As we begin another April weekend, the question on my mind is “who stole our spring?”  So, let’s get out there this weekend and take back our spring!

Returning to its annual spring stomping grounds at the McCormick Place South Building (2301 S. Lake Shore Dr.) in the South Loop, the C2E2: Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo takes place this Saturday (10 a.m.-7 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) to bring you the largest pop culture convention in the country.  This expo has gathered some of the biggest names in the industry for live panels and compiled a guest lineup that includes John Boyega, Denise Richards, Molly Ringwald, Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, and many others so you can meet and interact with your favorite celeb heroes.  In addition, over 400 unique exhibitors will be set up on the Show Floor; 500+ creators will be displaying their artwork in the Artist Alley; 25 authors will be in the Writers Block.  And don’t forget to discover exclusive, genuine C2E2 merchandise.  Plus, guests are encouraged to show off their most creative and exquisite cosplay outfit for a day of creativity and fun while celebrating pop culture!

Nothing brings back spring like a spring bar crawl!  This Saturday (12 p.m.-6 p.m.) the Old Crow Smokehouse (3506 N. Clark St.) in the Wrigleyville neighborhood is pulling out all the stops with their Taylor Swift Bar Crawl: Eras, Ex’s and Everything Taylor.  Chicago’s Swifties will be gathering together to hop and bop at the best bars in Wrigleyville.  A ticket includes admission to all participating bars, a free brunch buffet, gift cards to use on the crawl, specially created Taylor themed drink specials, all of Taylor Swift’s greatest music, giveaways, and more.  Swifties, don your best sparkling fringe dress along with your sweet friendship bracelet for the wildest bar crawl you’ll experience and bring back spring!

Immerse yourself in the world of tea at this year’s annual Chicago Tea Festival this Saturday (10 a.m.-6 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m.-5 p.m.) at the Copernicus Center (5216 W. Lawrence Ave.) in the Jefferson Park neighborhood.  Attendees can explore the rich and diverse world of tea with hands-on experiences that include tea cupping sessions, educational workshops, tea classes, and presentations led by industry experts.  Expand your knowledge of tea by discovering new, rare, world-class teas, as well as learning about tea’s global heritage and some brewing techniques.  Enjoy a day of sipping, savoring, and soaking in a world of flavor and tradition!

With Easter just eight days away, come join Gallagher Way (3635 N. Clark St.) in the Wrigleyville neighborhood this Saturday (11 a.m.-3 p.m.) to celebrate Easter at their 4^th annual Easter Egg Hunt.  Bring your family and pets to Hunt for Eggs (view Egg Hunt Rules at the link above) at either the 11 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. session.  Each hunt allows 100 kids to participate.  Plus, some eggs contain small toys or stickers while a golden egg offers a special gift.  There’s also an additional hunt that has been added at 2:15 p.m. with 125 tickets available due to popular demand!  This event also includes face painters, a meet-and-greet with the Easter Bunny, and interactive family activities in a fun atmosphere for all ages.  Best part, all participants receive a candy bag with tootsie rolls, hi-chews, and other chewy candies at the end of the event!

Even Brookfield Zoo (8400 31^st St.) is getting in on the action of finding spring with their Chicago Spring Fest this Saturday and Sunday (10 a.m.-6 p.m.).  It’s a weekend filled with fun, fresh air, and unforgettable experiences as guests enjoy live performances on the East Mall; shop from art vendors at the Art Fair; experience Zoo Chats; and savor seasonal food and drinks as well as welcoming a newcomer The Original Rainbow Cone® to Brookfield Zoo this summer, and much more!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

With Easter and Passover coming up fast, Dean’s Team Chicago has pulled together some Chicago favorites as your family comes together for the holidays. 

Easter 

Andersonville’s Uvae Kitchen & Wine Bar, 5553 N. Clark Street, is serving a $54-per-person, three-course Pre Fix Menu that includes unlimited non alcoholic brunch beverages (coffee, tea, soda & juice). Begin with starters like Nutella Croissants, Smoked Salmon & Mini Bagels, or Baby Lambchops, followed by your choice  of Brioche French Toast, Lobster Cake Benedict, Shrimp & Grits, Herbed Goat Cheese & Roasted Tomato Omelet, or Steak & Eggs. All are served with breakfast potatoes and fruit.  Finish off your Easter celebration with a dessert of Grand Marnier Crème Brulee or Chocolate Pots de Crème. Their $20 Children’s Package includes unlimited juice, milk, chocolate milk, soda, scrambled eggs, french toast & fruit. For reservations, click here. 

