Back to Rogers Park

Morse Theater to Reopen as Mayne Stage

2010-01-04T09:28:00.003-06:00

Can't wait for this to happen. It was such a sad day when the Morse Theater closed. Let's hope we can keep the b.s. from happening at the new Mayne Stage. Looking forward to another yummy food place and a place for music.

Getting Ready for Christmas

2009-11-17T16:26:00.002-06:00

Not too long ago Ray invited his entire family up for Christmas. We had given ourselves a moratorium on thinking about what to paint, fix, etc. for one year from the purchase of the home. Alas, that time is up on December 26th. Of course, since his family has already visited once - we now actually have to do some of the stuff we said we would do. Dammit.

So we're in the middle of picking out paint - god, that sucks. Figuring out what things we can and can't get done in the short amount of weekends we have left until Christmas. Aargh. I've taken some pics on the first project - painting the library and trying to figure that out since the furniture that's supposed to go in there is in the dining room and, yep, gotta move that so we can eat Christmas dinner.

Hopefully, I'll get some fun pics up shortly.

2009-10-26T14:32:00.004-05:00

In today's RedEye, there's a fun little article about neighborhoods' personalities. From what I read, those of us in Rogers Park are neurotic, open to experience, disagreeable and not so conscientious. Hmm. Really? Of course later in the article, they do iterate that neurotic really means creative. I might buy that.

Now I'm going to take the little quiz that informed these pretty pics and see how good of a fit I am to Rogers Park. Apparently I am not neurotic enough... ha.

The Soup Aussie at Uncommon Ground

2009-10-12T14:04:00.006-05:00

We had a whole weekend of no obligations - our last until Thanksgiving practically. We hadn't been to Uncommon Ground since it was warm outside and the rooftop garden hadn't been harvested yet, so we headed over for brunch on Sunday.

The waitstaff at Uncommon Ground are all excited about their new Australian sous chef who brought with him a ton of soup recipes. So instead of the soup nazi, I think we should call him the "Soup Aussie". My first (and only so far) soup tasted from the Soup Aussie was the corn chowder with bacon that was available on Sunday.

MMM MMM Good! I say! a hint of cilantro brought just the right amount of heat to pair with the hearty corn and bacon. Can't wait to go back for more! Soup is one of my favoritest things in this world especially when it's cold outside.

Weekend With the Family

2009-09-25T14:08:00.002-05:00

This weekend my parents are coming to visit. Too bad it's going to be rainy, we can't take them over to the beach. The last time they were here was January or February, so hitting the beach was not much of a priority. Maybe there will be a break in the clouds, so they can see how close the lake really is.

What else should be definite spots for us to hit? They already think that Rogers Park is the quietest neighborhood I've lived in so far in Chicago. It will be nice for them to see all the green trees up and down the street. I was thinking about maybe seeing a performance of Treasure Island, but my mom didn't insist upon theater tickets this trip.

I bet we'll just do some handiwork around the house while my dad is here - they already had me measure the pane in my bedroom window that is missing for replacement. So that will be a good project to have completed before winter.

Tailgating

2009-09-21T15:26:00.002-05:00

I've been a bad blogger recently over here. Of course, last week at work just about had me working all day and all night, so I'll use that as an excuse.

Saturday night walking back from a friend's birthday party, we came across the cutest thing ever. A group of friends on a blanket with a little picnic going on in the middle of the night. Now this wasn't in a yard or courtyard or even at the beach - it was in the parking lot of the Morseland! So very funny!

I just envision the renter of the parking space encouraging all her friends to leave the house because it was so nice out to go enjoy the night in her outdoor space - which is really a concrete patch. They had wine and cheese with crackers - you can't go wrong there.

Running Out of Time

2009-09-01T14:57:00.005-05:00

It's been quite obvious here at Back to Rogers Park that Ray and I have fallen head over heels in love with the beach and its proximity to our house. We compromised, of course, on all the things that we had to have in a house - and one of those things, much to Ray's chagrin, was a porch where we could grill. Now that summertime is coming to an end, we are definitely running out of time to head over to the park and grill up some brats.

