This week Laura and Sara are joined by Tamte Meladze of Oda Mediterranean Cuisine. Oda showcases the flavor of the Ottoman kitchen and brings together the eclectic food traditions of Turkey and neighboring countries including France, Italy and Georgia while indulging Chicagoans in an overwhelmingly delicious authentic culinary experience at 5657 N Clark.

Tamte Meladze of Oda Mediterranean Cuisine is featured on this week’s episode of #AlwaysAndersonville: The Podcast.

Listen to Episode 94 with Tamte Meladze!

• Tamte and her mother are originally from the country of Georgia, and her step-father is from Turkey. Tamte arrived in the US at the age of 19 in November 1, 2001, and immediately began working at the family restaurant, Turkish Cuisine. She is from Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia.
• Before opening Oda, as mentioned above, Tamte’s family ran the restaurant Turkish Cuisine located at 5605 N Clark for 15 years. At the time of opening in 2001, there were very few Turkish restaurants in Chicago. Similar dishes in Turkish cuisine to other Mediterranean countries are kabobs, hummus, mezes, falafal, and baba ganoush to name a few. Tamte shares that Turkish cuisine doesn’t incorporate very much fat or oil, and is very healthy. Turkish breakfast consists of different kinds of jams, cheeses, dried fruits, nuts, honey and eggs, and Turkish Tea. Our kind of breakfast!
• The family opened Oda in 2019. The word “oda” has many meanings, most notably, oda were poems of admiration in ancient Greece. The family began with Turkish cuisine, and then began adding other dishes like mousaka (eggplant casserole) and beef stroganoff. In Turkish, “oda” means “room,” and in Georgian it refers to a vintage house, and in Greek it’s a word of admiration. They use it to mainly describe a welcoming, cozy room or house. “The word oda has meaning of all the languages we speak!” says Tamte.

A meze platter at Oda, including hummus, babaganoush, dolma, ezme, atom, eggplant roulades, and soslu patlican.

• We ask what is it like to live so locally – owning a business, living, and sending your kids (ages 4 & 8) to school, all in Andersonville? “I have everything around. I am a Peirce parent and the restaurant is literally a half a block away. Everything else; if you want ice cream, a sandwich, or clothes – everything is around, we love Andersonville! We’ve been here since the day we came to Chicago.” Tamte and her family were drawn to Andersonville because it was in the city and close to downtown but not directly in it. As a local family restaurant, it’s the right location for them.
• The menu at Oda features traditional items like hummus, mezes and kabobs. The Georgian influence comes through as well, like in their wine tasting event earlier this year. Oda features specific Georgian dishes, one being khachapuri, a dough and cheese dish. They feature dishes with lots of walnuts and pomegranates.
• Georgia is considered a birth country of wine, dating back 8,000 years. The Georgian process of wine-making involves burying huge vessels underground, which gives it a distinct taste and color. It’s often referred to as Amber Wine, or Orange Wine because the process uses white grapes with skins on, which gives it a unique amber color. Oda’s wine menu can be viewed here, and they have plans to bring in more Georgian wines. Tamte describes the taste of Georgian wine as being more dense, very different, and lots of fruity and nutty influence. You’ll have to come in and try it!
  

  A variety of wines featured at Oda.

• Tamte’s favorite dish is beef stroganoff, a dish she grew up on – her mother’s staple. Oda also offers a vegetarian mushroom stroganoff variation.
• Over the years, Tamte’s favorite story is from Oda’s first Mother’s Day. They had a full house, and the lights went out in Andersonville. They were so scared everyone would leave, so Tamte’s mother ran to Jewel and purchased candles. They had 6 chefs in that day, and they cooked by candle and flashlight. Everyone stayed, and it was the most romantic mother’s day they have ever had! The convenience of Andersonville is amazing – everything you need is here, in walking distance.
• For someone new to Turkish cuisine and perhaps a timid eater, Tamte recommends an appetizer platter which allows you to taste a little bit of everything. Oda offers gluten free options, including Georgian bread. Combination meat platters have chicken, lamb, and beef. And obviously rice and salad! For seafood lovers, Tamte recommends chargrilled octopus. Delish!

Char-grilled octopus at Oda.

• Tamte’s advice to someone opening a restaurant is that you have to love the business, and have an idea of what you do. It was easier for her to feel comfortable and confident because her mother and father were both chefs. And, it is important to find a good chef who will cook the way you want. “If you want to do something, everything is possible. It’s Chicago. We love Andersonville,” Tamte shares, “When we opened Oda, everything was different. We didn’t have a liquor, or a patio license, and the Chamber has helped.”
• Tamte travels back to Georgia every year, as her sister, extended family and friends are there. Tourism is rising there with winter and summer resorts, wineries, with many European and American tourists. She has noticed more customers come in to Oda and share that they have plans to visit Georgia.
• Tamte’s kids are the next generation, and they spend lots of time in the restaurant, aka “Bebo’s (grandma) Restaurant.” Their favorite dishes are the cheesy bread and chicken kabob – a classic kid staple!
• If Tamte could trade places with another Andersonville restaurant for a day (in all her spare time of being a parent, her full-time data management job as well has running Oda), it would be Toys Et Cetera, the perfect place to find a high-quality, educational and fun birthday present. If Tamte switched places with another Andersonville restaurant, it would be Piatto Pronto.

Visit Oda Mediterranean Cuisine on the following platforms:
Online: www.odachicago.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/odachicago
Instagram: @odachicago

This week Laura and Heather are joined by Steven Sanchez and Giselle LaBorde Sanchez of Mena Tours and Travel. Established in 1965, Mena Tours and Travel wants to share the world and bring you the best cruises, vacations and packages. Their friendly, knowledgeable agents will work hard to bring you the best at 5209 N Clark now on the 2nd floor.

Giselle Laborde and Steven Sanchez of Mena Travel are featured on this week’s episode of #AlwaysAndersonville: The Podcast.

Listen to Episode 93 with Giselle Laborde and Steven Sanchez!

