I’ve written a whole lot about the products from Cincinnati-based Advance Pierre, the premiere “heat and eat” and “gas station sandwich” maker in the U.S. Often, besides in vending and C-stores, you’ll find their frozen products at dollar stores. You know how much I love chicken fried steak? I’ve tried it all over the country, both… Continue reading Circle A Ranch Country Fried Beef
Kojaks Review – Cary, IL
One of hundreds (thousands) of independent “hot dog” (for lack of a better description) stands, Kojaks, in the Chicago NW suburb of Cary, serves satisfying Chicago staples, cooked to order, at value pricing. Dogs, sausage, burgers, gyros with the proper side dishes, and an expanded menu that includes items beyond what most of its competitors… Continue reading Kojaks Review – Cary, IL
National Hot Dog Day at Meatheads
July 23 each year is designated as “National Hot Dog Day,” (July is National Hot Dog Month!) and why not? Each summer, during the “hot dog season” Americans consume 7 billion (yes, with a “B”) hot dogs between Memorial and Labor Day. Meatheads, a fast growing burger chain in the Chicago area, serves their hot… Continue reading National Hot Dog Day at Meatheads
For Love of the Game – Minor League Baseball
Few people that know me, know that I love going to baseball games – provided they are played in an outdoor stadium in pleasant weather. But major league baseball lost its appeal some years ago, and now I limit my attendance to minor league games, the A, AA, and AAA affiliates of the ‘bigs,” and… Continue reading For Love of the Game – Minor League Baseball
Kim’s Key Lime Gourmet Cookies Review
As sweet and intense as the recollection of my first kiss is my memory of the first (and second) time I ever tasted Key Lime Pie. I was attending a broadcaster’s convention at the fabulous Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach. I was wasting a little time between sessions and stopped for a cup of coffee,… Continue reading Kim’s Key Lime Gourmet Cookies Review
Tulkoff Spicy Kimchi Aioli
Kimchi is the national dish of Korea, a melange of fermented vegetables, primarily cabbage, seasoned with garlic, cilantro, scallions and radish. It has been around since ancient times. The original “aioli” is like mayonnaise, an emulsion of egg yolk, oil, and garlic. It is thought to have originated in Provence, France. There are many variations… Continue reading Tulkoff Spicy Kimchi Aioli
Kookers Review – Barrington, IL
I am one of the world’s biggest fans of mom and pop businesses of any ilk, and that goes double for the restaurant biz, a segment so terribly difficult even under the best of circumstances. Kookers has served the posh Chicago suburb of Barrington for at least thirty years, that I am aware of, perched… Continue reading Kookers Review – Barrington, IL
Pepper Park Coffee Review – Barrington, IL
I admire anyone who starts a business from scratch; I’ve done it several times, and I know a whole lot about the pitfalls, anticipated and unanticipated, that can crop up. I double dog admire anyone who starts a business in a crowded space like coffee, but the nice folks at Pepper Park Coffee were apparently… Continue reading Pepper Park Coffee Review – Barrington, IL
Microwave Magic Cookware – New Product
Kim Harvey may well be the woman of my dreams – inventor, entrepreneur, kitchen magician, bakery brainiac, yard yoda – she has all the bases covered. Ms Harvey reached out and asked me if I’d like to try out her “Microwave Magic” cookware – patented technology to cook burgers (and other foods) in your microwave in minutes.… Continue reading Microwave Magic Cookware – New Product
Dairy Mart Review – Huntley, IL
While certainly not a “Midwest thing,” independent burger shops seem to have a better record of longevity in the Midwest than other parts of the country I have traveled through. The “Dairy Mart” in Huntley, IL, about 50 miles west of Chicago, is one such local institution. Serving all the Chicago favorites, hot dogs,… Continue reading Dairy Mart Review – Huntley, IL