Harvest Market Top Ten on Opening Day

The time has come to peruse this weekly market which opens Thursday, June 11 10am - 4pm and is every Thursday until October 8, where area growers bring fresh, quality vegetables, fruits, bread, meat, eggs, olive oil and more in this neighborhood setting in Downtown Elgin at the Civic Parking Lot - corner of E. Highland & Douglas Avenue.

So here are the Top Ten reasons to check out opening day at the market this Thursday:

1) The Harvest Market Vendors
Welcome and sample new vendors like Oberweis, Monkey Bar, Copa do Sol, and later on in the year Royal Oak Farms and Oriana's Orchard. But don't worry the “regulars” are all back like the "Dog lady", Breadsmith, "Olive Man", "Spice Man", Gloria's Meats & Eggs, KAP Farms, Windy Acre Farms, and the "Mirai Corn" folk!

2) Chicago Bandit’s “Veggie Pitch”
The 2008 World Champion Chicago Bandits will be testing their fast pitch skills not with 12 inch softballs, but with vegetables! Not only will the Bandits be tossing veggies around, but they will be signing autographs as well as giving Harvest Market customers a quick lesson in how to really pitch a softball. (Must be at least 18 years old to play ball) They will also be raffling off game tickets and an autographed pennant.

3) FREE Harvest Market Reusable Tote Bags
NEW THIS YEAR you can own a free Harvest Market tote bag by showing us your proof of purchase at the market and then reuse it again, again, and again while promoting we are your preferred market. And plus our bags are eco-friendly made out of 100% recyclable materials!

4) Harvest Market Sponsors
Alexian Brothers Hospital Network has partnered with the Harvest Market as its main sponsor to bring you those spiffy eco-friendly tote bags mentioned previously and will be at the market every week helping your overall wellness. On Opening Day they will be providing blood pressure and body fat screenings, pedometers and step tracking logs and other health related information.

But not to be left out, our supporting sponsors of the market are chiropractic in nature from Chiro One Wellness Centers, to Lifetime Health and Wellness, and Rominski Active Healthcare. These three will rotate in and out during the season offering various information, advice, etc. Lifetime Health and Wellness will have a money box where everyone can grab a prize like t-shirts and various chachkeys.

5) Activate Elgin Educational Booth
Learn about this great partnership that concentrates on combating obesity and is all about eating healthy. They will have handouts and giveaways at their booth, along with hosting a cooking demo with Chef Virginia Lopez at noon. Come learn how to make Veggie Kabobs and savor a sample! For more information about this Elgin organization go to www.activateelgin.org

6) $1 Raffle Tickets – BBQ Set
Also take advantage of a $1 raffle (or 6 for $5) to win a Bears Tailgate BBQ Grill and Tool Set (which will be set up on site). The winner will be notified Thursday afternoon/evening after the market. Proceeds of the raffle will go back into the market getting bigger and better!

7) Elgin Climate Change Organization (ECCO) and Elgin Community Network (ECN) Educational Booth
Join these two groups at their booth that is all about sustainability and Elgin neighborhoods! They will have “Take the Challenge” postcards, rain barrel information, FREE CFL’s (Yes, those energy efficient light bulbs), and a composter. Also joining them will be the Elgin Public Museum with soil samples and info on ecosystems.

8) Free Rediscover Downtown Elgin Tour
Join Jennifer Benson, program coordinator for the Downtown Neighborhood Association, in perusing and rediscovering stores and organizations like Pastigel, Bella’s Fashions, Super Print, Central Barber Shop, Ravenheart Coffee, Salon Couture, Top Notch Tattoo, YWCA, Carswell’s Flooring, Simple Balance Holistic Center, Elgin Public House, Elgin Books & Coffee, Wrona Brothers, Antiques & Uniques and Union National Bank.

9) Lunchtime/Snack Options
Besides munching your purchases from Harvest market vendors, there will also be on site In the Neighborhood Deli, an Elgin deli which will be providing hotdogs (regular and organic), chips, and beverages during your lunch hour – roughly 11am – 2pm.

