Chicago tips

Real Hardware Stores Are Very Much Alive

shopping, services

Never mind those big box giants.  Often they are out of what you want or simply don't carry it.  To say nothing of the lack of personal service  and general frustration.

My favorite local hardware store is Wahler Brothers at 2551 N. Halsted.  It's in the midst of Lincoln Park but you'd never guess it when you're inside.  The business was founded by three Wahler brothers in 1903.  You can still see their picture displayed on the store's north wall.

The present owner, Joe Minneci (at right in photo at right) has been in the hardware business for the last 35 years.  He's got a large following in the area;  many locals and workers come here for all kinds of goods and services that are their specialty.  Because the store is a normal size, everything and everybody is close at hand.  Here a salesperson can easily ask an associate the answer to an esoteric hardware question, for example and doesn't have to page someone who may or may not respond.

If you need something that's not stocked, they'll do a special order in 24 hours because they're associated with the Tru Value parent group.

Among the many special services are making wooden window sashes from scratch and replacing screens and window glass.

If you need a plumber, carpenter, electrician, handyman, etc., Joe is always happy to recommend someone.  None of those "handyman services" he says proudly.

Special items for sale I noted were a fake owl to scare away garden pests, some disposable traps for the yellow jackets that will soon be attempting to spoil our outdoor grilling and picnic season.  (I know these work because I tried them last year!) and oversize electric clocks that you may remember from your schoolroom.

Of course there are all kinds of paint, electrical and plumbing supplies. 

Hardware stores are still very much alive due to good merchandising and management.   I'll be making a list of others shortly.

Keep Cool In This Pool

parks

Although it's not a secret in the neighborhood, Holstein Park bordered by Oakley on (both!) the east and west and by Shakespeare on the south boasts a beautiful swimming pool that's available to all.  The caveat is that there's a strict schedule for its many differentiated activities ranging from adult lap swimming to day camp to open swim and family swim.

Adrian Loza, the instructor and charge de affaires at the pool seems to deal with all situations with a friendly and unflappable disposition.  He suggests that "Family Swim" which is offered on weekdays from 9 to 10:45AM and again at 5:45 to 6:45PM is the best time to visit since it tends to be quieter then.  On weekends Family Swim is from 12:45 to 1:45 PM and from 5:30 to 6:45PM. 

"Open Swim" is also a possibility but may be busier.  It is from 1-3:45PM on weekdays and from 2-5:15PM on weekends.

The pool is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. For more info., call 312.742.7554 direct to the park.

Additionally the park has a well-equipped playground, complete with a fountain central to a wading pool.  The park is shady, pleasant and well-used.  There are a couple of baseball fields and a basketball practice area south of the fieldhouse as well.

The neighborhood surrounding the park is mixed.  It's now a combination of old time multi-ethnic residents that have lived in the area for fifty years or more and young urban professionals who are more recent arrivals.  If you're a sociology buff, it's interesting to note the interplay of these groups which is much in evidence in this park.

Friends of Holstein Park, a neighborhood group will sponsor its 4th annual pool party on August 13th from 3 to 7PM.  All are welcome.

Head Your Toes Into Heelz!

shopping

If you're a woman with shoemania, or even if you just love fine shoes you should know about Heelz, this special South Loop shoe store.  The shoes are mostly from Italy, are very high style and beautifully made.  The heels are generally high too, but there are some lower styles along with incredibly elegant boots.

Among the designer brands stocked are Vera Wang, Casadei, Le Sillia and Giuseppe Zanotti.  Other brands are carried that are not as well known but the quality is uniformly high.  Three store buyers cooperate in the buying process here and they're always interested in feedback from customers.

There are not many specialty stores in the South Loop as yet.  Heelz is just two years old and is a bit off the beaten path so I thought you should definitely know about it.  Get on their email list and they'll let you know when they're having a sale.

If you'll be at the Wabash Bash this weekend, stop in and introduce yourself.  Regardless, be sure to explore the South Loop, (see next post).

Heelz is at 69 E. 16th Street.  Hours are Monday-Friday, 10-7, Saturday10-6 and Sunday 11-5.   312.235.0467.