Maybe this Labor Day weekend it will happen. We could join the throngs of our neighbors in the park.

So, to grill or not to grill that is the question.

Who needs McDonald's?

2009-08-28T13:20:00.005-05:00

Really, who needs McDonald's when you've got great local places all over up here? You've seen our comments on Suzie's Noon Hour Grill, well today I had my first taste of Morse Gyros at Morse and Wayne and it was delish! There's nothing fancy about Morse Gyros and the joint offers up exactly what you would expect of a Chicago lunch counter. Burgers, Italian Beef, Grilled Ham and cheese, French fries, onion rings, cheese sticks etc and so on, but they also add gyros and Broasted chicken, the latter I was most excited about, more on that later. All in all it's a menu full of the good stuff our doctors and television spots tell us we shouldn't have...I say, all things in moderation and viola, life's not so bad...but I digress. The prices are most reasonable, I had the two thigh special and had I not added an order of onion rings the bill would have been under $5 for my two thighs, fries and medium Root Beer. As it was my bill came to just over six dollars and I'm well satisfied. The chicken was fantastic, just like the sign outside promised BROASTED to perfection, it was the best I've had in the Chicago area and I've got to tell you, that's one thing I've found a bit challenging (and frustrating) that is finding a good broasted chicken in the Chicago area. Especially disappointing since I grew up in Iowa where every restaurant that has a wait staff has broasted chicken on the menu. Well I'm happy to say I now know where I can go to soothe that particular craving. A note on the Onion Rings and I won't dwell long but this was another big yum for me. They're just the way I like them, with a smooth and light batter rather than a crumbled coating and big tender onion slices cooked to a nice golden brown. Another great plus for Morse Gyros is that for a Chicago Greasy Spoon the place was very well kept, clean and well maintained. The guy at the counter told me they've been there for 40 years now, here's hoping they have 40 more. Now, I will acknowledge that there is a time and place for McDonald's and while I'm glad there's one on Clark and one at the Loyola el stop, with places like Suzie's Noon Hour Grill and Morse Gyros around poor old Ronald isn't going to see as many of my hard won dollars as he used to.

A Think Piece, Not a Shouting Piece

2009-08-27T10:37:00.003-05:00

Everyone knows that here in America, we are debating insurance reform for health care. Here's the best take that I've seen. Insurance Reform on the Back of a Napkin.

Look through that and figure out how you want to pay for your insurance or how you want to reform our health care delivery system. It's your choice. It's ultimately your money being spent.

Self Imposed Housing Stress

2009-08-26T09:42:00.003-05:00

We totally hit the Glenwood Arts Fair last weekend - such a fun non-corporate fair. Sure, we had to dodge all the realtors, but we just bought - so they ain't gonna make much money off of us anymore. We didn't see Inglorious Basterds yet - still waiting to hit the cheap theatre again!

I'm now self-imposing decoration time again. I want to paint. I want to settle some more. Get more pictures up. Be an adult. Have a home. Of course, picking out paint colors is somewhere in the 7th realm of hell for me. I don't know why I have such paint commitment issues. I'm guessing 20 years of apartment dwelling and living in all white. That will make you crazy. And color adverse - even if you aren't trying.

I want a fireplace put in. I want. I want. I want.

I guess I should really wait to see if I survive the layoffs........ Whee!

A Walking Weekend

2009-08-17T14:56:00.002-05:00

Sorry that I was missing in action around Rogers Park the weekend of the 7-9th, but that's because I was baking at Lollapalooza! Yay for the Red Line for a quick ride downtown.

Anyway, we were back in action this weekend around Rogers Park. We had a quick breakfast at the Heartland Cafe. We then decided that we would check out just what planes we might be able to catch during the Air & Water Show. We anticipated that we would be able to see the fast moving jets quite easily as they would have to turn around up here, but we were wrong about our nation's ability to manufacture jets that have quite a small turning radius! USA! USA! ha. We did get to catch the "boring" planes (that refueling one) that had to circle waiting for their turn to go up and down the shoreline showing our military supremacy.