Also the Community Crisis Center will be selling popcorn 10am – 3pm every Thursday, so make sure to buy it with your lunch or for a quick snack during the mid-morning or mid-afternoon break!

Want more variety? Visit one of 15+ Downtown Elgin restaurants which are in walking distance of the market. Get your lunch to go or sit in their air conditioned locations, and enjoy food to match your mood from Italian, to American, to German, to Thai, to Pub fare, to Mexican, to Chinese, to Bistro or Café menu items. Downtown Elgin restaurant flyers and maps will be available at the market.

10) Outdoor Art Exhibit
Elgin artist, Erin Herner, will showcase her paintings and print makings all day at the market, along with the rain barrel that is DNA’s Harvest Market submission in “Rain Barrels on Parade” which will be at the market the next 6 markets. Several of her art pieces will be for sale for those interested.

For more information go to www.downtownelgin.org or call 847.488.1456.

Gasthaus's Kitchen is Open + June Band Schedule

The kitchen is now open! Come try their sandwiches and wraps, even a couple of your German favorites remain on the menu! Home made onion rings, and other great appetizers! Large portions, reasonable prices! Open at 4:30 every evening - open for lunch starting late June! Bar closes at 1am on week days, and 2am on Friday and Saturday. Free WiFi access, and all UFC fights are broadcast for your pleasure! Come see the new and improved Gasthaus!

Band Line-Up

Friday June 5 it's the return of Blackened!
Chicago's premier Metallica cover band returns to the Gasthaus by popular demand! Opening for Blackened is the Madhatter band, an up and coming band playing '80s metal band covers.

Saturday June 6 come see the Blizzard of Ozz!
Not only does the lead singer look and act like Ozzy Osbourn (you'll seriously think it's him) but the lead guitarist, Kevin Buck is amazing! Kevin was recently signed by Jackson guitars as a spokesperson and after watching him play you'll know why!

(It's also Evie's birthday! Pay the $5.00 cover to see Blackened play and get in free on Saturday! Not only do you get to see both shows for $5.00 but Evie is going to buy your first drink if you attend! Lots of other surprises and specials to help her celebrate Saturday night as well! Come down and hear two great bands, wish Evie a happy birthday, and have a great time!)

Friday June 12
The Gasthaus does something a little bit different with Universal Slim and the blues kangaroos. Come here some great blues and rock covers.

Saturday June 13
The Gasthaus hosts a charity event featuring The Hatters Mad, Groovy Love Vibes and Doomsday Luck. Proceeds go toward buying a handicapped accessible vehicle for Jay Cramer. During a rock climbing excursion in Malibu, three and a half years ago, Jay Cramer fell and broke his neck. He is now a C-5 level quadriplegic and in a power wheelchair – with a spirit that has never faltered. Refusing to let anything stop him, he began performing stand-up comedy from his wheelchair, just four months after the accident. Jay believes that humor exists in the strangest places and that a good strong smile heals all. A $20 donation is suggested.

Friday June 19 Hyperflo takes the stage~!
Great rock covers! Opening for Hyperflo is Brace for the impact! A great night to dance!

Saturday June 20 it's metal time!
Nemesis Theory opens for Judas Beast! Relive the days of Judas Priest and Iron Maiden with one of the best cover bands around!

Friday June 26
Her Savage Grace (great rock covers) will be opening for Slippery When Wet! Jon Bon Jovi time! You loved him in the '80s and he's still going strong! All your favorites from Livin on a prayer to Have a Nice Day performed on our stage! Sounds like fun to me!

Saturday June 27 is a night of heavy rock and metal bands.
From the Broken, Remote Viewer, Inner Fall, and Five O Six all perform original and covers of many of your favorites!

It's not your father's Gasthaus-- but 40 years and still going strong!

Gasthaus's May Band Line-Up

Mark your calendars and save the date:

May 8 - Mercury Rising
An awesome cover band playing rock music from the '70s, through today!

May 9 - Leo and the boy's
90 West takes the stage playing a great night of Rock and Roll.

