Rockin' the Suburbs

For the love of cheese (Barones, Glen Ellyn)

2012-01-11T07:58:00.000-08:00

Mmm. Cheese.

Always on the lookout for great pizza, and there are a lot of carryout places around us, not as many sit-down. So we thought we'd venture to Glen Ellyn (not nearly as far as it used to be) and try out Barone's (475 Pennsylvania Ave, Glen Ellyn).

This is not a huge place, and it's kind of old-school, cozy and definitely very popular with the locals. It was nearly full when we arrived (5:30ish?) and jam-packed by the time we left. Lots of folks waiting for carryout.

We got a big loaf of bread plus olive oil and butter right away, but our water was quite slow to arrive. Got the impression that a bus boy was supposed to bring it but it never happened; thankfully the waitress picked up the slack pretty well and our refills were well attended after that.

We ordered mozzarella sticks as an appetizer and a medium deep-dish (pan), just cheese. See, I told you -- lots of cheese.

The mozzarella sticks were homemade and served with a great chunky marinara. They were not steaming hot, which definitely made them easier to eat but also made me wonder how long they'd been out of the fryer.

The pizza was also a reasonable temperature, with gooey cheese, tasty sauce and a buttery crust that was one of the better I've had. A touch of garlic would be perfection. I also appreciated that they proffered us red pepper flakes, parmesan shaker and oregano -- I enjoy some oregano.

It was noisy thanks to tons of families and people waiting, and the wait staff was clearly kind of frazzled; I think they did as well as they could.

I'm sure we'll be back, but maybe not on a Friday night next time.

Laughing it up at The Improv

2011-12-14T10:56:00.000-08:00

Don't let today's Spring-like weather fool you. Winter, with a captial W, is on it's way. Soon we will be scrambling for ways to occupy our free time and keep us out of the cold. Perhaps something with a bit more excitement then maintaining your all-star couch potato status or wandering aimlessly around the mall. They say "laughter is the best medicine" and I couldn't agree more!

Enter The Improv Comedy Club in Schaumburg. Okay, it is located in the Woodfield Mall (5 Woodfield Rd., Schaumburg) BUT you don't have to go through the mall to get to them. A huge plus.

I have been to The Improv in Schaumburg several times with various groups of people and everyone has enjoyed themselves thoroughly. Actually "enjoyed" is putting it mildly as we were all laughing so hard we were crying most of the time!

This location has a nice layout and the staff is all courteous and friendly. The host comedians and opening acts have always been very funny - and the headliner has never disappointed. They even have a nice selection of food items on their menu, which is not always the case at other comedy clubs. We've had a variety of items from appetizers to full meals with drinks and have always enjoyed our selections.

Checkout their website http://www.improv.com/ComedyClub/Chicago and peruse the various acts they have coming. You can also reach them by calling 847-240-2001. And if you like a good bargain (who doesn't?) they have some amazing deals on Groupon and Living Social from time to time.

A gem of a bar -- Bigby's Pour House, Addison

2011-10-16T16:53:00.000-07:00

Addison is not a bad place, by any means, but it lacks a centralized downtown area with shopping and restaurants, something I value in a town. However, on the Lake Street drag packed with restaurants (lots of chains), assorted stores, nail salons and car repair shops, there is a real gem of a bar tucked in.

Bigby's Pour House (links to their FB page -- 1700 W. Lake St., Addison) is a cozy, comfortable bar that serves craft beer, good wine and a selection of delicious snackery to munch on. No Miller or Bud here, no wine from a box, and no hard liquor -- just a couple of guys who really love their jobs and their bar.

Bigby's changes its menu up regularly, and the drink selection shifts seasonally and based on voting by customers. But rest assured, if you're not sure what you might like, just talk to Ed and his crew -- they'll help you find something. As I said previously, I never really thought I liked beer. With a little help from Bigby's and a beer snob friend or two, I've discovered some great hard ciders, saisons, weisses, porters and stouts. But if you like super-hoppy beers and IPAs, Bigby's has you covered, too!

The atmosphere inside Bigby's, as I said, is cozy. It's like hanging out in a coffee house or awesome basement, with couches, TVs, movies, games and more. But, they serve beer.

If you're not familiar with Addison, Bigby's can be a little hard to find. It's just east of 355 and Rt. 53, on the north side of Lake St., attached to Mario's Deli. I highly recommend checking out this suburban gem.

Beer me?! Two Brothers Tap House, Warrenville

2011-10-04T08:33:00.000-07:00

I've never been a real beer drinker. In college I mostly stuck to wine and pink cocktails, and while I knew there was "better" beer out there, I didn't really know anything about it or care very much.

Enter my husband's best friend, coinciding with the craft-beer-splosion in America. As it turns out, I do appreciate good craft beer, especially stouts, fruity beers and weiss. And I do appreciate good food, too, which this tap house has in spades.

This place is in a nondescript, sign-less building in an industrial park in unincorporated Warrenville. (Two Brothers Tap House, 30w315 Calumet Ave, Warrenville, www.twobrotherstaphouse.com) No, not that nondescript, sign-less building. The other one, with the grain silo.

We brought aforementioned best friend, a total beer snob, out here on a sunny Saturday afternoon and started with tomatillo nachos. Mmmmm. Nachos. These are made with nice thick El Milagro chips, a great spicy salsa, plenty of cheese, and perhaps a little too much lettuce and sour cream.

I had the chicken tacos for my lunch; the portion was large and the quality was high. My tablemates had mac & cheese and the cuban, and both looked mighty tasty as well. I would gladly have eaten either. The menu focuses on organic and natural ingredients and has great options for just about everyone.

As we wound down our meal it was time for a brewery tour, and I found that to be very informative. The manager (whose name I have forgotten) was full of funny anecdotes and good information.

Normally you get tickets at the end of your tour to try a few brews, but the magical Beer Fairy had already set up samples for us on our table! Score! I personally liked the Ebel's Weiss and Domaine DuPage the most, but lemme tell you, the craft sodas were a real treat -- cinnamon root beer?! Genius! The craft-beer-loving lady was most pleased with what she tried as well (and so was the husband, don't get me wrong).

They also have a small shop where you can buy home-brewing equipment and a six pack or two to take home with you. I just wish they bottled the soda, too...

Cooking the Viking Way (Viking Cooking School)

2011-09-14T10:57:00.000-07:00

Now I fancy myself an avid & skilled home cook & baker so when a friend asked me to go to the Viking Cooking School with her in Glenview my first thought was to pass. But when I mentioned this to some coworkers they wouldn't stop raving about how much fun it is as they all went on a company outing there before I joined the company.

So I decided to look a little further and perused their website: www.vikingcookingschool.com (be sure to choose the Glenview location). I was impressed at the variety of courses they offered, from the basic "I can barely boil water" to the advanced. Our class was $80 for the three-hour course and their prices & class length are varied depending on the class. They even have classes which aren't hands-on for the shy folks.

It ended up being four of us who attended the "Chocolate" class. We made the most scrumptious goodies from simple chocolate bark to chocolate balsamic truffle pops & Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Cupcakes (which I dubbed the Elvis Cupcake). Our class was hands on so we each had a chance to "play" and we all got to take leftoevers home.

Some added surprise bonuses: it was BYOB so we enjoyed some champagne while we played with our chocolate AND students receive 10% off in the Viking kitchen store (love the gadgets!) the day of class.

Our instructor was fun and even her assistant who was "just there to clean the pots" gave us a few laughs. If you are looking for a fun alternative get together, especially as the weather turns cooler, check them out. You can reach them by calling : 847-350-0705 and they are located in Glenview at 1140 N. Milwaukee Ave (just south of the Abt Electronics store).

Hooray sushi -- Kyoto, Downers Grove

2011-09-14T10:33:00.000-07:00

Shhh. I found a gem of a sushi place, hidden in a strip mall. It's surrounded by Best Buy and Disc Replay, but inside is a little oasis of calm and tastiness.

This is Kyoto, 1408 Butterfield Road, Downers Grove. Besides sushi, they also feature cooked Japanese and Chinese dishes.

I visited with my sushi partner-in-crime (not the husband, since he's not so much into the fish). The service was attentive and friendly, the food was fresh and delightful, and the atmosphere is cozy and comfortable.

We ordered:
- edamame
- 2 super white tuna, 2 red snapper
- California roll
- Mexican roll (tuna, salmon, avocado, jalapeno, fish egg & cilantro with hot mayo)
- Spicy Girl roll (tempura shrimp & cucumber topped with spicy tuna & tempura)
- a glass each of sake
- tempura fried red bean ice cream

Lotta food, right? And yet, pretty reasonably priced -- not wallet emptying! It was pretty much all delicious -- the Mexican roll was probably the most out-of-the-ordinary and had great flavors, but even the California roll managed to be special. The white tuna completely melted in my mouth, and the snapper tasted like... the ocean. Not "fishy," just fresh and with a subtle but distinct taste.

The sake I ordered was apple flavored, and it tasted like wine with a jolly rancher melted in -- but it wasn't overwhelmingly sweet. The red bean ice cream was great for desert -- subtle and a little fruity, a little sweet, not too rich or heavy. Just the right ending to a delicious meal.

While my sushi p-i-c and I have new frontiers to explore, I would definitely return to Kyoto.

Mmmm, burritos ... Burrito Parilla Mexicana, Lombard

2011-09-07T10:25:00.000-07:00

We have spent the last few weeks buying a house and moving, and now that we are all settled into Lombard, we have even more new and awesome places to explore!

One of our first stops was a little burrito place near Butterfield Road and Highland called Burrito Parilla Mexicana (2770 Highland Ave, Lombard).

It's a taqueria. A gussied-up, sleek, modern, "Highlands of Lombard" taqueria.

It looks Chipotle-esque at first, but you don't actually walk down the assembly line -- you order and pay, then wander down to get your drinks and have a seat. (Which, come to think of it, makes for some wasted counter space.)

I ordered tacos al pastor, with cilantro and onion, and my husband ordered carnitas nachos. We both went with water, although it's cool to note that they have horchata next to the soda fountain -- free refills!

While we waited for our food, we were brought a smallish bowl of chips and two kinds of salsa. The chips were slightly above average; the salsas were both fresh and delicious with a creeping-up-on you heat.

My tacos were quite tasty; the meat was a little crispy around the edges with a great flavor and I liked that they used lightly grilled red onions instead of white. The rice was nothing too exciting, but the refried beans had a great flavor to them. My husband's nachos looked very tasty and I snagged a bit of the guacamole, which was excellent.

Everyone was very friendly and we got offered multiple chips/salsa refills. The interior is sleek and comfortable, with huge comfy booths around the edges.

It's a little pricier than your average taqueria, but I attribute that to where it is -- and they do offer the free chips and salsa, which is a nice touch. Plus: It's walking distance of our new house! Score!

Mmmm, breakfast (Blackberry's Pancake House, Tinley Park)

2011-08-16T11:19:00.000-07:00

Greek-owned/themed diners and brunch spots are a dime a dozen. In fact, there are probably at least a dozen on LaGrange between 135th and 179th St. If you count the ones just off LaGrange I've been to at least five.

But Blackberry's (9536 179th St, Tinley Park) is just a notch above most of these, I gotta say.

I needed an easy place to meet my family on their return from the Quad Cities. Didn't want to make them go too far of I-80. So this place fit the bill.

It's in a smallish strip mall, across a quiet road from some cornfields and maybe a mile off I-80. It was pretty busy on Sunday around noon, but not slammed and we were seated pretty quickly. The decor is nice, and seating is a bit crowded but relatively comfortable.

The menu is huge, but with some nice twists over the typical stuff -- seems like 85%+ of these greek diners and pancake houses have the same menu, you know? But Blackberry's has variations on French toast (nut-crusted, with Bananas Foster), omelets you don't see everywhere (like bacon-avocado-jack cheese) and tasty-sounding skillets, plus wraps, burgers, chicken, etc., etc.

I had a veggie skillet (I forget the precise name of it) that came with broccoli (which I opted out of -- and there wasn't a piece in it), zucchini, mushrooms, onions, roasted red peppers and goat cheese with hash browns and two eggs (plus toast or pancakes). The veggies were roasted perfectly, the eggs were just right and it was the perfect portion size to feel full but not gluttonous -- although I did not finish my toast, and pancakes would've been too much.

I also tried a little of my brother's chicken-rice soup; he got a big bowl along with his burger and fries (not just a little cup) and it was really creamy and delicious.

Service was friendly, coffee was refilled promptly; they seemed a little scattered but I can imagine a busy Sunday morning will do that to you.

Basically, the next time we need a place for a brunch with my in-laws, I'm going to suggest Blackberry's -- it's a nice change from the generic "pancake houses" of the world.

Hot dog, hot dog, hot diggety dog (The Meaner Wiener, Wood Dale)

2011-08-16T11:17:00.000-07:00

There's a brand-new hot dog joint in town, and I'm thrilled to have it.

We stopped in to the Meaner Wiener (364 Georgetown Sq, Wood Dale) for a quick dinner around 7 pm one evening. The place is freshly painted and decorated with the sort of things you see at Scooby's and the like, "old" memorabilia. Menu is pretty basic -- dogs, beef, polish, hand-cut fries and pizza (with other items noted as coming soon). They also feature a case full of old-school sodas including Nehi Orange, Green River, Dog n Suds Root Beer and Hires Root Beer (which I have only ever seen on the east coast). They also had YooHoo, if that's your thing!

But to business: we each got a hot dog (no relish for me; onions & mustard for him, plus a cheese dog for him), and two fries. Our food was made freshly and delivered quickly.

The dogs were quality, and so were the toppings -- a great fresh cucumbery pickle, fresh tomato, good peppers. The bun tasted like it might have been nuked but now I'm just nitpicking. The fries were quite good though actually slightly undersalted for my taste (easy to remedy and I'd rather add some than have them taste totally salt-ridden).

All-in-all, this is a solid entry into the local food scene, and I'm definitely rooting for these guys!

Long time no see!

2011-08-16T11:14:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful readers ... any of you still left?

I must apologize, this has been a VERY busy summer for me and my husband and I are moving in a week and a half -- to the beautiful town of Lombard! We are looking forward to finding all-new awesome suburban finds for you... in the meantime, I do have a few posts I've been saving...

And I'll say it again -- if there's anyone out there who would like to join the team, please leave a comment or drop me a line at suburbanawesome (at) gmail.com ... we'd be happy to have you!

High on Garlic

2011-08-09T10:28:00.000-07:00

Do you love garlic? Or perhaps you just want to keep the vampires away? Are you free on Wednesday, August 17th? Well then Highwood's first-ever Garlic Festival is for you!

You can consume and purchase garlic in all kinds of ways. There will be your standard sauces, etc...but what true garlic afficiandos are waiting for is the Garlic Cupcakes & Garlic Ice Cream! And not for the faint hearted there will be an Ice Cream Eating Contest. No, this is not a joke. The city of Highwood is serious about becoming "The City that Stinks"!

And don't fret if you've always dreamed of being named "Garlic Queen" because, believe it or not, they are still seeking entrants.

You can check out their Garlic Festival website at: http://highwoodgarlicfest.com
or the WBBM news article at: http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/08/08/highwood-to-stage-first-ever-garlic-festival/

The festival will be conveniently located near the Highwood Metra stop.

BYOBM - Bring Your Own Breath Mints ;-)

Red hot dogs at Southtown Express

2011-05-25T06:45:00.000-07:00

Elmhurst has a lot of nice restaurants and quick-serve places in its downtown, but what it doesn't have is a hot dog place. Thankfully, you can find a delicious burger or Chicago dog just a little south of the city center in the Vallette shopping area -- Southtown Express fits the bill wonderfully.

With the typical "hot dog place" menu of hot dogs, burgers, Italian beef, sausage, soup, fries, etc plus soft-serve ice cream and milkshakes, Southtown is a fun little neighborhood joint full of teenagers and kitschy old signs.

It's smallish but has a handful of booths and a counter, bright red and yellow with a chalk menu (and more menus above the counter and kitchen areas). Friendly, chatty guys working who dealt with the influx of teenagers well.

We both got hot dogs and fries, and I cheated on my diet a little more thoroughly with a dreamsicle shake that I couldn't resist. The hot dogs were the longer-thinner variety, with good flavor and snap, and those squishy poppyseed buns. Good thin-sliced pickle, lots of celery salt, and slightly chewy sport peppers. The fries were the thinner variety, not shoestring but just right, hot and crispy.

And the milkshake was divine. While I'd certainly like to try more of their food, it's the ice cream that would probably get us back even sooner.

Note: Closed Sunday.

2011 Farmers markets in the suburbs

2011-05-20T07:10:00.000-07:00

It's that time again, folks! An incomplete list of suburban farmers markets, with thanks to the Chicago Tribune.
These are arranged by day of week, but to quickly find your town, hit Ctrl-F and type it in -- please note that some larger suburbs have multiple markets.

Monday
Countryside: Parking lot of William Tell, 6201 Joliet Road, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., through Oct. 24
Hinsdale: Burlington Park, 30 E. Chicago Ave., 7 a.m - 1 p.m. June 6-Oct. 10

Tuesday
Aurora: Spring Lake Park, 3500 McCoy Drive, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., July 12-Aug. 30
La Grange Park: Memorial Park, Sherwood Avenue between Oak and Homestead avenues., 8 a.m.-2 p.m., through Oct. 25
Schiller Park: Metra station, Lawrence and Ruby streets, 3-7 p.m., June 14-Sept. 27

Wednesday
Aurora: West Plaza Shopping Plaza, 1901 W. Galena Blvd., 2-6 p.m., July 6-Aug. 3
Country Club Hills: Country Club Hills Theater Complex, 4116 W. 183rd St., 8 a.m.-2 p.m., June 1-Oct. 5
Elk Grove: Biesterfield Road at Wellington Avenue, June 1-Aug. 31
Elmhurst: York and Vallette streets, 7 a.m. - 1 p.m., June 1-Oct. 26
Evanston: Ridgeville market, Ridge Avenue and South Boulevard, 4-7 p.m., June 1-Oct. 12
Evanston: Central Street market, Independence Park, Central and Stewart streets, 3-7 p.m., June 1-Oct. 26
Highland Park/Ravinia: Dean Avenue between Roger Williams and St. Johns avenues, 7 a.m. - 1 p.m., June 8-Oct. 26
Highwood: City Hall, 17 Highwood Ave., 4-9 p.m., June 15-Aug. 31, then 4-8 p.m. through Sept. 14
Lombard: The Shops on Butterfield, Butterfield Road and Highland Avenue (Yorktown Mall). 3-7 p.m., June 1-Oct. 12
Northbrook: Our Lady of the Brook Catholic Church, 3700 Dundee Road, June 22-Oct. 12
Oak Lawn: Behind the library, on Dumke Avenue just west of 52nd Avenue, June 1-Oct. 12
Palos Heights: Municipal parking lot, 122nd Street and Harlem Avenue, 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. May 25-Oct. 5
Riverside: Municipal parking lot, 27 Riverside Road, 2:30-7 p.m., June 29-Oct. 26
Thornton: At Ridge Road at corner of Hubbard and Margaret streets, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., June 15-Oct. 12
Warrenville: Courtyard Banquets, 3S200 Route 59, 3-7 p.m. Wednesdays, June 8-Sept. 21
Winfield: Prairie Trail Center, County Farm and Geneva roads, 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. Wednesdays, June 1-Oct. 26

Thursday
Algonquin: Municipal parking lot, Washington and Harrison streets, 2-7 p.m., May 26-Sept. 29
Antioch: Toft Avenue parking lot behind Main Street, 3-7 p.m., June 16-Sept. 29
Barrington: South Cook Street at Lake Cook Road, 2-7 p.m., June 16-Oct. 20
Burr Ridge: Burr Ridge Village Center, 701 Village Center Drive, off County Line Road South, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., June 16-Sept. 1
Elgin: Old Gail Borden Library parking lot, southwest corner of Kimball Street and North Grove Avenue, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., June 2-Sept. 29
Evergreen Park: Yukich Field, 89th Street and Kedzie Avenue, 7 a.m. - 1 p.m., June 2-Oct. 27
La Grange: Behind Village Hall, 53 S. La Grange Road, 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. May 12-Oct. 27
Maywood: Hines Veterans Hospital, 5000 S. Fifth Ave., 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. June 16-Sept. 29
University Park: Governor's State University, 1 University Parkway., 1-6 p.m., June 2-Sept. 29
Western Springs: French Market, Hillgrove Avenue between Lawn Street and Grand Avenue, 2-7 p.m., through Oct. 27
Wheaton: Town Square, 271 Town Square, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursdays, June 9-Sept. 29.

