The Chicago Blackhawks were going to have a lot of players that are participating in the Winter Olympic Games. It was going to be a lot of fun to see players from around the National Hockey League represent their countries in the games but it will not happen now.

The NHL and NHLPA have mutually agreed to not send players to the Olympics because of concerns with COVID-19. Cases are rising all over the world and hockey has been severely impacted. The league started to make slow adjustments but it eventually led to them shutting it down through the Christmas holiday.

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Shots were fired at Chicago police officers after a domestic incident Wednesday night in the South Shore neighborhood.

Officers responded to a call of a domestic incident about 7:30 p.m. in the 7100 block of South Yates Avenue, Chicago police said.

After arriving, they found a female in a gangway between two buildings, police said. While gathering information, a male involved in the domestic incident fired shots at them from a second story window.

After firing shots, the male fled the scene through the back of the building but was found shortly after and taken into custody, according to police.

The officers did not return fire and no one was injured during the incident, police said.

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Your wedding is one of the special days that happen once in a lifetime. Every detail has to be perfect, with no room for mistakes. Your wedding setup is one of the crucial aspects that you must consider. Nowadays, different options offer flexibility in wedding venues, unlike before, where most events could only happen indoors in the enclosed venue. Hiring wedding tents have become a popular option for most people holding wedding events. This option presents a perfect solution for a wedding venue. However, once you decide this is the way forward, it is vital to ensure you find the best tent for hire, depending on your style, size bearing in mind the number of attendees. Are you ready to explore these options? Below are expert tips and crucial details to learn regarding tenting your special wedding day; 

Your needs

You need to make a conclusive decision, whether you want to hire tents for your wedding event. Tents aren’t necessary for all types of weddings. Mostly they are ideal for outdoor weddings. However, it is vital to consider the weather temperatures. If you feel it’s going to rain or freeze, then you can put the necessary measures in place to eliminate the discomforts or have a backup in place in case the weather changes unexpectedly.  

How to pick the Top wedding tent rental Company 

Your wedding venue is a crucial part of the day. The last thing you want to be stressed about is dealing with the wrong wedding tent rental company. Your budget is also another factor to consider. To make sure that you’re hiring the right company.

Ask for referrals

Inquire from family, friends, or wedding planners. These people can provide you with recommendations.  

Read reviews

The next thing is to browse the internet. Many companies can offer wedding tent rentals online. Compare different companies so that you can find the one within your budget. Read reviews as they will guide you to find the best party tent rental service, providers.  

Pick a Service provider who is familiar with your wedding venue.
Ensure they have the right equipment necessary for that task.
Have adequate and qualified staff who will be in charge of setting up the space. 

Once you identify the right company, they should send a representative to investigate the site. They will take note of the space and any grand change they need to take note of. Another detail to note is whether there is an overhead obstruction, including the power line and branches. You will be responsible for informing the party tents whether there are such obstructions. Then the next step is to decide on the type of tent.

Types of tents 

There are diverse choices to choose from when deciding your wedding tents. You have to choose so that the choice you pick will be ideal for your wedding day. 

Tension pole tents 

These tents have center poles that are used to hold up the roof. They should be set in softer ground, like grass, instead of concrete. They add elegance to your wedding.

Frame tents 

These are clear span structures, which use metal frames to support the roof. They have an open space beneath. Frame tents usually need interior draping to conceal the internal frameworks. Therefore this can increase the cost of your tent rental. However, you can use it to add a luscious look to your wedding through draping and also string lights. 

Clear top Tents 

If you’re looking for a more modern look, choose the clear top tents. This type is set using a metal frame, similar to the basic frame tent. However, it is a clear tent with a transparent canopy, allowing plenty of light to shine in. You can leave this option undecorated and straightforward, but it will still look beautiful. The sun will shine around you, or you can add some beauty to that elegant look. Choose the right size for your wedding tent. 

This will depend on the guests you have invited to your wedding. Calculate the number, and then divide it with the capacity of every tent to find the number you require for your event. 

Can one person set up your wedding tent?

Yes, a tent can be set up by just one person. However, this may take some time. And for you to save time, ask the tent supplier to provide you with qualified staff who can handle the tent setting. These experts have the right tools and expertise to ensure that the wedding tent is set up correctly and quickly. 

