I am so excited to announce that today I will be starting a new blog series called the Chicago Neighborhood Guide. Every couple of weeks I will be featuring a different Chicago neighborhood as told from a local’s point of view. I have rounded up some of my friends from around the city who have graciously agreed to answer the question “Why do you love living in your neighborhood?” Each person will be highlighting some of their favorite spots so that readers will know the best places to go.
Kicking off the series today is my lovely friend and new mom to the adorable little Miss Clara – Beth! Without further adieu, take it away Beth!
Hello! Warm greetings on a chilly Chicago day from Beth Young, friend of Paige and Albany Park resident.
I’m super excited to be “guest blogging” for my sweet friend, Paige. We met about 4 years ago in a married small group through our church, Park Community Church. Paige and I definitely share a love of nice manicures, fine dining restaurants, and trying new recipes.
My husband, 5 month old daughter and our 3 dogs (yes, I said 3… we’re crazy!) live in the Albany Park neighborhood on the northwest side of Chicago. If you’ve never been to our neck of the brown line it’s a special little nook that neighbors beautiful Ravenswood Manor and is just a short walk (about a mile from our front door) from bustling Lincoln Square. Since we do most of our dining and shopping in Lincoln Square I wanted to share some of our favorite Lincoln Square spots.
Best Local Cafe: Le Cafe 4655 N. Lincoln Ave.
We love Le Cafe for its casual counter ordering service coupled with a cozy environment and delicious breakfast and lunch menu. My go to item is the Nutello – a velvety combination of chocolate and hazelnut with strong espresso and warm milk. YUM!
Best Neighborhood Grocer: Gene’s Sausage Shop 4750 N. Lincoln Ave.
We are definitely a family of carnivores and we love the old fashioned butcher shop experience at Gene’s. In addition to a killer deli selection Gene’s carries a hefty selection of ethnic cooking staples that reflect the neighborhood roots and has a wide variety of local and craft beer. In the summer they have a rooftop patio to enjoy your snacks and sips. My go to item is whatever prosciutto di parma they are recommending that day. Perfect when we’re packing our picnic basket for Ravinia.
Best “Ice Cream”: Paciugo 2324 W. Giddings St.
It’s really gelato, but it’s my favorite cold treat. Last summer while anxiously awaiting the birth of our daughter we took quite a few long walks to get gelato at Paciugo. I’m really a sucker for anything that involves salted caramel and Paciugo always has something to satisfy me on their rotating gelato menu. A little cup is indulgent and refreshing.
———
Yum! Now I want some gelato! A huge thanks to Beth for kicking off this new series today! I can’t wait to read about all of the fun places each neighborhood has to offer.
Have you been to Albany Park/Lincoln Square? What are some of your favorite places?
Note: If you would like to be featured in my Chicago Neighborhood Guide series, email me at paige.viollt@gmail.com. I would love to hear from you!
Leave a Reply