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- ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT | Strawberry Fest Returns to Historic Chicago Suburb of Long Grove
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN LONG GROVE, JUNE 23-25 Historic Downtown Long Grove will once again host its annual homage to strawberries at the eponymously-named summer festival, Strawberry Fest. After a brief hiatus last year, Strawberry Fest returns by popular demand ( http://longgrove.org/festivals/strawberry-festival-2017/ ) June 23rd through the 25th. At the 2017 edition, producers are presenting three days of riveting live music along with vendors and activities devoted to the almighty strawberry, from prime rib sandwiches lathered in strawberry salsa to strawberry pie-eating competitions. Although Strawberry Fest begins and ends with the strawberry, in no way is it an exclusive strawberry party. For those who want to mix it up, all Midwest summer fruits will be represented, offering diverse creations for every taste bud. In addition to three stages of live entertainment programmed by Ravenswood Special Events, Strawberry Fest 2017 will see the return of the beloved Kid Zone, with timeless fun for the young and the young at heart. "It seems people can't get enough strawberries," joked Ryan Messner, President of the Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association. "We're excited to bring Strawberry Fest back! It's Long Grove's signature summer party, always a great time to come out and visit our charming town." The first area of attraction that stands out this year is the live music. With three stages of non-stop, high quality tunes, there won't ever be a dull moment. Stasek Chevrolet Main Stage headliners include rock tribute powerhouse 7th Heaven (Friday at 9 pm), 80's cover giants Hi Infidelity (Saturday at 9 pm), and the redheads that rock known as The Gingers (Sunday at 4 pm). The full music lineup can be found on the website. In respect to Strawberry Fest eats, on top of the many strawberry-infused foods and drinks, there will be a wide array of BBQ and fruits of the summer delights from popular local vendors like Strawberry Patch, The Village Tavern, and Long Grove Confectionery. Some of the fest's unique strawberry-centric food and beverage items include: strawberry beer, strawberry wine, chocolate strawberry popcorn, strawberry kabobs, strawberry jams, strawberry fudge and much more. For the kiddos, Strawberry Fest organizers are planning thrilling activities all weekend long at the Kid's Zone, including: Medieval Times junior knight training, dance performances, water balloon toss, bag sets, spin art coloring, face painting, the bubbler, flower crown arts and crafts, DIY gardening for little green thumbs, and much more. There will also be live karaoke on the Fountain Square Stage on Sunday and the exhilarating strawberry pie-eating competitions on Saturday and Sunday for both kids and adults. To cap it off, a full carnival - with all the classic carnival rides from Fantasy Amusements - will be held the Archer parking lot. Separate carnival ride tickets will be available for purchase on-site. Location: Downtown Long Grove, 308 Old McHenry Rd, Long Grove, IL 60047 Hours of Operation for Strawberry Fest: Fri, June 23: 11 am - 11 pm; Sat, June 24: 10 am - 11 pm, Sun, June 25: 10 am - 6 pm Strawberry Fest Admission: $5 per person, children under 12 no charge all the time. On Friday from 11 am - 2 pm there will be no admission for all. Parking is complimentary in all public lots: Stempel Municipal Lot - 360 Historical Lane, Long Grove, IL 60047 Archer Lot - 343 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove, IL 60047 Kildeer Countryside Elementary School - 3100 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove, IL 60047 #GlancerMagazine #ArtsEntertainment #Summer2017 #LongGrove #GlancerWeekly
- KIDS + TEENS | Free Summer Play Days June 17, July 15, Aug 19 at Sensory Garden Playground
ROTARY CELEBRATES SENSORY GARDEN PLAYGROUND PLAY DAY EVENT! On June 17, the Sensory Garden Playground will host their second summer play day event from 10am to Noon. At this event, families can explore the playground’s first phase, get their faces painted, plant flowers in the fragrance garden, draw with chalk and socialize. The Wheaton Rotary Clubs and local service organizations will be joining in on the fun. “The Wheaton Rotary Clubs have been supportive of the Sensory Garden Playground project since 2013. At the April 22nd, Fun Run, they presented the Play For All Foundation with a combined check of $20,000. We want to recognize the Rotary Clubs along with several of our supporting service organizations because their continued support was instrumental in us completing phase one of the project, said Margie Wilhelmi, Director of Marketing. “The Sensory Garden [Playground] project was a unique opportunity for our clubs to get behind from the very beginning,” said Wheaton Rotary Club member Steve Charvat. “Rotary prides itself on being part of a solution and making a difference in the lives of others. This project seemed ideal and we are pleased to be involved.” The Sensory Garden Playground (2751 Navistar Dr., Lisle, IL.) provides opportunities for side-by-side play to children of all abilities. The Summer Play Days are free-of-charge and will take place on June 17, July 15 and August 19, 10A-12P. New this year, several local libraries will be presenting sensory-friendly story times. On June 17, Naperville Public Library will be there and on August 19, Glen Ellyn Public Library. Alongside staff from the Wheaton Park District and Western DuPage Special Recreation Association, the story times will take place in the playground’s Central Gathering Area. “The library will provide a table with sensory-engaging materials, as well as a story time that will be appropriate for children of all ability levels,” said Ellen Norton, Children’s Services Supervisor at the Naperville Public Library’s 95th Street Branch. “We will also have information on hand about all of our fun programs going on throughout the summer.” The playground’s equipment is funded by corporate and private donations, and fundraising for the next phase, an accessible treehouse, is underway, said foundation board member Margie Wilhelmi. “Everything helps,” she said. “We’re getting close to our goal, and if we meet it, we may be able to start construction on the treehouse sometime this year. We have hosted two focus groups to receive community input and blueprints are underway with a design firm.” Late last year, the Play For All Playground & Garden Foundation, the 501(c)3 nonprofit developing the facility, announced it had received a $100,000 donation and a $50,000 donation toward the treehouse from two local donors who wished to remain anonymous. This summer, the foundation will install the Sensory Arch, the second in a series of sensory-integrated sculptures by local artist Joe Gagnepain. The arch, an eight-foot-tall steel horseshoe, will span the wooden bridge into the playground. Two more sculptures—a Carousel that spins on a central axle and a Harness Racer, shaped like a farmer operating a horse-drawn plow—are also planned and under construction. Beyond the treehouse, blueprints for the 40-acre facility include a playground for 5-to-12-year-old children, water play area, boulder climb area, and multipurpose sports field. No registration or fees are required for this year’s Play Days. To learn more about them and support the completion of the treehouse and other future phases, visit www.playforalldupage.org . #GlancerMagazine #KidsTeens #Summer2017 #SummerFun #Wheaton #Lisle #Naperville #ArtsEntertainment #GlancerWeekly
- ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT | Summer Place Theatre presents The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
NAPERVILLE – JUNE 16-18 & JUNE 23-25 Award-winning The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee invites audience members to participate in the hallowed middle school tradition of spelling complicated words while trying to suppress thoughts of cute classmates, family drama, and self-doubt. Tickets are $10 for children, $15 for seniors and students, and $20 for adults. The show is rated PG-13. Experience the fun at Naperville Central High School during any of the performances below. June 16-18 and June 23-25 7:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays 3:00pm on Sundays Summer Place Theatre has been Naperville’s community theatre since 1966. Spelling Bee kicks off the company’s 51st season. Visit http://www.summerplacetheatre.org/Shows for the 2017 lineup and to purchase tickets. Email: info@summerplacetheatre.org Box office phone: (630)355-7969 #GlancerMagazine #ArtsEntertainment #KidsTeens #Naperville #Summer2017 #GlancerWeekly
- DINING + CABARET | Sushi Facts In Honor of International Sushi Day June 18
5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT SUSHI From the fresh flavor to the bright exotic colors, sushi has become a staple food item in American culture, but very few people know the history behind it. So, Benihana is here to help. See below for sushi facts that will turn your readers into a true sushi enthusiast, just in time for International Sushi Day on June 18. The term sushi means “vinegared rice” not “raw fish.” Vinegared rice is the base ingredient to every piece of sushi. Sushi is estimated to have started as early as 500 B.C. but it didn’t transform into the bite-sized sushi everyone knows until the 19th century. Traditionally, sushi chefs use special Japanese carbon steel knives. These knives are only honed on a single side to create the sharpest possible