Archive for February 2008

No longer relegated to the thing parishioners do after church on Sundays, brunch has taken on a whole new meaning for couples who want to spend some time together but also want to keep it a little more casual than a formal evening meal. Many restaurants around the city have added brunch to their menus, and they have also gotten pretty creative with them, too! Check out some of these locations for great alternatives to the standard fare anytime of the year!

Cafe 28: Take a pass on the usual Bloody Mary and go with the minty freshness that is Mojito! The perfect mix of authentic Cuban and Mexican fare, right alongside the Americana favorites gets a huge thumbs up from every patron.

Jane’s Restaurant: For folks who want to add a little simple elegance to their experience but don’t want to take out a loan to do so, Jane’s serves up some fantastic and healthy alternatives to what you might be used to. The menu changes along with the seasons, but certain favorites stick around even in the dead of winter.

The Signature Room: There is probably no better view of the city when dining than from the top of the Hancock, and when you want to really want to have a romantic experience along with your meal and don’t mind dropping a little more cash, then this is the place to go! With a place like this available, who said question popping needs to be reserved for dinner only?

Lula Cafe: This is probably one of the most popular brunch spots on the north side, and for good reason! Just be sure to get down there earlier in the day, because it tends to get rather crowded as brunch time wears on.

Twisted Spoke: Burgers for breakfast? No, not quite, but the fixins here are darned good eatin’! And hey, these guys got inventive enough to mix a Bloody Mary right in the pan, so no need for a celery stick!

The Chicago Diner:A new twist to old favorites, the guys down at the Diner offer the Vegan Brunch starting at $5.95, and I swear you’ll never miss the grease! So many delicious options to choose from, and what’s more, you can get this special any day of the week! Be sure to try one of their shakes!!!

This is probably the worst time of year for most kids here in Chicago, whether they attend school or are home schooled. The weather is at its coldest now and the holidays have become a distant memory, so cabin fever has definitely set in by now. What’s worse is us moms and dads are feeling the winter blahs right along with them. With at least a month to go before regular outside play becomes a reality, it’s time to start hitting all those wonderful indoor activities the city has to offer!

The first thing that comes to mind are all the great museums we’re so fortunate to have! Besides the Chicago Children’s Museum at Navy Pier, places kids beg to return to again and again include the Museum of Science and Industry, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and the Shedd Aquarium. The Shedd is especially wonderful at this time of year, since there are a lot less tourists than in the summer, and getting even a taste of a warmer climate is just so good for the soul. Just keep in mind each one of these places can run the average family up to and possibly over $100 a day, so hitting the local library for a museum pass can really help curb the sticker shock!

On those rare winter days where the weather provides a spring sneak peek, go play hookie and head down to the zoo or the park! We have two major zoos in the area, the Brookfield Zoo and the Lincoln Park Zoo, which just so happens to be free! Getting out and walking around with the kids is good for getting in some much needed exercise, is educational and yes, it’s an excellent way to bond. If we get REALLY lucky and we get one of those freakish 60 degree days, take full advantage of it and head up north to Indian Boundary. If you’ve never been there, let m assure you it’s truly one of the city’s biggest hidden treasures for kids and is just so worth discovering.

If you feel like packing up the wagon and taking a drive, jump on I-94 and head due north. No, I’m not talking about the giant outlet mall, and Bugs Bunny is still in deep hibernation, though discount shopping is always tempting! What I’m talking about is Lambs Farm out in Libertyville. Besides having a plethora of wonderful family oriented things to do and places to eat, you’ll leave with a sense of pride and satisfaction knowing that you directly contributed to helping a large group of special individuals.

So whatever it is you do, just be sure to get out there and have fun together!

This store front Thai restaurant serves up some pretty good noodles and more, adding a fair amount of spice at the right price and has become a local favorite over several years. They're not the best in the world and the servers could stand to smile once in a while, but it sure is some darn good eatin' and fills you up when your palate craves a little something different.

Since I live a few blocks away, the location couldn't be any better. I tend to get take out on most occasions and chill with a Thai iced or bubble tea while I'm waiting, but when I do eat in with my entourage, we're never disappointed and usually need a box to take some home! The Vietnamese spring rolls are good, as is the Pad Thai and cury dishes. Crab rangoons are always good, and well, it's a recipe that's pretty hard to mess up. Now if you are a noodle nut like I am, keep this place in mind, because like I said, price per portion, the servings are pretty large, and this is where they really do their Thai justice! For people who don't particularly care for traditional Thai flavorings, they offer a speckling of standard Chinese fare – the orange chicken and Mongolian beef are better than average.

