In this episode of The Chicagoland Guide, host Aaron Masliansky interviews Chef Mona Sang, the visionary behind Khmai Cambodian Fine Dining in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood.

More than a restaurant, Khmai is a deeply personal tribute to Mona’s mother—a survivor of the Cambodian genocide—and a celebration of Cambodian culture through food. Mona shares how cooking helped her mother heal, how their journey together brought Khmai to life, and how traditional recipes passed down through generations continue to shape every dish on the menu.

From humble beginnings to being recognized as a James Beard semifinalist, Mona explains how Khmai became one of Chicago’s most sought-after dining experiences. Discover the emotional stories behind the food, the values driving the restaurant, and why Khmai is a place where culture, memory, and community converge.

Learn more and connect:

Website: https://khmai-fine-dining.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khmaichicago

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monabellacatering/#

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@khmaichicago1?lang=en

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mona-bella-catering-chicago

More episodes and local insights: https://www.thechicagolandguide.com

Thank you for listening to The Chicagoland Guide.

For thoughtful, data-driven insights on living, working, and investing in Chicagoland, visit thechicagolandguide.com.

Connect with Aaron Masliansky on LinkedIn for market updates and new episodes.

If you have questions, ideas, or topics you’d like covered, feel free to reach out.

If you found this episode valuable, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who cares about Chicago and its future.

In this episode of The Chicagoland Guide, host Aaron Masliansky interviews Karla Koziura, co-owner and Marketing Director of FRÍO Gelato, an Argentinian-style gelato company with storefronts in Evanston, Navy Pier, and Wilmette.

What started as a craving for authentic flavors turned into a beloved local business known for its commitment to artisanal quality, allergen-friendly options, and a welcoming community vibe. Karla shares the journey of bringing Argentinian gelato to Chicagoland and what makes FRÍO unique—from their approach to flavor creation to their local partnerships and cultural roots.

Topics discussed in this episode include:

The founding story of FRÍO Gelato

What makes Argentinian gelato different

Why Evanston, Navy Pier, and Wilmette were chosen for their locations

How they maintain allergen-friendly and gluten-free practices

Flavor development, including seasonal and wine-inspired options

The importance of local support and community engagement

Lessons learned from expanding and adapting post-pandemic

To learn more, visit FRÍO Gelato’s website at www.friogelato.com or follow them on Instagram @friogelato. For more episodes and content, visit www.thechicagolandguide.com.

If you enjoy discovering the stories behind Chicagoland’s local businesses, subscribe and leave us a review.

Thank you for listening to The Chicagoland Guide.

For thoughtful, data-driven insights on living, working, and investing in Chicagoland, visit thechicagolandguide.com.

Connect with Aaron Masliansky on LinkedIn for market updates and new episodes.

If you have questions, ideas, or topics you’d like covered, feel free to reach out.

If you found this episode valuable, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who cares about Chicago and its future.

In this episode of The Chicagoland Guide, I sit down with my longtime friend Rabbi Jeremy Fine. Jeremy is the Rabbi of Congregation B’nai Tikvah in Deerfield, Illinois, and the founder of 2econd Wrestling, a fast-growing independent wrestling promotion based right here in Chicagoland.

We’ve known each other since high school, so it’s especially meaningful for me to share this conversation with you. We talk about his unique journey—how he balances leading a congregation while building a professional wrestling brand that brings people together from all walks of life.

Jeremy shares what it takes to engage community in today’s world, how he uses creativity to reach people where they are, and how both his faith work and wrestling promotion are about building connection and meaning.

We also talk about two exciting upcoming events you won’t want to miss.

