Ask any of my friends and they will tell you that I can’t sit still and be quiet for over 10 minutes at a time. I have never been a fan of watching TV, movies, or going to see plays and performances because I always get bored. But the comedy show I recently attended was far from boring. In fact I was disappointed when it was over and felt like it went by so fast! This never happens to me.
Everything about the experience was superb! My friend and I enjoyed two delicious desserts in the great restaurant. The huge servings of what may have been the best cheesecake and carrot cake either of us have tried filled us up quickly. The dim lighting, comfortable seating, and intimate dining room all added to the ambiance before the show even started. As I mentioned, we only tried the desserts, which were great, but there were so many options on the menu. It is a perfect place to go for drinks and appetizers or for dinner with dessert. All of the food looked exquisite!
When the show started with the first of three comedians, I knew it was going to be good. When the headlining performer came on this was confirmed. All three comedians appealed to everyone in the audience making jokes directed at certain people without picking on anyone too much. I have never been to a comedy club before, but was prepared for some crude language and jokes. While it was true that the show was geared towards an adult crowd, a majority of the show was inoffensive and I think almost anyone would have enjoyed it.
I finally found a solution to my problem! Now whenever my friends want to see a movie, I can just suggest IMPROV Comedy Club instead!
-Chrysan T.
Well we’re right around the half way point Moms and Dads. And if you didn’t already hear it on week one, you undoubtedly have heard it by now. “I’m Boooooored!” says the child with more games, toys and electronics than your entire neighborhood block of kids possessed back in the day.
So what’s a parent to do? Now I love going into the City as much as the next gal. But with gas prices and parking prices and museum prices and all that construction, studying multiplication tables with the little munchkins might be more enjoyable. Here’s what my families been up to right here in the Northwest suburbs.
Laser Quest: We visited the recently remodeled Arlington Heights location and had a blast. It’s pretty big and easy to get lost in with its labyrinth of levels and hiding spots. My kids smoked me, primarily because I made the rookie mistake of wearing a white and pastel checked shirt that stood out like a bulls-eye in the black light filled room. Also, because I was laughing so loudly they could easily find me from across the room.
Dave and Busters: This is like Vegas for kids in Addison, Illinois. It’s one of the more upscale arcades you will visit and it’s fun for both kids and adults. Hello?! They have a bar! A pretty nice bar; two pretty nice bars actually and a restaurant with lots of flat screens and dark wood décor but really, it’s all about the games. The four person Pacman challenge had our family trash talking one another all night. I consistently ate the most pellets and yet, one of my kids would always end up eating me. Loser! And, definitely check out the Dance Heads where you can make your own very silly music video on dvd to bring home with you. And on Wednesdays all games are half-off.
Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament: See how they did it in the 14th Century! During each live performance in the castle at I-90 and Roselle Road, castle guests enjoy a darn good chicken dinner with a starter of dragon’s blood soup – even my picky eaters loved it! And then the centuries-old tournament comes to life. Lots of equestrian skill and daring are performed by the brave knights hailing from every corner of King Phillipe’s realm. Jousting, sword fighting, pageantry and special effects. A good time will be had by all. A limited number of 25% off coupons are available at the CVB office.
Pirate’s Cove: Now we haven’t been here in a few years as my grade schoolers are a bit old. But oh, when they were little, this place was simply enchanting. In Elk Grove Village and part of the Park District, this hidden away little gem of a mini-theme park is a real treasure; Castle of Camelot playground, 18th Century Pirate Ship with arts and craft area, paddle boats, bounce house, carousel, train ride and more. Definite must visit for the toddlers.
What I know about sushi won’t fill up two paragraphs of a blog. What I know about cheery customer service and yummy food that is never too pretty to eat, well that I can write about. And that is what you get at Nikko Soju Sarang Sushi on Algonquin just east of the equally enchanting Mitsuwa Marketplace in Arlington Heights.
When you walk in you are immediately welcomed by an in unison cheerful “hello” by very friendly sushi chefs and wait staff. You are immediately escorted to your seat in this pleasant room with obvious Japanese décor.
Now my system of ordering sushi involves looking at a menu for several minutes not remembering what it is that I especially like. Then I look at the tables around me and point at what looks good and order that. And everything looks good in this place. The presentation is beautiful. You start out with a miso soup and then a small wild green salad with a dollop of orange ginger puree. Very elegant and tasty.
My husband and I ordered three rolls to share, each one prettier and more flavorful than the last. The Summer Roll consists of tuna, cilantro, cucumber, scallions topped with tuna and super white tuna. Next we had the Arizona Roll which was spicy crab meat topped with salmon and spicy crab meat. And last but not least the Chef’s Special which tonight was a shrimp tempura roll with spicy salmon on top. The chef then took a blow torch to it which is always fun.
The i-tunes shuffle of Michael Buble and Kenny Chesney added a little more whimsy to this playful locale that I will definitely being going back to again and again. There’s a reason this place gets 4 and a half stars on yelp.com. They deserve it!
-Heather L.
Let’s do lunch! The ubiquitous cry of all office drones everywhere.
I like to do lunch as much as the next guy but I don’t want to be standing when someone hands it to me and I don’t want to be surrounded in plastic when I eat it. What I do want is a beautiful room in which to sit with a friendly wait staff to serve me and, oh yeah, umm, I need it to be cheap. So where is an office drone to go in the Northwest suburbs? Lucky me, I mean you! I’ve been doing some research.
First stop in our search for the perfect lunch, Sam and Harry’s located in the Renaissance Hotel. They have a lobster bisque soup with half sandwich for only $10 that is served in one of the most stunningly gorgeous rooms you will find anywhere with cushy couch like seats overflowing with throw pillows. Excellent service makes the experience just that much more delightful. And their deck just opened for the summer.
Shula’s is one of the great steak houses in the country but one wouldn’t think of it as a place to grab a cheap eat. For lunch, one would be wrong. They currently have a $10 lunch menu with six choices of entrees including soft drink. Nestled in the grand Westin Chicago Northwest in Itasca, go check it out.
John Barleycorn Schaumburg serves a large number of wraps and salads for only $9 each with friendly servers in a more casual setting reminiscent of the old school Chicago style with exposed bricks, dark woods and tin ceiling. Yummy, yummy, yummy.
Last but not least, Rosebud Schaumburg. If the red velvet curtains don’t scream elegance and romance I don’t know what does. But the $6.99 price tag, that’s right, $6.99! for the daily pasta, all you can eat bread bowl and soft drink with a side salad or cup of minestrone. You’ll be singing That’s Amore as you walk out the door!
Mangia Mangia Office Drone! Mangia Mangia!
Ask any of my friends and they will tell you that I can’t sit still and be quiet for over 10 minutes at a time. I have never been a fan of watching TV, movies, or going to see plays and performances because I always get bored. But the comedy show I recently attended was far from boring. In fact I was disappointed when it was over and felt like it went by so fast! This never happens to me.