The overall décor is charming, fairly lit and unassuming, and I admit to being a sucker for wood. The seating can be a little tight, but that goes without saying for quite a lot of Chicago restaurants these days. However, I wouldn't call this a place you could impress a date with, since while the food comes out fast and consistently good, the wait staff are notoriously curt and sometimes not very pleasant. It's better for hanging out with friends while chilling over a few BYOB drinks instead – enjoy your meal and forget about the owners. What's nice about this place however is they offer fast and reliable delivery service, in case you decide to keep it in for the evening, so it might be a good idea to keep that tidbit of info on the back burner for another time.

If you are really trying to make a good first impression or want to celebrate a mile stone, this is the ultimate place to take that special someone. Fondue is fun, communal and slow paced – a great way to get to really know and spend time with each other! With the very dark setting, soft candle lighting and gentle guitar strumming, it really sets up the night for all that is romance. And yes, there is just something so sexy and seductive about watching your date slowly ease a hot and decadent morsel of food off a skewer with his or her mouth, perhaps dripping a bit of melted cheese onto the corner and licking it ever so gently.

Now when I say dark, I mean it! In fact, I suggest going later in the evening so that your eyes will be better suited for adjusting when coming in from the outside. And while the food is certainly not for the health conscious, since anything this sinful usually carries extra calories along for the ride, there is no mistaking its absolute deliciousness. And for those who don't quite have their fancy table etiquette down pat, this formal dining style takes all the worry out of the bag. It's little wonder why fondue is making such a big come back!

To make the most out of the overall experience, go with one of their premier fondue dinners. The salad is pretty slim but fresh, but everything else brought out to you is very well deserving of its price tag. That, and all those wonderful dipping sauces for the high grade meats and seafood are simply superb! Appetizers and dessert are included, so it helps to take the stress out of what to order as well. The only thing left to choose is from their ample wine list, of which the servers are more than helpful and knowledgeable on.

Geja's is so popular and sought after with couples that they begin booking Valentine's Day a month ahead. However, I suggest going on a week night, since the place really books up on weekends and seating can be a little tight. Also, parking in the area is notoriously painful, so it's a good idea to take them up on their $8 valet service offer. Mondays offer half bottle wine specials, which is good for couples who choose to load up on the food instead of the alcohol, and it's also the easiest night to score a secluded booth.

For hundreds of years, men have swooned women from their lofty abodes with poetry and literature. Even in today’s society, serving up a good book as the main course of your Valentine gift giving is a classic that us ladies still very much enjoy! (Just remember to steer clear of anything revolving around dieting!)

First off, avoid shopping at the Big Box stores if at all possible. There are so many wonderful Mom and Pop stores that will take the time to find just the one your partner will truly enjoy, and will ensure your gift has that uniqueness to it that says you really care. Transitions over by the North Avenue Whole Foods has a wide variety of spiritual, meditative and uplifting books and gifts that should prove to make your choices more clear. Of course, if you want something even more on the Crafty side, Alchemy Arts will certainly do the trick, with each page heavy with the scent of incense to boot! Of course, those who want to stir some real passion may want to (re)discover Early To Bed for a myriad of sexy and romantic topics. (And perhaps pick up a new toy or two!) And of course, art lovers would be thrilled to receive something special from Art Effects, too!

Now the trick to giving a book on the most romantic of holidays is to include it in a gift basket. Depending on the intimacy level your relationship is at, you will want to theme the basket accordingly. For example, Transitions shoppers may include a little Buddha statue and tiny gong, while the folks who went to Art Effects would add a variety of supplies based on his or her favorite medium. Of course, those who want to add a little magic to their lives would enjoy hand made candles and soaps from there! And oh my yes, those who found themselves at Early to Bed will have no problem finding the perfect side dishes for spicing up the evening!

All that’s left then is having a basket to put it all in. Believe me, it’s not hard at all! Just find some quality Easter basket basics at just about any store and fill it up with the goodies! Then, “wrap” it in a appropriately sized gift bag with tissue paper to cover the top. Viola! The perfect gift your partner will cherish for years to come!

Boy, I sure do love to check out brand new establishments, and this one is just within ear shot of my home, so that made me extra happy. The menu is a nice addition to the other restaurants nearby, Americana with pizazz, and they are already getting a lot of regulars, so there holds a lot of promise here. I would say though that they have a few kinks to work out, but I'll save the complaints for later. For now, let's just dive in to all the good they have to offer.