 

The Bash On Wabash Spreads The Word

culture, current calendar, food and drink

Next weekend consider attending "The Bash On Wabash."  Yes, it's one of those street fairs but this 3rd annual fiesta is in the heart of the fastest growing neighborhood in the city and you'll be able to poke around since everything is bound to be open.  There will be live music,  a variety of different food and craft booths and plenty of activities for children.  The entry point is Wabash at Roosevelt (1200 South) and the $5 admission will benefit the sponsor, the Greater South Loop Association.  Hours are Saturday, July 29 from 12 noon to 10PM and Sunday the 30 from noon to 9PM.  There's even a Gospel Brunch at 11AM on Sunday.  Those at the gate will tell you where to go.

The number of detached (hooray!) and attached townhomes and loft apartments is mind boggling and growing like mad.  The Chicago Trib estimates that 50% of the dwelling spaces are owner occupied and the rest are rented.  Families with children comprise 25% and the median age is 41.

This week I was in the loop and decided to explore further south via an unbelievably short trip  on the Red Line.  (The Green and Orange Lines also stop right there).  When I returned about 3PM the station was buzzing with people of all ages, something that would have been unheard of ten years previously.  It wasn't long ago that the area was plenty iffy but the cleanup has been remarkable. 

I discovered that the South Loop now boasts an extremely diverse population.  Not many other neighborhoods can say this.  My personal theory is that because the neighborhood is so new (or newly discovered) it's been by definition open to all.  People seem to mix easily too.  This may be the most exciting thing about the South Loop revival.

The more or less official borders of the area are the Congress expressway on the north, the Stevenson on the south, the lake east and the river west.  In general this is not a quaint area but it is definitely an energetic one.  Whole Foods is currently building a huge facility on Roosevelt.  Basic services are very much in evidence and growing constantly;  for example Walgreens has a large space on Roosevelt near the subway.  The magnet public school is thriving with plenty of parental involvement and the city is very supportive, since it's in everyone's best interest to keep families in the city.

The restaurant scene can be hip and noisy but here are some good places to try:

Bongo Room, 1152 S. Wabash for breakfast and lunch.  Branch of Milwaukee Av. sister.  Highly imaginative breakfasts and large portions.  312.291.0100.

Eleven City Diner, a deli plus.  Good food in a casual but stylish atmosphere.  1112 S. Wabash.  312.212.1112.

Gioco, a fairly expensive Italian place with an earthy atmoshere.  1312 S. Wabash. 312.939.3870.

Oysy,  888 S. Michigan across from Grant Park.  Many people think this is the best sushi in the city.  Everything very fresh.  Service ok but better if you make it known that you'd like to "order now", since there's something of a language barrier.  The tuna tartar is sensational.  I can't get past it!  Outdoor seating too. 312.922.1127.

Trattoria Caterina, a BYOB casual and charming place with outdoor dining as well. 616 S. Dearborn.  Ask waitperson for preferred options. 312.939.7606.   

The Laughing Iguana Is Worth A Visit

shopping

I love pioneers and Marifran Carlson, owner of The Laughing Iguana is one most definitely.  She opened her retail clothing, accessories and gift shop, once located in suburban Plaza del Lago in the South Loop in 2003.  In the intervening time much has changed in this fast booming neighborhood.  "Iguana's" location is central to the action, just a half block south of Roosevelt Road (1200 South) and across the street from the very popular and also relatively new Jewel Food store.

Marifran has combined casual clothes with a slightly ethnic focus, a la the current 70's retro with a large selection of sample clothing.  The size range is wide, from small to extra large, unusual in a small boutique.

You can even find "Crocs" here, those popular  and comfortable rubber or plastic slip-ons that are perfect for beach or sidewalk.

Because there are no other businesses even slightly like it in this neighborhood this enterprising shop owner has incorporated a toiletries section, a selection of stationery and a corner for baby gifts as well.  For example, there were tiny appliqued leather shoes for newborns that were hard to resist, stunning multicolored faux Missoni shawls, and a wide assortment of bath products by "The Thymes."   If you need a hostess gift, a birthday gift or a last minute remembrance, you're likely to find one here in the midst of this burgeoning residential and commercial neighborhood where Marifran, herself lives.

Because of her dual interest in the community Marifran is active in South Loop Neighbors, serving on their Board of Directors.  This neighborhood association is the watchdog of the area, holding monthly meetings re community concerns.  In the fall it sponsors an annual Loft Walk which includes examples of vintage and contemporary, modest and upscale living spaces.

The Laughing Iguana is at 1247 S. Wabash.  312.987.0995.  Drive or take the CTA;  Red, orange and green lines stop just a block away on Roosevelt Rd.

More on this area coming up.