May 15 - Cloud Nine & 30 Pound Stone
A local band, Cloud Nine plays great rock and roll covers for Gasthaus.

May 16 - Man the Mitey & Power Slave
A local metal band (Man the Mitey) opens for one of the Gasthaus' favorites, Power Slave - Chicago's own Iron Maiden tribute band!

May 22 - Shuffled & Rearview Mirror
This band will start things off right with your favorite hits from the '90s through today, followed by Rearview Mirror - a tribute to Pearl Jam! You'll think Eddie Vedder is in the Haus!

May 29 - My Lazy Elephant & The Oil Can Boys
Your favorites & Gasthaus's - My Lazy Elephant and The Oil Can Boys! Local Boys that always rock!

May 30 - The Usual Mistakes & Antipop
This band is funk/pop open for Antipop - Chicago's only Primus Tribute Band! You have to hear this!!

Kitchen to open in May! - Gasthaus will still make you a Schnitzel or a Brat along with other great burgers/sandwiches/wraps and more!

Manhole Covers or Missile Silos

There are at least 13 manhole covers in a one block stretch of Douglas Ave in Elgin. Is there really a need for that many or are some actually covers for missile silos?

Belated Blog Anniversary

Oops!
Missed it again. March 11th was the Downtown Elgin blog's 4th anniversary.
Four years and 380 posts ago... no, I'm not making a speech.
Just think back to 2005.
Facebook was a year old. It was for kids then.
Twitter didn't exist. We didn't know a tweet from a twit. A Tweetup, forget about it.
What did we do with our time?
Interesting enough, the first post was Fulton Street will be closed until late November.
Sound familiar?
Here's to another year and working to make a difference.

Rain Barrels on Parade Kickoff

Groups to Shower Elgin with "Green Art"
Rain barrels will be on double-duty this summer, as painted works of art around town and as eco-friendly containers saving rainwater throughout the community.

Neighborhood and community organizations will decorate 50 rain barrels that will be displayed at 50 various Elgin locations. Visitors will get a passport stamped for each barrel to be entered in a prize drawing. The rain barrels will be moved to Gail Borden Public Library, where they will be viewed and voted on to decide the community’s favorite, then auctioned off by ECN at FoxFireFest August 2 to benefit neighborhood projects. The deadline for submitting your barrel is May 25th. More info here.

Some photos from today's kickoff.

 

Mayor Schock

 

Sigi Psimenos and the performers.

Dancers in motion. Sometimes the iPhone camera can capture the moment.

Sherman Twitter Surgery on GMA

Tune into Good Morning America on Thursday, April 16th at 8:05 am CST for a piece on the Sherman Health surgery covered on Twitter. Their press release is below.

The surgery that we simulcast on Twitter and Facebook has helped a lot of people better understand the benefits of our high-tech surgical robot and how Sherman Hospital has become a leader in advanced medicine. Possible candidates for surgery in our community followed along and became more comfortable with the procedure. Even the patient's family was able to watch on a Blackberry from the waiting room! We've been featured on TV, websites, blogs, medical journals, magazines and newspapers across the country and as far away as India and Australia. But tomorrow morning we're proud to announce that we will be featured on ABC's Good Morning America at 8:05am CST! Check your local guides for channel information.

Local firm, Demi & Cooper, assists Sherman Health with their social media presence. Follow the Tweets here.

Downtown Elgin Harvest Market Applications Available

The Downtown Neighborhood Association, and partners Activate Elgin, Elgin Community Network (ECN) and Elgin Climate Change Organization (ECCO) are pleased to invite area farmers and the like to join Downtown Elgin’s 9th Annual Harvest Market. This market has featured everything from fruits, vegetables, plants, delicious jams, healthy gourmet dog treats, bread, pies, muffins and scones, olives, pita bread and hummus, spices, Mirai corn, free range meats and eggs, cheese, pickles, and olive oil all displayed in an open-air market like venue.

The market will be held in the Downtown core at the Civic Center parking lot at the corner of E. Highland and Douglas Avenue, near the Post office and City Hall, every Thursday June 11 through October 8, and will be open at 10am and ending this year at 4pm.

