Got a lineup of backyard barbecues on your summer schedule? If you’re that friend who’s known for showing up empty-handed or grabbing a case of Bud from the corner liquor store, it’s time for an etiquette overhaul. Thank your party host by stopping at one of these boutiques for a quick-grab gift.
UNIVERSITY VILLAGE
In a new expanded location across the street from its previous digs, Lush Wine & Spirits (1257 S. Halsted St. 312-738-1900) stocks plenty of summery wines and beers, but consider breaking the BYOB mold with Bottega’s Limoncino, a citrusy Sicilian grappa that comes in a curvy, long-necked bottle ($25, below).
LAKEVIEW
Swing by Click (3729 N. Southport Ave. 773-244-9141), a small but mighty Southport shoe store, to pick up the perfect gift for any drink-swilling grill master: Reef flip flops with either a bottle opener or a flask embedded in the sole ($46-$52).
LINCOLN PARK
Wells Street shop Greer (1657 N. Wells St. 312-337-8000) may be known for its stock of sophisticated stationery, but the goods here are not all so serious. Surprise your party planner with skull-and-crossbones coasters by Sesame Letterpress ($13 for a box of 8) or quirky metal bottle openers by Poketo with faces portraying three moods: shocked, crazy and happy ($14 each or $40 for three).
BEVERLY
Stop inside recently opened Euro-style floral shop The Blossom Boys (9911 S. Walden Pkwy. 773-779-4400), to pick up a hand-tied bouquet of summery blooms such as lilies, sunflowers and hydrangeas ($20 and up). Or opt for lotus blossom-shaped votive holders by HomeArt ($14.50), which will decorate the patio table long after the party’s over.
RAVENSWOOD
Owner Jason Loper’s stylish bags put Zola Jones (1944 W. Montrose St. 773-275-1845) on the map, but he also stocks tokens that surely will thrill hostess-with-the-mostest types, such as a Chel Domestic Goodies gift bucket packed with funky fabric-trimmed rubber gloves (above), an apron and kitchen sponge ($19).
UKRANIAN VILLAGE
Take a game of horseshoes, add booze and you’ve got a backyard barbecue scenario that’s bound to end badly. RR1# Chicago (814 N. Ashland Ave. 312-421-9079) has the solution: Schylling Toys’ rubber horseshoe set ($10, right). You’ll find plenty of other cheap barbecue-worthy gifts here, from bacon-printed place mats ($3) to toothpicks shaped like actual teeth ($8).
WICKER PARK/BUCKTOWN
So small you might miss it, Todd’s Wine (1616 N. Damen Ave. 312-698-9952) recently opened in the old Giraudon shoe store space. Head in for a bottle of Chateau de Jau’s Jaja de Jau ($10), a syrah-grenache blend that will stand up to ketchup-loaded burgers and barbecue sauce, or a four-pack of Festina Peche ($10), a seasonal beer fermented with peaches from Delaware-based Dogfish Head Craft Brewery.
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LMARNETT@TRIBUNE.COM
