About Me

My photo
I have more than 40 years in the news business and have successfully evolved into an electronic journalist. Comings & Goings and Southland Savvy track news about businesses in Chicago's Southland.

Byron's Cycling to move this weekend

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Byron’s Cycling & Fitness is expected to begin moving Saturday into its new digs at 2125 W. 183rd St. in Homewood from its longtime home at 18424 Governors Highway.

Clerk Matt Kelley said the store would be open during the transition and the phone number would remain 708-957-9888. Hours will remain 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. The store is closed on Sunday.

The store has been a fixture in Homewood for more than 30 years. It recently was taken over by Jane, Derek and Graham Bolkema.

Budget Golf closed
Budget Golf closed recently at 14426 John Humphrey Drive in Orland Park. The store had been serving Southland duffers since opening in 1993. A sister store is still open at 1508 Essington Road in Joliet.

Smoker's Haven moves
Smoker's Haven moved recently from 15806 S. Harlem Ave. in Orland Park to new digs at 7956 W. Lincoln Highway in Frankfort, where tobacco taxes are substantially lower. The phone number is 815-469-6360. Hours are daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Lansing holds annual Good Neighbor Day parade on Saturday

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Lansing celebrates its annual Good Neighbor Day celebration with a host of events on Saturday.

Kick off Good Neighbor Day from 7 a.m. until noon at the Lansing Kiwanis pancake breakfast at T.F. South High School.

If you're a runner, try participating in Just a Little Run, sponsored by the Lan-Oak Park District. Doors open at 8 a.m., with walks and runs starting between 8:40 a.m. and 9 a.m. For more information call 708-474-8552.

The Good Neighbor Day Parade starts at 2 p.m. This year's theme is Lansing Rocks Around the Clock and there are approximately 110 parade entries.

During the parade you can purchase the Lansing Chamber's cookbook and Chamber Cards at the judge's station. The cost of the cCookbook, which features over 65 recipes of all types and which features many different coupons is $12. The Chamber Cards, which offers a host of discounts from local merchants, is $10. Or, you can get both for only $20!

Cap off the day by bowling for a good cause. From 6:30 p.m. until 10 p.m., the Success Center will be hosting a fundraiser at Lynwood Bowl. For only $20 per person and only $15 for those 11 and under, you get three games, shoe rental and light refreshments.

Ivory Rose piano bar opens in Frankfort

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

The owners of the Ivory Rose piano bar at 17 Old Frankfort Way in Frankfort have a nice business plan.

“We are bringing downtown Chicago to Frankfort just without the prices,” says co-owner Bill, who along with business partner Jim, prefer to just use their first names.

Ivory Rose opened earlier this week but is having a grand opening weekend starting at 5 p.m. Friday.

“Friday we have Greg Rini who does a nice tribute to Dean Martin,” says Bill. “Then on Saturday Peter Oprisko will do a Frank Sinatra tribute.”

Bill says Ivory Rose will serve higher end appetizers such as Italian meat plates and flatbreads. “We’ll have an Italian feel,” says Bill.

The bar will serve an extensive selection of martinis and wines.

Bill says they did a lot of changes to put their own mark on the former Bella Martini bar.

Ivory Rose hours are 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The piano bar is dark Sundays and Mondays.

Creamery to open in ManhattanThe Frankfort-based Creamery chain will open its newest location at 11 a.m. Friday at 525 W. North St. in Manhattan. Creamery locations serve fast food sandwiches, ice cream, the Original Rainbow Cones, 99-cent hot dogs on Weenie Wednesdays and 99-cent shakes on Milkshake Mondays. For more information, visit http://www.mycreamery.com/

Mexico Chiquito opens in Chicago HeightsA new Mexican restaurant, Mexico Chiquito, opened recently at 2316 Chicago Road in Chicago Heights. The restaurant is open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The phone number is 708-755-9750. The restaurant offers 99-cent tacos on Mondays.

DeSoto Villa Pizza closes in Tinley Park

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

DeSoto Villa Pizza at 17801 S. Oak Park Ave. in Tinley Park, which for years was known as Serio's Italian Villa Pizza, has closed and the building has a "for sale" sign posted over the restaurant's name.

The pizzeria's phone has a message that the restaurant is closed but it promises to reopen in the future. I wish them the best but the track record is not good for businesses that promise to reopen.

Budnik's closes in Lemont

Budnik's convenience store closed last week at 400 Main St. in Lemont. The former pharmacy had been a convenience store and lottery outlet for the past two decades, but the state recently cut the store out of its lottery network. Owner Sue Little told the Lemont Reporter she was not planning on selling the building and would be seeking a tenant. The pharmacy opened in 1922 and moved to its Main Street location in 1927.

Insurance agency to open in Hickory Hills

The Mark Skorusa Insurance Agency is expected to open Saturday at 7667 W. 95th St. in Hickory Hills. Skorusa is moving from Palos Heights. He is a Country Insurance agent. The phone number will be 708-598-3030. The website is www.1800getmark.com/

Derby Day deal

This offer is strictly for the ladies. All three Charley Horse restaurants in Tinley Park, New Lenox and Munster, Ind., are offering free meals from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday to ladies who show up wearing a Derby Day Bonnet. Saturday is the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. The Race for the Roses will start about 5:25 p.m. CST. The race will be televised on Channel 5. Now, ladies, to qualify your chapeaux has to be something special. A Sox baseball cap just won't cut it.

Lansing, Frankfort insurance agencies merge

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Kotecki-Turek insurance agency in Lansing has merged with Shanahan insurance agency in Frankfort in what Dick Turek called a “win-win situation” for both offices.

Turek said the April 1 merger essentially doubles the marketplace for the agencies, which will be known as Kotecki-Turek-Shanahan Agency.

Kotecki-Turek has been selling insurance in Lansing since 1962. Its office will remain at 3330 E. 181st Place in the Clock Tower Building. Its phone number remains 708-895-0300.

Shanahan has been selling insurance in Frankfort since 1917. Its office remains at 237 S. LaGrange Road in Frankfort. Its phone number remains 815-469-4545. Its website is www.sldins.com

Dragon Inn moves to Dyer
Dragon Inn, a Chinese restaurant specializing in Mandarin cuisine, moved recently from its longtime home at 18431 S. Halsted St. in Glenwood to new digs at 275 Joliet St. in Dyer, Ind.

When the restaurant opened 46 years ago it was the only Mandarin restaurant on Chicago’s South Side.

Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon to 9 p.m. on Sunday. The restaurant is closed on Monday. The new phone number is 219-864-3400 and toll free 888-699-1013. Its website is www.dragoninndyer.com

The new delivery area is Munster, Dyer and Schererville in Indiana and Crete, Lynwood and Lansing in Illinois.

Gumption Gifts closes
A retail store operated by the CARC to give developmentally disabled people a chance to get retail experience has closed after 3 ½ years at 1814 W. 103rd St. on Chicago’s Southwest Side. The economy doomed the store, which started out with eight employees but had been reduced to two when it closed last week.

Horton’s opens in Orland
Hortons Lighting Outlet has opened its newest store at 15846 S. Wolf Road in Orland Park. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday and closed on Monday. The phone number is 708-403-9172. Its website is www.hortonshome.com
To celebrate its grand opening, the store is giving away $25 gift cards to restaurant.com for every purchase of $50.

New showroom open
Granite Transformations has opened a new showroom at 15890 S. Harlem Ave. in Tinley Park. The phone number is 708-444-8350. Its website is www.granitetransformations.com

Ice cream deal of the week
Baskin-Robbins ice cream parlors are serving 31-cent scoops (limit of three 2.5-ounce scoops) from 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, and the corporation is making a $100,000 donation to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Baskin-Robbins ice cream parlors can be found throughout the Southland. To find the one closest to you, visit www.baskinrobbins.com

New Mexican restaurant in Tinley Park serves a 5-pound burrito

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Arturo Lamas always wanted to open a Mexican restaurant and his dream came true Monday when he soft opened Asado Mexican Grill at 9516 W. 179th St. in Tinley Park.

The specialty of the house? Would you believe a five-pound burrito, with sides of rice and beans, of course. It’s as big as the tray it’s served on, says Lamas.

“You can have it with steak, chicken, pork or ground beef,” says Lamas. “If you eat the whole thing, it’s free.”

“Nobody has dared to order one yet,” Lamas said with a laugh this afternoon. “The next best thing are the steak tacos.”

Lamas said he wanted to do a soft opening this week to make sure everything was working smooth before the grand opening next week. “It’s amazing. We’ve been busy all week.”

Lamas grew up in Calumet City with his wife, Sarah, who owns Fudgi Island Cookie Co. in Tinley Park. Both shops are offering a 10 percent discount to anyone who brings in a receipt from the other store.

“We want to drive traffic from each store to the other,” says Lamas, who adds that anyone who mentions reading about Asado Mexican Grill in Comings & Goings can also get a 10 percent discount.

Restaurant hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday but may change. “It depends on our customers,” he says. “Ideally, I’d like to be open from 10 to 10.” The restaurant is closed on Sundays.

The phone number is 708-970-8787 but it’s a recorded message until Monday. A website is also in the works at www.asadomexicangrill.com

Mokena ribbon cuttings on Saturday
Two new businesses in Mokena will hold ribbon-cutting ceremonies Saturday.

First up is The Little Guys home technology store, which will hold its ceremony at noon at its new location at 19031 S. Old LaGrange Road. The store recently completed its move from its longtime home in Glenwood.

Next up is the Spin Club at 2 p.m. at 9960 W. 191st St. Spin Club is a fitness center that utilizes indoor cycling.

Finally Fajitas
Fajitas Mexican Restaurant finally opened its doors this week at 167th Street and Harlem Avenue in Tinley Park. There's a second location in Countryside.

Meijer job fair continues next week
Meijer will continue its job fair Monday and Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Orland Park Civic Center, 14750 S. Ravinia Ave. The supermarket chain is hiring more than 100 people for its new store near 159th Street and Harlem Avenue in Orland Park. Jobseekers should first visit www.joinmeijer.com to fill out an application before attending the job fair. The store is expected to open this summer.

Pierzynski Shoes closing after more than 100 years on Southwest Side

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

A store that shares its name with White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski is closing after more than a century of covering feet on Chicago’s Southwest Side.

Pierzynski Shoes, 6910 W. Archer Ave., is holding a going out of business sale. The store was founded by A.J. Perzynski in 1904 but is currently owned by Mike and Mindy Czerniak.

Store hours are Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday noon to 6 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Thursdays 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The sale will last until all merchandise is sold. The phone number is 773-586-1205.

An employee said there is still plenty of footwear available. She attributed the closing to changes in the way people buy shoes.

“Discount shoe stores and the Internet have killed us,” she said.

Chick-fil-A breaks ground in Orland Park

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Chick-fil-A, a fast-food staple throughout the South, is finally answering the pleas of its Chicagoland fans and is breaking ground this week on the chain’s first two locations near the Windy City.

Ground was broken today at 156th Street and LaGrange Road in Orland Park for what will be the chain’s second restaurant in the Chicago area when it opens in September. A groundbreaking ceremony is set for tomorrow in Aurora at what will be the chain’s first Chicago-area eatery when it opens in August. A third restaurant is planned to open in October in Wheaton.

“Our fans in Chicago have been vocal about wanting Chick-fil-A here,” said Dan Cathy, president and chief operating officer of the chain. “Fans here have even posted videos on YouTube as part of their campaigns for us to open in Chicago.”

Kevin Bulmann, of Cincinnati, who will be the owner/operator of the Orland Park restaurant when it opens, is no stranger to Orland Park.

“I have lots of family in Orland Park,” Bulmann said, pointing out his aunt who attended today’s groundbreaking. “It’s her birthday.”

“I spent most of my summers as a youth in Orland Park,” Bulmann said. “I cut a lot of grass here.”
Bulmann said he will turn over his Cincinnati store to Chick-fil-A when the Orland Park store is ready to open.

“I’m going to move here and be a part of this great community,” he said.

Bulmann said the Orland restaurant would be about 4,600-square-feet, and have 122 indoor seats, half-a-dozen outdoor patio seats, and a playland for children.

The restaurant will bring 60 to 80 jobs to the area, he said. Hiring will begin in early August. “We’ll have a trailer on site for applications,” he said.

Chick-fil-A’s Brenda Green said the chain is planning an aggressive push into the Chicago area in 2011. The chain plans to open 20 to 25 restaurants in the Chicago area over the next five years.

“We’re planning 10 percent of our new restaurants in 2011 will open in the Chicago area,” she said.

The chain is opening 78 restaurants this year and has nearly 1,500 locations in 38 states.

Lika's Restaurant opens in Burbank

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Daci Lika is continuing a family tradition with her new restaurant, Lika’s, at 6814 W. 87th St. in Burbank. It’s located in the former Sagil’s Restaurant.