cutting edge for prepping sushi. Benihana uses these special knives when preparing its delectable sushi rolls each day. Sushi is as much of an art form as it is a delicacy. In Japan, sushi chefs must undergo ten years of professional training before earning the stamp of “Sushi Master.” Sushi is meant to be served in a particular way. In order to achieve the rice’s ideal “stickiness,” chefs aim to keep their rice around 110 degrees Fahrenheit before adding the cold fish. Once served, soy sauce is meant to serve as a complementary condiment rather than a dipping sauce. There’s more to sushi than rolls and maki. Nigiri (pieces of fish on top of rice), sashimi (sliced fish only) and temaki (hand rolls), are all more common in Japan. Benihana offers all varieties #GlancerMagazine #DiningCabaret #FoodKitchen #ArtsEntertainment #Lifestyle #DownersGrove #TrendingNow
- CARING + SHARING | Sugar Grove Public Library to Host Pet Adoption Event
SATURDAY, JUNE 10–11am-2pm The Sugar Grove Public Library will be hosting a Pet Adoption event on Saturday June 10th from 11:00am – 2:00pm. This event will feature cats and dogs available for adoption from three local rescue groups: Rover Rescue, A Little R&R Animal Sanctuary, and St. Sophia’s Forgotten Felines. Two Sugar Grove businesses, It’s Raining Cats & Dogs and Purrfect Paws of Sugar Grove, will be on site for any boarding, sitting, or grooming needs. Patrons can view adoptable animals and work The popular Read to Rover program, where children can read to Fox Valley Therapy Dogs, will be from 10:30am – 11:30 am that day. Pet-themed crafts will be available for both teens and children to work on during the event. Donations will be collected at the library from now until the event date for these animal rescue organizations. Donations requested include toys, nylabones, treats, food, collars, leashes, metal dog bowls, paper towels, laundry detergent (HE), clay cat litter (non-clumping), scoopable cat litter (Tidy Cats preferred), Yesterday’s News cat litter, canned pate kitten food, KMR (Kitten Meal Replacer), Paper Towels, Lysol Wipes (fresh scent, NOT lemon or orange). The event takes place at the Sugar Grove Public Library in the public meeting room. There is no cost. This program is not limited to Sugar Grove Public Library cardholders. More details at www.sgpl.or g click calendar, or call 630-466-4686. #GlancerMagazine #Pets #Community #Kaneland #ArtsEntertainment #CaringSharing #SugarGrove #GlancerWeekly
- KIDS + TEENS | Safety Town “Open Bike Night” In Naperville - 8 Summer Dates
CHILDREN ARE INVITED TO PRACTICE SAFE BICYCLING This summer, the Naperville Police Department has partnered with the Naperville Junior Woman’s Club to offer “Open Bike Night” at Safety Town. On the following nights, children between the ages of 3 and 10 are invited to bring their bikes to Safety Town, 1320 Aurora Ave., and practice riding on the streets of this miniature city from 5 to 7 p.m. on the following Wednesdays: June 7, 14, 21, 28 July 12, 19, 26 August 2 While riding, participants practice many of the basic rules of safe bicycling, including riding single file, stopping and looking both ways at intersections, using correct hand signals and following road signs and signals. Teen volunteers will be on hand to manipulate the traffic signals for a more realistic biking experience. The cost is $5.00 per child. Additionally, children may rent a Kettcar® for $3.00 if they would rather ride one of Safety Town’s small 4-wheeled bikes. During “Open Bike Night” adult supervision is required, and all children must wear a bike helmet. Members of the Naperville Police Department will offer helmet fitting sessions at each “Open Bike Night” to ensure that everyone’s helmet is properly adjusted for a safe ride. Many times, helmets do not provide the proper protection because they are not worn correctly. Also, a poorly adjusted helmet is often uncomfortable, which can cause a child to argue about wearing one. It is estimated that a properly fitted helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by 85 percent. The Naperville Police Department Traffic Unit strongly urges all bicyclists to wear a bike helmet every time they ride. For more information about “Open Bike Night,” contact Sydney Zuhn, Director of Safety Town, at info@napersafetytown.com or Mary Browning, Naperville Police Department Community Education Specialist, at browningm@naperville.il.us. #GlancerMagazine #ArtsEntertainment #KidsTeens #Community #GlancerWeekly #Naperville #CaringSharing
- COVER STORY | Summer of Selfies Contest, Win $200
