Lemont Unlocked

A creative boutique. An event space. A place for a woman to build a world around her that she adores. Visit a unique space in Lemont Downtown built by Massiel Ullsmith and discover the creativity behind That Girl + Co, where there is no wrong way to create. Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont for you. Subscribe for free on your favorite podcast player and never miss an episode...

Over a decade ago, two brothers started baking bread and building a unique space in Lemont for neighbors to gather. Inventive sandwich creations, pastries, coffee and collaboration with other local businesses are just part of the story of Rustic Knead. Discover what they have to offer in a space where even the furniture has a historic connection to Lemont. Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait t...

Discover seemingly infinite combinations of flavors at one of Lemont's newest eateries as we travel to Nova Tea. Owner Sandy Nguyen saw something missing in the downtown area and created a destination for all ages with boba tea, smoothies, sandwiches, desserts, games and a very bold Vietnamese iced coffee. There seems to be something for everyone at this unique Lemont location. Chris Lanuti and Te...

Nick's Tavern is famous for their pepper & egg sandwich this time of year, but have you also tried the grouper sandwich? Let's taste both at the bar with Sam Forzley. Then travel to SS. Cyril and Methodius Catholic School to meet new principal Dan Turney and one of his parish chefs behind their incredible Annual Fish Fry. See the fun and plan to join them March 6th and March 20th! Chris Lanuti...

Local baker Karen Lilly joins us to show off her Paczki creations as the people of Lemont crowd into Folklore Coffee on Fat Tuesday. Discover the unexpected ingredient in a Karen Lilly Paczki and hear why the sweet pastries are such a hit in Lemont before they quickly sell out! Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont for you. Subscribe for free on your favorite podcast player and...

The Lemont Lions Club has a rich history and gives back to the community in many ways. We visited a recent gathering to take part in their $500 raffle, talk about meat giveaways and get harassed by a giant lion mid-interview. Find out how you can be a part of this vibrant charitable community in Lemont. Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont for you. Subscribe for free on your fa...

As Valentine's Day approaches we stop by some recent additions to Lemont that focus on beauty. Shop with us at Jaclyn Sue Boutique and find out why this online business owner decided her physical storefront would fit perfectly in Lemont. Then join us at The Brow Lounge, where they learned from the best and created a unique experience you will love. Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock...

Q Restaurant is a family-owned Asian fusion restaurant featuring authentic Vietnamese and Thai cuisines with French influences. We're joined by Ellie, who shows off her unique libations and takes us through several of her sister Quee's culinary creations. There's a lot on this table as we explore another Lemont gem! Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont for you. Subscribe for fr...

Join us for a look at this year's Ice & Lights Fest. From fire dancers to ice sculptors, we take you through the sights and sounds. Take a stroll through Lemont Downtown, roast some marshmallows, and find the kids staying warm at Three Stories Bookstore with the help of some special guests! Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont for you. Subscribe for free on your favorite po...

Lemont's new indoor golf and cocktail bar has something for everyone. From high-end golf simulation to great food and drinks, The Club is looking to become one of Lemont's places to go. More than just golf, it is an experience! Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont for you. Subscribe for free on your favorite podcast player and never miss an episode! Lemont Unlocked is a podcast...

Take a trip down memory lane with our New Year's Clip Show, featuring some of the fun things we experienced while unlocking Lemont last year. A new year of Lemont Unlocked starts soon. If you haven't experienced it yet, take a look at what you have been missing! Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont for you. Subscribe for free on your favorite podcast player and never miss an ep...

The Village of Lemont has a new Chief of Police. Mayor John Egofske helps us introduce Chief Jason LoCoco to you. Hear his vision for Lemont's Police Department and get the latest on recent police action in the village. Lemont is unique and the officers that patrol the village must be unique as well. Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont for you. Subscribe for free on your favor...

Meet the folks behind a long-standing Lemont institution with the sole purpose of helping those in need. During this holiday season learn how you can help those that are struggling in Lemont and get the full picture of what The Pantry at Bethany Lutheran Church provides! Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont for you. Subscribe for free on your favorite podcast player and never m...

