homeless and low-income Chicagoans.

As we look to the future, we are happy to report that we are already in talks with a partner to launch a new Inspiration Kitchens project in Uptown with an entirely new concept next year, so please stay tuned for updates.

In the meanwhile, we will be focusing on expanding our catering business, which is beginning to generate both net revenue for our organization and employment opportunities for our graduates.  And we hope that many of our loyal patrons will continue to enjoy our food and service by using our catering for their special events or visiting Inspiration Kitchens – Garfield Park.

Thank you to all of the patrons, donors, and volunteers who have generously supported us over the years." 

Pride & Profiles (or, Buena Park's Getting A New Theater Company)

Since the sudden closing of Buena Park's Profiles Theatre last month after disturbing accusations were made about the behavior of the two artistic directors, there's been concern about what will happen to the two theater spaces that were shuttered at 4135 and 4147 North Broadway.

Today's Tribune has the answers, and it's good news for those who didn't want to lose theater space. Chris Jones writes:

When Profiles Theatre announced its closure last month -- the theater shuttered amid the outcry over a widely shared story in the Chicago Reader wherein several women alleged unsafe and abusive rehearsal and performance practices -- many wondered what would happen to its very desirable spaces on the North Side.

The Tribune has learned the answer: A company called Pride Films and Plays is taking over both of Profiles' theaters, effective immediately.

"We already have the keys," said David Zak, 58, currently the only full-time employee of the non-profit enterprise, founded in 2010 and specializing in works with LGBTQ themes.

The entire article is here.

On its Facebook page, Pride Films and Plays says:

"Pride Films and Plays is thrilled to announce our move to a new home!

Pride Films and Plays, the LGBTQ+ focused company founded in 2010, will take up residence in the two theaters at 4139 and 4147 N. Broadway in Uptown that were recently vacated by Profiles Theatre, Executive Director David Zak announced today. The 90-seat space at 4139 N. Broadway will serve as the primary venue for the company’s stage productions and will be named The Broadway. The 50-seat studio a few doors north at 4147 N. Broadway, to be dubbed The Buena, will serve chiefly as a rental venue.

Zak says “We will welcome arts groups of all types – theaters, film fests, comics, musicians, performance artists - who share our mission to speak for the underrepresented populations of our community. The Pride Arts Center will be a safe and open place for all artists.”

46th Ward Alderman James Cappleman said, “We enthusiastically welcome Pride Films and Plays to Uptown. Performing arts organizations enhance the quality of life, bring economic activity and promote safety in our neighborhoods. We are thrilled to know that the tradition of live theatre on this block of Broadway will continue virtually uninterrupted.”

The company’s next production, Resolution - a world premiere by Heather McNama and Nancy Nyman - will be staged at Rivendell Theatre in October as previously announced.

The first production to be staged by Pride Films and Plays in the new Center will open in January, 2017. Both the 90-seat Broadway and the 50-seat Buena are currently available for rentals. Interested producing companies may inquire by calling 1-800-737-0984 or e-mailing prideartschicago@gmail.com."

Rique's On Sheridan Closes

Some disappointing news from the Facebook page of Riques Cocina Mexicana:

"Dear friends: After almost 2 years in Uptown (768 likes, 1,318 "were here", 5.0 blue stars + 1 this week- according to facebook)- we are CLOSED, time to change gears; I will be pursuing Teaching Culinary Arts; and we still have couple of events to do in Beautiful Chicago before September of 2016.

Thank you, gracias mil to all our friends that they were always here to see what we were cooking every weekend...To our old friends thank you and to our new ones cant thank you enough...."

This is the second go-round for Rique's at this location, and we'll miss the delicious dinners... again. Good luck to you, Chef Enrique.

Meanwhile On Montrose ....

... the new building that will hold Ross Dress For Less and other retail is going up like gangbusters....

... and the building just to the west of it, 944 Montrose, has all new windows and workers doing renovations daily.

Apartment Fire At Leland/Beacon Saturday Night

Saturday evening at 8:20pm, there was an apartment fire at 4701 North Beacon, at the corner of Leland. Firefighters blocked off Beacon between Wilson and Lawrence. The damage seems to be limited and the building is open to residents tonight. If you have any further information, please put it in the comments.

Bike Tire Thefts On The Rise

We hate to have to run stories like this, but it's an annual event. There are predators who look for any opportunity to take something that isn't theirs. Here is the story and some words of advice to bike owners from a reader who was the victim of a theft. Take precautions, as he advises.

"It’s summer and the crime increasing.  I am writing to share the story of my bike tire being stolen from within the locked, gated yard of my building so you may share it with other, local readers.

This morning, Saturday July 9th, I went to ride my bike and discovered that my front tire had been stolen.  I last saw the tire when I rode my bike on Monday, July 4th and got home around midnight.  I have zero faith in recovering the tire, but did file a police report with District 19 Chicago Police.

I had the bike frame locked with my U-lock, but neither tire was secured through the lock.  The worker at the bike store I went to to buy the new $125 tire and rim lives in the area and said he has heard of more and more similar stories: locked up in a gated area and tires and parts have still been stolen.  I figured a large, locked gate was locked enough, and I was wrong.  I will be fully locking my tires now.  The bike store had previously suggested removing the quick releases as well, and I may do that now.

I hope no one else in the area needs to have their bikes victimized and that we catch the thief."

There are also some good tips on avoiding tire theft in the comments to this 2013 post.