Want to have a unique wedding venue, then ensure that you choose the right wedding tent. Ensure the company supplies you on time. Also, ask if they deliver and pick the wedding tents. Find a tent rental service that provides who can make your special day beautiful and memorable. 

Photo by Kadyn Pierce on Unsplash

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Ramen is a beautiful combination of springy noodles, rich-flavored broth, soft-boiled egg, nori, scallions, and usually pork. Thanks to its soaring popularity, the Japanese specialty has also opened to vegan and vegetarian options.  We rounded up eight of the best restaurants to order ramen in Chicago that will warm your body and soul. So whether you’re Team Slurp or not—it’s actually considered rude not to slurp in Japan—a hot bowl of ramen is waiting for you.

It’s hot broth season, baby! However, if you’re a reverse season person, check out our roundup for the best sushi places in Chicago.

2101 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Ramen Wasabi has long been a go-to spot for ramen lovers and first-timers alike. Wasabi has served the Palmer Square area since 2010 and is one of few Japanese-owned Japanese restaurants in the city with both traditional and contemporary Japanese fare.

The menu includes small plates, katsu sliders, rice dishes, and of course, the main event: ramen. The tonkotsu broth used in Wasabi’s ramen is rich and creamy, thanks to a labor of love and attention. It’s made with 100% Heritage Berkshire Pork bones and is slow-cooked for days.

Try the Original Tonkotsu Ramen, a classic you can’t go wrong with. However, if you’re looking for something with more of a kick, the Spicy Roasted Garlic Miso Ramen is loaded with chili peppers.

112 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607

Nestled underneath Green Street Smoked Meats, High Five Ramen is tiny, but mighty. The hidden ramen shop in Chicago brings an updated take on ramen and serves a selection of Japanese libations, including sweet slushies. The space is tight and the food is popular, so you might be waiting a while to sit, but once you’re in, your patience will be rewarded.

The High Five Signature Bowl has sliced pork belly, noodles, seasoned egg, black garlic oil, bean sprouts, pepper, dried Japanese chilies, nori, and scallions, all swimming in a traditional tonkotsu broth. Try the Maitake Ramen, made with a mushroom miso broth and served with maitake mushrooms for an earthy option.

For all ramens on the menu, you can add Kanabo Spice, a “face-numbing, tear-jerking, unbearable spice” that tests your willpower and heat tolerance.

553 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614

Tanaka Ramen is a Hawaii-based chain with locations in Houston, Atlanta, Hawaii, and Chicago. The ramen head chef traveled all over Japan to bring the most delicious and traditional ramen recipes to the states. From the classic tonkotsu to chicken broths—or even cold ramen—Tanaka has a big menu for you to choose from.

You can also build your own ramen, filling your bowl with all your favorite toppings. Three servings of pork chasu, please! Tanaka is also one of the most popular ramen spots for vegans and vegetarians. Try the Spicy Creamy Vegan Ramen served with kale noodles!

1482 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

1538 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60610

Kizuki is a Japanese chain that has locations all over the world, including Taiwan, Australia, and Japan. The chain has two spots in Chicago, one in Wicker Park and the second in Lincoln Park. What sets Kizuki apart from other ramen shops is that they roast the bones before boiling, similar to the French style of preparing consommé.

If you are searching for the best places to get ramen in Chicago, this hip destination serves small plates, ramen, rice dishes, whiskey, sake, and beer in a modern setting. The menu also has vegetarian and gluten-free options. Try one of the signature Kizuki dishes, like the Yuzu Shio Ramen. This unique dish has pork, veggies, and an award-winning Kizuki soft-boiled egg with a citrusy yuzu finish in a light pork and chicken bone broth. 

800 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

2410 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Furious Spoon has made a name for itself in not only serving delicious ramen but also head-bopping hip hop tracks. With locations in Logan Square and Lakeview, the ramen shop has become a popular destination for both local and visiting ramen lovers.

The Furious Ramen is the perfect choice for spicy lovers. It features a spicy miso pork broth topped with house-made chashu, steamed chicken and pork dumplings, crispy shallots, garlic relish, marinated mushrooms, fury sauce (the restaurant’s signature apple chili hot sauce), and a poached egg. 