She is the third generation of her family to operate a restaurant in the Southland. The family has had a restaurant open somewhere in the Southland for more than 30 years.

Restaurant hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

Daily specials are posted about 9 p.m. the night before at the restaurant’s Facebook page.

For more information, call 708-599-5452.

Now open
Once Upon A Child opened recently at 9990 S. Ridgeland Ave. in Chicago Ridge. The resale shop specializes in children’s clothing. Owner is Marcia Hite. Store hours are Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

Napleton Honda moving
Napleton Honda at 6701 W. 95th St. In Oak Lawn will be moving to the former Napleton Dodge dealership at 5800 W. 95th St. The deal was sealed when the Oak Lawn Village Board approved a sales tax rebate plan with Napleton. For the next decade, Napleton and the village will split sales tax revenue to a maximum of $2 million. The move will follow some renovations at the Dodge dealership.

Napleton Dodge moved last year from Oak Lawn to new digs at the former River Oaks Chrysler dealership at 17225 S. Torrence Ave. In Lansing and is now called Napleton’s River Oaks Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge.

PSC job fair
Prairie State College will hold a job fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday in the Business and Community Education Center of the college, 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights. The event is free and open to the public. Jobseekers should wear business attire and bring plenty of resumes.

Deal of the week
Fatburger at 15110 S. LaGrange Road in Orland Park is offering a Medium Fatburger and a Fry for $5 after 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. For more information, call the restaurant at 708-364-8380.

Meijer to hold job fair next week for new Orland Park store

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Meijer will be taking applications from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at the Orland Park Civic Center, 14750 S. Ravinia Ave. in Orland Park, to fill more than 100 part-time and full-time positions at the new store under construction near 159th Street and Harlem Avenue in Orland Park. All positions provide basic health insurance. Complete an online application at www.joinmeijer.com before attending the job fair.

Now open
United Liquors Marts has opened at 11318 W. Lincoln Highway in Mokena. Hours are Sunday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. The phone number is 815-464-0526.

Pebble Creek Nursery closingConstruction on Southwest Highway and the recession combined to force the closing of the retail center at Pebble Creek Nursery, 13901 S. LaGrange Road in Orland Park. The nursery is holding a 50 percent off blowout sale, cash and carry. The owners will continue their landscaping, lawn maintenance and snow removal operations after the retail center closes. For more information, call 708-403-0033.

Trailer repair opens
All Trailer Repair opened recently in the Blackhawk industrial complex at 8508 W. 193rd St. in Mokena. The phone number is 815-806-3030.

Sears closing Ford City store Sears has begun a liquidation sale at its store at Ford City Shopping Center, 76th Street and Cicero Avenue on Chicago’s Southwest Side. The store is scheduled to close by July 14. There are about 100 workers at the store, who can apply for jobs at other Sears stores.

Specially priced White Sox tickets

If you're a Facebook Fan of the White Sox, you might be able to nab some reduced-price tickets. Here are the details from the Sox on Facebook:

For the games against the Tampa Bay Rays on 4/20-22, Regular game tickets normally priced at $39, $35, $34, $24, and $20 are $29, $25, $24, $19 and $15.
For the games against the Seattle Mariners on 4/23-25, Regular game tickets normally priced at $24 and $20 are $19 and $15.
*Lower Level seats are extremely limited, so act quickly!*

Click here for ordering info:
http://whitesox.mlb.com/cws/ticketing/groups/gsg/facebook.jsp?partnerId=facebook_cws_facebookGrandSlam_041610

Fireball over Illinois


Video of fireball that lit up the sky Wednesday night from Wisconsin to Missouri.

From Dolton to Vogue: Jane Lynch

We just love Glee's Jane Lynch. She cracks us up. And you know she picked up these moves from her Dolton days, right? (15 seconds of commercial before the vamping commences.)



Fajitas opening delayed in Tinley Park

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Another delay has kept Fajitas Mexican Restaurant from opening as expected at 16703 S. Harlem Ave. in Tinley Park.

The eatery had expected to open the past two Mondays and is now shooting for next week. Delays in opening are common for new restaurants, but we'll let you know when Fajitas opens its doors.

Blue Fox remains closed
The Blue Fox at 6820 W. 179th St. in Tinley Park remains closed. There is a message on a pizza plate in the front window saying the restaurant is temporarily closed and will reopen April 13, yesterday. The Web site has no future events listed and there have been no Facebook entries since March 27. Not sure what all that means, but we'll let you know if we get any more information.

Debo's Dogs adds drive-through
Debo's Dogs at 19866 S. Harlem Ave. in Frankfort Square opened a drive-through lane a few weeks ago.

Arnie Salerno's opens
Arnie Salerno's on Ridgeland has opened at 13440 S. Ridgeland Ave. in Palos Heights. The restaurant features pizza, pasta, sandwiches and other Italian food. The phone number is 708-293-1100.

Businesses offer April 15 freebies to help take the sting out of tax day

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

The tax man cometh on Thursday but all is not lost. Several businesses are offering freebies to take away some of the sting, including:

Dunkin Donuts shops at 4152 W. 167th St. in Oak Forest, 4021 W. 183rd St. in Country Club Hills and 11309 W. 143rd St. in Orland Park will be giving away free small iced coffees from midnight to midnight April 15. Owner Asif Nathani said the offer is good for one per customer but no purchase is required.

“You don’t even need a coupon,” says Nathani, who took over ownership of the three shops recently. “It’s a get acquainted offer.”

Starbucks is giving away free 20-ounce coffees to anyone who brings in a travel mug from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. April 15. http://www.starbucks.com/

IHOP is letting kids under 12 eat for free throughout April. Deal runs from 4 to 10 p.m. daily. Deal is for one free child’s meal with every paid adult meal. http://www.ihop.com/

Cinnabon is offering two free cupcake bites from 6 to 8 p.m. http://www.cinnabon.com/

P.F. Chang’s China Bistro is offering a 15 percent discount on all orders on Thursday. Non-alcoholic drinks are included in the offer as are take-out orders. http://www.pfchangs.com/

Jamba Juice is offering a buy one get one coupon at its Web site www.jambajuice.com through April 25. This one is tied to the company’s 20th anniversary rather than tax day but what the heck.

