If you can't make this meeting, please check with your local Police District to determine when they are hosting their local CAPS meeting and please feel free to attend those.

Join the 2012 Insider's Guide! 

With our website generating the highest traffic of any site in the community, the Wicker Park Bucktown Insider's Guide has quickly become  the Go-To Neighborhood resource for news and information .

Launched by a marketing & media expert, the Insider's Guide is the 1st and only website in the community that combines a comprehensive and sophisticated Neighborhood Business Directory/Database with the most current news and special events available. This information isn't available anywhere else.

As a result, we have  DOUBLE the amount of traffic of any other community website and over 7,000 followers via social media. Those are incredible numbers and you won't find them anywhere else in the Wicker Park or Bucktown community.

Contact us TODAY! You'll have your very own customized web page in our exclusive directory and your events/promotions will be featured. There's no better way to reach the community. Plus, you'll work in partnership with a team of marketing experts ready, willing and able to help promote your business. Wicker Park & Bucktown are competitive communities. With the Insider's Guide, you'll stand out.

For additional details about showcasing your business, send an email to the Creator/Publisher: Thyra DeCicco at Thyra@wickerparkbucktown.info. Or Submit Your Business through the website.

I will personally follow up with you.

Sign up by today !  Our rates are increasing in April 2012.

Thanks for your interest and we look forward to working with you !

 

Thyra DeCicco

Creator & Publisher

Wicker Park Bucktown Insider's Guide

 

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impact on our business."

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Community Meeting TONIGHT (2-27) with Alderman Moreno to discuss the proposed new development at Ashland and Division (1600 W. Division).

 

Meeting to be held at: 6:00pm Near North Montessori School 1434 W. Division.

 

Per the East Village Association: 

Current plans call for 110 to 119 studio- to 2-bedroom apartments, a PNC bank and storefronts in an 11-story building. The project would require zoning changes and a planned development ordinance to waive height limits and parking requirements.

Additional Details Can be found on the EVA Website

Just to be clear, it looks like these will be rental units vs the condos we first reported. Many thanks to our friends at Redfin Chicago for the clarification.

February 26th from 7:00pm - 10:00pm

Treehouse Humane Society - 1629 N. Ashland Avenue

$5 suggested donation

Suggested $5 donation. Email or call Olga or Mike at the Bucktown Branch, 773-227-5535 (ext. 2). for more information--especially if you're able to bring some snacks to share!

And don't forget to check out all of the adorable cats and kittens looking for homes. Thanks for your support !

 

Good Sunday morning- We're expecting temperatures close to 50 degrees today and it will be sunny. Here are some great things you can do today when you're out and about in Wicker Park and Bucktown today:

 

Sunday Brunch !

Pumpkin pancakes, french toast, vegetable frittata, crab benedict, italian omelettes and more. Where can you find a delicious twist on brunch? Right here. Favorite Wicker Park and Bucktown Brunch.

Plus this morning you can Save $5 off Riverside Cafe's massive 50+ item brunch spread.

 

FREE Yoga

You can still catch a free yoga class at Buctkown's Lululemon (1627 N. Damen Avenue). But you have to hurry! Classes start at 10am.

 

Logan Square Farmers Market

You can grab fresh produce, cheeses, meat and a variety of bakery items every Sunday at the Logan Square Farmers Market. It's just a few blocks away and it's held every Sunday.

 

Planting Workshops for the Kids

Mew & View - Movie Fundraiser at Treehouse Humane Society

February 26th from 7:00pm - 10:00pm

Treehouse Humane Society - 1629 N. Ashland Avenue

Good morning and welcome to our picks for fun events for the day. Yes it's a little chilly out there with the temps only hitting 25 degrees. But it's a beautiful sunny Saturday and we hope you have a great one. Here a few ideas for what you can do in the neighborhood today:

 

Wine Tasting

Saturday at 3pm-6pm

Life's A Cabernet - 1937 W. North Avenue - Wicker Park

 

Sexy Black Cats & Dogs Fundraiser

Saturday February 25th from 7:00pm - 10:00pm

Gold Star Bar - 1755 W. Division Street Wicker Park

 

 

PlayStation's Vita Hill Social Club Party w J2K of Flosstradamus & Show You Suck

Saturday February 25th from 7:00pm -10:00pm

Sony Playstation's Vita Hill Social Club - 1444 N. Milwaukee Avenue

Matthew Good • Emily Greene at Double Door

February 25 Doors 8pm / Show 9pm

Double Door 1572 N. Milwaukee Avenue

Death and Harry Houdini - Dennis Watkins

Sat at 8:00 pm

The Chopin Theatre Upstairs Theatre (1543 W. Division St)

The Drawer Boy

Saturday at 7:30pm The Den Theater 1333 N. Milwaukee Ave.