59 W Hubbard St #2, Chicago, IL 60654

165 E Huron St, Chicago, IL 60611

219 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607

Slurp traditional and contemporary ramen varieties at Ramen-San, a hip, rustic ramen spot in River North with additional locations in Fulton Market and Streeterville. Right after it opened, the many Ramen-Sans have quickly risen to become one of the best ramen spots in Chicago.

For something different, try the Kimchi & Fried Chicken Ramen, crunchy and spicy ramen in pork broth featuring karage fried chicken and spicy kimchi—a mix of cultures! The menu also includes chicken wings, mantou buns, small plates, and limited edition specials, like its Late Night Fried Rice. Not just a ramen destination, Ramen-San serves Japanese whisky, cocktails, sake, and other libations as well. 

919 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

2141 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

1453 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615

First opened in 2014 in Chinatown, Strings Ramen Shop has become a staple for ramen in Chicago, expanding into Lakeview and Hyde Park as well as Indiana, Wisconsin, and New York. 

Strings make fresh noodles daily and use high-end ingredients in their four ramen broth varieties. The menu varies from the classic rich tonkotsu ramens to lighter shoyu, shio, and miso ramens. Strings also serve yakisoba, a Japanese dish of pan-fried ramen noodles. 

If you love food challenges and want to test your heat tolerance, endure the Monster Hell Ramen Challenge. Strings has five levels of Hell Ramen, with level five being the spiciest having Chinese Tian Jing red chili, Szechuan chili bean sauce, Thai chili, Piquin chili, ghost peppers, and scorpion pepper. The challenge is finishing the level 5 ramen in 20 minutes. If completed, you win a $50 gift certificate, Monster Hell t-shirt, your bowl free, and bragging rights.

1385 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Oiistar is a Wicker Park-based Japanese restaurant with modern takes on ramen, buns, and small plates. The Oiimen Classic is your traditional ramen with Berkshire pork belly, ground pork, scallions, tree ear mushrooms, bamboo shoot, bean sprouts, soft boiled egg, and chili garlic oil. It’s a good place to start if you’re new to ramen!

For those who have spice in mind, whether you love it or hate it, Oiistar has spicy levels listed on their ramen menu—very considerate. Pair your choice with draft beer for a delicious meal!

Featured Image Credit: Ramen-San

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So here’s the deal. Chicago is known for pizza (hello, deep dish nirvana). But the often looked-over little brother of ‘za? The calzone! As a society, we tend to forget about this Italian oven-baked folded slice of heaven. But if you’re in a serious pizza rut, you might be inspired by one (or all) of these amazing calzones.

2324 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60612

BYOC (build your own calzone) at this neighborhood pizzeria. They offer fresh, made to order ‘zones with mouthwatering toppings and signature crusts. Get a small for $6.98 or a large for $9.99 with your choice of any classic ingredient for $1.00 each. 

832 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

The best hangover cure: a bloody mary and Bar Siena’s breakfast calzone. Trust us on this one. You get a perfect blend of breakfast sausage, cheddar cheese, scrambled eggs, cherrywood smoked bacon, and spicy tomato sauce for $22. Eat this and you’ll feel like a million bucks. Or at least human again. 

1769 W Sunnyside Ave Chicago, IL

Two words. Calzone Ripieno. Cue the drool face emoji. With ingredients like fior di latte, sweet salami, fluffy ricotta, black pepper, and olive oil for $20 … it’s a vibe.

3651 E 106th St Chicago, IL

Variety is the spice of life, right? Well, you certainly have ~options~ at Waldo! Create a calzone masterpiece with mix and match ingredients like shrimp and jalapenos. Or anchovies and pineapple. Heck, even black olives and BBQ sauce. No combination is off-limits here! Your basic calzone starts at $10.50. 

3458 N Clark St Chicago, IL

Veggie lovers! There’s a good chance you’ll fall head over heels for Happy’s Veggie Calzone. Packed with portobellos, artichoke hearts, black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, and marinara for $15. Now that’s a lineup we love. 

