Craft Beer Lovers Warm Up to Winter Brew

“Who drinks Miller Lite anymore?” Certainly not Derek Lindskog, one of the lucky 525 craft beer lovers who snagged a coveted ticket to the inaugural Winter Brew, held last Saturday at DANK Haus. A joint effort of the Lincoln Square Chamber of Commerce and the Square Kegs Home Brew Club, Winter Brew was, by...

47th Ward Permit Parking Task Force Releases Findings

Convened in August 2011 by Ald. Ameya Pawar, the 47th Ward’s Permit Parking Task Force has now released its assessment, which boils down to: can’t live with it, can’t live without it so let’s try to fix what’s broken. Findings and a plan of action going forward were originally presented Jan. 18 and will...

Lincoln Square Business’ Growth Strains Parking Options

Lincoln Square arguably has weathered the national recession better than most city neighborhoods and one of the area’s anchors is set to open an $18 million expansion in early 2012. But those bits of good news come with a downside: Increased competition for parking. Over the next couple weeks, workers will put the finishing...

American Flatbread Still ‘Coming Soon’

What’s going on with American Flatbread? “That’s a good question,” says Fred Gale, a partner in the restaurant, announced as “coming soon” in late 2010. Originally slated to open Spring 2011 in Lincoln Square’s Fountainview development adjacent to Giddings Plaza, the Chicago outpost of the successful Vermont-based brand has hit more than its share...

Square Kegs Kicks Off Home Brew Contest

Think you’ve got an award-winning stout brewing in your basement? Time to put your skills to the test in the Square Kegs Home Brew Club’s first Winter Brewing Competition. The contest is sure to be the hot topic at the club’s meeting, Thursday, Dec. 1, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., at Brew Camp, 2039 W....

Josh Cantor, Musician

Originally from the suburbs, Lincoln Square resident and local musician Josh Cantor is a passionate advocate of the neighborhood and its many charms. Although he seems to be perputally in motion on his bicycle along Lincoln Avenue, Josh can also be spotted enjoying the offerings and ambiance at local cafes, public spaces, and farmers...

Matty K’s Is the Place With the Helpful Hardware Man

People of Lincoln Square, you said you wanted a neighborhood hardware store. Matt Kollar was already one step ahead of you. Actually, he was two years ahead of you. That’s how long Kollar has been eyeballing the vacant storefront at 4874 N. Lincoln, the former home of Lincoln Square Hardware, which has stood empty...

Elected Officials to Chamber of Commerce: “These Are Difficult Times”

“Boy, did I leave Springfield at the right time,” joked Cook County Commissioner, and former state legislator, John Fritchey. Speaking at the Lincoln Square Chamber of Commerce annual “State of the Neighborhood” meeting, held Oct. 18 at Pizza D.O.C., Fritchey followed rather downbeat reports from State Representative Greg Harris, 13th District, and State Senator...

Evening Farmers Market Changes Venue This Week, Runs Through October

The Lincoln Square concert series may have wrapped its performance schedule on Sept. 1, but that doesn’t mean it’s curtain time for the Thursday night Farmers Market too. You can still get your fill of seasonal fruits and vegetables, baked goods and those amazing crepes through October 27, 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. For one...

Angel Food Bakery Puts Devilishly Delicious Spin on Classic Treats

Before the cupcake, there was the CupCake, along with Ho-Hos, King Dons (aka, Ding Dongs, it’s a long story), Twinkies and other lesser members of the Hostess and Little Debbie families. Stephanie Samuels grew up with these popular packaged snack cakes so when she opened her own bakery, Angel Food, 1636 W. Montrose Ave.,...

Yarn Bomber Pulls Wool Over Sulzer Statue

Blue Sky to Host Vegetarian Farm Dinner

As a non-carnivore, I have to admit I’m intrigued by the concept of a farm dinner but not so much by the thought of having to take a pass on the majority of the meat-centric dishes offered. No, don’t mind me, I’ll just munch on my arugula while the rest of you chow down...

Stacy Oliver, Center Square Resident

In between making handmade jewelry in her home studio and working for Northwestern University’s Writing Arts program, Lincoln Square resident Stacy Oliver soaks up all the pleasures the neighborhood has to offer.  Over the years, in no particular order, she’s been busy doing the following: singing, playing guitar and writing songs for a comedic...

Lycee Francais Presents Plans; Requests TIF Money For Private School

About 60 area residents attended an outdoor public meeting Tuesday night with sweltering 94-degree heat to hear school leaders from Lycee Francais de Chicago present their development plans for the old Ravenswood Hospital site, 4544 N. Winchester Ave. The presentation kicked off with an announcement from Ald. Ameya Pawar (47th) that the private school...

The Café Workstyle: Eleven Center Square Spots To Eat And Work

As more people chose to work from home and more employers choose to have workers telecommute, Lincoln Square and Northcenter coffee shops have become the home-away-from-home-office, the water cooler and the modern day Roman forum all rolled into one. More than just providing the first cup of the day, out-of-office workers and networkers are using...