El Mari Chi Chi: A Robert Rodriguez Burlesque

Saturdays at 7:30pm

Gorilla Tango Theatre - 1919 N. Milwaukee Avenue Bucktown

 

 

They Are Dying Out at The Trap Door

Saturdays at 8PM February 16-March 24

Trap Door Theater 1655 West Cortland Ave

Fellowship of the Boobs Burlesque Adventure

Saturdays at 10:30pm

Gorilla Tango Theatre 1919 N. Milwaukee Avenue

 

Spex, Chicago’s ‘Best Eyewear Store’* and premier destination for stylish eyewear and sun wear, will open their newest locations at 2154 W. Roscoe and 5408 N. Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois. The eighteenth and nineteenth Spex locations will reside in two vibrant and lively neighborhoods; they compliment the on-schedule opening of Spex Bucktown/Wicker Park in March. Projected opening dates are scheduled for Spring 2012.

Spex Wicker Park is scheduled to open this Spring at 1407 N. Milwaukee Avenue next to the Free People showroom at the corner of Wood & Milwaukee. 

The new stores will showcase many of the unique and well-crafted eyewear collections Spex is known for. “Both new doors expand and introduce Spex appeal to two first-class north side neighborhoods known for diverse dining and charming boutiques. Both neighborhoods are in step with fashion; I’m confident we’ve got the perfect frames for the mixed bag of shoppers that both neighborhoods draw” says Director of Marketing, Michael Caputo. Spex eyewear collections include Seraphin, Ogi, Lafont, Beausoleil, l.a. Eyeworks, Lindberg, Oliver Peoples, David Yurman, Freudenhaus, and many more. As with other Spex locations, children’s eyewear, comprehensive eye exams, reading glasses, eyewear accessories, and contact lens fittings will be available.

ABOUT SPEX: Spex is synonymous with offering artfully crafted eyewear and sun wear to a stylish and discerning public with an eye for beauty and function. Their product selection ranges from sleek and minimal to vibrant and eclectic. Style and function merge in unparalleled designer collections from season to season, while attentive and knowledgeable customer service rounds out the experience for the fashion-forward shopper. Comprehensive eye exams utilizing the very latest technologies are offered. Most major medical and routine vision insurances are accepted.

*Time Out Chicago ~ 2011 Shopping Awards

February 24, 2012
 

Hello and welcome to this week's edition of your Insider Weekend Guide. We're expecting over 6 inches of snow tonight so be careful out there. And if we schedule another big snowball fight this evening in Wicker Park proper, we will let you know. Check our Facebook or Twitter accounts for up-to-the-minute information. Following the storm, the weekend looks terrific so there's no reason not to head out and take advantage of all that's happening. Restaurant Week is winding down so be sure take advantage of that before the weekend ends. There are also important fundraisers planned, music, magic and more. There's also positive news to share. For full details,  just click on the photos below. Thanks, as always, for joining us and we'll see you in the neighborhood.

   Community

  4th Annual Sexy Black Fundraiser

This Saturday, please join Virtually Home for their 4th Annual Fundraiser "Sexy Black" being hosted by Gold Star Bar at 1755 W. Division Street in Wicker Park. Sexy Black is dedicated to black dogs and cats everywhere who have a lower adoption rate than other animals. Time, date, ticket information are right here.

 

Treehouse Humane Society Fundraiser

Treehouse Humane Society does a terrific job of supporting the Wicker Park & Bucktown communities and now we can give back to them. Treehouse Humane Society's Bucktown Branch at 1629 N. Ashland Avenue is hosting a Mew & View Fundraiser this Sunday. Be sure to check out all of the cats & kittens looking for homes while you're there.

 

   Community Safety Meeting

The Chicago Police Department is hosting a meeting at the end of this month so residents can meet directly to discuss their concerns and questions directly with the Chicago Police Department. Although the 13th District is hosting the meeting, residents from any neighborhood/district are welcome.

 

 

  Last Chance to Sign Up

Have you signed up yet? This is your last chance for Elena Chicago's next session for Conversational Spanish. Learn in a warm, casual  and comfortable environment.  Classes are being held Monday nights at Club Lucky in Bucktown - 1834 W. Wabansia.

 

  Music 

 

Matthew Good This Weekend 

This weekend don't miss Canadian rock icon Matthew Good. Good's career spans 2 decades and he'll be showcasing his fifth album as a solo artist - Light of An Endangered Species - this Saturday. Show starts at 9pm.