Friday
Bartlett: Bartlett Town Center, Railroad Avenue at Main Street, 2-6 p.m., June 3-Sept. 9
Flossmoor: Flossmoor Public Library, 1000 Sterling Ave., 8 a.m.-1 p.m., June 17-Oct. 14
Forest Park: The Grove, 7824 Madison St., 3:30-7:30 p.m., June 10-Oct. 14 (no market Sept. 9)
Glen Ellyn: French Market, 400 Main St., 8 a.m.-1 p.m., May 27-Oct. 28
Lake Bluff: Village Green, Scranton Avenue and Sheridan Road, 7 a.m.-noon, June 10-Oct. 14
Mundelein: Park and Seymour Streets, 3 p.m.-7 p.m. June 3-Oct. 14.
Orland Park: Village Center, 14750 S. Ravinia Ave., 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m., June 3-Oct. 7 (no market Aug. 5)
Palos Park: Palos Park Presbyterian Community Church, 12312 S. 88th Ave., 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m., July 1-Oct. 7
Roselle: American Legion front lot, 344 E. Maple Ave., 3-7 p.m, June 17-Sept. 30
Schaumburg: Olde Schaumburg Centre, 190 S. Roselle Road, 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. June 10-Oct. 28

Saturday
Arlington Heights: Parking lot at Vail Avenue and Fremont Street, west of the library, 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. June 11-Oct. 22
Aurora: Transportation Center, 233 N. Broadway, 7:30 a.m.-noon, June 11-Oct. 22.
Batavia: Downtown on South Water Street, 8 a.m.-noon, June 25-Oct. 15
Brookfield: Village Hall parking lot, 8820 Brookfield Ave., 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. June 4-Oct. 29
Crystal Lake: Train Depot Park, 70 E. Woodstock St., 8 a.m.-1 p.m., June 4-Oct. 15
Deerfield: Deerfield Road and Robert York Avenue, 7 a.m.-12:30 p.m., June 18-Oct. 15
Downers Grove: Main Street train station at Burlington Avenue, 7 a.m.-12:30 p.m. through Oct. 15
East Dundee: Dundee Township Tourist Center, 319 N. River St., 8 a.m.-2 p.m., through Oct. 29
Evanston: East Railroad Avenue and University Place, 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. through Nov. 5.
Evanston: West End market, corner of Church Street and Dodge Avenue, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., June 4-Oct. 29
Glencoe: French Market, Village Court, near Hazel Street, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., June 11-Oct. 29
Glenview: Wagner Farm, Wagner Road and Lake Avenue, 8 a.m.-noon, June 25-Oct. 8
Lake Forest: Behind City Hall, 220 Deerpath Road, 7 a.m.-noon, Saturdays, June 18-Sept. 24
Lisle: French Market, adjacent to Village Hall, 925 Burlington Ave. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. through Oct. 29
Lombard: French Market, Metra lot, 115 E. St. Charles Road, between Main and Grace streets, 8 a.m.-2 p.m, May 21-Sept. 24
Morton Grove: 8930 Waukegan Road, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., June 4-Oct. 15
Naperville: Fifth Avenue Station, 200 E. Fifth Ave., 7 a.m.-noon, June 4-Oct. 29
Northfield: Happ Road one block south of Winnetka Road, 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m, May 28-Oct. 22
Oak Park: 460 Lake St., May 21-Oct. 29
Palatine: Metra station, Wood and Smith streets., 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. through Oct. 29
Park Forest: Orchard Drive and Indianwood Boulevard, 7 a.m.-noon, through Oct. 29
Park Ridge: Prairie Avenue south of Metra station, 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. May 28-Oct. 29
Tinley Park: Metra station, 173rd Street and Oak Park Avenue, 7 a.m.-noon,, June 4-Oct. 15
Wheaton: French Market, Main and Liberty streets, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays through Nov. 5
Wilmette: French Market, downtown Metra parking lot, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays through Nov. 5

Sunday
Buffalo Grove: Spray 'n Play Park parking lot, 951 N. McHenry Road, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m., June 19-Oct. 16 (no market Sept. 4)
Cary: Metra commuter lot on Route 14, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., June 5-Oct. 9
Geneva: French Market, Metra parking lot at South and Fourth streets, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. through Nov. 6
Long Grove: Village Tavern parking lot, 135 Old McHenry Road, downtown Long Grove, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., June 12-Oct. 16
Mt. Prospect: Metra lot at Northwest Highway and Route 83, 8 a.m.-1 p.m, June 12-Oct. 23
Skokie: Village Hall, 5127 Oakton St., 7:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m., June 26-Oct. 30
Villa Park: French Market, Park Boulevard at Ardmore Avenue, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. through Oct. 30

Adventures in cooking -- Woori Village, Niles

2011-03-30T08:56:00.000-07:00

I recently celebrated a milestone birthday, and wanted to do so with something out of the ordinary.

I've always loved trying new cuisines, and was made aware in the last few years of the type of cooking/eating known as Korean barbecue. It's not barbecue in the slow-cooking sauce-basted sense; rather you cook your own meat on a tabletop grill that's either gas or charcoal. After much searching, I settled on Woori Village, 8526 W Golf Rd in Niles, for my birthday adventure.

There ended up being five of us, and at 5:40 on a Saturday we were seated promptly. This place is big, and we were in a smaller room with about 10-12 booths, one of three separate dining rooms. The table had a circular gas grill in the middle and a napkin dispenser and big container full of metal chopsticks.

After we told the waitress we wanted the all you can eat (about $23 per person for tons of side dishes and all the meat you can grill), they sprang into action and in no time our table was covered with small and medium-sized bowls. I still don't know what was in half of them, but I tried almost everything. I do know there was seaweed salad, kimchi, some sort of egg pancake, bean sprouts and a potatoey thing. We worked our way through four portions of beef (three different cuts) and a portion of pork belly. Three of us got spicy tofu soup. I'm still not sure WHY, though -- the two people on the outside were offered it, and then I sort of looked quizzically at the waitress and they offered me some too.

Not only was cooking our meat fun and tasty, but the service, while good, was also inadvertently hilarious -- because we had a bit of a language barrier. None of us spoke a word of Korean, and when we asked the waitresses questions, we got answers that contained English words but made absolutely no sense. (Word to the wise: We later found out that "mountain chain" is tripe.)

While this isn't the sort of place we'd frequent, I would definitely go again, knowing somewhat more what was going on and what to expect.

Resale to the Rescue!

2011-03-28T15:21:00.000-07:00

So I recently changed careers and found myself in need of an entire business-casual wardrobe. The thought of going to the mall and clothes shopping makes me break out into a sweat, not to mention the serious dent in my pocket book this was going to be. But thanks to two wonderful, and far more fashion-savvy, smart shopper friends I discovered the wonderful world of clothing resale.

Now my husband and I enjoy shopping at thrift stores to see what fun retro goodies we can find but I have never had luck shopping for clothes at thrift stores. The stores my friends recommended, however, are different. Enter Clothes Attic'd, 605 E. Ogden Ave. in Naperville and two Clothes Mentor locations - Naperville @ 582 S. Rt. 59 and Schaumburg @ 1402 N. Roselle Rd. to save the day! These places are higher end quality resale shops and have only name brand clothes. They have a strict policy on the quality of the clothes they accept - no ratty worn out sweaters or pants with a stain on them here.

Clothes Mentor is a small chain and I have checked out several of their locations. The Naperville and Schaumburg locations are by far the best as far as huge selection goes. In addition to all kinds of tops they also have a large selection of jeans, slacks, capris, dresses, jackets, shoes and jewelry. I was particularly happy to find several pairs of slacks between the two locations for my petite height. If there is a particular brand you love they have some of the big names highlighted on their own separate racks like J. Jill, Gap, Ann Taylor, etc. A few of the items I purchased still had the store tags on them!

Clothes Attic'd is along the same line as Clothes Mentor, but a single store with a smaller selection. Although they have less clothing I think the quality is even better and they also have cocktail dresses and a large selection of nice jewelry.

Both of these stores have amazing prices. Ann Taylor slacks for $14! An Eddie Bauer sweater for $8! Between these stores I was able to get an entirely new work wardrobe for under $300. A-mazing!

I only wish I had known about these stores sooner. I could have avoided mall clothes shopping all these years...

Sports bar solace -- 601 Bar & Grill, Addison

2011-03-22T12:11:00.000-07:00

At the corner of Mill Road and Army Trail there is a small strip mall that formerly housed Solace 601, a fine-dining Italian-French restaurant.

I don't know if it wasn't doing very well, or if the owners just wanted to take things a new direction, but the space has been reinvented and is now 601 Bar & Grill (601 W. Army Trail, Addison). That's much more our speed, so we decided to stop in on a recent Friday evening.

The owners must have done a big renovation -- the space has a big bar, lots of tables and high tops, and a dozen or more TVs.

We were seated promptly next to a picture of the Stanley Cup-winning Blackhawks and the most popular people in the restaurant. Half a dozen or more people squeezed themselves in next to my husband just to say hello to them. And around the bar were a bunch of middle-age dudes on their fourth beer who had absolutely no inside voice.

But 601 saved itself. Because the food was quite good and the service was excellent. The menu is heavy on burgers and wings, but also includes other sandwiches, pizza and a few entrees for giggles.

We started with nachos, which were very good chips, covered in beans and taco meat, slathered in convenience store cheese sauce and dotted with tomatoes, scallions and sour cream. Not bad, but would've been better with real cheese and pico de gallo.

We both ordered burgers: I had the California burger (avocado, green chiles, jack cheese, hold the mayo); the husband had the pizza burger.

Pretzel buns are awesome. The burger patties were juicy and cooked well (but not well-done). And the toppings were mighty tasty. We also both had waffle fries, which were sufficiently good though not seriously outstanding.

Service was very, very good -- seemed like nobody walked by our table without grabbing a used napkin, refilling the water, asking how the food was or *something*. Extremely attentive and friendly.

I just wish for a few more booths (I only spotted one) and a few less loud-mouthed dudes...

Na na na na, Nana's!

2011-02-15T12:52:00.000-08:00

Nana's is a classic. My in-laws ate here when they first moved to Streamwood 31 years ago. And The Original Nana's Hot Dogs is still there at 1102 E. Irving Park Rd. in Streamwood, serving up some of the quickest and tastiest hot dogs and fries around. (And yes, you want the ORIGINAL Nana's...don't let any other Nana fool you...)

The decor isn't much to look at; a high counter, a few tables and booths about, all worn and needing a fresh coat of paint. When the weather is nicer they have a few tables & umbrellas outside. BUT, you aren't here for the decor. You want a dog! You want it fast! And you want it cheap!

All the dogs come with fries, literally. The dog is covered in fries and then wrapped up tightly in deli paper. This can be a tad messy so don't even think about trying to eat one of these in the car. The fries are fresh and you can watch them put the potatoes in the special do-hickey to cut them up.

They have other traditional dog-joint fare on the menu like pizza puffs, beefs and the like. They even have those yummy Mexican bottled sodas and GREEN RIVER soda at the fountain. And if you like their fun retro logo you can even buy a

t-shirt :-)

Check them out on facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Original-Nanas-Hot-Dogs/151913324835793

Breaking the chains -- Anyway's, Bloomingdale

2011-02-04T12:28:00.000-08:00

There's a stretch of Army Trail Road in Bloomingdale that has all of the big chain restaurants -- TGI Friday's, Chili's, Applebee's, Olive Garden, and multiple fast-food places. I'm not a fan of chains like these. They have their place, but I'd SO much rather eat at a locally owned or even regional establishment.

Tucked in between these mega-chains is a restaurant with a whopping two locations: Anyway's Restaurant (304 W. Army Trail Rd, Bloomingdale).

Just a note: the random apostrophe bothers me. But not enough to not go there.

The interior is very nice, with rich, warm wood, a couple of fireplaces and comfy seating. And lots of flat-panel TVs for whatever game is on.

The menu is pretty varied for this sort of place and it can be hard to decide, but so far I've had a turkey-havarti melt (a seasonal special) and their macaroni and cheese. We're also dedicated nacho lovers, so we had to order those as an appetizer.

The nachos were solid, good enough to get them again. Tons of cheese (some of it not-quite melted), a little skimpy on the refried beans, decent guacamole, good salsa, plenty of ground beef.

My sandwich was very good; the bread was quite good, the pesto mayo and havarti delicious. The fries were solid. The macaroni & cheese comes with bacon, tomato, onion and a garlic-crumb crust plus a rich cheesy sauce around cavatappi. Awesome. Better than mine, and I make pretty dang good mac & cheese.

Service was friendly and competent, no problems there. The husband has also enjoyed his food and I am sure we will continue coming back -- and avoiding the chains, chains, chains.

Old-school style -- Pizza Palace, Elmhurst

2011-01-26T06:34:00.000-08:00

Two things we really enjoy: pizza and downtown Elmhurst. So when we had the chance to combine the two, we went for it!

We've passed Pizza Palace (117 N. Addison Ave., Elmhurst) plenty of time, and we knew it was sort of a hole in the wall, but the wild card was whether the food was any good. But it was a random weeknight, we were hungry, I was cranky... let's try it out!

This place is a trip -- and a trip back in time. Wood paneling, big gaudy chandeliers, arcade games, free jukeboxes at the booths and a tiny bar. Straight out of my childhood.

And everything is homemade. We got fried ravioli and a large pan pizza. The ravioli kinda cracked me up -- it was like they had taken giant squares of homemade ravioli and sliced them into random shapes. Triangles, big rectangles, small triangles. But man, it was GOOD. Wonderful ricotta, crispy outside, and the sauce that came with it was a delightful meaty marinara.

The pizza also cracked me up -- again, there's no uniformity here! Tiny pieces, huge ones, all over the place. And here, also, it was quite tasty. Plenty of ooey-gooey cheese, a zesty sauce and a great bready chewy crust.

The waitress looked like she'd been there since the beginning of time. Or at least since the place opened. But very friendly, attentive without being annoying, no complaints here.

Old-school to the max, with very tasty food and dated decor. I like it. We'll be back.

Thai one on -- Thipi Thai, La Grange

2011-01-26T06:31:00.000-08:00

I love Thai food, but I don't get it nearly often enough. So when a friend wanted to meet for lunch, I was happy to suggest somewhere roughly in the middle in charming downtown La Grange -- the newly moved Thipi Thai (25 W. Calendar Ct., La Grange). It's very pretty and chic inside, with lots of elephants and red and sleek wood.

The menu is nicely varied, with specialties and old favorites and little peppers to indicate spice-heat level. I started with jasmine tea and tom yum soup and then decided on lemongrass beef. I will say that I'm used to Thai food being a few dollars cheaper per entree than this is, but for the quality -- and the lovely decor -- it's not unreasonable.

The jasmine tea was just the right temperature for drinking and I was offered refills promptly. The tom yum soup, while not quite as spicy as I've had other places, had a great flavor and was packed with mushrooms. And three lovely plump perfectly cooked shrimp, which I must admit I ate with my fingers. Hey, they still had their tails...

The lemongrass beef had great flavor, plenty of veggies, and the meat was pretty tender and well-cooked. It was served with just the right portion of rice and I admit it, I polished off the whole plate.I don't get to La Grange as often as I'd like, but the next time I need a classy place to meet someone in that area, you'd better believe I'll suggest Thipi Thai.

That's amore -- Bella Luna Pizza, Glendale Heights

2011-01-14T08:33:00.000-08:00

We regularly drive down Army Trail Road on our way to Super Target, Meijer, Stratford Square and a plethora of shopping opportunities. So when we noticed that this little strip mall had a new restaurant, we put it on our "hey, let's check that out" list.

One chilly weeknight not long ago we finally stopped in to try out Bella Luna Pizza & Bar, 136 E Army Trail Rd, Glendale Heights. The place sorta feels like a Francesca's, with wood, exposed ceilings, a warm yet modern feel. There's a big bar that takes up a lot of the space, and both high tops and tables/booths around the edges.

The menu is a little light on traditional deep-fried appetizers, but they do have garlic bread, bruchetta, and a few others. Plenty of pasta options and traditional Italian dishes, but we were interested in the pizza. So we got garlic bread and a 14" thin crust pepperoni, and were also given a basket of bread and olive oil.

The pizza is very-thin-crust, with a good crunch to it except for the middle pieces which were a bit floppy by the time we got to them. Not much yeastiness to it; more buttery and solid -- similar to Home Run Inn but thinner. Plenty of ooey, gooey cheese and pepperoni -- ok, a little greasy, but you expect that. Cheese had a bit of browning around the edges which I consider crucial, although for my taste I would've left it in the oven another minute :) We were provided with Parmesan, red pepper and oregano shakers for seasoning.

Service was very good, lots of refills on water, prompt clearing of plates, not too chatty but that's not a bad thing.

They do not appear to have a website yet for this location, but do have a location in the city with a website at www.bellalunadelivery.com ... good to know!

Gold Class Cinemas

2011-01-12T08:06:00.000-08:00

Looking for something to do in the 'burbs which requires as little time out in the freezing cold as possible?? Well forget hanging out inside the mall and head to Gold Class Cinemas, located in The Arboretum Shopping Center of South Barrington (Route 59 & Higgins Road).

Many people are put off by the price of Gold Class Cinemas but I'm here to say it is well worth it. I mean, think about it; you are going to pay $10-$14 at a regular theater now and what do you get? Uncomfortable seats, a crowded theater full of obnoxious teenagers, sticky floors, and over-priced plain old movie snacks. Why not pay just a little bit more and have a truly "Gold Class" experience?

If you plan on going here take some time beforehand to sign up as a member on their website, www.goldclasscinemas.com. It's completely free and as a member you get discounts on your tickets ($2.50 off per ticket) every day off the week. Also as a member on Tuesdays they have $3 glasses of wine and beer plus discounted select food items. With our member discount our two tickets were $40.

I love the ambience of the place; it's more like you are going to a chic lounge than the movies. Lots of comfy chairs, couches and tables to use while you peruse the menu. There are a couple of big fireplaces at either end - a welcome treat on those freezing Chicago nights. The restrooms were spotless and we were there on a busy Saturday night.

While their menu is a bit limited and some items seem pricey, everything we tried was absolutely delicious and top-notch quality - plus they quantity of the food was good as well! They also add a few seasonal additions for drinks and appetizers to the menu which changes throughout the year. They also come around and offer free little bags of popcorn and if you don't already have a cocktail they offer a complimentary soda-fountain beverage.

My husband and I tried three different appetizers, a dessert and cocktails - all were scrumptious! The kitchen was super-quick and our food/drinks were delivered discreetly to our table in the theatre. If you need another drink or any other items you simply press a button on your table and a server comes over within a few minutes.

The chairs were also oh-so-comfortable and you can recline them to whatever degree you like. An arm of each chair opens up to store your coat and/or purse in. They have blankets and pillows available upon request for the ultimate snuggly experience. In my opinion there are no bad seats here, either. Each theater only has like 24 seats and the front row is 25 feet from the screen, certainly not up too close for the average person. I would, however, recommend ordering your tickets ahead online just to make sure they don't sell out.

If you want to save some money skip the food and cocktails - it is still well worth the experience.

Swanky steak time -- 94 West, Orland Park

2010-12-28T06:50:00.000-08:00

The husband and I are not normally fancypants steakhouse sort of people. We appreciate finer dining when we get it, but are not the sort to seek out a restaurant where the average entree is $25 or more.

But when it's Christmas and your in-laws want to take you out for a lovely dinner after Christmas Eve mass, you put on a nice top and go with it.

94 West (15410 94th Ave., Orland Park) is a swanky suburban steakhouse with dim lighting and high prices. It's a special occasion sort of place. I have heard that it didn't use to include much with your meat, and I can see why that would be really off-putting, since the prices are high enough as it is, but entrees now include choice of potato (or veg) and soup or salad, plus complimentary bread and "green noodles" (an Italian-dressing flavored pasta salad heavy on the neon aqua food coloring).

Service was very good and in the two years we've gone for the holidays, there was nothing I ate that wasn't delicious. Besides an assortment of steak choices, they offer shrimp, multiple fish choices prepared to your liking, ribs and chicken.

Last year I had a wonderful mahi mahi with a plate-lickingly good red pepper sauce; this year I stepped it up a notch and ordered a 6 oz filet and shrimp (three HUGE fried shrimp) with a delicious Bearnaise. The filet was cooked perfectly, completely tender and so good. The potato selections are pretty standard (baked, double-baked, fries, sweet potato fries, etc) but done well.

While chances are good we won't be back until/unless it becomes a Christmas Eve tradition, I would recommend 94 West to anyone looking for a fine dining experience in the southwestern suburbs.

Burgers done right -- Tom & Eddie's, Lombard

2010-11-12T07:33:00.000-08:00

After much anticipation and a few missed opportunities, we finally got to try one of the newest suburban burger hotspots -- and unlike Meatheads, Five Guys and the like, this one is no chain.

Tom & Eddie's, 348 Yorktown Shopping Center, Lombard (located in the Shops at Butterfield next to Yorktown Mall) is an upscale fast-casual burger joint started by two retired McDonald's executives who decided to start making good burgers.

It's probably the nicest "counter service" restaurant I've ever seen, or at least the fanciest burger joint. It includes a lot of thoughtful little touches, from salt & pepper mills at each table to a variety of sauces to adorn your burger or dip your fries into. It's got lots of woodwork and fancy cushy seats and your food is brought out to you on big modern square plates.

The menu includes both "reciped" burgers and a huge variety of choices for building your own -- from bun to meat choice to sauces and toppings. It can be a little dizzying. I went with a standard beef cheeseburger on a ciabatta roll, with cheddar, pickles, tomato, caramelized onions, garlic aioli and brown mustard. DEE--wait for it--LICIOUS. I had standard fries as a side but you can also choose from sweet potato fries (which my husband tried -- fab), chips, onion straws, soup or salad.

Other patty choices include chicken, ahi tuna or edamame, and the menu also features salad, hot dogs, soup, hand-made shakes, ice cream, floats, cane-sugar soda, craft beer and wine.

While it is a bit pricy ($8.50 to $10 per sandwich, which includes a side), you're paying for high-quality ingredients and, let's face it, the location. It's essentially a sit-down restaurant without tips and with minimal waiter service -- though each table does include a locater dealie with a button you can push should you want to order dessert belatedly or need anything else

This won't be a weekly stop for us, but we will absolutely be back when the craving hits for a high-quality, hand-crafted, customized burger.

Baked delights - La Blondina Bakery Cafe, Wood Dale

2010-11-01T08:51:00.000-07:00

I rarely write about brand-stinking-new places because I figure new businesses should have a little time to get settled in, find their niche, develop their website...

