Posts

Support BAPA Business Members this Holiday Season

/in , , /by
By Kristin Boza

There’s no shortage of shops, restaurants, and service businesses in Beverly/Morgan Park. Here’s the ultimate BAPA business member gift guide for your holiday shopping. During the holidays and all year, support the businesses that support our community.

Organize the Perfect Holiday Party

Call 4 Star Windy City DJs at 708-254-0608 for info on bringing holiday music to your party.

Calabria Imports, 1905 W. 103rd St., has all the pasta you need – and lots more — to feed a large, hungry crowd. They also offer sandwiches, sides, desserts, bread and salads. www.Calabria-Imports.com.

Before the party, spruce up your home with a wide selection of quality paint and beautiful wallpapers from Calumet Paint & Wallpaper, 12120 S. Western. Knowledgeable and helpful staff can direct you to the best options.

County Fair Foods, 10800 S. Western is the destination for every ingredient you’ll need if you’re cooking this holiday season. Fresh produce, on-site butcher, and an extensive deli with hot takeaway items will ensure every dish is delectable.

DiCola’s Seafood, 10754 S. Western Ave.:  If you’re hosting a Feast of the Seven Fishes this Christmas Eve, check out the selection of fresh seafood at DiCola’s. Salmon, scallops, catfish and trout are just a few of the many selections available. DiCola’s also offers side dishes and salads to accompany the meal.

Ellie’s Cafe, 10701 S. Hale Ave., offers a catering menu that rivals any home-cooked meal: Turkey, ham, duck and goose as well as numerous potato and vegetable dish options. They even offer brunch catering, perfect for mid-day parties. www.ElliesCafe.com.

Fox’s Beverly Pub, 9956 S. Western, is perfect for catering a more casual get-together. From pizza to burgers to pasta, there’s a hot meal ready to please everyone at your party. www.FoxsRestaurant.com.

Milano’s Pizza, 10945 S. Western, delivers Chicago-style crispy thin crust pizza that’s perfect for the kids, and deep dish for hungry adults.

Before the big party, give a call to Peace of Mind Professional Organizing to help you declutter your space — for good. Forget shoving your stuff in a closet before guests arrive; get organized the right way! 708-790-1940.

Design the perfect holiday invitation or card with the help from the designers and printers at Solution 3 Graphics, 10547 S. Western. The business offers numerous printed products and services for personal use and businesses. www.Solution3Graphics.com.

Deck the halls — and your table — with beautiful fresh flowers and centerpieces, including poinsettias, from Steuber Florist and Greenhouse, 2654 W. 111th St. www.SteuberFlorist.com.

Get there early to avoid the lines the famous cheese ball at Swanson’s Deli, 2414 W. 103rd St. While you’re there, stock up on soup, sandwiches and salads for nights when you just don’t feel like cooking. www.SwansonsBeverlyDeli.com.

The Geranium Guild creates unique, customized floral arrangements for weddings, parties and any other special occasion. From centerpieces to bouquets, the possibilities are endless. www.TheBlossomBoys.com.

Whether you’re looking for a slice to keep the kids happy while you clean the house before the party, or an entire pie (or more) to feed a hungry group at your event, Waldo Cooney’s, 2410 W. 111th St.:  can accommodate. Order online at www.WaldoCooneysPizza.com.

Wondering what wine to pair with your meal? Check out Silvia Franco’s What Vino? Beginner Wine Blog for advice on pairings, or even to get more information on the perfect hostess gift. www.WhatVino.com.

Date Night Dinner and Drinks

Gather at Barney Callaghan’s Pub, 10618 S. Western, for a pint of Guinness or a Bloody Mary. Enjoy live music and various sporting events – both college and pro. Party rooms available. www.BarneyCallaghans.com.

For over 20 years, Cork and Kerry Tavern, 10614 S. Western, has been a favorite Irish pub. They boast over 20 beers on tap and 40 different bottled or canned beers. Party rooms available. www.CorkAndKerry.com.

Franconello’s, 10222 S. Western, serves authentic Italian food in a cozy atmosphere perfect for a romantic dinner or a family gathering. Private party accommodations. www.FranconelloChicago.com.

Open Outcry Brewing Company, 10934 S. Western, the newest neighborhood brewery, serves delectable brews and other beverages and Chef Cesar’s signature wood-fired pizza along with new menu items. www.OpenOutcryBrewing.com.

Daytime Outings with Friends and Family

Bridgeport Coffee, 9135 S. Western, imports its beans direct from their sources around the world, then roasts them on a fluid bed, ensuring not a single bean is burned. Stop in for coffee and treats!

A tried and true favorite, Dunkin’ Donuts, 10401 S. Western, serves hot coffee, warm donuts and breakfast sandwiches. Great place to bring the kids while the adults ingest some caffeine.

For the best pancakes on the South Side, take a trip to the Original Pancake House, 10437 S. Western. It’s a staple for Sunday mornings!

For over 75 years, Top Notch Beef Burgers, 2116 W. 95th St., has been family favorite! The burger is consistently ranked among the top in Chicago. Don’t skip the fries and shakes.

