Location:

• Basement of St. Alphonsus Church
• 1429 W. Wellington

Agenda:

• 7:00 Cookies & Socializing
• 7:30
  • Cubs Care
  • 1300 Belmont Medical Center Update
  • 2954 N. Racine Zoning Change

CUBS CARE
Each year the Chicago Cubs raise over $1.5 million dollars for Chicago Cubs Charities which helps to support local organizations and people in communities throughout the Chicago area. Several programs include Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI), Rehabilitation Institute cross-disability, competitive wheelchair softball team, Rookie League in partnership with the Park District to introduce baseball to 6-9 year old kids at no cost and Cubs Care Legends Fields at Hamlin Park that rebuilt the fields and installed an excellent lighting system in our own neighborhood park. A representative will give a presentation. For more information go to www.cubs.com and go to the Community page. Hey Hey, Holy Mackerel, no doubt about it, the Cubs are on their way.

1325-41 W. BELMONT – MEDICAL OFFICE BUILDING – Update
In order for the Chicago Zoning Board to approve this project, due to parking space issue, the property needs to be rezoned to a dash 5(-5) to be considered as Planned Development. The project still will be built to the 3-story specifications as allowed under the current zoning and presented at the special December 2010 meeting at St. Lukes. A representative of the developer and/or a representative from the Alderman‟s office will explain the mechanics. This is NOT A VOTING ISSUE. Go to the Alderman‟s Website at www.ward32.org for additional information.

2954-56 N. RACINE – ZONING CHANGE
Back after WWI and WWII, when there were housing shortages in the city, many apartment units were cut into two smaller apartments. In addition, as the era of the neighborhood storefront ended, those storefronts were converted into apartment units. This three-story property has 10 apartments: 2 ground level storefronts and 4 front and back apartments on both floors #2 and #3. The building has been configured in this manner as long as anyone can remember. The building is zoned R-4 (which is really under-zoned). The new owners wish to rehab the current apartments keeping the same configuration and keeping them as rental units. In order to obtain a building permit, the Zoning Board has required the owner to upzone the property to R5.5 in order to make the storefront apartments legal. The SLN-NDRC would require a restrictive covenant rezoning back to R-4 after rehabbing is completed to prevent a large building to be built if this property was ever demolished. The NDRC is working with the owner to replace the surrounding sidewalk and improve the landscaping. This IS A VOTING ISSUE.

In the April Newsletter
What happened at the last meeting?  We learned about the Lakeview Are Master Plan, as presented by the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce.   Get updates from Alderman Waugespack, learn about the CAPS meeting, what’s happening with the South Lakeview Park Advisory Council, news from Burley Elementary School, and more!  Read the newsletter here.

NEXT MEETING … TUESDAY – JULY 13, 2010 Will’s Northwoods Inn, Summer Get-together

Meeting a Glance …

July 13, 2010

Location: Will’s Northwoods Inn – Beer Garden
Nelson & Racine
Agenda: 6:30PM-8:30PM
Summer evening get-together

A FEW WORDS FROM OUR PRESIDENT …

Thank You Susan Radzinowicz,

Susan strolled into a meeting four years ago. By the end of her first year of attending meetings, she volunteered for a Board position and was brought on as a Director. The following year, after volunteering for the Nominating Committee, the Committee slated her to run for President, which she accepted. A long-time Lakeview resident, board member of Friends of the Park and politically involved citizen, Susan has answered every request SLN has asked. As the volume of zoning issue items diminished, Susan’s political connections brought a period of election candidate meetings. Bringing candidates, among others, citywide candidates Tony Peraica and newcomers such as State’s Attorney candidate Anita Alvarez who scored an upset victory after appearing at an SLN meeting. Susan has solidified SLN’s working relationship with the Alderman’s office and other elected officials of the SLN boundaries. Susan ends every cell phone conversation with “if there is anything I can help you with, let me know.” The

President attends two SLN meetings a month, various neighborhood meetings and has the stress

of putting on the monthly membership meeting. Susan has been great at suggesting speakers over the last two years. She has graciously accepted a position of Board Director for the upcoming year.

Thank you Susan for your commitment and for your continued commitment to the SLN Nation.