938 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL

Where’s my carnivore crew at? Homeslice has a bunch of meat-focused calzones to choose from like the Meatball, Turkey, or Smoked Ham & Avocado for $16 each. Would it be wrong to order all three? We think not. And yes, we know Homeslice and Happy Camper are under the same ownership so get the meats here and the veggies there and stop complaining to us. 

1708 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL

This popular local pizza joint has seriously good pies. But their calzones are where it’s at. You can start with a cheese calzone for $14 and stuff it full of toppings for an extra $2 per ingredient. 

Featured Image Credit: Roberto Valvida on Unsplash

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By 2050, 50% of the world will be short-sighted. Another technique for reversing myopia is laser therapy. Your ophthalmologist may recommend LASIK eye surgery to accurately address refractory disorders, including myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism. So, what exactly is LASIK? Near-sightedness, farsightedness, and other abnormalities in the cornea or lens of the eye are treated using LASIK, a common form of laser vision correction procedure.

Advantages of LASIK Eye Surgery

Surgery for Enhancement

On the other hand, the LASIK technique includes restructuring the corneal tissue. It entails removing a tiny quantity of corneal tissue. After reshaping, a circular flap is opened in the cornea’s middle and subsequently replaced. For clear vision, this treatment will adjust the focusing power of the eye lens.

LASIK Surgery Is a Painless and Speedy Treatment.

The fact is that LASIK eye surgery, like PRK laser eye surgery, takes very little time and can be finished in as little as twenty to thirty minutes. Furthermore, the process is safe, and nerves are always used to deal with the rare occurrences of people being awake during procedures.

The Surgery’s Effects Are Felt More Quickly

Unlike PRK laser eye surgery, which can take up to 10 days to complete, the LASIK eye surgery results are faster than you might think. You begin to see clearer and better than before a few hours after the operation since you do not need to take days off work due to the surgery.

It Helps You See Better

About 95 percent of people who get LASIK eye surgery report feeling far better than before the treatment. In most situations, LASIK improves their vision to 20/40.

This process will make it simpler for you to do what you’ve always wanted to do, whether you find it difficult to ride your bicycle without glasses or you’re sick of contacts. If you have a higher prescription, don’t lose hope since LASIK eye surgery can improve your eyesight dramatically.

LASIK Eye Surgery Does Not Cause Any Discomfort

It’s vital to note that you will not have any aches following the process, unlike Laser eye surgery, which may cause discomfort when you choose LASIK. When choosing PRK vs LASIK, many patients prefer LASIK for this reason and the cost is also a minimal investment of $2000 to 3000 and is well worth it. For people with low vision, LASIK eye surgery is usually quite costly. You may pay more or less than another patient depending on your prescription.

The type of technology used in LASIK eye surgery affects the price. Custom LASIK, for example, is often more expensive than older technology. Your surgeon’s final recommendation for laser eye surgery is for the best possible outcome, but it may affect the cost of LASIK eye surgery. The competence of the eye surgeon may also impact the cost of the LASIK procedure. Because they contribute a higher degree of competence to the treatment, the most proficient surgeons tend to charge a bit more.

The Distinction Between LASIK and PRK

The way the cornea is prepped is what distinguishes PRK vs LASIK. A thin layer of corneal tissue on the eye’s surface is carefully removed during PRK eye surgery. This exposes the cornea to the laser, allowing it to be reshaped. The cornea is reshaped with the same laser used in LASIK, and the eye is then covered with a contact lens. This contact lens serves as a bandage, shielding the look for a few days while epithelial regeneration occurs. 

Minor Complications

While vision loss is uncommon due to problems, some side effects, such as dry eyes and brief visual abnormalities, are very prevalent. 

Dry eyes tear production is temporarily reduced after LASIK surgery. As your eyes heal, they may feel unusually dry for the first six months or longer after surgery. Your dry eye problems may worsen even after you’ve healed. Your eye doctor may advise you to utilize eye drops during this period. 

Halos, glare, and double vision are all symptoms of double vision. You may have trouble seeing at night after surgery.  This usually lasts a few days to a few weeks, but it can sometimes become a long-term issue.

You should understand that if the laser removes too little tissue from your eye during adjustments, you will not get the sharper vision you desire. Nearsighted folks are more likely to have under corrections. You may require another refractive surgery (called an enhancement) to remove additional tissue within a year.

