Woodfield Chicago Northwest

IMPROV Comedy Club

2011-07-18T16:19:00.004-05:00

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.

I’m Bored! The ubiquitous summer cry of the young homosapien.

2011-07-11T13:41:00.002-05:00

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.

-Heather L.

Wasabi! Not much, wasabi with you?

2011-07-06T14:59:00.001-05:00

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.

Beyond The Blue Plate Special

2011-06-06T08:49:00.006-05:00

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!

-Heather L.

It’s a Mom’s Weekend!

2011-06-01T16:46:00.004-05:00

With the kids’ summer vacation right around the corner, all you mom’s out there are going to need a little prep time for yourself, a little weekend getaway to start the summer off right. And I don’t mean sleeping in a tent in the backyard with the kids. No, this is a weekend of shopping and indulgence. So grab a couple of girlfriends and here we go!

Friday
Spend Friday at any one of our many day spas including Mario Tricoci’s or The Spa at The Eaglewood Resort. Because a 30 or 60 minute treatment just isn't enough, spend the entire afternoon eliminating the stress of daily life.

But don’t forget to hydrate ladies because your next stop is Lynfred Winery in nearby Roselle. Taste their award winning wines in a beautiful room decked out with a gift shop to bring home your favorites along with specialty foods and chocolates. But this is just the pre-party ladies.

After you check in to anyone of our sixty hotels in the Northwest suburbs freshen up, put your dancing shoes on and then grab a deceptively healthy bite to eat at Season’s 52. Enjoy the fresh flavors of their ever changing seasonal menu. Their passion is serving the freshest foods of the season and pairing them with new and adventurous wines from around the globe.

And then go dancing at John Barleycorn or the newly opened Raven Nightclub and dance the night away. Both within close proximity of Season 52.

Saturday
On Saturday we shop. And shop and shop and shop. They don’t call the Woodfield area the fifth largest shopping district in the nation for nothin’. It’s not just the mall, it’s the outlots, its Ikea, its Streets of Woodfield and so on and so forth. This place has got everything! Grab some lunch at any one of the local restaurants, Big Bowl, Maggiano’s, Wildfire, Shaw’s Crab House, Rosebud and so much more.

And when you are exhausted from shopping and your feet can’t take it anymore have a seat at Improv Comedy Showcase and enjoy a comedy show from top name talent to laugh the night away.

Sunday
Did somebody say brunch? Too many brunch places to mention here. But if you are still in the mood for some shopping head on over to beautiful downtown Arlington Heights. Arlington Heights’ shopping center provides upscale architecture with attractive landscaping and a pedestrian friendly design. They have lots of free parking and a wide variety of shops from Ann Talyor to independent cheese purveyors and quite a few wine shops. All available to take you back to the real world.

Now that’s a weekend getaway! You are refreshed and ready to take on those kids 24/7 for the next three months. Good luck ladies!

-Heather L.

Lions and Tigers and Swimsuit Season! Oh My!

2011-05-27T20:50:00.003-05:00

How does this happen? I mean seriously! I can’t believe what goes on under those bulky sweaters and coats all winter long. Oh, I’m miserable! No pool pass for me this summer! Unless…I guess…..I could start, dare I say it? I could start eating….healthy.

Now here’s the thing. My idea of a perfect meal is a full slab of Sweet Baby Ray ribs with a side of Lou Malnati’s deep dish, washed down with a High Life - both restaurants are crawling distance from one another on Higgins in Elk Grove Village incidentally. And I can’t remember if they serve High Life or not but they should, because it’s good beer. So needless to say, healthy eating takes some effort for me.

So what are my choices?

Let’s see. There’s the office favorite, Sweet Tomatoes. All you can eat salad bar with every kind of topping you can think of and the curried yellow split pea soup at only 217 calories is really amazing.

The flat breads at Seasons 52 are very tasty and light as a feather. All entrees in this restaurant are under 500 calories and made with fresh seasonal ingredients. My favorite is the garlic chicken flatbread. Can’t do too much damage with anything in this restaurant.

Bahama Breeze has the Key West fish tacos filled with sautéed tilapia, tomato salsa, avocados and lettuce. I suppose I could ask them to hold the ancho-chili sour cream but hey, let’s live a little; it’s only 440 calories. And I am definitely getting the yellow rice and beans as a side. They don’t mention on their nutritional chart how many calories the yellow beans and rice have but I don’t wanna know anyway, ‘cause they’re awesome!

Notice I didn’t mention exercise as a possible solution to my dilemma. No, I’m sure the Northwest suburbs have lots of very nice health clubs with very beautiful and skinny people at them. Nevertheless, I’ll let someone else blog about that. I’ve got some good eatin’ to do!

- Heather L.

Laugh Out Loud Theatre-Improv Comedy in Chicago’s Northwest Suburb’s

2011-02-23T09:31:00.003-06:00

I’m a mom. I have a 9 year old boy and a 7 year old girl. Neither are going to be the next MVP’s of any sport yet invented. I have myself two average American kids who I am biologically required to believe are the Greatest Kids Ever!

But what my daughter, in particular, is quite good at is making people laugh. Yes, I am raising the next Amy Poehler, or so I like to believe. This is a girl who will go nose to belly with grown men with hands on hips and in her sternest most accusatory voice possible ask, “You’re not a Cubs Fan…..are you?” (My husband is raising her a Sox fan.)

So last fall we signed her up for a sketch comedy class at our park district. To say she loved it, would be an understatement. She looooooooved it! But the whole experience begged the question, “Am I actually paying someone to teach my daughter to be more of a smart a#%&?”

Nevertheless, in my infinite desire to encourage my children in any activity they show any sort of talent for, when I saw that Laugh Out Loud Theatre was offering a 7:30 All Ages Show, I immediately called the manager to see what it was all about. My daughter needed to see how the professionals do it. I was told this isn’t a “kiddy show” but it doesn’t have the language or the innuendo you get at other improv shows or even the 9:30 show. This show is along the lines of the hit tv show, “Whose Line Is It Anyway” and totally kid appropriate, totally. And, it’s grandma friendly too, for that matter.

We were seated in the front row at a nice little table, but not all squished up like some of the downtown comedy clubs. Nobody likes to be squished. Beverages and snacks are available for purchase at moderate prices and we are, of course, all asked to be kind to our waitress, who I think is the owner.

The show is fantastic. There is lots of audience participation including my daughter being called up on the stage with another young man to do a marionette like routine with the performers that will most certainly lose something in the translation but was hilarious on stage. Needless to say, a good time was had by all. And bravo to this club for offering up unique family friendly entertainment that seems so hard to come by in this day and age. My daughter can’t wait to be old enough to attend their summer camps for 11-14 year olds. Every Saturday since, she has asked me, can we go to Laugh Out Loud tonight?

Laugh Out Loud is located in the Streets of Woodfield in Schaumburg.

-Heather L.

Mario Trattoria

2011-02-18T12:20:00.003-06:00

I could be selfish and not tell anyone what a gem Mario’s in Arlington Heights is - after all, I never want to stop in only to find no available tables in this small, white-tablecloth trattoria. However, everyone really should experience the aromas and tastes in one of the best Italian restaurants in Chicagoland, owned and run by the same family that operated Aranella’s for many years.

We stopped in yesterday early (5:30) and were seated immediately, but by 6:00 there were no empty tables. As always, we pounced on the big basket of crusty, warm bread while we reviewed the menu, which we actually have almost memorized.

This time around, we enjoyed the perfectly prepared calamari fritti. The breading is light and crunchy (no hint of oil) and the calamari is sweet and fork-tender. For dinner, I settled on the sautéed clams in a garlicky sauce that was ideal for soaking up with that addictive bread. My friend ordered the chicken marsala, three big breasts covered with a rich, dark, creamy marsala sauce and succulent mushrooms. The ample portions allow for repeat meals the next day.

Mario’s menu is extensive, but not repetitive. They offer some of the usual Italian fare, but mostly the dishes are unique and unparalleled in the layers of flavor. Daily specials and fresh fish are available, as well. Prices are moderate and since it is a BYOB place ($7 corkage) until they get their liquor license, your tab will be smaller than at most restaurants of the same caliber.

Go with family or friends and make sure to sample each other’s choices. But, please don’t go the same day that I want a table. For more info on Mario Trattoria click here!

- Lynda C.

Urban Harvest-An Indulgent Food Store

2011-02-14T14:05:00.003-06:00

Several months ago before I even worked for the Bureau, my girlfriends and I purchased Groupons for a wine and cheese pairing class at Urban Harvest-An Indulgent Food Store in downtown Arlington Heights. The Groupon offer was for either Wine and Cheese or Wine and Chocolate and so after several dozen heated e-mails back and forth in the course of a few hours it was decided that we women-of-a-certain-age ought not to have too much caffeine in the form of chocolate just before our bedtimes. And those of us who wanted chocolate anyway agreed to bring our Lactaid.

The battle then became, WHEN the six of us moms with busy schedules could come up with a time to meet. The night was agreed upon and then rescheduled and then rescheduled again and then finally we all came together on one icy Wednesday night in January. And ohhhh, it was worth the wait!

None of us had ever been in this store before. We are not residents of Arlington Heights but live close enough to have enjoyed many of the quaint boutiques and shops that line one of the most beautiful and dynamic downtowns in the Northwest Suburbs. And we were eager to explore the offerings of this establishment.

The tasting started with a Pio Cesare Moscato and a lemon stilton. The lemon stilton knocked my socks off. It had lemon rind in it and the combination tasted like summer! If only…… We then moved on to a Vinas Esmeralda and Le Roule soft cheese that was to die for. When our sommelier of the evening called the wine a “Porch Pounder” we were beside ourselves in love with it. This was no stuffy overwrought wine tasting after all. This was good wine and even better cheese. We moved on to a chardonnay and brie and then a pinot noir and raclette all the while learning about our palette and varietals and regions and vintages and aeration and lactating cows and bouquets and tannins and nice legs-well thank you sir, but I’m a married woman.

Then we tried everyones’ hands down favorite, the Matchbook Tinto Rey and Manchego cheese. After our first taste, I raised my hand and asked if I tasted pepper, and before the sommelier could answer, he was unceremoniously cut off by my bestest friend who said, “Oh ignore her, she doesn’t know what she’s talking about.” It’s good to have friends - but SNAP, I was right! The Petite Sirah mixed with the Tempranillo, Syrah and Cabernet offered us a spicy red berry flavor with cedar and tobacco notes pumped up with tannin. And maybe I did just learn a thing or two this evening!

The evening was rounded off by a wonderful desert of Pinto Ramos Port and English Stilton, both of which were purchased separately and came home with me.

This was an enjoyable way to spend time with my girlfriends that left no room for discussing our little ones’ temper tantrums or our husbands’ various shortcomings. You couldn’t ask for a better way to spend a Wednesday evening with good friends. I recommend it to anyone.

Urban Harvest-An Indulgent Food Store is located at 15 South Dunton Avenue in downtown Arlington Heights. www.myurbanharvest.com

- Heather L.

The Anti-Shopper’s Shopping List

2011-02-12T12:30:00.001-06:00

I am not a clothes shopper. In fact, I hate shopping for clothes. I am a short 40 year old mom who has given birth twice, who likes to eat and hates to exercise and nothing fits right and the lights are so bright and so hot in those dressing rooms and WHY OH WHY WOULD ANYONE WANT TO DO THIS FOR FUN?!

I have recently returned to work after a prolonged journey in the world of Stay At Home Momdom. Which means for the past several years my shirt doubled as a tissue for my children’s snotty noses and my pants a wash rag for food covered hands, paint covered hands or other unidentifiable sticky substance covered hands. The wardrobe of an average American Stay At Home Mom does not involve clothes that need to be dry cleaned or even ironed. This is a wash and go world. But now I have a job that requires me to wear a suit five days a week and, well, I have to wear something on the other days too. So here’s a quick tour of my favorite clearance racks.

As you probably already know, I work for the Woodfield Chicago Northwest Convention Bureau. This means I am only a Manola Blahnik’s throw away from the ninth largest mall in the country. I am in the middle of the fifth largest shopping district in the country when you count all the the outlots and strip malls and Ikea and Macy’s Furniture and Loft and Crate and Barrel and Carson Pirie Scott and Dicks and Nordstrom Rack and Famous Footware and Sears and Target and Jared and so on and so forth. Schaumburg wants for nothing on the consumer front. It screams consumerism! It’s got everything!

First stop: Marshall’s where I never pay full price for fabulous! Located in the Village Green Shopping Mall on the North side of Golf Road, this whole store is a clearance rack. With a little bit of digging, in a short amount of time I have found an entire week’s worth of designer business suits and dresses for less than $400!