ALL YOU NEED ARE 6 GREAT WEST SUBURBAN SHOTS.... We’re inviting our readers to kick off summer by exploring the western suburbs with our Summer of Selfies Contest. All you need is 6 great shots to win a $200 dining out gift card! It’s simple! Grab your phone, some favorite friends and visit all six of our requested Selfie Hot Spots before you snap away. SELFIE #1 At a Beach or Pool SELFIE #2 Under a Favorite Street Sign SELFIE #3 At an Ice Cream Shop SELFIE #4 Visiting a Community Park SELFIE #5 Dining Outdoors SELFIE #6 Wild Card! You Choose All six photos need to be sent to us by Friday, June 16 at 5pm. The top 3 Selfie Sets will be chosen by #TeamGlancer using the following criteria: ► Most Creative ► Best In Community Spirit ► Highest Fun-Factor The top 3 Selfie Sets will be shared in Social Media and voted on by our followers via facebook “likes”. The gallery with the most “likes” wins $200! The winner’s selfies will be featured in an upcoming issue of Glancer Magazine. CONTEST DETAILS Upload or email 6 selfies by Friday, June 16 at 5pm to GlancerMagazine.com or promotions@glancermagazine.com. The top 3 Selfie Sets will be selected by #TeamGlancer. See criteria above. The top 3 Selfie Sets will be posted in Social Media for voting ability (the most facebook “likes” by deadline will win). The winner will be announced in social media on June 26 by 5pm. He/she will win a $200 Gift Card to their favorite west suburban restaurant, compliments of Glancer Magazine. He/she will choose the restaurant and Glancer Magazine will provide the gift card via certified mail. No purchase necessary to win. Glancer Magazine reserves all rights. ©GlancerMagazine 2017 #GlancerMagazine #Summer2017 #SummerofSelfiesContest #June12017 #Naperville #Wheaton #GlenEllyn #Lisle #DownersGrove #StCharles #Geneva #Batavia #Oswego #Aurora #CoverStory #Lifestyle #GlancerWeekly
- SPOTLIGHT | Kid Stuff - June 1, 2017
This summer, let us help you make it super fun for the kids with these unique, high-energy events and activities, filled with F-U-N! Share this feature with friends online and in social media. Visit us at www.glancermagazine.com. AWEsome 30th Birthday Splash • Saturday & Sunday, June 24 & 25 NAPERVILLE–DuPage Children’s Museum is turning 30! Celebrate its birthday AND the Grand Opening of AWEsome Water. They’re having an AWEsome 30th Birthday Splash on Saturday, June 24 and Sunday, June 25 with tons of fun activities including face painting, a photo booth, Rubber Ducky Excavations, Messy Sensory Room, Ben’s Bubble Show, Mr. Freeze Show, and so much more. The Grand Opening of Awesome Water marks the completion of the Museum’s largest exhibit - AWEsome Energy. For 30 years, DuPage Children’s Museum has been putting Mission in Motion by igniting the potential of all children through hands-on exploration. Join the Celebration! www.dupagechildrens.org , (630) 637-8000 Need a Nanny or a Tutor for Your Family? College Nannies, Sitters + Tutors has been Building Stronger Families® in south Naperville and surrounding communities since 2015. Locally owned and operated, this company is part of your community, here to serve your family. Whether your family needs the quality care that comes from one of their role model nannies or the one-on-one attention from one of their College Tutors, they are committed to helping you with a customized solution to your specific needs. Please call or stop in today to schedule a personal family consultation. Janene Marshall-Gatling, Franchise Owner, College Nannies, Sitters + Tutors • (630) 219-1175, www.collegenanniesandtutors.com/NapervilleSouthIL Frontier Kite Fly Festival • Sunday, June 4 NAPERVILLE–The 11th Annual Frontier Kite Festival will once again be an event for the entire family to enjoy featuring gigantic kites, professional demonstrations and stunts. Plus,. a family kite flying area, an assortment of kids, activities including crafts and jump houses, live music, games and giveaways will add to the experience. Doesn’t it sound like so much fun! Presented by the Naperville Moms Network www.napervilleparks.org/kitefly Just For Kids Fishing Derby • Sunday, June 11 WINFIELD–Bring the family to this friendly fishing competition just for kids 15 and younger being held at Blackwell Forest Preserve. Free. Register at the event or in advance online or at (630) 933-7248. www.dupageforest.org Otter Cove Invites You In to Splash ST. CHARLES–Summer fun heats up with an almost never-ending stream of cool events at Otter Cove Aquatic Park. Along with the park’s mainstay attractions - Turtle Creek Lazy River, Salamander Slides and the Frog Bog zero-depth activity pool, there’s special splashtastic summer activities planned for kids of all ages. Mark your calendar to attend Mermaid & Pirate Nights, Deck Art Days, Ollie’s Birthday Bash, the World’s Largest Swim Lesson, Christmas in July, Sundae Sunday and more. Every day from 4-6pm, there’s Happy Hour Sand Volleyball special. Of course, all this fun is sure to work up an appetite and nothing satisfies a swimmer’s munchies better than a snack from The Dive concessions. Daily admission fees apply. For details on the wet & wild fun, visit www.ottercove.org. #GlancerMagazine #KidsTeens #ArtsEntertainment #FamilyTime #Spotlights #June12017 #Naperville #StCharles #Warrenville