Learn a little about your local record store as we visit B-Side Records in Lemont Downtown. Why are records making a comeback? How should you start your own collection? Find out why is it important to shop local in Lemont this holiday season. Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont for you. Subscribe for free on your favorite podcast player and never miss an episode! Lemont Unlock...

Mayor John Egofske and Public Works Director Ralph Pukula join us from the base of Lemont's beautiful Christmas Tree at Peterson Park to preview Hometown Holiday and the tree lighting on December 6th. Preview an entire season of holiday fun in Lemont and hear about what goes into transforming the village into a winter wonderland. Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont for you. Su...

It isn't a bar. It's a parlour. Celebrate 5 years with One Eleven Martini Parlour in Lemont as we take a look at the unique decor, creative martinis and even an award-winning chili. Find out how a dinner at another famous Lemont institution brought this martini bar to the area, and how the original plan evolved into one of Lemont's hidden gems. Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lem...

Moreno's Mexican Restaurant and Salsa Bar sits the in heart of Lemont Downtown with food from the heart of a family. Hear how they got their start with the help of another famous lemont restaurant family and brought long-time recipes from Mexico to Stephen Street. Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont for you. Subscribe for free on your favorite podcast player and never miss an...

You may not immediately notice BTB Wines in downtown Lemont, but the wine bar and shop across from the Metra station has a unique selection of wines and seating areas to enjoy them. Find out why the place to go to discover new wines is right under your nose. Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont for you. Subscribe for free on your favorite podcast player and never miss an episod...

Tess and Chris go ghost hunting with real-life area ghost hunter Neal Gibbons of Graveside Paranormal at the locally haunted Aster Gardens. Hear the story of two ghosts that have appeared in front of numberous people in the past few years and watch as Neal makes contact as our cameras role! Boo! Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont for you. Subscribe for free on your favorite p...

After a quick stop at Folklore Coffee to learn about limited edition seasonal drinks that folks are lining up for every Saturday, we head to Jack O'Lantern World at The Forge Lemont Quarries. Learn how thousands of fresh jack o'lanterns are created weekly for an enormous show that changes from week to week. Get a look at some incredible artwork and what is available to children and adults of all a...

Sit down at one of Lemont's newest restaurants, the exciting Asian Fusion spot aptly named Wok'd. We get Wok'd on delicious rare dishes, hidden pandas, tropical drinks and one really hot pepper! learn how the craving for one dish turned into a new hot spot in downtown Lemont. Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont for you. Subscribe for free on your favorite podcast player and ne...

Lemont's own "Pirates Of The Canal" join us from Canal Street Pub in preparation for their 10th Annual Pirate Pub Crawl. Learn how a chance meeting at a bar created a group of local pirates (and one bird) who love to tip back a glass and raise money for local charities. For them it is all about supporting Lemont and having a jolly good time!  Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemon...

Experience the 2025 Pollyanna Oktoberfest from The Forge. See the sights, sounds and stein hoisting competition following a bold prediction of the winner. We also chat with co-founders Brian Pawola (Head Brewer) and Ryan Weidner (CEO) from the festival about their growing brewery, the new Pollyanna Social, and Pollyanna's connection to Lemont. Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemo...

Sit down with local Lemont artists Ryan Hennebry and Rob Moriarty at Pollyanna Brewing Company. LeMontsters On Parade is back and continues to grow! View original art along Canal Street and on display at the brewery. Find out why this public art showing is growing each year, and preview these original works. Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont for you. Subscribe for free on yo...

See it all at this year's Taste of Lemont as your local podcast samples food, meets pirates and learns why this event is essential to Lemont High School. All the sights and sounds are here for you in case you missed the fun, or just if you want to see if you made it on camera! Chris Lanuti and Tess Abbasi can't wait to unlock Lemont for you. Subscribe for free on your favorite podcast player and n...