Read More

Read More

Read More

Read More

One person died and a child was among three others injured in a fire Monday on the Southwest Side. | Chicago Fire Media

Chicago Fire officials responded to a basement fire about Monday morning in the 5700 block of West 64th Street.

A woman died and three people were injured, including a 7-year-old boy, after a fire broke out in the basement of a home Monday morning in Clearing on the Southwest Side.

The injured people evacuated from the home around 6 a.m. in the 5700 block of West 64th Street, according to the Chicago Fire Department.

Firefighters entered and found a 60-year-old woman in a bedroom in the rear of the home, fire officials said. Paramedics took her to Holy Cross Hospital, where she was pronounced dead, Chicago police said.

A 7-year-old boy was transported in serious condition to Loyola University Medical Center, police said. A 34-year-old woman was in fair condition at Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, police said. A 60-year-old man was in good condition at Loyola.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.

Read More

Nowadays, CBD is topping the charts for best health support. And that’s not just for humans. You can bring your dog in on this health regimen that affects everything from anxiety to appetite and even pain. As pet owners ourselves, we desire to provide only the best CBD oil to our pets and are always … Read moreRead More

Wishing for a beach vacation without a care in the world? Check out these two awesome properties along the shores of Banderas Bay in Puerto Vallarta. Discover absolutely glorious 85-degree weather, a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and an authentic Mexican experience, all wrapped up in a total package of sublime relaxation.

It all began at the airport, where everyone greeted me with, “Welcome Home” and I felt the stress just melting away.

Chill Out in Style at Marriott Puerto Vallarta

The pool and the beach beckon at the Marriott Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta. Photo by Mira Temkin.

Ideally located between the Sierra Mountains and Banderas Bay, the fabulous Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa has undergone recent renovations, making this like-new property a true jewel.

When you enter your luxurious accommodations, you’ll be blown away by the glorious poolside views and ocean vistas from your private balcony.  Add in the cozy pillowtop mattress and plush robes and you’re in for a comfy stay.

You’ll love dining in one of their six tempting restaurants serving Mexican, Japanese, fresh seafood, deli, plus a Championship Sports Bar. Chill out at their new swim up beachside bar, Nosh for tasty nachos, fresh salads and ceviche’s while enjoying expansive views of the water.

Chef prepares a tasty ceviche at Marriott Puerto Vallarta. Photo by Mira Temkin.

Key to what makes this resort so special is Marriott’s commitment to  “experiential” programs like tequila tastings, learning to make ceviche and other “how to” classes.

Marriott makes their own brand of tequila and you’ll appreciate learning about and tasting their distinctive brands. “Tequila has to be made in Mexico for it to be authentic,” said Tequila Sommelier Audrey Formisano. “Our special Casamagna brands are harvested from blue agave plants grown at the hotel,” she continued, “and come in blanco, reposado and añejo.” Let Formisano guide you through the creation of their tequila and get a new appreciation for this local spirit.

Marriott is Committed to Preserving Sea Turtles

Sea turtles heading out to the water. Photo courtesy of Marriott Puerto Vallarta.

In 2004, Marriott pioneered an ecological conservation guidance program for Sea Turtles. Since that time, thousands of Sea Turtles have been safely  released into the waters. About 45 days after the mother turtles lay their eggs on the beach, the baby turtles are born and come to the surface. Guided by marine biologists, the newborn turtles make it safely to the sea. Join them when hatching season runs from June to December.

Check out their Ohtli Spa, which means journey. Let them pamper you from head to toe with an aromatherapy or couple’s massage.

Day of the Dead Honors Loved Ones

Every November 1 and 2, this colorful Mexican tradition celebrates the lives of departed loved ones with colorful displays, altars and meaningful mementos of their lives.

We had a chance to check out the Malecon (Puerto Vallarta’s Boardwwalk)  and saw all of the colorfully decorated ofrendas featuring traditional skulls, skeletons and La Catrinas.

Skulls decorate the Malecon on Day of the Dead. Photo by Mira Temkin.

The Marriott Puerto Vallarta takes Day of the Dead to a whole new level. All of the various hotel departments spent the day constructing their own colorful ofrendas to honor their loved ones and compete for prizes.

I had a chance to have my face painted with bright hues of pink and orange, wearing a colorful headband and posing with the Catrina.

Getting your face painted is part of the tradition for Day of the Dead. Photo by Mira Temkin.

An exquisite dinner under the stars offered a number of stations serving Mexican specialties like Tostados, Tamales, Sarandeado Fish Station and a  heavenly dessert table. With live music, folkloric entertainment and voting for our favorite displays, what an awesome celebration it was.

The Westin Resort & Spa – Dedicated to Your Well- Being  

Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta glows in the night. Photo courtesy of Westin Resort & Spa.

With a perfect location near the Marina, this former palm tree farm turned luxury wellness resort features gorgeous landscapes, colorful tropical decor, culinary delights, and tons of recreational activities. You’ll enjoy retreat-like accommodations with all ocean-facing balconies, plush Heavenly® Bed and rejuvenating Heavenly® Bath to help you unwind.