• Giselle Laborde has been in the travel business her whole life, and before her, her father was in the travel business in 1965 in Lincoln Park. She has memories of helping put together travel brochures at 5 years old. Later in high school, she worked in her family’s agency in the summers and during school vacations. Giselle’s husband, George, was originally an accountant, and her father brought him in to the travel business. With his accounting background, George brought new ideas, and helped Mena Travel expand into multiple locations.

Giselle with her grandfather in the early Lincoln Park location of Mena Travel.

• Steven (Giselle and George’s son), has been involved in the business his entire life. From an early age, Steven has always helped out in the office, whether it was answering the phone, helping with collateral, and general office upkeep. After college, and after compelling conversations with family and a realization that the industry was changing in the digital age, Steven decided to go into the family business.

Giselle Laborde and her son, Steven Sanchez of Mena Travel.

• At one point, Mena travel 17 agencies in the Chicago-land area, with nearly 300 sub-agents buying tickets from them. That was the business model in the 80’s and 90’s, the more locations you had with ticketing, the better. Steven often asks George if he has any regrets about the business, and he replies that he regrets not opening more locations during that time. It was a volume-driven industry, pre-online sales. The more airline tickets you sold, the more commission you received as well as better positioning within the airlines. Now, their business model is completely different.
• While many travel agencies have not been able to adapt in the digital age, Mena Travel has found ways to evolve and find new avenues for revenue. Giselle shares that many of Mena’s “Most of our agents in the office right now have been with us for over 15 (some 20) years. They are true travel agents. They really love what they do, they’ve traveled. We’ve become specialized, evolving from mostly ticketing to providing travel services and a complete product…like a concierge travel service.” In addition to ticketing, hotel, and transportation planning, Mena makes complete experience plans. They often make dinner and spa reservations, as well as finding points of interest for clients.
• What drove Giselle’s father to open the business and what brought them to Andersonville?
  George Laborde immigrated to the US right after WWII, from Cuba. He loved to travel through his editing job at Popular Mechanics, in small PanAm DC-3’s, in an age when air travel was just beginning. Later, he worked for the railroads, and then got into the airline industry selling tickets, opening a branch of an agency in Miami called “Mena Travel,” hence the name of their agency of the same name today. At the time, getting on an airplane was special and a privilege, and George loved the idea of commercializing that experience, and grew it to what is now a general family business. “We are the little engine that could,” says Giselle.

Flashback to air travel with spacious aisles and leg room.

• In 1988, Mena Travel opened in Andersonville to be close to Hispanic neighborhoods, as well as be a part of a community with lots of small businesses and walking traffic. Originally located on the first floor of 5209 N Clark in a very large space, Mena employed over 30 agents. Since then, Mena Travel recently moved upstairs, with Chicatolia transforming the ground floor “in the best way possible,” says Steven. Giselle adds that she loves their new upstairs space, and even though most of their clients are now online, they always welcome people to come and visit.
• In this extremely digital age, we ask, “What is the benefit of working with a travel agent?” “Knowledge. Online, without a doubt, you can get some good deals. However, when you work with a travel agent, you benefit from the knowledge that they can give you,” explains Giselle. Also, Mena travel does the research for you, which saves you time. Steven adds that “The consumer is never going to pay more by using a travel adviser. The true value is with the consultation. All these products and packages that are promoted and listed online, we (Mena) have the same access to, but the difference is a one-on-one consultation, and that is our value-add to the consumer. If anything goes wrong, or if they have any questions about where they’re going, they can pick up the phone. If they miss a flight, they have their consultant dedicated to them and making sure their travel experience goes smoothly.” Giselle asks, “How many times have you booked something online, and then need some assistance? Maybe you want to upgrade to a king size bed or make special arrangements upon your arrival at your destination.” Those are things that can’t be done online, and require a call, and are frustrating! “It’s a lot easier to call your travel adviser and say, ‘Can you get this done? You don’t know how I get it done, but it’s done. That is the value. We can make your experience happen, without a lot of time on your part. You know what you want, have somebody get it done for you.”
• Consultations begin with defining location, the purpose for travel, who they might travel with, and what kind of property they would like to stay in. Style of travel and budget are also very important factors in planning a client’s travel. Mena Travel is proud to have many repeat clients, which reaffirms their value. “We do not charge more than you’re going to find online, that is a misconception,” reminds Giselle. Consumers want to know how they make their money – the same way online wholesalers get commission, is the same way Mena Travel does. However, Mena offers more than just posting a product online, they consult with you through the entire process. And whether you meet in-person, or just online through Mena Travel, consulting is always there for you.
• We ask, “What’s the biggest mistake people make when booking travel on their own?” Giselle replies, “Clicking too soon!” Even on simpler travel arrangements and small trips, Giselle still has clients who prefer to work with her or another travel adviser. As an example, Giselle and Mena Travel can help you make sure you have tickets available when you need them, and they will pay attention to the fine print and highlight important pros and cons for you. Mena connects post travel with clients, and takes notes and keeps track of experiences and feedback for future planning.

Contact Mena Travel and book a getaway to Turks and Caicos Islands and smaller Turks Islands, two groups of tropical islands in the Lucayan Archipelago of the Atlantic Ocean and northern West Indies.

• Travel recommendations for 2020 are new exciting destinations. Usually occurring non-stop from Chicago on Saturdays and Sundays are new locations in the Caribbean, geared for the one-week traveler. If you’re planning for Summer 2020, American Airlines will begin flying into Prague. We are lucky to be Centrally located in the US for travel. February travel recommendations are anywhere in the Caribbean, Mexico, the Dominican Republic. Giselle shares that warm-weather direct flights from Chicago are: Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Punta Cana, Turks and Caicos, Cayman Islands (Giselle’s personal favorite,) St. Martin, and St. Lucia, San Juan, Cabo San Lucas. And, why not consider Hawaii? Non-stop in to Maui and Honolulu.
• Giselle is a Spain specialist, and shares that you can go to the Canary Islands. In addition to herself, Mena Travel’s advisor, Juan, has visited several resorts and towns there, and is very well-versed in traveling there. It is highly recommended!
• A non-beach-town recommendations for the winter months is Madrid and Lisbon. Europe in general, is very affordable. Mena Travel knows where to stay, what to see, what to eat, and what music to listen to when you’re there! It’s not possible to capture everything here!
• An overrated destination might be Barcelona. Worth it, but there are so many more places! If you want the Iberian Peninsula, consider underrated Lisbon. “The food is yummy, the wine is delicious, and the beer is inexpensive!” Also trendy and bang for buck are Croatia (specifically Dubrovnik) which will have non-stop flights soon.

