The sweet life at Terry’s Toffee
With product sales in 60 stores nationwide, and being a part of the Academy Awards gift baskets, Terry Opalek and Michael Frontier are living the sweet life. Being the owners of Terry’s Toffee, a locally owned gourmet candy store, their success is remarkable considering that they’ve never done any advertising. It has only been through word of mouth that they have become so popular.

With decadent flavors such as Orange Blossom, Lemon Paradise, Chai-Town Spice and Peppermint Pistachio Crunch, Terry’s Toffee is like an art form. Creativity and a “quest for one’s true self” have landed them “among the stars.” Photographs of Hollywood’s rich and famous grace the shop with autographed words of thanks and delight.

When they began their adventure, they didn’t know where the business would take them, or even if they would make a living. Terry had been working for the Chamber of Commerce in Illinois and California since 1987. Being a painter and a writer, he longed to do something creative. Losing his stepfather in February of 2002 caused him to begin to re-evaluate his career path. Michael, having also lost his father, had come to a turning point and began a “search for his true self.” After spending 15 years in the restaurant business here in Chicago, he decided to take a four-month sabbatical. Although he had gone to culinary school in the ’80s, his experience was mainly in the front of the house. He enjoyed the intimacy of cooking for friends and family, making every meal a pleasurable experience.

In the fall of ’02, Terry and Michael attended a class based on the book “The Artist’s Way.” The experience opened them up to letting go of their fears of doing something creative with their lives.

In December of that year, Terry made a big batch of his grandmother’s famous toffee for a holiday gathering at his church. He was overwhelmed with the wonderful reactions from everyone who tasted it. A good friend of his, Denise Mullito, added the integral piece of the puzzle when she suggested that he make the toffee with different infusions. That night, Terry and Michael went home and experimented with various flavors.

Cooking in their kitchen at home was the start of Terry’s Toffees. The growing business also has allowed them to give back to the community. Terry and Michael are involved with two charities: The Children’s Place Association and The AIDS Foundation of Chicago.

If you haven’t tried their toffee yet, believe me when I say it is a spiritual experience. The rich, creamy, chocolate coating surrounding the crunchy, buttery toffee is heaven in your mouth. Maybe you’ve had a rough day or need a pick-me-up. If you happen to be in the neighborhood, stop in and see Terry and Michael. There are samples of all of their sumptuous toffees. Whether it’s for a corporate function or your friends and family, Terry’s Toffee is a wonderful delight for anyone’s senses.
— Jennifer Gerenraich

Salmon cakes and crunchy French toast at Wishbone
If you haven’t been to Wishbone (3300 N. Lincoln) to indulge in their home cooking and Southern hospitality, then you don’t know what you’re missing. Two of the highlights on the menu, in my opinion, vary greatly but are equally scrumptious. If you’re a fan of salmon and have a difficult time passing on crabcakes when you see them on an appetizer menu, try the salmon cakes. They’re tender and full of flavor, served up with lemon butter sauce, two eggs, home fries or grits and a choice of corn muffin, biscuit or toast. The corn muffin is outstanding.

Also worth selecting is the crunchy French toast, dipped in corn flakes. Don’t roll up your nose till you’ve taken a bite. Trust me. With sausage or bacon, it’s only $6.25.
— Trent Modglin

Uncle Dan’s — The Great Outdoor Store
Don’t assume you have to head out to the suburbs if you need some camping or general outdoor gear. Uncle Dan’s (2440 N. Lincoln) gives you a plethora of brand-name options, whether you need a new sleeping bag, weather-proof parka or water tablets for that big hike in Wisconsin or backpacking excursion in Peru. Uncle Dan’s employees are everywhere to help.
— Trent Modglin

Skokie’s Sports Park
If you find yourself in the north burbs with your golf clubs in the trunk, check out the Skokie Park District’s Sports Park (3459 Oakton) for one of the better driving ranges I’ve been to. It’s a two-tier, 40-station range with an automatic tee-up system. Also, you buy a debit card rather than a bucket of balls. You insert the card, and golf balls pop up on the tee, ready to hit. They also boast new target greens that are more accurate, yardage-wise, than most ranges.

The Sports Park also boasts an intimidating miniature golf course and batting cages for those looking to see if they can catch up to the fastball.
— Trent Modglin

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