JULY 13, Tuesday – Will’s Northwoods Inn @ 6:30PM – 8:30PM Summer Get-together

Join SLN for our 2^nd Summer Get-together. Will’s Northwoods Inn at the corner of Nelson and Racine. SLN will have an open bar with free drinks and Will’s Northwoods will supply hot dogs and all condiments. Attendees may bring any snack, dessert or appetizer. All members and members guests are invited. The tab opens promptly at 6:30PM. See you there.

AT THE MAY 2010 MEETING

St. Alphonsus Parking Lot

Father James Hurlbert, Pastor of St. Alphonsus was introduced to discuss the zoning issue regarding the St. Al’s parking lots. He stated that the parking meters were originally installed to control access to the parking lot to insure parking for Mass and Parish events and incidentally to generate a modest amount of income. Unknown to St. Al’s, the zoning of the Church’s parcel and the corner parcel at Oakdale and Southport did not support a pay parking lot and in late 2009, the City of Chicago caused St. Al’s to cease operations until zoning was corrected. The current zoning of RS-3.5 needed to be increased to RT-4.0. Area residents were concerned that after the zoning upgrade, St. Al’s could legally build a large development or operate various businesses with that zoning. St. Alphonsus has agreed that after receiving the appropriate zoning and obtaining their pay parking lot license, these parcels will be downzoned back to RS-3.5 in order to protect the neighborhood from a large multi-story development being built by the Archdiocese. In a very important side issue, the parking lot at the corner of Southport and Oakdale (formerly the site of the Zum Duetschen Eck Restaurant) was sitting there zoned RM-5 since the demolition of that business. That parcel was to be downzoned years ago after the condominium development at George and Southport was completed. St. Al’s has agreed to downzone this parcel to the RT-3.5 designation. In addition, St. Alphonsus has agreed to sign a “Restricted Covenant” that after all this rezoning is complete, they will not build any buildings or expand any uses inconsistent with the RT-3.5 zoning except for licensing paid parking. Did you follow that? A vote was taken regarding the proposed zoning changes. In favor = YES 31, not in favor = NO 3. The information was forwarded to the Alderman’s office.

Cody’s Public House – Beer Garden

Located at 1658 W. Barry, the owner Gene Frankowski has been operating a beer garden, unknown to him, without an appropriate license. Mr. Frankowski presented the plan which included 7 tables with 28 total seats, wooden benches, a bocce ball and beanbag toss area. The comments regarding Cody’s operations were overwhelmingly positive. A vote was taken for the submitted plans. In favor = YES 41, not in favor = NO 1. The information was forwarded to the Alderman’s office.

3000-3100 N. Southport – updated discussion of future zoning issues

The second discussion relating to potential zoning issues on these two blocks based on the information gathered at the March and April meetings and new information based on a parking space inventory conducted by SLN. The blocks are currently zoned RT-3.0 which allows for the construction of single-family homes only. The floor was opened for general comments and discussion. The attendees representing property owners on these two blocks was overwhelmingly against the development of 3 or 6 unit condominiums as seen on Southport north of Belmont. Developers and their attorneys lobbied for condominium development. A hand vote was taken to determine if upzoning to RT-4.0 should be allowed for the development of 3-6 unit condominiums. In favor of upzoning to Rt-4.0 = YES 3, not in favor of upzoning = NO 21. This information was forwarded to the Alderman’s office.

Subsequent to this hand vote, an owner raised the issue as to support for zoning to RT-4.0 for larger single-family homes. SLN and the NDRC agreed to examine this issue during the coming months.

OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS – Election 2010

The slate was presented to the membership. Nominations from the floor were solicited. A motion was presented from the floor to nominate Susan Radzinowicz for a 3^rd term as President. It was noted that the SLN By-laws allow only for a 2-year term. The motion was withdrawn. A motion was made from the floor to accept the slate as presented. The motion was accepted and the current slate was adopted.

President – David Duggan

1^st Vice President – Sam Samatas

2^nd Vice President – Ernie Toth

Recording Secretary – Bill Haderlein

Treasurer – Ann Sychowski

Corresponding Secretary – Marge Fahrenbach

Directors : Joseph Semerling, Robert Taugner, Joan Gatz, Daniel Clifford, Maureen Short, James Volkober, Greg Brown, James Frendreis, Perry Castrovillari and former President Susan Radzinowicz.

Thanks to all for volunteering and thank you to all officers for their past service.

SOUTH LAKEVIEW PLAYLOT – NEWS

South Lakeview Playlot Advisory Council

Here is the line-up for the Summer Schedule:

July 13 1 Chris Fascione, storyteller

(www.storytelling.org/Fascione)

July 20 Catch This Juggling Duo (www.catchthisjuggling.com)

July 27 Mary Macaroni, singer/guitarist/magic

(www.marymacaroni.com)

August 3 Matt Wihelm, Pro Bike Show

(www.probikeshows.com)

August 10 Danny Orleans, magician

(http://www.corporatemagicltd.com/family_days.asp

The next meeting is scheduled for June 21 Monday @ 7:00PM Golden Apple Restaurant (Lincoln & Wellington)

Contact Jennifer Roche at jenniferroche@yahoo.com or Carolyn Withey at witheycarolyn@yahoo.com for additional information.

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS AND INFORMATION

Alderman Waguespack 32^nd Ward News

City Vehicle Stickers – Thursday June 10 from 10:00AM to 5:00PM. The City Clerk staff will be at the Alderman’s office to sell City vehicle stickers. 2657 N. Clybourn. First come-first serve basis.

Lncoln Belmont Library located at Paulina and Melrose is accepting student volunteers to help with the Summer Reading Program activities and with shelf maintenance activities. Must be 6^th grade or higher. Contact Gwen Thomas at email = ibelmojuv@yahoo.com or call the Library at 312-744-0166.

Movies in the Park – here are some close to SLN.

Jonquil Park – 1023 W. Wrightwood

June 30, Wednesday – Charlotte’s Web

July 17, Saturday – Raiders of the Lost Ark

August 7, Saturday – Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.

August 21, Saturday – To Catch a Thief

Hamlin Park – 3035 N. Hoyne

August 20, Friday – Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.

Call the Alderman’s office at 773-248-1330 or email his office at ward32.org to get his newsletter emailed directly to you.

CAPS Meetings by Sam Samatas

Beat 1932: 2^nd Thursday of even months @ 7:00 pm, Illinois Masonic, 836 W. Wellington. Next meeting is June 10.

Beat 1924: 3^rd Wednesday of odd months at 6:30 pm, Lincoln/Belmont Library, 1659 W. Melrose. The next meeting is July 21.

Friends of Burley School

Burley School located at 1600 block of Barry.

Rummage/yard sale – June 12, Saturday from 9:00AM to 2:00PM on the playground.

Lake View Citizens Council – LVCC

Home Safety Seminar

June 8 – 6:30

Vines on Clark – 3554 N. Clark

How to secure your home or condo. Programs that the City of Chicago offers to assist you. State of the Art locks, alarms and video surveillance systems.

See the website for an application = www.lakeviewcitizens.org

Lakeview Chamber of Commerce

Neighborhood Paper Drive : as part of the City of Chicago’s Earth Day 2010 programs, the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the Department of Environment on the 2010 Neighborhood Paper Drive sponsored by Waste Management. Help Lakeview become the neighborhood with the most paper collected. Starting June 5 through June 19, bring your paper to the parking lot adjacent to St. Luke’s Church.

Southport Art Walk – month of July. An exhibition of artwork by Illinois artists will be displayed in various Southport merchant windows. Special “Meet the Artist Day”, July 10 from 12Noon to 4:00PM to speak with the artists about their work.

Kiosks – note that on almost every corner of Lincoln/Belmont and Southport the new informational and directional kiosks. SLN is noted at the kiosk at Southport and Wellington near Chase Bank.

For more information www.lakeviewchamber.com, email = info@lakeviewchamber.com or 773-472-7171.

Greater Chicago Food Depository / Lakeview Pantry – 25^th Annual Hunger Walk

Celebrate the 25^th anniversary of Hunger Walk. The 5K walk is intended to raise over $500,000 for food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters. The Lakeview Pantry on Oakdale at St. Alphonsus is a beneficiary of the event. Register on-line at www.chicagosfoodbank.org. For more information, contact the Greater Chicago Food Depository at 773-247-3663.

MEMBERSHIP MEETING

SLN takes the Summer off. Members will be contacted by mail if a special voting meeting is required. Our next scheduled membership meeting is September 14. Until then, have safe and happy Summer and we hope to see you at the SLN July 13 Summer Get-together.

SLN – WEBSITE = www.slneighbors.org

Visit the site. It is a work in progress. Pictures and information to be added.

Josephine Nikola, past President– May 13 .