- TRAVEL + LEISURE | Pedis-N-Passports
MOTHER-DAUGHTER ROAD TRIP There’s nothing quite like the adventure of a mother-daughter road trip. It’s actually a rite of passage for a teen girl and her mom. Whether you head east to Niagara Falls, west to the Grand Canyon, south to Gulf Shores, north to Mackinac Island or just play spin the compass, we’ve come up with Five Essential Tips that will ensure a successful trip when hitting the road! 1. Be Prepared Once your family agrees on a destination, research all of the fun stops along the way. Calculate the distances and travel times between points and chart out an optimal route that hits all of the places you want to see. 2. Be Safe Access to roadside assistance, such as AAA, is a must. Always make sure someone knows where you are. Booking hotels prior to leaving is also wise. Pack a survival kit for the car as well–portable chargers, bug spray, sunscreen, towels, an umbrella, a first aid kit, and water bottles will be some of the items in this kit. 3. Be Healthy With the golden arches and a Cracker Barrel every half mile, along with the gourmet gas station snacks, make sure to pre-pack healthier options for your trip. Protein bars, fruit, and sandwiches are our staples. 4. Be Organized Pack overnight hotel bags separate from the items that will remain in the car. Keep everything in containers, (including ear buds so they don’t tangle). Bringing a few garbage bags, baby wipes, hand sanitizer and tissues will help you be prepared for those unexpected messes. Dryer sheets will be your backpacks’ best friend. 5. Be Spontaneous One of the best things about a road trip is that there are no rigid schedules. That means you have all the time in the world to explore and enjoy. Make time for those radio jam sessions, classic corny road trip car games, sharing secrets, laughs, hopes and dreams. You’ll definitely make some mistakes--you may even lose your way…but trust us, this is where you’ll find something so much more important. A road trip is all about the journey. So here’s to your hair blowing in the wind and your gas tank never being empty. ABOUT THE BLOGGERS Naperville mom and teacher, Kristen Kainrath and her teen daughter, Brooke, are a mother-daughter travel-blogging team who have always shared an incurable case of wanderlust. Their goal is to inspire girls to follow their passions and appreciate the diversity of our global community. Follow them on their journeys at www.pedisnpassports.com and watch for their monthly article inside Glancer Magazine in 2017. #GlancerMagazine #TravelLeisure #PedisNPassports #June12017 #Lifestyle #FeaturedBlog #FeaturedBlogger
- CARING + SHARING | Area Resident Creates Blue Ring Campaign
WOODRIDGE NATIVE LAUNCHES POSITIVE & AFFORDABLE OCEAN CONSERVATION INITIATIVE Woodridge native Alex Rose is far beyond her 30 years when it comes to ocean exploration. As an underwater photographer, science editor, managing editor, PADI Divemaster, Explorers Club Fellow and professional violinist, she’s traveled to the Galapagos, Cuba, Norway and the Arctic in support of her mission to enhance public understanding of the marine world and to find ways to protect the ocean realm through research, writing, conservation and education. When you talk to her mentors or some of the prestigious scientists that Alex works and travels with, they would not only rave about her exceptional dedication to conservation, but also her violin playing. She has impressed her peers (including her mentor Dr. Sylvia Earle, the world-renowned oceanographer) with keynote presentations and talks on sustainability while also attending and speaking at Singapore’s Ocean Week ADEX in April. On June 8th - World Ocean Day, Alex will launch the Blue Ring campaign. The idea began when she tried to create a personal Facebook page for “The Ocean.” Alex felt a “in a relationship” status would reflect her dedication and passion to protecting the world’s precious marine habitats. However, due to Facebook rules and restriction, Alex settled for a public figure page of the same name (www.facebook.com/thoughtsfromtheocean). But it wasn’t until she gave a keynote presentation at the 2016 Blue Ocean Film Festival that she discovered her mission. A woman in the audience approached her after her talk and it was clear she was emotionally moved by the imagery Alex displayed from her Arctic expedition. The woman explained, “If I ever get married, that's where I would want to do it. But I don't want to marry a person, I want to marry the ocean!" Alex knew what she had to do…use that sentiment to catalyze some serious change in the world. The Blue Ring campaign is a positive and affordable ocean