All area farmers, and the like, interested in an application for the 2009 season, along with Harvest Market sponsorship forms for health related businesses can call the Downtown Neighborhood Association at 847.488.1456, e-mail jbenson@elginil.org go to www.downtownelgin.org, or stop by the office on the first floor of the Elgin Tower Building, at 2 Douglas Avenue in Downtown Elgin. The deadline for the early registration fee, and to be in the marketing brochure for the season, is May 1, 2009.

New this year will be two educational booths that promote wellness and the environment via Activate Elgin and ECN & ECCO. Those interested in being at the Harvest Market educational booths for wellness related topics can contact Melissa Serritella from Activate Elgin at mserritella@elginymca.org. Those interested in being at the educational booths for environmental related topics can contact Sigi Psimenos at sigi777@sbcglobal.net.

Bands Playing Easter Weekend

This Friday, April 10 local band River Gypsies (rock covers and originals) opens for Late Night Hooligan Riff Raff, a new up and coming all original Chicago band playing music with a funkadelik crossing of genres! Watch this band, they're going places!

Saturday April 11 is a night of Blues / Rock! The Normal Street Band (blues and rock covers) and The Progressive Blues Experiment (now called Tuff Enuff) share the stage to bring you a night of blues and rock covers. This ain't your mama’s blues band; they incorporate elements of rock, funk, and pure jammin' into an elaborate style which follows in the steps of soulful innovaters such as Doyle Bramhall, Derek Trucks, Gov’t Mule and many many more.
We're not your father's Gasthaus, but we've been around for over 40 years and we're still going strong! A neighborhood bar where you are guaranteed to be remembered by name --with live music every weekend. Don't forget we specialize in birthdays! Come in within 5 days of your birthday and when your party has spent $50 we'll give you a $50 credit to keep the party going! PLUS- drink Das Boot- it's your day!!

Downtown Street Work - April 6th

Douglas between Highland & Dexter Ct, Symphony Way between Dundee & Center

Elgin – Phase III of the Central Business District’s $40 million Street Resurfacing and Streetscape Project is again underway as the City of Elgin continues to work toward the revitalization of its downtown area.

Water main service construction on Douglas Ave. between Highland Ave. and Dexter Court continues the week of April 6, 2009. Two-way traffic will be maintained and motorists will be able to maneuver through the work zone with flagger assistance.

On street parking will be limited during construction.  Patrons wishing to access businesses within this construction zone are encouraged to use the City Hall parking lot on the northwest corner of Douglas Ave. and Highland Ave.  Pedestrian access through and around the construction zone will be maintained.

Water main installation on Spring St. at Division and Center Streets and at Symphony Way between Center St. and Dundee Ave also continues this week.  Center St. at Symphony Way will be closed briefly during the installation of the water main.  Access to businesses on Center St. north of Symphony Way can be attained from Kimball Street.  Access to businesses on Center Street south of Symphony Way will be available from Symphony Way and will be directed by flaggers.  Parking is restricted in the construction zones, but is available along area streets. Motorists are asked to use caution when traveling. 

Lane closures will occur during normal working hours, approximately 7 a.m. through 4:30 p.m.  All lanes will be open during the overnight hours.

PHASE II STREETSCAPE CONSTRUCTION

Installation of the brick paver crosswalks on Chicago St. between Riverside Dr. and Center St./Villa Court and the adjacent side streets, Grove and Douglas Avenues and Spring St. is scheduled to begin April 27.  Completion of the crosswalks is expected to take approximately two weeks once construction begins.  Detailed information on construction schedules and lanes closures will be available prior to the start of the work.

Weekly progress meetings for the water main project are held on Thursdays at 8:30 a.m. at the construction office located at 201 E. Chicago Street.  Business and property owners are invited to attend the first 15 minutes of the meeting to address questions or concerns regarding the construction. 

Specific construction questions can be directed to Shelley Costello with TranSystems at 847-871-3185.

