27 September 2014: Open for Business!

Philly's Best is open for business, and yours truly is happily busting her diet on an authentic Philly cheesesteak -- made with Cheez Whiz, of course -- with a TastyKake Butterscotch Krimpet for dessert. Business was looking pretty good when i was there, and i hope they will do well in this location. It's always great to welcome a new business to the 'hood, but it's even better when it's a place that serves one of my favorite guilty pleasures. 

25 September 2014: What a Shame!

The former Chase bank at 1425 W. Morse Ave.

I usually try to keep things positive and focus on the good things in Rogers Park whenever possible, but this is a disgrace! The Chase bank closed less than two weeks ago, but already the property looks like something out of a post-apocalyptic nightmare. There are still two active businesses at this location--a laundromat and a Family Dollar--so why isn't the property owner even bothering to empty the trash? 

Given the larger problems in the neighborhood--including yet another gunfight just around the corner from this location in the middle of the day today--this may seem like a minor problem, but it makes this commercial stretch look abandoned and dangerous. This is definitely not what we need if we are going to keep our community vibrant and welcoming. 

24 September 2014: Philly's Best

The sign on the chalkboard said "Private Party" and the place was full of cops, so i didn't try to force my way in and demand a cheesesteak, but Philly's Best Sports Bar definitely looks like it is ready for business. 

Woohoo! Bring on the provolone cheesesteak hoagies! 

Bring on the TastyKake Butterscotch Krimpets! 

13 September 2014: Blue Skies and Long Shadows

Adieu, summer!

6 September 2014: Meanwhile in the Loop

This little man was fascinated by a pair of drummers playing on State Street.
The guy in the picture called him over, handed him a set of drumsticks,
and invited him to play along. And what a joyful noise! 

6 September 2014: The Flora & Fauna of Rogers Park

Doesn't this unofficial rodent mascot of Rogers Park
look like he's poised to attack me?
PS. He didn't.

When i spoke to the gentleman who lives here a few months ago
and he told me he was training melon vines to grow up the garage wall,
i had my doubts. But if you look closely, you will see one nice,
juicy, and tenacious melon all the way up near the roof.
Hooray for vertical gardening! 

Close-up of the aforementioned melon.