Then I head into Woodfield Mall. My personal favorite is Anthropologie. Now be careful here. The room is creatively stunning. Their in store interior designers can do amazing things with recycled art. The boheminan chic look and ever present door knobs make me want to redo every drawer pull in my house. But the real goodies are in the back room. Now the steals are crammed two overstuffed racks on top of one another and another rack in the middle. So leave your kids with some snacks and your iTouch on the bed right outside the room and be prepared to do a little pushing and shoving. I never ever walk out of there with at least one item I didn’t know I needed and now I absolutely must have.

Now head across the aisle to Chico’s where the clearance rack is small but how do
I beat a sizing system that puts me in a 2?! I think I was a size 4 for a week and a half when I was starving myself for my wedding. And then I got married and, well, you can guess what happened next. But never ever was I a size 2! Gotta buy something just for that.

And last but not least, head around the bend to Coldwater Creek where the fits are very forgiving and can suitably pass for business casual Fridays. And the clearance area is the whole back quarter of the store. Lots of options make me very happy.

So there you have it, Power Shopping with a less than fit, forever frugal, full time working mom who just wants to get it done and move on to other things. Of course, there are lots and lots of other wonderful stores in our Northwest suburbs and we encourage you to share your positive experiences on our facebook page. Happy Shopping!

-Heather L.

2010-08-03T12:04:00.013-05:00

Summer Road Trip Ideas:
See the Sights Chicago-Style Getaway (8/6/10 – 9/18/10)
Stay: Book the Chicago by Day, Country at Night Package at Country Inn Elk Grove for $209 and get transportation and train tickets to downtown Chicago.
Friday: Catch Second City’s interpretation of Illinois’ infamous Governor in Rod Blagojevich Superstar at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre (8/6-9/18)
Saturday: After a day of sightseeing in Chicago, return to your hotel for a rest and then head out for some killer steaks at the local's favorite spots. Chicago Prime Steakhouse for an elegant evening of live music in the lounge and an outstanding dinner of steak or seafood. Chicago's homegrown Weber Grill Restaurant, where you can watch chefs prepare your meal on authentic Weber charcoal kettle grills. The iconic Morton's The Steakhouse will leave you satisfied and wanting more, while Entourage and Sam & Harry's offer their own eclectic twists on classic steak & seafood cuisine.

Check back later this week for another great road trip idea featuring an art festival, winery tours, shopping and eating!

Amanda, 32, Carpentersville

2010-07-30T09:00:00.002-05:00

Bebeplaooza!
Bebepalooza takes over the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel this weekend, July 30-31. It’s a great way for Moms, expectant Moms, and Grandparents to catch up on all the latest products for babies and toddlers. Be one of the first 50 Moms each day, and receive a Bebe Swag Bag loaded with freebies.

The Highlights:
Diaper Derby
Daddyathon
Susan the Shower Diva
Coach Pickle's/Jelly Bean Sports
Princess Tea Party
Breastfeeding Preparedness: Julie Hamilton, Mrs. Nashville
Birth Stories On Demand
Juno Baby Contest
Pirate Party
Live Entertainment All Weekend Long by: Kids Rock with Joy Rose, Cari Ray, Linda Robertson, Boca Beth, Sharp Cookies, Laura Doherty, Judy Davids

Location: Renaissance Schaumberg Convention Center
Dates: Saturday, July 31, 2010 from 10:00am-5:00pm
Sunday, August 1, 2010 from 11:00am to 4:00pm
Admission: General- $10.00
Grandparents- Half Price
Children 5 and under are Free

Amanda, 32, Carpentersville

2010-07-28T14:49:00.006-05:00

Alexian Brothers Tour of Elk Grove – The Top Multi-Day Cycling Event in the Nation!

Quickly gaining momentum across the globe as the premier international cycling event for professional and amateur competitors, the Alexian Brothers Tour of Elk Grove returns on July 30-August 1 with 15 races and 3 full days of non-stop thrills. USA Cycling has ranked the event the top multi-day cycling event in the nation! An impressive $150,000 in total prize money, including the richest 3-day, men's pro cycling purse in the world, draws top athletes from the U.S. and 22 countries. Spectator seating and live jumbo-screen feed at the start and finish lines will get you up close to the action, not struggling for a sideline view. One of the highlights of the weekend is a 95 mile Road Race coursing through the streets of Elk Grove Village. The Fundraising Ride gives you a chance to compete in a time trial against the pros with 100% of proceeds benefiting the Elk Grove Village’s Soldier Memorial Fund. Its not ALL just about racing though, there are plenty of kids activities, spectator events, concerts, entertainment, fireworks, & food to keep you busy. Even if you’re not a fan of cycling, I can tell you from personal experience, you’ll quickly get caught up in the excitement. With free admission, what a great opportunity to get your kids fired up about an emerging sport and maybe help them discover a new passion.

Visit www.tourofelkgrove.com to download course maps and race schedules.

For the Thrill-Seekers:
Pro-Men’s Time Trial
Pro Men’s 95 Mile Road Race
2-Stage Men’s Race
Women’s Open
Elite Competitor Categories
Village Cycle Sport Mayor’s Challenge
Pro/Am Fundraising Ride

For the Fans:
Trustees Fun Ride
Kid’s Big Wheel Race
Kid’s Fest
Bicycle Rodeo – All Ages Obstacle Course & Safety Check
Concessions/Retail
Block Party - 2 Nights of Live Concerts & Fireworks!

Amanda, 32, Carpentersville

Summer Road Trip Ideas - For the Guys

2010-07-14T15:18:00.012-05:00

Summer road trips make the best memories. Looking for an excuse to get in the car and go, here are some close and affordable ideas for those desperately seeking a weekend away. Plenty of summer fun, festivals, and entertainment will keep you on the move. Check back each week for more suggestions.

Girlfriends, families, sight-seers, adventure seekers, we all need some time away.

Just Us Guys Weekend (7/29/10 – 8/1/10)

Stay: More money in your pocket, not in the gas tank. Book the Gas n’Go Package from Homewood Suites Schaumburg starting at $109. Includes a $25 gas card.

Thursday: Meet the legends of hockey at Blackhawk Legends Day at Arlington Park Racecourse (7/29)

Friday: Bring home the laughs with the “cynically good-natured” comedy of Alonzo Bodden at the famous Improv Comedy Showcase (7/29-8/1).

Saturday: Join your fellow thrill-seekers for the premier multi-day cycling event in the nation, the Alexian Brothers Tour of Elk Grove Cycling Classic (7/30-8/1). Two days of professional and amateur racing, free admission, & block party.

Sunday: Compete against your buddies at a game of Top Golf. Play all day - micro-chipped golf balls track your shot and outstanding food and drinks are delivered right to your bay!

Amanda, 32, Carpentersville

BSC Easton Chi-Town Classic Softball Tournament – June 25-26, 2010

2010-06-24T09:00:00.002-05:00

The BSC Easton Chi-Town Classic Softball Tournament returns again this year to Olympic Park in Schaumburg! The tournament is just one stop on the nation-wide Black Softball Circuit. The league is made up of more than 60 Men’s and more than 40 Women’s teams from across the country, including local Chi-Town Lady Rebels, Str8 Ballin’ & Team Chicago. Two full days of great tournament softball play and fun go from 8:30am- 9pm Saturday and continue until 5pm on Sunday. Admission is free for spectators. Some teams will win and some will lose, but one thing is for sure, when this group comes to town – it’s a party! Bring the family, stop by with friends – come out and cheer the hometown teams to victory!

Olympic Park is located just south of Higgins Rd., off of Martingale Rd. & Old Schaumburg Rd.

http://www.blacksoftballcircuit.com/

http://www.chicagonorthwest.com/

-Amanda, 32, Carpentersville, IL

Long Grove's Strawberry Fest Part 2

2010-06-23T12:27:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I touted the new and exciting at Long Grove’s Strawberry Fest, today its about the entertainment. In addition to 3 full days of live music, demos, and special guests, I’m excited to see Saturday night’s double lineup of NuBlu Band featuring Carlise Guy, daughter of Blues legend Buddy Guy, followed by Chicago favorite 7th Heaven. On Sunday, Food Network fanatics can meet PaulYoung, finalist on The Next Food Network Star. In between is packed with a fantastic variety of local bands and demos. As always, Strawberry Fest has free admission and parking. Visit www.longgroveonline.com for more info.

Friday, June 25th - Fountain Square Stage
2:00 pm- Barry Cloyd
4:00 pm- Girl Next Door
Covered Bridge Stage
2:00 pm- Wes John
4:00 pm- Windy City Cowboy
Towner Green Stage
12:00 pm- Keri Johnsrud
3:00 pm – The Debe Welch Band
Gazebo Stage
10:00 am – Rebecca Henn
12:30 pm – Mark Theodore
3:00 pm – Jimmy Liggett
Mill Pond Strawberry Theme Stage
11:30 am- Oh Fudge
1:30 pm- Long Grove Confectionery
3:00 pm- Sweet Whimsy
4:30 pm- Timmy’s Sandwiches & Ice Cream
Saturday, June 26th - Fountain Square Stage
12:00 pm- Sparklemonkeys
1:00 pm- US Elite Tae Kwon Do
2:00 pm- Zona Sul
4:00 pm- NuBlu Band with Carlise Guy
6:30 pm- 7th Heaven
Covered Bridge Stage
12:00 pm- Matt Stedman Duo
2:00 pm- Kyle Asche Organ Trio
4:00 pm- Tin Drum
Towner Green Stage
12:00 pm- Silva Family Band
2:30 pm- Ice Cream Eating Contest
3:00 pm- Radio Disney
4:00 pm- Kevin Patrick & Mykl Stanley
6:00 pm- Karen Hart Band
8:00 pm- Movie on the Green: The Little Rascals
Gazebo Stage
10:00 am – Jeff Justman
12:00 pm – Uke2
1:00 pm – Loose Change and Friends
3:00 pm – The Limitations
Mill Pond Strawberry Theme Stage
11:30 pm- Oh Fudge
1:30 pm- Long Grove Confectionery
3:00 pm- Sweet Whimsy
4:30 pm – Elizabeth Madden of Rare Bird Preserves
Sunday, June 27th - Fountain Square Stage
12:00 pm- Patchouli
2:00 pm- Kevin Mileski
4:00 pm- Downhome Sophisticates
Covered Bridge Stage
12:00 pm- Matt Stedman Duo
2:00 pm - Chris Siebold and Psycles
4:00 pm - Dime Store String Band
Towner Green Stage
12:00 pm - Wind Gypsys
2:30 pm - Ice Cream Eating Contest
3:00 pm - Wes John Duo
Gazebo Stage
10:00 pm - Gospel Sing Along
12:30 pm – Merv Collins
3:00 pm – Thomas Swenson and Ellise Steglinski
Mill Pond Strawberry Theme Stage
10:30 am - Queen Pageant
12:00 pm - Sweet Whimsy
1:30 pm – The Next Food Network Star Contestant Paul Young
3:00 pm – Baby Contest
4:30- Princess Pageant/Kings Contest

-Amanda, 32, Carpentersville, IL

28th Annual Long Grove Strawberry Festival – June 25-27, 2010

2010-06-22T16:03:00.001-05:00

Long Grove’s Strawberry Festival used to be strictly about Strawberries, but as of late this sleeper has grown into a mega-festival attracting almost 30,000 visitors over 3 days. You won’t find a fest of this magnitude with free admission AND free parking anywhere else. There is so much to talk about, I could go on for days. Below you’ll find an overview, but check back tomorrow for more exciting details. Or go to www.longgroveonline.com for a complete schedule of events.

The Eats – Chocolate-dipped strawberries, strawberry donuts on a stick, strawberry daquiris, strawberry coffee, strawberry popcorn, cakes, pies…and you get the picture, everything STRAWBERRY!

What’s New – Meet Chicago’s own Paul Young, finalist from Season 6 of The Next Food Network Star – Live demo on Sunday 1:30-2:30 pm.

What’s Exciting – Ice Cream Eating Contest – YUM!

What’s Entertaining – Live entertainment on 4 stages, including a performance by Carlise Guy and her NuBlu Band, daughter of legendary Blues Legend Buddy Guy.

-Amanda, 32, Carpentersville, IL

Seasons 52 is a Flat Out Winner

2010-05-20T14:00:00.002-05:00

Chicagoland foodies love nothing more than a good restaurant opening. Will we FINALLY find the perfect entree or dessert to surpass all others? The buzz around Seasons 52 Fresh Bar & Grill has been building ever since the first construction crews arrived on-scene at the former Bennigan’s Schaumburg location, just west of Streets of Woodfield. Happily, I think the restaurant is living up to its hype. Seasons 52 is a refreshing dining option for the northwest suburban market, focusing on a weekly evolving menu showcasing dishes prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients. My exploratory visit allowed me to sample shrimp & crab stuffed mushrooms which arrived in a delightful escargot dish (pictured), tiger shrimp penne loaded with fresh veggies and tossed in a light herb sauce, plus a mango-cheesecake dessert shooter to top off the meal. The surprising standout was the tomato basil flatbread we shared (pictured). Very basic, yet deliciously executed with plump juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and fresh basil on super-crisp crust. It arrives to your table on a long rectangular plank, and is plentiful enough to share or order as an entrée. Fresh may be redundant, but that’s exactly what one would expect from the name right? This would also be a great place to take family, friends, or clients who may be on restricted diets. The menu allows the quality of the foods to speak for themselves, without adding additional salt or heavy sauces. I look forward to my next visit to delve more into their extensive wine list and maybe enjoy some live music in the bar. I predict Seasons 52 will be a flat-out winner for more than just their outstanding flatbread, but also their ever-changing & approachable menu.

