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

Perfect Brunch Recipe Reuben Strata

You may have made a strata before, it’s sorta like quiche, but because of its construction, opens up other flavor possibilities.  One of my favorites is to make a “Reuben” strata, which is a perfect alternative brunch recipe.  Here’s the dope. Ingredients 8 slices hearty rye bread, crusts removed 2 cups milk or half and… Continue reading Perfect Brunch Recipe Reuben Strata

Steak N Shake Shooters Review

Started in Normal, IL, in 1934 by  ex marine Gus Belt, Steak N Shake is so named for its focus on ‘steakburgers’ and milk shakes. The marketing slogan “in sight it must be right” referred to the fact that originally, the beef was ground in plain sight of the customers, and originally was a grind… Continue reading Steak N Shake Shooters Review

New Orleans – St. Charles Tavern Review

For as crazy as New Orleans can get, as long as I lived there, it was never a late night dining town.  Having exhausted all your energy in the Quarter, and not in the mood for an overpriced slice of pizza, one was left with few choices for satisfying cuisine.  I love diners, and my… Continue reading New Orleans – St. Charles Tavern 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

New Orleans, LA – Morning Call Restaurant Review

The “official state donut” of the State of Louisiana, the beignet (ben-yaa) has become synonymous with the stereotypical tourist stop in New Orleans at a joint in the French Quarter called “Cafe du Monde.”  The pastries, developed by French bakers, use a type of dough that rises due to its own steam, rather than from… Continue reading New Orleans, LA – Morning Call Restaurant 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

Eckrich Lil Smokes Review

I’m a fiend for “little smokies’ as a breakfast meat.  Give me enough of them of good quality, and I’ll skip the eggs, toast, and potatoes. You never see them on restaurant menus, though I don’t know why. My personal preference is for the all beef variety, though I am motivated by price point too,… Continue reading Eckrich Lil Smokes Review

Banquet Boneless Pork Rib Review

Let’s file this one under two categories: 1) “things I’ve tried so you don’t have to”, and 2) “I don’t like ribs.”   I just never have liked ribs, though some other barbecue treats are a delight to me.   Funny, cause Mrs. Burgerdogboy can pack away multiple slabs at a time, and like a… Continue reading Banquet Boneless Pork Rib Review