The first thing you'll notice is how this place looks an awful lot like an upscale hunting lodge, especially with that antler chandelier! It doesn't quite match the exterior, and I found it to be a little creepy yet alluring at the same time. The overall warm, cozy and inviting, modern vibe does it for me, and with it being pretty chilly out there right now, I can definitely take that. It would be nice to see a fire place in there to add to its overall woody charm, but I digress. The volume level is good too, making it a good place to relax with that special someone.

Now onto the food! There seem to be quite a good number of selections to go by, but since the place is so new, I am not a judge of all of them. I liked the endless flat bread, though a dipping sauce of sorts would have done it a bit more justice. The gouda macaroni and cheese is warm, creamy and has just a nice bit of crunch to it, chalking it up a few notches past what I can whip up at home. The vegetable pot pie is very comforting, and I liked that they include sweet potatoes as a new twist. And the fish and chips was a pleasant surprise, as it's very fresh. Others rave about their Rustik burger, which is a patty stuffed with gouda, bacon and chorizo (interesting!), though the tiny fries I could live without. And others still swear by the bef burgundy stew. Oh and go with the German butter cake for dessert... heavenly!

Now it's no secret this place is brand spanking new, but I do need to mention the slow, spotty and overall unsure service so far, which is again probably because they are new, too. The other thing is Wow! That front area is mighty chilly! Getting a vestibule set up might not be such a bad idea! So, if you stop by, be sure to request a table further back.

So tomorrow is the big day, with Valentine's Day falling on a Thursday. If you can spare it, and you two really want to fan the flames, why not schedule Friday off and stretch out the holiday as a three day weekend! I’ve got some fantastic last minute ideas for you that won’t break the budget, nor will it cause you to drive all that far!

Besides heading down to Millennium Park for some ice skating and checking out the beautifully colored ice, or perhaps hopping on a horse drawn carriage through Lincoln Park, there are other wonderful ways to embrace the peak of winter!

Head up north just beyond the border to get in some skiing or snow boarding! Wilmot Mountain is one of Chicagoans’ best kept secrets for folks who want to squeeze in a little more powder time. Thanks to all the snow we’ve had lately and a prediction for a little more, along with doable temperatures, it is just so worth the hour drive! And if you don’t have any gear, relax, because they rent just about everything you need. Hopefully, they’ll one day get around to extending the Metra train so folks can ditch the car altogether.

And hey, while you’re in the area anyway, why not get in some cross country skiing at the nearby Chain O’ Lakes State Park. The various trails are ideal places to explore, as the winter forest is just so majestic and enchanting. Those wanting to cruise about on their snowmobiles are welcome to do so from various frozen lake water access points, but not on in the park itself. However, the frozen Fox River serves up as a pretty awesome snowmobile highway! And if you get a little too chilly, feel free to warm up in the park office.

Those of you wanting to drive just a little further may choose to head into Lake Geneva just over the border. The town is just so picturesque with wonderful places to shop, eat and play year round. Needless to say, there is a plethora of bed and breakfasts in the area to accommodate all tastes and budgets. In fact, there is even one that is just for vegetarians called Inn Serendipity!

Of course, nothing beats snuggling in front of a fireplace in a cabin out in the wilderness and letting the flames lick your face. If you can score a reservation this late in the game and don’t mind splurging a little, Starved Rock Lodge is your best bet! The surrounding state park is natural beauty defined, making it the absolute perfect setting for popping the question.

So here I am raving about a hot dog joint again, at least that's what you might be thinking. Stop rolling your eyes! Let me assure you – this is no ordinary hot dog joint! As their moniker states, this place is “The Sausage Superstore and Encased Meat Emporium” and they mean every word of it! The lines wrapping around this otherwise unassuming place in a pretty unremarkable and under developed area are reminiscent of a Russian bread line. People patiently wait up to an hour in all types of weather, just to get a sampling of some of the best sausages in the city – possibly the world! The first time I drove by, I thought the line was for the ticket broker next door, as there was no way possible people would be out in -30F wind chill waiting to buy a hot dog!

Sure, beef wieners are good and all, but Doug doesn't stop there, as items like elk, duck, lamb, pork, reindeer, chicken, shrimp, rabbit, and yes, even that major no no of an item, fois gras, make appearances on the weekly specials. Basically, if it's not on the endangered species list, Doug turns it into sausage and hocks it off to the hungry masses, huddling together for warmth and that badge of lunch time honor. The fries themselves are just as remarkable, as they are hand cut and fried in duck fat – certainly not good for you, but it sure does add a bit of flavor no other place offers. Even the occasional vegetarian will break their oath of avoiding such places, since they do offer creative veggie dogs... and some break their diets altogether, since the food is just that darned good!