-Amanda, 32, Carpentersville

Mid-Life Crisis -- The Musical

2010-05-20T12:45:00.001-05:00

I had the chance to see Mid-Life Crisis -- The Musical at the Metropolis theatre. It is a must see for anyone over the age of 40. There is not a single weak link in the hysterical cast of 6 . This production could be called Second City meets middle age to music. Everyone can relate to the health problems that creep up on you as you get older and what better way to express it than to music with humor. The audience barely had time to catch its breath between laughs. If you want a great night out and something you will never forget, you have got to see this.

-Tom, Arlington Heights, IL

Wedding Planning Tips

2010-05-19T09:30:00.001-05:00

Wildberry Pancakes and Café was a great spot to plan the bachelorette party with the bridesmaids. They all favor the chocolate Chip pancakes even though everything was so reasonable in price. Then we went to Costco which is so close to shop for items needed for the party and the new house. The marketing person there says that all we need is any one coupon from the current booklet to scan at the check out. All items that you buy will automatically be entered at the coupon offer. This is so nice and convenient for the 4 weeks. Another great idea for the bride to be and their families if there is any concern about those first spotlight dances is to take a 4 week Social and wedding class dance from the Schaumburg Park District. We are really enjoying the instructor and all that extra exercise.

-Anne, Elgin, IL

Chicago Cardinals

2010-05-18T08:33:00.001-05:00

The Chicago Cardinals pro indoor football will had their ribbon cutting and home opener against the Columbus Aces on Saturday April 10. They play all home games at the Odeum Expo Center in Villa Park. Their season will end Saturday June 5 against the Ft. Wayne Firehawks. The players are anxious for everyone to come out and cheer them on as experienced at the Meet and Greet in Roselle. Some of the players have played professional and semi-professional. At the Odeum, the seats are really close to the playing field so that the fans can really get more into the game as opposed to other stadiums where they have played.

-Anne, Elgin, IL

Blues Bar - Mt. Prospect

2010-05-17T16:13:00.002-05:00

I had the opportunity to go to Blues Bar in Mt Prospect with some friends last Friday night. A band called “1969” was playing – they play music from the 60’s and 70’s, Woodstock, etc – what a great show! Hayden does a killer Janis Joplin, and Mike’s moves for Joe Cocker are right on! They all dress the part as well, so it was like taking a trip back to that era. We ended up staying there until almost 1:00 a.m.!! Recommend seeing them – their schedule is posted on their website www.music1969.com
We sampled some of their food items – my friends had the chicken quesadillas, which were really good, and I had the smoked (spicy) chicken wings…all I can say is WOW! The smokey flavor was subtle, but oh so good, especially with the hot seasonings. They also have mild and other flavored wings. If you need a little “cold snack” with your food, their list of beers takes up an entire page – one of my friends had the Dortmunder Ale from Germany – great choice. If you’re looking to catch a game or event on tv, there are screens throughout, as well as one really humongous screen on the first floor behind the bar, which can be seen from the second floor balcony area as well. There’s also an outdoor patio area for al fresco dining on those warm sunny days, or balmy nights. It’s close to the Metra train station, so even coming in from the city or far northwest suburbs is a breeze. Good food & drink – I give it a “thumbs up”. Their website is www.blues-bar.com

-Bren, Mt. Prospect, IL

Opening Day at Arlington Park Racecourse is Tomorrow

2010-04-28T11:08:00.001-05:00

Another exciting season at Arlington Park Racecourse gets underway tomorrow, Thursday, 4/29. The weather is predicted to be beautifully sunny and in the 70’s, making it a great day to start your weekend early (we won’t tell the boss)!

Gates open at 11:15 am, and first post time is 1pm. Buy your general admission at www.arlingtonpark.com ahead of time and save $2. General admission is $6 purchased online before 10am day-of or $8 at the gate. Thursdays are also Senior Days all season long - guests 55+ receive $2 off admission.

When an episode of the show Undercover Boss highlighted Arlington Park a few months ago, fans were deeply moved by the story of valet Kenny Rice and his daughter. As part of Arlington Park's opening day, the track will honor the memory of Meghan Samantha Rice, who passed away last year at the age of 20. For the special race, Kenny Rice and his family will be joined in the winner's circle by his fellow Arlington Park valets.

If you can’t make the races tomorrow, plan to stop by often over the season. In addition to live music on Fridays and Saturdays, Family Days with petting zoo and kids activities on Sundays, Arlington Park has an impressive lineup of special events to enjoy. Coming up on May 8, members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra will be entertaining racing fans throughout the park.

-Amanda, 32, Carpentersville

More than Just Good Eating – Chefs’ Fest Entertains

2010-04-26T17:35:00.002-05:00

Music can serve as the perfect complement to a good meal, a detail not overlooked at Chefs’ Fest where one samples more than 60 outstanding meals in one night. In addition to seemingly endless stations offering meats, salads, seafood, wine, beer, & desserts, Chefs’ Fest also has a complete lineup of entertainment to enjoy while taking a break from the fray.

Herb Porter & Friends pay homage to the great balladeers and jazz favorites to get you grooving. You can find Herb Porter at various Chicagoland venues, including Jazz nights at The Meadows Club in Rolling Meadows.

Rollicking piano tunes by Big Shot Piano Lounge in Downtown Arlington Heights will have you singing and clapping along.

Always a crowd-pleaser, The Arlingtones Barbershop Choir will serenade
festival-goers throughout the evening.

Back by popular demand – Wine 101 by Lynfred Winery! Discover the secrets of pairing wine with your favorite dishes. Learn what characteristics to look for when choosing wines to complete your collection.

Stop by the Rockit Projects booth and film a short message letting us know what you think of Chefs’ Fest. Favorite restaurant? Best thing you ate? Enter to win prize packages as our thanks!

The hosts of The Cheap Date Show will be delighted when you swing by their podcast recording. Bring along a taste of whatever you’re enjoying and you’re sure to win favor and airtime.

If you’ve ever dreamed about being a critic, stop by the Yelp booth for some free swag and learn how YOU can review everything from restaurants to doggie daycares.

Buy your tickets today for only $30 and enjoy all Chefs’ Fest has to offer. Call 847-490-1010 or click www.ChefsFest.com

-Amanda, 32, Carpentersville, IL

We Heart Suburban Dining! Chefs’ Fest Serves up More Restaurants than Taste of Chicago.

2010-04-20T14:08:00.004-05:00

Taste of Chicago made local headlines last week when they announced Suburban restaurants were persona non grata this year, limiting exhibitors to within the city limits. While one cannot find fault in giving Chicago establishments a boost, local food-hounds and culinary critics alike know that Chicago does not own the monopoly on extraordinary dining.

Would it surprise you to find out that there is a suburban culinary extravaganza coming up which showcases MORE restaurants than “The Taste”? For 17 years, Chefs’ Fest has highlighted the crème de la crème in northwest suburban dining. For one night, and one all-inclusive price, you can sample from nearly 70 restaurants!

Elk Grove’s own Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ, won’t be dishing their legendary ribs at Taste of Chicago, but you’ll find them at Chefs’ Fest serving up plates of finger-licking deliciousness!

In addition to choice cuisine, you’ll also get to sample wine and beer from local makers & distributors, enjoy a complete lineup of musical entertainment, participate in Wine 101 by Lynfred Winery, and make a stand against hunger by participating in the annual food drive benefiting The Greater Chicago Food Depository.

Bring your family, meet up with good friends, treat your clients to a night out they’ll never forget! Give Chefs’ Fest a try this year, and you’ll find a TRUE taste of Chicagoland dining.

17th Annual Chefs’ Fest – 70 Restaurants, One Savory Price
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Arlington Park Racecourse 5pm-8pm
IL Route 53 North, Exit Euclid Ave. East
Tickets $30 Pre-event/$35 At the Door – Includes sampling from ALL VENDORS!
Call or click to order 847-490-1010 or www.ChefsFest.com
Free Parking

Visit www.ChefsFest.com for a list of participating restaurants, to check out the entertainment lineup, and purchase tickets.

Chandler's Chophouse

2010-04-20T10:06:00.001-05:00

I attended a lovely event at Chandler’s in Schaumburg this past weekend. Chandler’s is located at the scenic Schaumburg Golf Club. The event was held in one of their 5 party rooms overlooking the exquisite 18-hole golf course. Upon entering guests were treated to a flowing fountain of champagne and mimosas. Servers enticed guests with delicious hot Hor d’Oeuvers. After socializing with friends we sat down to a fantastic lunch that started with a green tossed salad followed by a side dish of mostacolli. The main dish were tender slices of roasted top sirloin, with mushroom-bordelaise sauce. The highlight of the party was dessert. We enjoyed dipping graham crackers, pretzels, cream puffs, and bananas into a chocolate fountain. Everything was first-class. Check out Chandler’s website at www.chandlerschophouse.com for more delicious meals you can share with family and friends.

- Karla, Buffalo Grove, IL

I’ve Got Your Monday Spot Right Here!

2010-04-16T09:00:00.002-05:00

Okay, I admit it, I am lazy and I have a restaurant spot for every night of the week. My brain has managed to catalog a list of dining deals for every night I don’t feel like cooking. Today, I happily share my newest gem. Chicago Prime is my new Monday spot for ½ price appetizers and ½ price wines.

From the moment you walk in the door, you’ll feel welcomed, almost as if you’re being invited into someone’s home. It’s a true throwback the old Chicago establishment and a time when customers were family, and dining was a social event not a gluttonous time trial. Yet different from similar restaurants, Chicago Prime is modern and elegant, not dated and pretentious. Aside from favorites like Steak and Cake (filet and jumbo crabcake) and an impressive seafood menu, you can also enjoy live jazz, pop, and standards Wed-Sat. The dining experience is back and at a great value – just pick your night!

Be sure to stop by Chicago Prime ANY night to enjoy:
Mon – Fri 1/2 priced appetizers (lounge only) 3-6pm
Monday 1/2 priced all wines by the glass
Complimentary Hors d’oeuvres (5-7pm) Mon-Fri
Live entertainment Wednesday-Saturday in the lounge
847-969-9700 www.chicagoprimesteakhouse.com

-Amanda, 32, Carpentersville

Finding the Perfect Gift at Crate & Barrel

2010-04-14T09:23:00.001-05:00

These days, where does a seasoned shopper go for a gift that expresses quality and style, not “This was the only thing left on the registry”? Crate & Barrel recently opened their new stand-alone store just south of Woodfield Mall and west of Streets of Woodfield in Schaumburg. A symptom of the down-economy, lately I leave a store wondering why I wasted my time when they offered absolutely nothing I want or need. At Crate & Barrel, I paced the store several times over because there were TOO many good choices at favorable prices. Vintage orange, blue, yellow and green flower patterns adorned their line of summer outdoor dishes and accessories, a beautiful glass beverage jar filled with lemons and limes made me long for an ice-cold glass of lemonade, playful ocean-going creatures to classic patterns decorated an endless selection of household and kitchen wares. Because of their expansive space, they now also carry furniture. The salespeople were incredibly helpful in researching prices, and when I happened across an amazing markdown on an item, they turned into a team of cheerleaders encouraging, offering suggestions for accessories, carefully boxing and going out of their way to help me create the perfect gift. Yes, I’m still a girl who gets excited at the sight of a Crate and Barrel box, and I hope my friend does too.

Amanda, 32, Carpentersville

Overlooked Restaurants

2010-04-07T14:36:00.002-05:00

With all the great restaurants in our area to pick from there is a group that often gets overlooked.

The hotel restaurant.

Hotels are know for places to sleep and the food is an after thought will I am here to tell you not any more. The northwest suburbs are blessed with many great hotel restaurants.

If you are in a hurry during lunch many of the hotels offer a lunch buffets and are less crowded. And the food quality in my experiences has been fantastic. So, next time you are headed out to get a bit look up one of the local hotel restaurants you might be pleasantly surprised.

