Epicurean Mandalla by Mathias “Spider” Schergen

Whether you’re a longtime fan or attending for the first time, we think there will be something for you at tonight’s Frunchroom show: 730pm at Beverly Woods Restaurant.

South Side Weekly named us one of the Best of the South Side and with each edition, we think you’ll see why.

Here’s everything you need to know. Even if you’ve been to The Frunchroom before, there’s new info here for you like the artist whose work you’ll see and details on our craft cocktails.

Who are the readers?

Amara Enyia
Policy wonk, Globetrotter, Athlete, Systems-thinker, Risk-taker

Cole Lavalais
Writer, Teacher, Director of Chicago Writers Studio

Kathleen Leahy
Educator, Writer, Intersectional Feminist, Occasional Bartender

Lyletta Robinson
Hoosier by birth, South Sider by choice

Nareman Taha
Co-director/founder, Arab-American Family Services

Ernest Wilkins
Cultural Anthropologist, Writer

What’s the time?
730pm. But show up by 7-715pm to guarantee yourself a seat, chat with friends, get a drink from the bar and settle in. We always pack the room and standing room only is a possibility.

Where’s the place?
Beverly Woods Restaurant (11532 S. Western Ave.) in the Caravan Room.

What’s the cost?
We ask for a $5 donation at the door to support the work of the non-profit Beverly Area Arts Alliance, which co-produces the show, sets up the room and coordinates the beautiful art you’ll see in our space.

Wait, there’s art?

Mandalla Study by Mathias “Spider” Schergen

Our resident artist for this edition of The Frunchroom is Mathias “Spider” Schergen. You can see his work in the photos at left and above. Spider is a retired Golden Apple art teacher that taught at Jenner Academy of the Arts for 30 years. He makes assemblage and collage out of found objects and detritus. For more on him, read this article from Mary Schmich, who wrote about him when he retired a few years ago (and explains how het got the nickname Spider.

Where do I park?
Beverly Woods has parking. Park in the north lot and you’ll be closest to the entrance for the show. But again, earlier is better as if there is another event there that night the lots may fill up.

How do I get there via transit?
It’s a 15-20 walk from Metra’s 1115th St. stop on the Rock Island Line which departs from the LaSalle Street Station in the Loop. Or you can take the Western Avenue CTA bus (note to North Siders: this is a reaaaaally long ride) to the Pace 349. Or a ride-share option.

Where can I eat?
We will have some light apps for sale for $5. Get there early and you can eat in Beverly Woods’s restaurant area (try their famous rolls). Snapper’s is right next door for some fast-food fish and Lumes Pancake House is across the street. For more nearby restaurants, there’s this list from Yelp.

You mentioned drinks?
Beer, wine and liquor will be available at the cash bar. Also, Lizzy Benner of Horse Thief Hollow will mix up a surprise concoction. The post-Frunchroom festivities will continue in McGann’s Pub inside Beverly Woods.

What are the stories like?
Some are sincere, some are tongue-in-cheek. One may be a call-to-action, another might make you think. One might be historical, one might make you remember a place you haven’t been since childhood. Basically, like having a conversation with someone you haven’t seen in a while. This review from South Side Weekly really captures what we’re about.

Who’s helping you with this?
I’m producing this in partnership with The Beverly Area Arts Alliance (or The Alliance, for short).

A big thanks to Monica Wilczak, Sal Campbell, David Barsotti, Jane Zia, Chris Wilczak and Lizzy Benner who’ve given this event material, financial and moral support. And a huge thanks to the McGann family and Beverly Woods for hosting us. (You can thank them by purchasing beverages and tipping profusely.)

And, of course, huge thanks to all our readers and, in advance, to you for coming.