Afama, Lisbon.

• Mena also specializes in South America, their original specialty. Giselle recommends Buenos Aires, Peru and its Sacred Valley. The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu in Peru is a trip that you want to use an advisor, someone who has walked that path. Be sure to go there outside the rainy season! Juan Carlos and Giselle have been there often, and at Mena can book that for you!
• What would you recommend to someone interested in becoming a travel agent?
  Giselle share that some schools offer travel program in their curriculum. Also there is an organization called ASTA – the American Society of Travel Advisors, who offer a course for those interested in pursuing a career in travel advising. Both Giselle and Steve share that it’s the perfect career for someone who is passionate about travel and share their experience with their clients and colleagues, work with people, and work in a sales environment.
• If they could swap places with another Andersonville business, Steven would select 2 places, Vincent and Hopleaf. Aside from travel, Steven is passionate about culinary experiences. Giselle would like to be a bartender for a day at Scotty’s bar, Simon’s. Giselle and Steven and their family has been a long-time part of Andersonville, a gem, a great place to dine, shop, and book travel.

Visit Mena Travel on the following platforms:
Online: www.mena.travel
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Mena-Travel-and-Tours

Today Laura and Joelle are joined by Lindsey Anderson, owner and Sommelier of Uvae Kitchen and Wine Bar. Uvae offers balance, flavor, and ingenuity in their food and in their service to community. Expect the personality of each wine to inspire stories to share at 5553 N Clark.

Lindsey Anderson, Owner of Uvae Kitchen and Wine Bar recording #AlwaysAndersonville: The Podcast at Transistor: Studio C.

Listen to Episode 91 with Lindsey Anderson!

• Lindsey has always been in the hospitality industry, since her start waiting tables in high school. She graduated from Kendall College with a degree in Hospitality Management. She is an instructor there in their wine program, and teaches their level one sommelier certification course. She managed restaurants for 20 years, and recently decided to branch out on her own recently by opening Uvae.
• The word uvae means “grapes” in Latin. Before landing on that name, she considered many different names, and learned a lot about trademark laws in that process. It was important their name be unique and stuck with their theme, so she landed on Uvae. The logo and design was created by Lindsay’s sister-in-law who is an artist and designer.

• Lindsey wanted a classic design that encompassed the menu and wine list, and the interior design that can be described as “old world meets new world.” The interior has vintage elements, utilizing pieces from the original space (the former Adriatic Cafe) and including them in Uvae’s atmosphere – tin ceiling tiles on the bar, vintage furniture, and added modern elements with wallpaper and teal banquettes. After advice from her designer, Lindsey decided on bold wallpaper, perhaps one of the most striking visual elements within Uvae. It is appropriately named “Power Plant.”
• Uvae required a full-build out, including a new kitchen. It was Lindsey’s first experience with a full build-out, and she shares candidly that she was a little naive going into the process. It was more complicated than just adding a wall, a bar, and some paint. She learned a lot about plumbing, electrical and HVAC, and is grateful she had an amazing contractor to work with, and who helped her through the whole process. It took a full year, but it was worth it. It’s beautiful!
• Uvae is on the corner of Bryn Mawr and Clark, a great spot. Being on the corner allows Uvae to utilize its street-facing windows, and Lindsey comments that people stop to read their menus, and that events like Andersonville Trick or Treat were successful for meeting people who had never been in. It’s a bustling area, across the street from Little Bad Wolf and close to Orange Shoe Fitness, City Olive, and Winifred Grace. A lot happening in North Andersonville!

Uvae’s aesthetic is “old world meets new world” in design and palate.

“One of the reasons why I chose Andersonville for our location is the sense of community. It’s great to be a part of it, and be friends with the owners of Little Bad Wolf and go to Orange Shoe, and help each other out as far as cross-marketing.” – Lindsey Anderson

• The Uvae menu consists of diverse cuisine options, similar to tapas and meant to be shared. There is particular attention to earth, sea, and farm categories. The opening chef, Chef Rafael, was very passionate about his menu, and he liked to say he ‘cooks from the soul.’ Bringing together old world and new world, he took traditional ethnic recipes and put a modern twist on them, showcasing our community, and how diverse it is. Uvae is careful to accommodate all allergies and food restrictions, so there are a lot of veggies on the menu. Unique items on the menu are vegetarian zucchini and mole. That is the dish Uvae served at Taste of Andersonville – maybe you were lucky enough to try it! The new consulting chef is Chef Charity, who carries on the task of creating wine dinners as well as curating the menu.
• The Uvae experience is thoughtful and inviting. When you walk in the door, you can expect a dedication to true hospitality, with a warm and welcoming environment. Laura recently dined there, and was greeted as a first time guest with a glass of prosecco. The food is meant to be shared, and as a wine bar, paired with the perfect wine, in 3, 6, and 9 oz pours allowing for different pairings.
• As Sommelier, Lindsey strives to be very approachable. “Wine should be fun, it should be an experience, and it shouldn’t be scary or snotty!” At Uvae you can choose your own wines, but also experience their pairings. One Tuesdays Uvae offers a 3-course chef paired dinner, that includes opening a bottle from the higher-end bottle list. They also offer a featured wine dinner every month, most recently on December 11 it was a five-course dinner paired with Brewer-Clifton wines.

Beautiful cocktails against unique wallpaper at Uvae.

