Did you ever play “Mother, may I?” It’s the same idea as “Simon Says.” I feel like I need to ask Mother Nature’s permission every time I choose an outfit these days. Will it be near 80 degrees or 40? Can I eat al fresco, or do I need a cozy hot drink? Either way here are some highlights for the warming month.
Taglio, 809 South Blvd in Oak Park, has opened its doors. Roman-style pizza is sold by the slice or by the pie and six different focaccia sandwiches are on offer too.
Friday, May 8 Scratch Public House, 7505 Madison St. in Forest Park, is hosting an “In Bed by 10 p.m. 80s Dance Ritual” party with a live DJ, unlimited bar and there’s pizza, so that makes it food news. Tickets/wristbands are $40.
The Forest Park Kiwanis Club is hosting a pasta dinner in conjunction with Piacere Mio on May 9, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Howard Mohr Community Center, 7640 Jackson Blvd. in Forest Park. You choose from three types of pasta, Italian sausage, salad, bread, dessert and more. There will be live entertainment from The Brothers Sinatra and raffle prizes. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for seniors and children.
For those who loved Forest Park’s departed farm-to-table restaurant The Heritage, check out its chef, Sieger Bayer, this spring on “Top Chef” season 23. As of now there is some mystery about his elimination on episode 6 and why he wasn’t seen in “Last Chance Kitchen.” I suppose we’ll have to keep watching to find out.
Don’t forget Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 10. So many beautiful brunch options abound in Oak Park Hemmingway’s, Crepas Culichi, Maya Del Sol; in Forest Park Charlie’s Restaurant, Fat Duck Tavern, Rhythm & Blues Cafe. And how could we not mention Mother’s Day Restaurant in North Riverside!
At Amerikas, 734 Lake St. in Oak Park, Chef Armando Gonzalez and his team will be clearing out the restaurant to make space for music (and dancing if you like) on Sundays, starting on May 17, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Along with the tunes they will be serving specialty tacos, with both meat and vegetarian options, along with $12 mezcal and tequila margaritas, and palomas.
Memorial Day, on Monday, May 25, is the traditional start of summer. Keep the reason for the holiday front and center with the 101st annual River Forest Memorial Day
Parade, Picnic and Business Bash. Watch the parade that starts at 9:30 a.m., starting at Iowa and Ashland Streets and ends in Keystone Park, 7920 Central Ave. An honor roll ceremony in the park is paired with a free hot dog lunch. Food trucks will also be on hand.
What’s Blooming on Harrison takes over Harrison Street in the Oak Park Arts District from Humphrey Avenue to Ridgeland Avenue on May 30 starting at 11 a.m. Artists, crafters and makers booths share the street with food vendors, live music and a huge children’s carnival. Babygold BBQ and FitzGerald’s host a beer garden and Anfora Wine Merchants host a wine garden. Vendors go until 7 p.m. and the music rocks until 9 p.m.
Continue to welcome summer on Sunday, May 31, on Fitzgerald’s patio, 6615 W. Roosevelt Road. in Berwyn, summer gets a warm welcome with a Hawaiian luau. Babygold is taking care of the tropical pig roast with fried dirty rice and Chef Steve’s Hawaiian hot sauce. Authentic Hawaiian dancing by The Barefoot Hawaiian, including fire dancers!
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