Overcorrections It’s also conceivable that the laser will burn away too much tissue in your eye. Overcorrections may be more difficult to remedy than under corrections.

Astigmatism. Uneven tissue loss might result in astigmatism. You may need more surgery, glasses, or contact lenses.

Ectasia of the cornea. Corneal ectasia is a significant problem that develops due to increasing myopia caused by steepening the cornea’s curvature.

Changes in vision or loss of vision Surgical complications might result in a visual loss in rare cases. Some people may not see as sharply or clearly as they formerly did.

There are no right or wrong answers for LASIK eye surgery. Consider the elements listed above, assess your preferences and risk tolerance, and make sure your expectations are reasonable. Consult with an eye surgeon with whom you have faith and address all of your questions. Finally, proceed if it feels right, but don’t hurry into anything if it doesn’t.

Featured Image Credit: newart on Pixabay

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Given the season the Chicago Bulls are currently having, it’s safe to say Christmas came early for us Chicagoans. With their current 19-10 record, the Bulls hold 1st place in the Central Division standings, second in the East, and 5th overall in the NBA standings. Who would’ve guessed?

Not us, that’s for sure. Things looked promising after the free agency success the Bulls had in the offseason. But we don’t think anyone saw the 6-1 start to open the year that eventually took place. So Chicago fans, let’s do a quick dive into the Bulls with our latest winter update! 

The Bulls’ Recent Performances

Yes, they started the season off pretty hot, but what about now? Well, the guys are 7-3 in their last ten. So there’s that.

Despite losing seven games in November and battling through injuries and COVID illnesses after the hot start to their season, the Chicago Bull have emerged as one of the top teams in the league with plenty of heart to show for it. They can beat both the bad teams and the good. This season, the Bulls are 2-0 against the Nuggets, 2-0 against the Lakers, and 2-0 against the Nets. It’s been quite the effort. 

After having 10 concurrent players placed in the league’s health and safety protocols, the Bulls dropped two games against the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers early on in December. By the time last week’s home game against the Pistons rolled around, the league put things on hold and postponed the Detroit game. They also postponed the next game against the Raptors. They wouldn’t play again until Sunday, where the Bulls and a now healthy DeMar DeRozan reemerged to beat King James and the Lakers. And the next day, they stomped the Houston Rockets in a 133-118 victory at home. It’s too bad the Bulls aren’t playing on Christmas day, that’d be too good to be true.

Where Can We Improve?

This one’s a tough question to answer given the output we’re seeing the past two months of the Bulls’ season. Their starting five are playing lights out and it’s pretty much a coin flip decision for who goes off each night. It’s always someone. And then when you look down the bench, not much is lost when the backups come in. They play hard, they play smart, and they often find themselves on the right side of the scoreboard when the buzzer sounds.

If there’s anything the Bulls can improve on thus far, it’s being more consistent and keeping themselves healthy. The latter part comes from keeping their bodies prepared over the course of the season and making an effort to stay as isolated as possible from COVID. Now, when it comes to consistency, this is another important piece to the puzzle. While the guys have been fairly consistent this season, we’d be foolish to forget last year’s season-wrecking collapse after the NBA All-Star break. Before the break, the Bulls were hot and on-pace to make it into the playoffs. We all know how that turned out. Should they manage to avoid a repeat of last year, we have little reason to believe the Chicago Bulls don’t make the postseason.

Looking Ahead In The Chicago Bulls Season

As the Chicago Bulls begin to close out 2021, they’ll play another five games before the new year. They’ll play the first game tonight against the Raptors, which is the rescheduled matchup from last week. Following that game, the Chicago Bulls will face the Indiana Pacers the day after Christmas, the Atlanta Hawks twice in a row, and then the Pacers once more on New Year’s Eve. Let’s hope they stay hot to close the year!

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People always say you shouldn’t assume, but we think it’s pretty safe to say most of us will need a good brunch to cure that NYE  hungover as 2022 arrives. Or, maybe you didn’t party too hard, but still would like to start the new year with a little ceremony to yourself. Anywho, check out the best NYD brunches in Chicago this year and start your New Year with good food, delicious mimosas, and perhaps finish off with a kick from an awesome Bloody Mary.

