Halloween's host: A perfect day in Chicago with Svengoolie
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Svengoolie, played by Rich Koz. Photo: Courtesy of Rich Koz
It's just not Halloween in Chicago without Svengoolie.
The big picture: Broadcaster Rich Koz has donned the Svengoolie makeup since his legendary horror film showcase began in 1979, first as "Son of Svengoolie" and now just "Svengoolie."
State of play: "Svengoolie" has aired nationally on MeTV since 2011, but it is still recorded right here in Chicago at WCIU-TV in the West Loop.
- Koz, who is 73, has recently expanded the Svengoolie world to include new characters who pop up on the program, which airs Saturday nights (8pm) in Chicago.
The bottom line: Koz has been playing this character for over 45 years and Chicago viewers (Berwyn, too) have embraced him as the reigning champion of local television.
In honor of our Halloween master of ceremonies, we asked Rich to give us his perfect day in Chicago.
🍳 Breakfast: "Well, since our old favorite, the late-lamented Palace Grill near the United Center is gone, I'd have to opt for Lou Mitchell's on Jackson. I'll get the smoked salmon Benedict and definitely coffee!"
🤑 Morning Activity: "My morning consists of catching up on the news, then getting into writing and maybe watching my pals who do 'The Price is Right.' If I could, I'd be by any nearby body of water, enjoying nature. Yeah, I'm actually pretty boring."
🦆 Lunch: "The Fat Duck Bar and Grill on Madison in Forest Park. They have these great pot roast nachos and, as the name might indicate, duck fat fries. They're actually good for you...really!"
🏛️ Afternoon Activity: "Given the chance, I'd still be out by the water, but I'd love hitting the newly opened Museum of Broadcast Communications (confession: It does have a Svengoolie display).
🍔 Dinner: "The Lazy Dog on 22nd Street in Oak Brook. There are so many great things on the menu. One terrific, unusual offering is the PB & J burger (seriously!) paired with a nice Moscow mule."
🏀 Evening Activity: "Depending on the season I love watching the Bulls play at the United Center. Mostly though, I just like hanging with friends and family wherever we can."
🌌 Late Night: "There's nothing better than being someplace with no light pollution, stargazing, watching for comets, and the possible alien spaceship coming in for a landing. Hey, I didn't watch 'Invaders from Mars' for nothing."