But I'm pretty jazzed about this one. There's a small storefront on Wood Dale Road, just north of Irving Park, that previously housed a bakery, then sat vacant for over a year. I pass this place at least twice a week, and was excited when I saw new signs of life. This past Saturday, I was driving home from spin (yes, this is a little ironic) when I saw that the new bakery -- La Blondina Bakery/Cafe was open. And since it had a large sign advertising FREE COFFEE, I had to stop.

The space is not very big, but there's enough room for a large case advertising their many baked delights, plus a few small tables for enjoying your goodies in-store. It's nicely decorated and very cute.

So far, baked goods for sale included HUGE cookies, somewhat smaller cookies, quiche, croissants, chocolate croissants, tarts and much more. I was told they expect to have a lunch menu soon and will also offer custom wedding and birthday cakes. I walked out with two chocolate croissants and a piping hot cup of Lavazza coffee.

The croissants were *awesome* (and of course the coffee was too) and now I'm really excited about this place, I must say.

Their website is not very functional yet, but you can call them at 630-595-5500.

Spooky fun

2010-10-22T06:11:00.000-07:00

Looking for some last-minute Halloween plans? Want something scary to do this weekend? Check out these suburban ghost tours for some eerie entertainment:

Historic Ghost Tours of Elgin:
Where: Meet at Mel's Pizza, 728 W. Chicago St., Elgin, (847) 695-8180, historic-ghost-tours-elgin.com
Price: $30
What: Nobody under 16 allowed. Van travels to some of Elgin's scariest spots, including a haunted elementary school, a cemetery and the Elgin State Mental Hospital. Tour participants can carry an electromagnetic field sensor, a tool used by paranormal investigators. Three hours; ends at Mel's for a hypnotism demonstration. Tarot readings are available at the restaurant for an extra fee.

Ghost Tours of Naperville
Where: Meet at Central Park, 36 S. Washington St., Naperville, (630) 205-2664, naperville-ghosts.com
Price: $20, $15 for students and seniors
What: Led by paranormal investigator Kevin Frantz. Two-hour tour through the city's downtown area. Stops can vary, but typically include Central Park, the YMCA, the city's old library and the Red Geranium, Naperville's most notorious haunted house. Visitors are encouraged to bring cameras to snap pictures looking for ghostly images.

Historic Ghost Tours of Naperville
Where: Meet at Quigley's Irish Pub, 43 E. Jefferson St., (630) 978-7033, historicghosttoursofnaperville.com
Price: $15, $10 for kids younger than 14 and seniors
What: Two-hour walking tour through downtown Naperville runs at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Nov. 15. Learn about the Great Naperville Train Disaster and hear local legends and ghost stories like “Charlie Yellow Boots” and the “Weeping Bride” and tales of paranormal encounters. Special trolley tours also are available on a few dates.

Historic Roundhouse Ghost Tours of Aurora
Where: Meet at America's Historic Roundhouse, 205 N. Broadway, Aurora, (630) 978-7033, historicghosttoursofnaperville.com
Price: $13
What: Tours run at 7:30 p.m. Mondays and walk around the historic Roundhouse, which is said to be very haunted.

Ghost Walk of Palatine
Where: Durty Nellie's Pub, 180 N. Smith St., Palatine, (847) 358-9150
Price: $5
What: Tour areas of Palatine said to be haunted and help the Haitian relief effort at the same time. Remaining walks are at 6 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 24 and 31, and start with a short presentation at Durty Nellie's.

Excursions into the Unknown
Where: Westfield Chicago Ridge Shopping Mall, 444 Chicago Ridge Mall, Chicago Ridge, (708) 425-5163, ghostresearch.org
Price: $35-$45
What: A bus tour of south and southwest Chicago, Excursions into the Unknown makes 10 to 12 stops including Jane Addams Hull House, the Glessner House and the Marshall Field Jr. Mansion. Guests are encouraged to bring an open mind and a camera to look for spirits.

Cheap, plentiful Chinese -- Hoy's, Bensenville

2010-10-20T08:52:00.000-07:00

I drive past Hoy's, 455 W Irving Park Rd, Bensenville daily. It's in a strip mall that's actually one of the bright spots of the Bensenville stretch of Irving Park, which has a lot of auto shops and empty spaces.

This cheery little strip mall contains a taqueria, a Jimmy John's, a Polish deli, a barber shop, a couple other small shops and Hoy's Chinese Restaurant.

So I drive past Hoy's regularly, but I hadn't indulged my Chinese take-out craving for quite awhile -- until the husband was away for the weekend and I wanted something fast and tasty.

The restaurant is not very big, but has a decent-size dining room for eating in. I perused the large menu briefly and selected a small wonton soup and Taiwan Style Rice Noodles, described as "Taiwan style thin rice noodles mixed with shredded pork, pea pods, peppers, carrots, bean sprouts and onions."

About 10 minutes later, I had my piping hot bag in hand and was out the door.

Even though it seemed a touch overpackaged, I appreciated that the soup was in its own small plastic bag and then a bigger paper bag inside the largest plastic bag, so there was no chance of leakage.

The soup was packed with veggies -- unusual for wonton soup -- and instead of one or two big wontons, it contained maybe six or seven small meatball-sized wontons. The broth wasn't quite as flavorful as I'm used to, but I appreciated the tons of cabbage and sprouts.

The noodles were a HUGE portion -- easily enough for two. It was flavorful, with fresh, plentiful veggies. There was also plenty of pork, although it wasn't really shredded. Instead it was big slices and strips, and some of it was a bit on the chewy side. Oh, and it also contained egg, which is not mentioned in the description. That said, it was fresh-tasting and very good, both for dinner and the next morning when I polished off the rest of it.

Given the prompt service, tasty food and very reasonable prices, I am looking forward to trying more of Hoy's huge menu.

The Sci Side

2010-10-13T06:39:00.000-07:00

You probably fall in to one of two categories:

A) You've never heard of American Science & Surplus

OR

B) You absolutely LOVE American Science & Surplus

I am most definitely a category B! AS&S is one part mad-scientist toy store and one part educational fun/hobby store. A great place for adults and kids alike...and you don't have to break the bank to get a bag full of fun, interesting, and/or educational goodies.

American Science & Surplus is located in West Chicago at 33W361 Roosevelt Rd. (aka Route 38), just a quarter of a mile East of Kirk Rd. You can also reach them by calling 630-232-2882. They also have two other locations in Chicago and Milwaukee.

If you are babysitting or have children, bring them here- it's worth the drive if you don't live in the area. My husband and I spend at least an hour if not more in this store each time we go, and we don't have children.

It's also great place to gather supplies for Halloween costumes- this year my husband purchased many items for his, go figure, "mad scientist" costume here. We also scored some crazy goggles - one pair is for welding and another is supposed to be Chinese Snow Goggles. Say what? Yup, Chinese Snow Goggles...this place has everything! Rubber insects? Check. Beakers and test tubes? Check. Disco Ball? Check. British Postal Worker Vest? Youbetcha! They have more wires and thingamabobs than you can shake a stick at. And it probably goes without saying, but if there is a science project to do this store is a must.

Their staff is quirky but very friendly and helpful. They also have a fun and informative website for your home browsing pleasure, www.sciplus.com. So come on over and get your sci on!

It's beginning to look a lot like...Oktoberfest!

2010-09-26T07:58:00.000-07:00

It's late September, October is just around the corner and I have a hankering for German food. But not just any German restaurant will do; it has to be Schnitzel Platz. Located at 729 North Ave. in Glendale Heights, you can reach them by calling 630-942-9900 for reservations (a very good idea to do so) and you can check them out online at www.schnitzelplatz.com.

We LOVE Schnitzel Platz! It's our family's favorite place to celebrate special occasions and to bring out of town guests. Everything is absolutely delicious! We've tried a number of items and our favorites are the Jaeger/Hunter Schnitzel (pork schnitzel with a yummy mushroom sauce) and the sausage sampler plate. Meals come with either a cup of the soup of the day or the German salad plate (a variety of cold German salads). And there is a nice big basket of pretzels rolls, rye bread and crackers brought to the table. The servings are very large and we always bring leftovers home -you can also share a meal for a small fee (though the last time we did this we ordered an additional salad and spaetzle and they didn't charge us the sharing fee). They might seem pricey but they are in line with pricing at other German places and you do get ALOT of food.

Now I'm not a beer fan but my husband and father-in-law do enjoy their large beer selection. You can even have a litre of beer in a glass boot! They also have a number of wines and after dinner cordials which are quite good.

Be sure not to forget dessert! I believe the dessert menu might be smaller during Oktoberfest but normally they have a huge selection of tempting cakes and strudels. Your server might go over the tray of them pretty fast but don't worry, they are happy to repeat or answer any of your questions.

A few notes about their hours- they are closed on Tuesdays. They also are closed for a few weeks in Autumn each year to return to Germany (the owners and some of the staff are from there) so be sure to check. If you go during Oktoberfest(Sept-Oct) the center of the restaurant has rows of picnic tables with table cloths lined up to accommodate the crowds. They do have booths along the outer walls of the resturaunt though. And if you come on a Fri, Sat or Sun make reservations. They are typically packed on these nights year round.

And I would be remiss if I didn't mention the two-man German band of Bob & Hank who entertain on the weekend nights. They are fabulous and will have the whole crowd singing along. So brush off that Sound of Music soundtrack and come on over. Everyone has a little German in them at Schnitzel Platz!

Swanky in the Suburbs -- Il Poggiolo, Hinsdale

2010-09-22T09:26:00.000-07:00

I love Italian food, and I love Yelp, so I couldn't resist the opportunity to combine the two last night at an event held at Il Poggiolo, a Jerry Kleiner fine-dining restaurant in downtown Hinsdale. (8 E. 1st St., Hinsdale)

The theme of the evening was Swanky, so the husband and I put our nice duds on and stepped out in style. Good thing, too, because this is a classy place -- and Hinsdale is a ritzy town.

Il Poggiolo is housed in a former silent theater, and features a lofted area that overlooks the main part of the restaurant (Il Poggiolo means "the balcony" wouldn't ya know?!), and the whole place is done in softly lit warm wood with bright red fixtures and pictures on the wall. We had the loft to ourselves and enjoyed delicious house wine, schmancy cocktails and delectable food -- paper-thin pizzas, gourmet bruschettas and the oh-so-decadent arancini. (What's arancini? Only golden-fried balls of cheesy risotto... drool.)

The food was awesome, the service was friendly and attentive, and Jerry Kleiner himself made an appearance to meet us all and chat a bit. While Il Poggiolo is probably not a place I will return to regularly, if I ever need to impress anyone, this would definitely fit the bill.

Fantastic coffee on the Fox - Arcedium Coffeehouse, St. Charles

2010-09-14T06:15:00.000-07:00

I lived in St. Charles for a year when I first moved to Illinois. I really loved the Fox Valley and was sorry to have to leave. It's probably a good thing that Arcedium wasn't around then, or it would have made it that much harder -- because this is a great coffeehouse.

Arcedium Coffee, 60 Indiana St., St. Charles, is nestled on the banks of the Fox River in a newly redeveloped section of downtown St. Charles.

Inside, it's got lots of lovely wood, plenty of tables, comfy chairs and a large bar wrapping around the coffee roaster -- yes, they roast their own coffee here. The menu features tons of drink options, both caffeinated and not, plus light eats including soup, salad, panini and pastry.

I visited on a Friday afternoon, and it was moderately busy but not jam-packed. I was trying to save room for dinner, so no pastries for me, but I very much enjoyed my iced cinnamon creme latte. Even though it was sweet, I could taste the richness of the espresso and it was quality stuff.

The next time I find myself in St. Charles, I think I'll be making an extra stop at Arcedium....

The Arboretum of South Barrington

2010-08-28T07:23:00.000-07:00

I am the first to admit I’m not a shopper and suburban shopping centers can be downright depressing to me. So when there is a place I actually enjoy the shopping experience you know it has to be good. The Arboretum of South Barrington certainly fits the bill. Conveniently located near I-90 at the intersection of Higgins Rd. and Sutton Rd., a.k.a. Routes 72 and 59, so finding it should be no trouble at all.

I’ll give you a hint on how to woo me with you shopping center; make it open-air. I’m not sure if I like to pretend we in Chicagoland aren’t buried under snow with negative wind-chills a chunk of the year or if it is nostalgia from my days living in San Diego. The landscape architects and planners for The Arboretum of South Barrington did a bang-up job. Plenty of greenery with lots of trees, gardens (10,000 grasses, ornamental and otherwise) and flowers (20,000 perennials!) as a nod to the tree farm which used to occupy this same land years ago. For the tree-enthusiasts out there (and really, who isn’t?) “80 species of shade and ornamental trees were selected for their hardiness against snow and the residual salt from de-icing. Over 2,700 trees in all came from local nurseries, varying in size, shape, and age, including maple, oaks, linden and locust. The larger trees include elm, Autumn Blaze maple, Turkish filbert, Kentucky coffee tree, and Golden Raindrop crabapple.” Impressive, eh?

Okay, enough on the nature, let’s talk about the shopping and dining! I love to try unique and independently owned places – and this shopping center has a nice combination of places you don’t see everywhere (they may have more locations, just not plastered all over like Target) and locally owned businesses. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but a few of my favorites. For a complete list check out www.shopthearboretumsb.com/store-directory.

Shopping

Seasons Produce & Specialty Market – think farmer’s market on a smaller scale

Sur la Table – a fabulous kitchen store

Acquisitions for the Home – lovely furniture and accessories

Arhaus Furniture – ditto the above

Amazing Gracie’s Childrens Shoppe – now I don’t have children, but if you want yours (or your favorite nieces, nephews, etc.) to look good for a special occasion, this is THE place to go

Kinga European Children’s Shoes – once again, I have no kids, but love to look at these shoes!

L.L. Bean – yes, I know you’ve heard of them but they don’t have many locations and only one other in Illinois. All kinds of great outdoor gear, active wear and clothing. PLUS they are always having free or cheap workshops on a variety of subjects. Just recently while kayaking my husband and I came upon the LL Bean Kayaking Workshop learning how to paddle in the parking lot prior to getting in the water.

Kriser’s – go green for your furry friends with all natural pet food, treats, toys and grooming

Dining

L’Eiffel Bistro & Creperie – one of my absolute favorite places to eat with wonderfully delicious crepes (both savory and sweet), fantastic wines, lovely décor with outdoor dining patio, and they have Sunday brunch.

Anna Shea Chocolates & Lounge – Heavenly chocolates which look so beautiful you don’t want to bite in to them, until you do and discover how orgasmic they are! They also have cupcakes, a small gelato bar, frozen hot chocolate and plenty of chocolate-infused adult beverages and wine to go with your chocolate. Plus there are cutesy little items to purchase and they have a nice little room you can have a small private party in. These people know and love their chocolate!

Nozumi Asian & Japanese Cuisine – Mmmm, sushi. Need I say more? Sleek & stylish as well.

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant – They had me at “winery” but also a tasty menu and a gluten-free menu. Bonus points! Carryout and catering available as well.

Froots – smoothie heaven

Like I said, they have lots of other places to shop, eat, and you can even pamper yourself at a few of their spas and salons for hair, nails, facials, etc. And if it’s entertainment you are looking for they have a Gold Class Cinemas – the ultimate in theater experiences and Pinstripes Bocce & Bowling (which also has it’s own bar and restaurant area).

The center itself is always having different events and even antique markets. I hope I’ve inspired you to give suburban shopping centers another try and you will be taken to an entirely different level.

The Arboretum of South Barrington

100 W. Higgins Rd.

South Barrington, IL 60010

www.shopthearboretumsb.com

Did you just order a $5 milk shake? YES!

2010-08-23T11:31:00.000-07:00

Going to Al's Cafe & Creamery in downtown Elgin reminded me of the scene in Pulp Fiction where John Travolta questions Uma Thurman about ordering a $5 milkshake. I, like John, was skeptical...but upon trying their famous "Burn's Malt" I also exclaimed, "That is one good f@#%ing milkshake!"

Best. Shake. Ever.

Since this life changing experience my husband and I have been back to Al's several times - each time to bring a new person to worship at the foot of their milkshake machine.

And the deliciousness doesn't stop there! Their food is sooooo good. Al's ranks high on my list for "best burgers" - I especially love their Mushroom Swiss Burger but they have several others to choose from, all complete Yum. My husband loves their deluxe grilled cheese but Al's has much more than just burgers and sandwiches. Each month Al's has a themed ingredient for their Specials menu. August is Steaks and boy oh boy, on our most recent visit I had a fabulous steak! I ordered the bleu-crusted steak which came with a delicious sauce and mashed potatoes, as well as soup or salad. My steak was quite large, much larger than I was expecting for $13.95. It was easily two servings and I happily enjoyed it for dinner the next day as well.

Getting back to those shakes...If you are drinking a malt or shake alone I would definitely go for the half-size. A half is basically a normal size beverage. And they make it easy for you to split the half-size because they bring some of it in the soda fountain glass and the other portion in the milkshake machine cup. And don't go looking for a straw, these shakes are so thick you just get a long spoon. How big is the full-size you ask? The "full" version is like having one super jumbo shake. If you are going to order that size may I suggest wearing pants with an elastic waistband?

The inside of the cafe is small but the decor is interesting...the building itself was the old pharmacy in Elgin. You'll be transported back to another era when you check out the old soda-fountain counter. I believe there is seating upstairs as well, but I've never been up there. In the warmer months you can sit out on the patio. This restaurant is typically quite busy and the servers are trying to take care of several patrons so they might not be as attentive as you'd like - but they are certainly friendly.

Al's is located in the heart of downtown Elgin, 43 Du Page Court. Elgin has been working very hard to revitalize their downtown area so if you haven't been there in a while, check it out. There are a couple of free parking garages downtown, one not far from Al's so you'll have no trouble finding a spot. Check out their menu @ www.alscafe.com.

Local in Schaumburg?! Mad Mark's Mystic Pizza

2010-08-23T07:26:00.000-07:00

As everyone in the Chicago area knows, Schaumburg is filled with chains. It's the big-box, retail capital of suburbia, what with Woodfield Mall, IKEA, and endless amounts of chain restaurants. It's often cited as a prime example of what city dwellers hate about the suburbs.

Now, not every suburb is Schaumburg, and in fact I've made it a point to highlight the many suburbs with their own sense of culture, with small and local stores and restaurants, unique downtowns, and so forth.

But as it turns out, even Schaumburg is not totally devoid of interesting places. I was recently invited to a free Yelp event at Mad Mark's Mystic Pizza, 871 E. Algonquin Road, Schaumburg, in the former location of the Alumni Club.

Upon entering, I was amused and a little overwhelmed by the decor -- with brightly colored dragons, a tye-dye motif, and random "stuff" everywhere, it looks like a hippie had an acid trip in a ski lodge. There's certainly plenty to look at. The interior has a large dance floor, a big bar, and plenty of seating. Outside features a patio with a good amount of seating, a bar, a bags court and a sand volleyball court (netted, so that patrons don't have stray balls knocking over their beers).

The atmosphere was inviting and casual, a great place for a summer's evening. But the real star was the food we sampled. Featured was pizza (pepperoni, cheese, sausage and the oh-so-decadent mac & cheese pizza!), jalapeno corn mashed potatoes (just a little kick, very creamy), firecracker shrimp (spicy perfectly-fried shrimp served over a bed of julienned veggies and greens, lightly dressed) and some of the BEST broasted chicken I've had in a long time -- a fabulously spiced crispy skin and tender juicy chicken underneath.

We were also plied with some free beverages, and the bartenders and servers were super-friendly and attentive.

Mad Mark himself made an appearance, talking up the food and personally thanking us all for being there.

While yes, our food was free and we were shown a great time, I would absolutely go back as a paying customer -- I want more of that great firecracker shrimp and broasted chicken! And while the place does have "pizza" in the name, their menu is nicely varied with sandwiches, salads and more.

If you're spending a long day shopping in Schaumburg, I very much recommend a quick trip up to Mad Mark's - take a break from the chains and enjoy a tasty meal.

Here fishy, fishy, fishy... Sushi Nest, Elmhurst

2010-08-17T07:13:00.000-07:00

Since the day in college when I first popped a California roll into my mouth, I have been fascinated by, and later enamored with sushi.

I don't get it often because well-crafted sushi is often a bit of an indulgence. Well, that and the fact that my husband is just not a big fish fan - he eats shrimp and that's about it. Forget the raw stuff.

That said, I do love it when I can get it, and I recently had the opportunity to go to Sushi Nest, 142 N. York St, Elmhurst with a friend. And it was wonderful.

The atmosphere is elegant and cozy, and the service is top-notch. We were offered hot towels to clean our hands and big glasses of water with cucumber slices. After ordering, we received a complimentary bowl of edamame, perfectly and lightly salted, as an appetizer.

We shared two rolls -- a Red Dragon roll, with spicy tuna and crunch and topped with more tuna, and a California roll -- and three kinds of nigiri: yellow tail, white tuna and unagi (eel with barbecue sauce).

Everything was fresh and delicious. The white tuna simply melted in my mouth, and the flavors were great on the rolls. I have to admit the unagi wasn't my favorite, but I'd never had eel before. I'd eat it again, but it mostly tasted like barbecue sauce :)

Prices are good, about what you'd expect for a nice but not super-fancy sushi place. They do offer entrees, noodles, salads and combination platters.

All in all, fantastic fresh sushi at fair prices with excellent service... what more could you want?

Coffee, tea, and me - That Coffee Shop, Elmhurst

2010-07-01T10:49:00.000-07:00

I love coffee. And coffee shops. And Elmhurst. There is one block especially has so many businesses I frequent on it, including my salon, my favorite wine bar, a Lou Malnati's, a great ice cream place and a fab tea store. So the addition of "That" Coffee Shop, 124 Park Ave., Elmhurst, is right up my perfect little alley. Street.

The atmosphere is simple and cozy: Wood floors lit by the sun, comfy leather recliners (unusual), tables with comfy benches on one side and a little nook that looked perfect for curling up with a book.