Looking for last-minute party ideas? Check out our ultimate Chicago NYE party guide!

Image Credit: Miki’s Park

109 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654

Miki’s Park, the Korean-inspired restaurant & bar in River North, invites you to brunch your way into 2022. Whether you’re looking to keep the party going from the night before or need a little help recovering, Miki’s Park has exactly what you need. The hangover brunch kick off Saturday, January 1 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

Tickets are priced at $30/person and include one entree, three cocktails, and live DJ entertainment courtesy of Grey Goose and Martini Prosecco. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased via Eventbrite.

3137 W Logan Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647

The Duplex invites guests to dress up and get festive for its New Year Weekend Pajama Brunch.

From Saturday, January 1 to Sunday, January 2, The Duplex will be offering bottomless mimosas, lively music, and its lauded brunch menu includes favorites like the Mushroom Omelette, Biscuits & Sausage Gravy, and Brunch Burger.

Image Credit: Azul

1177 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

On Saturday, January 1st & Sunday, January 2nd, Azul Mariscos invites guests to a loaded brunch by the river for its Azul Brunch Club. Brunch highlights include Fried Shrimp & Waffles, Huevos Rancheros, and Make-Your-Own Pinches Michelada Kit.

Image Credit: @voyagevictuals

201 N Morgan St, Chicago, IL 60607

Spend New Year’s Day weekend at the West Loop’s lively Latin-inspired hotspot, Bar Takito. Serving up delectable plates and strong drinks, guests can enjoy favorites like Arepa Benedict, Caramel-Rum Banana French Toast, and Bottomless Mimosas. 

165 W Superior St, Chicago, IL 60654

Goddess/Eggy’s on Superior is a dual concept between Goddess and the Baker and Eggy’s Diner. Come in and enjoy all-day brunch from 8 am to 2 pm if you’re in dire need to recover from the partying. This is definitely one of the healthiest, heartiest NYD brunches in Chicago this year.

315 N LaSalle St, Chicago, IL 60654

River Roast will kick off the new year with half off Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s at their New Year’s Day brunch from 11 am to 3 pm. Dinner service to follow. Reservations can be made here.

4337 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Cobblestone offers a truly distinct brunch (Saturday & Sunday from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 a.m., complete with craft brunch cocktails, mimosa flights, and cider flights. Hey, did we mention January 1st is also National Bloody Mary Day? Because Cobblestone has a killer Bloody Mary that incorporates dark, European beer, giving it serious depth of flavor and just the right body.

Image Credit: Heritage Restaurant & Caviar Bar

2700 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Join the staff at Heritage Restaurant & Caviar Bar in your pajamas for a decadent New Year’s Day brunch celebration from 12 PM to 6 PM. For this special brunch, the restaurant will be relaunching their pastry spread featuring an array of donuts, pączki, kolach, fresh-baked bread, and more.

Dishes on the brunch menu include “Eggs on Eggs” (with lump crab meat, kimchi, soft scrambled eggs, bone marrow, crème fraiche, trout roe and paddlefish roe), Duck Confit Biscuits and Gravy, and Deviled Eggs (with bacon, trout roe, and house made hot sauce.) The caviar and oyster bar will also be open (as well as wine, champagne, cocktails, etc) for those looking to enjoy an extra special post-New Year’s Eve celebration.

2542 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Enjoy one of the fanciest NYD brunches in Chicago on Staurday, Jan 1st and Sunday, Jan 2 with Andros. Brunch at Andros reflects a fresh, modern expression of Greek cuisine, and since New Year’s is the time for resolutions, isn’t it time for a fresh start? Reservations for brunch can be made via Resy.

500 N Clark St #465, Chicago, IL 60654

Jaleo will offer King Cakes available for pick-up Jan. 4-6 and King Cake by-the-slice on Jan. 6 to celebrate Three Kings Day and the New Year. Orders for whole King Cakes must be made three days in advance of the pick-up date.

Orders can soon be made by visiting Jaleo at www.jaleo.com and landing on the Chicago section.