Check out all our hotel restaurants here - http://www.chicagonorthwest.com/

-David, Villa Park, IL

70 Restaurants for One Price - Is it REALLY Worth It?

2010-03-23T16:33:00.002-05:00

The 17th Annual Chefs’ Fest is just around the corner, and I find the most frequently asked question by first-timers is “Yeah, but is it really worth it?” My answer is a resounding YES! In this day when dollars are less and choices are more, Chefs’ Fest remains an outstanding value and worthwhile evening. First, purchase your admission online or by calling. Doing so before the event saves you $5 per ticket right off the bat. Leading up to the event, check www.ChefsFest.com often for an updated list of restaurants to plan your strategy. Veteran eaters know a solid strategy IS REQUIRED to successfully navigate Chefs’ Fest in 3 hours. Bring comfortable shoes (maybe some loose-fitting attire) and don’t forget your non-perishible food items for the food drive benefiting the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Food donations get you into drawings for cool prize packages – plus it’s a great feeling when you get to help those struggling in our own communities. You’ll get to enjoy samples from some of your favorite restaurants and try new ones. Everyone from the nationally-known Wildfire, Shula’s & Bob Chinn’s are represented, along with some neighborhood favorites like L’Eiffel Bistro, Ti Amo Café, and Durty Nellie’s. Local wineries, micro-breweries, & beverage vendors are also on hand to quench your thirst. When you need a break, there’s entertainment, demos and beautiful Arlington Park Racecourse to take in. If you don’t make it to all the restaurants that night, no worries, you’ll get a handy program with a map, ads and coupons for each so you can check them out at your leisure. It’s a lot of fun to pack into one night, but for $30 it’s DEFINITELY worth it!

17th Annual Chefs’ Fest – 70 Restaurants, One Delicious Price!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Arlington Park Racecourse 5pm-8pm
IL Route 53 North, Exit Euclid Ave. East
Tickets $30 Pre-event/$35 At the Door
Call or click to order 847-490-1010 or www.ChefsFest.com
Group discount available for 10 or more tickets. Call 847-490-1010.

-Amanda, 32, Carpentersville, IL

"Indie" Restuarant - L’Eiffel Bistrot

2010-03-19T10:22:00.002-05:00

Great “Indie” restaurant that takes its French origins very seriously. From the beautiful interior (can’t wait until nice weather to enjoy the patio dining) to the wonderful menu, this restaurant is a winner. Being a Omelet “expert”, I enjoyed the ‐L Totale, mushroom and asparagus omelet. I plan to go back and have the crepes. This centerpiece and lighting fixture is the separate dining room was stunning!

Fran, Naperville, IL

The Ram Restaurant & Brewery

2010-03-15T16:12:00.000-05:00

The Ram Restaurant and Brewery on McConnor Parkway in Schaumburg recently had a full week before Super Bowl of ½ price growler refills. Friday has always been the ½ price day to get our favorite Chicago Blonde. Now with St. Patrick’s Day near they have a seasonal brew Ole St. Mick’s Irish Red and are offering a MVP Reward Card through mid-March for a “Buy One, Get One” lunch or dinner. Growler jugs are initially $4.00, but can be filled over and over.

Anne, Elgin, IL

Wild Bull Bar & Grill

2010-03-08T14:49:00.000-06:00

Wild Bull Bar and Grill was a fun place to go on a Tuesday night. They offer $2 pints of beer and 39 cent wings. With 17 television screens it was easy to catch the Black Hawks and any other games that may be on. Later on they were setting up for karaoke. There are other food and drink specials throughout the week. The website states that they do have live bands with no cover. They are located at 1817 W. Golf Road in Schaumburg.

-Anne, Elgin, IL

L'Eiffel Bistrot & Creperie

2010-03-04T14:17:00.000-06:00

"Bon jour" is French for Good Morning and I can't think of a better Sunday morning than one with French Sunday Breakfast at L'Eiffel Bistrot & Creperie!

Beautiful and delicous crepes, benedicts and of course, of course, my heavens of course the pastries!

-Dave, Naperville, IL

A Walk through Woodfield Mall

2010-02-24T12:00:00.000-06:00

Last week I had the opportunity to actually walk through Woodfield Mall, instead of just whisking in and out as I usually do - I haven't done that for quite some time, and was really excited about being there. They now have a "kiddie" area, where moms (or dads) can bring their little ones to let off some energy...that way maybe they'll snooze in their stroller, so you can actually get some shopping done! There are sales everywhere - everything you would ever need (except maybe for groceries) you can find here...all under one roof! Lots of restaurants and specialty foods to grab a bite to eat. If you haven't been here in a while, I would highly recommend a visit.

-Bren, Mt. Prospect, IL

Fantastic Happy Hour Bar Specials at McCormick & Schmicks Schaumburg

2010-02-24T09:54:00.002-06:00

Have you heard about the great bar specials at McCormick & Schmicks in Schaumburg from 3:30pm - 6:30pm, Monday - Friday and Late night Friday night? A full 1/2 Pound Cheese Burger with Fries - $2.95, Fish Tacos, Cheese Quesadillas only $1.95
They even have Wednesdays Parties in the bar - $1 oysters!!! This is my kind of place to kick the work blues away and relax with my friends. How can you go wrong?

-Dave, Naperville, IL

Get Your Sushi Fix Here

2010-02-15T09:09:00.001-06:00

I’m not a sushi expert and tend toward the less adventurous selections. In the past two weeks I sampled the sushi fare at three diverse places and was not let down by any of the three.

Believe it or not, the Dominick’s on Higgins Road in Schaumburg offers maki, nigiri, and sashimi that are really fresh and tasty. For a basic “fast food” lunch, I tried the veggie roll, which is a simple no-fat, no-cholesterol satisfying sushi fix. I have sampled other selections from their ample display and have never been disappointed. If you need a quick, fresh sushi solution, Dominick’s can fill the bill.
The cost runs between $6.00 and $7.00.

The other day a friend and I shared an assortment at Shaw’s Crab House in the Streets of Woodfield in Schaumburg. Shaw’s, well known for its outstanding seafood, doesn’t disappoint with its sushi offerings. My lunch partner selected the generous Tuna Sushi & Asian Salad Combination. The salad was fragrant, light, and crunchy and was accompanied by eight fresh tuna maki and two tuna nigiri. I decided on the Acapulco Roll. It’s a scrumptious combination of silky chopped tuna, avocado, cilantro, masago caviar, jalapeno, and lettuce. The blend of textures, colors, and tastes made for a delectable sushi experience. And the little extra kick from the jalapeno gave it just the right finish. Lunch ran $10.00 - $15.00

Finally, I stopped in at Mitsuwa, the fascinating Japanese Marketplace on Algonquin Road in Arlington Heights. As you would imagine, their sushi case is jam packed with selections of all shapes, sizes, and ingredients. I opted for one of my favorites, a vegetable maki roll covered with smelt roe, a delectable morsel of contrasting colors and textures. The deep yellow roe is silky, fresh, and pops in your mouth. This maki is not only delicious, but it’s fun to eat! The prices at Mitsuwa, $4.00 - $5.00, were the most reasonable of the three.

Lynda, Arlington Heights, IL

Tasty & Unique Gift Ideas

2010-02-05T11:23:00.001-06:00

Some tasty and unique gift ideas for Valentine’s Day come this way from my friends at Long Grove. I’m a firm believer in experience over expense. You don’t have to spend a lot to make your sweetie feel treasured. Whether its an afternoon together or a special gift, head on over to Long Grove and make this Valentine’s Day memorable. Here are some of my favorites. www.longgroveonline.com

The Village Tavern – Dinner specials include a melt-in-your-mouth Valentine dessert and champagne. Enjoy live entertainment provided by the Gravy Train Soul Band.

Seasons of Long Grove – Enjoy afternoon Victorian-era High Tea on Saturday or Sunday.

The Long Grove Café & Restaurant – Valentine’s specials, including a chocolate martini with heart shaped strawberries and flowers for the lady in your life.

Long Grove Confectionery – Chocolate is always a great choice! All of your Valentines will love the famous chocolate covered strawberries from the Long Grove Confectionery - available in a variety of valentine boxes.

The Apple Haus – Warm their hearts with a famous Uncle Johnny’s Heart-Shaped Brown Bag Apple Pie – large $14.95 and individual size $4.95.

Farmside Country Store – Lynfred Strawberry Wine at $15.99 a bottle and Strawberry Champagne at $19.99.

Casa Brasil – Whimsical and colorful heart mugs and umbrellas by internationally acclaimed neo-pop artist Romero Britto; jewelry, perfumes and Brazilian chocolates.

European Flower & Gift Market – Give her roses - long lasting blooms as big as your fist, fresh from Ecuador in a variety of pinks, reds and lavenders.

Long Grove Soap & Candle – A variety of body care and bath oils to appeal to the sensuous side.

Sweet Whimsy - Melt his heart with the Chocolate Lovers Obsession – chocolate cake with a molten center. Or for a special treat - try the 2-tier Couples Cake

Glunz Family Winery Tasting Room - Chocolate and raspberry wines, highlighted for the Valentine’s weekend

The Olive Tap – Oh so sweet Dark Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar.

The Artistic Gardener – handmade glass hearts by Californian artist Jeff Price set a perfect table. Phone 847-793-8970

Lucy & Ethel’s/Nifty 50’s – Remember Lucy and Ethel’s hilarious Chocolate Factory episode with a lunchbox, mug, t-shirt and other fun memorabilia

Amanda, 32, Carpentersville

Rosebud Restaurant

2010-02-05T08:59:00.000-06:00

Rosebud Restaurant was a great place for the Bridesmaids luncheon before shopping for dresses in the area. They had a path shoveled between the mounds of snow from our building to their restaurant. The menu was reasonable and we all really liked what we ordered and had some to go: Margherita pizza,Caprese salad and rigatoni alla vodka. The décor was nice for a group picture which the staff took for us.

And for some more all girl fun, if you missed “Girls Night Out” at Chandlers Jan. 21st, there is another one coming up March 25th at Moretti’s Mt. Prospect, 1799 S. Busse Road.

-Anne, Elgin, IL

Finn McCool's

2010-02-02T10:18:00.000-06:00

With a name like Finn McCools and an atmosphere of an authentic Irish pub (with names included on the front of the bathrooms as Blokes and Colleens (meaning Boy & Girl in Gaelic, respectively), one might think a menu faire would only consist of an authentic Irish cuisine. All of which it does, but my dining companion and I decided to try their extensive American faire menu. I had Sharon’s Wrap: a vegetarian sandwich consisting of baby spinach, warm goat cheese, roasted red pepper, cucumber tomatoes and my personal favorite staple on any sandwich, avocado mixed with a balsamic dressing. It was served with chips that were crunchy and delicious. My dining companion and fabulous co-worker and friend Melinda tried their warm chicken sandwich with avocado, bleu cheese, bacon, tomato, lettuce and cilantro cream cheese all on grilled flat bread served with the same crunchy and delicious chips. Needless to say, Melinda and I ate every morsel on our plates and are ready to go back and try their more authentic Irish dishes. It would be disservice to my heritage not to try it out!

-Colleen, 26, Bloomingdale, IL

Chicago Slaughter

2010-01-27T09:23:00.000-06:00

Exciting news from the Chicago Slaughter website for indoor arena football fans and fans of the Chicago Bears' Payton legacy. You can catch Chicago Slaughter games at the Sears Centre Arena - the season kicks off on Saturday, February 27 against the Rochester Raiders. Tickets start at an affordable $8 - perfect for a family or guys night out.

Chicago Slaughter Announce Signing Of Jarrett Payton For 2010 Season
CHICAGO -The Chicago Slaughter, the premier indoor football team in the Chicagoland area, has signed Jarrett Payton, son of legendary Chicago Bears great Walter Payton, as the team's new running back for the 2010 season. Payton will play under the direction of head coach and former teammate of his father's, fellow 1985 Super Bowl Chicago Bears star Steve "Mongo" McMichael. The marquee signing demonstrates continued momentum heading into the new season, coming off the heels of the Slaughter's undefeated championship season in 2009. The announcement was made at press conference held earlier today in downtown Chicago. Payton will honor his father's legacy by wearing #34 during the 2010 season with the Chicago Slaughter.

"There is a deep connection between my family and football fans in this town and I'm proud to begin the next chapter of that relationship," said Jarrett Payton. "There were a lot of playing opportunities for me this year, but I chose the Slaughter because I want to play for a winner, a great team with great coaches, great owners and the greatest fans."

"For all you Chicago football fans who, like me, were disappointed by having no one to cheer for in the NFL post-season... hang on to your hats, you ain't seen nothing, yet," said Chicago Slaughter head coach Steve McMichael. "Jarrett Payton is a high caliber player who was born with a football in his hands. The Slaughter is going to blow you away with the talent we are putting together for the 2010 season and will give you a reason to come out and cheer for a winning Chicago football team this spring."

http://chicago-slaughter.com

Amanda, 32, Carpentersville

Harper College Performing Arts Centre

2010-01-19T12:00:00.000-06:00

I attended the Brotherhood Harmony - Christmas Around the World at Harper College Performing Arts Center on December 19, 2009. This is a wonderful facility with great sound and an intimate setting. I had no idea Harper College had such a wonderful facility hiding inside.

The Brotherhood's performance was very entertaining with lots of energy. This show put my entire family in the holiday spirit. I definitely will mark my calendar to attend this event next year.