They serve Metropolis coffee, which is awesome in my book, although on my first visit, I had an iced chai, which was delightful and refreshing. They have a variety of coffee drinks, Torani syrups, tea, hot chocolate and Italian sodas.

Edible delights included biscotti, cookies, yogurt parfaits and other tasty-looking treats. Oh, and free Wifi!

I can see myself frequenting this place. Probably with a friend in tow for some good conversation and coffee.

Writers sought

2010-06-25T11:20:00.000-07:00

Do you live in, work in, or just enjoy the Chicago suburbs?

Do you like to write?

Do you have time to post more than once a month?

If so, I would LOVE to add another writer or two to this blog. My current co-writers seem to have fallen off the face of the earth (ladies, you are always welcome to start posting again!) and I am just too busy to post as often as I would like to.

My only criteria are thus: No national chains, must be in the suburbs. The end. Parks, festivals, downtown areas, restaurants, bookstores, grocery stores, delis, knitting stores, comic book stores... whatever your heart desires to post about is welcome.

If you are interested in helping me, please leave a comment here or (preferably) shoot an email to suburbanawesome [at] gmail.com.

Thanks!

Summer suburban festivals 2010

2010-06-21T11:16:00.001-07:00

Sorry I haven't put this up before! Please let me know if I missed any... It's festival season in the suburbs!

JUNE
24-27: Bloomington Gold Corvette Show, Pheasant Run, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. $17 One Day Pass ($15 for Corvette owners), $40 Three Day Pass. Kids 13 and under are admitted free. All Corvettes, all the time.
22-27: Free! Midsommar Festival Swedish Days, 3rd Street, Geneva. Crafts, food, parade, music, carnival, more.
25-27: Free! Strawberry Fest, Robert Parker Coffin Rd, Long Grove.

JULY
2-4: Eyes to the Skies Balloon Festival, IL-53 & Short St, Lisle. $5, free under age 5. Hot air balloon launches, nationally known music, a carnival (July 30-July 4) and fireworks at the biggest suburban summer celebration.
8-11: Rockin' Ribfest, Miller Park, Lake in the Hills. Ribs, music, more.
8-11: Free! Itasca Fest, Washington Park, Itasca. Carnival, food, music, kids' activities, more.
10-11: Free! Art in the Park, 1320 Shermer, Northbrook. Art, sculpture, jewelry, food, music, kids activities, more.
12: Barrington Microbrew Fest, Main & Barrington Rds, Barrington. $30. 3-7 p.m.
16-18: Free! Art at the Shops, Yorktown Shopping Center, Lombard. Art, live music, food, more.
16-18: Big Greek Food Festival, St. Haralambos Church, 7373 Caldwell Ave. , Niles. $2 ($1 for seniors, free for kids); free for all 3-5 p.m. both days.
17-18: Free! Buffalo Grove Invitational Fine Art Festival, 120 McHenry Rd., Buffalo Grove. Art, food, entertainment, more.
17-18: Free! Ethnic Arts Festival, 1700 Sheridan Rd., Evanston. Ethnic art, food and music in a lakefront setting.
23-25: Free! Pierogi Fest, 1900 Indianapolis Blvd., Whiting, Ind. Pierogis, polka bands, a parade and more.

AUGUST
7-8: Free! Art at the Glen Town Center, Glenview. Art, live music, food, kids activities and more. Ranked as one of the top art festivals in the U.S.
13-15: West Suburban Italian Festival, Centennial Park, Addison. $3-$7. Food, entertainment, merchandise, more.
13-15: Free! Prairie Fest, Wood Dale Rd & Commercial St., Wood Dale. Food, live music, carnival, pet parade, fireworks.

SEPTEMBER
3-6: Last Fling, Naperville. $10-$12 for Mainstage events; free on Monday, and for kids 3 and under. Live music, a carnival, beer, kids activities and a Labor Day parade.
11-12: Free! Downtown Downers Grove Art Festival, Main Street Downers Grove.
10-12: Free! Festival of the Vine, 3rd Street, Geneva. Wine tastings (free and paid), crafts, food, entertainment.
25-27: Free! Fall Fest, Lee St. from Touhy to Howard, Des Plaines. Food, beer, games (including daily baggo tournaments), car shows, a market and live entertainment in Lake Park.

Patio paradise -- Carlucci's, Downers Grove

2010-06-18T08:06:00.000-07:00

I was privileged to attend a Yelp Elite event last night at Carlucci's, 1801 Butterfield Rd. in Downers Grove. As such, please note that I received free food and that the service may have been influenced by my affiliation with yelp.

Carlucci's is tucked in right off I-355 and Butterfield Road, next to office buildings and a hotel. It would be easy to dismiss it as too corporate, too stuffy or too chain-y. But the building and grounds are beautiful, and you really can't hear the traffic at all. Plus, the food we had was amazing.

I am now in love with arancini (risotto, cheese and peas, breaded and deep-fried), and the Caesar salad, pizza, and fish all bear mentioning as extremely tasty.

The star of Carlucci's is really the patio, though -- comfortable, stylish, well-shaded and lush. An excellent place for a night out or a romantic warm-weather dinner. The staff attending to us was super-attentive, constantly bringing out more food and clearing our plates.

If you're looking for a little fancy, Carlucci's might just be the place for you.

Tacos! Salseria Cantina & Grill, Elmhurst

2010-05-26T13:01:00.000-07:00

In the mood for some tacos? Got a hankerin' for salsa? Wandering around Elmhurst and not a Chipotle fan? Try Salseria Cantina & Grill, 116 North York Rd in Elmhurst.

I think the key to enjoying this place is to have your expectations in line. It's not a typical Mexican place, nor incredibly authentic; it's more like a bar with a Mexican-American menu. The booths at the front are all circular so you can stare at the TVs and the large selection of margaritas swirling in dispensers.

Naturally, you get chips and salsa -- and here you are free to go fetch more whenever you want. There's a "salsa bar," which is really just small dishes of various kinds set out, I believe there were 5, with labels. We tried the standard-issue fresh tomato (good texture and flavor), a roasted tomato and garlic (really yummy, my favorite) and salsa verde (a little sweet). The chips are super-greasy but fresh with just the right amount of salt.

The menu has some good options, and I ended up with grilled veggie tacos, and opted for black beans instead of refried. Platters come with rice, beans, pico, lettuce, guac and sour cream. The guacamole was chunky and had some great flavor. My tacos were not the bestest EVER, but they had plenty of peppers, squash and zucchini plus cheese, lettuce and pico. While I am not a vegetarian, I appreciate the option to have any of the platters made with grilled veggies instead of meat, and to sub black beans, which are just a little healthier. My husband had enchiladas suiza, and devoured them.

The waitress did a good job of keeping our waters filled, checking in on us, and teasing my husband about the three baskets of chips we (he) managed to eat.

So, okay, it's a little dark, and it was a little stuffy (warm day out), and the margaritas are swirling around in slurpee-style machines, but if you just want to eat some decent Mexican and salty, greasy chips with plenty of fresh salsa, Salseria seems to fit the bill.

Pizza, pizza all over the suburbs

2010-05-22T17:24:00.000-07:00

When you think of quintessential Chicago food, pizza inevitably comes to mind. We've sampled quite a lot of deep dish and thin-crust around the suburbs, so I present to you a totally not-exhaustive list of local chains and suburban pizzerias worth checking out:

ALGONQUIN:
• Generoso's Pizza (1006 E Algonquin Rd; others) has extremely tasty deep-dish that has the most cheese on it of any pie we've tried. Seriously, this stuff was mutant, and the pie weighed about 5 lbs. Good crust, nice sauce, but what I remember most is the cheese.

ADDISON:
• Aurelio's (1455 W Lake St.; others) is some of my favorite thin crust. The sauce is zippy and a little sweet, the cheese is just right, and the crust is crispy around the edges with an excellent flavor.

• Home Run Inn (1480 W Lake St.; others) is neck and neck with Aurelio's for great thin crust. Their crust is a little butterier. the sauce a little more garlicky.

• Zio Tony's (613 W Lake St., carryout only) has great deep dish (called "pan" on their menu), with some of my favorite deep-dish sauce -- lots of garlic, a little spice, excellent.

ELK GROVE VILLAGE:
• Lou Malnati's (1050 East Higgins Rd.; others) is possibly my favorite deep dish. The sauce is excellent and the crisp, wonderful garlic-butter crust can't be beat.

ITASCA:
• Tree Guys Pizza Pub (101 E Irving Park Rd) has great food all around, but their pizza definitely merits a mention. We've had thin, thick and stuffed here and you can't really go wrong. The sauce is chunky and zippy on the deep dish; smooth and savory on thin-crust.

OAK LAWN:
• Palermo's on 95th (4849 W 95th St) has my husband's all-time favorite thin-crust. (This is also an Italian restaurant where everything is excellent.) Their sauce is a bit on the sweet side, the crust nicely browned and crispy around the edges with a hint of caramelizing on the cheese.

WOOD DALE:
• White Cottage Pizza (350 N Wood Dale Rd) is a solid local choice for thin crust, with plenty of cheese. I also recommend their garlic cheese-stuffed breadsticks. :)

Also worth mentioning:
• Marino's Pizza, 136 E Irving Park Rd., Wood Dale
• Barraco's Pizza, 7926 W 159th St., Orland Park
• Gino's East, 15840 S Harlem Ave., Orland Park (and others)
• Beggar's Pizza, 11329 West 143rd St., Orland Park (and others)
• Giordano's, 1323 W Lake St., Addison (and others)

Mmmm, breakfast-- Moondance Diner, Burr Ridge & Westmont

2010-05-19T13:00:00.001-07:00

With locations in Burr Ridge (78 Burr Ridge Parkway) and Westmont (844 Ogden Avenue), the Moondance Diner is not exactly around the corner from us. But oh, I wish it were.

We had a wonderful brunch here last weekend, and I am still thinking about it. That should tell you something. :)

We ate at the Burr Ridge location, which is in a swanky upscale "lifestyle center". AKA strip mall for rich folks. It's really cute inside, with moon-themed decor and fiestware cups, mugs and dishes.

Like any good diner, they have a large menu covering the breakfast bases, plus salads, pizza crisps, sandwiches and wraps. Service was friendly and attentive.

Among the many small touches that make this place great: First, a big ole pitcher of ice water to pour into your adorable little fiestaware glass. Second, a big carafe of delicious coffee, served with real cream. Real. Cream. I don't know about you, but I am always wary of those little shots of half-and-half that may never get refrigerated.

I ordered the veg out omelet (subbing bell peppers for the mushrooms); others at the table got the Yacht Club (a club with avocado and cheddar), the Legal Alien (breakfast burrito with chorizo) and the Clucker (chicken salad sandwich).

My omelet was huuuge. It was cooked perfectly. The veggies were fresh and scattered throughout and it had tons of cheese. The hash browns (cubed home fry style) were AWESOME. Perfect. Just the way I want my taters, crispy on one side, flavorful and soft inside.

Everyone else at the table raved over their food as well, and everyone cleaned their plate.

Worth noting: This place is strictly breakfast and lunch, and closes at 2:30. It was fairly busy at 11:30 on a Saturday, but we were seated right away.

In the mood for a great breakfast or brunch? I can't recommend Moondance enough.

Farmers Market time!

2010-04-27T10:09:00.000-07:00

Yes folks, it's that time of year. With a few already going, and most set to start in May and June, suburban farmers markets are springing up all over.

For a complete list, visit The Sun-Times website. But here are a few highlights (thanks to the Sun-Times for info):

Barrington Farmers Market
South Cook Street and Lake Cook Road
Barrington, IL
(847) 382-3829
http://www.barringtonfarmersmarket.org
Hours: 2-7 p.m. Thursday

Now in its seventh season and running June 19-Oct. 13, The Barrington Farmers Market will offer fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, meats, cheeses, honey, breads, dog treats and pasta.

Deerfield Farmers Market
Deerfield Road & Robert York Avenue
Deerfield, IL
(847) 945-5000
http://www.deerfield-il.org
Hours: 7 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday

It's a cinch to get to this market, conveniently located in the Metra train parking lot. Running June 14-Oct. 11, you'll be able to purchase seasonal vegetables and fruit locally grown by farmers in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin; fresh-cut flowers, potted flowering plants, annuals and perennials; freshly baked breads, muffins and cookies; hand-crafted Wisconsin cheese, maple syrup and honey, and other specialty products.

Elk Grove Village Farmers Market
1000 Wellington Ave.
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
(847) 228-3511

Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Wednesdays

Of course there's fresh produce, but you'll also score homemade items such as salsas, jewelry, flowers, and dog treats. The market runs June 4 to Sept. 24.

Mount Prospect Farmers Market
Corner of Northwest Hwy & Rte. 83
Mount Prospect, IL
http://www.mountprospect.org
Hours: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday

The Mount Prospect Lions Club Farmers Market runs June 8-Oct. 26 at the Mount Prospect Train Depot West Commuter Parking Lot, where it offers a bounty of fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers and other goodies.

Naperville Farmers Market
N. Loomis St. & E. 5th Ave.
Naperville, IL 60563
(630) 369-5638
http://www.visitnaperville.com
Hours: 7 a.m.-noon Saturday

Held every Saturday morning from the first Saturday in June through the last Saturday in October in the parking lot of the 5th Avenue Station Shops, you'll find locally-grown produce, cut flowers, potted plants, crafts and gourmet foods. Leave Fido at home; this is a pet-free market.

Oak Park Farmers Market
460 Lake St.
Oak Park, IL
(708) 358-5780
http://www.oak-park.us
Hours: 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday

The Saturday market, which runs June 7-October 27 at Pilgrim Church, is an Oak Park tradition that has been selling the good stuff since 1974. Described as a "gastronomic event," you'll find the air full of bluegrass tunes and the scent of freshly made old fashioned cake donuts, whose wafts of doughy goodness have proven potent enough to rouse even the most determined sleeper. You'll also find a wide variety of just-plucked-from-the-tree produce, flowers and plants, artisanal cheeses, honey, vinegars, herbs and more.

Wheaton French Market
200 S. Main St.
Wheaton, IL 60187
(630) 260-2000
http://www.ewheaton.com
Hours: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday

Running Saturdays through October, you'll find fresh produce, flowers, plants, cut flowers, local crafts, cheese, meat and more at this French Market.

Rolling in the fun--Pinstripes, Northbrook

2010-04-16T10:07:00.000-07:00

I recently attended a Yelp event at the fabulous Pinstripes, at their Northbrook location (1150 Willow Road, Northbrook; a second location is at 100 W. Higgins Road in South Barrington).

Pinstripes is a unique destination, as far as I know--there are plenty of bowling alleys around, even fancy ones, but I've never seen an indoor bocce court before!

This place is big. About 50,000 square feet with 18 bowling lanes, a bar, restaurant seating, and 10 indoor and outdoor bocce courts (plus a big patio). It's also very pretty, with a rustic Italian feel to it.

While there, we sampled the menu's extensive list of pizzas and flatbreads. All were delicious, with toppings ranging from fig and prosciutto to truffled cheese to pepperoni. Staff and bartenders were very attentive and friendly.

And we had a lot of fun playing bocce and bowling. I'd never played "real" bocce before, and the staff patiently explained it to us.

This seems like an excellent place for an event, or just a night out with friends. There's plenty to do, great food and a lovely atmosphere.

Steak, sports and more -- Prime Time, Hickory Hills

2010-03-11T06:37:00.000-08:00

My husband's grandparents are the sweetest people ever. And they are stereotypically good at the Old Folks Stereotypes. As in we eat dinner with them at 4 p.m.

Last weekend visited them again, and Prime Time, a lunch-dinner-late night sports bar-meets-steakhouse (7750 W 95th St in Hickory Hills) was suggested. I was really glad it was, too. It's nicer looking than you might expect, with lots of stone and wood, though it does have a sort of steak house meets sports bar confusion to it. Feels sort of like a Champps, but a little nicer. The owners also run the breakfast/lunch spot next door, so there's plenty of parking.

The menu was also sports bar meets steakhouse, with a good selection of appetizers, sandwiches, steaks, chops, and chicken. I know now not to order appetizers there unless that's ALL we're getting. Oh, the nachos we had were good, very good, but then we got bread and soup before our main meal (me: fish tacos - husband: chicken parm sandwich) and could barely eat them!

Okay, so the nachos were good. The bread was crusty but soft, with a lovely whipped cinnamon-sugar butter. The soup, oh my god. We both got the chicken dumpling and it was out-of-this-world velvety and delicious. I don't even want to think about how much cream and butter was in it.

By the time I got to my fish tacos, I was nearly full. I did eat one, and it was good though not the best I've ever had. The homemade chips were cooked well and had that great crunchy outside while still tasting like potatoes.

Service was good, not perfect maybe but I have no complaints.

They have an extensive drink menu, and a decent beer and wine list, not amazing, but Woodchuck on tap is always welcome.

All in all, a great choice for dinner, and we would come back, hopefully after 5 p.m. :)

Bowling and beverages -- Lucky Strike, Yorktown Mall, Lombard

2010-02-22T09:30:00.000-08:00

Looking for some enjoyable, classy bowling? A nice night out with friends in the 'burbs? Lucky Strike Lanes, located at the Yorktown Mall in Lombard, was a great choice for our pre-New Years celebrating.

We visited on a Wednesday night, and on a weeknight, at least, the prices for bowling are fairly reasonable - 4.95 per bowling game, 3.95 for shoes. We had a friend from NYC along and she said "so cheap!!"

So we got our lane and our games -- minor bit of awkwardness when we had to shoo away the people sitting on "our" couch -- and looked over the menu. Because this isn't your typical bowling alley; it's got a great upscale vibe (but still fun, not snooty, and still a bit loud) with modern decor, great lighting and great loungy couches all over.

Our waitress was friendly and not at all pesky (hey, we're trying to get our bowl on here) and was available whenever we needed her. The food, honestly, was pretty delicious. We ordered cheese fries, nachos, Key West chicken skewers and tomato-n-cheese "s'mores" to split among the four of us, plus a couple beers (them) and a glass of wine (me).

The fries and nachos were slathered in a delicious artery-hardening cheese sauces, with nice seasoning on the fries and a scatter of tomatoes and some zippy salsa with the nachos. The "s'mores" were like little caprese toasties, with crunchy bread rounds, ripe tomato, melty mozzarella and fresh basil. Yummy. And the Key West skewers seemed to be the biggest hit of the night -- they had a flavorful seasoning enhanced by both the squeeze of lime juice and the sweet chili dipping sauce.

A quick note on drinks: the beer enjoyed by my party was said to be quite tasty. My pinot grigio (selected because they 'didn't have' the riesling and I hate chardonnay) had no real body to it at all. But, it got the job done I guess. They have quite a selection of cocktails as well.

The bowling itself, well, it was bowling! There are no cute animations between frames, but the lanes are well-maintained, there's some fun blacklighting for the neon balls, and a good time was had by all.

One thing I noticed and found interesting was the fairly large proportion of kids around. Seeing as it's a loungey atmosphere I wouldn't have expected that. I guess it's 18+ after 9 on weeknights, 21+ after 9 on weekends, but we were only there till 8:30 or so, and saw a fair number of families. I guess if your kids like to bowl, great, but it just seemed a bit incongruous with the atmosphere.

All in all, you wouldn't expect this inside a suburban mall, and I'm glad we tried it out. It would be a fun place to come for a bite to eat, a drink, or another round of bowling with friends.

Brews and burgers at The Lucky Monk, South Barrington

2010-02-22T09:22:00.000-08:00

Something interesting happened to me last week.

I drank an entire glass of beer.

I never touched the stuff in college. I would go alcohol-free for the evening before I had a drop of beer. Of course, that wasn't helped by the fact that the de facto beer at my alma mater was Natty Lite, but still. No beer for me.

I attended a great event at The Lucky Monk, 105 Hollywood Blvd. in South Barrington, and among the offerings were house-brewed beer. And to find that I actually liked the porter The Lucky Monk offered up? Shocker. Hints of chocolate and coffee, went down smooth with very little bitterness. I still would generally prefer a hard cider or glass of wine, but it was pretty tasty stuff.

On top of that, the food I sampled was really good -- tiny perfectly cooked burgers, thin-crust pizza, awesome chili and sweet-salty nuts. The staff was super-attentive (even handing out multiple large bottles of water and glasses at the end of the night to hydrate everyone), and I had a fantastic time overall.

The restaurant is very near the AMC 30, making it perfect for a bite or a drink before or after a movie. It's nicely decorated with a sleek wooden motif. All in all, definitely recommended and a place I'm likely to make the trek out to again.

How sweet it is - Uncle Harry's, Addison

2010-02-15T06:31:00.000-08:00

I've been a bad blogger. I know. In my defense, my co-bloggers have fallen off the face of the earth as well. But still. I hope to start posting more regularly again soon. :)

In the meantime... it was a sunny, cold Valentine's Day. We had a special dinner out Friday, so no need to cram in with 150 other people in a cramped restaurant. But I was getting a little stir-crazy and my sweet tooth was on in a major way. So we decided to go out for ice cream.

There are a lot of options in our area, but most of them are nothing special - Dairy Queen, Baskin Robbins, etc. And then there's Uncle Harry's. Relocated in the last year to the Green Meadow Shopping Center (48 W. Lake Street, Addison), it's a cozy shop with 4 or 5 tables and hand-written chalkboard signs everywhere. They feature about 30 flavors of luscious ice cream for your perusal, plus shakes, baked goods, hot chocolate, and an extensive coffee/espresso menu if you just want some caffeine. They even make their own waffle cones - the scent is wonderful and my husband's cone was still warm. I enjoyed a hot fudge sundae made with Turtle Temptation ice cream. Creamy, sweet, fudgy and divine.