“Everybody Wants This! A Night of Comedy & Conversation”

Featuring Jackie Tohn and Timothy Simons from the Netflix series Nobody Wants This

Date: Wednesday, May 22, 2025

Location: Congregation B’nai Tikvah, Deerfield, IL

Learn more and get tickets at: https://cbtdeerfield.shulcloud.com/form/Fundraiser4

2econd Wrestling: ANCHORFISTS – A Free Family-Friendly Wrestling Show

Date: Sunday, May 18, 2025

Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Location: Anchorfish Printing & Embroidery, 2302 Main Street, Evanston, IL

Reserve your free tickets at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2econd-wrestling-anchorfists-tickets-1299397405619?aff=erelpanelorg
 

2econd Wrestling: Breaking the Rules – Live Pro Wrestling in Palatine

Date: Thursday, June 12, 2025

Time: 7:00 PM

Location: Dirty Nellie’s, Palatine, IL

Tickets and info at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2econd-wrestling-breaking-the-rules-tickets-1299420514739

Follow 2econd Wrestling on Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter) at @2econdWrestling.

2econd Wrestling: WRESTLE EDEN – Live at The Cubby Bear in Chicago

Date: Thursday, July 31, 2025

Location: The Cubby Bear, Chicago, IL

Tickets and info at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2econd-wrestling-wrestle-eden-tickets-1358517254679?aff=erelpanelorg

Thanks for listening to The Chicagoland Guide. Be sure to follow the show for more stories about the people and places that make Chicagoland such a great place to live, work, and explore.

Thank you for listening to The Chicagoland Guide.

For thoughtful, data-driven insights on living, working, and investing in Chicagoland, visit thechicagolandguide.com.

Connect with Aaron Masliansky on LinkedIn for market updates and new episodes.

If you have questions, ideas, or topics you’d like covered, feel free to reach out.

If you found this episode valuable, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who cares about Chicago and its future.

In this episode of The Chicagoland Guide, Aaron Masliansky is joined by Nadia Evangelou, Senior Economist and Director of Real Estate Research at the National Association of Realtors®. They explore how global trade dynamics, tariffs, and macroeconomic shifts are impacting the U.S. housing market — and what that means for Chicagoland.

Nadia shares insights from her latest research, including a closer look at which U.S. states are most reliant on exports and imports and how trade exposure influences job growth and home prices. They also discuss trends in interest rates, inflation, immigration, remote work, and foreign investment — and what signals to watch for in 2025 and beyond.

Key topics:

• How tariffs affect construction costs and home affordability
• Why Illinois and Chicagoland are highly exposed to global trade shifts
• Where mortgage rates might head by the end of 2025
• The growing importance of inventory and affordability for first-time buyers
• Remote work, office absorption, and what’s next for downtown real estate
• How changing immigration and foreign investment patterns could influence the housing market
• Opportunities in the Chicago area condo market

Resources mentioned:

• Nadia’s NAR profile and articles: https://www.nar.realtor/nadia-evangelou
• Blog article discussed: https://www.nar.realtor/blogs/economists-outlook/which-states-rely-most-on-exports-and-imports-a-closer-look-at-the-numbers-behind-trade
• Connect with Nadia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadiaevangelou/ and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nadioula/

Follow The Chicagoland Guide:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechicagolandguide_/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechicagolandguidenew

Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review.

Thank you for listening to The Chicagoland Guide.

For thoughtful, data-driven insights on living, working, and investing in Chicagoland, visit thechicagolandguide.com.

Connect with Aaron Masliansky on LinkedIn for market updates and new episodes.

If you have questions, ideas, or topics you’d like covered, feel free to reach out.

If you found this episode valuable, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who cares about Chicago and its future.

In this episode of The Chicagoland Guide, host Aaron Masliansky sky introduces Inside the Skev listeners to the Chicagoland Guide,  reconnects with longtime friend, scientist, and conservationist Dr. Becky Barak of the Chicago Botanic Garden to explore how native plants can play a key role in the future of urban and suburban living across the region.

Becky will be speaking at Skokie Public Library on April 24, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in an event titled “Rethinking Lawns: Incorporating Native Plants into Home Landscapes.” In this conversation, we go in-depth on what native plants are, why they matter for our local ecosystems, how they can help with flood prevention, and how homeowners, HOAs, and municipalities can shift their approach to landscaping.

Aaron and Becky also discuss practical advice for how to:

Introduce native plants into townhome communities like College Hill

Talk to landscaping professionals about transitioning away from traditional turf grass

Select beginner-friendly native species for home gardens or rain basins

Avoid common mistakes in native lawn conversion

If you care about water management, storm resilience, biodiversity, and beautiful, low-maintenance alternatives to traditional lawns — this episode is for you.

