A Man with Great Taste

Going back to the table with former Chicago Tribune restaurant critic Phil Vettel By Valerie Hardy Photography by Victor Hilitski For over three decades, Phil Vettel shaped Chicagoland’s dining scene. An acclaimed restaurant critic for the Chicago Tribune, Vettel – also a longtime Downers Grove resident – is now “mostly retired,” but he still enjoys…

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From Oak Brook to Africa

The Drake Luxury Brands bold global leap By Hinsdale Magazine Group Staff The Drake Oak Brook has been a symbol of elegance in the western suburbs, known for its rich history, classic architecture, and timeless charm. Under the ownership of Jim Nagle, a former Chicago attorney and third-generation lawyer, the iconic hotel has undergone a…

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A Global Company with a Local Flavor

The Western Suburb’s FlavorChem is a family business in a worldwide market By Maureen Callahan “We make flavors from A-Z,” said Eric Larson, Production Manager at FlavorChem. “We don’t actively sell a zucchini flavor yet, but we do sell a Greek Yogurt flavor, so technically, I guess we’re A-Y,” he jokes. FlavorChem is an international…

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Oak Elementary School Spring Fling

The Oak Elementary School PTO held their Spring Fling Fundraiser on May 16. Led by Kacy Baker and Heather Beck, the successful event drew 160 attendees to the Chicago Highlands Club, including Oak parents, staff, and several D181 Board of Education members. The event raised approximately $70,000, which will be used for the construction of…

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Memorial Day in Hinsdale

Photos by Atticus Fair Hinsdale commemorated Memorial Day on Monday, May 26, beginning with a 7 a.m. service at Bronswood Cemetery. A 10 a.m. procession stepped off at Third and Garfield, ending at the Memorial Building, where a ceremony followed. Highlights included a reading of “Flanders Fields,” performances by the Hinsdale Chorale and marching band,…

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Field of Dreams

Cooperstown marks milestone moments for youth baseball players Nicknamed “America’s Hometown,” Cooperstown is more than just a small village in Central New York: It’s a rite of passage for young baseball players across the country. Home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and one of the most prestigious youth tournaments in the sport, Cooperstown…

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To-Dos

By Anna Hughes With summer break fast approaching, we’ve curated a list of local activities for the entire family to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for memorable musical performances or fun in the sun, we’ve got all that and more on this season’s selection of the best in the western suburbs. Cats Paramount Theatre Aurora April…

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Springtime Selling in Chicagoland

BY CONTRIBUTING PARTNER MAINSTREET REALTORS As the ground thaws and Chicagoland’s yards begin to awaken, homeowners have a golden opportunity to transform their properties and capture the attention of potential buyers. Curb appeal isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a critical factor that can significantly impact your home’s marketability and final sale price, especially during the busy…

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Modern Medicine

From data to diagnosis, AI is augmenting medical professionals’ training and practice by VALERIE HARDY Medical training programs and practices in Illinois are on the cutting edge when it comes to considering how artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance patient care and physician functionality. For example, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s Department of Bioengineering was…

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“WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS, TAKE PICTURES”

Clarendon Hills resident shares late father’s message of hope, living life to the fullest BY ANNA HUGHES | PHOTOS COURTESY OF MOLLY SOLIK At 24, Molly Solik felt lost. She was working a low-paying job she didn’t enjoy, coming home to an apartment that didn’t feel like home. Like many in their mid-20s, she was…

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