An online community for people living in and around Oak Park, Illinois.
What's missing in Oak Park?
While hanging out at the cheese market tonight, a few of us got on the discussion about what few elements are still needed to make Oak Park as near perfect as a real town can get.
We were mainly talking about places to eat and drink, because that's what we're obsessed with there, but I'd like to open the discussion wider, hence this post's presence in 'Random Stuff' rather than 'Restaurants'.
So whether it's practical or pure fantasy, concrete or entirely abstract, let's list what we'd like to see in Oak Park.
We were mainly talking about places to eat and drink, because that's what we're obsessed with there, but I'd like to open the discussion wider, hence this post's presence in 'Random Stuff' rather than 'Restaurants'.
So whether it's practical or pure fantasy, concrete or entirely abstract, let's list what we'd like to see in Oak Park.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Brent Jones on
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Dairy Queen, good pie place Baker's Square?
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Permalink Reply by Ilona Mestril on -
I agree with all that have already been suggested and like to add that it would also be nice to have a Bikram Yoga Studio and a few useful shops like fun kitchenware and quality linen.
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Permalink Reply by Lila Blue Mama on -
someone mentioned earlier that we need a year-round farmer's market...a great idea! i think (and many of my friends) that the farmer's market should either change locations or expand their vendors; only offering one coffee-vendor and donuts is nuts---not all of us want to wait in a long, long line for a cup of coffee or tea (esp w/babies, if we're in a hurry, if the weather is poor or if we don't want to be tempted by donuts (even if they are yummy!)--the goal of a farmer's market is to eat HEALTHY)...why not have sumptuous herbal teas, local bread, breakfast burritos, outdoor cooking classes, more vendors with more fun and more offerings....why limit the fun and the opportunities? i suppose this is another blog discussion at some point. i've been to many, many farmer's markets around the country and know that Oak Park can do better. the quality is here, along with the fantastic community. we can improve the farmer's market and make it fantastic.
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Permalink Reply by Aripo's on -
One of the reasons why we picked Oak Park to open our restaurant was the lack of authentic South American/Caribbean restaurant with a cozy environment in Oak Park. But don't worry Oak Parkers, we are here to fill that void. We look forward to providing you with the great food, as well as passing on a little bit of the Venezuelan culture through our restaurant.
So scratch that one from your list. We'll see you in 2010.
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Permalink Reply by Mike on -
My Oak Park wish list:
* Tapas. Oh how I love Emilio's and wish there was one here
* A proper cafe - I really like Buzz, but its feels too small, too kitschy, and not exactly in a location people can flock to. It needs to be either on Lake and OP Ave or by the Theater. Although I'm thinking Red Hen could fill that void if they seize the opportunity.
* A non-Chase Bank with plenty of accessible ATMs (including Drive Thru's). Aren't Oak Parkers being tired of being ripped off?
* A micro-brewery (see below)
* A year-round market...not just produce but meats, fish, cheese, clothes, art, etc. Include food vendors and an outdoor bistro (breakfast during the day, pub at night) during the warm months. Something I thought they should do with Marion originally. Create a social outdoor atmosphere for both the 20-something singles and the married with/without kids. Make it more of a marketplace than just a bunch of niche storefronts. Just thinking out loud.
Minor disagreements
* I love Al's and Wishbone for breakfast. Winberie for Sunday Brunch. Maybe a pancake, crepe, or specialty place would be nice but I'm not sure its necessary.
* A pub. I love the idea. A good English/Irish-style pub regional and national brews on tap. But given Ale House, Louie's, and Cheese Market can another place be successful? What is missing from those three that can both fit within OP's rules and survive the competition? I think it would have to be a microbrewery to be successful. And NOT Rock Bottom.
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Permalink Reply by Susie on -
I also occasionally order from Timber Creek Farms and I love them too!
John Metzger said:Totally agree. If you are into organic produce, you might want to look into Timber Creek Farms. We have been very happy with the selection, quality, and price. They are very flexible too, and if you plan ahead and know what you are going to make, you can alter, add, or delete things to your standing order. Comes right to your door, too, which helps a ton.
jpb74 said:trader joes has a great selection of wine (ugh, not talking about the $2 stuff) and the produce is nice. they don't have everything but they do have a good selection and offer loads of organic food. the cheese/dairy section is great and what is wrong with frozen food? healthy frozen food! i am a mom with very little time on my hands and popping a veggie burrito in the oven is great! better than grabbing mcdonalds or shoving crackers in my mouth. also, their vanana yogurt (vanilla/banana) is so good! bagged popcorn is amazing, horseradish hummus (YUM), freeze dried strawberries in a salad with pine nuts and goat cheese (YIKES!) and pizza dough in white or whole wheat option is great for the kids. my kids make their own pizza and love it! one last thing: if you juice its a great place to get cheap fruits an veggies. juicing can get expensive but not if you shop at trader joes. nothing against whole foods, they still and always will get my business. i just like that TJ's has similar items at a cheaper price (almond butter).