After checking out the finale, we were starving. Headed back over to ye olde Five Guys cuz we just cannot get enough of those burgers. We did follow our own advice and share fries this time! See? We are capable of learning. Next up was District 9 at the New 400.

I had heard rumors on the internets that District 9 was unbelievable and would change how one even contemplates alien movies. Not so much. Although, I do not fill like I wasted my money or anything especially since all movies before 6 pm are only $5 at the New 400 Theatre. I was trying to remember what the last movie I saw in the theater even was. It just became way too much of a crapshoot trying to determine what I would even see for $10 plus in the theatre. At $5, hell - I'll see almost anything.

Next weekend (including a midnight showing on Thursday night) Inglorious Basterds will be at the theatre. You will most definitely see me there!

All that was Saturday. No time driving to do all these things. A truly walkable community!

Keep Rogers Park Weird

2009-08-05T13:50:00.005-05:00

This weekend was actually quite the inexpensive weekend! Hooray! We did check out Hop Haus North (the one on Howard) for brunch. I had the southwestern breakfast burrito (not what it is called, but I don't see the brunch menu on the site) and it was damn yummy. The best part of the Hop Haus is the funny sports photos that they have. One of Sammy Sosa grabbing his privates and another of him after he got hit in the head by that pitch (okay, that's not funny, but the photo is interesting). A photo of a little kid who clearly has learned too much from his father about sports since he is flipping off the camera with a look of sheer disgust.

On Saturday, we got breakfast sandwiches from Common Cup. My only complaint there is that I would prefer that they take the paper off the cheese when they put it on my breakfast sandwich. I wouldn't complain, but this is the 2nd time it has happened. Once you get rid of the paper, it is a tasty croissantwich. The Common Cup is another one of those great community places that Rogers Park is well known for. I sometimes feel that we should adopt the Austin motto - Keep Austin Weird, since the eclecticism is one of my greatest loves in this neighborhood.

Eating and Basking - That's All We Do

2009-07-27T16:53:00.002-05:00

So this weekend as you can tell by Ray's post there was some beach action. Again. Anyway before we headed to the beach, we decided to check out Five Guys over by the Loyola Red Line stop. Seriously - what is up with that stop - it's soooooooo loooooooooong. Anyway back to the eats. If you are allergic to peanuts, there's no way you would not be warned by the time you walked in the door. Also when walking in the door, you will be greeted. And then greeted again with an explanation of the menu. And then just generally greeted again.

There were about 10 people cooking on the line, two more at the cashier stations and then others wandering about cleaning tables and greeting you. Or yelling out that customers were approaching the doors "2 at the door!" and then everyone would respond by yelling, "Got it!". That got a little weird after a bit. Since it was constantly happening and the workers generally seemed to think it was a fun thing to do. I've never been that good of a minimum wage worker that doing this would seem anything but lame - but that's just me. God bless Five Guys for hiring all those people.

Oh, and the food was damn good. Great melted cheese on my bacon cheeseburger - oh, you get to put whatever you desire on your burger for no extra cost! Yay! The only choice you need to make in burger world is whether you desire two patties or only one. The fries make the whole ordeal quite expensive at $2.59 for the smallest size. But there are so many fries that we've decided to share when we come back for round two in the burger wars.

After chowing down we walked along Sheridan until we came to the beach and, of course, had to go put our feet in the sand.

Sunday is for visiting Ray's boyfriend at Uncommon Ground. The waiter really is not Ray's boyfriend, but he clearly loves Ray and makes it seem like I am invisible. The food is too good to get upset that a gay man doesn't love my female ass enough that's for sure. I had the chilaquiles this time and yummy! May be my favorite thing I've had so far. We've got to head back over there on a Friday night for the Farmer's Market and Honkytonk Happy Hour.

