Yesterday was the annual pilgrimage through Uptown by the monks of the (Vietnamese) Quang Minh Temple in Ravenswood. As Rev. Patti, from the Buddhist Temple of Chicago, explained several years ago:"They are doing an ancient Buddhist custom of monks paying an annual visit to neighboring temples. Anyone is welcome to watch them pay respects at each temple and donations are appreciated from lay followers."Photographer Bill Biederman saw the procession and took pictures, which he was generous enough to share with us.We are lucky to live in a community like Uptown, where the experiences and backgrounds of our neighbors are so… [...]

ragadan.comJudging by the menu (website currently under construction), Ragadan, a locally owned restaurant, will have some very interesting fare when it opens at 4409 N. Broadway this summer. We hear an experienced Chicago chef is behind the concept.4409 N. BroadwayFormerly home to Grace's African Restaurant for many years, Ragadan will focus on falafel ("an American falafel shoppe") but will serve a range of Jordanian food with American twists. Expect "American" and "Jordan" influenced burgers, hummus plates (with kebabs), chicken sandwiches, salads, soups (ful, freekeh, and more), and desserts including baklava (and baklava milkshakes!) and basbousa.Ragadan joins a veritable United Nations of… [...]