Check out Harper College's full schedule of performances - www.harpercollege.edu.

The Impact of an $8 Lunch

2010-01-19T10:04:00.001-06:00

My significant other and I have a standing lunch date at Yu’s Mandarin each week on his day off. We like to mix it up, but have decided the MooShu Pork is just about their best creation ever, and a fabulous value on the lunch menu at $8. There is something addictive about it. Needless to say we look forward to stealing a little time away, which we don’t often get to do with him working nights and weekends in retail. This morning, though, our discussion turned to something we learned watching Larry King last night. Actress Tea Leoni, who is also a UNICEF Ambassador to Haiti was talking about how $8 buys enough emergency rations to feed and hydrate a child for 1 month. Witnessing the need and helplessness in Haiti over the past week inspired us to donate. It would be very easy to take action and get on with our lives. This morning we both agreed lunch will have to wait. We have more to give.

Yu’s Mandarin, Schaumburg; www.yusrestaurant.com

Amanda, Carpentersville IL

Haiti Relief Information

2010-01-15T14:03:00.001-06:00

Please check our website for a complete list of places accepting donations for Haiti Relief.

www.ChicagoNorthwest.com

Try Snowshoeing at Spring Valley

2010-01-14T09:14:00.001-06:00

Did you every try snowshoeing?

Anytime there is at least 4" inches of snow, you can try Snowshoeing at the Spring Valley Recreational Center in Schaumburg. Just rent a pair of snow shoes for only $3.00 for three hours or $6.00 for the whole day, and enjoy the crisp beauty of the prairie. For information: call 847-985-2100

Dave, Naperville, IL

Fox and Hound Schaumburg

2010-01-12T09:47:00.001-06:00

I had lunch at Fox and Hound in Schaumburg yesterday and ordered the tasty chicken quesadilla appetizer. My friend had the Black Forest sandwich on pretzel bread that consists of turkey, bacon and swiss cheese. Great appetizers and lunch menu. Fun location to meet friends and enjoy watching your favorite sports on TV. Check out their website at www.foxandhound.com for drink specials every night of the week.

Karla, Buffalo Grove, IL

Schaumburg Park District Community Recreation Center (CRC) & WaterWorks

2010-01-11T13:35:00.000-06:00

About 3 – 4 times a week before dinner, we walk for 2 miles around the indoor track upstairs at the Fitness Center. It is wonderful to have this facility available now that it is winter weather. The CRC recently added more fitness equipment machines when all the weights were moved into a separate room and the cycling equipment was moved downstairs. Now everyone should be able to get a machine to workout on. In August, the locker rooms were totally renovated and look really nice. If there are children to be entertained, the WaterWorks facility would be a great idea. On a negative side, the hot tub is currently closed possibly due to pipes breaking last week during the cold spell. However, the Park District is offering entrance to Schaumburg Tennis Plus on Payne Road to use the hot tub. The hours in the Fitness Center are at least until 10:00 p.m. most evenings and in Water Works until 8:00 p.m. Daily passes are available if you are not a member.

Anne, Elgin, IL

Grand Station Restaurant & Cocktails

2010-01-08T09:29:00.001-06:00

Around the holidays, had lunch in downtown Arlington Heights (which btw looked fantastic with festive lights at night too) at The Grand Station Restaurant. Ordered lunch only, no drinks unfortunately... Had a hard time deciding between the Build Your Own Mac & Cheese and the specialty pasta, Mojito Lime Fettuccini. As I didn't order a cocktail, I thought the Mojito Lime may be a good substitute. It was. Creamy tri-colored fettuccini in a dark rum sauce with grilled chicken, roasted red peppers, red onion and scallions mixed in, and a hint of lime and cilantro. Highly recommend this entree. Very comfortable place to gather and our server allowed me and my dining companion time to sit and chat. NEXT time will try the Mac & Cheese and a mojito, the drink, from the grand cocktail menu...

Melinda, Downers Grove, IL

The Grand Station Restaurant & Cocktails
101 W. Campbell Street, Arlington Heights, IL 60005 847-255-5050
http://www.grandstationdining.com/

Gatsby's

2010-01-07T09:58:00.001-06:00

Tucked away among the assorted shops and service establishments that sit on the tiny triangle of land formed by the confluence of Arlington Heights, Palatine, and Rand Roads in Arlington Heights is a gem of a restaurant and sports bar -Gatsby's. The 80 large-screen HD TVs that line the walls of this no-frills, yet warm and cozy eatery, are in themselves a draw to every game-day junkie intent upon simultaneously viewing all the action of all the sports events taking place that day. In addition to being an electronic entertainment paradise, Gatsby's offers an abundant menu of outstanding selections that belie the usual bar food fare. I've sampled much of the menu on many different occasions and never have had anything less than delicious. The pizza is outstanding with a thin, cracker-crisp crust. The burgers are some of the best in the northwest suburbs and come with a heaping portion of crispy fries. But my favorite is the Cajun chicken salad, a 2-meal serving of fresh greens, vegetables, eggs, and spicy blackened chicken breast. Order it with Gatsby's homemade ranch dressing (the best I've ever tasted).

Gatsby's is located near all of north Arlington Heights's wonderful shopping areas, but it’s worth a short drive if you happen to be in the central business district. All menu items are available for take-out, which helps the home cook after a long day of shopping or work. Try it if you're looking for a new, affordable place to eat. This little jewel of a restaurant will become one of your regular favorites.

Lynda , Arlington Heights, IL

Cabela's - World's Foremost Outfitter

2010-01-06T09:04:00.000-06:00

If you have not been to Cabela's World's Foremost Outfitter, put it on your to do list. I had a great experience post-holiday shopping and found it's not just for the avid outdoorsman. They have a lovely general store with excellent homemade fudge and specialty food items. There is an extensive Home Decor department that has a variety of items perfect for an office or summer cabin. Very friendly staff to help as well.

Christina, Lake in the Hills, IL

Chicago Tribune: Tourism groups hope for a better year

2010-01-04T13:39:00.000-06:00

With lean budgets for luring visitors, tourism agencies face difficult year

Complete article here: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chicago/chi-tourism-zones-01-jan01,0,1012024.story

TopGolf Wood Dale

2010-01-04T11:52:00.003-06:00

I had a chance to get a golf lesson along with my wife at Top Golf in Wood Dale. The pros there really can help out your swing. They video record your lesson with audio and email it to you when you are done so that you remember all the things you are doing wrong (which in my case is about everything). Besides being a great place to hit the ball in game competition you are always the right temperature as they have heaters in the cold weather and shade in the summer. What a great place to work out the kinks in your game. I highly recommend it!

Tom D., Arlington Heights, IL

California Pizza Kitchen

2009-12-21T15:52:00.001-06:00

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

2009-12-18T15:18:00.001-06:00

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

2009-12-17T16:44:00.000-06:00

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

2009-12-16T16:02:00.001-06:00

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

2009-12-08T16:52:00.000-06:00

"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

2009-12-08T12:00:00.000-06:00

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

2009-12-07T23:59:00.002-06:00

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

2009-12-07T14:57:00.000-06:00

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

2009-12-07T14:41:00.000-06:00

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.

2009-12-07T09:50:00.001-06:00

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

2009-12-04T14:56:00.001-06:00

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

2009-12-03T12:00:00.003-06:00

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

2009-12-02T13:50:00.002-06:00

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

2009-12-01T16:41:00.002-06:00

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

LEGOLAND Discovery Center

2009-11-18T11:50:00.001-06:00

Until now, my memories of LEGOs consisted of watching my son create wonderfully detailed towns and the monsters that devoured those towns and of stepping on an errant block in the middle of the night as I walked down the hallway to the bathroom. I now have another LEGO memory to add to those from years ago…Legoland Discovery Center in the Streets of Woodfield Shopping Center in Schaumburg, Illinois.

Before you say that you’ve already seen the one in Minneapolis or Disneyworld let me just say, “No, you haven’t”. The LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Schaumburg is the first and only one of its kind in the U.S.

And if you think that LEGOLAND is just for kids, again I’d have to say, “No, it isn’t”. This place is an “oh-my-goodness!” kind of attraction that will have all the adults that visit uttering adult-type exclamations around every turn.

If you ever played LEGOs with your kids and tried to build a basic house or car, you’ll appreciate and be bowled over with the engineering expertise that is the wellspring of the LEGO figures on display. The huge Chicago exhibit, with all the major downtown landmarks, is unbelievable. And just as astounding are the jungle displays and the life-size celebrity figures.

You also can enjoy a ride through a medieval LEGO dungeon and a 4-D movie that envelops the viewer in surroundings far removed from a theater. The effect is riveting.

If you’re really longing for the good old days, there is a store to purchase any color or shape of LEGO block that is manufactured. You can buy a couple to spread over the hallway floor tonight. With or without kids in tow, Legoland is a must-see for all adults.

www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com

Take a Moment this Week

2009-11-09T11:28:00.001-06:00

This Wednesday, November 11 is Veteran’s Day. I encourage all to take a moment out of your week and make small gesture towards those who have valiantly served our country. Take the Vet in your life to lunch, set aside the day to do something meaningful together. If you’re traveling, look around, a kind word or cup of coffee can mean the world to someone. If you don’t have a Veteran in your life, honor them by attending memorial events or supporting their causes. Here are just a few simple events in the area to show your support:

Brookfield Zoo - Join us for special recognition ceremony to honor those who have proudly served our nation. The event will feature the placing of a memorial wreath at the zoo’s Roosevelt Fountain, a chorus of the National Anthem, and a visit by the zoo’s bald eagle. www.CZS.org (708) 688-8000.

Trickster Gallery Native American Museum – Attend the opening of the Trickster Gallery’s new exhibit featuring the art of Native American Veterans. The exhibit opens on Nov. 11 and goes through February 27. Admission is $5 Adults, $3 Students/Seniors.

Uno’s Chicago Grill, Schaumburg – Rolls out the red, white, and blue carpet on Veteran’s Day. All Veterans receive a free entrée or individual pizza.

Streamwood Veteran’s Day Ceremony – See one of the only memorials in the country to honor Veterans from every branch of the armed services, including a memorial to the sacrifices of War Dogs. Attend the ceremony on November 11 at 11:00am at the Veteran’s Memorial (301 E. Irving Park Road). www.streamwood.org

~ Amanda, 32, Carpentersville

Fun Halloween Ideas for Families

2009-10-30T10:21:00.001-05:00

The day of candy comas, homemade costumes, and frightful haunted houses is near. Kids love Halloween so, and each year their infectious enthusiasm seems to carry over to more adults too. I’ll forego the blood, gore and scary movies in favor of fun activities kids and adults can enjoy. Here’s a list of my favorites:

10/23-10/31 (Weekends) Dino Nites, Brookfield Zoo - Entry to Dinosaurs Alive! , Spooky Tram Rides, Giant Corn Maze, slithering snakes, toothy alligators, and bats. Tasty seasonal foods, cookie decorating, and pumpkin painting. www.brookfieldzoo.org

10/30 Ghost Stories featuring Dan Keding and Janice Del Negro, Prairie Center for the Arts - Traditional world folktales, personal narratives of Chicago, ghost stories and dark tales, and superbly crafted original pieces. www.prairiecenter.org

10/31-11/1 Masquerade Ball, Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament – Costumes welcome, dancing, meet & greet with the cast, all seats $29.85; www.medievaltimes.com

10/1-11/1 (Weekends) Brick or Treat, Legoland Discovery Center - LEGO haunted trail, a pumpkin made of over 5,000 LEGO bricks and other spooktacular LEGO models. www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com

10/1-11/1 (Weekends) Goebbert’s Fall Family Festival, Goebbert’s Pumpkin Farm – Pony, camel, & hay rides, petting zoo, haunted house, pig racing, cornstalk maze, sweet shop, kettle corn, roasted corn, fall harvest market, and pumpkins! http://www.pumpkinfarms.com/

-Amanda, 32, Carpentersville, IL

Come to Westwood, We’ll Save you a Place at the Tap!

2009-10-01T10:06:00.002-05:00

A familiar Schaumburg location reinvented itself once again last week when Westwood Tavern & Tap opened in the former Prairie Rock/Pete Miller’s location. The novelty of this otherwise standard tavern concept, lies in the tables which feature their own private beer taps. On a spur-of-the-moment dinner meeting last week, we were intrigued when we found ourselves seated at a table tap and our waitress was more than happy to explain how the setup works. At select tables, there are two taps which emanate from the center of the table, one domestic and one import choice. Each table features a different combination of brews, so you’ll either have to get lucky and get a table with your choice or order directly from the bar. If you score a table tap you like, the waitress scans a card telling the computer located in the center of the table how many people will be drinking and it activates the taps for self-service. Sounds like either your greatest dream or a complete nightmare, right? The good part is that the computer calculates your consumption to the ounce and you only pay for what you drink, the more confusing part is that the computer will only serve a maximum of 32oz. per person - village guidelines. I’m sure they are still ironing out some of the details, and the waitress readily admitted they are evaluating as they go. All else aside, we enjoyed some stellar fish tacos (by no-ocean-in-sight Illinois standards), good service, and a comfortable, inviting atmosphere. I also look forward to enjoying the outside bar and lounge seating area next summer! Get out and experience Westwood Tavern & Tap soon – before it catches on with the beer crowd!

