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.
Showing posts with label DuPage County. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DuPage County. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Sunday, October 16, 2011
A gem of a bar -- Bigby's Pour House, Addison
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.
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.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Beer me?! Two Brothers Tap House, Warrenville
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...
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...
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Hooray sushi -- Kyoto, Downers Grove
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Mmmm, burritos ... Burrito Parilla Mexicana, Lombard
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!
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!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Hot dog, hot dog, hot diggety dog (The Meaner Wiener, Wood Dale)
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!
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!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Red hot dogs at Southtown Express
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.
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.
Friday, May 20, 2011
2011 Farmers markets in the suburbs
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
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
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Sports bar solace -- 601 Bar & Grill, Addison
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...
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...
Friday, February 4, 2011
Breaking the chains -- Anyway's, Bloomingdale
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Old-school style -- Pizza Palace, Elmhurst
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.
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.
Friday, January 14, 2011
That's amore -- Bella Luna Pizza, Glendale Heights
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!
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!
Friday, November 12, 2010
Burgers done right -- Tom & Eddie's, Lombard
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.
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.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Baked delights - La Blondina Bakery Cafe, Wood Dale
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.
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.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Spooky fun
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Cheap, plentiful Chinese -- Hoy's, Bensenville
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Swanky in the Suburbs -- Il Poggiolo, Hinsdale
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Here fishy, fishy, fishy... Sushi Nest, Elmhurst
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?
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?
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Coffee, tea, and me - That Coffee Shop, Elmhurst
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.
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.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Summer suburban festivals 2010
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.
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.
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