OKAY Cannabis Opens & More On The North Shore This Summer

From enlightening exhibits to new culinary destinations, there’s plenty to explore across the North Shore this summer.

DINE

Getting a New York slice no longer requires a trip out East thanks to Ballyhoo Hospitality Group’s newest concept, Pizza by Sal. The recently opened take-out and delivery joint in downtown Wilmette serves hand-tossed New York-style pizza with a crisp crust. Acclaimed chef Salvatore “Sal” Lo Cascio, known for his mouthwatering, gluten-free Sicilian-style pizzas at Lakeview eatery Coda di Volpe, brings his expertise to the table and offers an enticing menu of pizzas, chicken parmesan, pasta like fusilli pesto with oven-dried cherry tomato, spaghetti with homemade meatballs and baked ziti with Italian sausage. Says Ballyhoo Hospitality founder Ryan O’Donnell, “Pizza by Sal is a place the community can feel good about and is a desired stop to grab a slice after school or a quick take-out dinner to feed the family.” 1133 Greenleaf Ave., Wilmette

EAT

The Berry Good shake features fruit, organic agave nectar, vanilla whey protein and almond milk.

Fourteen years after first opening in Chicago, cultfavorite fast-casual Protein Bar & Kitchen is planting roots in Northbrook. Its extensive selection of warm bowls and salads, such as the Southwest and Kale Caesar, nutrition-rich green wraps and fan-favorite shakes like the Avo-Matcha and Jokes Acai’d will all be on offer. “We have had our eye on Northbrook for a long time as it’s the perfect spot for us to begin our suburban growth,” says CEO Jeff Drake. Kate Rettker, senior marketing director, adds, “We look forward to offering our customers an elevated experience in quick, healthy dining.” 243 Skokie Boulevard, Northbrook

EXPERIENCE

To commemorate the 65th anniversary of Tempel Lipizzans, a family-owned horse farm on the Illinois-Wisconsin border, the institution is hosting a series of summer performances titled Dancing through the Decades. Performances by the farm’s herd of striking rare Lipizzans horses set to contemporary soundtracks, including jazz and patriotic arrangements, are on the calendar. In the Pas De Deux segment, two stallions with riders will move in tandem, while the Quadrille will showcase a ballet of the white stallions. Esther Buonanno, Tempel Farms program director, says, “We are proud to celebrate 65 years with a new musical experience and thrilled to give our guests a brilliant new soundtrack to accompany our performances.” July 19-Sept. 3, 17000 Wadsworth Road, Old Mill Creek

VIEW

“Always Ask a Man Femininity vs Feminism” by Sally Edelstein

When the future seems uncertain, looking back on the past for guidance can be the best way forward—and that’s what The Art Center Highland Park, in collaboration with Stola Contemporary Art Gallery and Chicago Women’s Caucus for Art, presents this season with Absurdity: In Dada We Trust. Centered around Dadaism, the creative movement popular for its satirical take on art, poetry and performance (which also protested against the absurdity of war), the exhibition brings together institutions from theater and dance companies to filmmakers, writers and musicians who will create either exhibitions or individual works for both public outdoor spaces and indoor galleries, partly as a response to the changing sociopolitical landscape. As curator Caren Rudman says, “This is not only an exhibit but a movement to build our sense of community through the city and beyond and connect through this common theme of reacting to the issues of the times.” June 23-Aug. 5, 1957 Sheridan Road, Highland Park

LISTEN

The outdoor Carousel stage is Ravinia’s newest venue.

It’s summertime on the North Shore, and that means the return of Ravinia Festival. This year’s star-studded lineup features over 50 new artists, including Charlie Puth, Ne-Yo and Boyz II Men, and returning favorites like John Legend, Carrie Underwood, Chicago, Train, Jason Mraz and more. Fans can also enjoy the longstanding tradition of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, helmed by Chief Conductor Marin Alsop, which returns for a six-week residency. “From shining a spotlight on women composers across multiple genres to bringing the best in pop, rock, jazz and classical to our varied stages, Ravinia’s summer offerings reflect the wide-ranging musical tastes of Chicago and beyond,” says Jeffrey P. Haydon, Ravinia’s president and CEO. “Whether you’re attending for the first or 50th time, a concert here is a special experience and one we hope our audiences will treasure.” June 6-Sept. 10, 201 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park

LOUNGE

OKAY Cannabis is a playground for the senses.

North Shore fans of cannabis have an innovative new option: OKAY Cannabis, the brainchild of Chicago-based hospitality group Fifty/50, is the first establishment in Illinois with food, alcohol and cannabis under one roof. The nearly 12,000-square-foot venue comprised of a dispensary and an outpost of popular downtown Chicago eatery West Town Bakery is appointed with vibrant hues and serves a playful menu featuring items like cakeballs, Fruity Pebbles Rice Krispies treats, vegan cheesecake brownies and more, thanks to certified master baker Chris Teixeira and pastry chef Kaitlynn Johnson. “We cater to both the canna-curious and experienced users,” says Scott Weiner, cofounder of the Fifty/50 group, adding that the group wants to create a safe space that everyone can enjoy. 781 N. Milwaukee, Wheeling