Find Marvels At Middle East Bakery And Grocery

food and drink, shopping, culture

Here's another ethnic food treasury, courtesy of my friends Jan and Kathy.  This family owned store has been in town for twenty five years.  The pleasant young woman (see photo) in charge the day I visited said that the owner, whose first name is Hisham,  has a last name that is very difficult to spell so if you're curious you'll have to find it for yourself.

It struck me that I could host a Middle East themed party easily since this place is so inspirational that I'd barely have to plan the menu.  Presentation isn't a strong point but that  makes "the hunt" more fun.  Unusual treats abound along with the ones you already know like humus, but here they have 10 flavors. The homemade babaghanuge contains fire roasted eggplant, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic and salt.  These and their (also homemade) spinach, eggplant, broccoli, spinach and cheese and meat pies or fatyr in Arabic comprise the most popular items, with the fatyr heading the list.  Whole Foods buys them from Middle East and I'll bet they're more than $1.25 each.  You can also special order miniature fatyr for party appetizers.

There are all kinds of olives at reasonable prices, dates of course, and a wide variety of dried beans and other legumes.  Nuts too such as irresistable honey roasted pecans and almonds at 6.95 lb., raw shelled pistachios and more.  I tried salted and roasted green peas which are a swell hors d'ouevre snack.  The cookies are homemade as are many of the breads (see photo of 7 grain pita at right).  Homemade baklava includes chocolate, finger and bird's nest varieties.

An unusual but delicious treat, also homemade is manna, a nougat, cardamom and pistachio sweet you'll find at the checkout counter.  Middle East is popular in its Andersonville location but a bit off the beaten path.  Catering is available too.  If you like surprises you'll love it here!

Middle East Bakery & Grocery is at 1512 W. Foster.  Hours are 9AM-8PM every day and 11AM-6PM Sunday.  773.561.2224.  Parking available on Foster near the store.

J.P. Graziano Sells Wholesale Italian Specialties

food and drink, shopping

Located exactly where it should be and has been for the last 69 years is J.P. Graziano Grocery Co., Inc.  Despite the influx of "hot" restaurants that has characterized Randolph Street west of Halsted for some years, the special aura of businesses that have supplied the cities' food industry for so long has not disappeared, creating a perfect blend of past and present.

All the Grazianos in this 4th generation business were and are named Jim, even Vincenzo, the company's founder who arrived here from Sicily in 1905 and changed his name to James.  Nicknames such as Jim G, Graz, Jimmy and Mr. G have helped to separate the Jameses verbally over the years.  Pictured here with the impressive cheese knife are "Jim" and "young Jim," father and son.  Jim's wife, Maryellen is on hand holding down the timeless-looking office which she has adorned with fascinating business and family memorabilia.

I visited this emporium with my family last week.  My son Daniel and his Argentian-born wife, Valeria noticed that many of the company's cheese products were from Argentina.  Valeria speculated that's because there is a large Italian population there and feeding conditions for cattle are ideal for producing authentic cheese flavors.  An old fashioned refrigerated vault holds a variety of large cheeses, along with other perishables (see photo).

Some of the offerings are Italian meats of all kinds such as prosciutto, capicola, pancetta and more;  all important canned tomatoes;  many varieties of beans both canned and in bulk;  imported candy, cakes and cookies;  condiments, canned sardines, anchovies, etc., pasta and a wide range of spices by the half pound.

We found such exotic things as truffles, truffle oil and chestnut flour and purchased the latter for a culinarily gifted friend of Dan's in NYC who carries on the family's Italian tradition and will know exactly what to do with it.

This is primarily a wholesale/import business but it is open to the public as well.  Prices by the case are wholesale but smaller quantities are still impressively less than those at regular grocery stores.  Hours are Monday through Friday 7:30AM to 3:30 PM and Saturday from 8AM to 2PM.  J.P. Graziano Grocery, 901-905 Randolph St., 312.666.4587 and 312.666.4604.

These Are Hollyhocks

current calendar, gardening

One never sees hollyhocks any more, particularly in the city so I just had to give you a hint for a special viewing.  This shocking and sumptuous display is in the parkways at the northwest corner of Wrightwood and Greenview (2600 North and 1500 West).  Many of the flowers are well over 5 feet tall!  I suggest a trip quite soon since if my memory serves me correctly, when the days get really hot these flowers tend to look a bit ratty.

If you know a small citizen that enjoys playgrounds, there's a well-equipped one right across the street so you can do two things at once.  Or rent an obscure movie from Facets Cinematique just a couple of blocks south on Fullerton (see Archives for more info).