For general information, contact Joe Evers at 847-931-5955 or visit the City’s website at www.cityofelgin.org or Gettin’ Around in Downtown

Downtown Street Work - March 30th

Douglas between Highland & Dexter Ct, Division/Symphony Way between Douglas & Center

 

Elgin - Phase III of the Central Business District’s $40 million Street Resurfacing and Streetscape Project is again underway as the City of Elgin continues to work toward the revitalization of its downtown area.
Water main service construction on Douglas Ave. between Highland Ave. and Dexter Court continues the week of March 30, 2009. Two-way traffic will be maintained and motorists will be able to move through the work zone with flagger assistance.
On street parking will be limited during construction. Patrons wishing to access businesses within this construction zone are encouraged to use the City Hall parking lot on the northwest corner of Douglas Ave. and Highland Ave. Pedestrian access through and around the construction zone will be maintained.
Water main installation on Division St. between Douglas Ave. and Center St. and on Symphony Way also between Douglas Ave. and Center St. continues this week. Two-way traffic on Division St. and Symphony Way will be maintained, but flaggers may direct traffic around the construction. Parking is restricted in the construction zones, but is available along area streets. Motorists are asked to use caution when traveling.
These lane closures will occur during normal working hours, approximately 7 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. All lanes will be open during the overnight hours.

Phase II Streetscape Construction

Installation of the brick paver crosswalks on Chicago St. between Riverside Dr. and Center St./Villa Court and the adjacent side streets, Grove and Douglas Avenues and Spring St. is scheduled to begin mid-April. Completion of the crosswalks is expected to take approximately two weeks once construction begins. Detailed information on construction schedules and lanes closures will be available prior to the start of the work.

Weekly progress meetings for the water main project are expected to be held on Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m. at the construction office located at 201 E. Chicago Street. Business and property owners are invited to attend the first 15 minutes of the meeting to address questions or concerns regarding the construction. It’s anticipated that the meetings will begin within the next few weeks.

Specific construction questions can be directed to Shelley Costello with TranSystems at 847-871-3185.
For general information, contact Joe Evers at 847-931-5955 or visit the City’s website at www.cityofelgin.org or Gettin’ Around in Downtown

Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?

The clock on the Tower Building was being worked on today. Soon we may be able to find out what time it is in the City to Watch.


Another welcome sign is that the Fountain Square condos are painting the ugly preformed concrete on the north side of the building. Phase 2 was going to be built against it, but you know, the economy.

Speaking of signs, there is a new sign for the Spring Street Deck. It is just like the one at the Fulton Street Deck. See Signs post from 8/16/2008

It replaced one like this.

Illinois Main Street Day 2009

Tonya is in the Capitol today representing Elgin. Last night was dinner at the Governor's mansion with fellow main streeters.

Downtown Mixer - Tweetup

Wednesday, April 1 (No Fooling)
5 to 7 pm
Douglas Street Sports Bar
231 Douglas Ave.
Elgin, IL 60120

Cash bar, free knowledge.
RSVP here or on Facebook.

Last year, at our first Downtown Mixer we had Speed Networking. This year we're offering a different take on the same concept. We've been hearing that you want to learn more about all this social media stuff, so here's your chance.


"Speed Learning" at 5:30, 6:00 and 6:30 pm
At least three topics, a 15 minute small group presentation, Q&A.

Twitter, presented by Sarah Evans
Facebook for Business, presented by Steve Munson
Blogging, presented by Jessica Thompson

So join us for an evening of learning, networking and maybe even some fun.

Downtown Street Work - March 23rd

Construction continues week of 3/23. West (southbound) side of Douglas temporary lane closures.

Elgin - Phase III of the Central Business District’s $40 million Street Resurfacing and Streetscape Project is again underway as the City of Elgin continues to work toward the revitalization of its downtown area.

Water main service construction on Douglas Ave. between Chicago St. and Highland Ave. continues the week of March 23, 2009. With the west (southbound) side of Douglas Ave. under construction, temporary lane closures will be required to accomplish the work. Southbound traffic on Douglas Ave. will be detoured west on Highland Ave. to Grove Ave. Motorists will then turn south on Grove Ave. to Chicago St., head east on Chicago St. back to Douglas Ave. where traffic can continue south on Grove Ave. Northbound traffic will be allowed on Douglas Ave. through the work zone.

