California Pizza Kitchen

Just ate at California Pizza Kitchen and was impressed. As the name suggests you can get pizza at California Pizza Kitchen. But do you know what else you can get at CPK?

Salads, soups, tacos, pasta, fish, sandwiches, appetizers and desserts. Need to wash down all that food? They have plenty of options for that too. Pepsi products, tea, lemonade, coffee, smoothies, beer, wine, martinis, mojitos and several signature cocktails.

If you have kids they have you covered with a kids menu of over 15 items. Other services include, curbside service, call ahead wait list, online ordering and a full catering menu. For more information and locations visit their website: www.cpk.com

David, Villa Park, IL

Tips for Stree-Free Driving During the Holidays

A couple insider tips for negotiating traffic near the malls during the busy shopping season:

1. Before you leave the house, resign yourself to the fact that you will encounter every amateur who ever sat behind the wheel of a car. (Of course you are the one exception). With that mindset, you’re ready to brave the dreaded holiday shopping traffic.

2. If your destination is Woodfield Mall and you’re heading east on Woodfield Road, there are two entrances available. The first entrance (the one that faces Lord & Taylor) is the best entrance if you intend to turn left onto the road that circles the mall. The second entrance (closer to Hwy 53) is better for you if you intend to turn right onto the road that circles the mall. Doing this will help you avoid having to cross in front of traffic that has no stop sign.

3. If you’re headed west on Woodfield Road, take the first entrance (the one closest to Hwy 53) whether you intend to turn right or left onto the road that circles the mall.

4. After shopping, if you want to head north on Hwy 53 to Rolling Meadows and beyond, your best bet is to get onto Hwy 53 from Algonquin Road rather than from Woodfield Road. You can pick up Algonquin Road by going north on Meacham Road. Doing this helps you avoid the hazard of needing to merge into the left lanes across the traffic trying to head to I-90 east.

5. If you want to access I-90 east from Hwy 53 to head back into Chicago, getting on Hwy 53 at Woodfield Road is no problem.

6. For navigating from shopping area to shopping area, your best bet is to park your car and take the Woodfield Trolley free-of-charge! Woodfield Trolley provides shuttle service 7 days a week until New Years Day to:

• Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center
• IKEA
• Roosevelt University (flag driver on McConnor Parkway)
• Costco
• Woodfield Village Green stops at Borders and Marshalls
• Woodfield Mall stops at Lower Level by JCPenney’s & Nordstrom
• Streets of Woodfield stops at Dick’s Sporting Goods, Carson Pirie Scott and AMC/Loews Theater
• Pace Northwest Transportation Center
See www.ci.schaumburg.il.us click on “Learn About”, “Public Transportation” for details

Lynda, Arlington Heights, IL

Metropolis - A Christmas Carol

We had another outstanding Sunday afternoon at Metropolis’s “A Christmas Carol”. Even though it has been performed over the past several years at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, we noticed new special effects and ideas. It is easy to get to with ample free parking and the added convenience of the train. Many families can start a tradition of taking their children for a ride on the train and attending a performance. It is a great way to kick off the Holiday season. Downtown Arlington Height has many restaurants to choose from and is decorated beautifully to add to your day. A Christmas Carol is playing through December 24th.

Anne, Elgin, IL

Peggy Kinanne's

I recently had a chance to visit Peggy Kinanne's Irish pub and restaurant. The place never fails. Great food and a terrific atmosphere. The owner Derek is very hands on and is always around to say nice things to his customers. Outdoors in the summer they have tables in the shade and you can take in all the Arlington Heights train commuters as you dine alfresco. The authentic Ireland atmosphere inside almost makes it hard to ever want to eat outside. I give it 5 stars.

Tom D., Arlington Heights, IL

Maggiano's Little Italy

"During busy holiday shopping last Saturday, I had the chance to grab lunch at Maggiano's Little Italy. I was pleasantly surprised to get in without a wait. The special, Roasted Chicken and Mushroom Lasagna, was FANTASTIC! I was in and out in less than one hour. I highly recommend you make it a part of your day if shopping in the Schaumburg area!"

Christina, 40, Lake in the Hills

How to Fake a Vacation at Woodfield Mall

It occurred to me on a trip to Woodfield Mall yesterday, that even with little money or vacation time left in 2009, one could successfully fake a relaxing getaway in a single weekend without traveling anywhere (insert joke about how lame Staycations are here). I’m out to convince you it can be done – and you will have fun. Let’s start with accommodations – the Hyatt Regency Woodfield, Comfort Suites and Embassy Suites all offer exclusive Woodfield Mall shopping packages which include gift certificates and shuttle service. Relax poolside with your fruity beverage of choice, and you won’t even miss shaking the sand out of your bathing suit – flip-flops are encouraged. At Woodfield Mall you’ll find tons of vacation activities under one roof. Treat yourself to a wardrobe lift at Macy’s, JC Penney’s or any of the brand name stores which fit your style. Stop by Havana Tan & Oxygen Bar for a 90 second tan and an oxygen pick-me-up. Send postcards to everyone back home and pick up a Chicago snowglobe at Love From Chicago (they even have souvenir t-shirts for your dog). Pose for those memorable vacation photos at Studio One-to-One Photography. When you’re hungry, dine at Rainforest Café which will transport you right to the tropical forests of South America, complete with animals and rain. After a long day of shopping, let loose with a show at Chicago’s famous Improv Comedy Showcase. Each week they have your favorite big-name comedians as well as up-and-comers. Sleep, eat, swim, fun, laugh, shop, discover, and reinvigorate – have I left any vacation essentials out? Try it for yourself this weekend, I bet your friends will be jealous! http://www.shopwoodfield.com/

