Backlot Coffee co-founder Isaac Bloom always had an affinity for plants. Despite his success in the coffee business, Bloom was itching to see if another type of business could flourish in his second coffee location in Evanston. His dream to launch Plant Shop Evanston became a reality during COVID. Right before COVID-19 hit, Backlot Coffee […]
Category: Sunday
Posts intended for Sunday newsletter should be categorized with this.
Posted inArt & Life
The art of making art: Aydin Dincer
Aydin Dincer is a wonderfully stubborn guy wanting to do things his way, and it shows beautifully in both his art and his food. Dincer owns and operates Prairie Joe’s restaurant in Evanston, a unique place to enjoy a feast with both your stomach and your eyes. There is a set menu as well as […]
Posted inPublic Square
Democracy dollars
All too often, our politicians promise to fight for their communities and to represent all their constituents. However, once they’ve won an election, their top priority is re-election. And that means catering to the wealthy donors and corporate interests who can fund their next campaign. But what if politicians could rely on the community for […]
Posted inArt & Life
Levy Lecture: Harry Truman a common man, uncommon leader
On July 27 the author, professor and distinguished historian, Robert Watson, Ph.D., made a spellbinding presentation about the life and presidency of Harry Truman to a crowd of nearly 300 Levy Lecture Series attendees. For over an hour, Watson regaled listeners with numerous personal, funny and humanizing stories about the 33rd president of the United […]
Posted inArt & Life
This is Corny
This week’s column is corny… in the best way possible, because it’s corn season, y’all. This is not a drill. Truly my favorite time of the produce year because I am OBSESSED with sweet corn. Happily, the corn bins at the market are starting to fill up with piles of tender corn, and my menus […]
Posted inCity News
Dividing the pot
Evanston officials are proposing to divide the $43.1 million in COVID recovery funds the City is receiving into five main areas – including economic development, social services, finances and infrastructure – in the first recommendations growing out of three town meetings about how to use this windfall of federal funds. The staff recommendation is only the […]
Posted inArt & Life
Chicago Ballet Arts finds a new home in Evanston
In early 2020, Chicago Ballet Arts, a non-profit school with a rich 35-year history, was facing immense challenges. With the emerging pandemic and the need to relocate from its longtime Chicago home, the non-profit organization’s future was in doubt. But then an opportunity emerged in Evanston when Foster Dance Studios announced it was closing in […]
Posted inArt & Life
I was a jerk in junior high
Dear Gabby, I was a little bit of a jerk in junior high. It was a miserable time, and I said and did things to friends and acquaintances that I now regret. It weighs on me. But I am well into my forties and I have no idea if those people, all of whom I […]
Posted inSubmitted
National Night Out in the 2nd Ward
Join the Evanston Police Department for a Starlight Movie in the Park at Penny Park in the 2nd Ward. Soul and Smoke food truck and C&W Ice Cream Parlor are scheduled to be on-site beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 3 and a showing of “Jumanji: The Next Level” will begin at 7 p.m. Take […]
Posted inPublic Square
Guest Essay: A call for universal masking in Evanston public schools
The Evanston public school year begins again next month, and both District 65 and District 202 are ready to welcome students back to a full schedule of classes, sports and social gatherings in person. This provides joy and relief to the thousands of families and teachers who coped with remote learning for more than one year, […]