Always Andersonville: The Podcast

This week, Joelle and Sara are joined by our 2019-20 Andersonville Neighborhood Guide photographer Anjali Pinto . Anjali is a photographer and writer based in Chicago, and resident local to Andersonville! The new edition of the Neighborhood Guide will be distributed around Andersonville next week.  The view episode show notes, please click here . 

This week, Laura and Sara are joined by Michael Roper owner of Hopleaf Bar . A relaxed neighborhood pub, Hopleaf has been promoting better beers, wines and spirits in Andersonville since 1992. Come experience the Belgian-inspired kitchen featuring their famous mussels and frites in an adults only setting at 5148 N Clark. To view episode show notes, please click here . 

This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Jarran Conger. Jarran is the owner of In Fine Spirits where every wine, spirit, and craft beer they offer is crafted by people who share their passion for quality and has been curating Andersonville's drinking needs since 2005 at 5418 N. Clark. In Fine Spirits has also curated most of the wines for this weekend's upcoming Andersonville Wine Walk on Sunday,...

This week, Laura and Sara are joined by Shelly Ave, Vice President of Mortgage Lending at Guaranteed Rate . Following the motto ““it doesn’t cost a penny to look,” Shelly is well known for her ability to communicate and to champion the home buyer through the entire process. A long-time Andersonville resident, you have probably seen Shelly in the neighborhood walking her two English mastiffs. To vi...

This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by members of the Babes With Blades Theatre Company . Babes With Blades (BWB) uses stage combat to place women and their stories center stage. Through performance, script development, training, and outreach, their ensemble creates theatre that explores the wide range of the human experience, and cultivates broader perspectives in the arts community and in soc...

This week, Laura and Sara are joined by Karla Koziura, co-owner of FRÍO Gelato . FRÍO Gelato is made in an allergen-friendly kitchen with a nut and gluten-free focus and is 100% handmade. With four locations throughout Evanston and Chicago including their brand new location at Navy Pier, you can find FRIO in Andersonville at 5152 N Clark. To view episode show notes, please click here . 

This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Bill Lowe, CEO and President of Chicago Methodist Senior Services (CMSS). At CMSS you’ll find an inviting community ready to support you in all the ways you need. They offer older adults a full range of services and residential options provided by expert staff who take an innovative, person-centered approach to care. With their life-enriching programs, a n...

This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Chef Keith Kreuser of Dollop Diner . Dollop features locally sourced, classic American fare, roasted coffee and espresso drinks as well as cocktails and beer. For homemade donuts and more, a little dollop will do ya in Andersonville at 5060 N. Clark. To view episode show notes, please  click here .

This week, Laura and Sara are joined by Celia Bucci, Board Certified massage therapist and owner of Prevent Chronic Pain Therapeutic Massage . Massage therapy can reduce symptoms, improve daily activity, and help prevent aches, pains and stress from becoming chronic. Celia provides massage therapy for relaxation, stress relief, and rehab following injury, surgery and more at 5115 N. Ravenswood. To...

This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Raven Theatre ’s Artistic Director, Cody Estle and YEN actor Reed Lancaster. Raven Theatre tells stories of today and the past that connect us to our cultural landscape. Its commitment to modern drama in all of its forms, as well as its first-class educational programming, have helped it remain a cultural cornerstone on the north side of Chicago for 35 yea...

This week, Laure and Joelle are joined by Rabbi Levi Notik of Chabad Uptown . Guided by the idea that there should be a place whose doors are open to persons of all backgrounds and affiliations, Chabad employs an open approach to Jewish community life. There is no membership, allowing participants to partake in whatever programs and services suit their individual or family needs. Offers educationa...

This week, Laura and Sara are joined by Olin Eargle otherwise known as Mr. Andersonville . Olin, an @properties real estate agent, is ranked as one of Chicago's top brokers citywide and is celebrating 10 years in business this year. According to one testimonial, “he is a hustler and a veritable real estate surgeon.” Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, contact Olin for all your real estate needs. T...

For our 50th Episode (can it be 50 already!?), Laura and Sara are joined by Ann-Louise Haak, Executive Director of First Slice Pie Café . First Slice is all about good food for good people, and as a nonprofit organization provides high quality meals to people living on the margins of society. Proceeds from purchases at each of their three locations on the northside of Chicago and one in Evanston,...

