June 21, 2012

 

Hello and welcome to this week's edition of your Insider Weekend Guide.

We have an exciting weekend ahead with beautiful weather in the forecast. If you're a music lover, this week and weekend are for you. Green Music Fest arrives Saturday and free music shows are available at the Empty Bottle and Double Door all week - and weekend - long. But that's not all. We've also included Savannah style shrimp boils, lots of free community events, theater and more. 

The Lollapalooza Aftershows we mentioned last week are already selling out. So if you haven't gotten your tickets to those yet...do it.  

 

Last but not least, we learned this week our small business is eligible for a very generous grant. But we need 250 Votes to be qualify. If you're a small business fan and could vote for us, we would be incredibly appreciative. It literally takes less than 1 minute. Additional details are outlined below.

 

Thanks, as always for joining us. Have a great weekend and we'll see you in the neighborhood.

 

 

 

  BARS

 

 

 

COMMUNITY  

     

2012 Chicago Reader "Best Of" List

The Chicago Reader just published their best of list for 2012 which includes a number of Wicker Park & Bucktown businesses. But that's not all. 1st Ward Alderman Joe Moreno was voted as Best Alderman and Wicker Park was voted as the Best Neighborhood for Nightlife. This we already know. Chicago Reader's Best Of 2012.

 

Farmers Market - Tonight - Division/Ashland

Yes there are 2 Farmers Markets this year in Wicker Park. And every Thursday you can visit the Farmers Market located at Division & Ashland for produce, cheese, teas, soups and more. Opens at 3:00pm. Market.

 

Puppets in the Park

For young and old alike, please join The Magic Boat Puppet Show at the Wicker Park Playground - 1425 N. Damen Avenue this Sunday at 11am. You can also stop by the Sunday Farmers Market in Wicker Park proper that morning and then head to the playground. Puppets. 

 

 

Spanish Classes - At Club Lucky

If you missed the opportunity earlier and would love to take Spanish Classes, Elena Chicago is back in July. Join award-winning educator Elaine Winer for her 8 week course at Bucktown's Club Lucky - 1824 W. Wabansia. Forget the stuffy classroom.Grab a glass of wine and enjoy. But hurry. Classes start soon. Elena Chicago.

 

Wicker Mic - Open Mic- Friday

Come out and perform your songs, poetry and stand up, or just enjoy listening at the outdoor open mic in Wicker Park proper (1425 N. Damen Avenue) this Friday from 6-9pm. Sign-up on the day of the event at 5pm. Each slot is 5 minutes (2 songs, 3 poems or 5 minutes of stand up). The weather should be perfect. Wicker Mic.

 

 

 

 

  MUSIC

    

FREE Do312 Anniversary Party Tonight

With roots in the neighborhood, we happy to report that Do312 is celebrating their 2nd Birthday with a Bash tonight at Double Door- 1572 N. Milwaukee Avenue. The Heavy is playing and you can get in for free but you have to RSVP. Do312.

 

 

FREE Music All Week & Weekend Long

The Double Door & Empty Bottle are offering FREE music shows all weekend long. No cover will be required but you may need to RSVP to sure your cover charge is waived. So you can catch great music all weekend long. Did me mention it's free? Freekend. Empty Bottle

 

Green Music Fest

Green Music Fest is also heading into the neighborhood this weekend on Damen Avenue between Schiller and Wicker Park Avenue. A $5 donation is requested but you can catch great bands like Dinosaur Jr. and the Raveonettes. The full line up.

 

 

 RESTAURANTS

Bucktown's Bluebird Introduces New Summer Menu

Bucktown's Bluebird -1749 N. Damen Avenue - is bringing in a new chef - and new menu just in time for Summer. Talented Chef Dave Ford is heading to Bluebird and will be overseeing the kitchen. What can you expect with his new menu? Predominantly small plates with a few large plates included to round out the menu. Here's a preview of what you'll find. Bluebird Menu.

 

FREE Forever Yogurt Gift Cards

The good news/bad news. The bad news is that we haven't been out walking the dogs as much as we usually do because the weather has been so incredibly hot. The good news is we still have a few Forever Yogurt gift cards to give away. And we'll be out and about this weekend for sure. See the dogs & we'll give you a $5 gift card right on the spot. While supplies last. Forever Yogurt.

 

Team Behind Prasino Plans New Spot

Alderman Moreno announced in a State of the Ward meeting that the team behind Prasino will be opening a new Greek/Middle Eastern gyro spot on Milwaukee Avenue next to Native Foods Cafe at 1482 N. Milwaukee Avenue. Look for this casual eatery to open late Summer. Additional details to follow.

 

 

 

 RETAIL/SHOPPING

 

 

Joe's Wine Cellar Opens Tuesday

Joe's Wine Cellar has moved in to Wicker Park and is located in the space formerly the home of Division Cleaners at 2108 W. Division Street. But we can assure you, there are no signs of the cleaners left in this space. Joe's offers 350+ varieties of wine, 16 taps for tasting, 80+ craft brews in bombers and mix and match six-packs plus mainly local cheeses, charcuterie, and fresh-baked baguettes from La Boulangerie. Joe's doors are open sporadically this weekend. Look for the official opening to happen Tuesday. Joe's Wine.

 

Plenty Grocery Heads to Wicker Park

Plenty Grocery & Deli is moving in to Wicker Park in the space formerly the home of Zaraz Collections at 2036 W. Division. Although plans are still in the works you can expect a neighborhood grocery store feeling and produce, dairy, breads, meats and cheeses. Plenty.

 

Temple Beautiful & The Fountain of Youth

Would you like to learn how to keep those botox injections at bay? Head to Temple Beautiful at 1903 W. Division this Friday for an interactive workshop where you can learn a few secrets and participate in an acupressure session. Fountain of Youth.

 

SMALL BUSINESS GRANT 

 

Small Businesses Rock - Please Vote For Us !

Many people don't realize we're a small business. And because we are a small independent business we're eligible for a Chase/Livingsocial Small Business Grant. But we need your help. Please take a moment to vote for us! It only takes about 30 seconds (seriously). You logon here and type in Wicker into the "business" section and you're done. If everyone votes we'll have enough votes to qualify by the end of the day. But if you don't, we may not qualify at all. Thank you so much for your support!!  Rock the Vote.

 

 

 

 THEATER 

 

Anger/Fly At Trap Door Theatre

Bucktown's Trap Door Theatre at 1655 W. Cortland Avenue was just recognized by the Chicago Reader for having the Best String of Theatrical Stunners in Chicago. Don't miss Anger/Fly; Trap Door's current show. It closes June 30th. Anger/Fly.

 

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

 

 

The Wicker Park Bucktown Insider's Guide