Maggie Moo’s Ice Cream Treatery is giving away free slices of its ice cream pizza from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday. http://www.maggiemoos.com/

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants are offering $10.40 tax day dinner specials with the added bonus of a gift certificate good for a $10.40 dinner special on your next visit. The restaurant also has a tax preparer’s dessert special for Friday. http://www.mccormickandschmicks.com/

These two are unconfirmed but possible. Subway has given away free cookies on tax day in the past, while McDonald’s restaurants have offered tax day specials such as buy one get one for a penny in the past. There’s no harm in asking.

While we’re on the subject of freebies, national parks across America will offer free admission from April 17 to April 25 in honor of National Parks Week. Just in case you find yourself next to the Grand Canyon or Appomattox Court House.

What Donovan McNabb oughta say

Courtesy of The Onion, here's the press conference we'd like to see from Donovan McNabb, the Dolton native and 1994 Mount Carmel High School graduate, four-year starter at QB for the Caravan, 1991 state title game winner, Big East player of the decade and six-time Pro Bowler.

"I'd like to thank all the Eagles fans who were always there to demand the whole world from me every week, who expected me to do everything with almost nothing, and who blamed me for the team's every failure."

The Little Guys now open in Mokena

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

The Little Guys home electronics store has completed its move to new digs at 19031 S. Old LaGrange Road in Mokena. The store, which moved from its longtime home in Glenwood, is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and is closed on Sunday.

The store’s new phone number is 708-754-8844. The Web site is http://www.thelittleguys.com/

Chicago Ridge churros
Fans of the Churro Factory, a Pilsen-based bakery that produces the Mexican pastries, can now get their fill at Westfield Chicago Ridge Mall. The company opened a shop in the mall late last year. The shop is open during mall hours. The phone number is 708-424-3026.

Now open
Factory Outlet Center, which features flooring and cabinets wholesaled priced for the public, is now open at 13019 U.S. 41 in Cedar Lake, Ind. Phone number is 219-374-7360.

Blue Fox closed againThe Blue Fox 6820 179th Streetin Tinley Park is scheduled to reopen Tuesday after again being temporarily closed for a few days last week. The restaurant was closed for a few days last month to make repairs. Blue Fox celebrated its second anniversary on March 17.

CUB energy seminar
The Citizens Utility Board will hold a free seminar on saving energy costs at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Tinley Park Library, 7851 Timber Drive.

The session will touch on energy efficiency incentives, CUB’s free online service at www.cubenergysaver.com and ComEd’s smart-grid pilot program. All participants will receive a free CFL bulb.

To sign up for the seminar, call the library at 708-532-0160.

Out of gas
The Speedway gas station at 15301 S. Harlem Ave. in Oak Forest has closed. The former SuperAmerica station shut its door last week.

Verizon calling
Verizon Wireless has opened a new store at 7854 S. Cicero Ave. in Burbank. The phone number is 708-346-6115.

Papa Russo’s opens in Hickory HillsPapa Russo’s Pizza opened recently at 8609 W. 95th St. in the Hill Creek Shopping Center in Hickory Hills. Hours for Papa Russo’s are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, from 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. The phone number is 708-233-9999. They also have a fan page at Facebook.

2010 Starry Nights concert series announced

Celebrating its 24th year, the Starry Nights Concert Series will return this summer to the Marie Irwin Bandshell in Homewood’s Irwin Park. Thanks to the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District, three shows are on tap for this summer: the Piano Man (Elton John/Billy Joel tribute) on Friday, June 11; Elevation (U2 tribute) on Friday, June 25; and Pink Houses (John Cougar Mellencamp tribute) on Friday, July 23.

June 11: Piano Man — This concert includes is a tribute to two classic songwriters: Elton John and Billy Joel. The show includes full costumes, set design and props. Every song is a hit, ensuring an unforgettable music experience. View a song list, video clips and more at pianomanusa.net. Opening act for this show will be Greta Pope (gretapope.com).

June 25: Elevation — This four-person band has been covering U2’s greatest songs for more than a decade. Watch them recreate the music and attitudes of one of the biggest concert bands around. View a song list, video clips and more at tribute2U2.com. Opening act for this show will be the 2009 Homewood Idol winner, Rachael Robertson.

July 23: Pink Houses — Enjoy America’s most elaborate and musically accurate John Mellencamp tribute band. This 10-person band plays everything from early John Cougar classics to recent John Mellencamp favorites. View a song list, video clips and more at pinkhouses.net. Opening act for this show will be local favorites, Moco Magana (mocomaganaband.com).

Concert goers at this lawn-seating event can purchase snacks, dinner and dessert from vendors Aurelio’s Pizza; Lassen’s Sports Bar & Grill; Mitchell’s Ice Cream & Soda Shop; and Cilantro. Beer, wine, pop and margaritas will be sold by the park district.

Advance tickets per show are $7/adults and $5/children ages 3-15. Tickets can be purchased beginning Friday, May 3, at 708-957-0300 or 708-957-PARK, or in person at the Goldberg Center, 3301 Flossmoor Road, or the Irwin Center, 18120 Highland Ave. Day-of-show tickets will be an additional $3 each.

Irwin Park is located at Ridge Road and Highland Avenue in Homewood. For more information or for previews of the bands, visit hfparks.com.

Fajitas to open on Monday in Tinley Park

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Fajitas Mexican restaurant expects to open Monday morning at 16703 S. Harlem Ave. in Tinley Park.

The restaurant had planned to open April 5 but was delayed because some equipment had not arrived in time.

The restaurant will offer sit down service and a drive-through. It is the second location for owner Walter Narsolis, who also owns a Fajitas in Countryside.

Narsolis also plans to open a Lindy’s Chili/Gertie’s Ice Cream store in the adjoining storefront this summer. He has a Lindy’s/Gertie’s in his Countryside location.

Showroom opens in Frankfort
Arthur Custom Homes Inc. has opened a new showroom at 7657 W. St. Francis Road in Frankfort Square.
The company installs windows, roofs, doors, siding and also offers home remodeling. The phone number is 815-277-2156.

Former Bear promotes Census
Former Bears running back Calvin Thomas will be signing autographs and posing for pictures when he visits Orland Square Mall in Orland Park from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday to help collect 2010 Census forms.

Tony-O to visit new CharleyHorse
Retired Blackhawks goalie Tony Esposito will appear from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday at the CharleyHorse restaurant at 8940 S. Calumet Ave. in Munster, Ind. Cost is $35 for an autograph wristband. For more information, call 219-836-4040.

Target launches recycling
Target has opened permanent community recycling centers in all of the retailer’s 1,740 stores to celebrate the 40th anniversary this month of Earth Day.