🌱 Becky Barak’s Website

🏛️ Becky’s Profile at the Chicago Botanic Garden

📚 Rethinking Lawns Event at Skokie Public Library (April 24)

🌎 RethinkingLawns.com – Research, Resources, and Plant Lists

💼 Connect with Becky on LinkedIn

This conversation is another reminder of why Chicagoland is such a dynamic, thoughtful place to live — where world-class institutions like the Chicago Botanic Garden are working on local solutions to global problems. Whether you’re in Evanston, Skokie, or anywhere across the region, this episode offers practical insight on how we can make our communities more beautiful, resilient, and sustainable — one yard at a time.

Thank you for listening to The Chicagoland Guide.

For thoughtful, data-driven insights on living, working, and investing in Chicagoland, visit thechicagolandguide.com.

Connect with Aaron Masliansky on LinkedIn for market updates and new episodes.

If you have questions, ideas, or topics you’d like covered, feel free to reach out.

If you found this episode valuable, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who cares about Chicago and its future.

Welcome to The Chicagoland Guide! I’m your host, Aaron Masliansky.

This podcast is for anyone who wants to explore what makes Chicagoland one of the most vibrant, diverse, and fascinating regions in the country.

In this kickoff episode, I share what to expect in Season 2—from local business spotlights to neighborhood tours, cultural insights, interviews with community leaders, and real estate updates.

This show is an evolution of Inside the Skev, and I’m excited to expand the conversation to include more of what makes our region a great place to live, work, and explore.

🎧 Subscribe for new episodes

🌐 Visit: https://thechicagolandguide.com

📸 Follow on Instagram: @thechicagolandguide_

📬 Questions or want to collaborate? Email me at [email protected]

Thanks for being here!

Thank you for listening to The Chicagoland Guide.

For thoughtful, data-driven insights on living, working, and investing in Chicagoland, visit thechicagolandguide.com.

Connect with Aaron Masliansky on LinkedIn for market updates and new episodes.

If you have questions, ideas, or topics you’d like covered, feel free to reach out.

If you found this episode valuable, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who cares about Chicago and its future.

In this captivating episode of Inside the Skev, we welcomed Dr. Eric James, a stalwart in international development and humanitarian aid, to discuss his extensive career and the innovative approaches he's championed in the field. Hailing from Evanston and a proud alumnus of Evanston Township High School and the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Dr. James brought his unique blend of local insights and global perspectives to our discussion.

Our conversation took us through the riveting journey of Dr. James, exploring how his formative years led to a lifelong commitment to aid and development. Dr. James opened up about early career decisions, the compelling call to humanitarian work, and provided an intimate look into the challenging environments he's worked in. He recounted impactful experiences that have not only shaped his approach to aid but also transformed the lives of many in over twenty countries.

A deep dive into his influential book, "Managing Humanitarian Relief," revealed Dr. James's motivation for writing and its substantial influence on how aid organizations operate. He also shared the innovative spirit behind Field Ready, an organization redefining how aid is delivered through cutting-edge solutions.

The conversation touched on the recognition Dr. James received from Rotary International, highlighting the synergy between large organizations and humanitarian efforts. We also discussed the increasing number of global crises and Dr. James's insights on adapting aid distribution in an ever-changing geopolitical landscape.

The transition from crisis response to long-term community resilience was another focal point, with Dr. James detailing Field Ready's contributions to empowerment and sustainability. Technological innovation's role in Field Ready's success was explored, with special mention of Dr. James's time at Singularity University.

Looking ahead, Dr. James offered his vision for the evolution of international aid and advice for those inspired to join the field. For further information and to delve into Dr. James's works and initiatives, listeners can visit ericbooks.com and fieldready.org.

Don't miss this insightful episode that bridges the gap between local actions and global changes, highlighting how individual journeys can contribute to a greater good.

Thank you for listening to The Chicagoland Guide.