Westwood Tavern & Tap - 1385 N. Meacham Rd., Schaumburg – http://www.westwoodtavern.com/

-Amanda, 32, Carpentersville, IL

Follow Me to Long Grove Apple Fest

2009-09-29T12:28:00.001-05:00

While a summer-bug like me continues to mourn the passing of warmer days, the one thing I look forward to every Fall is Long Grove’s Apple Festival this weekend (10/2/09-10/4/09). Two vital details, which will immediately cause you to pack up the whole family and head over, are FREE admission and an ample amount of FREE parking! Each of the historic village’s 80 shops and restaurants will be showcasing great fall décor, antiques, unique gift ideas and gourmet treats. Sample hot apple cider, caramel apple lattes, apple martinis, deep dish apple pie ice cream and more. Don’t be alarmed if you see throngs of people eating mysterious items out of paper bag – they are just the IRRESISTABLE apple cider donuts. Those in-the-know always leave with a famous brown bag apple pie or donuts from the Applehaus. Be sure to stop in to the Long Grove Confectionery and try the handcrafted chocolates and candies – the crowds of shoppers can get a little intimidating during festival days, but the confectionery staff dispatches customers with experienced efficiency so you’ll be on your way to enjoying tasty treats in no time. If you’re in a competitive mood, enter the ice cream eating or Johnny Appleseed contests. There will also be a full schedule of live entertainment all weekend including local favorite Dave Tampkin and renowned Brazilian guitarist Paulinho Garcia. See you this weekend at the Fest….and NO I am not sharing, you’ll have to get your own apple cider donuts!

Long Grove Apple Fest Oct. 2-4, 2009 http://www.longgroveonline.com/

-Amanda, 32, Carpentersville, IL

Lynfred Winery creates a truly authentic Oktoberfest experience

2009-09-28T11:18:00.001-05:00

The Pig roast and Oktoberfest at Lynfred Winery is a wonderful event that can be shared by all ages. In fact, it felt very much like a family celebration and by the looks of the crowd, there appeared to be several going on at once. My husband and I had the pulled pork sandwiches, tasted the Shiraz, and enjoyed the German folk music. We didn’t want to leave until we saw the grape stomping contest; two rounds, one for children and one for adults.

Look for upcoming events at Lynfred winery, or plan a visit; they don’t seem to miss any details when it comes to creating a wonderful experience. Plus….there is the bonus of bringing home award winning wine!

Doubletree Arlington Heights

2009-09-28T11:11:00.000-05:00

Our recent stay at the Doubletree Hotel in Arlington Heights was exquisite. Upon arrival, we were welcomed with a hot, fresh cookie. The staff at the front desk was very nice and helpful. Our check-in went very smooth and quick. The room we stayed in was very well decorated and very clean. It appeared that it had just been renovated. Our room had a very nice desk that could accommodate any businessman with plenty of room to work. We were also delighted to see we had a nice flat screen HD LCD TV to unwind to. While staying here, we also had the opportunity to use the exercise room facilities. The exercise room was filled with what appeared to be brand new equipment, ranging from treadmills and elliptical machines to dumbbells and universal weight machines. It was to our delight that there was a nice BIG LCD TV to watch our favorite TV shows while working out. After working out, it was nice to retreat back to our room and snuggle in our huge king size bed. It was very cozy and we literally slept like kings! After a very quick and smooth checkout, we ventured over to the attached restaurant to eat. We ordered the buffet, which was massive! They had just about anything a person could ever want. All of the food we tried was fresh and amazingly delicious. We had the prime rib, which so tender and flavorful that it almost fell apart while picking it up to eat it. All of the waiters and waitresses were very friendly and attended to all of our needs promptly. Our stay here was genuinely awesome!

Long Grove Historic Village

2009-08-18T11:56:00.001-05:00

Located northwest of Chicago, Long Grove is a charming historic village with a pastoral feel. The cobblestone walks are lined with a blend of unique stores tucked into original circa 1800 buildings - the perfect setting to transport a person back to an American town back in time. The whole village has an 1800’s vintage style with antique and contemporary stores and restaurants that bring the town to life. The reason why Long Grove is so special is because it literally takes you back in time starting with the drive through an original covered bridge. The town of Long Grove has so much to offer in dining, arts and shopping. There are over seven places eat, but I would highly recommend Mill Pond. After visiting Long Grove, it is one of my finest memories about the town. It is a beautiful, cozy place for lunch or dinner overlooking a beautiful pond with swans and ducks. Service was great and they have a wide variety of food.

Walking around the flower-filled, quaint town, I was amazed with how much variety there was in places to shop. Long Grove offers antiques, five apparel shops, home furnishings, ten specialty foods stores and fourteen specialty shops. They are stores that you would definitely not find anywhere else such as Paddy’s On the Square, the best Irish store I have ever been to, or Apple Haus, an apple and bread store that offers hundreds of different types of bread and delicious bakeries.

From the beautiful weeping willows to the historic buildings, the surroundings in Long Grove provide a bucolic setting that makes it easy to spend an entire day exploring and discovering. After spending a day there, I can easily say it will be one of my best memories of summer. It truly refreshed my spirits and I will be easily returning because there is always something new in Long Grove that everyone should see!

From September 5 -7, (Labor Day Weekend), Long Grove is hosting their annual “Irish Days” from 11 am to 7 pm. with many activities for the family such as twelve Irish Musical Performances, nine Irish Dance Groups and a Sunday Outdoor Mass at 10 am. Long Grove’s celebrated Apple Fest is takes place in early fall, October 2, 3, 4, and provides a delightful way to enjoy the crisp autumn days. Admission and parking are always free. Definitely take time to visit the wonderful town of Long Grove!

-Caitlin, 20, Student, St Charles, IL

IKEA

2009-08-12T15:41:00.003-05:00

IKEA, one of the largest home furnishing retailers in the world, is located in Schaumburg, IL and offers a one-stop solution for all a family’s needs. The secret to shopping this massive store is to start your day off all the way at the top by taking escalators to the third floor. Walking into the magnificent store, you are welcomed with displays of kitchens and bedding. Though the three floors are expansive and at first seem overwhelming, they are very easy to navigate. IKEA has done a very good job with providing signs for all the different product sections and where the restrooms and elevators are located. All their signs are translated into Spanish. Employees in yellow and blue uniforms are everywhere and ready to help you at every turn. There is a wonderful customer service section on the lower level, which is divided into three parts - returns, pick-up and home delivery.

Starting at the top, the third floor has an “IKEA Restaurant” which is perfect, because no one likes to shop on an empty stomach! When I was shopping, it was the perfect place to get a quick drink. It is cafeteria-style, and all the food is fresh and ready to go. There are also free refills on coffee and soda drinks. The restaurant has a large selection of couches and tables for eating and sitting, and offer video games for younger children. The restaurant offers children’s meals, Swedish fare, Wednesday Rib Night, and everything from hot dogs to chicken fingers.

Both the third and second floors show a wide range of room displays - living rooms, bedrooms, offices, home organization, bathrooms, children’s furniture and accessories. You can find a very extensive assortment of specialty items such as mirrors, bathroom accessories from towels to tooth brush holders. IKEA has a fantastic lighting assortment, too. IKEA does a great job showing room displays more so than other stores do. They do a great job with visual merchandising. Walking around the store as a customer, I wanted to buy everything!

Random tip - while reviewing the IKEA website (http://www.ikea.com/) – keep an eye out for red tags. They give you the location numbers for large purchases. While yellow tags tell you to find an IKEA employee to discuss ordering.

The first floor is the main check out and loading area for large purchases. If you purchased a large item such as a chair, you can wheel it up to your car and an employee will help you put it into your car for you. The first floor is where you can grab either a regular sized shopping cart or a large, flat bed cart for larger items such as desks or sofas. There is a separate special escalator for the regular shopping carts so you can move those to from floor to floor.

The whole store is very family oriented and great for any family buying new furniture for their home or apartment. Or if your house needs updates, their wide selection of items can do a house wonders. (You can have IKEA plan out a brand new kitchen!!) There is also a children’s play area, ages infant to three, with a ball playpen and teeter totters, which is nice for young children to let out energy.

One of my favorite things about IKEA is their new “Low Camp” Price system, where they are permanently lowering prices on many items. It is not a sale, but an automatic lower price on an item and it will forever stay that way. For example, a cabinet I really liked was $149 last year and they permanently changed it to $129 this year. They have these types of reductions all over the store!

Another thing I noticed was how IKEA shows the same items in different colors. They had a desk I liked, and instead of showing a chip of the two other color options, they had three full-sized desks in black, white and brown. I could actually see the desks in my house instead of guessing what they might look like in another color. IKEA also gives out “Shopping Tools” including a pencil, a tape measure and a shopping list for you to write your purchases on. I found this very helpful, especially when shopping for larger items that need to be measured to determine whether they will fit in your space.

IKEA is located right near the Woodfield Mall and is open Sunday to Thursday 10am to 8pm and Friday to Saturday, 10am-9pm. It is a spectacular store with so much variety and fun; it is definitely worth going to see it and to see what bargains you can find!

-Caitlin, 20, Student, St Charles, IL

“What does the US have that Britain doesn’t?” A Night at the Chicago Improv

2009-08-07T09:08:00.001-05:00

Thanks to the Woodfield Chicago NW Convention Bureau, my wife and I were able to enjoy an hysterical night at the Chicago Improv. Located in the Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, I am ashamed to say that I have never been to a show there before. I think it falls into the category of “one of those things you just don’t do as often as you’d like” due to living so close. It’s like when someone from out of town comes to Chicago, goes downtown, visits Navy Pier, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Sears Tower (I mean Willis Tower) all in one weekend. But someone that actually lives in Chicago (or the suburbs) only gets to the Aquarium once every couple years (if at all).

I won’t make that mistake again.

The Improv is in the back of the mall off of Woodfield Rd near the P.F. Chang’s restaurant. For a 7:30 show, the doors open at 6 pm if you plan to eat dinner or 7 pm if you only intend to make the 2 purchase minimum per person. We arrived just before 7 as we intended to grab a bite after the show. Even though seating started for some guests at 6 pm, we were given great seats right in the front row. The stadium-type table seating offers great views from anywhere in the theater however. After ordering our 2 drinks and appetizers (which were surprisingly good and filling), the show started promptly at 7:30 p.m.

The two opening acts got progressively better leading up to the headliner, Angelo Tsarouchas. Yes he is Greek and a huge one at that. Much of his act centered on his weight (he is overweight not because of his thyroid but because of his mouth—he likes to eat—pointblank), his Greek family and culture, and his observations from doing shows around the world.

When talking about his mother, father, or the fact that he was the middle child (by weight anyway), I couldn’t help but think I was on the movie set of “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”. Given the reactions by the Greek men and women in the audience, Angelo’s rantings were spot-on. His act was fresh, original, and LOL funny. Even the couple seconds of actual improv he added to his bit was hilarious.

I definitely intend to check out the Chicago Improv again in the future. But if Angelo’s performance isn’t enough to convince someone (who thinks all the good comedy clubs are in the city) to give it a try, the upcoming line-up which includes Jon Lovitz and Tom Arnold validates that even if the Chicago Improv is not a huge venue, it can draw huge talent.

To put his act into perspective, I’d like to paraphrase Angelo…As his passport was being checked upon entry in Australia (where he was going to be performing), the customs representative asked him if he had any felony offenses to which Angelo responded, “I didn’t realize is was still a requirement”. The customs rep (not thinking he was very funny), asked Angelo “if he thought he was a comedian”. Angelo responded, “Well actually….yes”

And to answer the question posed in the title, “dentists”

Neil Rubenstein owns Creative Celebrations (a children’s entertainment company) with his wife. Neil’s background is in direct and database marketing. Follow him on Twitter @ChildrenParties or @ www.facebook.com/CreativeCelebrations

Schaumburg Flyers

2009-08-03T10:58:00.005-05:00

Alexian Field, home of the Schaumburg Flyers, is one of the nicest sporting fields I have ever been to. Located in Schaumburg, IL, it is a great summer baseball getaway. The park includes free parking, with two huge lots in close walking distance to the field. There are plenty of signs and they have police to help escort anyone to the field. They cater to the handicap, where there is a ramp and plenty of parking spaces directly in front of the field. Inside the field, they have a handicap section right behind home plate with easy access for wheelchairs or strollers. After paying for your tickets and an easy walk right into the stadium you’ll see the gift shop, which provides a great opportunity to buy something to remember the experience. You can also buy programs at the gift shop with information about Alexian Field and the players, which can be a memorable purchase. Then you walk to the left, and you can either take the elevator or stairs up to the second level where most of the seats are, or third level if you opted for a rented suite or box.