• The Chamber has interviewed In Fine Spirits before, but Lindsey is our first sommelier. What does it mean to be a sommelier? Lindsey explains that she has always enjoyed wine, and her first job at 404 Wine Bar (now closed) fueled her passion for learning about wine. Her approach is reflective of her education, and her overarching theme of Uvae is old vs. new, warm vs. cool climate. She likes to show people that wines can be completely different from one another based on region and for other variables. Her own personal collection mainstay includes summer rosé, red wine in the cooler months, with spicier syrahs being a current favorite.
• Lindsey’s favorite dish on their menu is the orange duck; a roasted half duck served with goat cheese chive polenta. It’s very simple, but very delicious. A customer favorite is the sausage pie, which is a take on an elevated burger made from in-house sausage made from beef and lamb, wrapped in puff pastry served with white wine tomato ricotta smear. Decadent and perfect for sharing! Customers love building their own 3 oz flights, which allows them to try a wide variety of wines.

Sausage Pie at Uvae.

• Remember that Uvae is open late on Friday, December 20 and participating in the final Late Night Andersonville. As you get in your last minute shopping, stop in Uvae and warm up with a glass of wine and share a plate. During the holidays and always, Uvae is always ready to host a private party. They are now accepting reservations for New Year’s Day brunch from 10AM-3PM, and you can reach them here.
• Uvae’s cocktail menu features all grape-based spirits, featuring vermuth, grappa. Because they are grape-based, they are lower alcohol level allowing customers to enjoy more than one. A hot spiced syrah is on the cold weather menu, featuring a warm drink similar to a spiced wine. The winter menu runs until May. Uvae also offers brunch on the weekends, featuring dishes like brioche French toast, with your choice of bacon ricotta, caramel apple, benedicts, sandwiches and salads. Completely different than the dinner menu – come find out!
• Advice from Lindsey to up and coming entrepreneurs, based on experience in large and small restaurants, is to remember why you wanted to go into the restaurant business. Hers being that she loves to make people happy through hospitality on a day-to-day basis, not just to her guests but to her employees as well, and providing a positive culture for everyone.
• If Lindsey could swap places with another Andersonville business owner for a day it would be Mark Liberson of Replay and Elixir, he is genuine, enjoyable to converse with a very successful and respected in the hospitality industry. Also, his favorite dish at Uvae is the octopus! 

Visit Uvae Kitchen and Wine Bar on the following platforms:
Online: uvaechicago.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/uvaechicago
Instagram: @uvaechicago

This episode is brought to you by Foursided in Andersonville at 5061 N Clark St, the one stop shop for cards, gifts, and vintage you’ve known since 2005 and the brand new custom framing shop at 5111 N Clark you’re going to love. Come find your holiday spirit at Foursided and Foursided.com.

Today Laura is joined by Catherine Selen of the Swedish American Museum located at 5211 N Clark, here to talk with us about the tradition of St. Lucia, which takes place this Friday, December 13. The celebration comes from stories told by monks who first brought Christianity to Sweden. St. Lucia was a young Christian girl who was martyred and killed for her faith in the year 304 AD. The most common story told about St. Lucia is that she would secretly bring food to the persecuted Christians in Rome, who lived in the catacombs under the city. She would wear candles on her head so she had both her hands to carry everything.

Catherine Selen, Store Manager at the Swedish American Museum recording #Always Andersonville: The Podcast at Transistor: Studio C.

Listen to Episode 90 with Catherine Selen!

• Catherine recently began working at the Swedish American Museum in October 2019 as Store Manager. She has been busy setting up their Jul pop-up shop, featuring holiday decor and ornaments (just next door to the museum.) She also handles all buying, stocking food, and managing volunteers for the store. She has a strong connection to Sweden, as her father was born there. She shares that her grandparents would always celebrate Julafton (Christmas Eve), where her family would exchange gifts, set the julbord (Christmas table), and sing songs. Catherine studied Swedish in college, and has a minor in Scandinavian Studies. With a professional background in retail, the Store Manager position at the Museum is a great melding of her experience and cultural background.
• And now, on to Lucia. According to old Swedish myth, Lucia night was the longest night of the year, when supernaturals would terrorize the countryside. Catherine confirms that the “lucia” were supernatural, maybe evil, beings that would come and terrorize bad and/or mischievous children. The way to keep them away was to eat a lot and put out a lot of lights. Over time, the story morphed into what it is today, with the introduction of Christianity. The Catholic St. Lucia may was perhaps originally Sicilian, but was adopted into Western Sweden culture. Catherine shares that the legend is that St. Lucia appeared to starving farmers during a time of famine with food and light on her head. Now, modern tradition commonly includes the eldest daughter of the household dressing up as Lucia with a crown of lights, with Lucia attendants and star people do a procession through the house. Then, in the morning, when it’s still dark, they bring coffee and lussekatter (saffron buns) to the parents or eldest in the house.
  

• The Swedish American Museum celebrates the St. Lucia tradition every year. Groups of all ages, kid, teens, and adults, come together for the Lucia procession. This year’s procession begins at the museum on Friday, December 13 at 4:45PM, processes on Clark Street, returns to the museum for a full Lucia performance, and then on to Ebenezer Church for a service, with another procession out after the service. The Lucia wearing the crown of light will lead the procession, with attendants dressed in white, as well as star people dressed in white with star cones on their heads and wands. For more information, click here.
• Catherine shares the crowning of Lucia in Sweden was similar to a pageant, with girls submitting entries to be crowned that year’s Lucia. The Lucia selected on Friday, December 13 here in Andersonville will be determined by a random lottery draw.

St. Lucia Procession on Clark Street.

• Catherine and the museum hope people come away from the St. Lucia Festival with a feeling of nostalgia for those who are familiar with the tradition, but also that everyone comes together in a celebration of light and the beginning of the holiday season. If you haven’t been to a Lucia procession, come on out. It’s a wonderful and beautiful community event.
• Other Swedish holidays traditions include “tomte,” a magical creature who looks like a Santa-like gnome, and who speaks in a special language to children and animals, and is believed to live under floor boards. Tomte is actually a year-round character, believed to be present in every Swedish home and in forests, commonly depicted with blueberries and lingonberries.

Bring home your very own tomte from the Swedish American holiday p0p-up store.

