Food

We have entered the month of June. Oh goodness, I am actually getting nervous with the wedding of my daughter Verena and Daniel Ray being in 18 days.

Lockport is hosting its 52nd Old Canal Days festival this weekend featuring a carnival, food court, artisan vendors, beer garden, entertainment and special events. The festival runs through Sunday. The event is held at 303 W. Second St.

Woodstock's Food Truck Festival takes place 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 7 on Woodstock Square.

A major antiques show, date night options, entertainment at Morton Arboretum, vintage cars, debut of performance venue, festival fun and an arts weekend are all on tap in DuPage and Cook counties.

Father's Day is Sunday, June 15.

From the first Cruis'n the Square in downtown Kankakee to a Frank Lloyd Wright birthday party, check out these 5 things to do in Kankakee County this weekend.

Despite having shed a few stores in recent years, The Fresh Market grocery chain is in the midst of a true growth spurt, bringing its distinct stores to redeveloping areas of the suburbs.

Happy 54th birthday, Mom. I wanted to thank you for all you have taught me.

The American Red Cross, wants everyone to have a safe summer and offers safety steps to follow.

Beginning June 4, all children and teens can enjoy free meals in Lee County when school is out. This year, United Way will provide nutritious meals to kids and teens 18 and younger.

Northern Illinois offers a vibrant international food scene ready to tantalize your taste buds.

Outdoor farmers market season is underway this spring, with many options in the McHenry County area.

A family-owned Savarino’s Pizza is closing the doors on its Shorewood location on Sunday.

A complete makeover transformed the former village hall building into the new breakfast and lunch restaurant, which soon will add a dinner menu for evening service. A free monthly breakfast for veterans is one of the special perks.

From the Sunset Stroll to the Strawberry Jazz Fest, check out these 5 things to do in Kankakee County this weekend.

May is National Burger Month, and National Burger Day is May 28. Here's a list of award-winning burgers in the suburbs, DeKalb and Illinois Valley.

Running from May 28 through Aug. 6, United Way will provide grab-and-go lunches to children and teens at 17 locations across the county, ensuring children have access to meals during the school break. 

Mom, we children decided to each write a birthday message to you for your 54th birthday, May 22.

The Patio is planning to construct a new 8,000 to 9,000-square restaurant “from the ground up” at 250 E. Maple St. in New Lenox,

Cravers in Lockport offers “authentic Gyro delights” and “crispy beef” options on a plentiful menu.

ShareFest Will County will be offering a free food drive-thru service on Saturday, for pre-registered attendees. Volunteers needed.

The Lockport City Council granted final permission for the construction of a Wendy's restaurant near I-355.

Downers Grove launches its Friday Night Live concert lineup, while Westmont is home to the Spring Fling Festival, Darien adds a carnival to the holiday weekend, and The Forge Lemont Quarries presents the Blues, Brews & BBQ Fest. Theater lovers are offered a trio of new offerings.

The beloved taco and tequila bar opens its seventh Chicagoland location, serving up margaritas, tacos and non-stop vibes with a private event space and two expansive patios. 

Blackhawk Steak Pit in Oregon has become a destination for travelers and locals to enjoy dinner in the relaxed surroundings of a supper club atmosphere.

From the annual Pembroke Rodeo to the inaugural Momence Farmers Market, check out these 5 things to do in Kankakee County this weekend.

Costco is receiving a $10 million sales tax rebate from the city, which will most likely be paid off between 10-20 years, according to documents of the agreement.

The Ogle County Health Department sponsored the construction of another mini-food center Friday, May 16, 2025, at the Dixon Public Library.

Farmhouse Academy with locations in Crest Hill and Mokena offers cooking classes for all ages, as well as birthday parties and summer camps.

I am sharing a diary of a day of my activities from start to finish. Time goes by so quickly, and there is always something that needs my attention or needs to be done.

The restaurant is located near The Hampton Social in South Barrington, and offers everything from 'elevated' bar food to unique appetizers, steak, seafood and more.

Here's where you can find award-winning BBQ in DeKalb, Kane, Kendall and McHenry counties and the Illinois Valley. National Barbecue Day is Friday, May 16.

Designed to feel like a Rocky Mountain Wyoming escape, Lazy Dog’s warm interior will be complete with lodge-inspired furnishings, ledge stone and artwork reminiscent of the Cowboy State.

Established in 1936 by Sylvio “Rip” and Emma Gualandri, the establishment in Ladd has been serving chicken, crispies, pickles, fried appetizers, beer and liquor for 89 years.

You don't need to travel to the Big Apple to find New York-style pizza here in Illinois. Check out our list of suburban pizzerias that serve the ultra-thin-crust delicacy.

Celebrating Bourbonnais' 150th birthday and eating some pie at the 35th annual Rhubarb Festival are two options from our 5 things to do in Kankakee County this weekend.

The popular Italian restaurant pizza bar will open its seventh location this summer at the Lombard shopping destination.

Bluegrass Burger Bash Day at The Curator's Cafe in Joliet features a grass-fed bluegrass burger from Hauert Farms in Elwood along with live music from 5 to 7 p.m.

Check out these northern Illinois restaurants known for their burgers. From McHenry County to the Illinois Valley and everywhere in between, we've got you covered with a variety of places to try during National Burger Month.

Thanks to all the readers who came to meet me and support me. I hope you enjoy your cookbooks. Sometimes I feel like giving up writing this column each week. Then I talk to you, wonderful readers, and all the encouragement you give me.

Lorraine Sauber made breakfast, lunch, and dinner, for her 15 children, from scratch, every day. Here is here apple dumpling recipe.

Two new Jack in the Box restaurants will open in Will County this summer.

May Fest will bloom at Cantigny, while Wheaton separately plays host to a mac-and-cheese festival. Concerts will showcase folk and classical artists, while the game's afoot for "Miss Holmes Returns."

Treat mom to brunch on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 11.

From enjoying flowers and raising mental health awareness to celebrating Mother's Day, check out these 5 things to do in Kankakee County this weekend.

Verena and Daniel will be married in Dustin and Loretta’s pole barn and the reception will be held here.

The JTHS 24th Annual Brent Wadsworth Alumni Golf Outing benefits students and staff at District 204 in Joliet.

Here's a list of the best Mexican restaurants in DeKalb, Kane, Kendall and McHenry counties and the Illinois Valley, as voted on by Shaw Local audiences.

The Joliet Township Hogs & Dog event will bring together motorcycle enthusiasts, pet lovers, local vendors and the community in support of animal welfare.

Indulge at one of these award-winning spots in DeKalb, Kane and McHenry counties and the Illinois Valley area this weekend to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.