Living in Lincoln Park Blog

1) Chicago Wine School and House Red present “Little Known Reds - Great Cold Weather Drinking” (12/12/2006) These grapes–Nebbiolo, Grenache, Barbera, Tannat, Moristel, Sangiovese, Nero d’Avola and Petite Sirah– are world reknowned, yet they rarely get the attention that the Big Four do. But they have the power and structure and flavor that helps them go wonderfully with the meals we enjoy during the fall and winter. We’ll try them all and learn a little along the way. $60 This seminar will take place at House Red (7403 W Madison in Forest Park–5 minutes from the Harlem exit off Eisenhower). It starts at 6:30 PM and lasts approximately 90 minutes. The fee for this seminar covers the wines, the handouts and the use of proper glassware. Registration by pre-payment is required (check, cash or online payment) Make your checks payable to Chicago Wine School and send them to the address below; or pay on-line at the site. ************

2) Bella Bacinos Italian Bistro Save Time for a Trip to Piedmont Holiday Barolo Wine Dinner – Downtown LaGrange Tuesday December 12th as we welcome Nicola Abbona of Marchesi Di Barolo One of the great names in Piedmontese winemaking, Cantine dei Marchesi di Barolo dates back as far as the 12th century, when the land-owning Falletti family of Piedmont’s Barolo district was granted titles of nobility. Today the estate owns about 100 acres of vineyard in Langhe, including some of the finest vineyards in the district. The Marchesi di Barolo cellars have been owned since 1929 by the Abbona family, who make their home in the large, yellow-fronted villa overlooking the terracotta rooftops of the picturesque village of Barolo. Like their Falletti predecessors, the Abbonas are committed to conserving the estates time honored reputation. Date: Tuesday, December 12th Time: Reception 6:30 pm. Dinner 7:00 pm. Place: 36 S. LaGrange Road, Downtown LaGrange RSVP to: bacinos@comcast.net or with Dan @ 708-420-9600. As is our tradition, Marchesi Di Barolo wines will be available at special pricing as will as Riedel stemware. Menu and pricing for our five course paired wine dinner to follow. ************

3) Randolph Wine Cellars “Annual Cab Shoot Out” Tuesday, December 12 6-8pm Over 30 wines for $30 Typically, in our annual Blind Tasting of Cabernet Sauvignon wines, we serve up a heavy dose of magnificent California examples, season them with competitors from Bordeaux and Washington State, and throw in a few outsiders for good measure. This year, all bets are off! We’re opening our doors equally to all parts of the globe for Cabernet contenders, making for a much needed blend of wine styles and origins in our search for the perfect Cabernet. This tasting will be first and foremost about Cabernet Sauvignon the grape. All wines will be veiled during the tasting, their identities concealed until the tasting is complete. On the night of the event, there will be discounted retail pricing on featured wines. Contact Information email: info@tlcwine.com phone: 312-942-1212 web: http://www.tlcwine.com ************

4) If you’re worried that your bubbly collection isn’t quite up to holiday-party-season par, don’t miss “Bubble Bath VII ” Sample more than 100 champagnes and sparkling wines while enjoying holiday-inspired dishes presented by BIN 36 executive chef John Caputo. And be sure to check out the silent and live auctions and the raffle, which features concert tickets, gift baskets, and of course, champagne, wine and much more. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. Wednesday, December 13, 6 to 10pm Bin 36 (339 N Dearborn St) For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.bin36.com. ************

5) Private Champagne Tasting at UnCorkIt! Wednesday, December 13th, 2006 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM $30.00 per person You are invited to join us for a special Champagne & Sparkling Wine Tasting! Sample bubbly from around the world while enjoying gourmet cheese, crackers and appetizers. We will be closing the store early for this exciting event. Come and taste the different flavors and characteristics of Champagnes and Sparkling Wines from all different regions and countries of the world. Learn from the experts who will be pouring their products. This is a private tasting so sign up early. Names will be checked at the door. Sorry no walk-ins. To purchase your tickets call 312-321-9400 or stop in at our Customer Service Desk. ************

Courtesy of Patrick Fegen and the Chicago Wine School, wineschool.com

“Wait . . . did you say the winter home buying season?”

We sure did. Many home buyers like to wait until the trees are budding and the flowers are blooming to start shopping for a new home. But the best time to shop is when the “stores” are stocked and there are fewer customers…welcome to the winter home buying season!

5 Great reasons to pull on your boots and start shopping.

1. TIME. The winter market moves a little slower (less buyers) which leaves you more time to consider multiple listings simultaneously without having to make instant decisions. Great time to avoid bidding wars.

2. PRICE REDUCTIONS. Motivated sellers want to sell their homes before the spring market gets moving and buries their listing within thousands of others. They will offer lower prices and sometimes even buy down your mortgage rate to make their listing more appealing.

3. PERKS. If you’re considering a purchase this winter, know that many developers are looking to move as many units as possible – giving you individual purchasing power through the negotiation of extra discounts or “perks” such as paint, crown molding or even a free plasma TV.

4. LESS STRESS. Have you ever tried to get a moving truck for the first weekend in April? Nearly impossible. But if you find a new home in the winter, moving is a breeze. Moving and utility companies aren’t very busy in the winter and can work around your schedule.

5. BEST DEAL. Get in before the prices go up in the spring while taking advantage of current low rates. This will help you get the more house for less money.

BONUS! Clients interested in purchasing second homes or investment properties should know that purchase prices are typically less in the winter months – and contracting and servicing agencies are more readily available for immediate home improvements that may be necessary.

This article compliments of Mary Markis, Senior Loan Officer, Perl Mortgage, 312.651.5357, mmarkis@perlmortgage.com