Greater Albany Park's diversity brings a variety of sweet traditions to the holiday season

CHICAGO - Dec. 7, 2017 - PRLog -- Chicago's Albany Park, Irving Park and North Park neighborhoods are bustling with a uniquely international holiday spirit. Home to the city's most vibrant and diverse communities, the northwest side offers many businesses of diverse cultures.

"The holiday season is the perfect time to experience our community," says Thomas Applegate, Executive Director of the North River Commission. "Join us in celebrating traditions and cuisines from around the world."

Lizard's Liquid Lounge
Put on your most outrageous holiday sweater and head over to Irving Park's Lizard's Liquid Lounge on Friday, December 15 for an ugly sweater holiday party. Enjoy drink specials and free appetizers from 8 p.m. until supplies run out. Additionally, the bar will celebrate NYE with DJ Bloodshot Scott, drink specials and free appetizers.
3058 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60618; (773) 463-7599

Brasa Roja
Get into the holiday spirit with Brasa Roja's annual Novena de Aguinaldos on December 17! A Colombian tradition, Novena de Aguinaldos is similar to Christmas caroling but includes prayers and food. Stop by for a prayer, favorite Christmas songs, snacks and homemade hot chocolate.
3120 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618; (773) 866-2252

Templestowe Pub
Celebrate Christmas like they do "down under". Templestowe is spreading Christmas cheer with a Secret Santa drawing and party! To participate, contact templestowepub@gmail.com or head over to the bar and sign up. Names are drawn Thursday, December 7 and the gift sharing party takes place on Thursday, December 21. There is a $15 gift maximum.
3135 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618; (773) 681-0341

Steingold's
The popular Jewish deli is celebrating Hanukkah with eight days of deals! Hosting a big Hanukah party? Cater holiday favorites like Nanna's Matzo Ball Soup, fish platter and latkes served with lebneh and applesauce. View the full catering menu online. Steingold's is opening a second location next to the Francisco stop at 4642 N Francisco Ave. on December 12.
1840 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60613; (773) 661-2469

Kabobi
On Christmas Day, Kabobi will be serving a traditional dish of turkey with vegetable stuffing, perfect for any gathering. Want to start 2018 with a flavor bang? Ring in the New Year at Kabobi with a special menu item—mixed superior white fish served with hummus Persian dill rice and Persian salad consisting of chopped cucumber, tomato and onion in an olive oil and lemon juice dressing.
4748 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60625; (773) 583-1400

Markello's Baking Company
In Mexico, Christmas means a whole season of celebrations, beginning with "posadas." Traditional treats include tamales, buñuelos and Pan Dulce, sweet Mexican bread. Put a Mexican twist on your Chicago Christmas with Pan Dulce from Markello's Baking Company!
3520 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60625; (773) 539-9344

Merla's Kitchen
Christmas is the most important holiday in the Philippines, with celebrations lasting from December 16 to December 25. Filipino Christmas customs are a mixture of western and native traditions, so locals celebrate with Santa Claus and enjoy foods such as sweet ham, rice, flan and pancit, a traditional noodle dish. Cater your holiday party with Merla's Kitchen. Party platters perfect for a Filipino Christmas include: Pancit Bihon, Leche Flan, Chicken Adobo and Lechon Kawali (pork belly).
5207 N Kimball Ave, Chicago, IL 60625; (773) 539-2090

Cafe Beograd
Add a delicious European touch to your gifts for neighbors, teachers, mailmen, and everyone else on your list with a box of sweet treats from Cafe Beograd. Specializing in Serbian delights, customer favorites include gabon cake with raspberries and chocolate; cream puffs; baklava; and krempita, vanilla pudding.
2933-39 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60618; (773) 478-7575

Feyrous Pastries
Perfect party treats can be picked up at Feyrous Pastries, a Middle Eastern bakery and specialty grocery store. "Our most popular items are baklava, falafel, spinach pies and our special whole lamb," says Mohammad Morra, co-owner of Feyrous Pastries. The lamb, available by pre-order, is stuffed with rice, meat, and pine nuts and feeds parties of 15-20.
4510 N Kedzie Ave Chicago, Illinois 60625; (773) 478-4230

Salam
Stuffed lamb is one of the most well-known Middle Eastern dishes and in celebration of the holidays, the restaurant will be serving a special rice and meat stuffed lamb dish (also available to go).
4636 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60625; (773) 583-0776

Brazilian Bowl
Brazil salutes the New Year with one of the most festive New Year's Eve celebrations in the whole world where locals head to the beaches for dancing and fireworks. While Chicago is too cold for a New Year's Eve beach party, Brazilian Bowl's catering brings that exciting Brazilian attitude to your NYE celebration. Party favorites include empanadas; coxinha, crispy potato dough croquette filled with shredded seasoned chicken; and Brazil's national dish, feijoada, a stew of black beans, smoked sausage, bacon, rib meat, pork loin, Brazilian rice and collard greens topped with toasted yuca crumbs.
3200 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL, 60625; (773) 961-7399


North River Commission (3403 W. Lawrence Ave., Suite 201, Chicago, IL 60625; 773-478-0202) is the nonprofit community and economic development corporation for the northwest side of Chicago, from the Chicago River to Cicero and Addison to Devon. Founded in 1962 by concerned residents and neighborhood institutions, NRC unites more than 100 civic associations, businesses, schools, institutions and places of worship to improve the quality of life in the community by creating affordable housing, quality education, arts & cultural endeavors, open spaces, and thriving neighborhood businesses. North River Commission operates the Albany Park Chamber of Commerce as part of its economic development strategy. Learn more about the NRC at northrivercommission.org and follow their news on Twitter @NRCchicago and on Facebook.