-Amanda, 32, Carpentersville, IL

Commemorative Banners program promoting Cancer Awareness

Excellent job to the City of Rolling Meadows in launching their Commemorative Banners program promoting Cancer Awareness. This display will be mounted on Streetlights along Kirchoff Road to honor residents who are battling cancer or have died from it. Ward 2 Alderman Barb Lusk, Cancer Awareness Committee Chair reports that this program is one of the first of its kind and a fitting way to support friends and family members who are battling cancer, or to pay tribute to those who have lost the battle. This is a banner approach that no other community has taken to date. The vinyl banners sell for $125, each will feature a colored ribbon to represent one of 18 different types of cancer. Banners will hang in downtown Rolling Meadows from April to October in 2010 and 2011. Forms are available from the Rolling Meadows City Hall. For more information, http://www.cityrm.org/HTML/Cancer%20Banners.htm

Fran, Naperville, IL

Second Annual Miracle on Main Street - Beautiful Downtown Roselle

Monday, December 7th 6:00p- 9:00pm

Visit with Santa Claus! It's a great event to meet up with friends, share a hot chocolate, cider or wine, and find some unique gifts.

Shop, mingle and win up to $300 in gifts by playing "Passport to Prizes" during Miracle on Main Street.

http://www.roselle.il.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=91

Dave, Naperville, IL

The FireZone Experience- Schaumburg

Everyone looks up to firefighters. Many kids and grown-ups even dream about becoming one. The FireZone is the first firehouse adventure providing an imaginatively fun look into the world of firefighting. What better place to go, have fun, and for a couple of hours, become that firefighter!
http://www.firezonefun.com/

Dave, Naperville, IL

W.I.N.G.S.

Interested in helping W.I.N.G.S (Women In Need Getting Stronger)?

Woodfield Chicago Northwest Convention Bureau is teaming up to Support W.I.N.G.S.
(Women In Need Getting Stronger). We are collecting new unwrapped toys and gifts
to help bring some joy for the unfortunate women & children currently housed in one of WINGS’ shelters or safehouse over the holidays. Gift cards and monetary contributions are also welcome. Drop off or sent to the WCNCB office located at:
1375 E Woodfield Rd #120,
Schaumburg, IL 60173

Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m through December 18.

Thank you for your help this Holiday Season.

Free Chocolate Factory Tour and Holiday Family Fun

A rare and anticipated event, similar to Charlie’s tour of the Chocolate Factory, Long Grove Confectionery is opening its doors for a spectacular Holiday Open House this weekend. Take the free Chocolate Factory Tour and wrap-up your holiday shopping in the Outlet Store. Festivities include: a visit from Santa will be here with his sleigh of goodies, coloring contest, face painting, warm chestnuts, singing carolers, apple cider & donuts and of course chocolate!
Sunday, December 6th, 10 am- 4 pm
Long Grove Confectionery
333 Lexington Drive, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
847-459-0269 www.longgrove.com

Amanda ~ 32 ~ Carpentersville

Entourage on American Lane

I had lunch at the Entourage in Schaumburg yesterday and ordered the grilled salmon. It was delicious! The lunch menu offers a variety of specialties, soup and salad combos (yummy Lobster Bisque soup), and great sandwiches.

If you like to dance the Entourage has a DJ the first Friday of every month in their bar from 6pm until close. The bar has a cozy atmosphere with big, comfortable couches to plop into when you’re finished dancing. Check it out at http://ping.fm/F05lY

Karla – 50+

Peggy Kinnane's

The holiday atmosphere at Peggy Kinnane’s, in downtown Arlington Heights is a perfect spot for before, during, or after Christmas Shopping (or a long day in between meetings). See the lighted windows and winter scene and yes, also enjoyed my “light” dinner of salmon and Irish rye.

Fran, Naperville, Illinois

Live music every Friday and Saturday night, check the schedule here http://www.peggykinnanes.com/

Second City's Exceedingly Dysfunctional Holiday Review

After attending Second City's Exceedingly Dysfunctional Holiday Review Saturday Nov. 28th at Metropolis Theater in Arlington Heights, I was in an exceedingly dysFUNctional holiday mood. The show was heavy on holiday mischief and missteps, note, the dreaded holiday office party. It also poked fun at Chicago rituals and images including the saving of winter parking places, and of course, Chicago sports... The funny and talented cast provided us with a little improv and comic bits of music made on the spot. The Exceedingly Dysfunctional Holiday Review exceedingly fills the seasonal laughter void left by the wonderfully cheesy Gina Oswald and the Roasting Chestnuts cast.

You can see it for yourself now through December 31. Tickets are $29.50 and there is a New Year's Eve show for those wanting to laugh-in 2010. http://www.metropolisarts.com/ 847-577-2121

Melinda, Downers Grove, IL