Chicago.com
Walking into Smith Park on Saturday afternoon felt like stepping into a celebration in Ukraine itself. The 27th annual Ukrainian Days festival was a treasure of an experience. Immediately you were immersed in Ukrainian culture – at the entrance people greeted each other in the Ukrainian language, accepting everyone as one of their own.
White tents decorated with yellow and blue (the colors of the Ukrainian flag) were scattered over the park. In the center was the shopping area. Arts and crafts booths as well as vendors selling hand-made and authentic items were busy with customers. They were selling everything from CDs and instruments to clothes and accessories and even ethnic home décor. Some vendors sold religious items, others specialized in jewelry. One booth was selling local honey – they even had flavored honeys and jams. To the right of the shopping tents, local teams played soccer matches as spectators cheered them on.
At the back of the festival area there was a large stage where performances took place. When I arrived, a young girl in a traditional dress was singing and dancing along to what sounded like ethnic Ukrainian music with a modern pop spin. She sang completely in her native language, and the crowd seemed to adore her. After her performance, an elderly man, also dressed traditionally, was introduced. He began to play classical Ukrainian folk music on a little flute, which I believe is called a “dentsivka”. The man was very talented, which the audience admired. Hearing his music waft through the festival gave it a charming atmosphere.
The entertainment was wonderful, but the food was over the top. The festival hosted five Ukrainian restaurants and one Italian restaurant. The borscht from the Livago tent was delicious. It was served in little cups for only $1, it was a smooth and refreshing savory appetizer. Pizza from Mancini’s (the Italian restaurant) was a great snack, and their gelato was simply incredible. Smooth and refreshing, the mint-chocolate gelato I had was perfect. I also tried a Ukrainian sweet cheese crepe, which was served with whipped cream and berries. The mildness of the cheese in the crepe complimented the tangy berries for a balanced flavour.
Overall, Ukrainian Days was a fantastic cultural event. It brought the community together with traditional food, entertainment, activities, and crafts. Being there gave the feeling of being in the Ukraine, celebrating Ukrainian independence and culture all in one place. The festival really was “A taste of Ukraine in the heart of Chicago.”
“A taste of Ukraine in the heart of Chicago” is the slogan of this year’s Ukrainian Days festival. In its 27th year of celebrating Ukraine culture, the festival features traditional music, dance, cuisine, and arts & crafts.
Ukrainian Days is hosted by the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, whose mission is to “support cultural, educational, and humanitarian activities that emphasize the Ukrainian American heritage.” There is a $5 suggested donation at the entrance, which benefits the UCCA in it’s mission for community outreach and their “support for Ukraine’s newly developing democracy.” Children under 13 years of age can enter the festival for free.
Starting on Saturday at noon, come to Smith Park (2500 West Grand Avenue at Campbell) for food and fun until 10pm. On Sunday it also opens at noon, but don’t miss a presentation by the mayor’s office and select speeches starting at 1:30. According to one of the festival organizers, Nadia Ilkiv, live entertainment will start at 2:30 with traditional Ukrainian music and dance performances.
Ethnic food and drink vendors will offer their specialities at the festival. “There are a total of six local restaurants participating this year. There will be one Italian restaurant and five Ukrainian restaurants to choose from” Nadia said.
If you’re not familiar with Ukrainian cuisine, be sure to look for traditional foods such as borsch (a vegetable soup with beets, carrots, cabbage, potatoes, tomatoes, and dill, served with sour cream) and perohy (dumplings stuffed with cheese and potato filling). If you have a sweet tooth, look for pampushky (fried sweet dough tossed in cinnamon sugar, sometimes with a sweet filling) and syrniki (fried cheese curd pancakes topped with sour cream, jam, or apple sauce).
The 27th annual Ukrainian Days festival starts on Saturday, August 21st from noon-10pm, and continues on Sunday, August 22nd from noon to 10pm as well.
Lincoln Park is known for its great restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. I live, go to school, and work one of my two jobs in Lincoln Park—so I thought I’d share some of my favorite places with those who don’t spend all of their time in LP, but want to know what it has to offer. This will be sort of like my guided tour of my favorite things to experience in a day in Lincoln Park.
First, you’ll need breakfast. There’s no better place than Toast (746 W. Webster Ave). Toast is a breakfast/lunch restaurant that is known for their comfortable but modern setting, friendly service, and amazing french toast. Though a little pricier than I usually go for (on average I end up spending $10-$16), it’s a great treat. You haven’t lived until you’ve tried one of their menu items. Toast is a very popular place, so a word to the wise: on a weekend you’ll need to make a reservation—Saturday morning waits can be up to an hour just for a two person table, so plan ahead. Even if you do go last minute, I’ve waited that hour myself and it was 100% worth it.
After breakfast you’ll have the energy to go shopping. I suggest a first stop at the Blues Jean Bar (2210 N. Halsted St). This cozy boutique is best place to find your perfect pair of jeans and a cute top to go with. They have an array of denim brands, styles, fits, and washes that you “order” from a real wooden bar inside the store. Their selection of shirts and accessories for men and women will keep you browsing for a while. I always find several things I want every time I go in. Blues Jean Bar also carries TOMS shoes, which give a pair to children in need every time you buy them for yourself. The store has a great selection of colors and styles to choose from. I got my first pair of TOMS there and I am still satisfied with them almost a year later.