The centers will accept aluminum, glass, plastic bottles and bags, MP3 players, cell phones and ink cartridges.

Target stores also will give away reusable shopping bags on April 18. Shoppers who use reusable bags at Target stores will get a 5-cent per bag discount on their purchases.

Daddy’s gone
Daddy’s Kitchen, a soul food restaurant at 79 W. Joe Orr Road in Chicago Heights, has closed less than a year after it opened.

Dunkin Donuts opens in Chicago Heights
A Dunkin Donuts opened recently in the Marathon Ashland gas station at 431 W. 14th St. (Lincoln Highway) in Chicago Heights. There also is a Rosati’s Pizza franchise inside the gas station.

Tommy Boy’s Grill opens in Markham
Tommy Boy’s Grill recently opened at 3230 W. 159th St. in Markham. The eatery offers gyros, burgers, subs and hot dogs, wraps and paninis. Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. The phone number is 708-333-7333.

BMW opens in Schererville
BMW of Schererville opened recently at 1400 U.S. 41 in Schererville. Check out their fan page at Facebook.

Deal of the weekend
Visit the Facebook page for Phillips Chevrolet in Frankfort and you can print a coupon worth $10 off your next service call. The coupon is good through April.

Tinley Park Brew and Vine Fest is Saturday

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

The first Tinley Park Brew and Vine Fest will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday at the Tinley Park Convention Center, 183rd Street and Harlem Avenue, and organizers say they have already sold more than 800 tickets.

Tickets are $25 at the door or $20 if you order online by midnight tonight at http://tinleyparkbrewandvinefest.com/. There are also $10 designated driver tickets available.

Vendors will include:

Wine tasting: Cooper’s Hawk , Wild Blossom, Kite Hill, Prairie State, Fox Valley and August Hill.
Beer tastings: Brickstone, Flossmoor Station, Granite City, Harrison’s, Rock Bottom and Limestone.
Restaurants: Casto’s Ristorante, Jenny’s Steakhouse, Polonia Catering, Taj Mahal, Tin Fish, Trio, J.H. Sweis Catering, Stamp...er Cheese and Creative Cakes.

Entertainment will be by Chicago King Snakes and Caravan.

Brady vs. Quinn: Our accidental gov comes up short in latest gubernatorial poll

If Illinoisans had to pick a governor today, Republican Bill Brady would handily defeat incumbent Gov. Pat Quinn, 45 percent to 38 percent according to a Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of the state's likely voters.

Ten percent of likely voters remain undecided following bizarre primaries which saw the Democrats oust their duly elected lieutenant governor nominee and the Republicans go without a nominee for weeks while every last ballot was counted.

Rasmussen's analysis concludes "Quinn continues to fall far short of the 50 percent support viewed as critical for incumbents at this stage of a campaign. Perhaps most telling at this point is the poor showing he’s making in a state that trends Democratic. ..."

"Voters not affiliated with either of the parties prefer Brady to Quinn by better than three-to-one."

According to Rasmussen's polling, Quinn the accidental governor (thanks to Rod Blagojevich's impeachment) receives a failing grade from the state's voters for the manner in which he's handled the state budget crisis. Quinn has insisted on tax hikes and has put forth a budget plan that would deny public schools hundreds of millions of dollars in funding.

Fifty-six percent disapprove of Quinn's performance, with 33 percent strongly disapproving. Just 9 percent strongly approve of Quinn's gubernatorial record. Quinn is also viewed very favorably by just 13 percent of voters.

Nineteen percent, meanwhile, hold a very favorable view of Brady, Rasmussen Reports shows, "but nearly one-out-of-five voters (18 percent) don’t know enough about him to have any kind of opinion."

For more Rasmussen Reports surveys on various topics, visit the polling firm's web site.

Dennis Robaugh can be reached at dennis@southlandsavvy.com

Walt's Food Center cashier from Tinley takes a spill and finds the gift of life



A story submitted by the team at Palos Community Hospital

Noreen Peterson is not the type of person who lets much slow her down. Perhaps that's why she decided to venture down the stairs of her Tinley Park home at 3 a.m. on a dark December night in 2008 to get something to eat. Noreen, who just turned 70, has been an insulin-dependent type 1 diabetic since the age of 15, and if anything, being chronically ill has only fueled her spirit of determination.

Despite her age and history of bypass surgery at age 60, Noreen still cashiers three days a week at Walt's Food Center on Harlem Avenue in Tinley Park. She still drives her son, Neal, who struggles with hydrocephalus and has been legally blind for 10 years, to and from the Tinley train station so he can pursue his passion of playing percussion with the symphonies of Chicago.

She still dyes her hair red. And each year, she and her husband Bill produce and bottle their own wine. Well, except for last year.

Just 10 days before Christmas 2008, Noreen was awakened by what she quickly recognized as a reaction to low blood sugar. She was feeling cold and clammy, heart racing. She needed food. She got out of bed and headed for the stairs that would take her down to the kitchen, but you know what they say about that first step.

Noreen missed it. She fell the entire length of the split-level hardwood stair case. Noreen's husband came running when he heard the commotion, and he remembers her lying at the bottom of the stairs with her legs "twisted unnaturally." Noreen had a large gash in her head that required 13 stitches, along with a minor concussion. Her pelvis was broken in two places, and her right wrist was so severely crushed that today there's a pin and plate holding it together.

Noreen spent the next four months in either the hospital or a rehabilitation facility. With nursing care, she was able to return home in mid-April. That's when her condition took a turn for the worst.

While in rehab, Noreen had developed a diabetic ulcer on her foot. By the first of May, the infection was the size of a half-dollar. Her ankle had swollen to the size of her thigh, and the heat and redness were starting to travel up her leg. Her physician suspected that poor blood flow to her foot was preventing the ulcer from healing, and he suggested she see a specialist.

Noreen made an appointment with Dr. Sanjeev Pradhan, an Oak Lawn-based vascular surgeon, on Tuesday for the following Friday. But before she could keep that appointment, she was back in the hospital.

The infection was not only jeopardizing Noreen's leg but her life.

Noreen was diagnosed with peripheral artery disease (PAD), a form of cardiovascular disease that affects the limbs and a condition for which diabetics are at extremely high risk. Left untreated, Noreen probably would have lost her leg, at best. At worst, she could have suffered a debilitating or even fatal heart attack or stroke.