At Streeterville’s Somerset,  1112 N.  State Street, in the Viceroy Hotel, an $89.00-per- person prepaid brunch buffet begins at 11am with an Egg Hunt in the Viceroy lobby, and includes an Easter Bunny Selfie Station. You and your family can indulge in a fresh Fruit Salad Bar, a Bagels and Toast Station with an array of spreads, and comforting classics like fluffy scrambled eggs, Fried Chicken and Waffle, spiced Shakshuka (spiced tomato sauce, baked eggs, feta) and a savory Quiche Florentine, with mozzarella, sundried tomato, spinach, basil. For a lighter touch, enjoy their Yogurt & Granola Bar with Greek yogurt, acai yogurt, and blueberry granola. Their Pastry Station offers a decadent selection of breakfast pastries, cupcakes, carrot cake, mini cheesecakes, and cookies. Each guest (21+) will receive a complimentary glass of Prosecco to add a little sparkle to the celebration. Children’s Buffet is $25 per child. For reservations, click here. 

At Lincoln Park ‘s Café Ba-Ba-Reeba!, 2024 N.  Halsted Street,  Brunch will be served 9am– 3pm, and Easter Dinner from 3pm – 9pm. The longtime Lettuce Entertain You staple gives you Easter with a Spanish spread, as their website says, featuring brunch tapas such as Avocado Toast, Brunch Patatas and Breakfast Paella served alongside brunch cocktails like the Ba-Ba-Bellini and Spanish Sangria Spritz. Dinner guests enjoy Goat Cheese Baked in Tomato Sauce, Grilled Hanger Steak, Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad and more, all made to share with friends.  For reservations, click here. 

Passover

At the Gold Coast’s Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab, 60 E. Grand Avenue. For $74.95 per person and $34.95 per child 12 and under, enjoy traditional favorites like Gefilte Fish with red beet horseradish, Chopped Liver, Suzy Friedman’s Vegetarian Chopped Liver with bibb lettuce salad, and Matzo Ball Soup. For the main course, choose from Herb Roasted Chicken, Braised Short Rib with red wine bordelaise, or Wild Alaskan Halibut en Papillote, served with Ginger Glazed Carrots and Potato Pancakes. End your meal with a slice of Flourless Chocolate Cake or Key Lime Pie. Dinner reservations are available Saturday, April 12, from 4pm – 9:30pm and Sunday, April 13 from 4pm – 9pm. For reservations, click here. 

In the South Loop,  Aba, 302 N Green Street, 3rd Floor , as Secret Chicago notes, their menu features rare Mediterranean wines and dine-in specials, including Spring Greens Salad with shaved asparagus, Slow-Braised Beef Brisket with spiced mandarin sauce, and Coconut and Honey Tart with Meyer lemon. Dinner is available Saturday, April 12th – Sunday, April 20^th, for dine-in and carryout. For reservations, click here. 

Lakeview’s The Bagel Restaurant and Deli, 3107 N Broadway, is a quintessential stop when celebrating Passover in Chicago, as Secret Chicago notes, the dine-in menu features Jewish holiday staples, including Chopped Liver, Gefilte Fish, Matzo Ball Soup, Carrot–Sweet Potato and Prune Tzimmes, along with Green Beans & Onions Almondine, Oven-Baked Matzoh Dressing and a choice of chicken, brisket, whitefish, and sweet-and-sour meatballs.  They’ll be serving  Saturday, April 12 – Sunday, April 13, first -come, first served. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

As awareness of environmental issues grows, more home buyers and homeowners are turning their attention to eco-friendly homes. Embracing sustainability not only benefits the planet but can also enhance your living space and save you money in the long run. Here’s a detailed guide to understanding and embracing eco-friendly homes.