340 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654

Nonnina is one of Chicago’s most popular brunch destinations and New Year’s Day brunch will be offered from 11 am to 3 pm to kick start your 2022. Located in the heart of River North, Nonnina’s brunch boasts Italian breakfast favorites as well as unique handcrafted options guaranteed to spice up your weekend meals.

Nonnina offers salads, housemade pastas, pizzas and brunch classics like Green Eggs & Ham — made with Poached Eggs, Sliced Prosciutto, Toasted Focaccia with a Basil Pesto Hollandaise and a side of Crispy Potatoes. Nonnina’s brunch is available every Saturday and reservations are available via OpenTable. 

Featured Image Credit: Goddess/Eggy’s on Superior

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We know the holiday season is a celebration of life, and therefore, many businesses choose this time of the year to show their support to causes that matter to them.

Today, we bring you Adrena, founder of Chicago-based PR firm 1:11 agency, and Mariah, founder of the first mental health book lounge Soul Full Chicago in Pilsen to talk about their effort in helping sex-trafficking survivors and women in general to gain better access to feminine hygiene products.

Expanding Access to Feminine Products

For those deeply involved in the cause, you may know that a lack of access to feminine products has always been a challenge, not only in Chicago but on a national level as well.

This year, 1:11 Agency has chosen to partner with Aunt Flow, The Period Collective Chicago, and S.L.A.Y Chicago — all renowned names when it comes to organizations making female hygiene products more accessible in businesses and schools.

When asked what helped the agency decide this year’s cause, Adrena, owner of 1:11 pointed out: “the Act recently passed [in Chicago] required feminine products to be in school and businesses, but it’s not happening because these products are not in the school yet. The principal and the head of administration don’t know how to acquire them.”

A History in Lifting Up Women

This is not the first time 1:11 Agency has stepped up and put in real effort to lift up their fellow women, either. Last year during the pandemic, 1:11 Agency extended their reach to provide hair care products to young ladies in Los Angeles.

“There was an Act passed in California that allows you to wear your hair how you want to wear your hair, without getting discriminated,” said Adrena. “Everyone was all hands on deck. The inspiration behind that simply came from the heart, just wanting to help, and really just being aware of sex trafficking and personal experiences from associates who have [gone] through, and sympathize with them.”

To offer help while protecting these women’s privacy, 1:11 Agency donated a maximum of 200 care packages to the Children’s Law Center in Los Angeles led by attorney Friyana Dadabhoy.

Stay Tuned and Get Involved

While the Holiday Drive was canceled due to unforeseen circumstances and to keep everyone safe, 1:11 Agency will be dropping off all products collected at Soul Full Chicago on Wednesday, December 22nd.

“A lot of schools don’t even know where to start to acquire these products. So that’s definitely something we need to bring awareness too, especially in the inner city and south side of Chicago [where] we lack so many resources and always have been,” said Adrena.

To volunteer with 1:11 Agency for future community events, contact them via their website at https://www.111-pr.com. To get in touch with Soul Full Chicago to see how you can get involved, please use reach out via http://soulfullchicago.com/.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CUp0o-gvCIl/

Founded in 2017, 1:11 Agency is currently located in Chicago and Los Angeles. 1:11 Agency is a creative integrated and strategic communication agency specializing in public relations, brand development, partnerships, sponsorships, event curation, media production, and creative direction.

With clients ranging from: music, sports, TV, technology, entrepreneurial start-up companies, arts & culture, and fitness/wellness, 1:11 Agency focuses on producing creativity while maintaining originality through its services.

Asa women-owned, minority-owned business, 1:11 Agency cares about giving back to the community and helping other women survive and thrive. For years, they have been partnering up with local nonprofits and businesses to bring positive changes to women’s physical, mental, personal, and professional wellbeing.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CWGxtJ2prci/

1508 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608

As Chicago’s very first mental health book lounge, Soul Full Chicago is here to a safe place where everyone could come and learn about the things going through their mind. “People talk about positivity and light. But you can’t exist without the darkness. It has to be a balance of both and that’s kind of why I created Soul Full. ” said the owner of Soul Full Chicago.

The book lounge currently offers a multi-tier membership that grants members access to engagement sessions, monthly dinners, monthly book recommendations, plus purchase discounts.

Featured Image Credit: The Period Collective

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