The Westin Resort & Spa is dedicated to nurturing the mind, body and spirit, offering a  multi-faceted program for optimum wellness. Everything from food to beverages adheres to a heathy living lifestyle. At El Palmar, you can enjoy matcha pancakes, fruit smoothies and egg-white omelets.

Be sure to book an appointment in their Heavenly Spa. I opted for the Sleep Well massage and the therapist’s sure but steady strokes released the tension I had been carrying around for weeks.

Start your morning with yoga on the beach where you can bend, stretch and feel at one with the water. Or have a special seaside picnic catered on the beach as the sun goes down with a perfect sunset.

Picnic on the beach at Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta. Photo by Mira Temkin.

Dining while overlooking the bay at Arrecifes Seafood & Steakhouse was exquisite. I enjoyed the world’s best Caesar Salad and juicy steak served on an open grill.

Perfectly grilled steak at Arrecifes  restaurant, Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta. Photo by Mira Temkin.

Shoppers Paradise

Strolling along the colorful Malecon, you’ll discover beautiful jewelry, excellent crafts, fine clothing in exclusive boutiques, and of course, bargaining with local beach vendors for bracelets, earrings and pottery. Just reopened is the new Thursday night market at the Marina, which features a host of Mexican foods as well as artisan goods like the latest in straw bags, colorful purses, T-shirts and jewelry.

Both deluxe properties offer a choice of all-inclusive or special dining packages. Make your plans to discover these beautiful properties any time of year!

Read More

Speaking of the holiday season, don’t forget about Hanukkah, honored by both the large Jewish population in Chicago and those who simply appreciate the different cultures in our amazing city. Celebrate Hanukkah in Chicago this year with everything from a holiday pop-up bar to delicious dinner specials for dine-in and carryout.

Image Credit: Papergirl PR

3441 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

Celebrate Hanukkah in Chicago with The Greystone Tavern at the iconic 8 Crazy Nights pop-up, featuring a special food menu ranging in price from $5 to $16 and themed cocktails.

Come enjoy traditional Jewish favorites with a modern spin, such as Matzo Ball Soup and three flavors of Latkes, including classic with sour cream and applesauce, cilantro jalapeno with chipotle sour cream and herb cheddar with chive sour cream. And don’t forget to add to your meal the mouth-watering appetizers and finish with some creative desserts.

For drinks, guests this year can sip $12 hot cocktails like a Hanukkah Harry’s Hot Chocolate served in a gold mug and a Blue Toddy besides the rest of Greystone’s traditional Hanukkah drinks.

Image Credit: The Goddess and Grocer

All locations

Your favorite neighborhood grocery/bakery is ready to help you celebrate Hanukkah in Chicago with goodies! Enjoy iconic items such as latkes, matzo ball soup, kugel, grilled asparagus and desserts like Hanukkah cookies and cupcakes, and discover new items as they update their menu!

302 N Green St 3rd Floor, Chicago, IL 60607

This Hanukkah, add an order of Parmesan, Potato & Brussels Sprout Latkes and Shawarma Spiced Brisket Confit with sesame pumpkin puree and currant gremolata to your mezze spread.

The special menu is for dine-in only from Sunday, November 28 – Monday, December 6 beginning at 4:00 PM Monday – Friday, and at 3:00 PM Saturday and Sunday. Meanwhile, the regular dinner menu will also be available.

Hanukkah Cookie Kit (at all locations)

Kick-off your eight nights of celebrating with Beatrix’s Hanukkah Cookie Decorating Kits for $17.95 plus tax! The kit includes six Hanukkah-themed sugar cookies, four piping bags with icing (dark blue, light blue, white, yellow) and sprinkles.

Hanukkah Dinner (at Fulton Market and Streeterville locations)

For $42.95 plus tax, you can feast on Beatrix’s special Hanukkah menu at home. The dinner includes Challah Bread, Matzoh Ball Soup, Potato Pancakes with Sour Cream & Apple Sauce, Roasted Green Beans with Lemon Vinaigrette, Short Rib with Ginger Beets, Raspberry Macaroons and Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake.

The dinner is available from November 29 to December 6 for dine-in, carryout, and delivery between 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. And be sure to order one day prior by 12:00 PM. All carryout and delivery is served cold with reheat instructions.

74 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60654

Celebrate Hanukkah with specials from Ema including Parmesan, Potato & Brussels Sprout Latkes for $12.95, plus tax (gratuity not included), and Grilled Harissa Spiced Sea Bass with roasted garlic yogurt sauce, pine nuts, herb salad and grilled lemon for $28.95, plus tax (gratuity not included).

These specials are available for dine-in only from Sunday, November 28 – Monday, December 6 beginning at 3:00 PM. The regular menu will also be available.

7110 Lincoln Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712

Woods is offering a Hanukkah meal for two for carry-out and delivery. Your dinner will include Matzo Ball Soup, Braised Brisket with Sweet & Sour Gravy, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Potato Pancakes, Noodle Kugel, and Chocolate Babka.

Each Hanukkah Meal To-Go is $79.95, plus tax (gratuity not included) serves two guests. Available for carryout and delivery Sunday, November 28 – Monday, December 6 between 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM. In addition, orders need to be in by 10:00 PM the day prior to your desired carryout or delivery date.

