One Buffet Review- Hibachi, Grill, Sushi, Crystal Lake, IL

(April 2016 Update – it is now “Asian Buffet” no idea what these name changes are all about). (September 2015 Update – it is now “Top Buffet,” I cannot say whether it is different than the previous version).  (Now back to our old review). I love Asian buffets, even though I lived in China for… Continue reading One Buffet Review- Hibachi, Grill, Sushi, Crystal Lake, IL

Algonquin, IL – Riverview Tavern

“Since 1936” the sign out front says. This is a big endorsement for me, usually, if a place has been around that long, they must be doing something right. Right? Used to be I chose restaurants based solely on another sign criteria: “most credit cards accepted.” But these days my standards are different. The Riverview… Continue reading Algonquin, IL – Riverview Tavern

Algonquin, IL – Dante’s Burgers & Red Hots

(From 2014 on, no more burgers or dogs.  This is now a Mexican restaurant). Been meaning to get out to Dante’s, but it’s a trek from the city. Rumor has it, rumor has it (Mrs. BDB’s favorite song) that Dante’s has the best fries in the NW burbs. You’ll get no argument from me on… Continue reading Algonquin, IL – Dante’s Burgers & Red Hots

Kettle River, MN – Tower Tap & Restaurant

Kettle River Minnesota lies beside the Kettle River, and was settled by Finnish immigrants in the years just prior to WW 1, and their influence is still noticeable today. Every summer, the good folk of Kettle River hosts Ma & Pa Kettle, which includes street dances, a pancake breakfast, the Miss Kettle River pageant, and… Continue reading Kettle River, MN – Tower Tap & Restaurant

Chicago, IL – Elephant & Castle Restaurant and Pub

Hailing  out of Vancouver, BC, originally, Elephant & Castle is a fast casual restaurant and bar chain with locations in major cities across the US and Canada. It’s named after a major road intersection in Central London. The company is currently based out of Boston, MA. Burgerdogdaughter checked out the pub; the  menu features “woosed… Continue reading Chicago, IL – Elephant & Castle Restaurant and Pub

Home Cookin’ – Old Wisconsin Polish Sausage

Unless you count wieners as sausage, Polish are my favorite smoked sausage product.  My mother’s idea of a barbecue was a combo of two sets of links on the grill (which my father manned), bratwurst and something called “dinner franks.”   I liked the latter, never cared for the former.   Bratwurst to me are… Continue reading Home Cookin’ – Old Wisconsin Polish Sausage

Home Cookin’ – Gino’s East Frozen Thin Crust Sausage and Pepperoni Pizza

I’ve tested this one before, in my smackdown of local Chicago frozen pizzas.  This time around, it’s the Sausage and Pepperoni combo.  Gino’s East has some serious Chicago history behind it.  A couple of Chicago taxi drivers,  Sam Levine and Fred Bartoli, and a friend, George Loverde, opened Gino’s East just off the Magnificent Mile, or… Continue reading Home Cookin’ – Gino’s East Frozen Thin Crust Sausage and Pepperoni Pizza

Arlington Heights, IL – Gabutto Burger & Santouka Ramen

Some great friends of mine here in Portland started a Japanese inspired hot dog cart, called Domo Dogs. It was great. But I had never heard of a Japanese burger (except in my trips to Japan, of course). I saw this place a couple trips ago in the Chicago area and resolved to try it… Continue reading Arlington Heights, IL – Gabutto Burger & Santouka Ramen