Author: Fox Valley Magazine

Featured selections of Craft Beers created by local Fox Valley area brewing companies. Fortunate Day IPAA bright, fruit-forward IPA with refined balance and a crisp, modern finish. Fortunate Day is a fruit-driven IPA designed to showcase vibrant hop expression while maintaining balance and drinkability. The goal was a bright, aromatic beer that leans into juicy fruit character without sacrificing smoothness or structure. A Pilsner malt base provides a clean, refined backbone, allowing the hops to shine while contributing subtle notes of fresh bread and light sweetness. As the beer warms, the malt character broadens slightly, adding depth without becoming heavy.…

When it comes to hosting memorable events, VAI’s brings together award-winning food, thoughtful service, and versatile spaces designed to fit your vision. Proudly voted Best Italian Restaurant in Naperville by Naperville Magazine for five years in a row, VAI’s has become a trusted destination for celebrations of all kinds. At the heart of our private dining and catering program is our Private Dining Coordinator, Tara Tyson, who was also recognized in the Best of Naperville Awards as Best Event Planner. Tara works closely with every client, taking the time to understand the occasion and curate a menu that fits your…

Note: This is the latest in a weekly series from Anderson Humane spotlighting wonderful animals currently looking for a “forever home.” We encourage you to support Anderson Humane and it’s tireless efforts to care for our animal friends and place them in loving homes. For more information please visit https://ahconnects.org/. Meet Massimo, Our Happy Rottweiler Mix! This 7-month-old Rottweiler mix is a handsome, happy puppy looking for his forever home. He was surrendered due to financial hardships, but he’s full of love and joy to share! He enjoys both playtime and relaxing, making him the perfect mix of energy and calm.…

The Fox River Trolley Museum on South Elgin will be hosting the Bunny Burrow Express in search of fun, family and, of course, Easter eggs! On the three Saturday’s before Easter, the young and young at heart will partake on a wonderful ride to the Easter Bunny’s “secret burrow” in vintage antique real trolley cars, where there will be plenty of hidden eggs to find. All the little ones will receive a basket of their own to collect any magical eggs that are found. Tickets are $30 per person and can be purchased here. Trains run on the three Saturdays before…

Located at 720 N. McLean Blvd. in South Elgin IL, Sweet Berry Cafe is a community staple known for its modern and trendsetting, chef-driven approach to American breakfast and lunch. Ownership and HistoryThe cafe was founded in mid-2013 by Dan Mataragas, who built the business from the ground up after years in the restaurant industry. Mataragas partners with long-time collaborator Executive Chef Jesus, with whom he has worked with since they were 13 years old. Recently, the establishment underwent a remodel to introduce a more luxe and modern ambiance with bright, clean lines and delicious green velvet booths to complement…

Wine selections available at local wine stores and wineries in the Fox Valley area. Dionysus Cabernet SauvignonCrafted with devotion, our Dionysus Cabernet Sauvignon is a harmonious blend of medium tannins and rich, deep flavors. The journey of its creation begins with a cold soak, extracting the vibrant essence of cherry and plum, elegantly intertwined with sophisticated hints of dark chocolate. This meticulous process is followed by aging in French Oak barrels, which imparts a nuanced medium oak character, complementing the wine’s medium-full body, medium-high tannins, and medium acidity to perfection. Geneva Winery & Coffeehouse426 S. 3rd Street, Geneva, IL 601345…

Giardino Trattoria and Pizzeria is located in Downtown Aurora at 12 North River Street, inside the historic Hobbs Building, just steps from the Paramount Theatre. The menu focuses on brick oven Neapolitan-style pizza, fresh pasta made daily, Italian specialties, and salads, plus vegetarian and gluten-free options. You will find classic dishes made with quality ingredients as well as monthly specials. The dining room blends historic character with a garden-inspired theme. It works for date night, family dinner, and group reservations. Giardino is perfect for a pre-show meal when visiting one of our downtown Aurora theatres. The bar offers cocktails, wine,…

The Elgin Symphony Orchestra has unanimously approved a three-year contract extension with Music Director Chad Goodman. “We are thrilled to extend Chad Goodman’s position as Music Director for another three years so that we can continue to build on the terrific work that he has done on stage and in the community, creating synergy between our audience and musicians, and growing our lists of subscribers and donors each year,” said Marc Thayer, CEO of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. Goodman, the fifth music director in the Elgin Symphony Orchestra’s 76-year history, joined the ESO in May 2023. He has led the…

Get ready for a night of smooth harmonies, dazzling choreography, and timeless hits when UPTOWN takes the stage at the ECC Arts Center on Saturday, March 21, at 7:00 p.m. With explosive vocals, razor-sharp harmonies, and slick choreography, the men of UPTOWN deliver a dazzling tribute to the golden age of Motown while infusing every note with the pulse of modern R&B. Think smooth moves, sparkling stage presence, and the kind of magnetic energy that pulls the entire audience into the party. From heartfelt slow jams to roof-raising dance anthems, this dynamic vocal group promises an evening filled with music…

A new version of a rowdy classic comedy comes to a new theater space in downtown Elgin. Janus Theatre Company opens its 28th season featuring Ben Jonson’s comedy “The Alchemist” adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher, directed by Artistic Director Sean Hargadon. When a wealthy gentleman flees to the country, his trusted servant opens his house to a pair of con artists and sets up a den of criminal capitalism. Claiming alchemical powers, the quick-witted trio dupe the neighbors with their virtuosic ability to improvise amidst increasingly frantic comings and goings. It’s comic gold with dupes, double-dupes, duels, disguises, and a lucky…