Buena Vista Restaurant Review – Algonquin, IL

I rarely go out for Mexican food; exception would be if I’m deep in an area of a big city with a heavy Mexican population. Traveling the world, you get spoiled on “authentic” cuisine and disappointed about the Americanized version of same. At least I do.  Same after I lived in China.  Never been in… Continue reading Buena Vista Restaurant Review – Algonquin, IL

Otto and Anitas Bavarian Review, Portland, OR

I’ve lived a lot of places in my life, but nowhere til now where you could imbibe in multiple versions of a schnitzelwich! And despite my world travels, I don’t think I ever recall seeing “dill pickle soup” anywhere – where has this been all my life?!?!? Otto and Anita’s, a smallish place (but the… Continue reading Otto and Anitas Bavarian Review, Portland, OR

Basils Pizza Review, an Homage to Joe Szabo (Northfield, MN)

40 years ago, it was called “Bill’s,” and it was in the same location.  Hasn’t changed much, same counter, same booths, now fairly worn, the faux leather brittle with age.  The home-spun murals of scenes of Italy on the walls are fading. But would the pizza hold up?   Did we love it because it was… Continue reading Basils Pizza Review, an Homage to Joe Szabo (Northfield, MN)

Nationwide – Arbys Reuben Sandwich Review

I clearly remember my first visit to an Arby’s, it was in the area of Minneapolis surrounding the U of M, and at that time, they had a glass enclosed “oven” in the middle of the dining room where the ‘roasts’ were cooking (at least that’s what I remember). Arby’s was founded in Boardman, Ohio, in… Continue reading Nationwide – Arbys Reuben Sandwich Review

Frozen Pizza Review – Green Mill

Suzy Applebaum introduced me to the Green Mill;  we were both employed at KSTP in Minneapolis- St. Paul, and I had asked her to go to lunch.  She suggested the Green Mill.  At the time, it was a small bar on Hamline Avenue in St. Paul that specialized in deep dish pizza.  It had opened… Continue reading Frozen Pizza Review – Green Mill

Love Tapenade, But Not the Price? Cheap and Easy Recipe

I love green olive tapenade, but the price makes me shudder, usually around $5 or $6 for a small jar. I discovered an easy way to remedy this situation, which I will share with you. I have a cheap, easy, way to make it at home. Preparation time:  5 minutes Ingredients: 1  jar salad olives… Continue reading Love Tapenade, But Not the Price? Cheap and Easy Recipe