• On Christmas Eve, a family must present tomte with a bowl of porridge, otherwise they will cause mischief in the home. In exchange for the porridge, they give the family gifts. Tomte is accompanied by a julbock, the straw goat that you commonly see as a Swedish Christmas decorations, which you can find in the Swedish American Museum holiday pop-up store. The julbock also brings gifts, so both tomte and julbock play a similar Santa Claus role in Sweden.

Julbock, available in the Swedish American Museum holiday pop-up store.

• As traditional Swedish holiday food goes, lingonberries are very popular. They are like cranberries, but smaller and sweeter. They are eaten commonly as a jam and paired with meatballs or crisp bread. It is also made into syrup, which is mixed with water or soda. Other common holiday food is lussekatter (saffron buns), rice porridge, Swedish meatballs, pickled herring, Janssen’s Temptation (a Swedish version of scalloped potatoes with anchovies). The pepparkakor cookie, like gingersnaps, are also popular and sold at the Swedish American Museum. Every Swedish home has a tin of pepparkakor on Christmas, and Catherine shares that there is a tradition associated with the cookie. If you put it in your palm and break the cookie with your knuckle and it breaks into 3 pieces, then you can make a wish.

If your pepparkakor breaks into three pieces, you get to make a wish!

• At the Swedish American Museum, you will find hundreds of tomte, pepparkakor, and so much more. Particular points of interest are ornaments, angel chimes, Advent lights and stars, as well as Lucia crowns available for all ages.
• Catherine’s favorite part of the holiday is the julbord – all the Christmas food. She loves the story of tomte, and fondly remembers reading the story every Christmas Eve. Lucia is a fun tradition, and she wore the crown every day of the holiday season.
• If Catherine could trade places for a day with another Andersonville business it would be Foursided. Especially during the holidays and it’s huge array of holiday ornaments, spinning trees. Or, Candyality for the sweets!
• You can celebrate Lucia this Friday, by joining us for the procession at 4:45PM at the Swedish American Museum, for more information about Lucia, you can visit the Swedish American Museum website at swedishamericanmuseum.org. For more information on how to volunteer and carry a light during the Lucia procession, please click here.

Visit Swedish Amerian Museum on the following platforms:
Online: swedishamericanmuseum.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SwedishAmericanMuseum
Instagram: @swedishamericanmuseum/
Twitter: @SwedeAmerican

Today Laura and Joelle are joined by Tanner McSwain owner of Uncharted Books, a used and rare bookstore, secret club, and event space in Andersonville at 5140 N Clark.

Tanner McSwain, owner of Uncharted Books, recording #Always Andersonville: The Podcast at Transistor: Studio C.

Listen to Episode 89 with Tanner McSwain!

• To start off, Andersonville is known for its many shop animals, and Uncharted Books is no exception with their resident shop dog and mascot, Ramona Flowers Quimby Age 8 Adams McAdams McSwain, or just “Ramona” for short, who is joining in on the #AlwaysAndersonville: The Podcast fun with her human, Tanner. She’s a husky and rescue from Paws, and may serenade us later in the show. She’s sweet, beautiful, and she knows it.

Ramona Flowers Quimby Age 8 Adams McAdams McSwain, resident mascot.

• To kick things off, a few curated good book-based jokes.
  “What do you get when you mix alcohol and literature? Tequila Mockingbird.”
  “Why did the reader give up on Pride and Prejudice? The characters were too Austen-tatious.”

  “I just read a book called, ‘How to Survive Falling Down a Staircase,’ it’s a step-by-step guide.”

  HARRY POTTER SPOILER
  “I found the first four Harry Potter books to be quite light-hearted and funny. The fifth one was dead sirius.” Fun Fact: Harry Potter (and JK Rowling) and Laura have the same birthday.

  “I asked the librarian if she had any books on paranoia, she leaned in close and whispered, ‘They’re behind you.’”

  “What kind of dinosaur writes romance novels? A Bronte-saurus.

• Ok, seriously though. Tanner was born on a chicken farm in rural North Carolina, whose mother was a high school English teacher and father a farmer. He went to UNC, and then moved to Chicago on a whim, under the recommendation that “Chicago is like New York, but with nice people.” He liked it, and 11 years later, he’s still here. Now married, with a dog, and a bookstore. Prior to Uncharted, he was in publishing. He noticed big bookstores, like Borders, were closing and after lots of research, took advantage of the opening in the retail book store market.
• He first opened Uncharted Books in Logan Square in 2012. And moved to Andersonville this past summer in July 2019. It was hard to leave Logan Square, but easy to choose Andersonville. He selected Andersonville for its culture and because it’s known to be one of the most independent/small business friendly neighborhoods in Chicago. It’s not all too different from Logan Square, and he remarks that there is a similar appreciation for their aesthetic, and curiosity and support for independent businesses overall in both neighborhoods. When asked how moving went, “It was as smooth a transition as moving 30,000 books across the city can be,” Tanner says.

Uncharted is located at 5140 N Clark.

• Uncharted Books sells a highly curated selection of used books, zines, a rare titles. The collection is acquired a couple of different ways. Uncharted buys books from the public Mondays and Tuesdays, 12-6PM. The process is simple, you can bring in a book, which could be accepted for cash or store credit. “The way the curation process goes, is that we like to tell people that we are looking for books that are really good, weird, or ideally both.” Uncharted looks less for popular titles, and more for literary books, unusual titles, and anything that might make your grandparents give is the ‘side eye.’ They want that.
• For rare books, sometimes Uncharted is fortunate to receive these directly from sellers, but Tanner is more active is seeking these out. He visits estate sales, library sales, auctions, etc. When he opened the store, the agreement was that he wouldn’t horde books at home anymore. So, he tries to only keep books that have particular personal importance.
• Uncharted hosts many events. Monthly recurring series events and one-offs. And in fact, Uncharted has a secret room, behind a secret bookcase door that reveals “The Adventurer’s Club,” which functions as event space, rare books room, and co-working space. Events include independent author readings, lectures, interviews, open mics, a comedy show called “Congrats on Your Success,” and small community events. Typically 3 or 4 events per week, which you can see here. In particular, the co-working space is available for $99/month, which gets you access to all amenities – access to all events, a space to read, use the reference library, write, bring clients, do homework, play board games, etc. And 10% off all books. If you’d like to test it out first, you can use the co-work space for $12/hour. There is even a vintage sound-proofed phone booth!