Not a beach post

2009-07-26T18:13:00.010-05:00

Okay, so I just realized that all my posts have pretty much been about the beach so I figured I'd better post something non-beach related..........Alrighty then, I'm ready, let's give this a try...

The first time round Rogers Park for me, right after moving to Chicago from Iowa, I'm not sure I recall there being much in the way of flowers and what not around the neighborhood... although to be fair, most of my wanderings at that time involved the Redline and points south.

What I do remember is watching as the city tore up the Ashland median and planted flowers from Foster to Fullerton. Then again on Irving Park as well. I've watched as Mayor Daley and all those in favor have coaxed some green-ness and color up from the heaps and slabs of concrete. Now, when I wander on the Redline, I see green roofs sprouting along the green streets and I think well done. But it can't go the way of the White House solar panels, we must keep it up and keep it going, ain't no one going to save us from our selves...

Opps, scuze me, I think my politics might be showing...sorry 'bout that... Really, it's just a picture of some flowers that have absolutely nothing to do with the beach…

R'R'

Blue Skies Sunday

2009-07-26T17:51:00.003-05:00

I've got to tell you, when the Sparkinator and I first started looking at the Backwards House we both knew, intellectually, that the lake was close. And we both knew, intellectually, that it would be "nice" to have the water near by. But I have to tell you that I completely underestimated the value of being close to the beach in the summer. I tell you what; there's nothing like a little walk on the sand with a little sit down near the surf to clear away the clutter in a body's head for a while. And while, intellectually, I knew I'd like it, I had know idea how much I would actually enjoy it.

That all being said, seriously keep your balls out of my yard! Any balls I find in my yard I'm a keepin' 'em!!

Hugs and kisses'

Ramblin' Ray

Susie's Noon Hour Grill

2009-07-15T12:08:00.004-05:00

We had a busy weekend and needed some food ASAP on Saturday morning to cure my whiskey accident the night before. So we checked out Susie's Noon Hour Grill which is just around the corner. This is a very tiny little place - maybe 6 tables, but the price is insanely right. Both of us ate for under $14.

I had the bacon and eggs with hashbrowns and toast. Ray had the eggs and bulgolgi which was delicious. I had never eaten bulgolgi before and Ray said that it is usually spicier than this particular one was, but yummy! Eating at the Noon Hour Grill is not to be done if you are in a hurry as Susie really just takes your order and starts making your food when she feels like it. Kinda like at home. She greets every customer as an old friend and has conversations with them that take importance over your feeding, but when you get the food it's pretty darn good.

Did I mention, cheap? Yeah, one shouldn't really bitch when you can walk out of a place full and have spent less than $20 at a restaurant for two including tip. Seriously - we walk away from McDonald's with larger bills.

Love the View!

2009-07-13T23:31:00.003-05:00

I've been waiting for a crisp clear night to see how good the skyline looks. Looks pretty good, this is from the pier with the beacon on it on the South end of Loyola Beach. Now all I need is a decent long lens. Ah....cest le vie....if wishes were fishes we'd all have some...

Live long and prosper.

R`R`

What's the plan for the weekend?

2009-07-10T13:35:00.004-05:00

I was looking forward to being able to hit the beach again this weekend, but it looks like we'll be checking out the Folk and Arts Fest in Lincoln Square and attending our Cubs make-up game from April.

Man, can you tell how much we LOVE living this close to the beach? It's like my own personal zen retreat. If I had uploaded some of my latest pics, you'd be able to see me and the seagulls hanging around on Monday when I had the day off. Of course, we have to sweep up sand all the time - how amazing is that? Sand in our house. Nice. I've always wanted to live near a lake and have a dock that I could wander out and have my morning coffee on. I guess a quick little walk down to the beach past Ennui to pick up some coffee and onto the beach is as close as I will ever come to my little fantasy, but damn that is close to my fantasy! The lake is WAY bigger for one, but who's gonna complain about that - it's like the ocean at this point. Living the dream!

