Central Street Neighbors Association

First Bank & Trust will offer a free document shredding service to residents at its Central Street branch, 2925 Central, this Saturday, April 24, between 11 am and 1 pm. Customers and non-customers alike may bring up to 25 pounds of paper for secure shredding.
 

At the CSNA meeting last night, I reported on the nascent effort to bring Google high speed internet investment to Evanston. Many people were concerned about a repeat of the ugly V-RAD boxes littering our parkways. The following is a response from another attendee to the first meeting held 2/23/10.
 
From Neal Daringer:

A press release from L.A. lender Mesa West reports that, as part of a $14.5 million recapitalization, Connecticut-based Greenwich Partners LLC will convert the Orrington Hotel property in downtown Evanston to a full-service Hilton hotel later this year. The hotel will be renamed Hilton Orrington and will remain managed by Magna Hospitality Group.

Wasting little time in filling a hot corner site, Bonsai Cafe has opened its doors at 2916 Central St., at the SE corner of Central and Lincolnwood, former site of Taylor St. (and, before that, the New Day Cafe). The restaurant features Pan-Asian cuisine for both takeout and eat-in, and seems to be quite busy every time I've passed by.  At last notice it was BYOB only and presumably a liquor license is pending.  Call 847/866-7498 for hours.

Good news has come from Executive Chef Jonadab Silva who reports that Jacky’s Bistro will be reopening as Jacky’s on Prairie. Under new management, Silva will be partnering with restaurateur David Lipschutz, both of Blind Faith Café on Dempster St. in Evanston.

Silva promises classical French cuisine and a wine cellar featuring over 150 wines. There will be minimal renovation to the 100 seat restaurant. Look for Jacky’s to reopen in mid-October.

Jacky’s on Prairie, 2545 Prairie Ave., Evanston; 847-733-0899

Many of us were saddened over this winter to see that a Central Street favorite, Beadazzled, the DIY beading and jewelry store at 2002 Central, was for sale. The good news is that longtime employee Valerie Nelson ended up buying the business and will preserve it in its present location. Nelson, a crafter and jewelrymaker in her own right, offers some of her own creations in addition to the unparalleled variety of glass, metal, and specialty beads at the store.