As we near the end of Black History Month, we want to continue celebrating the restauranteurs that bring unique flavors to Chicago and its communities. 

At Dean’s Team, we pay homage by  highlighting restaurants like Little Village’s The Black Vegan, which, as they say on their website, helps people “transition into vegan eating while still tasting the flavors they love.” 

As Plant-Based Tamika noted in her blog, this black woman-owned spot is located on Chicago’s west side in the Little Village neighborhood, and offers vegan eats with lots of gluten-free options. 

Sparkle Le’Star Rucker, the owner, serves vegan versions of classic comfort food, like a portabella gyro, BBQ ribs, loaded fries and more.

Rucker offers an easy way to mix and match the experience at The Black Vegan Restaurant by offering a  $25-$45 Build Your Own Sampler Platter…the smaller platter, at $25, offers your choice of two entrées and a large side, while the $45 platter provides three entrées and two large sides. Their side choices include homemade fries with your choice of seasoning, Mac and Cheese, and Southern Greens. 

Jackfruit Sliders, available in Jerk or BBQ, are topped with kale and come with their Carolina Gold sauce. 

Fried Banana Blossom has a delicate, crunchy texture and is served with your choice of sides. 

Black Vegan’s Famous 290 Burger is worth the drive, is a NEW sulltry Beyond Burgerlant based provolone cheese, homemade nut free cheese sauce, oyster mushroom based Italian beef, crushed red pepper and parsley.

Chicagoans are known for their Italian Beef, but The Black Vegan’s Italian Beef Sandwich is made with Italian oyster mushroom and served with a nut-free cheese sauce. 

10-Pieces Portabella Wings, their #1 most-liked dish on Doordash, is served with fries. And you can choose from a variety of flavors including mild, spicy buffalo, BBQ, Carolina Gold, or combinations. Loaded Italian Beef Fries are topped with spicy Italian beef, peppers, homemade cheese sauce, crushed red pepper and parsley. Hot-cha-cha! 

 BBQ Ribs areTofu-based, and fried in their fryer with wheat items. Sauce can be made without wheat upon request

And as we often say here, save room for dessert! Vegan Banana Pudding is made with coconut milk, while Vegan Cheesecake is smooth, creamy and delicious. Flavors vary, but their lemon and blueberry mini-versions are tops! 

Google reviews of The Black Vegan are stellar:

 “Sparkle is my fave 💜 the atmosphere was like a meditative movie scene and the food had my tastebuds doin da happy dance. i ordered the 290 Burger. thank you for this lovely experience!!! i will be back with friends”

“This is the first ever vegan restaurant I have ever gone to and oh god I love it, I 100 percent recommend it to everyone even if you’re not vegan just get it. The lady was amazing and supper friendly, the place was small but beautiful. Definitely coming back again 🩷”

The Black Vegan is located at 2300 South Kedzie Avenue. They are open Thursday and Friday from 4pm-7pm, Saturday from 3:30–7pm, Sunday from 3–7pm, and Monday from 4:30pm–8:30pm. For more information, click here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

As we move further along into 2025, the kitchen continues to evolve into a multifunctional space that showcases innovation, convenience, and style. For homeowners looking to elevate their culinary experiences, investing in the right kitchen gadgets can make all the difference. Here’s a look at some of the must-have kitchen gadgets that promise to streamline your cooking process while adding a touch of modern flair to your home.

1. Smart Refrigerator

The backbone of any kitchen is the refrigerator, and the 2025 version boasts advanced technology that provides more than just food storage. Smart refrigerators come equipped with touch screens, internal cameras, and Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to check your inventory remotely, plan meals, and even create shopping lists right from your phone. Models featuring family hubs also enable to-do lists, calendars, and recipe sharing, making it easier to stay organized and connected.

2. Multi-Cooker

This versatile cooking gadget has been a game changer for countless home chefs. In 2025, the multi-cooker takes this a step further. Equipped with smart technology, these devices can be programmed to cook meals for you while you’re away. With options like pressure cooking, slow cooking, and sautéing, you’ll save time without compromising on taste. Look for models that offer app connectivity, allowing you to control settings and receive notifications from your smartphone.

3. Precision Cooker

Sous-vide cooking is becoming increasingly popular among home chefs, and for good reason. The precision cooker allows you to cook food to the perfect doneness every time. By immersing sealed food in a temperature-controlled water bath, you can achieve restaurant-quality dishes at home. With user-friendly interfaces and app integration, many modern sous-vide cookers let you set temperature and cooking time from your smartphone, ensuring a hassle-free culinary experience.

4. High-Tech Food Processor

The food processor has long been a staple in kitchens, but in 2025, the latest models are elevating functionality to new heights. Featuring smart sensors, these food processors can automatically determine the best settings for chopping, mixing, and puréeing, resulting in perfectly prepared ingredients every time. Some advanced models even include a built-in scale for accurate measurements, while others offer various attachments for shredding, slicing, and kneading dough, making meal prep easier than ever.