Inspiration Corp. Founder Lisa Nigro & Family Need Support

photo courtesy of My Hero

Lisa Nigro, the former police officer who started Inspiration Corporation and has helped improve the lives of so many vulnerable people in Uptown, even winning the Presidential Citizens Medal for her philanthropy and dedication to this community, is having some challenges of her own right now. Her 18-year-old son has had a series of heart attacks and that has put a terrible financial burden on the family.

A reader brought this our attention and said,

"Many of you know or know of Lisa Nigro, founder of Inspiration Corp. and Café. This amazing woman is, hands down, the fiercest force for good in Uptown. She and her family are now facing a challenge that would humble Hercules. As strong as I know she is, she and her family could use your help. Donate what you can, pray, and read: http://nick2127.tumblr.com. Yeah, she’s an amazing writer, too.

The YOU CARING Fundraising Page is at https://www.youcaring.com/the-nigro-family-463208."

If you can help this woman who has helped so many, please do so.

UU articles about Lisa are here.

Sunnyside Mall Is Throwing A Block Party Saturday

Spend the evening with your Sheridan Park Neighbors for the first ever Sunnyside Mall Block Party!

SCHEDULE:

• Arriving between 10am - 1pm:
  JUMPING JACK FOR THE KIDS! (look for a Sunnyside Mall Facebook notification when it arrives)
• 4pm:
  CARNIVAL GAMES: face-painting, balloon toss, donuts on a string, bike/scooter parade and more!
• 4:30-6pm:
  BALLOON TWISTER!
• 5pm:
  DINNER! Spend the evening with your Sunnyside Neighbors!

The Sunnyside Mall will provide burgers, hotdogs and drinks. Please bring a potluck contribution - If your last name begins with:

• A - J: Bring an appetizer or salad 
• K - R: Bring a dessert 
• S - Z: Bring a side dish or fruit

Sign-up to bring a dish & help with activities HERE: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0a4eabaa29a1f58-sunnyside

• Requested Donation for food, soft drinks & water: $1.00 for children & $3.00 for adults
• Bring Your Own Chair (B.Y.O.C.)

This event is made possible by The Sunnyside Mall Committee and all our generous Sheridan Park Neighbors!

Free Walking Tours Saturday: Hutchinson Street Homes & Uptown Entertainment District

Saturday Summer Yoga With Toni At Buttercup Park

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Buttercup Park is a happening place this summer! Friday night movies, CAPS Nights Out on Wednesdays, the nearby Argyle Night Market on Thursdays, and tomorrow's SummerDance concert are now joined by Saturday Morning Yoga with Toni.

Buttercup Park is located at Sheridan and Ainslie.

"Yoga at Buttercup with Toni, RN, BSN, CYT. 
Every Saturday, at 8am, beginning this Saturday, July 9th through August 13th. This class is appropriate for all experience levels. As a Registered Nurse/Certified Hatha yoga teacher, her classes are personalized for each student's needs. She provides health benefits of each asana (yoga poses) along with verbal/hands-on adjustments. $5 Suggested donation. More information of Toni's practice can be found at yogatones.weebly.com."

Reminder, Summer Movies At Dusk Return To Buttercup Park Tonight

The summer series of movies at Buttercup Park (Ainslie and Sheridan) continues tonight with Five Million Miles to Earth aka Quatermass and the Pit (1967). It's a horror film classic, and where better to watch it than outside on a perfect summer evening? It looks to be in the high 70s at dusk, when the show begins.

The movies are presented with the help of some pretty cool folks. The series is curated by Victor Herrera, and is made financially possible with the support of Big Chicks/Tweet, Green Team Properties, Somerset Place Apartments, Karen Ayers of State Farm Insurance, Foremost Liquors on Argyle, and Cedar St/Flats. It's all put together by the volunteers at Buttercup Park Advisory Council.

It's free and happening all summer. Come on out tonight for the thrilling horror classic, and make plans for every other Friday throughout the summer. The entire schedule can be found here.

Today and This Evening: The Summer Gunning Of Chicago

Second Fridays Takes Place Tonight at Pho 777

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Second Fridays, when neighbors and those working to make Argyle even better than it is now meet for a meal and discussion, takes place tonight at Pho 777 (1065 West Argyle). The featured dish will be Bún Chả Hà Nội, the meal President Obama shared with Anthony Bourdain in Vietnam during his recent visit.

Pho 777 has been owned by Nicholas Nguyễn and Linh Thị Thùy Nguyễn since 2003, and has earned its reputation as one of the first restaurants on the street to feature the cuisine of North Vietnam. Nicholas is a member of the newly formed Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce and looks forward to the advantages that the new streetscape will bring to the businesses on Argyle.

Second Fridays begins at 6pm and runs through 9pm. Stop in anytime, and BYOB!

Uptown Saturday Nights Presents Summerdance Under The Stars

It's another Uptown Saturday Night on July 9th, and that means free fine entertainment. This month features SUMMERDANCE, now in its 20th year.

Come to Buttercup Park (Sheridan and Ainslie). Bring a blanket, chairs, a picnic, and your dancing shows!

At 7pm, there will be Salsa Lessons with Denita Inez of MayIHaveThisDance.com.

At 7:30pm, there will be dancing and a live orchestra. Enjoy the sounds of Samuel del Real & Orchestra until 9:30pm. Haven't you always wanted to dance under the stars to orchestra music? This is your chance.

More information and RSVPs are here.