1954 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614

Summer House is offering Hanukkah specials including Matzo Ball Soup, Latkes, and more. These holiday specials will be available for dine-in and carryout only from Sunday, November 28 – Monday, December 6.

Featured Image Credit: The Greystone Tavern

Read More

The Chicago Cubs are retooling. A lot of people think otherwise but they just traded away three players who were cornerstones of their franchise. If they try to win after choosing not to extend those guys, they will appear to have made a mistake. One of those guys traded away was Kris Bryant. The Cubs […] Chicago Cubs: The Seattle Mariners are in on Kris Bryant – Da Windy City – Da Windy City – A Chicago Sports Site – Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks, Fighting Illini & MoreRead More

Nick Sandys and Cordelia Dewdney star in “Mr. Dickens’ Hat” at Northlight Theatre. | Michael Brosilow

A play with music takes holiday warmth, cheer and togetherness, adds in a bit of Victorian darkness, and wraps it all around the story of a young girl working to free her father from debtor’s prison.

In past holiday seasons, Northlight Theatre has introduced several new seasonal plays of a certain era — Lauren Gunderson’s “Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley” and “The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley.” The highly engaging plays extended the story of characters from Jane Austen’s classic “Pride and Prejudice.”

Now Northlight has commissioned another new play for this season, one right out of Charles Dickens’ 19th century Victorian London. Michael Hollinger’s “Mr. Dickens’ Hat,” a play with music, takes holiday warmth, cheer and togetherness, adds in a bit of Victorian darkness, and wraps it all around the story of a young girl working to free her father from debtor’s prison.

About seven years ago, Hollinger was “living in Dickens’ head” and wrestling with how to adapt the author’s novel “Bleak House,” when his mind wandered, and he began thinking about the ubiquity of “A Christmas Carol.” He wondered if perhaps there was something new to add to the holiday season that would capture the same spirit as the classic story.

“I wanted to write something that didn’t feel like it was specifically related to Christmas yet had everything audiences look for in a holiday play,” Hollinger says, adding he also wanted to employ what he calls “open-handed theater,” in which a small ensemble shares a story while constantly shifting between roles “to represent a community in all its diversity.”

In the fictional “Mr. Dickens’ Hat,” 12-year-old Kit works in a Victorian hat shop to earn money to pay off her father’s debt. In the shop resides a hat, once used by the show’s titular famous owner to carry water to the victims of a train wreck (true story). Onto the scene comes a pair of bumbling thieves; Kit must foil their plan, save the hat and secure her father’s release.

In creating the character of Kit, Hollinger says he wanted to move away from “Dickens’ usual young women who are pure and good. I wanted her to be very sharp and very intelligent.”

Director David Catlin, a Lookingglass Theatre ensemble member, fell for Dickens big time while working on the company’s acclaimed 2002 staging of “Hard Times.” He says Hollinger’s play encompasses “everything I love about Dickens.”

“Like Dickens, Michael taps into this really big-hearted world and captures the spirit of the Dickensian character,” Catlin says. “He’s created a world that’s vivid and true with characters of all class and stripe, plus some delicious, despicable villains.

“And, in the way Dickens does, he moves between these big, epic moments like a chase across an icy train trestle and these tiny delicate jewel-like moments as when Kit and her father reminisce about her late mother.”

Cordelia Dewdney stars as Kit with the remainder of the cast — Christine Bunuan, Ruchir Khazanchi, Kasey Foster, Mark David Kaplan and Nick Sandys — performing a multitude of roles.

For Hollinger, the hat shop setting provided the perfect means of helping the actors transform from one character to another simply via a hat. “In 19th century British society, you knew a person’s class by their garments,” he says.

Catlin adds that imagination plays a big role for both actors and audience.

“Playing multiple roles like this demands an inventive, imaginative athleticism from the actors. They have to change between characters in the blink of an eye,” Catlin says, adding, “I think it also demands in a delightful way the audience’s imagination to make it work.”

Hollinger, who teaches playwrighting and songwriting at Villanova University, also wrote the play’s chorales and carols. The music direction is by Chuck Larkin.

“What I really wanted to do was find forgotten gems of Victorian carols that are not specifically about Christmas,” Hollinger recalls. “But I couldn’t find any. So, I decided to write them, and was able to tailor-make the songs in a 19th-century musical style.”

“Mr. Dickens’ Hat” was intended to open for the 2020 holiday season but, like all theater, was canceled due to COVID-19 shutdowns. Hollinger feels the need for the play is even greater now than before the pandemic.

“The play is about how do we create community, how do we gather, how do we reach out and connect and where do we find warmth in cold times? All of the values the play is about, we need a lot of right now.”

As for that adaptation of “Bleak House,” it’s still rambling around in Hollinger’s head. The complex novel about a notorious lawsuit is not to be underestimated; it does not adapt easily.

“I keep approaching it like a kind of Everest,” he says with a laugh. “I get to base camp and then I keep backing off. But it remains my favorite Dickens novel.”

Read More