An event at Uncharted.

• A quick hello from Ramona, who very much enjoyed her new toy from her favorite shop, Jameson Loves Danger.
• The layout of Uncharted Books is laid out based on logic, like kids books are on short cases that are accessible. On the south wall are books on occult, religion, philosophy, psychology, science. Fantasy and sci-fi are next to each other. Tanner tries to keep local writers and artists in the front, and likes to rearrange frequently as well.Among the books, Uncharted also carries collectibles, like telescopes, globes, and clocks, which lend to the adventure theme of the store. The artwork is mostly from thrift stores, flea markets, and all over.
• When you meet Tanner, you might notice his “flair.” Buttons! He and his partners are big Disney fans, and particularly love pin trading. They have a pin trading board in the store in the kid section, where you can leave one and swap one.
• Uncharted is participating in Late Night Andersonville on December 6 & 20. They are offering the deal of buy 2 used books, get 1 free. Other events happening at Uncharted are “Congrats on Your Success” on Thursday, December 5, “Excited Utterance” a reading series is on Friday, December 6, “Other People’s Poetry” is on Monday, December 9, and Carrie McGath’s Poetry Salon open mic on December 10, and so much more! Find it all here.
• Does Tanner have a go-to book recommendation? Tanner has so many, and the store has staff-picks. His favorite book of all time is Treasure Island, and most recently The Argonauts by Maggie Nelson. He is also reading Tegan and Sara’s High School. Tanner keeps a small calendar notebook, which he lives by. He also has a giant notebook, where he writes (he’s an author), and works out ideas.

Tanner’s favorite book? Treasure Island.

• If Tanner could trade with any Andersonville business for a day, it would Women & Children First, his favorite book store ever since he’s been in Chicago. He loves their character, point of view, and they have the best events and aspires to be like them as a book store owner.

  This episode is brought to you by Lakeshore Dental Studio located at 5505 N Clark, where they are proud to provide a modern dental experience for patients in Andersonville. Keep your smile bright this season with a free take-home whitening treatment. You can claim your gift after your first exam, cleaning and x-rays. Offer valid for new patients only, cannot be combined with any other offers. Find out more at lakeshoredentalstudio.com or on Facebook.

Visit Uncharted Books on the following platforms:
Online: www.unchartedbooks.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/unchartedbooks
Instagram: instagram.com/unchartedbooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/UnchartedBooks

This week Laura and Joelle are joined by broker and real estate consultant, Ellen Baren.  If you are interested in buying or selling in Chicago or the Northern Suburbs, working with Ellen you can expect a solid knowledge base of neighborhoods, homes and schools. Ellen’s grasp of the history and market along the lakefront and surrounding neighborhoods is unique. As one client said, “Ellen is stellar. She maintains a vast array of personal relationships that allow for organic and effective advertising. She sold our place in weeks…in the dead of winter! She was also a clear, concise communicator who made the process easy.”

Ellen Baren, realtor and real estate consultant, recording #AlwaysAndersonville: The Podcast at Transistor, Studio C.

Listen to Episode 87 with Ellen Baren!

Here are some references from Episode 87 that you may want to check out:

• Ellen grew up in Elmwood Park and Oak Park, and attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, studying photography, a skill that has proven valuable in her real estate career. For the last 19 years, she has lived in Rogers Park. She worked in sales for a long time at Second City where she learned valuable project management skills, while also receiving her real estate license. She has worked for a few real estate companies, but most recently has been with @Properties for 13 years.

• She puts lots of care in preparing a home for sale, and approaches it step-by-step. Ellen uses her design background to stage homes with what is already within them, and works to de-clutter and maximize the space with the most aesthetically pleasing compositions.
• Ellen is certified as a Seniors Real Estate Specialist, Certified Negotiation Expert, and Green Realtor. As a Green Realtor, she’s attuned to what green technology is available, and what is most cost efficient. For example, weighing the benefits and costs of certain kinds of water heaters, or whether to replace vs. insulate your windows. She likes to use what you have, and reduce the amount of waste that simply replacing something can cause. As a Senior Real Estate Specialist, this means she has extensive knowledge and experience working with people over the age of 55, and addressing their concerns and needs, whether it be health and/or family situation. Serving homeowners who have been in their home for decades is often emotional, and Ellen takes into consideration the time and care needed to serve people well. Ellen is soon to receive her designation as a Pricing Strategy Specialist as well. This will allow her to have more insight and knowledge in pricing and strategy for higher price-point properties. 

One of Ellen’s current listing in Uptown, at 4834 N Kenmore.

• Ellen has many stories of connecting with her clients, many of whom now feel like friends. She realizes that sometimes the circumstances around a home sale are very personal, and takes great care to be empathetic and caring throughout the process. “With kindness and care, that’s how you handle something like that,” she says. “Over and over, I’ve come to realize that we’re working with people – they’re not making a small purchase, these are people’s lives that we’re talking about. I’ve learned to be a support for people who are going through these things, and really help them.”

• Ellen has many amazing stories and testimonials, which you can find at www.ellenbaren.com.

• Home buying can be complicated, and there are so many people involved. Ellen helps through every step, which includes so many people! The buyers, sellers, their attorneys, mortgage professionals, assistants, appraisers, inspectors, and so on. Keeping track of all of them, and who they are working with is something Ellen does well.

• In Ellen’s opinion, if it is financially accessible, it is always better to own. There is a pride of ownership and sense of security that you may not have as a renter. In weaker markets, like in 2007, it is less likely for a homeowner to be displaced due to lost income that someone who rents. In stronger markets, like today, owning allows you to build equity and you receive a tax deduction for the interest (up to 10K.)
• Ellen’s homebuyer tips:
  1. Go to Ellenbaren.com!
  2. Get your finances in order.
  3. Make sure you have a pre-approval letter.
  4. Once you know your budget, start looking!