5. Smart Oven

The traditional oven is being redefined with smart technology that allows for a seamless cooking experience. In 2025, you can expect ovens equipped with features such as voice control, temperature probes, and recipe integration. These smart ovens enable you to preheat remotely and monitor the cooking process through an app, ensuring your meal is cooked to perfection every time. Models with convection technology also help reduce cooking times, making it ideal for busy households.

6. Automatic Pan Stirrer

For those who want a little extra help in the kitchen, an automatic pan stirrer is the perfect addition. This gadget stirs sauces and other dishes for you, ensuring even cooking without the need for manual intervention. With adjustable speeds and a built-in timer, it’s a unique countertop tool that saves time and effort, allowing you to focus on other tasks while your meal comes together.

Bottom-line

Upgrading your kitchen in 2025 is all about embracing technology that enhances your cooking experience. From smart refrigerators and multi-cookers to precision gadgets and automatic stirrers, these innovations not only offer convenience but also inspire creativity in the kitchen. As you consider your next kitchen upgrade, integrating these must-have gadgets will help transform your culinary adventures into memorable experiences. Embrace the future of cooking, and watch as your kitchen flourishes!

“Go for your passion, fall on your face, and keep going.“

Actor/Comedian Bob Newhart (1929-2024)

Chicago-born comedy legend Bob Newhart created many memorable characters and comedy routines in his lifetime, but his legacy lives on in Loyola University’s Newhart Family Theatre, 1020 W. Sheridan Road,  located on the second floor of the Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts. 

The versatile entertainment venue provides a platform for a variety of performances, including plays, musicals, and live music events, showcasing local talent and providing a space for the community to come together and enjoy cultural experiences. With its welcoming atmosphere and diverse programming, Newhart Family Theater offers something for everyone to enjoy.

About Bob Newhart 

Born in Oak Park, Illinois on September 5, 1929, Newhart was “known for his deadpan and stammering delivery style,” as noted by Wikipedia sources. 

His ties to Loyola University Chicago took root early, as Newhart graduated from Loyola’s Quinlan School of Business in 1952, then was drafted by the Army into the Korean War.

After the war, according to Wikipedia sources, Newhart worked for United States Gypsum as an accountant. He later said that his motto, “That’s close enough,” and his habit of adjusting petty cash imbalances with his own money showed that he lacked the temperament of an accountant. 

In 1958, Newhart became an advertising copywriter for Fred A. Niles, a major independent film and television producer in Chicago There, he and a co-worker entertained each other with long telephone calls about absurd scenarios, which became the basis for his solo work in stand-up and making records, notably winning an historic Grammy Award for ‘The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart” in 1960, the first comedy album to make number one on the Billboard charts.

He transitioned to acting in television, including ‘The Bob Newhart Show,’ set in Chicago, in the 1970’s and ‘Newhart’ in the 1980’s. Younger audiences will remember him in the holiday classic ‘Elf’ and on ‘The Big Bang Theory.’

He received numerous accolades, including three Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award, and a Golden Globe Award. He received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2002.

In 1975, according to Loyola Today, Loyola bestowed upon Newhart the Sword of Loyola, which symbolizes spiritual qualities associated with St. Ignatius of Loyola—courage, dedication, and service. 

“When I graduated from Loyola University Chicago in 1952, it would never have occurred to me that one day there would be a Newhart Family theatre on Loyola’s campus,” Newhart told the Loyola Student Dispatch in 2012. “It is a great source of pride and honor for all our families.”

Besides Newhart, all three of Newhart’s sisters attended Mundelein College, including Joan Newhart, BVM, who also served as an administrator at Mundelein, according to articles written by the Loyola Student Dispatch at the time of the dedication.

History of the Newhart Family Theatre

Dedicated in 2012, the Newhart Family Theatre was designed as the new “main stage” home for Loyola University Chicago’s theatre program. The 215-seat theatre is located on the second floor of Mundelein Center, in the space that used to be the gymnasium of Mundelein College. There is flexible seating for an additional 20 people, and features state-of-the-art scenic, lighting, and costume shops,  rehearsal hall/performance classroom, and a flexible-seat experimental theatre in the lower level and additional support and workshop spaces for theatre. The space also Includes a recital hall, additional practice rooms, and applied music and recording studios for music. 

Events

‘Notes from the Field’ runs through February 23. Anna Devere Smith’s documentary theatre performance tackles incarceration, police brutality, and systemic educational issues with heart and hope. For tickets and more information, click here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

When we think of self-improvement, we often think of things we need to do better. But we don’t often think of the things that we should stop doing! Some are habits and behaviors that we do unconsciously, so it can be hard to change. Here are a few things you might not even realize are holding you back:

Comparing yourself to others. We all see, especially on social media, that everyone seems to be doing better than us. But this is not helpful and causes stress and anxiety. Celebrate your victories and strengths, even small ones, to increase your self-esteem and happiness. 