Former president of SLN, Josephine “Toots” Nikola passed away on May 13. Josephine was part of the inception of SLN over 40 years ago and served as president in the mid and late 1980’s. She received the Monsignor Quinn Award for Neighborhood Activist in 1973 and was active in the St.Alphonsus Boy Scouts. Her and her family owned and operated one of the last neighborhood stores at the southwest corner of Wolfram and Greenview. Our condolences go out to her family members.

RESTAURANT REVIEW by Joni G.

Joni G. will return in May for her final restaurant review before the summer break.

CONDOLENCES

This is the last newsletter until our September issue.

A FEW WORDS FROM OUR PRESIDENT …

Greetings to all! I am writing this as a reminder which came from an earlier Board discussion. South Lakeview Neighbors is committed to build and galvanize relationships with our members, volunteers, business owners and those who contribute to make our neighborhood desirable, stronger and evolving.

I am requesting that we as an organization continue to think about those who have made such contributions to SLN. Perhaps a teacher, principal, business owner, member, officer or neighbor, and recognize that person or establishment at our annual meeting. Presently that meeting is scheduled for June. Should you know of such a person, or a contact for that person, please inform a Board member, officer or me (773.858.1592) so we can pursue.

I also want to remind everyone about Earth Day and how we can get involved with cleaning up our neighborhood. I have volunteers who can assist us; however, I need someone to coordinate this effort. We can address the playlots or designate blocks on certain streets. If any are interested, please contact me. Truly , Susan Radzinowicz

Meeting a Glance …

April 13, 2010

Location: Basement of St. Alphonsus Church
1429 W. Wellington

Agenda: 7:00 pm: Coffee & Cookies
7:30 pm: Meeting

1) U.S. Census Bureau – speaker
2) New Sidewalk Café Permits
A) Jack’s Bar & Grill
B) Patsy’s Bar & Grill – expansion
C) Macondo Coffee Shop
D) The Ashland Bar – expansion
3) 3000-3100 N. Southport – Future zoning issues general discussion

APRIL 2010 MEETING PREVIEW

U.S. Census Bureau

We have all received our Census Forms. A speaker from the Bureau will give us insight as to why we should take the 10 minutes to fill it out.

New Sidewalk Café Permits

Alderman Waguespack’s office will forward all new permits to the neighborhood groups for approval. It is Spring so permit requests are in. On the agenda to present their plans are as follows:

Jack’s Bar & Grill and 404 Wine Bar located at 2856 N. Southport. Jack’s is submitting its plan from last year for a café on Southport side of business. The café will be located on the parkway that they patio bricked in last year. They will present specifics on times of operation.

Patsy’s Bar & Grill located at 2825 N. Lincoln Ave. Patsy’s has a café on Lincoln Ave. They would like to expand the length of the café. They will present specifics at the meeting.

Macondo Coffee located at 2965 N. Lincoln Ave. The owner wishes to set out a few tables and chairs at curbside for its coffee and food patrons. No alcohol is served at this site. The owner is also the owner of Las Tables.

The Ashland Bar located at 2824 N. Ashland Ave. The owner wishes to relocate the current sidewalk café to the curbside and expand it to accommodate additional seating. This establishment was recently purchased by the owners of the Grand River Bar & Grill on Lincoln Ave.

3000-3100 N. Southport – future zoning issues

The NDRC wishes to engage the membership and residents of these two blocks in a discussion of future zoning issues on these blocks. The blocks are currently zoned RT-3.0 which allows for the construction of single family homes only. Developers are inquiring as to possibly getting zoning changes to RT-4.0 for the purpose of building 3 or 6 unit condominiums. These two blocks are virgin and have been untouched by developers. The area will be flyered and your opinion is appreciated.

AT THE MARCH 2010 MEETING

Neighborhood Bars-Deleterious Impact Public Nuisance Ordinance (a/k/a The Bad Bar Ordinance)

We love our bars in SLN. However, we are not interested in becoming the new Lincoln Ave. or the Southport Corridor where the interests of the bar owners has surpassed the lifestyles of the homeowners. The huge increase in outside partiers to our area is threatening our preferred urban environment.

Elizabeth Gomez, director of Business and Community Affairs for Alderman Waguespack’s office and Ms. Burnett- Whitaker from the City of Chicago Commission appeared before the membership to describe how this ordinance works.

Ms. Wittaker informed the group that there are two ways for a bar to lose their license. First and most serious is illegal activities, which could be serving minors, operating outside of legal hours, drug dealing on the premises or crimes committed in the bar or outside the bar such as patron fighting or gun-play, illegal happy hour specials or restaurants with liquor licenses operating as bars. The Bad Bar Ordinance is designed to address non-criminal issues arising from the operations of a bar, but issues that, nevertheless, negatively affect the surrounding neighborhood such as noise from the bar, noisy patrons outside the bar, fighting that spills to the street after patrons are evicted from the bar, trash issues, traffic issues and my favorite – vomiting.

Ms.Gomez let it be known, that any resident who is having trouble or has complaints about an establishment can contact the Alderman’s office to get help with confronting the bar owners with any issues. Any group of 5 or more residents who reside within 500 ft. of the bar may file a complaint to the Local Liquor Control Commissioner relating to the bars operations related to Nuisance activities. Though not necessary to start the process, but important are complaint calls to 911. The bar is brought before the Alderman, community members and the police to hear the complaints and give their rebuttal. After usually a minimum of 3 meetings, a plan of action is adopted to address the complaint issues. If the bar does not resolve these issues within a certain time frame, the process moves to Step 2. The community submits a Public Nuisance Petition in which 51% of the registered voters within 500 ft of the bar must sign. The petition is submitted to the City’s Department of Business Affairs. At this point, the bars liquor license is under review. Under the Ordinance, the bar can be fined, or have its’ license suspended. If continued disregard for solving the problems occurs, the bar can be closed. The Alderman’s office has found that if the owners know the neighborhood is serious, they will comply with terms of the plan. Ms. Gomez stressed how important it is for the community to keep involved as the owners can refute any evidence

Ms. Gomez offered that LaVida on the 1200 block of George St was recently closed as the owner could not comply with the neighbor’s demands under this Ordinance. Ms. Gomez summarized the information by stressing that 911, not 311, calls are important and that the community must work together and keep the pressure on the owners. For additional information call Ms. Gomez at Alderman Waguespack’s office at 773-248-1330 or email her at elizabeth@ward32.org.

Walgreens–commencing packaged liquor sales

Residents of SLN are tired of having to walk more than 100 yards to purchase liquor. Here comes Walgreens – The Pharmacy America Trusts to the rescue. Representing Walgreen’s to give us the good news was Walgreen’s Public Relations firm, the District Manager and the Store Manager. Walgreen’s has met with the Alderman and applied for a license to sell 6 packs and 12 packs of beer (no individual cans) and bottles of wine. They have no intention of selling hard liquor or any Bailey’s type liquor concoction. It will be a modest selection, though Walgreen’s does intend to have a fairly high-end selection of wines. The employees will have to undergo special training and all purchasers that look under the age of 40 must be carded, which means all SLN members can leave their ID’s at home. The proposal was met with nods of approval and vigorous applause from the membership.

1520 W. Diversey – Zoning Change

The developer of this property requested a zoning change from RT-3.4 to RT-4.0 in order to build a 3 unit condominium under the guidelines previously set by the SLN membership for the 1400-1500 blocks of Diversey. The proposal conformed to the requirements except for the additional of a garage deck. Discussion on the issue ensued, with the SLN memberships being strongly opposed to the garage deck as potentially noisy to surrounding neighbors, too close in proximity to the coach house on the adjoining property and an invasion of privacy to neighbors on each side and across the alley. The developer noted how the garage deck makes the units more marketable but this point was not received favorably by the membership. A hand vote was taken on the issues as presented. In favor (Yes) = 6, opposed (No) = 25. The developer and NDRC Chairman Joseph Semerling asked for a second vote excluding the garage deck. That vote was (Yes) = 26, (No) =1. The developer is still considering garage deck issue in their plans to proceed with the zoning change. The vote was forwarded to the Alderman’s office.

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS AND INFORMATION

Alderman Waguespack 32^nd Ward News

The Alderman needs volunteers to canvass streets of the 32^nd Ward to report potholes, graffiti, trim trees, street lights out, etc. so they can be fixed. For more info contact Kerri Stojack at email=kstojack@cityofchicago.org or 773-248-1330.

Street Cleaning – The city recently released a sweeping schedule but it is no longer valid as the mayor’s office determined they were moving to a citywide grid system. Alderman Waguespack’s office is currently working on providing a new map and schedule.

