Amber Gibson 2022-01-08 11:43:06
Meet the people behind some of Chicago’s most beloved neighborhood shops, attractions, and eateries. DUSABLE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY President and CEO Perri Irmer is passionate about telling stories of Black excellence to educate and enlighten a global audience. She tells these important stories through immersive exhibits at the DuSable Museum, the oldest independent Black history museum in the nation. The museum was founded in 1961 by artist and activist Margaret Taylor Burroughs during the civil rights movement, and was named after Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable, the Haitian-born founder of Chicago. The Hyde Park museum is noted for its exhibitions that illustrate critical milestones, such as the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom and the 1919 Chicago Race Riot. “This museum is an anchor in the Black community,” Perri says. “Our mission is more important now than ever. Black history is American history. Neither story is complete without the other, and we must understand the entirety in order to make good history together going forward.” BATTER & BERRIES Batter & Berries has been a neighborhood breakfast, brunch, and lunch staple in Lincoln Park for a decade. You’ll find owner Craig Richardson at the restaurant nearly every day. He’s the man wearing purple, enthusiastically greeting guests, and ensuring that every diner is enjoying their meal. The restaurant habitually has a line outside the door as hungry customers queue to taste the eclectic flavors of brioche French toast, cheese-crusted hash browns, and housemade maple-chicken-and- apple sausage. “My favorite dish is the French toast flight,” Craig says. “It never gets old! Our flight of lemon, caramel, blueberry, and strawberry French toast is still our number-one best seller, and has helped many folks get through the pandemic.” HAISOUS VIETNAMESE KITCHEN Husband-and-wife team Thai and Danielle Dang opened HaiSous in Pilsen (where the couple also lives) to celebrate different regions and cultural influences within Vietnamese cuisine. Thai creates recipes from his heritage, based on childhood memories of growing up in Vietnam. While Danielle, a former architect who designed the restaurant, acts as director of operations and curates the bar program. Their extensive menu lists each dish by its Vietnamese name, followed by a helpful description in English. The family-style tasting menu is remarkably affordable and delicious, with generous portions. “There would be an absolute revolt if we ever took our whole fried fluke off the menu,” Danielle says. “Guests love to make their own lettuce wraps with fresh herbs and the seasoned crispy white fish before dipping it into the chef’s signature nước mắm tỏi, a Vietnamese flavored fish sauce.” FLIPPIN FLAVORS “I literally built Flippin Flavors overnight,” says Linda Flippin. After her husband said he thought bottling her from-scratch jerk marinade was a good idea, she came up with a name, designed a website, received a tax ID number, and even ordered bottles and labels by the time he awoke the next morning. The Flippins live within walking distance of their Beverly restaurant, which opened in 2020 just after the pandemic shut the city down. They survived a tough year with catering and takeout. Plus, diners can purchase a bottle of hot or mild jerk marinade to cook with at home. Everything on the Flippin Flavors menu is seasoned with Linda’s jerk marinade, ranging from fresh salads to hot Philly sandwiches. ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS Melanie Whaley founded Essential Elements three decades ago, growing her current boutique in Avalon Park into a destination shopping spot for discerning fashionistas (there’s even an Essential Elements Mavens Facebook group for her most loyal followers). Over the years, Melanie has showcased local and Black women designers like Takara Designs, Faith Davis, Simply Greta, and Twisted Clay. She juxtaposes local Chicago talent alongside collections from small European design houses, including a shoe salon with supple handmade leather shoes. These pieces are nothing like what you’ll find on department store racks. “I love beautiful fabrications and artsy designs,” Melanie says. “My ideal customer is a fabric connoisseur who has a passion for beautiful design elements.” Learn about other inspiring local business leaders at choosechicago.com/spotlights.
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