On street parking will be limited during construction. Patrons wishing to access businesses within this construction zone are encouraged to use the City Hall parking lot on the northwest corner of Douglas Ave. and Highland Ave. Pedestrian access through and around the construction zone will be maintained.

Water main installation on Division St. between Douglas Ave. and Center St. and on Symphony Way also between Douglas Ave. and Center St. continues this week. Two-way traffic on Division St. and Symphony Way will be maintained, but flaggers may direct traffic around the construction. Parking is restricted in the construction zones, but is available along area streets. Motorists are asked to use caution when traveling.

These lane closures will occur during normal working hours, approximately 7 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. All lanes will be open during the overnight hours.

Phase II Streetscape Construction

Installation of the brick paver crosswalks on Chicago St. between Riverside Dr. and Center St./Villa Court and the adjacent side streets, Grove and Douglas Avenues and Spring St. is scheduled to begin mid-April. Completion of the crosswalks is expected to take approximately two weeks once construction begins. Detailed information on construction schedules and lanes closures will be available prior to the start of the work.

Weekly progress meetings for the water main project are expected to be held on Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m. at the construction office located at 201 E. Chicago Street. Business and property owners are invited to attend the first 15 minutes of the meeting to address questions or concerns regarding the construction. It’s anticipated that the meetings will begin within the next few weeks.

Specific construction questions can be directed to Shelley Costello with TranSystems at 847-871-3185.

For general information, contact Joe Evers at 847-931-5955 or visit the City’s website at www.cityofelgin.org and click the Gettin’ Around in Downtown link.

The Burnham Plan Centennial

In 1909, Daniel Burnham and Edward Bennett collaborated with the Commercial Club of Chicago and others to create a new plan for the greater Chicago region. 100 years later you can see the results and plan the next 100 years here.

Follow @Burnham100 on Twitter for info on The Burnham Plan Centennial.

Take the Daniel Burnham Walking Tour presented during the 2009 National Main Streets Conference in Chicago.

Check out Elgin's contribution to the centennial starting May 19th. Elgin Alive:  Deep Roots, Green Future Exhibit

Be like Burnham. Make no small plans.

Bands at the Recently Remodeled Gasthaus

This Weekend:
This Friday night, March 20, at the Gasthaus is metal night- Life in Shadow, Walking Chaos, & Dedlock take the stage at 9:00 p.m.

Saturday night, March 21, is a tribute to Alice in Chains- Angry Chair performs with special guest Prime. $5 cover in the band room - as always the Whiskey Bar never charges a cover and always has the UFC fights on.

Next week:
Friday night, March 27, two local rock bands perform- XDoubleCrossX play your favorite Rock Covers and a few originals when they open for My Lazy Elephant with more of your favorite Rock tunes from the 80's through today. Both bands feature local Elgin musicians and guarantee you a great night out!

Saturday, March 28, is another night of local performers with more of a punk vibe- The Oil Can Boys and The Turdles take the stage with special guest Pete Jive and Juice Digits performing reggae numbers for your delight!
$5 Cover in the band room. Newly Remodeled, great prices, great atmosphere-- come in and Rock Da Haus!

They're Back!

Water Main Construction Resumes - Temporary Lane Closures on Douglas Avenue

Elgin - CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT PHASE 3 WATER MAIN CONSTRUCTION RESUMES