PAD affects between 8 and 12 million people in this country, and millions more may have the condition and not know it. That's a problem because people with clogged or weakened blood vessels have a six- to seven-times higher risk of heart attack and stroke. Even more unsettling: One third of those with vascular disease who have a heart attack or stroke die from it. Knowing what to look for before symptoms start can give both you and your physician a leg up on PAD.

"One of the main underlying causes of PAD is artherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries," explains Dr. Pradhan, who specializes in both invasive and non-invasive treatments for vascular disease. "The person who has vascular disease more than likely also has heart disease, and vice versa."

But because PAD often is mistaken for simple leg pain or arthritis that the patient and doctor both may associate with aging, it can be much more difficult to detect, according to the AHA.

Noreen finally had her appointment with Dr. Pradhan after she was admitted to Palos Community Hospital because the infection on her foot was rapidly moving north. If something weren't done immediately, the ulcer could have cost her the leg, if not her life.

For Noreen, considering the severity of her infection, the extent of her blockage and the risk of losing her leg, surgery was the only option. Dr. Pradhan performed bypass surgery on May 20, using a plastic tube because Noreen's veins were too small for the procedure. Within a week, she was moved to a rehab facility, and on July 3, Noreen was able to go home.

With another three months of wound care and physical therapy, Noreen's ulcer finally healed, and she was able to return to her job and her life. Nearly 10 months after the fall that started it all, Noreen went back to her cashier position at Walt's on Oct, 19, and this year, she and her husband, Bill, are already making plans to bottle another batch of Peterson wine.

They are both humbled by the experience and grateful.

"I missed Christmas, New Year's, my birthday, my husband's birthday, Easter and Mother's Day," she says. "This year, I'm going to celebrate every holiday there is to the hilt!"

For more information, visit Palos Community Hospital's web site.

No. 1 play, No. 1 fan

By Chuck Ingwersen
Southland Savvy

Plenty of national attention for the White Sox in the wake of their Opening Day victory. No surprise that Mark Buehrle's through-the-wickets scoop play nabbed No. 1 in SportsCenter's Top 10 plays of the day. But it also was nice to see Alex Rios's game-ending diving catch come in at No. 3. Keep flashing that kind of leather throughout the season, guys, and we might have something special.

Hail to the Chief Sox Fan
Also giving the Sox some love on a big stage was the man who threw out the first pitch at the Washington Nationals' opener. Skinny guy ... used to live in Chicago ... works out of Washington, D.C., these days. He sported a Sox cap while doing the pregame honors, ignoring the fact that it clashed with the Nationals jacket he was wearing. Well, at least he didn't wear the mom jeans he paired up with his White Sox warmup jacket at least season's All-Star Game in St. Louis.

Obama throws out first pitch

Buehrle leaves us in Opening Daze

By Chuck Ingwersen
Southland Savvy

Call it the best defensive play you've seen on Opening Day.
Call it the best defensive play you've ever seen made by a pitcher.
Call it the best defensive play you've ever seen, period.
Of course, you also can call it Mark Buehrle being Mark Buehrle.

Reaffirming his status as a Gold Gove winner and a master of the dramatic, the Sox ace wasted little time in presenting his latest magic moment. Already pitching a masterful game against Cleveland on Opening Day, Buehrle brought the packed house to its feet with his play in the fifth inning. Lou Marson's liner deflected off Buehrle's left shin and bounced across the first-base line into foul territory. Buehrle sprinted after it, and in one motion used his glove to scoop the ball between his legs and into the bare hand of first baseman Paul Konerko. Marson was out by half a step.

There were plenty of highlights in the Sox's 6-0 victory, including homers by Konerko and Alex Rios, two hits and brilliant baserunning by Gordon Beckham and a game-ending diving catch by Rios in center. But it was, of course, Buehrle who provided the biggest buzz.

The last Sox defensive play as exhilarating as Buehrle's came last season when Dewayne Wise's ninth-inning grab in center, which helped preserve a perfect game for … yep, Buehrle. Considering the stakes involved with that catch, coupled with Wise's bobbling of the ball as he tumbled to the ground, the Wise play will rank tops on many Sox fans' lists of defensive gems.

On Monday, Hawk Harrelson said he'd seen “none better” than Buehrle's play. Ozzie Guillen, showing uncommon restraint, said, “It could be one of the best I've ever seen.” On Comcast's postgame show, rookie studio analyst Frank Thomas said he's never seen a better play by a pitcher.

My reaction to Buehrle's play was a convulsive fit of laughter. I can't explain why. And the next three replays of it sent me into fits of laughter again. I suppose it was just the sheer joy of seeing something so incredible, coupled with the realization that baseball is back.

And Buehrle is back to being Buehrle.

Other Opening thoughts
Jake Peavy made it clear in spring training that Buehrle needed to be the Sox's Opening Day starter. Great teammate … and smart guy.

Sox fans are rightfully worried about Carlos Quentin's ability to stay healthy for the entire season, and Quentin immediately added to their concerns by getting plunked by Indians starter Jake Westbrook in the opener.

Buehrle's start was his team-record eighth on Opening Day. He had shared the record with Billy Pierce.

Fans arrive at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago

Seabrook, Kane, Keith and Toews throw out first pitch at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago

White Sox Konerko homers against Indians on Opening Day in Chicago




Buffett, B96 Summerbash, Phish and Clapton among headliners at Toyota Park

Toyota Park opens its 2010 season April 10 as the Chicago Fire hosts its first home game against the San Jose Earthquakes, with major concerts and other sporting events not far behind.

Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band, the Eric Clapton Crossroads Guitar Festival, Phish and the B96 Pepsi Summerbash again chose Toyota Park this year for its fan-friendly experience and easy access not only from Chicago but also all suburbs via I-294 and I-55.

“Toyota Park is the must-see destination for those who are looking to catch the top spring and summer events of 2010,” said Dan Garnett, general manager of Toyota Park. “Many of these world-class acts are making just one stop in Chicago this summer, and that stop is Toyota Park.”

Major concerts dates on the schedule include:

Phish – Friday, June 11, 7 p.m.

B96 Pepsi Summerbash – Saturday, June 12, 5 p.m.

Eric Clapton Crossroads Guitar Festival – Saturday, June 26, 2010, noon

Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band – Saturday, August 14, 2010, 8 p.m.

The Chicago Red Stars pro women’s soccer team will play the first of its 12 home games April 17. More events will be announced later this spring.

Visit www.toyotapark.com for a full events lineup.

