ABC 7's '190 North' turns the spotlight on West Chicago

West Chicago isn't really the kind of metropolis where Superman hangs out. The city — specifically, the DuPage Business Center — just plays one in the movies.

But after being picked last summer as a location for the upcoming action film, West Chicago now is in the spotlight just for being itself.

A production crew from ABC 7 spent a whirlwind day last week filming all over the city for a segment of “190 North” featuring West Chicago.

The magazine-style show, hosted by Janet Davies, is scheduled to air at 10:35 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23, after the local news.

The crew shot footage in sun-dappled Reed-Keppler Park, of knitters at the Gallery 200 artists co-op and inside a wellness center offering therapeutic swim classes for dogs.

“It was so exciting to be able to showcase West Chicago like this,” said Rosemary Mackey, the city's marketing and communications coordinator.

And since “190 North” is a lifestyle show, there was eating involved, too.

ABC 7's Eva Saha (“Just a delight to work with,” Mackey said) posed for a “Betty Boop moment” at Augustino's Rock and Roll Deli. An ABC 7 camera man did a double take when he saw the landmark Tastee Freez. which looks pretty much as it did in 1955, and insisted on going back for a taste of nostalgia.

And the day wrapped up with everyone sampling a steamy platter of parrillada — a mixed grill of chicken, seafood, pork and beef that's a specialty of El Coco Loco, a popular local Mexican restaurant.

“They show the best of the best, really, and we're delighted they came to us,” Mackey said.

Of course, she had a little something to do with it. Mackey approached the producers a while back suggesting they feature the suburb.

Mayor Mike Kwasman, in an interview with Saha, repeated his favorite quote, that West Chicago is “the best kept secret in DuPage County.”

First Dog Harry, the Kwasmans' Wheaten terrier, even made an appearance.

“We're just very excited,” Mackey said. “We can't wait to see the broadcast.”