I try not to indulge in such decadence too often, so when I do, I want it to be worth it-- and Uncle Harry's is definitely worth it.

Rockin' the Indian food in La Grange

2009-12-11T06:26:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege to attend a fabulous dinner party at a new Indian bistro in La Grange, thanks to my membership on the website Yelp.

And I'm still thinking about the food, so I simply must spread the word about the wonderful Kama Indian Bistro, 8 W. Burlington Ave. in La Grange. It's very easily accessible by Metra line, so those in the city or along the BNSF line have no excuse.

It's a cozy space, not too small but not too big, with great purple walls and interesting artwork - no pictures of the Taj Mahal here! The walls are lined with bench seating with lots of pillows, for an intimate feel. But while it feels slightly communal, the quarters are not too close for comfort.

And the food is simply amazing. I am no expert on Indian food, being a white chick and Indiana native, but I did grow up eating it from a recent immigrant's kitchen, and it is comfort food to me. Everything I tried - even the mushroom pakoras, and I've never been a huge fan of mushroom - was full of wonderful flavors and textures. We were given loads of food and probably tried half the menu, and I thought it was all pretty fantastic.

Especially worth mentioning are the chicken lemon tadka, the chilly crispy potatoes, the chicken tikka, and the lamb biryani. But honestly, I doubt you could go wrong with any of it. The owner and his wife - and the owner's father, a classically trained chef - were delightful and inquisitive and explained their food philosophy to us: authenticity and fresh ingredients. No cans here. They even make their garam masala from scratch, which is pretty amazing.

Prices are reasonable, food is plentiful and the atmosphere is friendly and sophisticated -- great for a dinner with friends or romantic night out. And seeing as I won a gift card from the Yelp drawing to come back, we will be revisiting Kama Bistro in the near future.

I highly recommend this gem of a restaurant - and La Grange is a pretty cute little town, too.

Holiday fun at the zoo

2009-12-03T07:12:00.000-08:00

Christmas is such a great distraction from the fact that the weather sucks, isn't it? We put up sparkly lights and Christmas trees and buy a lot to distract ourselves from the short days and gray skies.

And three area zoos do fun, festive things for the holidays -- because who would ever want to go to the zoo in December otherwise?

But if you bundle up, and bring a few extra dollars for hot chocolate, you can have a lot of fun at these holiday events.

Festival of Lights at Cosley Zoo
1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton
630.665.5534, Wheaton Park District
Price: Free
Time: 3 to 9 p.m. daily through Dec. 30
Features: 2,200 trees for sale, plus wreaths, animal-related gifts and ornaments; decorative lights; holiday music; hot chocolate. During the weekends of Dec. 5 and 12, kids can visit with Santa and make a holiday-themed craft project from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a $2 donation.

Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo
3300 Golf Road, Brookfield
708.688.8000, Chicago Zoological Society
Price: $12; $8 for seniors and kids ages 3 to 11
Time: 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 20 and daily Dec. 26 through 31
Features: More than 1 million lights; a light show synced with music; ice-carving demonstrations, a train ride, live music, dance performances, storytellers, magic acts, caroling and visits with Santa, and much more.

ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N. Clark St., Chicago
312.742.2000 Lincoln Park Zoo
Price: Free
Time: 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 13 and daily Dec. 18 through Jan. 3
Features: Mix of indoor and outdoor attractions; 1.5 million lights outside; hot chocolate and spiced wine; ice carvers; musical light show on the zoo's south lawn; free visits with Santa in the lion house through Dec. 23; more.

Rockin' Oak Park

2009-11-13T07:14:00.000-08:00

I've been a bad blogger. Work has been busy, our trips out haven't been as frequent, and I've often put off or forgotten to talk about the cool places we've been.

But I wanted to highlight a great suburb I'd not previously spent much time in: Oak Park. The surrounding area of River Forest and Forest Park (how confusing is *that*?) is also quite nice.

Bordering the city, Oak Park's downtown runs along Lake St (US 20) and a few blocks north and south, starting at and continuing east from Harlem.

There's a great variety of shopping, restaurants and stuff to do along this stretch. Just on the other side of Harlem is a shopping center with grocery, chain restaurants and more, and free parking (always a bonus in this area). And downtown Oak Park has bookstores, a movie theater, plenty of restaurants, shoe stores, clothing, crafts, food and more.

A few highlights of places to go:

Ten Thousand Villages, 121 N. Marion St.: a fantastic store full of home goods, crafts, accessories and more made by artisans in developing countries and sold at fair trade prices.

Pumpkin Moon, 1028 North Blvd.: A funky store jam-packed with creative gifts and odds and ends from Pez dispensers to political t-shirts.

Barbara's Bookstore, 1100 Lake St., and The Book Table, 1045 Lake St.: Two locally-owned bookstores offering new and used titles -- and a great local alternative to the third bookstore on the block, Borders.

Bleeding Heart Bakery, 1010 North Blvd.: A "punk" bakery started in Chicago, and made famous on Food Network Challeges, this cozy place offers fresh, local, sustainable baked goods including a wide variety of cupcakes.

Wells St. Popcorn, 1119 Lake St.: Serving the quintessential Chicago snack food guaranteed to turn your fingers orange, with cheese corn, caramel corn, kettle corn and buttered.

There's plenty more in Oak Park and the surrounding area to explore, including a very cool-looking forest preserve, but there are a few highlights. Take note, suburbanites: Most parking is metered, except on Sundays. You can park in the Whole Foods shopping center lot on Lake for free for three hours; there is also a Metra and Green Line station on Harlem.

Anniversary in the suburbs -- Francesca's Amici

2009-10-26T13:07:00.000-07:00

My husband and I recently celebrated our second anniversary, and I left it up to him to decide our activities for the evening. (I wanted him to flex his creative muscle and see what he could come up with!)

I must say, he came through. We started our afternoon by picking up a bottle of wine we'd ordered from Cabernet & Company in Glen Ellyn, a wonderful little wine shop. After perusing the area for a little while, we went on to dinner at the wonderful Francesca's Amici, 174 N. York Road in Elmhurst. I have never had a bad meal at a Francesca's (there are 15 in the suburbs and four in Chicago) and this was no exception.

We love the look of Francesca's, with warm wood, simple white tables and black and white photos on the brick walls. And we really love the food. We shared a sausage pizza with delightful thin, crispy crust and just enough cheese. I drooled over every bite of my gnocchi con ricotta, which combined tender dumplings with fresh ricotta, basil, spinach and a spicy tomato sauce. And my husband enjoyed his linguine with pancetta.

Service was quite good as well. I love Francesca's, have I mentioned that? :)

After dinner, the rest of the evening lay before us. Normally you might think we would go see a movie, or a play, or perhaps go to a nightclub. But no, my husband had a little fun-loving exercise in mind for us. And so it was that we ended up at the Lombard Roller Rink, 201 W. 22nd Street, Lombard, for an evening of flashbacks to middle school, minus the terrible '90s clothing. It was a lot of fun. The rink is well-maintained, with friendly staff. We were among the older people there, but who cares? We had a blast. (Okay, so I wished for more rock and alternative and less rap, but hey. Can't win 'em all.) They even had the place decorated for Halloween.

And so it was that we celebrated our anniversary in quirky style. I would recommend any of these businesses for great wine, wonderful Italian food, or a fun afternoon or evening of exercise!

Not just for Christmas...

2009-10-12T07:34:00.000-07:00

A quickie: Love Christmas lights? A guy in Forest Park does it up high-tech for Halloween, too. Check out all the info you need at that link.

More fall fun in the 'burbs

2009-10-01T10:42:00.000-07:00

Some of these are repeats, but others are new... big thanks to the Juice Box!

SHADES OF AUTUMN
Every weekend through Nov. 1, Stade’s Farm and Market, McHenry
Experience a day on the farm with corn maze, pumpkin picking, barrel train, crafters, pedal cars and more.
Information: www.shadesofautumn.net or 815-675-6396

CARNIVAL OF CURIOSITIES
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in October, Navy Pier, Chicago
Explore as a traveling sideshow overtakes Navy Pier with a spectacle of circus feats and living human wonders.
Information: www.navypier.com or 800-595-PIER

LONG GROVE APPLE FESTIVAL
Oct. 2-4, downtown Long Grove
Festival features “make your own taffy apple” booths, apple martinis, caramel apple lattes and other apple-inspired treats, kids’ activities and live music.
Information: www.longgroveonline.com/apple.html or call 847-634-0888

HARVEST FESTIVAL
Oct. 3-4, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
Visitors will find a marketplace of baked goods, roasted nuts, cut flowers, handmade soaps and vegetables. Enjoy activities, such as “guess the weight of the pumpkin,” a straw bale maze and leaf rubbing crafts.
Information: www.chicagobotanic.org or 847-835-5440

FRIGHT FEST AT SIX FLAGS GREAT AMERICA
Oct. 3-31, Gurnee
Great America is transformed into a Halloween playground. Shows, street entertainment and haunted houses featured.
Information: www.sixflags.com

CIDER FESTIVAL
Oct. 4, Union
Musical entertainment by “Charlie B. and Friends” as well as apple head doll crafts, a barn raising, harvest demonstrations, blacksmithing and old-fashioned cider making.
Information: www.mchs online.org or 815-923-2267

SCARECROW FESTIVAL
Oct. 9-11, downtown St. Charles
Three-day fest includes a children’s carnival, craft show, live music and more than 100 hand-crafted scarecrows.
Information: www.scarecrowfest.com or 800-777-4373

SETTLER’S DAYS
Oct. 8-12, Marengo
Parade as well as arts and crafts, petting zoo, carnival rides, antique tractor display, car show food and entertainment.
Information: settlersdays.org or 815-568-6680

OLD TIME COUNTRY HARVEST FESTIVAL
Oct. 10, downtown Algonquin
Event features farmers’ market, children’s games, pumpkin contest, craft fair and more.
Information: www.downtownalgonquin.org or 847-658-4184

FALL DIDDLEY
Oct. 10-11, Boone County Fairgrounds, Belvidere
Juried arts and crafts show will offer hand-crafted items. Event benefits the Mental Health Resource League for McHenry County and includes hundreds of booths, as well as food vendors.
Information: www.mhrl.org or 815-385-5745

HAUNTED HARVEST
Oct. 10-31, Lambs Farm, Libertyville
Event features Train of Terror, transforming the farmyard with frightening activities, including the CreatureWalk, Graveyard Golf, an Enchanted Carousel and the Monster Midway.
Information: www.lambsfarm.org or 847 990-3750

AUTUMN DRIVE
Oct. 16-18, Garden Valley Road between Woodstock and Marengo
Annual event offers the chance to drive a real country road to a dozen rural McHenry County farms. Various stops offer antiques, arts and crafts, pumpkins and other surprises.
Information: www.autumndrive.net

LONG GROVE OKTBERFEST
Oct. 17-18, Long Grove
Celebration of Long Grove’s German heritage with ethnic food, dancing, live entertainment and shopping.
Information: www.longgroveonline.com or 847-634-0888

SYCAMORE PUMPKIN FESTIVAL
Oct. 21-25, Sycamore
Fest features a pumpkin display, scary stories, carnival and craft show.
Information: www.sycamore pumpkinfestival.com

HISTORIC HALLOWEEN PROGRAM
Oct. 21, McHenry County Historical Museum, Union
Listen to stories told by interpreters portraying Union veterans who formed the Grand Army of the Republic Associations after the Civil War.
Information: mchsonline.org or 815-923-2267

Fall festivals in the suburbs

2009-09-02T10:02:00.001-07:00

Yes, this weekend is Labor Day weekend, the unofficial end to summer. But have no fear! That does not mean the outdoor fun is over! Quite the contrary, it just means that the festivals are shifting to more of a fall theme...

Here's a small selection of suburban fests. Got more? Post them in the comments or shoot me an e-mail at suburbanawesome [at] gmail.com

Labor Day Weekend (Sept. 5-7)
Buffalo Grove Days
50 Raupp Blvd., Buffalo Grove
Free

Long Grove Irish Days
Downtown Long Grove
Free

Naperville's Last Fling
Riverwalk, Naperville
Free

Sept. 6-7
Folk Music & Storytelling Festival
Island Park in Geneva
$15 per day for adults, $10 for teens and elders, free for 12 and younger

Sept. 11-13
Festival of the Vine
Downtown Geneva
Free; some samplings cost money

Itasca Oktoberfest
Downtown Itasca
Free

Sept. 13
Scandinavian Day Festival
Vasa Park, Route 31, South Elgin
Traditional food, crafts, games, gifts and entertainment.
$10 adults. Children 12 and younger admitted free. Free parking. Rain or shine.

Sept. 18-19
Naperville Wine Festival
523 S. Webster St., Naperville
$20 in advance, $25 at the door for adults, $10 in advance, $15 at the door Designated Driver; under 21 admitted free when accompanied by an adult

Sept. 25-27
Fall Fest Des Plaines
Lake Park, Des Plaines
Free

Itasca Art & Wine Festival
Downtown Itasca
Free

Oct. 2-4
Long Grove Apple Festival
Downtown Long Grove
Free

Oct. 9-11
St. Charles Scarecrow Festival
Lincoln Park, Main and Fourth streets, St. Charles
Free

Oct. 16-18
Long Grove OktoberFest
Downtown Long Grove
Free

Emmett's Ale House, from Cook to Kane County

2009-08-31T13:06:00.000-07:00

One thing must be said -- I love, love, love breweries.

That also means I hold them to a higher standard than your average pub or bar.

Luckily, a locally owned option called Emmett's Ale House exists. Also referred to as Emmett's Tavern and Brewing Co. in West Dundee, the ale house has locations in both Downers Grove and Palatine. And soon, they'll be expanding to Oswego in Kendall County.

(Special thanks to That Girl, for letting me know after a recent trip to the Downers Grove spot that there was another one closer to where I live in McHenry County.)

A couple weeks ago, my boyfriend and I met a friend for a few drinks at Emmett's. My friend had raved about Emmett's homemade microbrews, and I was eager to give them a try.

Three beers later, I walked away completely happy and ready to come back again.

I tried the Double Barrel Oatmeal Stout, the 1 a.m. Ale, and the Munich Light. All three were delicious and distinct in flavor, though the best was probably the Double Barrel. It tasted close to a Guinness, but better. The 1 a.m. Ale was probably my second favorite because of its sharp bite. The Munich Light mostly resembled somewhat of a cross between a good light beer and a Belgian lager, like Stella. A refreshing tang coupled with a smooth body.

My boyfriend and friend tried the two remaining beers on their handcrafted list, the McCarthy Red Ale and the Victory Pale Ale. I had a sip of the Victory and it was a little bitter for my taste, and I'm usually not a fan of red beers so I didn't try the other one.

As for the food, we ordered a couple appetizers that were just OK: the potato skins and the nachos without meat. But, my visit wasn't food-oriented, anyway.

In any case, I'm sure I'll be back at one of these locations again, as it's becoming that time of year to bring out the seasonal brews. I look forward to Emmett's new creations.

Love your hair - Effigy Salon, Elmhurst

2009-08-17T11:02:00.000-07:00

Back in March, I visited Flight 112 Wine Bar in Elmhurst for my birthday.

As I mentioned in that post, the wine bar shares the building with three other businesses. This past Saturday, after giving up on my chain-salon stylist who was good with the hair but wildly inconsistent in her hours, I visited the salon in that building for the first time. Effigy Salon is at 110 W. Park Ave., with the door between Flight 112 and an ice cream shop.

Like I said, I was fed up with the chain I'd been going to, but I didn't want to break the bank -- after all, it's just hair, and mine is fairly short so I need a more frequent cut than some. Effigy's website handily lists the price points for all of their stylists, so you can pick out a range that's comfortable for you. I had gotten one suggestion on Yelp, and asked for her, but when it was discovered that she wasn't available this past weekend, the receptionist offered to find me someone else who cost about the same.

So I ended up in Kourtney's very capable hands. And it was a great salon experience. I was offered a refreshing drink (I went for the lemonade) and waited only a few minutes (and I WAS early...) for Kourtney to come greet me. She led me up to the second floor, a bright and sunny space, and after we went over my hair, she gave me a great wash and cut, all the while chatting pleasantly about life in the suburbs.

I was thrilled with the haircut and the service, and I will absolutely be going back to Effigy. And it's awesome to know that I could get a quick bite or a glass of wine while I'm there, too. :)

Yep, still alive

2009-08-10T09:54:00.000-07:00

Dear blog readers,

Yes, I am alive! As far as I know, so are my co-authors, though I have not heard from them recently.

Work has been busy, family stuff has gotten in the way, and I have been remiss in blogging. Which is a shame, since there is still so much going on in the warm weather!

I would like to highlight an event next weekend: The Wood Dale Prairie Fest. They've rebranded their "Family Fun Days" as a more traditional summer festival. It runs next weekend, Aug. 14-16, at the "town square" area next to the police department and the town pool.

We went to this event last year, and honestly weren't that impressed, but it promises to be bigger and better last year, with a decent array of food vendors, music, fireworks and other entertainment. So if you're looking for a smallish, family-friendly festival, the Prairie Fest should fit the bill.

Small pub, great grub -- Stockholm's, Geneva

2009-07-15T06:35:00.000-07:00

I'm going to repeat what people in Geneva and the tri-cities already knew, I'm sure: Stockholm's, 306 W. State St., Geneva, is a great little pub.

It's small -- some of those restaurants on State St are bigger than they look, but not Stockholm's, but we found a seat table pretty easily -- good timing. It's got a lot of dark wood and a local bar sort of feel, even though it's actually not that old. And while it looks more like a bar, they have a decent amount of tables and some darn good food, much better than your average bar food.

Shared the Papas Italiano as an appetizer which are totally delicious and seriously fattening, I'm sure -- they are homemade chips with a load of cheese sauce, bacon and scallions. Yum.

I had the buffalo chicken wrap, which was tasty and cheesy and large, though not quite as spicy as I might have liked. The husband had a burger, which he said was quite good and nicely medium. And our friend with us had a Reuben he declared adequate (he is a Reuben connoisseur) and tried the Aiger Ale, which he very much enjoyed.

My husband and I aren't really beer drinkers, though we did both try his, and it was pretty good. So maybe next time I'll have to try the LoRazz.

It being Swedish Days, it was pretty busy; we got good service and a lot of checking in, though it wasn't effusive. We didn't linger because there were people waiting for tables.

But the next time we venture out to Geneva, I'll say we'd definitely hit up Stockholm's again. Good stuff.

Rockin' the Farmers Markets

2009-07-13T08:34:00.000-07:00

It's mid-summer already (how did that happen?!) and so all around the suburbs, farmers markets are in full swing. I love me some good farmers markets. The whole idea delights me -- fresh, local produce that wasn't trucked in from California or Mexico. That recently touched dirt or was on the vine. Sold by people who know what they're talking about. Usually at good prices.

Last year we went a few times up to Mt Prospect's farmers market; it's pretty nice, not huge but with a decent variety and selection. We went a bit later in the season, so I think what we got wasn't quite as peak as it might have been.

This year we were hoping Addison would be up and running again, since that's very close to us, but there are no signs of life there. So we ventured a bit farther west, and ended up at the Wheaton French Market.

It is a delight. Tightly packed into a Metra parking lot are two-plus rows of garden-fresh vegetables, tempting fruits, plus cheeses, fresh-baked breads and pastries, farm-raised meat, gourmet goodies, artsy stuff, clothes, and more.

I noticed that some vendors did take credit cards, but I think it's nice to have cash on hand at places like these, especially smaller bills. Many of the tables offered samples, from bread bites to pickles, and when I was eyeing some cherries I was invited to take a taste.

We ended up with a pint each of blueberries and cherries, plus a package of Wisconsin cheese curds (mmmmm) and big plans to go back on a regular basis.

Wheaton French Market, corner of Main St. & Liberty Drive. Saturdays, 8 am to 2 pm. April to October. Plenty of parking in the area including a garage 2 blocks away. Kettle corn, Thai food, coffee and more offered for eating while browsing.

Itasca Fest, bigger than you might think

2009-07-12T10:44:00.000-07:00

Well, we checked out the Itasca Fest, and I'm pleased to say it's a pretty good-sized festival. Parking was a little difficult to figure out, but there were plenty of spaces; the carnival was a lot bigger than you would expect for such a small town. Tons of rides and games, plus traditional carnival food and offerings from local eateries. It was a lovely day outside, too. The 4-year-old with us had a great time on the multiple kid-friendly rides, and there were fun ones for adults, too.

The NASA exhibit was neat. It was basically just a trailer, but had multiple interactive computer exhibits, trying out dexterity with big gloves on, and a scale to tell you how much you would weigh on the moon, Venus or Mars. Plus a genuine moon rock to stare at for awhile. :)

For good old-fashioned carnival rides, local eats and something to do on a summer day, Itasca Fest fit the bill.

Itasca Fest -- Small-town fun

2009-07-10T08:28:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow (not tonight, since unfortunately I'm guessing it will be rained out) we'll be checking out the 20th annual Itasca Fest. It runs Thurs-Sun, and features free entertainment, kiddie rides, food, displays, a flea market and more. What I'm especially looking forward to is a 50-foot NASA-sponsored trailer that purports to feature a nifty exhibit.

Itasca is small, but it's a cute little town, and their downtown is worth seeing. I'll report more on the festival in a couple days; if you want more info on the fest, visit the Itasca village website.

Get your park on

2009-07-06T06:51:00.001-07:00

Over the weekend, I visited the in-laws for some burgers and fireworks. And while we were there, I once again was impressed by a fantastic park in the southwest burbs.

Centennial Park, at 15600 West Ave. in Orland Park, is one of the best parks I've ever seen, anywhere.

