This is about shopping in the OP Arts District, and also eating.
Okay, so hear me out. I know it’s raining, off and on. BUT, it’s also a balmy 67F out, and it feels great — I’ve got the front and back door open at the store, and I’m loving it.
AND, the Oak Park Arts District Business Association has started a new promo, and Friday is the best day to take advantage of it, because most of us have agreed to be open Fridays 4-7. Here’s how it works:
– stop into six of the businesses on the card — many of them are small studios that aren’t necessarily open regular business hours, but you can catch them Friday evening.
– ask for a punchcard (if you don’t already have one), and ask them to stamp it for you (no purchase necessary).
– once you’ve collected six stamps (which you can easily do in an hour of pleasant wandering), you can trade that in for $10 off something delicious from one of the participating Arts District restaurants: TACO MUCHO, Happy Apple Pie Shop, LLC, MORA Oak Park, Publican Quality Bread, or Trattoria 225 Oak Park, IL.
I will personally vouch for:
– the shrimp tacos and poblano-potato-cheese tacos at Taco Mucho
– the classic apple pie and the shepherd’s pie at Happy Apple (and my kids love their chocolate chess pie)
– the tiger shrimp skewer with lemongrass sauce and the sake sashimi at MORA
– the Avec pizza at Publican (piquillo sauce, chorizo, bacon lardons, chopped dates, mozzarella)
– the steamed mussels with white wine, garlic, parsley and lemon AND the wood roasted beet salad mixed greens, goat cheese, candied walnuts, citrus vinaigrette at Trattoria 225
(As a new shop owner in this area, I’m still getting to know all of these fabulous restaurants, so please feel free to add your suggestions of other things I should try in the comments. What are your favorites?)
So wander around looking at artsy things, then go eat something delicious. It could become a regular Friday date night or hang with friends. Kids are welcome too, so check it out!
