Author: Fox Valley Magazine

Must try appetizers, entrees, desserts or cocktails available at local Fox Valley restaurants. Jumbo Chicken WingsBest Jumbo Wings in Town! Get them Grilled or Fried, with or without breading, and your choice of one of our delicious sauces. AC’s Pub2124 W Galena Blvd.Aurora, IL 605061-630-907-7795 Grilled Octopus AppetizerOur Grilled Octopus starts with fresh Spanish octopus, expertly boiled to achieve perfect tenderness. Finished on the grill and tossed in a rich balsamic glaze, this dish is served over a vibrant bed of arugula with sweet cherry tomatoes, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Basil’s Greek Dining4000 Fox Valley Center…

Bartlett firefighters are back at it with their annual Smoke & Irons Music Fest on Friday and Saturday, August 9 and 10. The Smoke & Irons Music Fest boasts one of the best collections of original live music in the Chicago suburbs, while featuring some of the top up and coming artists from all over the country. The fest takes place at Apple Orchard Park in Bartlett. SoCal southern rockers Robert Jon & the Wreck, fresh off the release of their highly acclaimed album Red Moon Rising, will be headlining Friday night. The band has toured extensively over the past…

Established in 1959, the Chicago Air & Water Show is the largest free admission event of its kind. The 2024 Chicago Air & Water Show will be held on Saturday and Sunday, August 10 and 11, along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach serving as show center from 10:30am to 3pm daily. Headliners of the 2024 show include the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights. New this year are stunt pilot RJ Gritter aboard his acrobatic Decathalon 150 CS and the Trojan Phlyers who will show off their historical…

Wine selections available at local wine stores and wineries in the Fox Valley area. BataviaIntroducing Batavia, a white wine that epitomizes freshness and charm in every glass. This delightful blend entices with a bouquet of peach, apricot, baked apple, and pear, weaving together a tapestry of fruit-forward aromas. A subtle hint of tropical fruit elevates the profile, creating a harmonious and inviting appeal. With its soft texture and pleasing complexity, Batavia is a tribute to the versatility and allure of white wine—a true celebration of purity and flavor.Taste Profile: Crafted for enthusiasts who savor the delicate interplay of fruits and…

The much-anticipated Sugar Grove Corn Boil Festival returned on July 25 for four days of fun and excitement including an expanded carnival, free live entertainment daily, and lots and lots of corn. As ever, our intrepid photographer Kevin Ketchum was there to capture the fun. (Photo credits Kevin Ketchum)

Featured selections of Craft Beers created by local Fox Valley area brewing companies. Fruhauf Oktoberfest Lager5.4% ABV. Built in 1871, the current La Dolce Vita restaurant in Lemont was once home to The Charles Fruhauf Store. Charles Fruhauf, a German-born immigrant, built his storefront out of Lemont limestone (Athens Marble) and his general store was a Lemont staple throughout the late 1800’s. A Great American Beer Festival Bronze Medal Winner, we brewed this Oktoberfest as homage to him and the beautiful building that still stands to this day. Clean, malty, and just dry enough, this Märzen-style lager is to be…

Stockholm’s Restaurant and Brewery, a staple of Geneva’s State Street corridor, will be temporarily shut down after being hit by a fire Wednesday evening. According to a message on the Stockholm’s Facebook page, at about 9pm Wednesday evening staff was informed by a nearby restaurant that smoke was billowing from it exhaust hood on top of the building. The Geneva Fire Department was called in and, with the assistance of other local departments, the fire was contained with no injuries reported. According the note on Facebook, “the damage is unfortunately rather extensive and Stockholm’s will be closed until further notice.”…

Up-and-coming blues-rock singer and guitarist Melody Angel will be performing at The Venue in Aurora this Saturday at 8pm (doors open at 7pm). Angel is a dynamic blues-rock artist hailed as a cross between the iconic Tina Turner and the legendary Jimi Hendrix. With a voice that echoes Turner’s soulful depth and a guitar prowess reminiscent of Hendrix’s electric church music, Angel commands the stage with her unique blend of charisma and raw talent. She remains deeply rooted to her home’s Chicago Blues legacy being the cousin of blues legend Otis Rush. Her music has garnered widespread acclaim and recognition,…

On Friday, August 2, First Fridays will feature sidewalk sales and the return of Aurora Downtown’s annual Stolp Block Party.  Stolp Avenue will be closed off for the block party between Downer Place and Galena Boulevard as live art and food trucks take over the street. Live music will be performed at Millennium Plaza gazebo featuring LeGrande Band from 6-9pm.  Island Boy Food, Snow Balling Sisters, Wurst Kitchen, Billy Bricks Pizza, Altiro Latin Fusion, Craft Urban Aurora and Charlie’s Creamery will be parked along Stolp Avenue. Tapville Social will bring their mobile beer and wine kiosk to the event.  And…

The Village of North Aurora continues the North Aurora Days tradition of providing a fun-filled weekend of activities and entertainment for the whole family this Friday and Saturday at the North Aurora Riverfront Park. Community events will also spread throughout town. Food, drink, games, music – it will all be here at North Aurora Days. Friday, August 2 – 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm Food Vendors: 5:00 pm—11:00 pm Beer & Wine Tent: 5:00 pm—11:00 pm Bands: The Blooz Brothers 5:30 pm—7:30 pm Spoken Four 8:30 pm—11:00 pm Sponsorship Tables: 5:00 pm—11:00 pm Free Shuttles: Shuttles to offsite parking at Schneider…