Kerry Sayers of 670 The Score shares her mammogram with you



670 The Score’s Kerry Sayers stopped by the Silver Cross Center for Women’s Health recently for her mammogram, according to the folks at Silver Cross Hospital in Joliet, who put together this video spot. You’ll see a glimpse into what they call a "quick and spa-like mammogram process."

We'll be adding more videos to our main news feed here on Southland Savvy. But you can also jump over to our video viewer, where you can find a roundup of interesting local videos.

Primo's Pizza opens in Palos Heights

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Primo’s Palos Pizza and Pasta opened Monday morning at 13405 S. Ridgeland Ave. in Palos Heights.

It is the second location for owner Gus Selas, who also operates Primo’s Chicago Pizza at 816 W. Van Buren in downtown Chicago.

Primo’s Palos is a full-serve restaurant that offers pizza, pasta, burgers, hot dogs, soups, salads, sandwiches and desserts.

Selas said hours are 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.

For more information, call 708-371-0700.

Caged In moving
Caged In, an apparel and gear store devoted to fans of mixed martial arts, has closed its Tinley Park store at 17322 S. Oak Park Ave. Not to worry. The store is moving to a retail strip at 144th Street and LaGrange Road in Orland Park. The new store is expected to be open by May 1 at the latest. More information will be posted in the next week or so on the company’s Web site at http://www.cagedin.com/.

Swoozie’s closing in Orland Park
Swoozie’s, a gifts and invitations store, is holding a going-out-of-business sale at its Orland Park location at 14225 S. 95th Avenue in the Orland Crossing shopping center.

The Atlanta-based retailer, which was founded in 2001 and opened in Orland Park in March 2008, filed for bankruptcy early last month. All of the company’s 44 stores including three others in Illinois are closing.

For more information, call 708-364-7009.

Now open
Electronic Solutions, a refurbished home electronics company, has opened at 16010 Suntone Drive in South Holland. The owner is Hatim Abuasabeh.

Deal of the week
Sam and Jake’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor, 17348 S. Oak Park Ave. in Tinley Park, is going to spring hours starting Tuesday. Hours will be 2 to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 2 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. To celebrate the new hours, the parlor is offering Free Topping Tuesdays with your choice of toppings with an ice cream purchase.

Money Smart Week
Here's a video that talks about some of the events happening next week as part of Money Smart Week in Chicago.


Money Smart Week PSA from Chicago Fed on Vimeo.

New Sox season has us all aTwitter


By Chuck Ingwersen
Southland Savvy

Ozzie Guillen wanted a White Sox team with more movable parts, and he got one.
Some of the heavy lumber (and lumbering around the bases) is gone. There's flexibility aplenty in the outfield and at DH. And, on paper, the starting rotation matches up with the best in baseball.

It's a team that, coming out of spring training, Guillen claimed can be better than the 2005 squad that won the World Series. So it's no surprise that the always excitable Ozzie could hardly contain himself and sought a new release for his excitement this spring.

Enter Twitter.

The Sox skipper began using the online social networking tool in February, spraying his thoughts to all fields of the Twitterverse. With the Twitters of Oz, Sox fans were about to get a glimpse inside the dugout and clubhouse. They'd get succinct analysis from the man in charge. They'd get brutally honest opinions from the most opinionated man in baseball.

Or not.

For those of us keeping score on Guillen's foray into microblogging, let's be kind and say that Guillen's tweets haven't been full of the kind of insight Sox fans might have desired. More like a dribbling foul ball than a grand slam.


Here are a few examples from Feb. 23, Guillen's first day of tweeting (with all spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors/quirks left intact):

  • finally I am on this twitter thing it's about time! 
  • 3 day of Spring Training and im already boreddddddd
  • Thanks a lot for the support i like it the twitter...
 Nope. No electrifying insight there. Let's call it a case of first-day Twitter jitters. But this is Ozzie. He's just warming up, right? Let's see how the tweets progressed during spring training.

March 6: Our bus driver have a lot problems leaving the park
(later in day): Where is my guy arsenio hall my favorite show in the 80s

March 10: I wish I have my bike in this moment

March 16: let's eat suchi now

March 24: Hello nice hair cut whit my man monster99.com whatch my hair cut

At this point, it becomes clear that Guillen intended to keep his tweets light-hearted, avoiding insights, analysis and controversy. The latter was left for Guillen's son Oney, who posted a few tweets that tweaked some members of the Sox organization. In the wake of Twittergate, Oney resigned his position in the Sox scouting and video department, at the behest of his father.

So Ozzie had it right all along. His own tweets were for amusement purposes only, kind of like Paul 
Konerko's attempts at scoring from second on a single.

Yes, Ozzie has his Twitter fans wanting more. We can dream, can't we? Yes, and if we can dream big, then here are some tweets Sox fans would love to read from Ozzie — tweets that would tell the story of a glorious 2010 season (not to mention improved spelling, punctuation and grammar):

April:
  • Chicago too cold. I wish I have my mittens in this moment …
  • Was digging my iPad until AJ spit out his chaw on it
  • Peavy look like guy from Hurt Locker but with better stuff.
  • That was imposter Rios last year. This is real Rios.
  • Shut up Harold, I'm trying to tweet. Guy never stops talking.

May:
  • Wish I could play A. Jones and Kotsay every day. Both killing ball.
  • Ha Twins! How like playing outdoors all the time? Not so easy, right? 
  • Weather really heating up … or is that just Big Bobby's fastball?
  • Can't help giggle every time I say “Putz.”

June:
  • It will be fun to keep cubs on losing streak. Sorry Lou.
  • Wrigley rats even bigger this year. Even w/o Milton B.
  • That kid Vizquel has future in this league.
  • Still haven't found my guy arsenio hall.
  • Good luck Oney in new job as restaurant critic.

July:
  • Can't believe we send 11 players to all-star game. 
  • Yay Teahan! Joe who? Robin who?
  • Beckham so relaxed at 2nd base, unlike his hair.
  • Alexi making ppl forget other great Sox shortstops. Way to go jerk.

August:
  • Cy Young race still too close to call between Burls, Peavy, Floyd, Danks.
  • At least Freddie still gets up for big games.
  • Sorry Coop. Even Cora could be pitching coach with this staff.

September:
  • Games more fun when we don't lead division by 15 games but I take it.
  • Just for snicks, pinch running Paulie for Pierre.
  • Great to have Quentin healthy for full year. Smiley too.
  • Got pain reliever for carpal tunnel. Still need to twitter not so much.

