• Carrie FrillmanPatch Staff Verified Patch Staff Badge

  • Lincoln Park, IL

I was born in Elgin, 10 minutes before my twin brother, Tim. He has since made up for his tardiness in height, towering over me today by about 1 and 1/2 feet. He and I are tied for the youngest in the family—though I like to consider myself a middle child—and have two older brothers. I grew up on one of the last standing farms in what is now the well-developed area of Prairie View. For those who do not know the town, it is a northwest suburb of Chicago sandwiched in the middle of Long Grove, Buffalo Grove and Lincolnshire. I moved to Minnesota to attend Winona State University, which is situated right on the Mississippi River. During my time there, I left for six months to study abroad in Granada, Spain, where I traveled throughout the provinces and even ran with the bulls in Pamplona. I returned to Illinois in June 2007 after graduating with a B.A. in Mass Communications: Journalism and Spanish. I wrote for The Daily Chronicle in DeKalb until June 2010. There, I covered education for about two years, crime for nearly one and during my home stretch, delved into issues centered on the governments of DeKalb County and the City of Sycamore.

Posting Activity

Bucktown-Wicker Park, IL|News|

Residents Still Await MAK Opening Date

There's still no opening date for a new Wicker Park Chinese restaurant that has been in the works since last year. But sources surrounding the Modern Asian Kitchen, 1924 W. Division St., say renovation work may be wrapping up soon.

Residents Still Await MAK Opening Date
Lakeview, IL|News|

Take a Walk Through Dinkel's Bakery (VIDEO)

Craving a homemade cookie or some fresh bread? You may want to stop by Dinkel's Bakery, a fourth-generation nearby business that got its start on North Side more than 90 years ago.

Lincoln Park|News|

Trial Date Set for Natasha McShane's Accused Assailants

A trial date for a couple accused of beating two women in nearby Bucktown has been set. The announcement came Monday—one day before the horrific attack's third anniversary.

Lincoln Park|News|

New Law May Hamper Wild Hare's Third License Application

Ald. Michele Smith recently sent a letter to residents about how a new law will affect Wild Hare's recently filed third request for a Public Place of Amusement License. The reggae club has been struggling since its move from Wrigleyville to Lincoln

Lincoln Park|News|

Lions, Tigers, Bears Chow Down at Lincoln Park Zoo

Ever wonder what a rhino eats? How about a lion? Check out a visit with the zoo's staff to learn what animals are chomping on. Some of the meals may surprise you.

Bucktown-Wicker Park, IL|News|

Smoke Daddy Chef Shares Comfort Food Secrets

The executive chef and owner of Wicker Park's Smoke Daddy appeared on a news segment last week just in time for the restaurant's recent expansion. He shared a couple recipes of some of the comfort foods the barbecue spot is known for.

Smoke Daddy Chef Shares Comfort Food Secrets