The Peanut Gallery

Cecilia Lanyon and Dominic Zumpano have been at the helm of one of Lake Forest’s favorite eateries, The Gallery, for the last three years. And while their customers feel like family, they noticed that something was missing. “Our guests don’t bring their kids when they come here,” Lanyon explains. “While the vibe of our restaurant is casual and fun-loving, the dining experience is more refined. Dominic and I realized there was a big opportunity in our city for a restaurant geared at families so we’ve decided to open The Peanut Gallery.” The Peanut Gallery, located on North Western Avenue in Westwood Center, is a fast-casual diner concept with burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, and ice cream. “We have a menu that will be very kid-friendly, but we hope that adults will think of us as a dessert destination, too,” Lanyon says. “We’ve been working hard on bringing back all of those treats that make us nostalgic for our own childhoods.” –Ann Marie Scheidler

The Peanut Gallery is located at 950 N. Western Avenue, Suite 208 in Lake Forest, thepeanutgallerylf.com

A Warm Shot

Infrared saunas and beauty treatments are having a moment, but Tom Maegdlin, co-owner of Hansa Coffee Roasters, is way ahead of the curve. Since 2015, he’s been using infrared ray technology at his flagship Libertyville roastery to bring out the beauty of his specially sourced beans. “Our proprietary method heats the actual coffee, not the air around it,” explains Maegdlin. “So the results are precise and clean-tasting. There’s no bitter campfire flavor.” At the Lake Bluff outpost of Hansa, the beans are used to craft creative cold weather antidotes like the Flu Shot (espresso, cayenne pepper, honey, and steamed milk) and Chili P (espresso, cayenne pepper, chocolate, and steamed milk.) hansacoffee.com

The Fast Track to Civic Responsibility

On Friday, January 31 at Ferrari Lake Forest, the Lake Forest Caucus Committee will host a Volunteers at Heart fundraiser. Enjoy light bites, listen to live music, and swoon over fast cars while meeting with elected officials and volunteers for Lake Forest Boards and Commissions. The event is a great opportunity to learn more about how city government functions. Tickets are $75. For more info visit lakeforestcaucus.com

Best Buds

During these dreary winter months, consider adding a pop of freshness to your room with a simple cut flower. At M on the Square, you can shop for a single stem and stunning vessel at the same time. Owner Missy Crowe waxes eloquent about pottery by Jill Rosenwald, whose work she discovered on a trip to New York. “I love that it’s all handmade—nothing mass produced,” she says. Crowe is the exclusive stockist in the area for Rosenwald’s line and chooses specific pieces to meet her customers’ discerning tastes. Custom-tinted bud vases make a gorgeous gift (or treat for yourself.) And once the flower fades? Repurpose it as a desk accessory to hold your favorite pen. monthesquare.com