July 12, 2012
Hello and welcome to this week's edition of your Insider Weekend Guide.
Hope you all had a
terrific 4th of July. First and foremost, we'd like to thank everyone
who supported our efforts for the small business grant. Not only did we
get enough votes to qualify, we exceeded the number we needed by a
landslide. So thanks a million for your time -- and votes. We will keep
you posted.
Secondly, we're catching up this week on a little neighborhood news and more. Lots of restaurants have opened including The Trenchermen, Grass Fed, and Purple Cow Ice Cream and a few new boutiques as well. But that's not all. Lots of great events are taking place this weekend including the Annual Bucktown Garden Walk and Bustlin' Bucktown Pub Crawl. The amazing J. Davis Trio is also playing at Double Door and Wicker Park Fest is just around the corner. So be sure to mark your calendars.
Last but not least, we still have a few Forever Yogurt Gift Cards to give away. So be sure to follow us on Facebook and/or Twitter. We'll let you know where will be so we can give those gift cards to you!
Thanks, as always for joining us. Have a great weekend and we'll see you in
the neighborhood.
BARS
Tonight! The Chicago History Museum is hosting a walking pub crawl of the
Bucktown neighborhood from 7-10 p.m. that will incorporate those
local and legendary pubs that make the neighborhood unique. There may be a few tickets left but you better hurry. Pub Crawl.
Not only do they have
huge open windows and a patio, every Friday night The Standard Bar &
Grill at 1332 N. Milwaukee Avenue serves up a great special from 6pm
-9pm which includes: all of their domestic bottles, well drinks, house
wine, soda, and
a full-sized Standard cheeseburger with a side of fries for just $20. Cheeseburger Special.
For those who may not
know, Wicker Park's The Anthem has tv screens that are 190 inches wide.
And, starting Monday July 16th, The Anthem will feature free movies
every Monday night. You'll also receive free popcorn with any purchase.
You can see the line-up of what's playing right here: Movie Night.
COMMUNITY
Bucktown Garden Walk & Party
It's time again this
weekend for the Annual Bucktown Garden Walk from 11am - 5pm rain or
shine. Each year over 700 attendees explore the 100+ gardens of
Bucktown. Don't miss this neighborhood fundraiser & party at Club
Lucky (the location of the welcome tables) at 1824 W. Wabansia. Club
Lucky will be featuring 7 bands, food, drink and more both Saturday and
Sunday. For additional details: Garden Walk.
Farmers Markets
Just a friendly reminder that there are 2 Farmers Markets in the neighborhood; the one on Sunday in Wicker Park proper at 1425 N. Damen Avenue and one on Thursdays in the Polish Triangle at Milwaukee/Division/Ashland. Last week, the Thursday Farmers Market was cancelled due to the hot weather but should be back in business today. For times and more: Farmers Markets.
Wicker Park Fest
Wicker Park Fest is
just around the corner. As always, food, shopping and music will fill
Milwaukee Avenue from Wood Street to North & Damen Avenue. For
dates, times and the final line-up. Wicker Park Fest.
MUSIC
J. Davis Trio at Double Door
For something
different, head to Double Door this Saturday for the J. Davis Trio. The
J. Davis Trio combines the perfect blend of hip-hop and jazz. Drums,
bass, trumpet, congas and vibraphone make up the instrumentation. A
don't miss. Grab dinner and then head on over. J. Davis Trio.
Pitchfork Aftershows at The Empty Bottle
This weekend is Pitchfork and you can still score a few aftershow tickets right here. Don't wait until the last minute.You know these are going to sell out. Pitchfork Aftershows.
RESTAURANTS
Fifty/50 Team Opens The Homestead
Owners of Wicker
Park's The Fifty/50 have done it again. In addition to The Fifty/50,
Bleeding Heart Bakery and Roots, this team has recently opened the new
seasonal rooftop spot in West Town called The Homestead. The Homestead
officially opened their doors this week and will feature farm fresh fare
and a menu of predominantly small plates. For additional information: The Homestead.
Grass Fed's Soft Opening
Grass Fed has opened their doors (via a soft opening) in the space formerly the home of Caffe de Luca at 1721 N. Damen Avenue in Bucktown. What can you find here? Steak, steak and more steak. Seriously. There's one option on the menu: sirloin. And it's served with a salad and fries for $25. Vegetarians fear not. There's an off-the-menu option for you too. The official opening of Grass Fed is July 21st. Grass Fed.
Jerry's 5 Year Anniversary Party
Jerry's Wicker Park will hosting a 5 Year Anniversary celebration this weekend from July 12th-15th, with rare beer, whiskey specials, hickory-smoked
meats, and special music to thank Chicago for supporting them the past
five years. Each day features a different menu/beer tapping. For the highlights of each day: Jerry's
Oiistar's Ramen Plans For September
With seating for
approximately 50, Oiistar is heading to Milwaukee Avenue with a focus on
ramen dishes. Oiistar will feature specialty drinks and a simple
streamlined menu which will include about 5 entrees. Appetizers will
also be available. Look for Oiistar to open at 1385 N. Milwaukee Avenue
in September. Oiistar.
The Savoy Opening Delayed
Wicker Park's newest
seafood/raw/absinthe restaurant - The Savoy - has said there will be
about a week delay for their opening. Their goal is to open next weekend
and worst case scenario by the end of July. The Savoy has moved into
the space formerly La Fonda del Gusto at 1408 N. Milwaukee Avenue. For
additional details: The Savoy.
The Trenchermen is Open
The Trenchermen is officially open at 2039
W. North Avenue in Wicker Park. Reviews to date have been excellent.
Expect a slight delay in brunch however. The Trenchermen team is working
hard to make sure dinner is running smoothly before expanding their
hours to include weekend brunch. Trenchermen.
RETAIL/SHOPPING
Blair Chic Boutique Opens Saturday
Please welcome Blair
Chic Boutique to Wicker Park. Blair Chic is opening Saturday at 1343 N.
Ashland Avenue and focuses on fresh, hip, chic and affordable clothing
for women. Wicker Park's newest boutique is hosting a grand opening
party with appetizers, drinks, giveaways and more from 7pm-10pm
Saturday: Blair Chic
Bucktown's Hidden Gem - Valentia
Looking for one-of-a-kind clothing, housewares, glassware & more that don't break the bank? Head to Bucktown's newest boutique Valentia at 2042 N. Damen Avenue. Valentia showcases fair trade items as well as those made my local artists & more. These items truly are one of a kind. So if you miss them, you miss them. Stop by today. Valentia
Insider Deal of the Week
FREE Yoga anyone?
Bucktown's Lululemon located at 1627 N. Damen Avenue hosts a free yoga
class every Sunday morning. But you have to get up and out early.
Classes start at 10am. RSVP is preferred. Free Yoga.
Plenty Grocery's Kickstarter Campaign
Wicker Park's newest
grocery store (to be) Plenty Grocery has launched a Kickstarter Campaign
to help raise funds for their opening. Plenty will focus on locally
sourced, organic products and those customers who are on more
specialized diets. If you'd like to support this new neighborhood store
on Division Street, feel free to make a contribution. Kickstarter.
Thanks again for joining us. If you're interested in
receiving up-to-the minute news & event information from us
throughout the week, please feel free to join our 8,200+ followers on Facebook & Twitter. We'd love to include you. And if you have news or an event to share, please don't hesitate to let us know. Last but not least, if you'd like to receive this via email, here's how you sign up. Weekend Guide.
Have a great weekend and we'll see you in the neighborhood.
The Wicker Park Bucktown Insider's Guide