Once you exit the elevator you clearly see the field and the exciting atmosphere overwhelms you. From the enthusiastic announcers, music playing, and the fans screaming and cheering, it is the perfect baseball experience. The field is beautifully maintained and every seat in the park has a great view. On the left and right sides of the field, there are lawn seats, which are great for anyone who wants to walk around during the game. One can bring blankets and chairs and see the game perfectly. On the right side of the field are two hot tubs that a person can rent for hot tub seats. Hot tubs can be rented for $225, which includes admission for 10 people with food and drink. There are plenty of concessions to get food and other refreshments. They all sell ice cream, candy, and food such as hot dogs and nachos. All refreshments are priced reasonably. Beer and wine are available for about $5. The Flyers Tiki Bar, near the hot tubs, sells more varieties of alcoholic beverages such as Margaritas. If your family would prefer a quiet place to eat, you can go to Schaumburg Club, which is a sit-down restaurant. It has beautiful views of the field and is very classy. It includes a huge bar with leather couches, a pool table and flat screen televisions.

While watching the game, I noticed how family-oriented the experience was. Fun activities such as free peanuts being tossed into the stands and a pizza give-away took place during the day. There is a mascot for the younger children called Bearon, who signed autographs. To the left of the field, is the “Kids’ Zone” which includes a moon bounce, a playground, and two batting cages. I would recommend getting in line right when you arrive to the field because the wait can be long, especially since it is such a children-oriented place. Behind the lawn section is an area where younger kids can release energy during the game and where parents can still watch the game. There is a picnic area right behind the Kids’ Zones for families to eat and watch the game as well. Behind the field, for those who prefer “Bleacher” type seats, is the Miller Lite Party Deck.

What I found about this park, which other ones lack, is the wonderfully maintained bathrooms. The women’s bathroom was very clean and painted pink which added a special touch.

Reserved Club seats cost $11.00 and are located closer to home plate. Reserved tickets cost $10.00, and lawn seats are $5.00. (Firework nights, all prices increase by $1). Many don’t know that following every home game on Saturdays, live bands perform on the field! There are group rates as well for renting out a skydeck suite or the Miller Lite Party Patio.

If your family wants a new, fun experience and wants to stray from the madness of Chicago’s MLB teams, the Schaumburg Flyers at Alexian Field is the perfect place. I would highly recommend everyone visiting this beautiful baseball facility that is clean, safe and fun for all ages!

Schaumburg Flyers Baseball - http://www.chicagonorthwest.com/MemberDetails.aspx?MemberId=249

-Caitlin, 20, Student, St Charles, IL

Delightful Date Night – Summer Concert Series at Prairie Center for the Arts

2009-07-28T15:26:00.002-05:00

This time of year, many communities have Summer Concert Series featuring a series of enjoyable, local musicians. Prairie Center for the Arts (known year-round for a fabulous repertoire of theater, dance, and musical acts) really steps up the quality of their Summer Concert series by making it a miniature Ravinia-like experience. On a recent date-night (and with no money in the budget to spend) we went to see one of the Midwest's premier Bluegrass bands, Special Consensus. We expected to arrive to a couple dozen people enjoying a beautiful summer night at the lakeside auditorium park. Instead, we found the park filled with hundreds of people, many who were noted followers of the band. One couple was celebrating their anniversary after meeting at a Special Consensus show 22 years ago. There were picnickers, groups of friends with lavish spreads, wines, cheeses, and couples young and old enjoying time together while kids and grandkids ran and played amongst the park's outdoor sculptures. Vendors were set up nearby selling drinks, food, and ice cream, and the Schaumburg Dance Ensemble had adorable little fairies flitting through the crowds selling 50/50 raffle tickets. The band played for an hour-and-a-half, with an intermission, and returned for another two-song encore. For fans of bluegrass, it was a real treat to see these well-known singers/song-writers. Next time we are definitely bringing our wine and snacks and doing it up right. Not knowing what the park rules were, we were not prepared. It was truly an enjoyable night, and a delightful discovery. Total cost for the evening - $0. There are only a couple more dates left this summer, so check their website http://www.prairiecenter.org/ and make a trip out there soon!

-Amanda, 31, Carpentersville, IL

Irish Fest

2009-07-28T15:10:00.003-05:00

This past weekend, the Arlington Heights Historical Museum hosted its annual “Irish Fest” in Arlington Heights, IL. It was a perfect way to spend an afternoon, especially if you are Irish. There was entertainment for all ages and the atmosphere was welcoming and fun. Many of the people there were dressed up in green and sported shamrocks on their clothing; it was like a small St. Patrick's Day! There were games, food, booths, and crafts. Irish dancers performed intricate dance steps at record speed - they were really fun to watch! The sounds of Irish bagpipes provided background music throughout the day. It was truly an event every person could enjoy. An Irish Marketplace offered a wide selection of items and crafts. A huge raffle gave away over 19 different items to the lucky winners.

One of my favorite parts was the Irish bands that made the experience even better by providing Irish music in the background. Younger children enjoyed Balloon and Face art. For next year’s Irish Fest, I would recommend bringing a blanket or chair to sit on when listening to the music. Overall, for the everyday person who loves the Irish culture, it is the perfect place to go for an afternoon. It was a very fun and safe environment for the whole family. It is a great summer activity and would recommend going to Irish Fest 2010!

-Caitlin, 20, Student, St Charles, IL

Save the Date: International Festival of Racing

2009-07-28T15:02:00.005-05:00

The Arlington Million, one of the most anticipated horse race events in the Midwest, takes place on Saturday, August 8, 2009 at Arlington Park Racecourse in Arlington Heights, IL. during the International Festival of Racing weekend. Gates open at 10:45 a.m., post time for the first race is 12:15 p.m. Twelve races are scheduled including the Grade I Beverly D, the Grade I Secretariat, and the Grade I Arlington Million.

The first 2,500 guests who pass through the gates on Arlington Million Day will receive a “Mystery Mutual” voucher that could be worth big money. Fans can ‘Learn to Win’ with an interactive handicapping seminar presented by Daily Herald handicapper Joe Kristufek and some special guests. There also will be live acoustic rock on the Miller Lite band stage provided by the always popular Dave Tamkin and Company.

The fun continues on Sunday, August 9 with Family Day! Gates open at 11:15 am. Brookfield Zoo will be on hand to entertain families in the park. There will be pony rides and a petting zoo for all families to enjoy.

The annual Million kick-off party, the “Mane Event”, swings into full gear in downtown Arlington Heights on Friday, August 7 starting at 5:00 p.m. This street festival, centered at Vail Avenue and Campbell Street, offers food, entertainment, and information from local merchants. Enjoy a summer night of fun in beautiful Downtown Arlington Heights by attending the “Mane Event”, organized by the Village's Special Events Commission.

The Main Stage act performing from 8:00 -10:30 p.m. is Funk Libido Circus which plays many classical rock hits. Earlier performances include a 6:30 p.m. show by the Metropolis Rock Band followed by a 7:00 p.m. performance of the Metropolis Youth Symphony Orchestra. Kids will enjoy the Pony Racer game, pony rides, a magician, balloon twisters, and much more! Arlington is the perfect summer’s night getaway and is family safe.

-Caitlin, 20, Student, St Charles, IL

Alexian Brothers Tour of Elk Grove

2009-07-24T10:37:00.005-05:00

The Alexian Brothers Tour of Elk Grove is a Multi-Day Event that spotlights the best cycling athletes in the world. The Tour of Elk Grove, ranked the number one cycling tour in America, speeds through the streets of the Village July 31st to August 2, 2009. For the first time in its four-year history, the 2009 Tour of Elk Grove has been included in the National Racing Calendar (NRC), a prestigious designation! This means the 2009 Tour of Elk Grove features a ranking system and point structure that attracts top racers from around the world. The Tour of Elk Grove was ranked first among multi-day NRC races that were scored including the just-concluded Agmen Tour of California and summer's Tour of Utah.

Want to compare yourself with the pro’s? Individuals will have the opportunity on Friday, July 31, at 4:00 p.m., when they can ride against the world's top cyclists on a 4.5 mile time trial course (the actual Tour of Elk Grove time trial is the first stage of a men's professional cycling 3-stage race. The professional time trial is held at 5:30 p.m., immediately following the public fundraising ride.) There is a women’s cycling race, a children’s big wheel event, and a Kids' FestBack again in 2009, are two Community Block Parties -- one on Friday evening, July 31, and a second on Saturday evening, August 1. Both block parties will be held on Ridge and Elk Grove Boulevard west of the Tour of Elk Grove's start/finish line. Each fun-filled community celebration will be held from approximately 7:30-10:30 p.m. and feature lots of food and beverages and free admission. Come out to the beautiful town of Elk Grove Village and see a nationally ranked cycling event right in your backyard!

Details here - http://www.chicagonorthwest.com/EventDetails.aspx?EventId=846

-Caitlin, 20, Student, St Charles, IL

LEGOLAND Discovery Center

2009-07-22T11:13:00.004-05:00

LEGOLAND Chicago, located in the Streets of Woodfield shopping center in Schaumburg, Illinois, offers one the best day experiences you can get in the Chicagoland area. LEGOLAND Discovery Center is the first in the United States and the features of the attraction go beyond what one would experience in other LEGOLANDs in the country.

There are many different activities both adults and children can participate in at LEGOLAND - two exciting rides, tables piled high with LEGOs for the younger children to create their own masterpieces, 4-D Cinema that draws you into the action, a factory tour (where you can take home your own creation!), a jungle adventure with full-sized LEGO jungle animals, and a car build test site. The two rides, the Dragon Ride and the Technicycle, will delight everyone. The Dragon Ride winds through a dark cave of LEGO characters. The Technicycle, encourages a rider to spin in circles on a tricycle and depending on how fast someone pedals, raises the rider up or down! For the parents, there is a LEGO café that sells food and drinks and provides a place for parents to sit and relax.

A life-size giraffe made entirely of LEGOs greets visitors outside the entrance. Seeing that amazing figure at the beginning of your experience tells you that astounding things are yet to come. Shortly after entering, a visitor is astonished to see an amazingly detailed skyline of Chicago made entirely of LEGOs. It includes famous buildings such as the Sears Tower, the John Hancock Building and even Navy Pier with its signature Ferris wheel. For a native Chicagoan like me, it was truly enjoyable. The work that went into the Chicago skyline, done with hundreds of thousands of pieces, truly is an extraordinary engineering feat. Guests continue their visit by strolling through the Jungle Adventure filled with exotic LEGO animals and exotic animal sounds!.

Another of my favorite exhibits was the display of different fictional heroes entirely made out of LEGOs - don’t miss seeing Harry Potter and Batman. LEGOLAND has two rides, which I went on, and they are both definitely worth your time. The lines are not long and the experience of seeing more LEGO characters on the Dragon Ride is worth it! On the upper floor there is a Café, the Tricycle Ride, tables piled with LEGOs to inspire children to create their own LEGO designs, and an indoor playground. It is a very fun and busy place! I enjoyed seeing how much fun the parents and children were having together. It is the perfect place to take a child for a day.

LEGOLAND is truly for all ages. Younger kids can enjoy the experience of seeing the different animations made of LEGOs while older children and adults will marvel at the work that went into each design. When I was there, there were no age boundaries and you could see the joy even in the parents' faces.

From Sunday through Thursday, LEGOLAND is open from 10:00 am to 7:00pm with the last ticket sold at 5:00 pm. Friday and Saturday, LEGOLAND is open from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm with the last ticket sold at 6:00pm. The LEGO Store is open at the same time as LEGOLAND Discovery Center. You can buy your tickets online at http://www.chicagonorthwest.com/ or purchase tickets at the LEGOLAND counter. LEGOLAND also hosts birthday parties, provides educational school fieldtrips, and allows for anyone to buy annual passes to LEGOLAND. Parking is free. LEGOLAND is a unique and inspiring place for all ages to enjoy creation at its finest.

Visit the LEGOLAND website for more information!
http://www.LEGOLANDdiscoverycenter.com/Chicago/us/information

Also, help LEGOLAND Discovery Center celebrate their first birthday by bring 10 LEGO bricks for 50% off general admission now through August 7. More information here.

-Caitlin, 20, Student, St Charles, IL

Arlington Million & Mane Event

2009-07-13T15:58:00.007-05:00

On June 28, 1989, one of the best Thoroughbred racetracks in America was re-opened after a devastating fire destroyed it in 1985. Arlington Park, located in Arlington Heights, just celebrated twenty years of horse racing in the rebuilt facility. With the annual “Arlington Million” Run that is coming up in a few weeks, I wanted to discuss the history of the wonderful racetrack.