Street Closures for Filming – The City Film Office has requested a full day closure of the Lincoln, Southport and Wellington intersection on a weekday. Specific dates are to be determined.

Call the Alderman’s office at 773-248-1330 or email his office at ward32.org to get his newsletter emailed directly to you.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE and 2010-2011 OFFICERS and DIRECTORS

Any members wishing to serve on the Nominating Committee to develop the slate for the next season, please leave a message for Bill Haderlein at 773-348-4516 (Chicagoland Deck) or email = chicagolanddeck@rcn.com. The Committee will meet on a date shortly after the April 9 membership meeting to present the slate at the May 11 meeting.

Any members who would like to serve as an officer or a director, please contact Bill Haderlein in the same manner. If you believe a member you know would be a qualified candidate, please contact us. This is a great chance for all to get involved in your neighborhood. ALL RESPONSES MUST BE RECEIVED by APRIL 13 – MIDNIGHT.

CAPS Meetings by Sam Samatas

• Beat 1924: 3^rd Wednesday of odd months at 6:30 pm, Lincoln/Belmont Library, 1659 W. Melrose. The next one is May 20^th.
• Beat 1932: 2^nd Thursday of even months @ 7:00 pm, Illinois Masonic, 836 W. Wellington.

GARDEN TIPS

Garden Tips by Maureen “Dolly” Regan

Spring is here except it’s still cold. Are you ready for some more cleaning up? The daffodils and crocus are showing up. The tops of the tulips from bulbs from Amsterdam are also showing up. Prune summer-flowering shrubs and hedges mid-April. Spring-blooming shrubs such as forsythia should be pruned immediately after flowering. I’ve been collecting paper egg cartons to start my seedlings like tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers and hot peppers. Cut top of carton, put plastic in the bottom, mix miracle grow with potting soil, plant seed as directed and water. Put in large plastic bags and water every couple of days. Start planning your vegetable garden. Relocate tomatoes from last year’s placement. If you have any questions about native plants, stop in at the flower house in Lincoln Park. I’m sure they can answer your questions.

Garden Tips by Susan Radzinowicz

Trees and shrubs can be planted late in the month and fertilized. Cool annuals can be planted if no suggestion of serious frost. Start seeds indoors. Compost and prepare beds with compost for seasonal planting in May.

SLN – WEBSITE = www.slneighbors.org

Visit the site. It is a work in progress. Pictures and information to be added.

RESTAURANT REVIEW by Joni G.

Fiorentino’s Cucina Italiana, 2901 N. Ashland, 773-244-3026

There’s no place like home or Fiorentino’s. That is what many folks who frequent this Italian eatery say. You are always warmly greeted by Frances Fiorentino and any of her family members upon walking through the door of this very popular Sicilian restaurant. Sometimes you may have to wait briefly to be seated and sip a glass of wine or cocktail at their back bar. Therefore, reservations are highly recommended. The wait is always well worth what is to follow: a relaxing, enjoyable evening that will be palate pleasing as well.

You will never go wrong with any menu choices at Fiorentino’s. Always try something from the special of the day, often prepared by Frances herself. Our entrees on this visit comprised of hearty fare since there was a chill in the spring night air. I enjoyed the Pappardelle alla Bolognese, wide pasta ribbons in a rich meat sauce. There was ample sauce for dipping crusty bread in. My dining partner had the Rigatoni alla Boscaiola, sweet Italian sausage and mushrooms in a creamy tomato herb sauce. Both equally delicious and served in large enough portions that lunch is taken care of the next day.

Fiorentino’s has an extensive wine list. We enjoyed a bottle of Primitivo red wine from Puglia this evening. The bottle prices are a deal on any evening; however, they have a ½ off wine special on Mondays. They do have a full compliment bar and feature special martinis on Wednesday evenings.

The service at Fiorentino’s is comparable to a fine upscale dining restaurant, although business casual is worn and not so upscale prices are charged. Their year-round outdoor piazza is the best place to sit for a quiet warm evening, no matter what time of year!

The first time I reviewed Fiorentino’s, almost four years ago, they had just opened their doors. I remember meeting Frances on the street in front of her restaurant. As she proudly promised then, Frances and her family have brought the warmth and good taste of Sicily to our neighborhood and enriched our lives and palates over the past four years. This is a true treasure for dining in our neighborhood.