Happy Friday!

🌮 Velvet Taco has arrived in Naperville’s Block 59, bringing globally inspired tacos and bold flavors to the heart of the city. The grand opening saw a crowd eager to try tacos like Spicy Tikka Chicken and Korean Fried Rice, all while snagging free gift cards and exclusive hats. If you're craving something new, this fast-casual spot is definitely worth a visit!

☁️ Today’s weather:

Cloudy with a high of 49°F (10°C). A 20% chance of rain, 69% humidity, and light winds at 6 mph — a perfect day to grab lunch or a cozy dinner.

📺 I Ranked Every Chicago Suburb From Best to Worst: In this week’s video, I break down how each suburb measures up and where Naperville lands in the rankings.

🍴 Check out The Foodie’s Guide for this week’s best eats, and scroll down for WHAT'S HAPPENIN' IN THE 'BURBS? — your weekend events roundup. 

Let’s dive in!

 —Brandon Blankenship, Founder of Living Chicago Suburbs / Realtor with Keller Williams Premiere Properties

Events

💭 WHAT'S HAPPENIN' IN THE 'BURBS? 

This Weekend Events…

 🎄 Georgiana and Kitty – Christmas at Pemberley

📍Location: Playhouse Theatre, McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Boulevard, Glen Ellyn
🗓️ Date & Time: Nov. 20 to Dec. 21 | Thurs. to Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun 3 p.m.
🎟️ Tickets: $43 Senior* | $45 Adult*
🔗 More Info

🎺 North Central College Symphony Orchestra Fall Concert

📍Location: Wentz Concert Hall, 2035 S Naper Blvd., Naperville
🗓️ Date & Time: Nov 21 | at 7:30 p.m.
🎟️ Tickets: $7
🔗 More Info

🎅🏼 Christmas at Cantigny Light Show

📍Location: 1s151 Winfield Rd, Wheaton
🗓️ Date & Time: Nov 21 - 29 | 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
🎟️ Tickets: $15 - $30
🔗 More Info

🍀 Nature Discovery Days – All About Evergreens

📍Location: Knoch Knolls Nature Center, 320 Knoch Knolls. Rd.
🗓️ Date & Time: Nov. 22, 24-26 and 29 | Mon. to Wed. 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Sat 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🔗 More Info

🪅 Holiday Craft Show

📍Location: Bright Star Events, at Center Park, Naperville
🗓️ Date & Time: Nov 22 - 23 | Sat. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🔗 More Info

Nothing in this section is sponsored, I will let you know when it's sponsored

News

🌮 Velvet Taco opens at Block 59 in Naperville

Driving the news: Velvet Taco has officially opened its newest location in Naperville’s Block 59, attracting eager crowds on opening day with free gift cards, swag, and a menu full of bold, unconventional taco creations.

Details:

• The fast-casual concept specializes in globally inspired tacos with a made-from-scratch approach.

• Signature items include the Spicy Tikka Chicken taco and the Korean Fried Rice taco, alongside bowls, nachos, and house-made red velvet cake.

• A rotating “Weekly Taco Feature” brings limited-time flavors to the menu — this week’s is Blackened Pescado.

• Guests on opening day walked away with a free $10 gift card and a branded hat as part of the launch celebration.

Why it matters: Velvet Taco adds a unique option to Naperville’s growing food scene, offering something different from typical taco spots. With a rotating menu and scratch-made ingredients, it provides both variety and quality — and brings energy to the already bustling Block 59.

The big picture: What started in Dallas in 2011 has grown into a 50-plus location brand known for pushing taco boundaries. Naperville is now part of that evolution, and the expansion continues — with two more Illinois locations planned before the brand’s 15th anniversary in 2026.

By the numbers:

• 4th Illinois location

• 50+ locations nationwide

• 1 rotating Weekly Taco Feature

• 1 red velvet cake worth saving room for

Between the lines: Velvet Taco doesn’t just serve food — it aims to deliver an experience. The menu’s creativity, paired with a fun and fast-paced vibe, appeals to both adventurous eaters and families looking for something different.

What’s next: Expect local buzz to grow, especially around each week’s limited-time taco. With two more locations on the horizon, Velvet Taco is clearly betting big on the Illinois market.

The bottom line: Velvet Taco’s Naperville arrival blends bold flavors, inventive ingredients, and a welcoming vibe — giving locals a fresh reason to head to Block 59.

 🎉JOIN THE FUN ON INSTAGRAM 🎉

Find us on Instagram @LivingChicagoSuburbs where 90,000+ people love the content! ⤵️

🍔 The Foodie's Guide

BREAKFAST

☕️ Prairie Cafe (Elmhurst)
Welcome to Prairie Cafe, a charming eatery nestled in Elmhurst, Illinois. Known for its warm, family-run atmosphere, this cafe serves wholesome meals that leave a lasting impression.
CHECK IT OUT

LUNCH
🍕 Fiammé Pizza (Naperville)
Fiammé Pizzeria Napoletana pulls inspiration from the flames of our blazing hot pizza oven, producing exquisite Italian dishes influenced by the traditions of Naples.
CHECK IT OUT

DINNER
🍸 302 Wheaton (Wheaton)
302 is the place to bring friends and family and have fellowship around great food and refreshing drinks. There’s always something going on here! From improv, trivia, live music, outdoor movies, bourbon nights and more, there’s no shortage of entertainment.
CHECK IT OUT

Watch This

🎥 I Ranked Every Chicago Suburb From Best to Worst

📦 Moving to the Chicago Suburbs or thinking about buying or selling a home?
We’d love to help!

Market

📊 Real Estate Insights

The real estate market in the Chicago suburbs (especially Naperville, Elmhurst, Wheaton, and Glen Ellyn) remains active and competitive. Whether you're planning to buy or sell, having the right local expert makes all the difference.

Thinking of selling? I’ll craft a strategic marketing plan and help you price your home to attract serious buyers and get the best return.

Ready to buy? With today’s interest rates and available inventory, now could be the perfect time to make your move. I’ll help you find the right home and navigate every step of the process with confidence.

🗞️ In Other News…

• Are the Chicago Bears legitimate contenders to win the NFC North?

• Naperville considering e-bike, e-scooter ordinance

• Naperville receives $2.76 million in SECA grant fund requests in 2026

Until next Friday, take care and stay curious! 
—Brandon

Was this email forwarded to you?
Subscribe here!