conservation initiative where anyone over 18 years of age can Mery™(marry) the Ocean. (derived from the root word “mer” meaning sea). For a membership fee of $25 annually, people can show their ongoing and committed relationship with the Ocean and contribute to the conversation and become part of a global network. Participants will receive a digital Meriage Certificate along with a ring made from recycled ocean plastic. Anyone under age 18, for a membership fee of $10 can be adopted by the ocean and become a “child of the sea.” Instead of a ring to showcase their commitment, they will receive a pin made from recycled ocean plastic. The first year’s goal is to raise $5 million dollars for two-1000 meter, dual-classed submersibles to be used by world renowned oceanographer/explorer Dr. Sylvia Earle to continuous ocean exploration. www.bluering.blue #GlancerMagazine #LocalWomen #CaringSharing #Community #June12017
- WAY BACK WHEN | The History of Meson Sabika
LOCAL TAPAS RESTAURANT RICH IN HISTORY Meson Sabika is an award-winning Spanish Tapas restaurant that has resided in an 1847 Georgian mansion since 1990. The restaurant offers a unique and unmatched dining experience. Guests can dine indoors and enjoy the grace and charm reminiscent of a European Villa or can choose to sit outdoors on the terrace while enjoying the ultimate alfresco experience underneath 150-year-old oak trees which cover the estate. The Willoway Mansion was built in 1847 and sits on a pristine four-acre estate near downtown Naperville. After a meticulous renovation that brought back the mansion’s original charm as well as added modern conveniences to the restaurant, Mesón Sabika opened its doors in 1990. Guests will find that each item on the menu offers a taste of Spain. Whether it’s enjoying hot and cold tapas, sangria, an entree or a vintage wine – there’s always a pleasant combination of exceptional food, friendly service, and unique atmosphere where family and friendship can live life in celebration. Their award-winning Sunday Brunch buffet consists of hot and cold tapas, as well as a carving station, hot soup, fresh fruit, paella and breakfast items. Included in the brunch are made to-order omelets and home-made desserts from the kitchen. Beverages include one glass of champagne or a mimosa for adults 21 and over, as well as juice, soda, tea and coffee. Additionally, Mesón Sabika is a popular venue for weddings and events in the Chicagoland area. Meson Sabika 1025 Aurora Ave., Naperville (630) 983-3000 www.mesonsabika.com #GlancerMagazine #WayBackWhen #Naperville #DiningCabaret #June12017
- THE CHICAGO WINO | June 2017
RENDEZVOUS WITH LITTLE BLUE I recently read an article making a case for why you should not be afraid of ordering wines made with grapes that you may have not heard of, or produced in countries that aren’t considered “mainstream” for wine. With over 10,000 varieties of grapes, and wine production in almost every country, chances are there are some gems out there that you’ve never heard of, let alone had an opportunity to try. When you’re at a restaurant or just walking through the aisles of your favorite liquor store, roll the dice once in a while and grab a bottle of something new to you! Recently, I had an absolute gem from Croatia named “Little Blue” after the grape’s appearance. Interestingly, Croatia is an expert in wine making. Wine production has been attributed to the ancient Greek settlers, arriving on the Croatian coast in the 5th century BC. In other words, Croatians have been making juice a lot longer than we have in the states. I tasted “Little Blue” by Zlatan Otok Vineyards from Dalmatia, Croatia. On the islands and the Dalmatian coast, local grape varying microclimates, and the rather harsh nature of the vineyards, leads to some highly individual wines and some of Croatia's best known. Little Blue is made with 100% Plavac Mali (Plah-vatz mah-lee) which is a cross between Crljenak Kaštelanski (Zinfandel) & Dobričić grapes – indigenous to Croatia. This charming and super affordable wine has notes of black raspberry, tobacco, white pepper, smoke, dried fruit, and a hint of prune. Little Blue is a fun light-hearted wine which will be my 2017 #SummerJam for sure! Retailing for around $13, you can try something new for a bargain! Sláinte! ABOUT THE WRITER Eric McMillan, The Chicago Wino, is your source for lighthearted reviews of wine. thechicagowino.com also features links to fun tools like wine/food pairing, ideal serving temperatures, and "must try" bottles! Visit thechicagowino.com for a simple look at some complex flavors. "Like" Eric on Facebook–The Chicago Wino THE CHICAGO WINO WILL APPEAR IN EACH MONTHLY EARLY EDITION OF GLANCER MAGAZINE. SUBSCRIBE TODAY SO YOU DON’T MISS A SINGLE ISSUE #GlancerMagazine #TheChicagoWino #DiningCabaret #FoodKitchen #FeaturedBlog #June12017