Als Char-House Review, LaGrange, IL

You might wonder how a conventional old-timey steak house could survive on a several block stretch of hipster/millenial targeted restaurants.  But Al’s Char-House, in downtown LaGrange, IL, not only survives, but thrives, by following the basic rules for success in the hospitality segment: 1) quality food, 2) good value, 3) consistent service. For decades, I’ve… Continue reading Als Char-House Review, LaGrange, IL

Happ Inn Bar and Grill Review, Northfield, IL

The dictionary defines “hospitality” as “generous and friendly treatment of visitors and guests.” Restaurants are certainly part of the hospitality segment of business, yet many fail to remember putting the word into practice. Not so at the Happ Inn, a casual but remarkable eatery in the northern Chicago suburb of Northfield, IL. From the moment of… Continue reading Happ Inn Bar and Grill Review, Northfield, IL

Usingers Linguica Sausage Review

Usingers Linguica Sausage Review Linguica (ling gweeza) (also called “Portuguese Sausage) is a slightly spicy pork sausage in a natural casing, which has traditionally been featured in cultures that speak Portuguese. Its popularity has been expanding, and it’s widely available in Hawaii and California. It’s even on the menu at McDonalds in Hawaii. I first experienced it… Continue reading Usingers Linguica Sausage Review

Marie Callenders Biscuit Mix Review

Spoiler alert. I could give a shit about biscuits. One of my biggest fears is seeing them included with a menu item and the words “no substitutions” appear right beside that notation. I’d rather have toast. Under any circumstances. But you know, people come to be fed a lot around here and on occasion, they… Continue reading Marie Callenders Biscuit Mix Review

Broadbent Hams Review – Legendary Kentucky Producer

I love ham. Good ham. Not that chopped, pressed and formed in a slurry, pushed thru a mold deli slices like at Subway or grocery deli counters. No, honest to goodness hog muscle, carefully cured and aged. I’ve driven the backroads of Kentucky, Virginia and other states in search of small producers. I’ve had the pleasure of consuming ‘melt… Continue reading Broadbent Hams Review – Legendary Kentucky Producer

Rics Dog Gone Good Food Review –

I’m on a roll, lately I’ve hit quite a number of places that have exceeded my expectations, and there’s nothing wrong with that, at all! Yesterday was no exception, when I was out in the NW Chicago burbs surveying changes that have occurred since we first moved to the idyllic town of Barrington in 1987.… Continue reading Rics Dog Gone Good Food Review –

Milwaukee Burger Company Review – Milwaukee, WI

I don’t read reviews before I go to a restaurant. I know, that’s odd for someone who regularly writes them, but I want my experience to be my own, not influenced by someone else’s observations. And so many are bogus, anyway, aren’t they? I wonder what kind of person it takes to completely trash a… Continue reading Milwaukee Burger Company Review – Milwaukee, WI

KFC Georgia and Nashville Chicken Review – Nationwide

I’ve always been impressed at the vertical/horizontal menu expansions at Yum Brands restaurants (Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, KFC). Yum (formerly Trincon) was born in 1997 as a spin-off from Pepsi, who previously operated these businesses as the Pepsi fast food division. They’ve flirted with expansion, acquiring and spinning Long John Silvers / A&W, and with… Continue reading KFC Georgia and Nashville Chicken Review – Nationwide

Tommys Red Hots Review – Suburban Chicago

Tommys started in 1980 and has expanded to six stores in the Northern and Northwestern Suburbs of Chicago.  They offer a very lengthy, typical “Chicago menu,” with hot dogs, burgers, Italian beef, fried food and pizza. I’ve driven by a couple of Tommy’s many times, have never stopped by, because frankly, the exteriors look a… Continue reading Tommys Red Hots Review – Suburban Chicago