Shops Catering to Everyone on Your List

Beverly Hills MarketPlace, 1809 W. 95th St., offers new and antique home furnishings, and many items crafted by local artisans. Visit to find for unique gifts.

Vinyl has made a comeback! Rebuild your album collection at Beverly Records, 11612 S. Western. www.BeverlyRecords.com.

Check out the new, large space including a vast collection of new and used books at Bookie’s, 10324 S. Western. Can’t find an item? Bookie’s can order it for you with fast delivery. Drop off your gently used books for a discount on your next purchase. www.BookiesChicago.com.

Open for 17 years, family-owned Island Furs, 1827 W. 103rd St., sells fur, leather and shearling coats, and provides cleaning, repair and storage. www.IslandFurs.com.

Since 1910, Klees Golf Shop, 10436 S. Western, has been a family-owned business serving the needs of all golfers. Stop in to see what’s new or visit www.KleesGolf.com.

For the most unique home furnishings and help with interior design, visit RMH Interiors, 1802 W. 103rd St. Get the home you dream of! www.RMHInteriors.com.

Perfect for the walker or runner in your life, stop into Running Excels, 10328 S. Western Ave., for shoes, clothing, and gear. www.RunningExcels.com.

Sheffner’s Jewelers, 2408 W. 111th St, is the place to find the perfect piece of jewelry. They also offer custom-designed pieces, including engagement rings, and are committed to ethical practices. www.Sheffners.com.

The Quilter’s Trunk, 10352. S. Western Ave.: For the quilter or sewing enthusiast, The Quilter’s Trunk offers yards of unique fabric and everything you need to put it all together. Check out TheQuiltersTrunk.com for more information.

Unique Gifts

Gifts of experience are taking center stage this holiday season. Consider signing up your little dancer for ballet, jazz, tap, and many other classes at Dance Gallery, 10628 S. Western. Classes for adults also available. www.DanceGalleryChicago.com.

Relax and be well at Erin Kelly Massage Therapy & Yoga. Kelly is a licensed massage therapist and heart-centered yoga practitioner. 773-569-1015.

A full-service Aveda salon, Everything’s Relative, 10548 S. Western, is a great place to get your loved one a gift card for a day of beauty www.EverythingsRelativeSalon.

Nails, facials, massage, hair styling and coloring can be found all under one roof at Relaxation Station Salon and Spa, 10655 S. Hale. 773-233-3441.

Get healthy in the new year with the selection of supplements, food, and other organic products at Southtown Health Foods, 2100 W. 95th St. www.SouthtownHealthFoods.com.

Thanks to the many other BAPA Business Members who offer professional services, auto care, medical and dental services, and so much more. When shopping, please choose the businesses who so generously support BAPA and our community. Find a directory of BAPA businesses at www.bapa.org.

Home Cooking: Franconello’s

/in , , /by
By Kristin Boza

Franconello’s has been serving fine Italian cuisine in Beverly/Morgan Park since 1993, opened by Frank Ruffolo and Nello Sabatini. After a devastating fire four years ago, the owners decided to take their time to repair the damage to come back stronger than ever and once again serve the community.

“We have a different type of clientele than other restaurants throughout the city,” said Frank A. Ruffolo, son of owner Frank Ruffolo. “This is a very family-oriented neighborhood; we’ve been welcomed into the community and accepted for 25 years.”

Well-known for the homemade gnocchi, a handmade Itailan potato dumpling, and their fresh marinara sauce, Franconello’s also boasts an incredible 2-inch center cut pork chop. Other Italian style staples include chicken parmesan, shrimp diavalo, and, of course, their homemade tiramisu.

“The gnocchi and tiramisu are a dying art since they’re so labor intensive,” Ruffolo said. “It takes a lot of time and practice to make, but you can really tell the difference between these dishes made from hand and those that are pre-prepared.”

Sausage Franconello is another crowd favorite, putting sausage, peppers, potatoes and mushrooms into one dish. “Any time you come in here, you’ll see at least one of these dishes on every table; it’s been on the menu since we opened,” Ruffolo said. “We don’t want to mess with the classics.”

“People always ask us what’s the secret to our food. For a lot of it, there’s no secret recipe. It’s about using quality ingredients to start with,” Ruffolo said. “When you start with a lower quality food, you’ll end up with a bad dish. We always use fresh, seasonal produce for our weekly specials, and our sausage is a house-made blend.”

Ruffolo knows that providing a great dining experience is just as important as the food. “Our chefs have become our family and have been here forever. Our bus boys and waitresses know our clients by name. You feel welcome when you come in and you feel like family,” he said.

Franconello’s Rigatoni Arrabbiata

Ingredients:

1/2 cup diced onions

2 cloves minced garlic

1/2 cup chopped prosciutto

1 can of crushed tomatoes

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1/2 cup chopped basil

1/4 cup chopped basil

Rigatoni Pasta

Parmesan Cheese

Heat oil in sauce pan, add onions garlic and prosciutto until vegetables have turned translucent. Then add crushed tomatoes and pepper flakes.  Let simmer for 20 minutes or until sauce thickens.

Cook rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Add pasta to completed sauce and fresh herbs. Garnish with basil and parmesan cheese.