News Briefs: Egg Harbor opens in Wilmette; Halloween event gets even bigger; Taste of Ravinia blends food with music

Wilmette’s Egg Harbor Cafe is now open at 707 Green Bay Road in a street-level space of Optima Verdana, a six-story, 100-unit apartment building on the northwest corner of Green Bay and Central Avenue.

The company’s 19th Illinois location, Egg Harbor Wilmette is open 7 a.m.-2 p.m. daily.

Egg Harbor’s first location opened in 1985 in Hinsdale, and now Egg Harbor has restaurants in three states (Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and six in Georgia). Glenview, Lake Forest and Evanston are home to Egg Harbor restaurants in the area, and there is a location in an Optima building in the Streeterville neighborhood of Chicago.

An Egg Harbor menu is packed with Midwest favorites, such as skillets, omelets, pancakes and waffles, and more for breakfast. A full-service lunch is also offered, primarily sandwiches and salads.

In the downtown Wilmette area, Egg Harbor will be the third breakfast location, joining Hotcakes on Wilmette Avenue and EvaDean’s on Central Avenue. Beloved morning spot Walker Bros. Original Pancake House is just down the street on Green Bay Road, while Central Station Coffee and Tea is also in downtown Wilmette.

Botanic garden expands Halloween event

The Chicago Botanic Garden is expanding its Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns five extra days this year, a 50% increase for the usual 10-day affair.

Over the 15 days this fall, guests can view more than 1,000 hand-carved, real pumpkins lit with LED lights that line the outdoor paved path at the Glencoe venue.

“Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns has been so popular because it’s a unique opportunity to enjoy a spirited evening strolling through the Garden at night,” said Jodi Zombolo, associate vice president, of visitor events and programs, in a press release. “There’s always something new to see at this annual fall tradition, and we’re excited to offer more opportunities this year for visitors to experience with friends and family.”

According to the botanic garden, the pumpkin path will include approximately 80, some as large as 150 pounds, that are intricately carved with themes including tributes to Chicago sports teams, pets in Halloween costumes, fan favorites from ten seasons of ghostly gourds, and much more

This year’s event runs from 6:30-10:30 p.m. on 15 evenings over three weeks: Oct. 8-12, Oct. 15-19 and Oct. 22-26.

Tickets are on sale now. Visit Chicagobotanic.org/halloween for more information and to purchase tickets. 

The decorated pumpkins are carved by artists from the East Coast-based company Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns, and the botanic garden says it takes up to 30 hours per pumpkin.

Adding to the festive fall feeling, the pumpkin route will also include live carving demonstrations, costumed entertainers, and seasonal light fare and drinks for purchase to enjoy along the trail. Food items include homemade caramel apples, pumpkin mac ‘n’ cheese, and spiced nuts. Drink items include hot apple cider and hot chocolate, along with beer, wine, and specialty cocktails. 

Attendees are also encouraged to wear costumes and share their experience on Instagram for a chance to win tickets to Lightscape.

Third annual Taste of Ravinia Farmers Market

Ravinia Festival in Highland Park welcomed the Ravinia Farmers Market and its nearly 50 vendors into the park on Aug. 20 for the third annual Taste of Ravinia Farmers Market.

Vendors sold fresh produce and handcrafted goods against the musical backdrop of bluegrass tunes from Chicago-based favorites Henhouse Prowlers on the Carousel Stage.

The Taste of Ravinia Farmers Market was presented in celebration of National Farmers Market Week, and the evening at Ravinia also included performances by Lucky Pickers, Noah’s Jam Jam Bourrée, and Almond & Olive, all local bluegrass acts as well.

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