October:
  • Chicago too cold. But full house in October make it seem warm.
  • Sure. My guy Arsenio show up now that it's playoffs.
  • Who to start in Game 1 of World Series? Hard to choose between 25 game winners.
  • Good to see Paulie, AJ, Burls named co-mvp of W.S.
  • With all champagne in eyes, couldn't see who I was hugging. Turns out it was Kenny W.




A community of emergency responders mourns Homewood's brave firefighter

FF911.org, a nationwide community of firefighters, police officers, doctors, nurses, medics and other emergency responders, joined Homewood and the Southland in mourning Brian Carey, who died last week in a valiant effort to save a local homeowner.

These photographs appear on ff911.org's web site.



Dolton's Jane Lynch tapes Oprah on Saturday

Dolton's Jane Lynch joins the other stars of "Glee," Lea Michele, Cory Monteith and Matthew Morrison, in a taping of "The Oprah Winfrey" show on Saturday, April 3, in Chicago.

27th Annual Paley Fest presents Glee
Meanwhile, Lynch is getting ready to celebrate her first anniversary with Dr. Lara Embry.

"The story about Jane Lynch and her new love has been unfolding since January when viewers saw Lynch kiss the woman sitting next to her at the Golden Globe Awards. Then she told the UK publication the Guardian that she was in a committed relationship and the New York Times that she was getting married in May," says SheWired.com. "The lucky lady is psychologist Dr. Lara Embry."

Culver's to open Monday in Orland Park

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Culver’s will join the burgeoning hamburger scene in Orland Park at 10 a.m. Monday with the grand opening of the Wisconsin-based chain’s 420th location at 9130 W. 159th St.

“It’s always been a dream to open a Culver’s in Orland Park,” said Justin Obriecht in a news release. “These last several months have been challenging and rewarding as we now feel completely ready to introduce Culver’s to the people of Orland Park.”

The Orland location is the chain’s 81st in Illinois, and Obriecht is involved as owner or partner in five of them. Besides the new Orland store, Obriecht is connected to Culver’s in Frankfort, Matteson, Homewood and Tinley Park.

The Orland location will be open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. The restaurant will employ 25 part-time workers and 20 full-time workers.

Urban Room grand reopening
The Urban Room restaurant at University Golf Club, 23520 Crawford Ave. in University Park, is holding a grand reopening weekend today, tomorrow and Easter Sunday to celebrate the return of its chef Bryan Coldman.

IPad is coming
Apple will be releasing its highly anticipated iPad at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Apple store inside Orland Square Mall in Orland Park.

Webb adds Hyundai dealership
The Webb auto group, which operates Webb Ford in Highland, Ind., and Webb Chevrolet at 9440 S. Cicero Ave. in Oak Lawn, has added Webb Hyundai to its group with the recent purchase of Team Hyundai at 9236 S. Indianapolis Blvd. in Highland.

Meet Minnie in Oak Lawn
White Sox great Minnie Minoso will be signing autographs from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Kmart at 4101 W. 95th St. in Oak Lawn.

Subway to offer breakfast
Starting Monday, Subway sandwich shops will add breakfast sandwiches to the menu. The sandwiches feature omelets made from regular eggs or egg whites and cheese. Options include Western egg and cheese; Black Forest ham, egg and cheese; double bacon, egg and cheese; and steak, egg and cheese. For the bread, customers can choose light whole-wheat English muffins, flatbread or Subway's traditional 6-inch or foot-long hoagie breads. Prices will range from $1.75 to $2.25 for English muffin melts, $2 to $3.50 for 6-inch sandwiches and flatbread sandwiches, and $4 to $6 for the Footlongs.

Sam Buca's: Reliably first-rate

By Chuck Ingwersen
Southland Savvy

My wife and I found our way to Sam Buca's shortly after it opened in the summer of 2003, and we immediately became fans. First-rate service, a casually elegant dining room, reasonable prices and an excellent menu of traditional southern Italian cuisine make Sam Buca's worth revisiting regularly.

Located in a strip mall along Harlem Avenue in Palos Heights, Sam Buca's features the main restaurant, an adjacent small bar area and a larger “Buca Bar.” Added last summer was a roof-top deck for outdoor dining and drinking during warm-weather months. 

Our most recent was on a Saturday, at about 8 p.m. We hadn't made reservations, and we were surprised to find the dining room full at that hour. We were told the wait would be about 20 minutes, so we settled in at the small bar situated between the dining room and the larger bar. There are a handful of tables and a couple of TVs in the small bar area, but we were content to have a glass of wine while waiting for a table in the main dining room.

We were seated in the dining room in less than 10 minutes, with menus at the ready. I had decided on my entree before we even walked into the restaurant. I find Sam Buca's chicken marsala irresistible — two good-sized boneless chicken breasts covered in a sweet marsala sauce and a generous helping of mushrooms. As much as I've enjoyed every entree I've tried at Sam Buca's, I have a hard time ordering anything other than the chicken marsala — even if I have to endure some mocking from my wife.

My wife ordered chicken tetrazzini — strips of chicken sauteed with olive oil, mushrooms, onions and garlic in a light Parmesan cream sauce.

A choice of soup or salad comes with the meals, and we each enjoyed a salad, along with bread and olive oil. If you are a fan of creamy garlic dressing, as we are, you need to try the Sam Buca's variety. I don't know if I've had any better. (Maybe at Aurelio's … but it's a close call.)

My chicken marsala, which came with a side of mostaccioli. was superb. It took all my willpower to save enough for take-home. My wife enjoyed the chicken tetrazzini, but probably would order one of her other favorites, such as chicken vesuvio, on our next visit. Yes, we're partial to chicken dishes, despite the many menu choices of pastas, veal, steak, chicken and seafood.

The full menu, including appetizers and desserts, can be viewed online.

Our waitress was friendly and attentive. Even though the room was crowded — one large group, many couples, a mom with two young children — it wasn't at all noisy, so conversation was no problem. Of course, much of the conversation included my repeated words: “This is darn good marsala.”

Savvy rating: 3.5 out of 4 stars
Sam Buca's Restaurant and Bar
12231 South Harlem Ave., Palos Heights, IL
(708) 361-1226

Reservations: Not required; recommended weekends
Cuisine: Italian
Parking: Strip mall parking in front and in rear of the restaurant.
Bar: Separate bar area with plenty of TVs; rooftop bar open during warm-weather months.
Restaurant website: http://www.sambucasrestaurant.com/
Bar website: http://www.sambucasbar.com