September 20, 2012
Hello and welcome to this week's edition of
your Insider Weekend Guide.
There are lots of
great events heading in to the neighborhood this weekend. And there is
so much variety spanning from the North end of Bucktown's Holstein Park
for Circus in the Parks to the South end of Wicker with Moonshine's 5th
Annual Rib-A-Que. This week's Weekend Guide also includes meet-ups,
future fundraisers, community clean ups, new restaurant news, shops and
more.
And if you missed it earlier, CBS Local is reporting that Wicker Park has landed in the top 5 neighborhoods - nationally- for hipsters. If you'd like updates throughout the week, be sure to follow us via Twitter and/or Facebook.
Thanks, as always, for
joining us. Have a terrific weekend and we'll see you in
the neighborhood.
ART
Drink, Paint and Eat Tonight
This month
Bucktown's Arts N Spirits has partnered with MELT Chicago to offer a
little extra something every Thursday night. Now when you sign up for a
Thursday class, sandwiches will be provided by Melt. Here's
the cool piece you'll be painting tonight at 1921 N. Damen Avenue...and don't forget your wine.
Arts N Spirits is BYOB. Sandwich Thursdays
BARS
Autumn Singles Meet & Greet
A long-time Wicker
Park resident and business owner has started up a new West Town Meet Up
group. So if you'd like to meet others in the neighborhood, head to Bar
Bar Black Sheep Friday. Bar Bar will be providing complimentary
appetizers. Meet & Greet.
5th Annual Rib-A-Que
It's hard to believe
it's that time again...already. But it's Fall and that means it's time
for Moonshine's Annual Rib-A-Que. The contestants fighting for the
coveted title include Wicker Park & Bucktown chefs from Small Bar
and Moonshine but also include other (out of the neighborhood
contenders) like Sweet Smoke Chicago, Sweet Ginny's BBQ and more. If you
buy tickets in advance, you'll save $10. Rib-A-Que.
Chicago Diabetes Project Fundraiser
We were contacted
this week via the Chicago Diabetes Project and asked to help spread the
word about their fundraiser on October 3rd in Bucktown. Of course, we
would love to help. This fundraiser will include an art gallery
exhibition at Firecat Projects 2124 N. Damen Avenue and dinner at Red
Door 2118 N. Damen Avenue. Hope you can make it: Chicago Diabetes Project.
COMMUNITY

Bucktown Weekend Clean-Up
Please join the Bucktown Community Organization on as they celebrate the First day of Fall with a neighborhood clean up.The team is focusing on the 32nd Ward. If you'd like to pitch in, they'd love your help. Weekend Clean Up.
Bucktown - Single Family Home - Foreclosure Alert
Every once is a while we see an amazing
real estate deal in the neighborhood. This is one of those days. This
Bucktown 4 bedroom, 4 1/2 bath was originally listed for over $1.4
million dollars. Now? It's listed for $693k. You'd better hurry. There's
going to be a line out the door for this great deal: Bucktown Foreclosure.
Boomingdale Trail Community Meeting
Would you like to contribute to the design
of the Bloomingdale Trail? Attend the meeting on Monday and you can
provide input into its final design. If you missed it earlier, when the
Bloomingdale Trail is complete, it will be the longest elevated park in
the world. Monday Meeting Details.
Circus in the Parks - Holstein Park
This is such a nice family event and
Circus in the Parks is heading back to Bucktown this weekend. And the
best news of all? They're bring a big top tent this year so the event
can continue rain or shine. Details... Circus in the Park.
Crowdsourcing Advertising Contest
Do you have what it
takes to create a great 30 second commercial? If 30 Seconds Over Chicago
agrees, you could win $1,000. 30
Seconds Over Chicago is a neighborhood advertising competition whereby
they are "crowd sourcing" the creative process. 30 businesses are
participating and they're located primarily in Wicker Park. Think you
have what it takes? 30 Seconds Over Chicago.
Farmers Markets Open Thru October
In the event you've
been wondering...the Chicago area Farmers Markets will be open until the
end of October. So there is still plenty of time to show your support
for local businesses and farmers. Wicker Park Farmers Markets.
Our Brush with Rahm Fame at Renegade
So yes, we really
did bump right into Mayor Rahm Emanuel at the Renegade Craft Fair and we
have pictures to prove it. Just a little bit of fun to share with you
all and to let you know we really do attend/support our neighborhood
events! And apparently, so does the Mayor. Rahm Spotting.
MUSIC

Jam Productions Presents ... The Heavy and The Melvins
This weekend Jam
Productions is hosting 2 great shows. First up. Tonight, The Heavy with
the Silent Comedy. Doors are at 8pm and the show starts at 9pm. A
limited number of tickets are left. And on Friday, the Melvins head back
to the Double Door. For additional information about these 2 shows. Jam Productions Presents.
RESTAURANTS

Grass Fed - Now Serving Brunch
Grass Fed is
continuing to grow and expand every week. Recently adding burgers and
lunch to their repertoire, they've also added brunch on Saturday and
Sunday. Think they're still only offering steak? Take a look at the menu
right here. Grass Fed Brunch.
Lucky's Sandwich Company To Open in November
Eater Chicago reported this week that
Lucky's Sandwich Shop is expanding from 2 shops to 3 and will open their
newest location in the space formerly the home of Plan B at 1635 N. Milwaukee Avenue. Lucky's
currently has locations in University Village and Wrigleyville and is
looking to open of their newest location in November. Lucky's Sandwiches.
Riverside Cafe Kicks off Delivery
Bucktown's Riverside Cafe at 1656 W. Cortland Avenue announced
earlier this week that they are stepping into the delivery ring. A wide
range of sandwiches, salads, soups and more are currently available. But
that's not all. Riverside will also be delivering breakfast! Although
the breakfast items were not yet on the current menu, they will be
delivering bright and early. Riverside Cafe Delivers.
Pizano's Tip
Pizano's is
officially open at 2056 W. Division Street and the reviews have all
been very positive. Everyone who has tried it absolutely loves the thin
crust. So if you're looking to try Pizano's, the thin crust has been
getting amazing reviews across the board. Your 'Insider' tip of the
week. Pizano's Pizza.
RETAIL/SHOPPING
Lomography Gallery Store is Open
Lomography Gallery
Store has certainly had their challenges trying to open in Wicker Park
for over a year. But the great news is they're officially open and a big
party is planned for the very near future. What is Lomography Gallery
Store? It's a store (and magazine) dedicated to analogue photography and
it's located at 1422 N. Milwaukee Avenue.
RoadTrip is Open in Bucktown
Also new to the area is RoadTrip located
at 1920 N. Damen Avenue in Bucktown. Many know Dion Antic as the owner
of restaurants and bars including: Iggy's, Bagel on Damen and Melt.
Occasionally, Antic dabbles also in retail and at Roadtrip you'll find a
wide range of eclectic vintage collectibles including: bicycles,
typewriters, wild boar heads and more. RoadTrip.
Those are the
highlights for the week. Thanks, as always, for joining us. If you'd
like up-to-the-minute updates throughout the week, be sure to follow us
on Facebook and Twitter.
Have a great weekend and we'll see you in the neighborhood.
The Wicker Park Bucktown Insider's Guide