EDGEWATER — On Wednesday, International Women's Day, 13 businesses and restaurants led by women in Edgewater will get the spotlight as part of an International Dinner Crawl that celebrates the diversity of flavors, cultures and people in the neighborhood.
The March 8 date also coincides with another movement, the "Women Strike," which aims to give a glimpse into what life would look like without the contributions of women across the country.
In Edgewater, that would mean going without the rich and vibrant tastes of Mango Pickle, an Indian Bistro headed by chef and owner Marisa Paolillo.
It would also mean missing out on two decades of authentic, home cooked meals from Almaz Yigizaw of Ethiopian Diamond, and send some of Chicago's finest restaurants scrambling for a tofu that could possibly taste better than Jenny Yang's Phoenix Bean brand.
Other businesses led by women, such as local theaters, RAM Art Studio and AVP Jewelry, will host restaurateurs on a night dedicated to shining a light on the women who make Edgewater special.
In fact, the 48th Ward elected the City Council's first woman alderman, Marilou Von Ferstel (then Marilou Hedlund) and voted in several more since — including Ald. Harry Osterman's (48th) mother Kathy Osterman.
The $35 tickets ($30 for Edgewater Chamber of Commerce members) can be bought online or through the Chamber's office between 4-7:30 p.m. at its 1210 W. Rosedale Ave. location. Restaurants will serve samples from 5-8 p.m.
A portion of the night's proceeds will be donated to GirlForward, a neighborhood organization that helps support young girls who are refugees.
Businesses participating in the event:
• Summer Noodle & Rice - 1123 W. Granville Ave.
• Kwai Fah Acupuncture Clinic - 1208 W. Granville Ave. Serving Tina's Italian Ice & Gourmet Popcorn.
• AVP Jewelry Granville - 1206 W. Granville Ave. Serving Maddiebird Bakery.
• Ethiopian Diamond - 6120 N. Broadway
• RAM Art Studio - 6054 N. Broadway. Serving Fireside Chicago.
• Edge of Sweetness Bakery - 6034 N. Broadway
• Indie Cafe- 5951 N. Broadway
• Independent Spirits, Inc. - 5947 N. Broadway. Serving Rhine Hall Distillery.
• The Growling Rabbit - 5938 N. Broadway
• Edgewater Chamber of Commerce - 1210 W. Rosedale Ave. Serving Greenstar Brewery and hosting GirlForward
• Mango Pickle - 5842 N. Broadway
• Alice & Friends' Vegan Kitchen- 5812 N. Broadway
• The Edge Theater - 5451 N. Broadway. Serving Louis Glunz Wines and hosting Artemisia, A Chicago Theatre
• Herb - 5424 N. Broadway
• Steep Theatre Company - 1115 W. Berwyn Ave. Serving Phoenix Bean Tofu.
• La Fonda Latino Grill - 5350 N. Broadway