What makes it so great is the use of the space -- it blends natural areas with attractions and activities for all ages. It's huge. Included are soccer fields, baseball diamonds, fishing piers, a playground, volleyball courts, picnic areas, a large and elaborate aquatic center, and even an ice skating rink for winter. (And more.)

I'm sorry I don't have any pictures to post -- we were there at night for a fireworks display and then again the next day to let a 4 year old run rampant -- but it's a really lovely, well-kept area with tons to do for the whole family. If you live in the SW burbs, or find yourself down in Orland Park for a day, I can't recommend a better park than Centennial.

The summer concert season

2009-07-05T10:50:00.001-07:00

If you're seeking a great summer concert at an outdoor suburban arena, look no further than Chicago's South Side.

Although Bridgeview and Tinley Park aren't thought of as the city's typical suburbs (like Rosemont, home of the indoor Allstate Arena), they shouldn't be forgotten. Chicago itself may be known for its small and intimate venues, but big experiences are to be had in the aforementioned neighborhoods, which house Toyota Park and First Midwest Bank Ampitheatre, respectively.

Toyota Park is the Chicago Fire's soccer field, transforming into a 28,000-seat venue for concerts and other events. I recently joined a crowd of Top-40 kiddies there at the B96 Pepsi Summerbash, and previously got my jam band on with Dave Matthews Band last summer. Both were fun (if completely different) experiences.

The park recently celebrated its third birthday and you can tell -- one of the best things about it was its cleanliness. Others include the great view from every seat in the house (plus, in case you're sitting a little far back, a huge big screen behind the stage clearly depicts all the action).

Word to the wise: Don't buy into the neon wristband crowd for floor seats. The stadium seating actually provides a bit of a better view because it's raised, and you won't feel any closer to the performer by fighting to stand taller than the drunken idiots in front of you.

Upcoming shows: Windy City Wrestling Presents "Legends Under the Stars" - July 10; Miller Lite Presents Bridgeview Music Fest: Country - July 24; Korn - July 31; Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band - Aug. 8 and 15; Phish - Aug. 11.

Here's a rundown of all other pertinent information, on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being the worst:

Parking: 3

Traffic flow to and from event: 3

Seating/view: 5

Audio/video system: 5

Concessions: 4

Restrooms: 4

Overall: 4

Meanwhile, First Midwest Bank Ampitheatre (formerly known as Tweeter Center and World Music Theater), is a bit larger of an arena, popular for its cheap lawn seats and "rain or shine" status for events. I recently saw The Fray here with Jack's Mannequin, and it was a pleasing fan-filled time.

For the best seats, pay close attention to the "obstructed view" areas on the seating chart and plop yourself down at least a few feet away. I'd suggest the 200-level seats, which are usually mid-price and provide a happy medium between being up close to the stage action to being up high on the lawn. Try for tickets closer to section 205 as well -- the sun likes to set right in your eyes if you're more stage left.

Word to the wise: Tinley Park is a bit of a hike, whether it be from the 'burbs or the city. So if you're planning on attending a show here, make sure you give plenty of time for when parking opens as you'll want to get there early. The pre-teens directing traffic actually do know what they're doing.

Upcoming shows: No Doubt with Paramore - July 11; Def Leppard with Poison and Cheap Trick - July 17; Vans Warped Tour - Aug. 1; Brad Paisley with Dierks Bentley and Jimmy Wayne - Aug. 7; Blink-182 with Fall Out Boy - Aug. 15.

Again, the rundown:

Parking: 4

Traffic flow to and from event: 4

Seating/view: 3

Audio/video system: 4

Concessions: 3

Restrooms: 3

Overall: 3.5

Sushi in the suburbs

2009-07-02T10:17:00.000-07:00

After eating at Bistro Wasabi in Lake in the Hills last night, I've decided I want to become a sushi connoisseur.

I've never been hugely into fish in general, but somehow I took a liking to sushi a few years ago. Unfortunately, I still haven't tried a lot of it and I don't really know what I'm doing, so a group of my co-workers kind of just giggled at me as I fumbled around with my chopsticks.

Despite what I'll call a "fancy" ambiance at Bistro, I felt surprisingly comfortable being the outcast and was never met with sushi snobbery. At first, I thought I was walking into some sort of West Coast mirage, as Bistro Wasabi is confusingly set in the middle of a strip mall at 4590 W. Algonquin Rd. (there's also a Hoffman Estates location, I'm told).

But the intimate table settings and dim lighting were a warm welcome, as well as the friendly and helpful servers. They explained what was in each roll, and came out with new plates promptly.

Our group of six ordered edamame as an appetizer (deliciously warmed with a hint of salt), then split a variety of rolls we handpicked from the menu. We had a little bit of everything, but my favorites were the Avocado roll and Alaskan roll.

One of my friends best described the food at this place as "like butter" before we ventured there. And he was right. The sushi was exceptionally fresh, and I could've kept eating past my eight to 10 rolls.

Although the prices on the menu are a bit intimidating at first, you get a lot more than you expect. The rolls are huge, and you get a few for each separate order. For the six of us including 18 percent gratuity already added, it came out to a little under $20 each. Note: most of us did drink only water, so if you plan to imbibe in sake or other cocktails, it'll cost a bit more.

I will definitely be back here again for some more samplings. It was an exciting meal, and we each enjoyed trying new things and talking about our food.

Now, I'm ready to try a new place and keep on truckin' on my sushi journey through the suburbs. If you've got any suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comment section below!

Stuff to do this weekend

2009-06-23T07:21:00.000-07:00

Looking for something cool (and I mean that figuratively, not literally) to do this week or weekend? Geneva's Annual Midsommar Festival (Swedish Days) is now underway in the charming far-west suburb.

Check that website for a list of events and vendors, but basically, it's a big street festival. Carnival rides, food booths, Swedish crafts, music, you name it. Good stuff. Authentic Swedish food, too.

A few tips, though: If you can take the Metra, I strongly suggest it. Parking is not normally a problem in Geneva, but it sure is during Swedish Days. The train station is right on the edge of the festival action, and makes getting to and from much easier. And trust me, you won't find a parking space that's any closer than the train unless you actually live in downtown Geneva.

Also, it will be HOT this week and weekend. Take some frozen water bottles. Drink plenty, dress appropriately, and pace yourself. There are plenty of air conditioned shops, bars and restaurants to stop into to cool down a little. Sunscreen is also highly recommended.

That said, this is one of my favorite festivals -- it can get a little crowded, but it's well organized and there's plenty to see and do. And if you happen to see three 20somethings walking around, including a guy in a Lost bucket hat, that's probably my husband and I'll be right beside him :)

Great suburbs to visit this summer

2009-06-18T08:33:00.001-07:00

Looking for some fun this summer? Like to explore new towns, visit cool shops, maybe see a movie or have some dinner? Here's a list of seven great towns to visit this summer that you may not have been to:

1. Geneva: This far western suburb has top-notch restaurants and shopping, not to mention several great festivals, including Swedish Days, which starts Monday the 22nd. It's right on the Union Pacific West line, and the historic downtown stretches along Third and State for about 4 square blocks north. Noteworthy: Riverside Park, Bien Trucha restaurant, Kernel Fabyan's popcorn, The Little Traveler, Graham's 318.

2. Mount Prospect: Tucked into a corner of Cook County, Mount Prospect is a quintessential suburb, with coffee shops, restaurants and stores galore. On the Union Pacific Northwest line. Noteworthy: Farmer's market held on Sundays from May - October.

3. Arlington Heights: The next stop up the UP-NW line, Arlington Heights has big box shopping, a horse-racing track, and a fairly fancy downtown with great nightlife. Noteworthy: Fuego, Peggy Kinnane's.

4. Glen Ellyn: Halfway between Chicago and Geneva lies affluent Glen Ellyn and its adorable downtown. With a fantastic mix of stores (from bike shops to bookstores to wine bars), and an eye toward revitalization, there's something for everyone in these tree-lined streets. Noteworthy: Glen Art movie theater, Cabernet & Co. Wine Shoppe, Shannon's Irish Pub, Bells & Whistle's Snackery.

5. Elmhurst: Another favorite of mine -- on the same train line as Geneva and Glen Ellyn -- Elmhurst has great restaurants, a large and modern movie theater, museums, and some stellar shopping, all in a pedestrian-friendly City Centre. Noteworthy: Lizzadro Museum, Flight 112 Wine Bar, Sushi Nest, SereneTeaz.

6. Itasca: Small but nice, Itasca is compact and easy to love. In a few square blocks, there's wine, ice cream, parks, pizza and more. Noteworthy: Wine With Me, Delia's Deli & Ice Cream, Tree Guys Pizza Pub.

7. West Dundee: Not a lot to West Dundee -- it shares a downtown with East Dundee -- but in a few blocks there's a candy store, a lovely park, and several great restaurants. Noteworthy: Emmett's Brewpub, Francesca's.

Downtown Itasca, like small-town America

2009-06-12T21:12:00.000-07:00

I for one had never heard of Itasca until we started looking for apartments in northern DuPage County. While we ended up in the next town over, we've been to Itasca several times now, and I'm realizing I'd like to spend more time there.

As people who've read this blog know, I like towns with some character, and with a centralized downtown business district that has an array of unique, local stores. While Itasca has a large office park right off I-290 and several large corporate headquarters, it also has an adorable, small downtown just a couple miles away.

The downtown area is centered around Irving Park Blvd and Walnut St., which is also where the Metra station is located. There are a few stores, some condos, and multiple restaurants and eateries. We've eaten at -- and I've reviewed -- Tree Guys Pizza & Pub already; tonight we went for some ice cream.

Delia's Deli and Ice Cream, at 100 N. Walnut St., is a small shop in the old Village Hall building. They offer a variety of deli sandwiches (made with Boar's Head meat and cheese), panini, soup and salad. They also have about a dozen hard ice cream flavors, soft serve fro-yo, milkshakes, sundaes and "tornadoes".

The ice cream was delicious, creamy and flavorful but not too rich. The sandwiches sounded tempting and we may have to return for some subs. Service was friendly.

And since we missed the turn onto Walnut, we swung around back and discovered a wine bar and shop in the same building, right behind Delia's, called Wine With Me. Its official address is 111 Line St., Itasca.

We were greeted warmly upon entering the store, which features a wine bar in the center of the room with high-backed chairs and snacks for nibbly. The store is divided into three sections: the "value" wines, all under $12; the pricier wines, mostly from $13 to $30 but with a few high-end selections, and the craft beer. We didn't investigate the beer much. :)

The wine selection was nicely varied, however, with a little something for everyone and a lot of lesser-known labels. Most of this stuff you won't find at Jewel, although you probably could find a lot of it at Binny's -- but prices were good, quite comparable to someplace like Binny's.

They have about 25 wines by the glass, most $6 or $7; they also have a variety of beers by the glass. You can also select a bottle in-store to drink there; they charge a $10 corkage fee. We were told they offer some light snacks (looked like that spicy nut-sesame mix to me) and that you can also bring in food or order some from a downtown business and have it delivered (like Tree Guys, which is across the street...).

While this is at least the sixth wine bar I can name in a 10-mile radius, I love the idea, and I love that it's so close. Downtown Elmhurst is fabulous, but we can get to Itasca in about three minutes instead of 15. So I have a distinct feeling that we will be back in the near-ish future, probably grabbing some take-out from Tree Guys and heading across the street to enjoy a glass of wine with our dinner and support two local businesses at once.

Festival Season in the Suburbs

2009-05-26T13:05:00.000-07:00

Finally, a non-review post!

Looking for some great things to do this summer? Chicago itself has no shortage of festivals, all summer long. But so do the suburbs.

This is by no means an exhaustive list. If you know of more, feel free to e-mail me or post in the comments.

This is starting with June, since May is nearly over...

JUNE
12-14: Free! Pride of the Fox RiverFest in St. Charles
19-20: Scottish Festival and Highland Games in Oak Brook
20-21: Free! Cantigny Fine Art Festival in Wheaton
20-21: Custer's Last Stand Festival of the Arts in Evanston
23-28: Free! Swedish Days Midsommer Festival in Geneva
25-28: Bloomington Gold Corvette Show in St. Charles
26-28: Free! Long Grove Strawberry Festival
27-28: Fountain Square Art Festival in Evanston
27-28: Free! Glencoe Festival of the Masters

JULY
1-5: Free! Eyes to the Skies Balloon Festival in Lisle
2-5: Ribfest in Naperville
3-5: Free! Wheeling Freedom Fest
4: Lake Forest Festival and Fireworks
9-12: Free! West Chicago Railroad Days
10-11: Taste of Park Ridge
11-12: Free! Art in the Park - A Northbrook Fine Arts Festival
11-12: Free! Skokie Art Fair
11-Sept. 7: Bristol Renaissance Fair in Kenosha, Wis.
11-12: Free! Lincolnshire Art Festival
15-19: Kane County Fair in St. Charles
17-19: The Big Greek Food Festival of Niles
18-19: Free! Buffalo Grove Invitational Fine Art Festival
18-19: Free! Ethnic Arts Festival in Evanston
22-26: DuPage County Fair in Wheaton
25-26: North Shore Festival of Art in Skokie
28-Aug. 2: Lake County Fair in Grayslake
29-Aug. 2: Kankakee County Fair
30-Aug. 2: Kendall County Fair and 4H Show in Yorkville

AUGUST
1-2: Free! Evanston Lakeshore Arts Festival
6-9: Free! Mendota Sweet Corn Festival
8-9: Free! Art at the Glen in Glenview
8-9: Free! Kite Festival in Glencoe
14-23: Illinois State Fair in Springfield
15-16: Free! Long Grove Art and Wine Fest
15-16: Free! Malott Japanese Garden Summer Festival in Glencoe
26-30: Will County Fair in Peotone
28-30: Free! Taste of Highland Park
29-30: Free! Port Clinton Art Festival in Highland Park

SEPTEMBER
3-7: Free! Tri-County Fair in Mendota
4-7: The Last Fling in Naperville
5-7: Free! Long Grove Irish Days
5-7: Free! Schaumburg Septemberfest
9-13: Sandwich Fair
11-13: Free! Oktoberfest in Glenview
11-13: Free! Festival of the Vine, Geneva

For more information, towns' chamber of commerce websites or a quick google can be helpful :)

Time for tacos? Taqueria El Sol Del Pueblo, Bensenville

2009-05-24T16:30:00.001-07:00

Despite living pretty close to Bensenville, we don't go that direction much. Which is too bad, since I know B-ville has its share of good places to go too.

But on Friday we decided to check out a taqueria we've passed many times -- Taqueria El Sol Del Pueblo, 1221 W Irving Park Rd.

Located just barely east of the Route 83 overpass, at the corner of a strip mall, this taqueria is brightly painted and warmly decorated. Warm reds, yellows and oranges cover the walls, and the ten or so booths are pretty comfortable. There's also a counter for take-out.

It's a taqueria, so don't expect fancy. Each table has two salsa bottles and you get free pickled veggies (gringa that I am, I don't know the name for the marinated jalapenos, carrots, garlic, onions etc that many taquerias serve). Chips aren't free, but since everything is so cheap it's worth ordering a basket if you want to showcase the (fairly spicy) salsa, which comes in two varieties: medium salsa verde (tons of cilantro flavor) and spicy salsa roja (and boy was it spicy, but with great flavor).

The menu is fairly simple; tacos (served the RIGHT way with just cilantro and onions), burritos, quesadillas, tortas, etc. Lots of agua fresca and smoothies. Lots of Mexican soda.

I got one of the few dinners they do offer, a flauta platter (two cheese, two chicken) that came with rice & beans. My husband got tacos, a chorizo and two beef. My flautas were crispy and hot, the rice was delicious, the beans were above average. The tacos looked great and my husband devoured them.

The food was all fresh, hot, and made right. Service was pretty good; though not five-star they were very friendly. They offer some more obscure meats, like tongue, chitterlings and goat (yep, goat). I won't be trying the goat, but I do want to try more tacos, their guacamole, and probably some agua fresca. They also have Mexican breakfasts.

We'll definitely be back to El Sol Del Pueblo the next time a taco craving hits :)

When life gets Zooey... Cosley Zoo, Wheaton, IL

2009-05-12T06:47:00.000-07:00

Like most people around Chicago, I knew of Lincoln Park Zoo (free, but difficult to get to from the 'burbs and parking is expensive). I knew of the Brookfield Zoo (easier to get to, but you pay for parking and admission). I never knew there was a zoo in Wheaton until a couple weeks ago.

The Cosley Zoo, 1356 N Gary Ave., Wheaton, is small, pretty and FREE. Yep. Free. They do accept donations, so if you feel compelled to give a few dollars they will gladly take it.

It's not very big, and it's not very fancy. But it is nicely maintained, with lots of pretty trees and some cool animals. I believe they're all North American -- a rare cream draft horse, various birds of prey, turtles, peacocks, foxes, a coyote, chickens and cows and what not. I liked seeing the owls -- some of them are tiny!

There's a picnic area, and a snack bar/gift shop. Other than that, it's just a nice little walk through the park to look at and read about various animals, plus educational activities for little ones. I would say best for kids 10 and under, though older kids might be entertained for a half hour or so. Which really, you don't need more than an hour, maybe 90 minutes here, unless the kid in your life really loves goats or something.

Still, it's quite pretty, easy to find, and a nice way to kill some time on a warm afternoon in the 'burbs.

We love our chips and salsa -- La Estancia, Bloomingdale

2009-05-04T07:14:00.000-07:00

The husband and I are real Mexican food fans. I for one have been devouring salsa at a rapid clip since childhood, and the man of the house never met a burrito he didn't like (well, that's not entirely true, but).

Of course, in the US you tend to get bland, Americanized versions, especially at large chains. Or, you get "Tex Mex," which is a tasty varietal all its own, but not really authentic.

We had passed La Estancia, 237 E Lake St in Bloomingdale, multiple times. And we had a coupon. (Hey, we love a good deal.) So when cravings for tacos hit on Saturday, we decided to give it a whirl.

The restaurant is nicely decorated, with lots of rich wood tones and Diego Rivera-esque paintings full of calla lilies. The waitress was a bit slow to approach our table the first time, but provided us with good service thereafter.

The chips and salsa -- always a good indicator of how the rest of the meal might go -- were a nice surprise, with crunchy, warm, thicker corn tortilla chips as opposed to the thin-and-crispy flour variety. The salsa was thick but not chunky, clinging to the chips well and with just the right amount of heat and a great flavor.

The menu had a nice variety on it, and I was pleased to see arroz con pollo, which every Latino grandma makes but is uncommon at Mexican restaurants. My husband had some sort of combination platter -- I think it included an enchilada and a chimichanga. He reported it all being very tasty. I hemmed and hawed and decided on steak burritos -- naturally I got three slightly smaller ones instead of one gargantuan one. The steak was tender, and it was filled with onions, peppers, beans and cheese. The rice was good enough; the refried beans on the side were nothing special.

All in all, prices were reasonable, the food was tasty, and man did I enjoy that salsa. While I'd still choose Laredo's Embassy of Mexican food first, it's a pain to get to. La Estancia, on the other hand, is an easy trip and very good in its own right. If you're looking for quality Mexican in Bloomingdale, I can recommend it.

German in the suburbs: Edelweiss Restaurant, Norridge

2009-04-25T14:36:00.000-07:00

I recently ventured over to test out some German delights at Edelweiss Restaurant in Norridge.

Consistently voted Chicagoland's No. 1 German restaurant, the family-owned eatery serves up plenty of authentic cuisine and brews within its highly decorated walls.

But depending on your tastes and your level of comfort with German food, this place could be a hit or miss.

I personally am not one who's into trying tons of new things. I get scared when friends pick up frogs' legs at Chinese restaurants and gnaw away like it's a chicken bone. So, when a pale white sausage arrived at our table, I was flooded with nervous feelings all over again.

Surprisingly (although I didn't try said white sausage and can't remember its actual name), I really enjoyed my meal. We went here for their Easter specials with my family, and we all had a good time jamming out to the live one-man German band, who was rocking on his clarinet and Casio.

Two in our group ordered the gigantic meat platter-type special (possibly called "The Edelweiss") and seemed extremely pleased. Some things didn't have a whole lot of "pow" taste, but I think that's more so the style of particular German food.

My grandmother really enjoyed her roast duck -- something she gets every time she visits. (And yes, many elderly people do dine there.) I'm not a duck fan, so I passed.

However, I couldn't get enough of my ham that I'd ordered; it was sweet and melted right into my fork. The cabbage, German potatoes, and other side dishes I'd picked off my family's plates were also tasty.

Although the prices are a bit steep ($20-25 per meal the day we went), you do get a lot for your buck and you have to chalk it up to authenticity. Plus, they've probably got to pay the German musician for all that polka-ing somehow.

Elmhurst loves wine bars - Wine & Vine

2009-04-18T18:53:00.000-07:00

Three weeks ago, I had my birthday party at Flight 112 Wine Bar in downtown Elmhurst. Today, I was part of an event at a different wine bar in downtown Elmhurst.

You see, when I'm also part of the Yelp.com community, a fabulous website dedicated to reviewing all things local. (Which you might think overlaps with this blog, but this blog is about local places specific to the Chicago suburbs, whereas Yelp covers the whole country and everything from hotels to chain restaurants to grocery stores.)

Anyway, as part of being a Yelp member, I was invited to this fabulous wine tasting at Wine & Vine, 105 S. York St. in Elmhurst.

The space is fairly large and brightly lit, with warm wood and a long granite bar that seats about 20. The bar is the showcase of the place; it surrounds the kitchen area, which is totally open. So if you sit there, you can watch your food being made.

I should note that while Flight 112 is strictly a wine bar, with assorted flatbreads and nibblies, Wine and Vine is more of a restaurant that showcases wine. The menu features fresh, homemade Italian fare.