 

 

 

  Restaurants

  Time Out Chicago's 2012 Eat Out Awards
There's still time to vote for Time Out Chicagos 2012 Eat Out Awards. Many Wicker Park & Bucktown businesses have been nominated this year including: Ripasso, Francesca's Forno, The Anthem, Forever Yogurt, The Southern, Lillie's Q and more. Vote! And a big congratulations to all of our businesses who have earned their nominations this year.    Chicago Restaurant Week - Spots Still Available

Chicago Restaurant Week ends Sunday but there may still be time to take advantage of the great food being showcased this week only. Participating restaurants include: The Bristol, The Bedford, Duchamp, Feast, Mirai, Sabour Saveur. Hurry !

Our friends at The Wormhole asked us to let you know that they will be closed until March 3rd/March 4th for a bit of a remodel. What can you expect? Additional seating up front, a better flow within the shop ... and yes, the Delorean is staying.

 

 

  Last Weekend To Save $5

Bucktown's Riverside Cafe offers one of the largest Sunday Brunches in the neighborhood. Each and every Sunday you'll find over 50 items to choose from and it's all you can eat. Children under 3 also eat FREE. And this weekend, you can take an additional $5 off your Sunday Brunch for 2. A great deal and you will not go home hungry.

 

  Retail/Shopping

 

    Wine Tasting This Saturday

Looking for a fun idea for something to do this Saturday? Head to Life's A Cabernet. If you haven't been here yet, Life's A Cabernet is a cozy, comfortable wine shop located right on North Avenue in Wicker Park. The wine tasting starts at 3pm.

Save over $700 at ORA - Final Week

ORA Dental has been offering some incredible deals over the past few weeks. If you haven't taken advantage of these yet. Hurry! You can save on both traditional dental appointments and on their Laser Zoom Whitening. But don't wait to make your appointments. These offers end March 1st.

 

   Anastasia Chatzka's -  Final Week

We reported earlier that Wicker Park designer Anastasia Chatzka has decided to close her retail space on Division Street to focus on new initiatives. Anastasia's last day will be February 29th and we wish her all the best.

  Save 20% Wednesdays at Futurgarb

A cool , affordable and very hip staple in the neighborhood for 10 years, Futurgarb is now offering 20% off each and every Wednesday on every item in the store. That means big savings and great deals for you. So mark your calendars for Wednesday and we will see you there.

 

 

  Theater

We love the variety of theater and performing arts options available to us every week. Everything from comedy to drama to film and more. Check our  Theater  section for the many performances included in the Insider's Guide. This weekend we're featuring 2 terrific shows that are closing this weekend. If you have a chance to check out local theater this weekend, here are our suggestions:

   The Drawer Boy

The Drawer Boy closes this weekend at The Den Theatre. The Drawer Boy examines the relationship between 2 WWII veterans whose lives are turned upside down when a young actor visits their farm to gather research for a play. What unfolds is a powerful and often humorous journey as 2 older men begin to rebuild the story of their lives.

  

    The Magic Parlour

The Magic Parlour is winding down this month at The Chopin Theatre before they head downtown. If you haven't seen Dennis Watkin's fun and very entertaining show on Friday nights, catch it now. Before it's too late. 

 

If you'd like to review a bar, restaurant, shop or event just let us know. You can log on to our website any time to rate your experience and provide comments. You can also vote for your favorites. And, for up-to-the-minute information throughout the week, please join us on Twitter and Facebook where we post updates/information daily. We'd love to have you.

 

Have a great weekend and we'll see you in the neighborhood.    

 

The Wicker Park Bucktown Insider's Guide

Wicker Park and Bucktown residents, visitors and businesses can rest a little easier knowing that a suspect has been charged in last week's robbery.

A 24 year old violent sex offender has been charged in the stabbing at Asrai Garden last week in Wicker Park:

Alexander Hampton, 24, of the 3300 block of West Douglas Boulevard, is charged with armed robbery and using a dangerous weapon for the incident at Asrai Garden floral shop, 1935 W. North Avenue, last Thursday, said police. 

Community Meeting TONIGHT (2-27) with Alderman Moreno to discuss the proposed new development at Ashland and Division (1600 W. Division).

 

Meeting to be held at: 6:00pm Near North Montessori School 1434 W. Division.

 

Per the East Village Association: 

Current plans call for 110 to 119 studio- to 2-bedroom apartments, a PNC bank and storefronts in an 11-story building. The project would require zoning changes and a planned development ordinance to waive height limits and parking requirements.

Additional Details Can be found on the EVA Website

Just to be clear, it looks like these will be rental units vs the condos we first reported. Many thanks to our friends at Redfin Chicago for the clarification.