There is more great shopping all along Halsted and down to Armitage. Some of my favorite places to look around in are Fox’s (designer discount) and Francesca’s (a boutique chain that stocks unique tops, skirts, dresses, and accessories). There are also lots of other popular shops along this street as well, such as BCBG, Aldo, Bebe, Arden B, and Lucky Brand. Now that you’ve shopped your heart out, you’re going to want lunch.
Nookie’s (2114 N. Halsted) is a diner-style restaurant with vintage décor and a great lunch menu. Their selection of burgers can be made in any style you like (even veggie burgers!) are a great lunchtime deal. They also have daily soup specials and delicious breakfast items you can order any time of day. The large portions and home-like feel invite you to stay and enjoy yourself.
After a relaxing meal, why not relax some more? Nail Fairy (1249 W. Fullerton) is a nail salon and spa. Nail Fairy has a great selection of colors and is really reasonably priced. A manicure is only $15 and it includes an arm and shoulder massage. I hardly ever got my nails done before I found this place — it’s affordable and the staff go above and beyond to make you feel comfortable. One thing to note: they ask you if you want to pay after the massage and before they put the polish on — At first I thought this was weird, but they do it so you don’t ruin your fresh nails trying to get your wallet out of your purse, so I definitely recommend paying before they apply the paint. I always leave satisfied and completely relaxed, plus I always smell amazing from the lotions they use during the massage.
Once you’re looking good, you’ll want to go out for dinner and entertainment. For dinner I suggest Pasta Palazzo (1966 N. Halsted St.). Definitely a place for pasta lovers, this restaurant has a fantastic menu and a funky bistro atmosphere. They use very fresh ingredients and their menu is simple and traditional. I suggest the grilled asparagus appetizer and the Conchiglie Gorgonzola (shells with spinach, gorgonzola, cream, and fresh tomatoes – I get it every time) for the main course. Dishes are fairly priced ($8-10) and the portions are large, so they make great leftovers.
Next for the nightlife part of your experience, head over to Lincoln Hall (2424 N. Lincoln Ave). This new venue is owned and operated by the same guys who own Schubas Tavern. Lincoln Hall features a restaurant and bar area and a stage with floor space for concerts (with it’s own bar) and a second floor viewing area (also with it’s own bar). Great local and national acts play this venue constantly. The tickets are not expensive and the sound is always impeccable.
Now that you’ve experienced my favorite things to do in Lincoln Park, I hope you come back from another fun-filled day in my neighborhood.
This Saturday and Sunday is the 27th annual Taste of Lincoln Avenue. This exciting and very popular street festival features more than 40 musical acts on five stages, an art fair, food vendors, and a kids’ activities area.
Musical entertainment includes: local pop, rock, blues, and local cover bands. Headliners this year are Soul Asylum, The Freddy Jones Band, soul/R&B legend Otis Clay, and Australian harmonica/didgeridoo player Harper.
Over at the art fair area local artists will showcase their works along with sale items. Browse everything from paintings and sculptures to jewelry and accessories. There will also be a shaded wine garden for wine enthusiasts. While you are shopping or listening to the live musical acts you can sample food from local restaurants. Food and beverage vendors will have booths along the event.
The Kids’ Carnival is open everyday from noon to 6pm on Altgeld between Lincoln and Halsted. There will be live children’s entertainment, inflatable playthings, a petting zoo, and pony rides. A face painter, magician, and puppeteer will make special appearances as well.
There is a $7 suggested daytime donation and a $10 suggested evening donation. Proceeds benefit the Wrightwood Neighbors Association which makes grants to charitable and educational organizations serving the local community.
The Taste of Lincoln Avenue is a great weekend event for the whole family.
Last weekend was the 42nd annual Sheffield Garden Walk, a festival in Lincoln Park which celebrates everything summer has to offer. Live entertainment included bands from the Chicago area as well as special guests. There were many local food vendors to choose from including: Bacino’s Pizza, The Abbey Pub & Restaurant, Quang Noodle, Starfruit, Robinson’s Ribs, and Sal’s Deli. The event was sponsored by Blue Moon beer, 93 WXRT, the Home Depot, Treasure Island grocery store, and many others.
photo by Hanna Pageau
There was something for everyone at the Garden Walk event. For music lovers, live entertainment in the parking-lot behind the St. Vincent DePaul Church was a hit. Many of the bands drew large crowds, especially the headliners in the evening. For history and architecture enthusiasts there were guided architectural tours. The tours wove around the beautiful and often historical homes in the area, covering the different styles of architecture that the neighborhood embraces. There were also signs on various gardens for self-guided garden tours. It was an exciting experience to be able to enjoy some of the otherwise-private, beautiful gardens in the area.
photo by Hanna Pageau
For children, there was a “Kids’ Corner” on Kenmore, though it was more like a whole block than a corner. There was a face painting station, a petting zoo with sheep and goats, pony rides, a mini roller-coaster and Ferris wheel, and a moon jump. There was also an activity area where kids could do craft projects to take home as a keepsake. The kids even had their own live entertainment — there were story readings from the public library, a few firemen came to visit, and some children even performed music themselves.
photo by Hanna Pageau
There were people all over Sheffield, Webster, Kenmore, and Fremont enjoying the beautiful weather. But the fun didn’t stop there, just farther up on Webster and Halsted (and even down to Armitage) was the Lincoln Park Sidewalk Sale. Stores along these streets had sale items out on the sidewalk along their store-fronts as well as special deals inside. It was a rather eventful weekend in Lincoln Park — definitely something not to miss next year.
photo by Hanna Pageau