Collecting injustices. Sometimes, we pay too much attention to what isn’t going our way, or keep track of every wrong done toward us (real or imagined). Instead, try to appreciate those who come through for you and embrace gratitude. It will increase your happiness and even your longevity. 

Thinking only you can get the job done. You can delegate. So what if no one can do it better than you? Letting others help reduces stress! Many times, we don’t realize that some things can work just as well without our input. You might be pleasantly surprised by how it ends up. 

Constantly checking your phone. When you are with friends and family, keep it a no phone zone, even if you’re just streaming a show on the couch. Focusing on your phone shortens your attention span and too much social media has been connected to anxiety and depression. Practice mindfulness and being in the moment. 

Chasing “happiness”. The boost we feel from superficial things fades quickly. Being with your grandkids or having a good time with friends is what really creates lasting joy, not that piece of jewelry or that fancy vacation. Nonmaterial joys and intangibles really make us feel good. 

Overthinking. Overthinking leads to agonizing over events beyond our control. Focus on what’s in your control. If it is under your control, you should take a certain amount of time to take action. Then reward yourself. 

Holding a grudge. Holding on can raise your blood pressure and can increase your risk of coronary heart disease. When you forgive, it improves your mental health. See where others are coming from. If that’s not possible, at least you can decide it’s not your problem, it’s theirs. 

Many of these behaviors are unconscious, but by being mindful we can realize when an unhelpful habit rears its ugly head and do something about it. 

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago

Not only is love in the air this weekend but also snow as we celebrate Valentine’s Day Weekend with a variety of events.  The choice is yours!

Enjoy a glass, or two, of bubbles at this year’s Champagne & Sparking Wine Fest this Saturday (5 p.m.-8 p.m.) at Hubbard Inn (110 W. Hubbard St.) in the River North neighborhood.  A ticket includes 15 tastings, photo ops, giveaways, and more.  It’s the ultimate celebration of Champagne and sparkling wine as you enjoy bubbly sips with delightful company in a lively atmosphere.  Don’t miss out on this evening of special bubbles and sparkling bliss!

Not so much into the bubbly stuff?  Well, it’s time for agave spirit lovers to take their taste buds on a flavor adventure at the Chicago Winter Tequila Tasting Festival this Saturday (2:30 p.m.-6 p.m.) at Welcome to the Farm (15 W. Illinois St.) in the River North neighborhood.  Sample more than 20 crafts, small-batch, and renowned tequilas.  Learn from on-site brand ambassadors as they guide you through the spirited world of agave.  Enjoy special pricing on food and drinks that will complement your tasting adventure.  Groove to live DJ music.  Plus, thousands of dollars in free tickets to future events will be given away as well.  Make your Saturday afternoon un-tequila-ble!

Still need a special or unique gift for your Valentine?  You’re in luck as there are two shopping events this weekend:

The Market Shop Pop-Up is being held this Saturday and Sunday (11 a.m.-6 p.m.) at Time Out Market Chicago (916 W. Fulton Market) in the West Loop.  Here’s your opportunity to discover unique finds from a variety of local unique vendors and artisans featuring clothing, jewelry, skincare, accessories, candles, home décor, and much more.  When you need a little break, indulge in delicious bites from the market’s eateries.  This event has something for everyone as you shop ‘til you drop all in one place!

The 2^nd annual Cupid’s Vintage Fest takes place this Saturday and Sunday (11 a.m.-5 p.m.) at Artifact Events (4325 N. Ravenswood Ave.) in the Ravenswood neighborhood.  Over 100 vintage and artisan vendors will be offering their unique treasures along with food vendors serving up delicious bites and beverages.  In addition, this event is for all ages, is pet friendly and offers a free photobooth.  Plus, there’s free street parking available along Ravenswood Avenue north and south of the venue including the surrounding streets.  By the way, there will be different vendors each day, so why not shop on both days!

It’s your last chance to explore the largest auto show in North America which has been held more times than any other auto exposition on the continent.  Marking its 117^th edition, the Chicago Auto Show wraps up this Monday at McCormick Place Campus (2301 S. King Dr.) in the South Loop.  This year’s show features the latest and greatest developments in the world of domestic and imported passenger cars from 20+ manufacturers from all over the world, competition vehicles, project cars, antique and collector vehicles, trucks, sport-utility vehicles, minivans, and experimental and concept cars.  In addition, numerous automotive accessories, auto-related exhibits, and interactive installations allowing you to get behind the wheel either physically on an indoor or outdoor test track or virtually are all part of the show as well.  Perhaps someone’s Valentine will get a new car!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago