Steven Kowalski - Chicago.AF - BHHS Chicago

04/26/2023

Throughout man’s history, wars have been fought over bread. After going to Aya Pastry out in West Town, I could see why. I recently had the opportunity to sit down with master pastry chef and business owner Aya Fukai and this felt special for a couple of reasons. For one, carbs are my thing. I just love bread in all its forms. Savory. Sweet. It doesn’t matter – it’s freakin’ awesome and I love it. Secondly, I love seeing people in our community reap the rewards for their dedication to fine tuning their craft into something that is beyond exceptional. In addition to being a James Beard Foundation Award semifinalist, Aya has earned herself countless accolades both on the local and national level – and from the sounds of it, she’s only just getting started. In our sit down, we talk about her transition from fine dining chef to pastry chef to business owner, how Chicago stacks up against Boston as a food town, and where she sees her business going in the coming months and its role in the community.

Throughout man’s history, wars have been fought over bread. After going to Aya Pastry out in West Town, I could see why. I recently had the opportunity to sit down with master pastry chef and business owner Aya Fukai and this felt special for a couple of reasons. For one, carbs are my thing. I [.....

04/10/2023

Bringing a bit of Monday Magic with a market update for my Wicker Park people. Want to know what your home is worth in today’s market? Every home and neighborhood is different. Let’s talk 😎

04/03/2023

The numbers are in and the West Loop is lookin hot! Despite low inventory, the market is showing more signs of balancing - so if you’re considering a move this year, let’s chat!

01/20/2023

Chicago is a city of neighborhoods. With over 77 officially recognized communities (in addition to the dozens of emerging or locally-recognized neighborhoods), each area brings something truly unique to our fine town. Not sure what Chicago neighborhood you live in? Use this interactive Chicago neighborhood map to help find out for yourself!

Chicago NeighborhoodS Map Chicago is a city of neighborhoods. With over 77 officially recognized communities (in addition to the dozens of emerging or locally-recognized neighborhoods), each area brings something truly unique to our fine town. Not sure what Chicago neighborhood you live in? Use this...

01/11/2023

The market has changed. Is now a good time to sell? Should buyers wait for a crash? All those questions answered and more!

The scorching hot market seen these past couple years is finally showing signs of slowing down as the interest rate hikes enacted by the Federal Reserve bare their consequence. The biggest question I’m seeing from buyers today is whether they should wait for a potential price drop before diving in...

11/02/2022

As someone who loves this city, I feel it's important to find and highlight sources of inspiration from within my community. That's why sitting down for a convo with the legendary Jim Graziano of really felt extra special to me. When I first moved back to Chicago and landed my studio right around the corner from this fine establishment, the West Loop was not what you see it as today. And while seeing the neighborhood transform has brought upon a certain level of pride - the way Jim and his fourth-generation family-owned sandwich shop has adapted and grown in-sync with the neighborhood's revitalization is truly awe inducing.

Located at the corner of Randolph and Peoria in the West Loop, JP Graziano represents the old Chicago way of doing things: Show up, work hard, and provide a quality product. For nearly 100 years, that simple formula has paved the way for fourth-generation owner Jim Graziano to take this beloved neig...

08/29/2022

A must read for anyone looking to buy!

Buying a home is a big deal. Whether it’s your first purchase or 10th, each transaction represents a significant financial and lifestyle decision. That said, it’s important not to overlook some of the smaller details that can often have a huge impact. Here are a few things I recommend every buye...

08/10/2022

If you've ever spent time on the northwest side of the city, chances are you've come across The Portage Theater. For most of my adult life, however, the venue has only operated sporadically - hosting an event or two a year at most. But the Portage Theater wasn't always like this. It was once a bustling community hub that attracted people from all over the city and state. That's why I wrote a little article outlining give interesting facts about the Portage that you may not have known! Link in bio! That said, I'd love to hear of anyone's experiences at the theater! Who went to that Bone Thugs show back in 2016?!

The Portage Theater – located just northwest of the Six Corners intersection of Irving Park, Cicero, and Milwaukee – has been an aesthetic icon to the Portage Park neighborhood for generations. Completed in 1920, this northwest Chicago landmark has a rich and eventful history. As neighbors eager...

06/22/2022

🍦= ❤️

Maybe it’s the heat – but you know what I’ve been thinking about a lot lately? Ice cream. I love ice cream. I mean – what’s not to love? It comes in so many different varieties and flavors that even if you tell me you don’t like ice cream, my response is that you simply […]

05/04/2022

Market Update – OLD IRVING PARK! Fun fact: The original name for the Irving Park area was going to be Irvington (named after author Washington Irving) – but was swapped to Irving Park after discovering another neighborhood in Illinois with the same name. Anywho - whether you’re in the city or burbs, I’m here to make sense of this wild market. Let’s chat! (And PS – it’s flippin’ beautiful outside. Go for a walk, people!)

03/23/2022

The Greystone is as Chicago as they come. You've likely seen these historic homes all across town - from Gold Coast to Lawndale to Logan Square - but why are these castle-y looking homes so popular in here in the city? Where did they come from? Why did we make them? Let's explore together!

What is a Chicago Greystone?   Often referred to as the cousin of the famous brownstones of New York, the Chicago Greystone is a type of residential building that began popping up around the city in the late 19th century and was not an uncommon new build to see well into the 1930’s. Unlike their ...