GATHER GARDEN INSPIRATION

ON JUNE 17, the Junior Garden Club of Lake Forest [JGCLF] will hold their much-anticipated Garden Walk from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring spectacular Lake Forest gardens—several of which are included in Benjamin Lenhardt’s book, The Gardens of the North Shore of Chicago. The gardens included remain a tightly held secret until the morning of the Garden Walk. An optional lunch at Onwentsia Club will also be offered.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Garden Walk will be handled differently this year. Instead of ticket pickup at one location, the JGCLF will notify all guests of the starting location the evening before the event. Groups of 10 will proceed on a specific route to prevent large congregations of guests. Likewise, a limited number of guests will be able to attend the luncheon, which will be broken into three seating times.

Current club president Judy Kernahan says, “Although this year’s event will be challenging from a logistical perspective, we are excited to offer the community an opportunity to stroll through some of the most magnificent gardens in Lake Forest. After the past year of isolation, we are hopeful that people are ready to get outside in a safe environment and enjoy nature.”

To purchase Garden Walk tickets, visit jrgardenclublf.com.

LE COLONIAL LOVE

A DOWNTOWN CHICAGO mainstay for 25 years, Le Colonial, one of the city’s most stylish and well-regarded restaurants, is expanding to Lake Forest. Nationally acclaimed hospitality veterans Rick Wahlstedt and Chicago-based Joe King have announced they will bring their acclaimed ode to the cuisine and design of 1920s Southeast Asia to 655 Forest Avenue. The historic, free-standing location—which originally served as the fire and police station—is ideally situated in the heart of picturesque Market Square. A March 2022 debut is planned.

“Lake Forest is delighted that Le Colonial will be opening in our historic Market Square in 2022,” says Lake Forest Mayor George Pandaleon. “The exquisite cuisine, sophisticated décor, and enchanting outdoor patio will create a lively atmosphere while fitting in well with Lake Forest’s traditions and culture. We look forward to welcoming and supporting Le Colonial as a long-term member of our community.”

“Over the course of the past year, a number of our customers have relocated to Chicago’s northern communities, and with a strong clientele already visiting us from those areas, we felt that the time was right to grow in that direction,” says King. “Thanks to our dedicated team, loyal fan base, and the city of Lake Forest, we count ourselves very lucky to be the new stewards of a structure with a wonderful history that buoys our goal of transporting guests to another time and place.

Le Colonial Lake Forest will be located at 655 Forest Avenue.