I used to work for a company that was owned by a reclusive jillionaire. My office was in Europe, but I maintained a household in the Chicago area that I would escape to on occasion. On one of those occasions, I got a call from a couple of my superiors at the company, direct connections… Continue reading Schaumburg, IL – To Pho Review
Category: Ham & Bacon
Jones Canadian Bacon Review
Growing up within spitting distance of Canada, I never gave much thought to “Canadian Bacon” as a kid; we had it quite frequently, I just figured my parents smuggled it in from Ontario like they used to have to buy bootleg margarine in Michigan. I rarely buy it for home use, I generally find it… Continue reading Jones Canadian Bacon Review
Crystal Lake, IL – Andys Family Restaurant Review
Landing at O’Hare after an overnight flight from Honolulu, I was starving. Why didn’t I eat on the plane? Conked out on the new lie flat seat/beds in first class, very comfy, a little too comfy. Was heading from Chicago to Madison, so I thought I’d stop en route and get a tasty breakfast on… Continue reading Crystal Lake, IL – Andys Family Restaurant Review
Iowa Machine Shed Review
“Dedicated to the American Farmer” – was the slogan of a restaurant we used to pop into in Davenport Iowa. The “Iowa Machine Shed”, just outside of town, served wholesome American food in large quantities. We had moved to Davenport to build the first radio station I owned. Back in Marconi days. Today… Continue reading Iowa Machine Shed Review
Eckrich Lil Smokies Review
I’m a fiend for “little smokies” – give me a mess of good quality, fine tasting ones, and I’ll pass on the rest of breakfast. You never see them on a restaurant menus, not really sure why. Like all pork (and meat in general) products, they have gotten really spendy lately, pushing over $6 a… Continue reading Eckrich Lil Smokies Review
Springfield, IL – Charlie Parkers Diner Review
Three things Springfield, Illinois is known for, not in order of any particular importance: possibly the birthplace of the corn dog; home of the locally famous horseshoe sandwich; and some dead president with a big hat. My reason for stopping was to grab a breakfast horseshoe, Texas toast on a plate, with your choice of… Continue reading Springfield, IL – Charlie Parkers Diner Review
Scott Petersen Bacon Review
Scott Petersen, part of the Specialty Foods Group of Owensboro, KY, is an old line meat manufacturer from Chicago marketed nationwide. The brand makes hot dogs, bologna, lunch meat, and bacon. I haven’t tried the hot dogs, a line that is solely of the skinless variety, and while they do have an all beef… Continue reading Scott Petersen Bacon Review
Cadillac Ranch Review
Cadillac Ranch was spawned a few years ago outside of Washington DC, and is on a fast growth track with five restaurants in the East and one outlet at the Mall of America in suburban Minneapolis. Their aim is to bring great from scratch food in a fun rock and roll atmosphere. The menu features… Continue reading Cadillac Ranch Review
Duluth, MN – Restaurant 301 Review
A few years back, a newly built luxe hotel went up in Duluth, a mid-rise Sheraton at the eastern end of downtown. It’s across 3rd Avenue from the former Hotel Duluth, which opened with 500 rooms in 1925. The lobby and dining rooms were very ornate, heavily decorated in a Moorish style. While Duluth has many… Continue reading Duluth, MN – Restaurant 301 Review
Black River Falls, WI – Mocha Mouse Review
Toodling up I-94 in Wisconsin, one runs into a raft of cheese chops and cranberry emporiums. About halfway between Madison and Eau Claire sits the burg of Black River Falls, and off the interstate you’ll find the Mocha Mouse, a fairly unique combination of retailer, with a cheese shop, wine, locally made canned goods, gifts,… Continue reading Black River Falls, WI – Mocha Mouse Review