The event we attended included little appetizer bites, including cheese, fresh fruit, pesto-stuffed mushrooms, lemon chicken, and a pasta station. The food was tasty, but of course the wine was the showcase. They had a whites station (including a few sparkling wines) and a more extensive reds. I normally don't drink a lot of red wine, but it was nice to taste some that I might not have gotten a full glass of and discovered I liked them.

While I can't really speak for the menu at Wine and Vine, I can tell you that we got a warm welcome and great service while there, and they had a nice variety of wines to choose from. It would be a good place for a romantic dinner or friends' night out.

Franky's Red Hots, Addison, IL

2009-04-14T12:08:00.000-07:00

Here at Rockin' the Suburbs, we are three busy ladies. Plus there's that pesky economy. I can't speak for my co-authors, but aside from my fantastic night out for my birthday, we're cutting back on extraneous spending, including eating out quite so often. And we're looking for good values when we do.

Rest assured, we still have plenty to write about, though. And there will continue to be new posts. With warm weather coming (we hope!) and all that Spring and Summer bring, there will be plenty to review and promote.

In the meantime, the husband and I had a simple but tasty dinner Friday when we finally visited Franky's Red Hots, 1250 W. Lake St. in Addison. Formerly a Tommy's, this is one of those no-nonsense local joints that says it's a hot dog place but actually serves a little of everything. The menu includes burgers, gyros, pasta, chicken, Italian beef, pizza and ribs.

We both went for the simple with hot dogs, fries and a drink. In my opinion, it's a good way to judge the place. The bun was not poppyseed, but it was nice and deep so there was plenty of room for the toppings. The dog was nice and snappy, kind of skinny, more red-hot style. The pickle was a little small, but tasty and the rest of the toppings hit the spot. The fries were fresh and hot.

A really nice part about Franky's, beyond the variety of the menu, is the prices. Tax is included in everything, so everything is a nice round number. And the prices are cheap! Four hot dogs, two fries and two drinks? A mere $9.

The pizza looked really tasty, so we may have to try that next time. And the pizza? Comes with unlimited toppings, no extra charge. Fab.

It's great to find a local place with tasty food that's not only convenient but a great value. Hurray for Franky's.

McHenry County's version of "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives"

2009-04-12T11:01:00.000-07:00

OK, so I really tried to get the "Drive-Ins" part of the popular Food Network show, but we'll just settle with dance clubs.

In the last few weeks, I've been able to get out of the house despite a crazy work schedule and wavering weather.

Here's some of the interesting places I've found in McHenry County. I plan to head out for more, and soon:

Diners -

Mama Rini's -- located at 177 W. Virginia St. in Crystal Lake -- is one surprising little diner.

We've maybe lived right down the street from here for the last nine months and I'm sad to say, have never tried it until now.

If you're on a budget in this economy (and who isn't), Mama Rini's is the place to go. The servings are whoppers, and you get a lot of variety for your buck, too.

We ordered the gyros platter and the Greek chicken, both of which were very good. The meals also came with a choice of potato, soup or salad, vegetables, plus a complimentary dessert. All for $8.95 each.

Also, the inside of the restaurant is clean and nicely decorated. Our server was also extremely kind and always available for refills.

We'll definitely venture back here again, maybe next time for breakfast. I think pancakes and eggs are the true diner's test.

Dance clubs -

Cheesy name aside, Crystal's Party Bar off Rt. 31 and Three Oaks Road in Crystal Lake is a great (and rare) place in McHenry County to get your dance on.

The nightclub has a pretty spacious dance floor, and plays mostly Top 40 and hip-hop hits. We had fun the last several times we went, and the crowd is a good mix of mostly 20- and 30-somethings.

Crystal's isn't foreign to deals either, many in the form of drink specials or no-cover nights. You can also book your own private party here for probably cheaper than you would in downtown Chicago.

Unfortunately, as with much nightlife in the 'burbs, Crystal's shuts it down at 2 a.m. on weekends.

But if you're in the mood to go out clubbing close to home, this dance club fits my standards for a good, booty-shakin' time.

Dives -

In the mood for some premiere people-watching? Then check out Jimmy D's Neighborhood Inn, 3965 W. Algonquin Rd. in Algonquin.

A dive in its finest form, the bartenders here make you feel welcome, but other patrons are a hit or miss. Just a heads up: You could end up being serenaded by a 35-year-old married man's MySpace rap song by the end of the night.

Although there aren't too many pub food offerings aside from the traditional mozz-sticks and fries, Jimmy D's serves as a great starter bar for a night out on the town if you're on the younger side, or an evening of drinking and darts if your bar-hopping enthusiasm has dwindled.

The prices are super cheap for the Chicago area, and again, the bartenders are always pleasant. They even smiled and remembered us by name each time they asked if we wanted another round.

A true "neighborhood" inn.

Wine bar in the 'burbs -- Flight 112, Elmhurst

2009-03-29T10:26:00.000-07:00

So I turn 28 today. And since it's Sunday, the celebration was last night. I wanted something chill, someplace to gather friends new and old, and Flight 112 Wine Bar fit the bill.

Located at 112 W. Park Ave. in downtown Elmhurst -- across the street from the Metra station -- the space is interesting; the wine bar is deep and not too wide, but it's attached to an art gallery with a salon and I think a chiropractor also sharing the space. So you can wander in and look at the art, and there is also a lot of neat art hanging on the walls.

We spent the evening in the back room of Flight 112, a comfortable loungey area with couches and pillows and small tables to set your drinks/food down on.

There were 7 of us and everyone had a great time. The waitress (?) who helped us all evening kept our water glasses refilled, kept track of our constant orders without a notepad, and even kept our bills all separate without a problem. The wines I tried were delicious and she was helpful with recommendations and advice.

The wines vary hugely from bold, dry reds to sweet whites, plus sparkling and dessert wines. A lot of the wines are organic or "biodynamic" (google it if you are bored); wine flights are also available. They also have an extensive beer list.

They also have a smallish selection of food mostly of the sharing variety, including cheese platters, cold meats, flatbreads, panini and a few desserts. I ordered one of the planks (3 cheeses, 3 meats plus bread and fruit) and everything was delicious. People in our group also ordered panini and flatbread, and they looked and smelled great.

I already loved downtown Elmhurst, and this was a fantastic spot to have a celebratory night out. The prices are reasonable, there's a huge variety of wines and beer, and it's overall just a great space and concept. I had a great time, and I can highly recommend Flight 112 for a great night out.

Great food, local brews - Harrison's, Orland Park

2009-03-25T08:42:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday my husband and I were treated to a great dinner out with my in-laws at a great Orland Park spot. Harrison's Restaurant and Brewery (15845 S La Grange Rd in Orland Park) is a brewpub with a diverse menu. Neither of us are beer drinkers, actually, so I can't vouch for the beer -- but there are dozens of reviews all over the web that can.

The food, however, I can vouch for. I'd been there a couple times before in years past, and had a few different sandwiches and wraps.

This time, we started -- as we so frequently do -- with nachos. The Brewhouse Nachos at Harrison's are a sight to behold. A huge pile of warm tortilla chips slathered with cheese, beans, pico de gallo and jalapenos (plus sour cream and guac, and optional chicken or beef), these are some of the tastiest nachos I've had -- and we eat a lot of nachos. I'm not sure what makes them special, but they are a medley of deliciousness.

I continued with the Mexican theme and opted for blackened fish tacos. I'm not sure what kind of fish it was, but it was a mild whitefish that was cooked perfectly, in layered soft corn tortillas filled with lettuce, cheese, pico de gallo and guacamole, with salsa on the side and hearty portions of well-seasoned black beans and spicy Mexican rice. I only managed two (of three) tacos and some of the rice and beans before I had to call it a night.

My husband had ribs, which came with potato (fries for him) and a side of grilled veggies (zucchini, cauliflower and carrot). I sampled the zucchini, which was well-cooked and nicely seasoned; he assured me the fries were tasty, and that the ribs were cooked to tender perfection.

I did not sample my in-laws' food, but I can report that the sandwiches they got looked and smelled delicious.

Harrison's also offers a full bar (and all that beer) and a variety of tempting desserts, but we were far too full to indulge this time.

When we get down to Orland Park, Harrison's is a great choice for a delicious meal out.

Great family-owned deli -- Mario's Deli, Addison

2009-03-15T17:35:00.000-07:00

Friday we decided we wanted something a little more low-key for dinner, and having driven by Mario's multiple times -- and being told it was really good -- we decided some Italian deli food was just what we needed. So off we went to 1700 W Lake St. in Addison, just east of the intersection of Lake and Route 53/Rohlwing.

(There is a second Mario's Deli in Bensenville, at the corner of Green and Addison Sts. We've not been in there.)

The Addison Mario's is clean and simple, with large cases of homemade pasta, panini and other dishes, and a large bakery case full of tempting goodies ranging from napoleons to tiramisu to cookies and brownies.

They offer homemade pasta, fresh-made deli sandwiches, panini, salads, etc. and a large assortment of baked goods. There are a number of tables to sit and enjoy your food at or you can take it to go. There's also a newly-opened wine bar next door called Bigby's Pour House, where you can apparently gather wine or beer to enjoy with your food. We didn't explore that option, but may have to go check Bigby's out at some point soon.

We went for the simple stuff: I had an Italian sub and my husband had an Italian panini. I didn't get to taste his panini because he ate it so fast! But my sub was delicious, with savory meat and cheese and chewy bread.

We took home two triple-chocolate brownies for later, and I can report that they were fudgy and sensational. We were eyeing the pasta pretty hard, and I can guarantee we'll be back to try more of their awesome-looking homemade Italian food. And those desserts. Mmmmm.

Long Grove Cafe -- a great group-dining experience

2009-03-10T11:26:00.000-07:00

I ventured to Long Grove Cafe recently for a bridal shower, sitting in a special side room on the other side of the restaurant.

For such a simple name, it's not a boring place. (But if you've ever been to Long Grove, you know that you're in for a treat with most of the historic shops and cute eateries downtown.)

I was still pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere -- the place is tucked behind the main streets of downtown Long Grove and surrounded by a beautiful duck pond. It was very calm and serene, and fun to watch all the birds. There are also feeding containers near the front entrance, so that's a plus for us kids-at-heart (and actual youngsters).

The food and service are equally charming. The servers were fairly attentive to our party, without being overbearing.

We had two choices -- rosemary chicken or white fish -- for our dinner. Both were decidedly excellent by the group, but I especially enjoyed my chicken, which came with some of the tastiest Russet potatoes I've had in a long time. The hot fresh bread that was served with our salads was also delicious.

I'd definitely recommend this place for a small gathering, such as a bridal or baby shower. Those sort of places probably aren't too tough to find in the suburbs, but this is a top-notch option if you're looking for something different.

I'm sure the restaurant side is also a great choice for a nice, peaceful lunch or dinner. I plan to return to test that section out, and hopefully soon.

Laughing in the suburbs - Laugh Out Loud Improv Theater

2009-03-09T06:21:00.000-07:00

So as mentioned in my previous post, my husband and I accompanied my mom and her companion to Schaumburg's Laugh Out Loud Improv Theater for a night of funny.

It's in the Streets of Woodfield shopping center, on Martingale Lane, located underneath the Brides by Demetrios store.

It's not a huge place - seats maybe ... 50? I'm not sure, I didn't count tables, but it's sort of a black-box style theater, with small tables each surrounded by four chairs that face the stage. There's a bar that serves beer, wine, mixed drinks, soft drinks and assorted munchies for fairly reasonable prices.

The great thing about improv is that it's never the same show twice, but the cast and show we saw were pretty funny. If you appreciate humor that thinks on its feet, and like shows such as "Whose Line is it, Anyway?" then you will probably like Laugh Out Loud. They play "games" of a sort, where there's a specific set-up and the audience provides lines for the cast to utter, or a location, or a relationship between characters, that sort of thing.

There's a 7:30 show that is billed as family-friendly (this is the one we went to) and a 9:30 show that is rated PG-13. The show lasted about an hour and 15 minutes, though I wasn't timing it exactly.

While this may not be a regular stop for us, I'm glad to know it exists -- and it's a great spot for a fun night out, especially if you have visitors in town!

Improv in the suburbs

2009-03-03T06:35:00.001-08:00

I haven't actually been there yet, but I'm eying a weekend activity -- the Laugh Out Loud Improv Theater in Schaumburg. Located in the Streets of Woodfield shopping center, this looks like a fun way to spend an evening without hassling with Chicago traffic or Second City prices.

You see, my mom is planning to come this weekend (or possibly next, but that's a long story), and she seems to want to go out. Do something fun. She suggested a piano bar, of which there are a few around, but in my experience those can get rather ... bawdy and, depending on your mom, possibly not the sort of thing you want to sit through with a parent.

Improv on the other hand ... Laugh Out Loud promises a family-friendly show at 7:30 and a PG-13 variety at 9:30. Sounds right up the mom alley. Better yet, our phone book has coupons in it.

Has anyone who reads this been there? If so, please let me know your thoughts. I will of course report back if we end up going. :)

Baby's got barbecue -- Sweet Baby Ray's, Elk Grove Village

2009-02-24T06:44:00.000-08:00

Shortly after we moved to DuPage County, my husband was lucky enough to win a gift card for the Wood Dale Sweet Baby Ray's restaurant in a raffle. So it was one of the first places we visited in town.

A quick history -- the man who created Sweet Baby Ray's barbecue sauce is from Wood Dale. Back in the '90s, he sold his famous sauce formula to a national distributor but retained the rights to open four restaurants under the SBR banner in the Chicago area. So far he has opened two. The original Wood Dale location is fairly small, with seating for about 30 and a more limited menu; they do a lot of carryout and catering.

The Elk Grove Village location, at 800 E. Higgins Road, is a full-service restaurant with a bigger menu and a bar area. It's a cozy place, with a lot of highly polished wood.

We already knew the food was good, but we wanted to see if it would measure up. And oh, it did. The service was friendly and helpful; the menu extensive. They feature both traditional barbecue favorites like ribs and brisket and New Orleans-style cajun dishes.

Note that this is not a terribly vegetarian friendly place. (They do have one or two meatless salads, some fish, a meatless pasta dish and some vegetarian sides.) The meat is the star here. We started with pulled pork nachos, which sounds sort of weird, but is truly tasty. The meat was sweet, tangy and tender and went well with the cheesy, crunchy chips, beans and pico de gallo.

At this point, we knew we'd probably ordered too much food, but hey, then we had leftovers. Most of the dinners come with soup or salad, two sides AND cornbread. So I had my half a jerk chicken, plus salad, green chile mac and cheese, Tchoupitoulas potatoes, and cornbread. Ooof. The chicken was tender and flavorful (but not hot, actually), and the green chile mac and cheese is awesome.

My husband had soup, ribs, baked beans, french fries and cornbread. He had some leftovers, though not as many as me. :) He loves the ribs there and says they're the best he's ever had.

All in all, SBR is a fantastic addition to Chicago-area barbecue. They do their meat right and the sauce is pretty darn good (and I'm a snob for Kentucky barbecue, which has a less-sweet sauce). If you like your meat done right, SBR is the place to go.

Plentiful produce and more -- Caputo's, Addison

2009-02-18T09:38:00.000-08:00

You know what I love, much to many people's bemusement? Grocery shopping.

I really enjoy big grocery stores and supermarkets, where the produce stretches for yards and I can find interesting, exotic and familiar foods that inspire me. I enjoy cooking, too, and sometimes inspiration will hit right there in the middle of the aisle.

So I was thrilled to discover, first in Algonquin and now in Addison, the Caputo's family of stores. They go by a couple different names -- the one in Addison is Angelo Caputo's Fresh Markets, while Algonquin features the Joe Caputo and Sons Fruit Market -- but they are all very similar stores with similar features.

The first thing you see when you walk into a Caputo's is their enormous produce section. They have all sorts of fruits and vegetables you'll never see at Jewel or Dominick's, all at great prices. (They also have fantastic homemade pico de gallo and guacamole in the cold case, at least at the Addison location!)

The second big feature of the store is a large meat/deli/bakery section that stretches across the back. I have not yet tried any of the deli products, but I hear they are delicious, especially the Italian cured meats. We have gotten some great cuts of beef from Caputo's.

The third big thing about this great store is the dizzying array of ethnic products -- tons of imported and fresh-made Italian goods, more kinds of cheese than you can count, plus Mexican, Polish and Asian imports. They even have imported French and Irish butter!

This store can get pretty crowded, so I try to go during off-hours. But it's a great place to get some inexpensive produce, a fresh loaf of bread, some tasty deli treats, and so much more.

Taj Mahal, Bloomingdale -- a taste of India in the suburbs

2009-02-16T07:17:00.000-08:00

My husband is not the biggest fan of Valentine's Day. He prefers meaningful gifts to flowers and heartfelt expressions of love to cheesy cards. I don't blame him, but a little romanticism never hurt. (He came through for me this year.)

And while we certainly enjoy the classy Italian restaurant with dim candle light and overpriced wine, we went a less traditional route for our Valentine's dinner -- Indian food.

I love Indian food, having been practically adopted by an immigrant family in our church as a kid. The mom loved to feed me naan and whatever else she had on hand, and the smell of curry takes me back to sitting in her kitchen, 8 years old. My husband is a recent convert, but as a lover of spicy food and rice, he has taken to it well.

We chose Taj Mahal (111 E Lake St., Bloomingdale) based on its proximity and good reviews on Yelp. I guess nobody else had the idea to eat Indian food on Friday the 13th, because we were basically alone for our meal, with a few takeout customers coming in and two women coming to eat in as we were leaving.

The service was very good, as you would hope. We chose cashew nut rolls as an appetizer -- these were a delightful combination of mashed potatoes rolled in a crispy finely-ground nut mixture. Think mozzarella sticks with potato inside instead.

My husband chose chicken vindaloo, a spicy dish that had just enough heat for his tastes, and I had a tandoori chicken dish that had been marinated in ginger, garlic and yogurt with onion, tomato and green bell pepper. We shared saffron rice and it came with a basket of naan.

The food was delicious, with incredibly tender chicken and perfectly-made rice. The flavor was great on my dish, and my husband's managed to be both very flavorful and quite spicy at once. We had plenty left over and finished it for lunch on Sunday.

Decor-wise, Taj Mahal is basic but nice. Everything was clean and there were a variety of motel-style landscapes on the walls. The strip mall it's in (at the corner of Lake and Bloomingdale) is very quiet, so parking is unlikely to be any problem. The menu features a variety of vegetarian, chicken, lamb and seafood dishes. (Notice that no Indian restaurant ever serves beef?:))

Taj Mahal features a buffet during lunch hours and has a decent wine list and variety of imported Indian beers. We'll absolutely be back to this quiet spot, and I hope they do enough business at other times to stay open!

Fire Bar & Grill, Crystal Lake -- sports bar fun for (nearly) everyone

2009-02-14T13:23:00.000-08:00

Being a relatively new Crystal Lake resident, I'd heard a lot of things about Fire Bar & Grill.

None of them were really good. But after having a late dinner there Friday night, I'm not sure what all the negativity was about.

As a former server at a bustling sports bar, it felt a little like home. It's spacious and dark, with flat-screen TVs, Big Buck Hunter Pro and plenty of pool tables in the back.

The vibe there felt more bar than restaurant, but the food tasted great.

A group of co-workers and I ordered from a very pleasant server, who gave helpful suggestions to the half of us who are vegetarian. The menu had tons of stuff: sandwiches, wraps, appetizers, salads and more.

One friend ordered the spinach-artichoke dip and chips and said it was tasty and filling enough as an entree. A couple others ordered different sandwiches and quesadillas, also giving nods of approval. Meanwhile, I ordered the buffalo chicken wrap, and my only complaint was the sauce was medium or hotter, when I thought it was mild (I'm kind of a wuss when it comes to heat). But the steak fries were so fresh; the best I've ever eaten.

We also had a few rounds of beer and other drinks, all decently priced.

Surprisingly, we saw a few families with kids later on around 9 p.m. Probably for the game machines and food, but again, it's a little bit more on the bar side. One cool thing I noticed was a sign for free pool between noon and 5 p.m. every day.

They also have karaoke on Tuesdays, live bands on Thursdays and a guest DJ spinning on Friday and Saturday nights. Sundays are typically devoted to NFL games, with prizes and giveaways.

I think the group of us would definitely go back, probably for the drink specials and the atmosphere. It's somewhat hard to find a variety of late-night hangouts in McHenry County -- outside of your corner pub -- but I'll be adding this to my list.

A taste of Ireland - Peggy Kinnane's, Arlington Heights

2009-02-11T08:35:00.000-08:00

I had a busy weekend last weekend. In addition to spending over two hours at the Freddo Cafe, I had lunch with some friends in charming downtown Arlington Heights, at Peggy Kinnane's Irish Pub (8 North Vail Ave.). I'd actually been there once before, but since it was the night of my bachelorette party, let's just say my memories are a bit fuzzy.

On a Saturday around 11 a.m., downtown Arlington Heights is pretty quiet, but there's a lot to see and explore. (Someday, I am going to Fuego. But that is neither here nor there.) Peggy Kinnane's is what you expect an Irish pub to be - lots of wood and signs about whiskey and green. The menu is a bit broader than more chain-like places, though, with more authentic Irish dishes including boxty, shepherd's pie, fish and chips and even an Irish breakfast. Of course, they also have more typical pub grub, including wings, nachos, burgers, sandwiches, etc. I had the fish and chips on my previous visit; on this one I went for a wrap, looking for something a bit lighter. I'm not sure that what amounted to a buffalo chicken wrap qualifies as Irish, but it was tasty.

They also have a wide selection of beers and whiskeys, along with a full bar and decent wine list.

