Long Grove Cafe -- a great group-dining experience

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.

Apple Festival awesome

We ventured to Long Grove on Saturday for the annual Apple Festival. And while I don't regret going, let me tell you, it was a madhouse. It was only by the grace of God that we got a parking space, which was not really an official parking space anyway. There were tons of people there, and we didn't get any apple cider or apple cider donuts (sad face:[) because the line was a mile long. Well, maybe half a mile.

Still, it's a cool town and a cool festival, with lots of fun stores and tents ranging from crafty-artsy to winery shops (with free tastings!) to the kinds of stores that sell all manners of dips and salsas and spreads (also with free samples!). And everything from caramel apple martinis to old maps of Prussia was on sale. While in a perfect world, there would be about 2/3 fewer people there, it's still the kind of thing I love -- walking around a cool town on a perfect fall day, tasting nibblies and wine and perusing unique shops. [Which is why I was so disappointed Festival of the Vine got washed out -- it's the same thing with more wine!]

And we just might have to go back to LG before fall is over -- gotta get us one of those donuts. And maybe some "Hallowine" :)

Back, but.

Not much to report -- we spent this past weekend recuperating from our vacation (hey, it was at Disney World, we walked our feet off). This coming weekend, though, I think some fun local stuff will be in store. Maybe Long Grove, which is great for a fall day -- cute shops, a little history, and hot apple cider and apple cider donuts. Yummmm.

If you've never been to Long Grove, do yourself a favor and go. It's such a cute, fun town and they have a great variety of festivals throughout the year.

Ooh, and I see this weekend is Apple Festival. Sounds like an excellent way to spend a Saturday in fall.