After the wait that can seem like forever, the folks who opt to eat inside are well rewarded as the place operates like a well oiled machine. There is hardly ever a wait for a table, the place is brightly lit and charmingly decorated, and the music is fun and casual. All the pretension normally accompanied with game meats goes right out the door, just as fast as the rotation of hungry and loyal patrons.

And now for the down sides – and yes, Doug's has them. This place does not take credit cards and has no ATM. With the nearest ATM being at least three blocks away and the average cost being $9, there are folks who have been sent away after waiting for gawd knows how long! Also, parking can be an issue, if you are the type who likes to be right out in front. Plan on walking and then getting in line. And yes, finally, most everyone's major beef is the crazy hours this guy keeps! Be sure to find out if he plans on being open or not by calling ahead before heading out.

I've been reading on my personal blog lately that some of my single friends are starting to feel really left out, now that Valentine's Day is rolling around again. (No thanks to the Burgundy Box or the "Teddies By Phone" commercials.) I've been there myself, so I completely understand. No matter what you try to say to yourself, being alone on a holiday that is all but designed for couples can feel rather lonely. This is when you whip out the phone book and start making some calls! After all, isn't that what friends are for?

Here's a quick list of places to get together with some friends and spread that love! All around! All around! Woot! Woot!

Diversey Rock N' Bowl - This bowling alley is just so much fun to hang out at! You can grab a beer, order up some munchies, get a little active and a whole lot chatty! And besides, there's no predisposition here about having to be accompanied by a significant other.

Thousand Waves Spa - Ladies! Go ahead and love yourselves unconditionally! There is just no better place to kick back and relax with your girlfriends than here. I love this place, because there is no prerequisite about only girlie girls being permitted, so the intimidation level is way low. Soak, pamper, rinse and repeat.
(Oh and guys - I hear the Division St. Russian and Turkish Baths in Wicker Park is your perfect un-foux foux equivalent! Bring your own shower slippers!)

Quenchers - This is one bar I highly recommend, as the bar trolls are kept on the low down and the atmosphere is just plain fun! The bartenders are very nice, the prices are reasonable, and I'll say it again, tots just plain rock! And hey - the bands playing that night sound rather interesting (Sexfist and Swampcandy, anyone?)

The Exit - If it's Thursday night, it must be Bondage A Go Go! And if it's V. Day, you just know the performance is going to be something Special! Get dressed up in your funkiest and be prepared to party hard! There is simply no better place to go people watching than here, or to simply admire the rockin' atmosphere! And hey, the drink specials ain't half bad, neither!

Of course, you can always have a little get together at your house and rent up a couple good action or comedy movies on DVD. Keep it festive and fun, and don't forget to not overdo it - you still have to work the next day!

No longer a novelty only relished by the aristocratic types held in tucked away, European chalets, wine tasting is something no couple should live without experiencing. There is just something special about going to a quaint wine shop for a tasting that can really bring a couple together, and Provenance is certainly the place to go! And with the tastings at this location usually being complimentary, it sure does stretch the budget for opting for some wonderful gifts later on, of which Provenance is stocked and ready to accommodate.

What I like about this place is how special you feel as soon as you walk in the door. The wine and cheese selections are decent and perfectly priced, plenty under $10, with very caring, helpful and knowledgeable service who don't mind chatting over that passion for good food and drink. Beautiful gift baskets are also available, which are perfect for folks who are on their way to dinner parties and are unsure what to bring. And, since that wonderful Thai place practically next door, Sai Mail is BYOB, the location couldn't be any more convenient!

The other thing I really like, besides the fact you don't have to jump in the car to get a few needful things, is just how fresh and flavorful everything is! Hormones and other weird ingredients are relegated to the chain stores, though the prices are surprisingly fair. Goodies like chocolate truffles and scones are also available, as are bakery fresh breads, crackers and other tasty nibbles. They even offer a decent array of spices and pastas, which allows for the novices and experienced chefs alike to surprise their dates with a quick, home cooked meal that is truly gourmet. Nothing says romance than showing up with a small bag of groceries, preparing and then savoring culinary decadence you infused with your own creativity.

I personally believe they follow the “Kill 'em with Kindness” philosophy, because I have yet to meet anyone who hasn't left there grinning ear to ear – the happiness is just so infectious! Even the cute, paper shopping bags make me happy, turning a quick trip in the neighborhood into an enriching experience. And once you take in a visit, I'm sure you'll be stopping by again and again.