We also need to check out the new movie theater and Johnny Depp in Public Enemies. Where am I gonna find all the cash I need for my weekend plans?

For other ideas in Rogers Park this weekend there are:

Pedal in the Park at Touhy Park

and

ANTI-VIOLENCE MARCH AND RALLY, tomorrow (Saturday, July 11th), 9:30 a.m., at the intersection of Ashland and Pratt.

Here's hoping the weather is great and I can get to the beach.

Happy 4th

2009-07-05T22:10:00.004-05:00

Happy Independence Day everyone!

The way this town explodes over the 4th of July it amazes me that we've not all burned down more often. Completely dangerous and totally irresponsible, but crazy cool like most of Chicago (Yes, I'm looking at you Critical Mass). Tres happy that one can see both the Chicago and Evanston Fireworks from Loyola Beach. Not to mention the thousand and one amateur shows up and down the waterline. Stay tuned for more Crazy Cool Rogers park schtuff!

Peace and love y'all, now where'd I put my punk...?

Here I am!

2009-07-02T17:49:00.003-05:00

Well, we're baaaaack...

Back in the old hood again. The Sparkinator and I lived up this way back in the day, limped around a couple different neighborhoods here in Chicago and then this year, by chance, found us back where we started from. It's kind of like putting on an old shoe... Anyway...welcome to the rants, I'll try not to go all crotchety old man very often, but seriously, any balls I find in my yard I'm a gonna keep!

See ya 'round!

New/Old Theatre!!

2009-07-01T14:41:00.003-05:00

The theater's back! An email from Joe Moore - go get some free popcorn and drool over Johnny Depp in Public Enemies.

Dear Neighbor,

I am pleased to report that the New 400 Theater is opening today under new ownership. Located at the former site of the Village North Theater at 6746 N. Sheridan Road (at Columbia), the local landmark movie theater has undergone a radical transformation.

The theater, and the building which houses it, was purchased in 2007 by Anthony Fox of CDF Capital. Mr. Fox restored much of the terra cotta facade and thoroughly renovated the interior with eco-friendly materials. Mr. Fox installed new screens, curtains and carpeting throughout the premises, along with updated seating and audio-visual equipment. Additionally, he replaced the concessions area with brand new cabinetry and equipment to create a completely new theater experience.

The theater was named the 400 Theater when it first opened in 1914, but its name was changed to the Village North Theater in the early 1990s.

Mr. Fox initially planned to apply for tax increment financing assistance to subsidize his costs, but later determined he could finance the renovations entirely through private sources.
Mr. Fox will continue to show new-release movies in all four theaters, but plans also to occasionally show art films and provide some live performances in the largest theater, such as poetry readings, comedy acts, children's activities and other cultural events.

The building which houses the New 400 is also home to a Starbuck's and a Thai restaurant. Both businesses will continue to operate.

Beginning this evening (Wednesday, July 1st), the New 400 Theater will be showing the following movies:

Public Enemies (4:20, 7:00, 9:40)
Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (4:45, 6:45, 8:45)
Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen Star (6:30, 9:30)
The Hangover (5:30, 7:40, 9:50)

If you stop by tonight, you will receive a free large popcorn with your ticket purchase. Future show times can be found by calling the New 400 Theater's recorded phone line at 773-856-5980. A web site will be up soon.

I hope you will join me in welcoming our newest edition to the neighborhood!

Hearts & Kisses,
Joe Moore

He didn't really say - hearts and kisses - that was me.

Giving Myself an Assignment

2009-06-30T14:30:00.003-05:00

Last year I did the 365 pictures in a year to keep myself occupied. That ended and I purchased a home in Rogers Park. Now I feel I need to give myself another assignment, so I start takin pictures again. I have decided to document my life in my new (old) neighborhood of Rogers Park in Chicago.

I guess I shall leave this for now since I really don't have any pics or anything yet and just decided on a whim to start another blog. Mayhaps, we will let Ray put some of his pics and write on here. Haven't decided that yet either.

Well, here's to forcing me to do something!