DG July/Aug 2026
Flavors of Downers Grove
The restaurateurs redefining suburban hospitality, one concept at a time By Julia Mazurek Restaurateurs Todd Davies and Tim Canning have been a driving force behind redefining the dining scene in Downers Grove. Eight years after opening Cadence Kitchen, their restaurant group has grown into a collection of hospitality concepts in Downers Grove and well beyond.…
Read MoreThe Keeper of Wrigley
Head groundskeeper Dan Kiermaier cares for baseball’s most iconic field By Julia Mazurek | Photos courtesy of the Chicago Cubs At Wrigley Field, every blade of grass tells a story. And Dan Kiermaier ensures each blade is ready for every day at the iconic field. Before the ivy stirs and before the first crack…
Read MoreWhat’s Cooking?
World-renowned kitchen scientist and writer Harold McGee has Elmhurst roots. By Maureen Callahan | Photos courtesy of Harold McGee Have you ever wondered why you like your chili extra spicy while someone else would require a half roll of Tums to get through the bowl? Or why a sommelier might use words such as “leathery”…
Read MoreBuilding Community, One Home at a Time
House Walk success fuels record giving across Downers Grove Photos by Thomas Clark Productions If you were anywhere near Downers Grove this spring, you could feel the excitement surrounding one of the village’s newest traditions: the Downers Grove House Walk. Hosted by the Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club (DGJWC), the annual event transformed the community’s…
Read MoreFrom Downers Grove North to March Madness
Four former Trojans reunited on college basketball’s biggest stage By Bill Esbrook Call it serendipity, good fortune, or a happy twist of fate. More likely, it’s a combination of talent, ambition, and a strong work ethic. Ryann Wendt, Maggie Fleming, Kate Gross and Violet Mitchell were friends and teammates on the Downers Grove North varsity…
Read MoreA Tribute to Busy Bee Bakery
The sweetheart of Downers Grove By Gary King In the heart of Downers Grove, just steps from the town’s bustling Main Street, there once stood a little bakery that was bigger than its ovens. Busy Bee Bakery wasn’t simply a place to buy bread and pastries; it was a ritual, comfort, a daily joy, and…
Read MoreForty & Flourishing
Community Adult Day Center celebrates four decades of compassionate care and connection for local seniors By Valerie Hardy One-third of older adults have Alzheimer’s Disease or another type of dementia by the end of their lives. Living with dementia is often challenging for individuals and their families. Thankfully, local compassionate care options are available, including…
Read MoreArtistic Accolades
District 99 students achieve top honors in the annual Scholastic Art & Writing Awards By Valerie Hardy Most teenagers take a fine arts class only because it’s a high school graduation requirement. Likewise, most teens only write when assigned, with their primary goal being to earn a particular grade. However, Aili Flannery and Ananya Kharat…
Read More6 Chicago Restaurants Worth Experiencing
These Chicagoland destinations transform dinner into something memorable By Sophia Schiappa 2d Restaurant – House of Teriyaki 3155 North Halsted Street in Chicago The first surprise at 2D – House of Teriyaki isn’t the food – it’s the feeling that you’ve walked straight into a comic book. Located in Lakeview, this restaurant is one of…
Read MoreJoining Forces
Local agencies work together in a unique task force to tackle crime BY ANNA HUGHES DuPage County is home to a one-of-a-kind, crime-fighting task force. Founded in 2019, the Metropolitan Emergency Response and Investigative Team (MERIT) enlists highly skilled law enforcement personnel from 37 agencies across the county. Together, these officers collaborate efficiently and effectively…
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