Arlington first opened in 1927 and burned down in 1985 just 25 days before the Arlington Million was to be run. After it burned, the track was rebuilt in record time so the people of the Chicago area could enjoy a world-class racetrack. During the construction period, the “Arlington Million” race was moved to Toronto. The Arlington team wanted to build a track that would bring back people from all around the nation. The new Arlington Park was built to serve many different types of people, from young to old. They wanted a brand new track that was different from other tracks, with more viewing space and areas for people to see the horses. The Arlington team made sure that there were no bad seats at the track.

Their next goal was to bring a younger audience to the track, mainly those who knew nothing of horseracing. They provided interactive games, guided tours, museum- like displays, memorabilia, and walls of race history that would attract those who didn’t know much about the sport. Not many tracks during that time focused on that which made Arlington so special. The racetrack honors the most important people at the park-the jockeys. Amenities directly benefit the jockeys and those who wanted to see and learn about them. The track includes all the amenities that a fine resort would have for jockeys.

As for the audience, the Arlington team focused on little things that made a big difference such as how nice the restrooms are, the artwork on the walls and the elevators. As someone who has been there many times, the detail that the Arlington team put into the park is absolutely phenomenal and is one of the best racetracks in the country.

Mane Event
The Mane Event, the Kick-off party for the “Arlington Million” weekend is being held in downtown Arlington Heights on August 7. It takes place at Vail Avenue and Campbell Streets. There will be plenty of food and entertainment! Enjoy a summer night of fun in beautiful Downtown Arlington Heights by attending the Mane Event. The Main Stage performance from 8 -10:30 p.m. is Funk Libido Circus which plays many classic hits. Earlier performances include a 6:30 p.m. show by the Metropolis Rock Band followed by a 7 p.m. performance of the Metropolis Youth Symphony Orchestra. Kids will enjoy the Pony Racer game, riding ponies, watching a magician, balloon twisters and much more!

Arlington Park Racecourse
Mane Event

Visit http://www.chicagonorthwest.com/ for more details and information about Arlington Park Racecourse and the Mane Event: Million Dollar Block Party!

-Caitlin, 20, Student, St Charles, IL

Brookfield Zoo

2009-07-09T09:07:00.008-05:00

Brookfield Zoo, which is nationally known, is located only 14 miles west of downtown Chicago. In the middle of Brookfield, IL, it allows access to some of the world’s greatest animals. Walking in, the center of the zoo has a beautiful fountain called Roosevelt. There is also a carousel that is a highlight of the zoo and a children’s playground.

There are over thirty-three different types of animals plus a new exhibit called Dinosaurs Alive! that runs April through October. Dinosaurs Alive! is a virtual exhibit of different types of dinosaurs. There are eighteen life-size animated dinosaurs, including the largest animatronic dinosaur in the world. As for walking through the exhibit, I can say that it definitely is a great learning experience for all ages. The dinosaurs are larger than life and the movement of them is truly rewarding. They are theme park picturesque and it definitely is a great exhibit to walk through.

The park itself is truly beautiful, and every time I go there it seems as though something new has been built. Every type of animal has its own named section, for example, all the African animals have their own name, called Habitat Africa! There is also a huge lake called Indian Lake, with the viewing pleasure of different types of birds and other animals, including beautiful swans, turtles, ducks and even a Dragonfly display. Each animal section is beautifully maintained and culturally informative. In the Tropic World section, mainly primates, waiting in line was its own adventure. As you are walking, it’s as if you are walking through a jungle with beautiful painted trees and plants on all the walls. They have information about primates and how it relates to humans. There is a rope drawbridge that you cross before entering through a waterfall to the first set of primates. They bring you through the different continents of primates such as Asia, Africa and South America. They have informative facts about each of the animals. It was truly one of the greatest zoo exhibits I have ever been to.

The zoo has plenty of information desks throughout, first aid/police, wheelchairs, ATM’s, stroller rental and public restrooms and telephones. There are two main gates, North and South - you can enter either side. There are also designated smoking areas and public picnic areas for families to sit. The zoo offers many different dining options. There are three large sit-down restaurants and over twelve seasonal snack bars. There is also plenty of shopping for souvenirs to bring home. There are four year- round shopping stores and eight seasonal shops. The hours vary, but until September 8, 2009, the daily hours are 9:30 am to 6:00 pm, except Sundays when it’s open till 7:30 pm.

Brookfield Zoo is known for helping to prevent the decline of endangered animals and preserving many types of species with the help of the Chicago Zoological Society. Brookfield Zoo just celebrated 75 years of study, preservation and memories. Since 1934 when it opened, more than 138 million people have visited. Brookfield showed the first giant panda in North America and focuses now on saving endangered species. Brookfield Zoo is a culturally informative experience. There is nothing like seeing live animals and knowing how well Brookfield has helped them makes the experience even better. Brookfield Zoo is one of the greatest zoos in America and is right in your backyard.

http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LkNoaWNhZ29Ob3J0aHdlc3QuY29t for more information about Brookfield Zoo and Dinosaurs Alive! exhibit.

-Caitlin, 20, Student, St Charles, IL

Woodfield Mall

2009-06-30T10:39:00.003-05:00

Woodfield Mall is located in Schaumburg, IL and is one of the best malls in America. Located outside of Chicago, it is one of the best places to get the real mall "atmosphere" that is hard to find in the city. Having just visited it over the weekend, I can say that is a one-stop place. I would recommend driving early and being there when the doors open. Hours are Monday-Friday, 10 am to 9 pm, Saturday 10 am to 9 pm and Sunday 11 am to 6 pm. Parking can definitely be a problem, especially during the holidays and on summer weekends. Unless you want to walk far, plan to wake up early. Woodfield has over 300 restaurants and stores and has a variety of merchandise that suits the whole family's wishes. For your personal needs, Woodfield has carts, strollers and wheelchairs for $5.00. There are family restrooms on the upper floor. The mall is very well maintained and there are many information desks that are available to answer questions about the mall or the Schaumburg area. If you are from out of town, the information desks are helpful in guiding a person around the large mall. The mall includes elevators and escalators all over.

My personal experience was great, and while I have been to Woodfield plenty of times, every visit is a new experience. Since the mall is so varied and massive, there are always new stores being built. The mall has three different levels full of every type of store, for every person. Woodfield includes clothing stores for women, men, teens and children. They also have furniture, arts and crafts, souvenir, toy, music and movies, jewelry, and athletic wear stores.

Woodfield also has plenty of places to get something to eat before or after a long day of shopping. There are many sit down restaurants, such as the famous Cheesecake Factory or Ruby Tuesday’s, but also quick places like McDonalds or Sbarro Italian Cooking.

The Mall is located in a great area of Schaumburg, near the Streets of Woodfield (a lively lifestyle shopping center) and IKEA. The easiest way to get to Woodfield is by car, but bus service also is available. Many other stores and attractions are a very short drive away. Also, there is the free Schaumburg Trolley that takes you to places such as The Streets of Woodfield, IKEA, and Woodfield Village Green. It picks up every 10-30 minutes and has knowledgeable, friendly people working the trolleys. For the full trolley schedule and information about other shopping centers in the area, look up www.chicagonorthwest.com. Woodfield Mall is the perfect place to spend an entire day due to its perfect location and easy access to some of the greatest stores in the country.

-Caitlin, 20, Student, St Charles, IL

A Streetcar Named Desire

2007-04-03T16:37:00.000-05:00

On a warm-sunny Sunday afternoon, my sister and I ventured into Downtown Arlington Heights, Home of the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre to see the famous play, turned movie, “A Streetcar Named Desire”. Even if you have never seen the play or movie you definitely remember hearing someone shout… Stella!

As we walked into the theater to take our seats, my sister commented on the outstanding set design. She said it mimicked the movie and gave it a certain aura even before it started. Metropolis is a very quaint theater that holds a couple hundred people comfortably. Something you don’t see very often in a theater is a cup-holder. We felt as though we were watching a movie only with real-life people and no popcorn. Even before the play started, characters were welcoming us into the storyline. A bum slept before us on a street corner. Two ladies were standing on a balcony chatting away. A woman, inside her apartment, washes dishes. All this to get you feeling like you were in the middle of the French Quarter.

All the characters (Stanley, Stella, Blanche) were all played very well. It was a fantastic performance that made you feel very much apart of the play. I would definitely recommend A Streetcar Named Desire to anyone looking for an extraordinary theatrical performance in a charming theater such as the Metropolis.

Leaving Metropolis, we decided that we were starving. Since we were in close proximity to many dining options, we decided to stay in Downtown Arlington Heights. We opted to try out Peggy Kinnane’s Irish Restaurant & Pub.

Peggy’s is located directly across the street from the Metropolis. We thought for sure that there would be a large crowd following us, but we were seated promptly and enjoyed excellent service. We had a warm pretzel with stout ale cheese for dipping, a very good appetizer. We both had very American dinners and nothing very Irish about either, a club sandwich with Irish bacon and a burger. But the burger was actually an eggplant slice, mushroom cap with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. All-in-all, a very filling dinner with no room for dessert. I recommend trying Peggy Kinnane’s at Chefs’ Fest on April 24. They will bring the Irish to Arlington Park Racecourse! Don’t forget that once you sample them at Chefs’ Fest, to return to the restaurant for even more Irish fare after your show at Metropolis, of course!

Mitsuwa Marketplace

2007-04-02T11:42:00.000-05:00

You know those places you drive by and say “I have to go there one day”? There must be something about Spring which makes you want to venture out of your winter hideaway and seek new experiences, because on Friday some friends and I decided to go to Mitsuwa Marketplace in Arlington Heights. Mitsuwa is truly a hidden gem in the northwest suburbs. When you bring it up at a dinner party, people say “Mitsu-what?” but the moment you describe it as “You know…that Asian market on the corner of Algonquin & Arlington Heights Rds…” the spark of recognition comes on and they automatically say “Oh, yeah, I’ve always wanted to go there and check it out”! It seems to have become like the St. Louis Arch, a landmark everyone knows but no one has actually been to.

Mitsuwa boasts itself as being the largest Asian market in the Midwest. You will be surprised at how large it is, but I have to admit that it is not as large as I expected it to be. This surprisingly works in its favor, because it is not so large that it is overwhelming for first time visitors. We got there around 6:30 and had a great time shopping the aisles of products, some familiar and some intriguingly foreign. If you are like me who LOVES rice, but is challenged when it comes to making it, they have a selection of rice cookers that would make Williams-Sonoma blush. It was a little like buying a car with so many makes and models ranging from your basic yet dependable Toyota (around $30) to your luxury Cadillac models (around $300). We found a nice selection of cookies and green teas we wanted to try. The bottled green tea was awesome! We wandered over to the bakery where I took home two pieces of green tea layer cake to share with my honey. It had a taste I was not used to, but it was good.

One thing I learned for the next time I go is that I will definitely eat first and shop after. By the time we got to the food court, some of the stands were closing. The biggest disappointment of the night was that they were out of Sushi. I have heard about their extensive Sushi selections and was eager to try them. Someone told me afterward that they are so popular, they often sell out by the lunch hour. My advice, get there early so you don’t miss out! The other restaurants allow you to choose from Korean, Chinese, and Japanese cuisine. There is also a Starbucks-like stand for tasty Bubble drinks and coffees. Many of the dishes are displayed with photos or re-creations so an inexperienced diner need not fear ordering the wrong thing. Some stands prefer you order by the number, especially if you are unsure of pronunciations. We dined at the Chinese stand. I recommend the shrimp and scallop dim sum dumplings.

I highly encourage everyone to experience Mitsuwa Marketplace for yourself. Our trip there was not perfect in every way, but where normally that would turn me off, here it made me want to come back and try a completely new experience. Mitsuwa makes you feel like something new is always waiting for you, and I can’t say that about many other places. If you would like to sample Mitsuwa, come visit them at Chefs’ Fest on April 24 at Arlington Park and then make the effort to visit the store. They also have an amazing Bon Odori summer festival on August 11. Ask about it when you see them at Chefs’ Fest – it is quickly becoming one of the “can’t miss” events of the summer!

Special thank you to my fellow adventurers, Alyssa & Lana!

Wine 101 at Chefs' Fest

2007-03-30T10:54:00.000-05:00

How many wine lovers know that Illinois has some of the best award winning wineries in the country? Discover Illinois' oldest and largest winery as they conduct Wine 101 for the public attending The Original Chefs' Fest at Arlington Park Racecourse. The Original Chefs' Fest comes together on April 24 from 5 to 8 pm where you have the opportunity to sample from nearly 60 of the best restaurants in the northwest suburbs. Join the lovely and charming wine mavens of Lynfred as they showcase some of their 30 varietals and bring new understanding to the sometimes mystifying world of wines. Make sure you stop by their booth during the event to sample their exquisite products for your self!

After the event, be sure to visit their tasting room and gift shop in Roselle, open 7 days a week. Lynfred's award winning wines can also be found at many local restaurants and they host wine dinners several times throughout the year. http://www.lynfredwinery.com/