Weather permitting, construction work on the water main crossings on Douglas Avenue will resume on Monday, March 16th at 7 a.m. and will require temporary lane closures to accomplish the work. As work begins on the west (southbound) side of Douglas, the southbound traffic will be detoured west on Highland Avenue to Grove Avenue, south on Grove Avenue to Chicago Street and east on Chicago Street back to Douglas where traffic can continue south on Grove Avenue. Northbound traffic will be allowed on Douglas Avenue through the work zone.
When the water main crossing moves to the east (northbound) side of Douglas Avenue, northbound Douglas Avenue will be detoured at Chicago Street east to Spring Street, north on Spring Street to Highland Avenue, west on Highland Avenue back to Douglas where northbound traffic can continue north on Douglas Avenue. During this stage of the work, southbound traffic will be allowed on Douglas Avenue through the work zone.
On street parking will be limited during construction. Patrons wishing to access businesses within the construction zone are encouraged to use the City Hall parking lot on the northwest corner of Douglas Avenue and Highland Avenue. Pedestrian access through and around the construction zone will be maintained.
These lane closures will occur during normal working hours, approximately 7 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. All lanes will be open during the overnight hours.
On Division Street, pavement sawcutting will begin on Monday March 16th at 7 a.m. weather permitting. Traffic will remain open at all times and directed by a flagger.
Weekly progress meetings for the water main project are held on Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m. at the construction office located at 201 E. Chicago Street. Business and property owners are invited to attend the first 15 minutes of the meeting if they have any questions or concerns regarding the construction.
Specific questions regarding the construction can be directed to Shelley Costello with TranSystems at 847-871-3185.
For general information on the project, please contact Joe Evers at 847-931-5964 or visit the City’s website at www.cityofelgin.org and click the Gettin’ Around in Downtown link.

Red Bar to open this month, but not this week

In my excitement for the opening of the Red Bar Winery & Bistro, I said in my last blog post that it was opening this week. Scratch that. It is set to open this month, but the date has not yet been determined. My bad. I'll keep you posted.

Something's Brewing in Downtown Elgin

It was 1995. The era of flannel shirts, combat boots and a posthumous love of Kurt Cobain. The music was grunge. The fashion was androgynous. And the beer was microbrewed.

This was the year that Prairie Rock Brewing Company brought their artfully brewed beer and rustic elegance to downtown Elgin.

Just a year after the Grand Victoria began sailing the shores of the mighty Fox River, Prairie Rock rolled the dice on downtown Elgin. They were sort of a lone shark out there on the south edge of downtown, surrounded by the ghosts of car salesmen on what was once dealers’ row.

And the City took a gamble on Prairie Rock, too. It was more than a restaurant. It was a major player in the revitalization of Downtown Elgin.

And “P-Rock,” as I affectionately call it, played the role well for many years, becoming a favorite downtown destination and helping to shape downtown’s identity.

I have a lot of personal, special memories of P-Rock. Here are just a few . . .

. . . Having dinner with a group of friends before Elgin High School’s Turnabout Dance.

. . . Seeing one of Janus Theatre’s first performances up in the second floor loft space with the man who is now my beloved husband.

. . . Dancing like an idiot at my friend’s wedding reception in that same second floor loft space.

. . . Having a great time at the early Brew Fests when they were still on Prairie Street. Yeah, I don’t remember much else about that.

. . . Talking to people I never talked to in high school at my 10 year high school reunion.

. . . Singing “I will survive” with the girls on their famous Wednesday karaoke night.

. . . Plus many great lunches and dinners with new and old friends, paired with my favorite Vanilla Crème Ale, along the way.

Thank you to the owners, the staff, the brewmasters, the patrons and the City for 13 wonderful years. Prairie Rock’s slogan is so true, not only for the restaurant, but for what they did for the downtown . . . great beer really was the just the beginning.

In typical downtown fashion, as one door closes another one opens. There’s something new brewing in downtown. But it’s not beer . . . it’s wine.

Red Bar Winery and Bistro opens this month at 74 S. Grove Avenue, just down the street from the new Mad Maggie’s and Fountain Square condos.

Red Bar is an eclectic mix of restaurant, retail boutique and do-it-yourself winery. Owners Jim and Doris Canfield have created a unique destination where you can enjoy, purchase, learn about and make your own wine. They have completely transformed the space into a cozy and elegant lounge, complete with a red marble bar for which the place is named.

Please stop in and welcome Jim and Doris to the neighborhood. To learn more about Red Bar, give them a call at (847) 695-1659.