For thoughtful, data-driven insights on living, working, and investing in Chicagoland, visit thechicagolandguide.com.

Connect with Aaron Masliansky on LinkedIn for market updates and new episodes.

If you have questions, ideas, or topics you’d like covered, feel free to reach out.

If you found this episode valuable, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who cares about Chicago and its future.

In this enlightening episode of "Inside the Skev," host Aaron Masliansky engages in a deep and inspiring conversation with Dick Peach, a pivotal figure in the Skevanston and Evanston communities. Known for his extensive involvement in various facets of community life, Dick shares his rich experiences, from growing up in a rural-like Skokie to leading significant community initiatives. His roles as the President of the Evanston Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Evanston, along with his contributions to local high schools, environmental efforts, and vocational learning, are just a few highlights of his remarkable journey. This episode promises a wealth of insights into community leadership, the power of involvement, and the evolution of the Skevanston area.

Dick Peach's Background: Discussion about Dick's upbringing in Skevanston, his education, and his service in the Vietnam War. His diverse career includes working at Rand McNally, managing a professional sports car racing team, a car dealership and Dempster Auto Rebuilding.

Community Leadership: Insights into Dick’s leadership roles in the Evanston Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Evanston. His approach to leadership emphasizes delegation, trust, and community involvement.

Rotary Club Projects: Exploration of the Rotary Club's local and international projects, including significant initiatives in Guatemala and Africa. Discussion about Dick receiving the prestigious Bill Logan Legacy of Service Award.

Civic Engagement and Advocacy: Dick's efforts in advocating for small businesses and vocational education in Evanston. He played a key role in establishing the auto shop program at Evanston Township High School and has written award-winning articles on fishing and environmental issues.

Personal Stories: From being Santa Claus in downtown Evanston to his deep passion for fishing, Dick shares personal anecdotes that reflect his diverse interests and commitment to the community.

Advice for Future Leaders: Dick encourages active community involvement and highlights the importance of diverse opinions and respectful dialogues for effective community leadership.

Dick Peach’s story is a testament to the impact one individual can have on their community. His dedication to various causes and his ability to inspire change are evident throughout the episode. Listeners are invited to explore more about community initiatives and are encouraged to engage in their own local issues.

Stay tuned for more episodes of "Inside the Skev" with Aaron Masliansky, where community stories and insights come to life.

Thank you for listening to The Chicagoland Guide.

For thoughtful, data-driven insights on living, working, and investing in Chicagoland, visit thechicagolandguide.com.

Connect with Aaron Masliansky on LinkedIn for market updates and new episodes.

If you have questions, ideas, or topics you’d like covered, feel free to reach out.

If you found this episode valuable, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who cares about Chicago and its future.

Welcome to Inside the Skev, the podcast that explores the important stories shaping our community. In this episode, host Aaron Masliansky speaks with Matt Poole and Margaret Isaacson, dedicated professionals at the Evanston Ecology Center. The Evanston Ecology Center is an integral part of the Parks and Recreation Department for the City of Evanston, fostering environmental awareness and promoting outdoor recreation throughout the community. Matt, the Recreation Manager, and Margaret, the Program Coordinator, share their passion and commitment to environmental stewardship.

In this engaging conversation, we discuss the Earth Day events planned for April 22, 2023. Residents can look forward to a variety of activities, including a guided nature walk, a bird watching hike, a tree planting ceremony, a children's art contest, and a complimentary community lunch to celebrate Earth Day together.

In addition to Earth Day celebrations, the Evanston Ecology Center has ambitious plans for the future. One such initiative is the construction of a kayak launch on the canal, designed to provide a safe and accessible way for residents to enjoy paddling activities. Another exciting project in development is a state-of-the-art nature classroom, aimed at enhancing environmental education through hands-on learning experiences.

If you're interested in visiting or learning more about the Evanston Ecology Center, the facility is located at 2024 McCormick Blvd., Evanston, IL 60202. For further information or inquiries, please call (847) 866-2992 or visit their website at https://www.cityofevanston.org/government/departments/parks-recreation-community-services/ecology-center, where you'll find the latest news and resources related to their environmental programs.