A Rogers Park property, sold by Ellen Baren.

• Ellen has sold over 150 properties, and she doesn’t necessarily have a favorite kind of property she like to sell, but rather she loves helping people and getting to know them, and serving them with her expertise. She has connected with so many, and has been able to personally connect. “Selling real estate, it’s not just selling houses and negotiating, it’s really getting to know people.”

• Ellen loves her job for so many reasons, she gets to work with amazing people, and it touches on so many different aspects – marketing, finance, management. She also gets to view really amazing properties, just for fun sometimes. Penthouses, high rises, it’s fun to see the architecture, art, and luxury!

• Advice to up and coming realtors: Research and interview and a few different companies to see which is the right fit for you, and find an office that provides training, who throws the best holiday parties…just kidding! She feels very lucky to at @Properties and enjoys its culture very much.

• If she could trade places with an Andersonville business for a day, it would be Women & Children First because she has watched them grow ever since they were under the train tracks on Elston, and then on Halsted. And, Hopleaf! With her background in entertainment, she’d have fun for a night there. But overall, she loves Andersonville and has enjoyed watching it grow. It’s relaxing, friendly, and high-quality.

Find Ellen Baren – Realtor and Broker on the following platforms:
Online: www.ellenbaren.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ellen.baren

This episode is brought to you by Foursided, the one-stop shop for cards, gifts, and vintage since 2005. And the brand new custom framing shop at 5111 N Clark you’re going to love. Come find your holiday spirit at Foursided and Foursided.com.

This week, Joelle and Laura are joined by Mark Bires and Trey Elder of Jerry’s Sandwiches. Known for their extensive beer and whiskey selection, great music, beautiful outdoor patio space, and humor, Jerry’s has been serving curious, thoughtful sandwiches in Andersonville since 2012 at 5419 N Clark. Jerry’s is also a featured stop for this weekend’s Andersonville Viking Pub Crawl!

Mark Bires and Trey Elder of Jerry’s Sandwiches recording #AlwaysAndersonville: The Podcast at Transistor, Studio C.

Listen to Episode 86 with Mark Bires and Trey Elder!

Here are some references from Episode 86 that you may want to check out:

• Mark Bires is Owner, Executive Chef, Bookkeeper and more at Jerry’s and has been in the food business his whole career, and with Jerry’s since 2002 when it opened as a small sandwich counter. Trey moved to Chicago originally in the music industry, then worked for Intelligentsia coffee, helped friends open their own food places, and after eating at Jerry’s consistently was asked by Mark and Mindy (owners) to come on board. Trey handles whiskey, music, cocktails, and filling the store.
• Jerry’s opened in 2002 on Madison Street, and Mark remembers that it was around the exact same time as the Democratic Convention. For the convention, Madison was redone, and the West Loop was starting to grow. So, they decided to open there. The concept for the name was that reflected their Jewish heritage, but didn’t want to use their actual name. So they landed on Jerry’s and joke that it’s really named for Jerry Garcia. It was originally “Jerry’s Sandwiches and Deli” but eventually they just used the name “Jerry’s.” 
• Many of the sandwiches are named after customers and celebrities. Mindy (Mark’s wife), has the “Mindy F” – blackened chicken, avo, cheddar and chutney. Others are Annie O, (for Annie Oakley, but also their original staff housekeeper.) Customers still can make their own creations. There are about 60+ options on the current menu. At one point there were 100! It got a little out of hand. The Harlan is the most popular, a fried chicken sandwich. Half Acre Daisycutter and Krankshaft Metropolitan. Mark tends to like the specials, Trey likes The Rachel (for Rachel Carson), turkey, avo, pesto. You can view the full menu here.
  

A little bit of everything at Jerry’s.

• They chose Andersonville as a location because Mark and Mindy used to visit for dinner, and as they were viewing second spaces, they looked at (former) The Stargaze on Clark. They decided to go with the space, and fully renovated. They dug a basement, and updated the back patio. Originally they envisioned opening in 4 months, and it took a year. Then, they opened in Lincoln Square four years ago. They were the first tenant there. Recently, they converted and added Geraldine’s in January 2019 next to Jerry’s in Lincoln Square. It allowed them to utilize the space and hire a pastry chef, Eileen Kerbal. The pumpkin cheesecake comes highly recommended! There are plans for pastry at the Andersonville location too  
• Jerry’s offers catering and event space rental. This is really their background, as they used to do weddings. They currently can cater to groups of about 20-30 is ideal. Their goal perhaps someday is to acquire more space to offer for larger parties. They’ve done small weddings, and acoustic music events. Their former Wicker Park location had music 7 nights a week. And interesting fact: Music -wise, they only play full albums, featuring Americana for the most part – rock, jazz, blues. Both their food and music is rooted in what people like.

Before Jerry’s, there was Stargaze.

• Change in the restaurant business over the years has been dramatic – case in point, their former location on Division. They watched restaurants clear out. There are many more small concepts now, in contrast with larger businesses like Lettuce Entertain You. For example, someone like Parachute. Mark shares, “There’s such dynamic dining now. You’ve got to really be sharp – and we’re aware of this. You have to know what you want to do, focus on it, execute it properly, and make sure it’s something your customers want.”Trey adds, “The word foodie hasn’t been around that long. There are whole YouTube and Food Network channels dedicated to food. The general public’s perception of the food that they eat is different. Obviously chains still exist, but in cities people are less interested in chains. Food trends in the 70’s and 80’s would be 5 years or so, and now they’re 6-9 months. People look at the way they eat a lot differently than they used to.”
• Jerry’s is participating in the 3rd Annual Viking Pub Crawl this coming weekend on November 16. When asked, “Why do you think people like this so much?” Because people like dressing up, whether they admit it or not! Chicago might have a bad rep for pub crawls – bud we do it right. The right people and attitude has everything to do with it. Andersonville has a very chill pub crawl, and it’s relatively weather-proof! This year’s offer is a cocktail, along with Solemn Oath “kidnapped by vikings” beer.