Understanding Eco-Friendly Homes

An eco-friendly home is designed and built with an emphasis on sustainability. This involves using materials, technologies, and practices that minimize environmental impact. These homes utilize resources efficiently, promote energy conservation, and often come with features that help reduce the overall carbon footprint.

Key Features of Eco-Friendly Homes

Energy Efficiency: One of the most significant aspects of eco-friendly homes is their energy-efficient design. Features such as high-quality insulation, energy-efficient windows, and ENERGY STAR rated appliances can significantly reduce energy consumption.

Sustainable Materials: Eco-friendly homes often incorporate sustainable building materials. This may include bamboo flooring, recycled steel, and low VOC paints, all of which contribute to a healthier living environment.

Renewable Energy Sources: Many eco-friendly homes harness renewable energy, such as solar panels or wind turbines. These installations can significantly decrease dependence on fossil fuels and reduce electricity costs over time.

Water Conservation: Effective water management systems, including low-flow fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems, and grey water recycling, are common in eco-friendly designs. These features help to conserve water and lessen the strain on local water supplies.

Smart Home Technology: Innovations in smart technology can optimize energy usage by allowing homeowners to control heating, cooling, and lighting systems with ease. Programmable thermostats and smart meters provide insights into energy consumption, helping to identify areas for improvement.

Benefits of Eco-Friendly Homes

Investing in an eco-friendly home presents numerous advantages:

Lower Utility Bills: With energy-efficient systems and renewable resources, homeowners can enjoy reduced utility bills, providing significant savings over time.

Increased Property Value: The demand for eco-friendly homes has surged in recent years, often resulting in higher property values. Potential buyers are becoming more environmentally conscious, making these homes a smart investment.

Healthier Living Environment: Eco-friendly homes typically use non-toxic materials and aim to improve air quality. This creates a healthier living space for families, especially those with allergies or sensitivities.

Reduced Environmental Impact: Choosing an eco-friendly home contributes to a sustainable future. By minimizing energy consumption and utilizing renewable resources, homeowners play an essential role in reducing carbon emissions and conserving the planet’s resources.

Making the Switch

For existing homeowners, transitioning to a more eco-friendly home doesn’t have to be a complete overhaul. Simple steps can make a significant difference. Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, installing a programmable thermostat, and implementing water-saving fixtures are manageable and impactful changes.

For prospective homebuyers, prioritizing eco-friendly features during your search can lead to a future-proof investment. Consider working with a real estate agent knowledgeable about sustainable homes and ask about green certifications when evaluating properties.

Bottom-line

Eco-friendly homes represent a commitment to sustainability, reduced utility costs, and improved health. Whether you’re a homeowner or a potential buyer, embracing these principles can lead to a more sustainable and fulfilling way of life. The investment pays off not just in terms of savings but also in creating a better world for future generations.

“There are two kinds of people – Greeks, and everyone else who wishes they were Greek.”

Gus Portokalos (Michael Constantine) ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’  (2002)

Greektown is located on the Near West Side, along Halsted Street, between Van Buren and Madison Streets. It’s home to restaurants and cultural institutions devoted to preserving the history and vibrancy of Greek culture. 

As Chicago’s Greek community prepares to celebrate Greek Independence Day at the annual Greek Heritage Parade down Halsted Street on Sunday, April 6 at 2:30pm, it’s great to remind ourselves that the strength of our diverse cultural communities are what makes Chicago strong.

The symbolic heart of Greektown is the National Hellenic Museum, 333 S. Halsted Street. The nationally recognized building, as Wikipedia sources note, features permanent and rotating exhibition halls, a library and archival research center, a classroom for children of all ages, and an oral history center featuring the National Hellenic Museum’s Oral History project. 

The museum also features a rooftop garden terrace with dramatic views of the Chicago skyline during the summer months. 

Founded in 1983, the Museum occupied several spots in downtown Chicago until opening the majestic, 40,000 square foot institution in 2011. The museum promotes understanding of the rich cultural traditions of ancient and contemporary Greece, as well as the Greek-American immigrant experience.

