St. Sabina Catholic Church, in Auburn Gresham on Chicago’s Southwest Side, is a cathedral-like edifice with comfortable padded pews and a large mural of a black Jesus. When I arrived there last Sunday in search of a book signing and presentation by Princeton University professor Cornel West, the building seemed nearly empty—until I became aware of the sound of a tremendous, booming voice and thunderous applause. Cornel West had arrived. Read the rest of this entry »
“Lagniappe” is a Louisiana French term for a small gift that a merchant includes with a customer’s purchase. It’s also the name of a restaurant on the corner of 79th and Justine, which in some ways seems like a gift to the South Side of Chicago, as well as to anyone with a craving for authentically prepared Cajun-Creole cuisine. Owner Mary Madison opened Lagniappe in its current location in September 2004; before that, it operated as a catering/carry-out-only establishment. Our evening there was sprinkled with other treats and surprises, not the least of which was the jazz music we heard emanating from the warmly lit space as we approached from across the street. Read the rest of this entry »
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