Service was very good, and while we were the only people in the place, I remember our waitress being stellar when I was there in August of '07. So it's good to know they're still hiring good people.

Peggy's is one of those places that serves several functions. It is equally good for a lunch with friends, a nice dinner out with the family, or tearing it up late at the bar. They have an outdoor seating area for use in nicer weather, and it would be fun to sit there and people watch when it's warm.

Freddo Cafe, Addison - A touch of Europe in the 'burbs

2009-02-07T16:05:00.000-08:00

I can't quite tell what part of Europe the Freddo Cafe, at 1250 W. Lake St. in Addison, is supposed to represent. But it's definitely European. With rich wood, a flat-panel TV showing European football matches, paninis, Greek coffee, espresso and more, this is a cute and quality choice for a coffee break in Addison.

The cafe has about eight tables and a comfy leather couch with a table. It's not big, but it doesn't feel cramped. The menu includes the typical assortment of lattes, cappuccino, espresso macchiato and iced drinks. They also have frozen blended drinks (you know, frappes) that are called Freddoccinos. Cute, huh? My friend and I each had one, and they were tasty, thick with a nice coffee flavor and not too sweet.

And, although my friend and I didn't try them, they also have paninis, thin-crust pizza, pastries and ice cream.

The staff was very friendly and kept checking on us, offering napkins and water. It's a great option for a snack, a great cup of coffee or a light meal. I'm sure to be back.

Slacking in the Suburbs

2009-02-04T06:36:00.001-08:00

I don't have much to report because we haven't been as active lately in going out and exploring. I mean, we had Popeye's for dinner last Friday. Nothing wrong with that, but it's not exactly local or original.

But. This weekend, my husband will be out of town and I am going to take the opportunity to meet with friends at a few points. So I may well have new places to write about.

One place I'm really looking forward to trying is the Freddo Cafe in Addison. The Freddo, in case you're wondering, is a cold coffee-based drink with whipped cream. I think. (The menu makes it sound like an iced double-shot latte with whipped cream.) The Cafe is a European-style cafe that advertises Greek coffee, paninis and pizza, pastries and ice cream. The pictures make it look cute, and we drive by it all the time, so I'd love to have a local hangout where I can go get a good cup of coffee.

There are also a few other area places I'd love to visit, and they're on my list:

# Mitsuwa Marketplace, Arlington Heights: This is a Japanese/Asian wonderland, from what I hear. Tons of imported groceries, health food, books, bakery, videos, and fresh sushi and ramen.

# Solace 601, Addison: This looks to be a cozy, Northern Italian/Southern French restaurant, suitable for a romantic dinner or special occasion. We passed it last weekend and were intrigued.

# Schweppe Inc., Lombard: A restaurant supply wholesaler that is also open to the public. I watch and love Alton Brown, and he recommends restaurant supply stores as fantastic places to find quality kitchen equipment at good prices.

I know there are plenty of other places I'm curious about, but I think that's a good list for now. I'll report back over the weekend if I go anywhere interesting!

For beer lovers: Barley House in Algonquin

2009-01-28T18:02:00.000-08:00

During my undergraduate years in central Illinois, I thought trying to complete a 110-beer "World Tour" at a local bar and grill was challenge enough.

I found out Tuesday night that I was dead wrong.

Anyone with an eclectic taste in beer – or others willing to try new brews at a cheap price by Chicago standards – may find home in one of the many bar stools at Barley House in Algonquin. That's because it offers nearly 250 different beers spanning the globe.

Barley House, 1520 S. Randall Rd., was recently opened this month by local restaurateurs in place of the former Claddagh Irish Pub. After some remodeling and the addition of a hefty drink menu (more like a map), patrons seem pleased as they sip their cocktails and brews next to a fireplace or flat-screen TV.

At Barley House, rarities and new choices are abundant, as well as the drink specials for January and February. We stopped by on a Tuesday, when all micro pints (sans "Delirium") were $3 – a repeating discount on Thursdays. There's also a "beer nerd" club, where members receive 25 percent off beer purchases on Wednesdays.

Aside from the mind-boggling amount of drafts, bottles, hard ciders and wines, Barley House vibes a cozy, upscale atmosphere. They certainly don't serve most of the typical bar fare, but instead a large variety of food of a finer note. Appetizers range from coconut onion rings to steamed oysters, while entrees feature "The Best Chicken Sandwich Ever" to filet mignon.

And every day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., diners can eat all they can of salad, soup and artisan bread for $7.50. On Mondays, the "Flip for your Food" special is as simple as it sounds. Your server returns the check with a coin, you pick a side and he or she flips once for every entree on your order. If you're lucky, you'll get half-off every entree every time you're right.

But despite all the good deals, I don't think we'll be returning to Barley House for the food. Our choices – an Ahi steak sandwich and a seafood stew – were fancy and fun but not entirely satisfying, taste-wise. But the great service and tasty beers made up for that tiny glitch, ten-fold. For that, we'll be sure to stop by again soon.

The Little Owl, Geneva

2009-01-25T12:55:00.000-08:00

On Saturday evening the husband and I met two friends of ours at The Little Owl, located at 101 W. State St. (Route 38) in Geneva.

It's a historic bar and restaurant, with lots of dark wood and American food including burgers, chicken, lots of fish options, and your standard bar staples.

The bar options looked pretty good, too, and I was tempted by the martini menu, but decided to stick to food. They brought out a bread basket full of a small loaf of sliced bread, garlic toast rounds, and crackers. We shared cheese nuggets as an appetizer, which is every bit as bad for you as it sounds, but in a delicious way.

I had fish and chips, substituting the chips for their "sour cream and chive sticks", which turned out to be french fries coated in a ranch-dressing-like powder before frying -- which was pretty tasty. The fish was nicely fried, though some of it did come out in a chunk away from the batter. My husband had a chicken wings basket, which he reports were very meaty with a delicious batter.

Our friends had a fish-wich and an Italian beef sandwich with mashed potatoes, and reported that those were good as well.

I do have one small complaint: our waitress was a little flighty and took a while to take our orders; after she brought the appetizer out we had to actually tell her we were ready to order. The check also took awhile to come, although she did keep our drinks refilled nicely and took our credit cards promptly.

Prices were pretty good, although portions were not huge, but I was nicely full and not stuffed when we were done.

While there are a huge variety of restaurants in downtown Geneva, I think the Little Owl is a good option if you want a cozy tavern-y sort of place, with solid comfort food, drinks, and a place to sit and talk with friends.

State of the blog

2009-01-16T10:58:00.000-08:00

Greetings!

I've been thinking about this blog lately and where it is and where I want it to be. For the most part, I'm pleased. What started as an experiment in writing about cool things in the Chicago suburbs has gained two more writers and an audience - albeit a smallish one - which is great! I'm indebted to Another Suburbanite for really helping me kickstart things, and glad to have The Juice Box on board for more content and input.

What I haven't been doing much of lately is writing about things besides restaurant reviews and the odd store or spa. Which I'm going to blame on a few things: the recent holidays (busy, busy) and the weather - because really, who wants to go exploring when it's 17 below out there?!

But as the weather warms up I'm hoping to get back out there. To write about festivals and parks and ice cream parlors and more.

I also want to encourage my audience to give us feedback. Recommend places for us to try -- we live in McHenry, northwest Cook and DuPage counties and often travel through Lake and Kane for work or life, so if there's someplace in your neck of the woods you're curious about -- or that you've tried and think is great -- pass it on! Alternatively, if someone wants to submit a single review (or even several) without joining the team, just drop me a line. My blog-related e-mail is easy: suburbanawesome [at] gmail.com.

In the end, I want this blog to be useful, fun, and for the people who read it. I welcome all manner of feedback, questions, comments, whatever!

Thanks, and keep reading and rockin' the suburbs!

On the Border ... of authentic

2009-01-14T22:36:00.000-08:00

Hi, Rockin' the Suburbs readers.

Before I get into my mini-review of the On the Border Mexican Grill and Cantina in Algonquin, let me introduce myself.

My online alias is The Juice Box and I found my way here through the amazing online network of Twenty Something Bloggers. After checking out this blog and enjoying its content and theme of helping Chicago suburbanites find things to do around town, I was happily given the approval stamp of becoming a new contributor.

A little about me: I'm in my 20s, live in McHenry County and grew up in Cook. I've been around the suburbs a minute or two, but don't define myself by them. I eat my hot dogs Chicago style -- absolutely no ketchup! I enjoy getting out to local places to check out new movies, restaurants, bars and all other entertainment spots in between.

So without ado, my first review.

After craving margaritas and bottomless chips and salsa, the boyfriend and I decided to head over to On the Border in Algonquin tonight. And when we got there, we were pleasantly surprised.

We were expecting something along the lines of Chili's (sub-par food, brightly colored trinkets on the walls, chipped tiled booths), and though we caught a whiff of corporate flair, this spot was "on the border" of authentic.

As soon as we sat down to our table, our server Matt was extremely courteous and joked around with us. Granted, the place was dead, but he was spot on with helping us out with menu options and keeping our giant margarita and Dos XX tumblers full.

A single bottomless chip was about the size of a half hard-shell taco, and dipped in a spicy tequila lime salsa, tasted crisp with just the right amount of salt. We enjoyed looking around the place while we munched and waited on our meal, too. A nice ambience, despite some heavy Menudo playing in the background. Can't remember the last time I sang along absentmindedly to Ricky Martin and actually enjoyed it (shh, don't tell anyone).

Our orders came up quickly. I chose the Dos XX fish tacos. For $9.99, I got three hefty portions of beer-battered fish wrapped in a soft tortilla stuffed with cabbage lettuce, pico de gallo and a chile cream sauce. Rice and beans on the side. The whole meal tasted fresh and didn't need seasoning; plus, I could really specifically taste the Dos XX on the fish.

The boyfriend chose the endless enchiladas special, where, you guessed it -- endless enchiladas of the beef, chicken or cheese variety and a side of rice and beans were served for $8.99. He only lasted for four, but our server noted that the record there was 26. Yikes. Although the enchiladas were tasty enough, I've had better at smaller, hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurants. Maybe it's something in the water.

Overall, we had an enjoyable experience and plan to go back again soon to try out all the other enticing stuff on the menu. They have a great "create your own" section for burritos and fajitas, all down to specific details so you can come up with nearly 100 different combination possibilities.

The prices are also decent, especially for drinks: $4.25 for a large 22 oz. house (strong) margarita, and $3.25 for Dos XX on draft in the same size. They have about a dozen different Mexican imports available in bottles, and also another "create your own" menu for premium margaritas that I'd put to good use.

The bar and grill also has Chicago-area locations in St. Charles and Vernon Hills, so if you're not near Algonquin, you can plan an outing at one of the others.

Looking for something quick to satisfy your cravings for Mexican food and drink? Your next trip should be to On the Border.

Entourage Salon & Spa, Elmhurst

2009-01-11T15:57:00.000-08:00

A different sort of review today than we've been doing, although I would like to note that this is intended to be for all sorts of places around the suburbs and not just restaurants!

Today I redeemed a gift card that was a Christmas present from my dear husband: enough for a massage at Entourage Salon and Spa in Elmhurst. It's at 111 Second St. (in the City Centre) and on the web at www.e-ntourage.com.

I'd been in want of a good massage for quite awhile, and let me tell you, Entourage got the job done.

My massage therapist was Mary Ann, a cheerful woman in scrubs who had a sort of mom/aunt vibe about her. She asked me a few questions about where my tension was, what I did or didn't want, that sort of thing. Then I was shown into the massage room to undress and left.

The room was nicely appointed but simple, with hooks for my clothes, wood-paneled walls and dim lighting. There was soft nature-sounds music playing, enough to set a relaxing mood and drown out any sounds from the salon.

Mary Ann did a wonderful job, asking for feedback on pressure and a few other things but largely working quietly to let me enjoy. And I did. The tension in my neck and shoulders is gone and when she was done I lay there blissfully, wanting either a nap or more massage.

The salon itself is very nice, with lots of light and comfy chairs and a cool transparent waterfall behind the front desk.

While I certainly can't afford to indulge every month, I think I will be returning to Entourage for a massage... and maybe a haircut or pedicure now and then!

Christy's Restaurant & Pancake House, Wood Dale

2009-01-05T11:22:00.001-08:00

Christy's Restaurant and Pancake House ... the name pretty much says it all. Located at 200 E Irving Park Rd. in Wood Dale (basically in front of the Metra station), this Greek diner/pancake house has something for everyone.

They serve breakfast all day, as well as an extensive lunch and dinner menu. Because we live so close to Christy's, I have now been there twice, once for breakfast and once for dinner.

It is a small, cheerfully crowded place where the waitresses are both friendly and sarcastic and you can tell they have a lot of regulars.

The food is not out of the ordinary, but it is tasty, and there is a lot of it for the price. For breakfast, for instance, I got a spinach and feta omelet that was HUGE and came with sesame toast and hashbrowns. I took half the omelet home. My husband had a bacon waffle (the man never turns down bacon) and was quite pleased; the friend we were with enjoyed her pancakes immensely.

(I must say that I was a teeeeny bit disappointed in the hashbrowns -- they were quite dry and lacked onion. In my opinion, the best hashbrowns are a bit greasy and have onion with them.)

When we returned for dinner, my husband had a frankencheese (a hot dog wrapped in cheese and bacon ... what did I say?) and I had a gyros sandwich. Both came with soup and fries, and we were given a bread basket when we sat down. Combine that with the appetizer we shared and I again took most of my actual meal home. The gyros meat was delicious, nicely cut and tender with tons of flavor. The fries were tasty too. My chicken noodle soup hit the spot; my husband said his black bean soup was yummy.

Christy's is not gourmet, it is not expensive, and it is not fancy. What it is is good food, done right. Exactly what you want in a diner/breakfast place. I should also note that the service we had both times was very good. And even if a restaurant is only above average, good service will keep us coming back.

Blu Razz in South Elgin

2009-01-01T13:12:00.000-08:00

A few days ago, I met up with a couple friends for martinis at Blu Razz (558 Randall Rd) in South Elgin. It was a weeknight so the place was quite empty for 9:30 pm.

We sat in a huge corner booth and took in the trendy atmosphere. A sleek bar, fish tanks with Grey Goose bottles in them, and low lighting made me feel like I should've put heels on. Our waitress lit a candle on our table and give us the drink menu. The martini selection is overwhelming! They also have quite the selection of mixed drinks and beers, but it was a girls' night out so we opted for martinis. All martinis are $8 and they have just about any combination of flavors you can imagine. I ordered the Blu Lemonsicle: Blu Razz vodka, Bacardi Limon, razzberry liqueur, and lemonade. It was strong and more raspberry than lemon flavored, but I liked it enough. My second martini was the Milky Way and that was a treat. It is made with vanilla vodka, chocolate liqueur, and Irish cream and the glass is drizzled with chocolate.

Our waitress was friendly and knowledgeable. There was only one downside of our evening at Blu Razz. On the door, they advertise being open until 1am weeknights. However, it was obvious they were trying to close around 11:30pm. The lights came on, the music stopped, and last call was called around 11:00. It was slightly rude and we wrapped up our chit chat and left, though we probably could have used another hour!

All in all, Blu Razz seems to be a suburban hotspot for weekends, but don't try to enjoy your day off by staying late during the week! The martini selection is great and I'd definitely go back.

Best of the year

2008-12-30T10:08:00.000-08:00

With '08 wrapping up and this blog settling into a groove, I was thinking about good end-of-the-year posts.

I've tried a lot of great restaurants this year, seen a lot of cool things and explored some great towns.

But picking out the best isn't that hard, when it comes down to it.

Best restaurant discovery:
Bien Trucha, Geneva
This tiny restaurant reinvents the tacqueria into a classy, cozy restaurant hiding in plain sight in downtown Geneva. I have loved every bite I've eaten and every sip drunk at Bien Trucha, and hope there are many, many more to come.

Best downtown discovery:
Elmhurst, easily. There are a lot of great downtowns in the suburbs, and I could name a few more I love off the top of my head, but Elmhurst was only (sadly) discovered by me this year. With its excellent mix of food, public areas, and unique stores, it's a place I can't wait to walk around in again.

Best store discovery:
This is a little harder. I do love Funky Things in Algonquin something fierce, but I discovered that when it first opened in 2007. So this year's winner is probably SereneTeaz, again in Elmhurst. A fun and funky tea shop with samples galore and all the tea options you can imagine, plus some great clerks to help you find whatever it is you're looking for.

Best town-run discovery:
For a town as small as Wood Dale, they have a great pool/waterpark, known as "The Water Park," complete with big slide, adult hot tub, kiddie area and more. It was well showcased at National Night Out -- which is a great event in and of itself, complete with free swimming, free food, music, raffles and mosquitos. I mean more.

So tell me -- what were YOUR favorites of '08? I'm always looking for tips, suggestions, ideas, you name it! Comment away!

Nana's hot dogs and beef, Addison

2008-12-26T08:06:00.000-08:00

A new hot dog joint opened on Lake St. recently, and on a cold Monday the husband and I decided we needed a quick, inexpensive lunch. So we decided to try Nana's out. It's on Lake St. just east of 355, in front of the Marcus cinema.

A bright, no-frills store, it's both cheery and a little stark. Counter and seats, that's pretty much it. The menu is equally low on frill -- hot dogs, beef, tamales, chili, fries, shakes and a couple desserts. I think there were two or three salads, as well.

The husband and I both had hot dogs. All of their sandwiches automatically include fries, which are stacked on top and rolled and smushed into them. The idea may be to try to snarf it all down together, but my mouth is not that big so I picked off the fries, which were great by the way -- handcut, fresh and hot.

The hot dogs were of the red hot variety, a bit smaller and snappier. Their "everything" is onions, relish, mustard and peppers -- no pickle or tomato. Which is a shame, since I love pickles. But it was still quite good, and I have no real complaints.

We also shared a pineapple milkshake, which was light, frothy and full of real pineapple bits. Delicious.

The only real problem with Nana's is that there are already a number of good hot dog joints in the area, and now we have another one! Truly, there is no shortage of hot dog places in northern DuPage County.

Apple Villa in Hoffman Estates

2008-12-21T11:24:00.000-08:00

Apple Villa is one of those places that we would see and say, "We should try that some day." We tried it this weekend and it lived up to our expectations.

Located at 3101 N. Barrington Rd in Hoffman Estates, Apple Villa seems to be a local favorite for those in the Barrington, Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg area. The atmosphere is so comfortable and the best I could describe it would be to say it is simply warm. The service is fabulous here. My fiance and I both ordered hot tea and our waitress told us to inform her when we needed more hot water or another tea bag. We did and she was so quick to get us more and make sure we were happy. When you order hot tea, you're given the choice between regular or flavored teas. Even if you lean towards regular tea, check out the flavored tea. They bring out a briefcase full of fun flavored tea bags!

Our food came out quickly and was absolutely delicious. I ordered the Vegetarian Skillet with scrambled eggs and jalapeno mozzarella. The skillet was full of fresh mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, and broccoli on top of hashbrowns. I was really impressed with it. I suppose I'm used to diner skillets like IHOP or Denny's where it's pretty obvious the veggies are frozen. But the veggies were so fresh and flavorful at Apple Villa and were such a delight. My fiance ordered the South of the Border omelet and was equally impressed. It contained fresh onion, green pepper, tomato, jalapeno cheese and what seemed to be homemade salsa. His omelet came with hashbrowns and both our meals came with the option of toast or pancakes. The portions here are huge. We ended up taking about half of our meals home and warming them up for today's breakfast.

I definitely plan to become a regular at Apple Villa. I am so impressed with their breakfast selection (served all day) and even their sandwich selection looked delicious. I plan on trying The Duchess next time I am in, which is one of their specialties that involves some sort of pancake recipe with vegetables and havarti cheese. Sounds interesting to me! Also impressive is the fact they brew Kona coffee and squeeze their own orange juice.

Of all the places I've reviewed thus far, I believe Apple Villa is the best yet. If you're out at Woodfield Mall or heading home from church through Barrington, seek this place out for breakfast anytime. The service, the fresh food, and the atmosphere make it an A+ in my book.

Onesti Dinner Club, St. Charles

2008-12-16T17:48:00.000-08:00

Recently, I attended a holiday party at the Onesti Dinner Club in St. Charles. I've only visited St. Charles a handful of times but I love the charm of the city.

Onesti is located downtown at 18 N. 4th St. I was told that it is a renovated old church and it is absolutely beautiful on the inside. (The weather was too rotten to take a good look at the exterior.) We began with cocktails in the basement lounge/bar which was furnished with big, comfortable couches and a few booths and end tables. The candlelit ambience was cozy and sultry at the same time. They served my date's Blue Moon just right, in a tall glass with orange and my riesling was cold and delicious. After cocktails, we headed upstairs for dinner. After a salad and dinner rolls, I enjoyed tilapia with steamed asparagus and mashed potatoes. The tilapia was a bit on the fishy side, but the rest was great. Because it was a large catered party, our choices were limited to tilapia, chicken, or steak. Though I am not a big fan of red meat, the steak looked really good and received rave reviews. After dinner, we were treated to a small dessert spread with bite sized cheesecakes (the raspberry was a hit!), brownies, cookies, and coffee. I would have liked to have seen a little more variety on the dessert table, but what I had I enjoyed. Later we headed back down to the lounge/bar for more drinks and a Frank Sinatra impersonator. I was told they host live music in the basement lounge regularly. I would love to check out a good jazz band there when it might be a little less crowded!

If you're looking for a place to host a holiday party or event, Onesti Dinner Club is definitely something to consider. If you're headed out to a nice dinner, Onesti Dinner Club will treat you to it. If you want to dine in a beautiful old church, bedecked with trees, candles, and fabulous architecture, try Onesti Dinner Club!