The origins of Greektown 

The original Greektown district on Halsted Street began with Jane Addams Hull House, which acted as a meeting point for the Greek population within Chicago and provided a basis for community to be built from 1889. According to Wikipedia sources, this house was used as a hub for the Greek community, and saw further small business expand within this area. By 1930, the area which had become known as the “Greek Delta,” held a foreign and native-born population of over 30,000. Greektown had been nicknamed the “Greek Delta” because it was located North and west of the Hull House on Blue Island, Halsted, and Harrison Street, which created a triangle that resembles a Delta. 

After World War II, an influx of Greeks immigrated to the US under the Displaced Persons Act, and an even more enormous amount entered in 1965 when the National Origins Act was repealed. This population continued its growth and expansion with the district growing in size and area.

This continued until 1960, when the opening of the University of Illinois Chicago campus, as well as the construction and opening of the Eisenhower Expressway, forced the neighborhood to move North along Halsted street to its current location along Halsted Street between Van Buren and Madison streets. From the 1970’s-1990’s, the area grew again with the establishment of authentic Greek restaurants, cultural institutions, and community organizations preserving Greek culture.

Today, according to Greektown Chicago, Old World traditions are prevalent in the many establishments of Greektown. The language is still heard in the neighborhood, and the community comes out in full ethnic pride during the annual Greek Independence Day parade, the Taste of Greece and the days surrounding Greek Easter. 

Current Museum Exhibitions

Reaching for the American Dream: The Greek Story in America The museum ‘s core exhibit encompasses thousands of unique experiences that portray the successes and hardships that contribute to the American mosaic, and includes objects, photographs, and personal stories that reflect the Greek-American experience.

Legacy, Renewal & Unity: Celebrating 100 Years of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America  Using a captivating blend of artifacts and interactive displays, this exhibition follows the development of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America (GOA) from its founding in 1922 to the present.

Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate: Protecting the Future of Faith  This multimedia experience highlights the Archon’s work to defend the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, an ancient center of Eastern Orthodox Christianity, and religious freedom around the world.

CHANGE: The Story of Coins features 29 coins, which date from the Hellenistic Period to the early Roman period (336 BCE-55 CE). Accompanying these coins is a section focusing on Alexander the Great’s impact on the spread of Hellenism.

Storytelling in Cloth and Light The exhibition displays textiles (all taken from NHM’s expansive collection of more than 10,000 Greek American artifacts) meticulously woven in Greece, largely by women, and brought across the ocean to the United States. Accompanying this brilliant needle work are photographs taken by Chicago-based Greek American Diane Alexander White during her 1977 trip to Greece.

The National Hellenic Museum is open Thursday-Sunday, from 10am – 4pm. For tickets and information, click here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Probably way more often than you do. From the bacteria that live naturally in your mouth to the bacteria naturally growing in room temperatures, you might be surprised at just how much is living in your bottle. Of course, the type also depends on what is in your bottle. Tap water naturally contains microbes but even boiled tap water (which should kill most of the bacteria) can still rapidly grow bacteria populations as they are used during the day. Anything containing sugar will exponentially increase bacteria growth; protein shakes and smoothies are the worst. 

Try keeping your bottle in the fridge between uses. That would help a bit as the bacteria grows a lot at room temperature. Bacteria counts at midmorning on average are around 75,000 per ml to 1-2 million by the next morning. 

Wash your hands before using your bottle. Seems obvious, but can have a huge effect. Dangerous bacteria like E. coli can hitch a ride on our hands, transfer to our water bottles and end up on our lips. Thankfully, most bacteria are harmless. But it is still possible to get an infection or a stomach bug, especially if you’re immunocompromised. 

Disinfect your bottle regularly. Many of us give a perfunctory rinse with hot water when we notice the water tasting a bit bad, but that is not enough. Use hot water, over 140 degrees, and dishwashing liquid. Swirl it around and let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing with hot water. Lids should be soaked in a container with soapy water and brushed. You can find special brushes online that will get into all the nooks and crannies. Then, leave it to air dry. Water only drinkers can do this 3-4 times a week. Tea, coffee or juice drinkers should wash your bottles daily. 

Scientific literature has yet to trace serious illness back to reusable water bottles, as identifying single point sources of infection is notoriously difficult. Nevertheless, keeping your water bottle clean is important, if only for the gross factor. 

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago