Thursday, May 16, 2013
Meet area brewers, try new craft beers and more during the Chicago Craft Beer Week events near La Grange and Western Springs. We highlight some events at Wild Monk, Brixie's and Mainstreet Wines & Spirits.
Craft beer brewing is an industry on the rise, and whether you're a veteran beer snob or looking to try something new, there's plenty of local events to celebrate Chicago Craft Beer Week. From May 16-26, bars, restaurants, breweries and more spots in the Chicago area will offer special tastings, tappings, deals, meet-and-greets with brewers and lots more. In the La Grange and Western Springs area, we've highlighted a few local options. You can find more Craft Beer Week events in the western suburbs, or see a map with all events in the Chicago area. Wild Monk, 88 S. La Grange Rd. in La Grange Mainstreet Wines & Spirits, 5425 S. La Grange Rd. in Countryside Brixie's Beer Bar & Grill, 9526 W. Ogden Ave. in Brookfield
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
The popular shaved ice franchise is owned by Western Springs resident and Nazareth grad Nicholas Cozzi. Now locals won't have to drive to Archer for this summer treat.
How's this for a summer job? Come home from college and run your own business, a popular shaved ice franchise that's sure to be a hit in the summer. Western Springs resident Nicholas Cozzi, a 2012 graduate of Nazareth Academy, is bringing Tropical Sno to his hometown this summer. The nearest location otherwise was out on Archer Avenue in Willow Springs. "I wanted to stay in Western Springs," he said. "I remember always driving to Archer and thinking, 'Why are we driving all the way out here?'" And he's happy with the location he's got. Tropical Sno will open at 3 p.m. Friday, May 17, at 1062 Hillgrove Ave., where the old Book Rack store was. "It's right by the pool and by Spring Rock Park, so it's the perfect place to come by on the …
Friday, May 10, 2013
Students in Lyons Township's transition program have been growing and selling their own vegetables for a couple of years, but an expanded garden will increase the opportunities to learn and grow.
Lyons Township recently broke ground on a new garden that students in the high school's transition program will use to learn about gardening and business, and local restaurants and residents will get to consume the product. The transition program, which helps 18- to 22-year-old students move from high school to adult life, teaches them about cooking, cleaning, business skills and lots more. And with an expanded garden, the students will get to focus on some of the vital tenets of the program: community participation and business skills. Students have been gardening for a couple of years, but this new setup will allow them to grow a greater variety of fruits and vegetables and do so in a more accessible and interactive area. "We’ll have …
Nest Vintage Modern, which started as an online business and later opened a shop in Brookfield, has moved into the former Monday's Child location in La Grange.
After three years as an online business and one year in Brookfield, a vintage shop is moving to La Grange. Nest Vintage Modern opened May 4 at 26 S. La Grange Road, filling the spot vacated by Monday's Child. The store specializes in locally procured goods, including home furnishings and decor from the early 1900s through the mid-1960s. "We prefer to deal with other small businesses whenever we can. It’s a major part of our core values as a business," owner Alana Waters-Piper said. “As a result, we’ve developed not only a very special collection of products, but some great friendships. Our vendors feel like family to us.” Most pieces in the shop have been revived and refinished by Waters-Piper and co-owner Sarah Emmick. “A stroll …
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Don't want to make breakfast in bed? Don't worry. Here's some places in the La Grange and Western Springs area you can try.
Want to treat mom to a nice Mother's Day Brunch? Don't worry—Patch did some research for you! Here's some great places in the area to grab a bite on Sunday, May 12. Do you have one to add? Share it in the comments below. Mécénat — Western Springs Will be open for brunch, lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. All dishes are a la carte and range from $7 to $16 per plate. Featured menu items include crab cakes, chipotle shrimp quesadilla, truffle fries, bacon-wrapped dates, eggs benedict, ham omelet, steak and eggs, orange brioche french toast and lots more. Mimosas and bellinis will also be served. Call 708-246-8668 for reservations or book a table online. Francesca’s Bellezza — La Grange Brunch is served 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with an a la …
Monday, May 6, 2013
We'll give a "shout out" to local small businesses who fill out the form below and upload a picture.
Please be sure to submit your responses above before attempting to upload a photo of your business by clicking the "Add Photos and Video" button attached to this article.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
The La Grange comic shop has a bunch of free comics to celebrate this Saturday, May 4, including Superman, The Walking Dead and more.
If you are a fan of comic books or want to encourage children to read the original form of The Avengers, Spiderman, Batman and more, you'll be happy to hear that Free Comic Book Day is May 4. Free Comic Book Day, created in 2002, always falls on the first Saturday in May. Participating comic book specialty stores across America give away at least one free comic book to anyone who visits their shop that day. Retailers, publishers, suppliers and distributors work together to make certain comics free in an effort to reward comic book veterans and draw in new fans on this day. In La Grange, Chimera's Comics will offer free comics from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. See the photos above for some of the popular titles expected to go quickly. Chimera's also…
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Renovations in 2004 didn't strip the theater of its old-timey feel. In fact, an incredible find—a ceiling mural—was uncovered during the renovations and added to that atmosphere.
In an ever-changing downtown landscape, the La Grange Theatre stands out as a historic and cultural landmark, proudly announcing its town name atop the old-timey marquee. That atmosphere is one the theater owners try to capture, from the manual marquee-changing to the low number of screens (four) and showing movies on 35mm film. And, of course, the price point. "When you come here, you immediately feel nostalgic," manager Stanley Sobyra said. He came to the theater in 2004, when the plans to renovate it were being put in place. But that classic vibe was something important to keep intact. And the renovations actually uncovered a ceiling mural that once sat overhead live theater actors. Write a review of the La Grange Theatre. The La …
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Who doesn't love fresh produce? Patch presents a guide to all the local farmers markets in the western suburbs.
There's just something about shopping at a farmers market that is so much nicer than a trip to your local grocery store. Maybe it's the smell: all those perfectly ripe vegetables sitting out in the air. Locally grown produce is great for the environment and the local economy. It also provides shoppers with a direct connection to the farmers that grow our food. Here's our guide to farmers markets in the western suburbs. If we missed one, comment below with the information. Brookfield Farmers Market Burr Ridge Market on the Green Forest Park Farmers Market Hinsdale Farmers Market La Grange Farmers Market La Grange Park Farmers Market Maywood Produce Giveaway Oak Park Farmers Market Riverside Farmers Market Western Springs French Market …
That's the grand prize at this week's La Grange business event, but women who shop locally this Thursday could be treated to more gifts, discounts and presentations.
Mother's Day isn't until May 2012, but local businesses are offering women special discounts and a night on the town 10 days early. This Thursday, May 2, the "Girlfriends' Getaway" will feature about 30 La Grange businesses staying open late to provide one-day deals, door prizes, refreshments and activities for women in the area. The event, sponsored by the La Grange Business Association, goes from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Women will have a chance to win the grand prize: a one-night stay at the Trump Hotel in Chicago and a Vera Bradley weekend tote bag. A reusable tote bag will also be given to 200 women to be presented at participating businesses to receive a small gift. One hundred of the bags will be distributed at 2 p.m., and the rest will be…
Deb
11:05 am on Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Best of luck Nicholas! You are certainly an inspiration. Thanks for looking out for your little brother too. Just warms my heart to see someone being so kind to someone with a disability. It takes a special person to be so empathetic and compassionate. Will definitely visit your new business this summer. My kids love sno-cones. more ›