Support Local

Well, here we are… finishing week five of lockdown. This whole experience seems surreal now.

I don’t know about you but we’ve been cooking A LOT more since the stay at home orders. Thankfully, I enjoy cooking and it has been fun trying new recipes. Yet sometimes, I just want a break. I miss my weekly family date nights out,  gatherings with my friends, weekend brunches, and coffee dates. 

All of this cooking has me yearning for the day in which we can eat out again amongst the community. In the meantime, we’ve been supporting local by ordering pick up several times a week. It’s been fun having something to look forward to even if our date nights are confined to our dining room table for the time being.

For our date night last week, my daughter picked one of her favorite places in our neighborhood: Buona Terra. This local favorite is walking distance from our home. On our walk to pick up our food, we started talking about the impact this small Italian restaurant has had on our life from big milestones to everyday celebrations.

Our story made me think of the people and the story behind Buona Terra.

This week, Buona Terra celebrated its 18th Birthday. They planted their roots in the historic Logan Square neighborhood and invested in the up-and-coming location well before it became popular. This family-owned and operated restaurant is run by seasoned restaurant manager Eileen Garcia and her husband,  Chef Chepe.

They signed the lease on September 9, 2001, two days after their youngest son was born. Two days later, 9/11 changed everything; and like everyone else, their worries piled up.

Despite the uncertainty, they decided to move forward with their restaurant dream. With three little kids in tow, their mortgage paid, and $1,000 in cash, Buona Terra opened their doors on April 15th, 2002. Never in their wildest dreams did they ever think it would be anything more than their business. Yet, along the way, they realized they built so much more: a community, a meeting place for people to share a great meal and to create lifelong memories.

In August 2002, after returning from two years in Japan, I spent a long weekend in Chicago visiting my now husband. He surprised me by taking me out to the new hot spot in Logan Square: Buona Terra. This has been one of our favorite go-to places ever since. So it’s no surprise that it happens to be one of our daughter’s favorites as well. 

Here are a few of our most recent sweet memories celebrating with you, Buona Terra. 

Buona Terra, we love your food, amazing staff, and the beautiful community that you have built over the last 18 years. Thank you!

Also, a special shout out to Eileen Garcia for sharing more about their story.

Please note, during the current state-mandated lockdown, Buona Terra is currently open for pick-up and delivery between the hours of 4 pm – 8 pm. Orders can be placed online or over the phone at (773) 289-3800.

Let’s keep our communities thriving. Please SUPPORT LOCAL.

What are your favorite places, dear readers? How are you supporting local business? We’d love to know.