John Metzger said:I am so glad we have a Trader Joe's. We save a bundle on groceries now that we don't have to buy everything at Whole Foods, which is absurdly overpriced on just about everything. Trader Joe's has a *lot* more than frozen food.
Jason Malley said:Get rid of trader joes...it is ok if you like frozen food... and bring in a Treasure Island. Greatest selection of world foods as well as good ole' 'merican fair.
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Permalink Reply by Ray Johnson on -
For those looking for a unique bakery, the Bleeding Heart Bakery just opened in Oak Park and has very unique items.....its on N. Blvd near Marion St. Also, Red Hen Bakery at OP Ave and Lake St. is now open. Lots of great options at both! 'Shop Local'!
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Permalink Reply by jpb74 on -
i need to try bleeding heart! went to red hen and so happy to see they have REAL rye and pumpernickel bread (minus the wheat). it was still $5 per loaf but totally worth it. will have to try bleeding heart next.
any idea on what happened to eric's deli? drove by today and they are looking closed. hhhmmm, never cared for eric's but just curious.
Ray Johnson said:For those looking for a unique bakery, the Bleeding Heart Bakery just opened in Oak Park and has very unique items.....its on N. Blvd near Marion St. Also, Red Hen Bakery at OP Ave and Lake St. is now open. Lots of great options at both! 'Shop Local'!
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Permalink Reply by jpb74 on
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never mind. just read an article about their renovation. GOOD! place was kinda dreary. not a fan of the food (maybe a few salads) but good to hear they are trying to make some change. change is good yal.
error, oops! eriK's! not eric;s.
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Permalink Reply by Ilona Mestril on
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Between Timber Creek Farms and Trader Joes you never have to set foot into one of those disorienting and overpriced supermarkets again. An occasional stop at the new French Market for raw food and fresh fish and life slows down just enough!
Susie said:I also occasionally order from Timber Creek Farms and I love them too!
John Metzger said:Totally agree. If you are into organic produce, you might want to look into Timber Creek Farms. We have been very happy with the selection, quality, and price. They are very flexible too, and if you plan ahead and know what you are going to make, you can alter, add, or delete things to your standing order. Comes right to your door, too, which helps a ton.
jpb74 said:trader joes has a great selection of wine (ugh, not talking about the $2 stuff) and the produce is nice. they don't have everything but they do have a good selection and offer loads of organic food. the cheese/dairy section is great and what is wrong with frozen food? healthy frozen food! i am a mom with very little time on my hands and popping a veggie burrito in the oven is great! better than grabbing mcdonalds or shoving crackers in my mouth. also, their vanana yogurt (vanilla/banana) is so good! bagged popcorn is amazing, horseradish hummus (YUM), freeze dried strawberries in a salad with pine nuts and goat cheese (YIKES!) and pizza dough in white or whole wheat option is great for the kids. my kids make their own pizza and love it! one last thing: if you juice its a great place to get cheap fruits an veggies. juicing can get expensive but not if you shop at trader joes. nothing against whole foods, they still and always will get my business. i just like that TJ's has similar items at a cheaper price (almond butter).
John Metzger said:I am so glad we have a Trader Joe's. We save a bundle on groceries now that we don't have to buy everything at Whole Foods, which is absurdly overpriced on just about everything. Trader Joe's has a *lot* more than frozen food.
Jason Malley said:Get rid of trader joes...it is ok if you like frozen food... and bring in a Treasure Island. Greatest selection of world foods as well as good ole' 'merican fair.
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Permalink Reply by Swati on -
I would also love to see a vegetarian restaurant in Oak Park!
My husband and I recently moved here and we love it. However, before we decided on OP, Evanston was a contender as well (not that that is new news to OPers!). I love the fact that Evanston has vegetarian restaurants - embracing diversity and lifestyle-choices on all fronts.
I'm really excited that we have Bleeding Heart Cafe (already have my cupcake punch card!) here now! I know that the OP community is about accepting and encouraging diversity and small businesses and having a vegetarian-themed restaurant will only help both causes.
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