Get “Kidnapped by Vikings” at Jerry’s during the Viking Pub Crawl this Saturday, November 16!

• Mark’s biggest advice for restaurateurs, “Work in the business for as long as you can. You need to see what unique element you can bring to the table – or something you have a passion for that you can deliver and execute really well. This goes for any industry. Wait for your eureka moment, and be hands-on. You have to be there for all the details because it’s such a hyper-competitive industry.”
• If they could trade places for a day with another Andersonville business, Mark would pick Gethsemane Garden Center – he loves to doodle in the garden, would love to be the gardener in a hat. Trey would pick Woolly Mammoth Chicago. He loves it’s eclectic stuff and their history. If you’re listening – he’d love to hang out!

Find Jerry’s Sandwiches on the following platforms:
Online: www.jerryssandwiches.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JerrysAndersonville
Instagram: @jerryssandwiches

This episode is brought to you by Meetinghouse Tavern, located at Clark and Winnemac where you can enjoy free pool, darts, skeeball and more. Or, play one of the dozens of board games. They have daily specials to quench all thirst, plus Thursday night karaoke and the Sunday Social Variety Show. Never a cover! Find out more on Facebook.

This week, Heather and Joelle are joined by Jill Knobeloch of GrapeSeed Designs and Aville Cowork. Jill works to blend a company’s voice, culture, and unique character to create a truly authentic representation of brand. She helps small to medium-sized businesses establish and grow their brand image through consistent, clean, and professional visual applications.She is also starting a new coworking space right here in Andersonville will Aville Cowork.

Jill Knobeloch, owner of Grapeseed Designs and Aville Cowork recording #AlwaysAndersonville: The Podcast at Transistor, Studio C.

Listen to Episode 85 with Jill Knobeloch!

Here are some references from Episode 85 that you may want to check out:

• Jill grew up in Colorado, and attended RIT in Rochester, NY where she earned a BFA in Graphic Design with minors in German and Russian, and then lived in Southern California for a while, and landed here in Chicago in 2015. She started GrapeSeed Designs in 2011. “A grapeseed is a small, bitter, harsh thing that can grow into a wide variety of things. And when it comes to branding, it starts out as this small thing, and if you nurture it, it can grow into anything you want.”
• Jill goes beyond defining branding as just a logo or color scheme. It’s your voice. The way you show up. Your character within the world. She focuses on tying together the visual and written description of your business. When working with clients, she gets to know them, their culture, how they work day-to-day, and make sure it’s represented in a truthful way.
• Jill enjoys niche industries. A client that particularly stands out is a company that builds and maintains draft lines (for beer) for bars and restaurants in Chicago. YOu don’t typically think about what it takes for the beer to go from the cooler to the tap in a way that is clean and safe. She got to go on site and learn about beer, how to maintain it, and what needs to be considered when installing bars. She got to know their culture, and saw how passionate – aka – “nerdy” – they were about their beer, their tech, and their overall brand.

• Most clients come to her needing a website, but don’t have much in mind beyond that. The difference with Grapeseed Designs is that Jill not only designs everything, but writes cohesive copy as well. A 3-6 month engagement with a client is optimal, it allows her to be creative and strategic. The first 80% of what she does is focus on user experience, and making sure that telling a business’ story is effective and clear. The rest is design and web development, of which she does both. “I’m doing all of the writing, all of the design, all of the coding development.” So, she’s maybe just a little nerdy, too. With a background in coding, she is able to customize a website to be suited exactly to a client’s needs.
  
• Jill has a new venture, Aville Cowork. Her design work allows her flexibility, and Jill works from home. But with that, she noticed that sometimes working from home is challenging – in can be isolating, difficult to find and connect with community, and distracting. So, she began working from co-working spaces a couple of years ago. There has been a boom of co-working spaces in the last decade, especially in downtown areas. But Jill noticed a deficit on the northside and aims to fill it.
• With the goal of serving and connecting with the Andersonville community, and after almost 16 months of looking for the right space, Jill aims to open Aville Cowork soon! Stay tuned for updates! The best way to get updates is to visit avillework.com and  follow on Instagram.
• Outside of GrapeSeed Designs and Aville Cowork, Jill cultivates a love of horses, specifically volunteer work at therapeutic riding centers. She grew up with the Western discipline, then on to English, and Dressage. She participated in gymkhana events that included pole bending, barrel racing, and even stock events. After college Jill continued pursuing therapeutic riding and instructing. Even after moving to Chicago, she has continued being involved in therapeutic riding with Freedom Woods in Skokie.

Freedom Woods in Skokie.

• In addition to horseback riding, at the early age of 5, Jill fell in love with hockey, and is now an active hockey referee. She played in school, and eventually began refereeing. That was 19 years ago! Refereeing hockey has opened the door to many opportunities. She worked all through high school in Colorado, continued through college in Rochester (the job was perfect for a student – super flexible and made good money), and while still in college began officiating at the collegiate and national level. Once in Southern California, she was fast-tracked and received her international refereeing license. In 2011 – she got her license and started Grapeseed Designs! He held her international license for 6 years, and got to referee in Mexico. She now focuses on collegiate hockey, specifically NCAA Division 1 & 3 hockey.

• If Jill could trade places with another Andersonville business for a day, being the animal lover that she is, it would be Jameson Loves Danger. She would steal all the puppy kisses she can. She hopes to have a shop dog in her Aville Cowork when it opens!

Find GrapeSeed Designs and Aville Cowork on the following platforms:
Online: grapeseeddesigns.com & avillecowork.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/grapeseeddesigns & www.facebook.com/avillecowork
Instagram: @grapeseeddesigns and @aville.cowork

This episode is brought to you by Meetinghouse Tavern, located at Clark and Winnemac where you can enjoy free pool, darts, skeeball and more. Or, play one of the dozens of board games. They have daily specials to quench all thirst, plus Thursday night karaoke and the Sunday Social Variety Show. Never a cover! Find out more on Facebook.