In closing, Aaron thanks Matt and Margaret for their dedication to environmental stewardship and their ongoing contributions to the Evanston community. He encourages listeners to participate in Earth Day events and support the Evanston Ecology Center's initiatives as a valuable part of the City of Evanston's Parks and Recreation Department.

Thank you for listening to The Chicagoland Guide.

For thoughtful, data-driven insights on living, working, and investing in Chicagoland, visit thechicagolandguide.com.

Connect with Aaron Masliansky on LinkedIn for market updates and new episodes.

If you have questions, ideas, or topics you’d like covered, feel free to reach out.

If you found this episode valuable, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who cares about Chicago and its future.

This week, on Inside the Skev, we sit down Jennifer LaMell Goldstone from Horwitch, Goldstone & Shaw, Deanne Cooper from Fidelity National Title Insurance and Beth Lewis from CrossCountry Mortgage. We speak about the work of attorneys, title companies and lenders, how these industries support real estate investments here locally in Chicago and the United States. We also discuss the current state of the real estate market in February 2023. This episode was also released on my global podcast, The Real Estate Diplomat.

According to Beth Lewis, she issued the following update regarding the mortgage market:

Mortgage rates jumped to their highest levels in a month this week because of last Friday’s Jobs report. Due to most of the focus being on inflation and the possible Fed rate increase, it was easy to overlook employment which is the other marker the Fed uses to gauge the strength of the economy. The most recent jobs report showed that there were more than 500k new jobs created. Pandemic years aside, this quarter typically sees a reduction in job creations and increased unemployment due to seasonal holiday jobs ending. The expectation was for 185K new jobs so 517K really blew predictions out of the water. Right now any positive economic news is bad for rates, and while the volatility is stressful we have to remember the opportunity it gives us to be advisors to our clients.

For clients concerned with the raising Fed Funds rate, remind them that this does not impact mortgage loans. The Fed rate is separate, it is the rate that banks charge other for overnight loans controlled by the Fed Reserve. Typically changes to the Fed Funds rates are reflected in advance of the actual changes and there were no changes to mortgage rates due to last week’s increase. One indicator that the economy is slowing is the unemployment report from this week. It increased new filings by 13k over December’s figures. It goes without saying that I would never want anyone to lose their job, but this is the second metric we should be paying attention to in order to see if we are heading towards a recession. A recession would bring lower rates. My opinion is that rates will hover right around where they have been for the last month until the Q1 earnings are released, and we have more data to really understand where the economy stands.

My advice to clients right now is to concentrate on the big picture. “Why do you need to buy or sell a home today and how do we get you a payment that fits your budget?” It’s impossible to time the market and we can only use the facts and tools that we have today, which are temporary buydowns and knowledge that there are many loan level price adjustments coming in April that will make home loans more expensive. We also know that rates will drop if we are in a recession and the Fed starts buying mortgage-backed securities.  None of us can know when that is or what the bottom will be, but my team is here if a refi opportunity presents itself.

To learn more about the guests, go to the following websites:

Jennifer LaMell Goldstone: https://www.hgslegal.com/

Deanne Cooper: https://www.fntic.com/ or [email protected]

 Beth Lewis: https://crosscountrymortgage.com/Beth-Lewis-Team/Beth-Lewis/

Inside the Skev is a one stop shop for all things Skokie and Evanston hosted by Aaron Masliansky. Be the first to know about local events, new podcast episodes, real estate and the latest stories about the great people in these towns by going to http://www.skevanston.com. Sign up for the newsletter and reach out to Aaron Masliansky at [email protected] with any questions or suggestions. Be sure to also follow Inside the Skev on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates. To follow The Real Estate Diplomat, go to https://www.therealestatediplomat.com/

Thank you for listening to The Chicagoland Guide.

For thoughtful, data-driven insights on living, working, and investing in Chicagoland, visit thechicagolandguide.com.

Connect with Aaron Masliansky on LinkedIn for market updates and new episodes.

If you have questions, ideas, or topics you’d like covered, feel free to reach out.

If you found this episode valuable, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who cares about Chicago and its future.