This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by co-owner Julia Zhu and Chef Fred Ramos of Bar Roma . Bar Roma specializes in house-made pastas, a variety of meatballs, and other Roman inspired dishes. They also feature a daily happy hour from 5-6:30PM which offers half-priced appetizers and meatballs. You can find this Zagat rated “Must Try” Italian restaurant at 5101 N Clark. And don’t miss Bar Roma’s...

This week Laura and Sara are joined by Martin Cournane of Munster Restaurant Group . Martin is the co-owner of Lady Gregory’s and Octavio Cantina & Kitchen in Andersonville, as well as LG’s Bar in Old Town and Wilde in Lakeview. Lady Gregory’s, an Irish Gastro Pub located at 5260 N. Clark, serves up a delicious menu and proudly boasts over 300 whiskeys.  Located just up the street at 5310 N. Clark...

In honor of Chicago Theatre Week and the Year of Chicago Theatre , this week Laura and Joelle are joined by six members of Steep Theatre in their newly opened Boxcar venue. Steep is the quintessential storefront theatre and is committed to producing new and under-produced plays that tell the stories of ordinary people in extraordinary situations. Their current sold out production Red Rex is about...

This week, Laura is joined by Terry Opalek and Michael Frontier . Terry and Michael founded Terry’s Toffee in 2002 and sold the business in 2015. Currently they co-facilitate a variety of workshops using their many years of life and business experiences to help others connect with their place and purpose on this planet. Both Terry and Michael are also certified Reiki Masters. For show notes on thi...

This week, Laura and Sara are joined by Amy Giordano, owner of Gus Giordano Dance School on 5230 North Clark St. They offer a variety of classes - from summer camps, to classes for children as young as two, and even adult classes. Amy also runs the Gus Giordano Jazz Legacy Foundation , which aims to create the same culture, uplifting spirit, and dedication to spreading the joy of jazz that her par...

This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Grant Kessler. Grant is a  Chicago Market  owner and sits on the Board of Directors. Established in 2013, Chicago Market will be a big, bright, beautiful community-owned grocery store which exists to rebuild the connection between food producers and consumers. While Chicago Market is not open yet, it will be coming to the Wilson CTA Station in Uptown in th...

This week, Laura and Sara are joined by Brenda Webb, Executive Director of Chicago Filmmakers . Chicago Filmmakers is a non-profit media arts organization that fosters the creation, appreciation and understanding of film and video as media for artistic and personal expression. In 2018, Chicago Filmmakers moved from its second floor home in Andersonville to 5720 N. Ridge Avenue, a historic 1920's f...

This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Jes Scheinpflug and Kate Harrington-Rosen co-founders of the Praxis Group . Praxis redefines group and organizational cultures so that people feel empowered to bring their full selves to the table and offers support to businesses in creating  more inclusive environments.   To view episode show notes, please click here .

This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Al Liu, Vice President of Coffee at Colectivo . The Milwaukee-based coffee company recently opened its largest location in Chicago at 5245 N. Clark in Andersonville. Colectivo provides house-made coffee, tea, seasonal drinks, breakfast items and more to patrons and is well-known for its bold designs and customized approaches to its cafes. To view episode s...

In this week's BONUS episode, we hear holiday greetings from our Andersonville businesses along with a live reading of the Christmas Classic, The Night Before Christmas, with Friends of Andersonville co-founder, Randy Heite! Curl up, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and get ready to feel all the warm holiday feels on this special Christmas Eve episode. 

This week, Laura and Sara are joined by Alderman Patrick O’Connor. Elected in 1983, Alderman O’Connor has represented the residents of the north side of Chicago since the age of 28. As a lifelong Chicagoan, he has worked tirelessly over the years to serve the community and better the lives of his constituents. On the 40th Ward website it reads, “There’s no more local government than an aldermanic...

This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Scott Martin owner of SVEA Restaurant at 5236 N. Clark and Simon’s Tavern at 5210 N. Clark. Since the Depression, Simon's has anchored Clark Street just north of Foster and Scott has been an anchor of this community. His love for this neighborhood is effusive. You can see Scott walking his dog, greeting patrons at the restaurant and bar, waving hello off t...