Jun 28, 2009

Bulldogs, Batavia IL - June 28

Rating - 9.997

This is old Chicago Char House - the new owners have changed the name. The menu stays the same, as do the awesome beef's. As mentioned last week, the place has been painted and is significantly cleaner.

But the food is still AWESOME and a great value. Best of all its located right off the bike path.

I had the usual today, #3, the beef, fries and a drink.

Total - 7.51

Stockholm's, Genve IL - June 27

Rating - 10.000

This is a GREAT place. We stopped in first for a quick drink before a daughter's dance performance at Swedish Days -
1 Franz 6.25
1 Beancott Sauv Blc 8.00
Total 14.25

Then we came back for dinner with the kids. Mike got us a table right away at 6:45 pm. The service is always excellent, and the food is simply unbelievable for a corner bar.

Excellent place to bring the kids, or to go on "date night".

1 kid chicken 4.00
1 kid gr cheese 4.00
1 lobster cobb 13.99 (Katie's favorite salad)
1 fillet Mignon sand 12.49 (my favorite -- its so damn good)
1 side fries 2.25
1 lemonade 2.00
1 kid smiley fries 2.00
1 glass 2.00
2 franz 12.50
2 Dynamite sauv blc 15.50
1 Lite 3.25

Total - 79.52

306 W State St
Geneva, IL 60134-2103
(630) 208-7070‎

Riva, Naperville IL - June 26

Rating - 9.110

We love to go here for a drink after dinner, they usually have a small live band (jazz mostly), a nice bar with good drinks (it also helps there are 3 tvs tuned to sports behind the bar), and a great bartender (Neil).

However, we learned that Calamos is taking over the space and on July 1 will turn it into the City Gate Grille - remodel and reopen. Neil was not too hot on it since they want to run it "like a business".

We don't know what the new ownership will mean, but I hope they can do more to involve the beautiful outdoor patio, maybe put a bathroom upstairs), and take the focus away from the horrible view of I88 out the big windows.

We like the new chef, and service is always great.

Katie also thinks they make the BEST chocolate martini in town!

1 skinny choc tini 12.00
1 Absolute soda 6.75
1 Becks 4.75
2 UFO 12.00

Total - 38.43

2020 Calamos Ct # 100Naperville, IL 60563-2798
(630) 718-1010‎

Joey's Capri Inc, Naperville IL - June 26

Rating - 8.99

THEY ARE BACK. After a split with the family, the former Capri at City Gate (Calamos building) is back under Joe's leadership in Naperville at the location of the former "Spatz". In fact, Joe has the entire building and has the beef joint next store (we have not eaten there, but walked over and it is really clean and really nice).

Back to Capri. They have a hearing for their liquor license tomorrow, and if they had it the rating would have been in the high nines. We had ordered the bacon wrapped scallops, and the waiter brought out a home made sausage patty in a great sauce --- it was so good I wanted it for my entree!!!! The scallops were very good and we ordered our favorite entrees - Katie had a salad and the home made rigatoni with Vodka sauce and I had the chicken parm. Both dishes were a bit different than in the old place, but were very good (we finished the left overs tonight).

We finished with a chocolate cannoli that was fabulous!!!

I am so glad they are back. You cant beat the service, food, or value. Best of all they make you feel so welcome its like you are a guest in their home.

Scallops app 15.95
Special food 18.00
Special food 9.00
Chicken Parm 14.95
Rigatoni 16.95

Total - 82.34

28331 Dodge DrWarrenville, IL 60555-1071
(630) 393-9545‎

Jun 26, 2009

Admirals Club, St Louis MO - June 25

Rating - 7.2

So my flight from Boston to Chicago had to divert to St Louis to switch planes........however, the St Louis airport is basically a ghost town now and only a few gates were full as I walked to the Admirals club. It is showing its age, used to be a crown jewel in the TWA days, but now is mostly empty....only 3 other people in the club (it was 8 pm when I arrived).

2 Bud Light Btl 11.00

Jun 25, 2009

Hyatt Harborside, Boston MA - June 25

Rating - 10.00

This was another stay that exceeded my expectations. The staff is so friendly here and everyone goes out of their way to make sure you have everything you need. And they do it with a smile.

I love the view of the city and cant believe how quiet the rooms are (its located on the airport grounds). Internet connection worked fine this time.

Fitness center is great (no one in it at 9 am). I also love taking the water taxi across the harbor.

Still have not tried the restaurant.

Stay here!

Room rate was - $239.00 (before taxes)

Brandy Pete's, Boston MA - June 25

Rating - 9.41

Excellent spot for a business lunch on a Thursday afternoon in Boston. We arrived around 11:45 and immediately got a seat on the outdoor patio....within 15 minutes it was full and there was a wait.

Our waitress was spectacular, even with a bunch of tables to handle, she was friendly and quick to refill drinks. I had the chowdah (excellent) and the french dip (outstanding). The french dip was so big that I couldn't finish it.

The atmosphere was great, it was a beautiful day, and I could have conversation without there being too much/too little noise. Just right.

The service was so good that we were out in 45 minutes which was perfect for both of us.

I will return!


1 Special Lemonade (Arnold Palmer) 2.75
1 Diet Coke 2.50
1 Cup Du Jour 4.00
1 Cup Chowdah 4.50
1 crab cakes 14.95
1 french Dip 11.95

Total - 42.68


265 Franklin Street
617-439-4165

Lo Conte's, Boston MA - June 24

***FAVORITE ALERT**** ***FAVORITE ALERT*** ***FAVORITE ALERT***

Rating - 10.00 - PERFECT!!!!

This is the BEST restaurant in the North End, and it is probably the best restaurant on the entire planet, HAVE DINNER HERE. The service is exceptional, the food is GREAT, and it is very affordable. Of all the places I go to through out the US this is my favorite for dinner.

Perfect spot to take clients, meet friends, or take the family. Nothing is missed here, and Chris (the owner) is a great guy. He is friendly, really cares that you have a great time, and will do anything to make sure your dinner is special.

Make sure you ask for Mario to wait on you, and tell them I sent you.

On this visit we had seven hungry and thirsty guys....

1 fried Calamari 12.95
1 Bruschetti 6.95
2 Gnocci Spezatin 43.90
4 Chicken Parm 75.80
2 Shrimp Scampi App 11.95
5 Peroni 29.75
2 Cabernet Nappa 96.00

Total - 291.25

116 Salem StBoston, MA 02113-1706
(617) 720-3550‎
(617) 720-0339‎
locontes.com

Bacco Restaurant, Boston MA - June 24

Rating - 8.6

We had 7 people here for a few drinks before dinner in the North End. I had been in here once before for a few beers after dinner and loved it.

They have a great bar, granite topped with about 20 stools on it. Bartenders are great, very friendly and quick to deliver a drink or refill a glass. The atmosphere in here is awesome for a group of people, not too quite and not that loud.

The beers are cold, reasonably priced, and they had 1/2 price apps (that were excellent). I would love to have dinner here, but you HAVE to eat at Lo Contes.

This is a must stop for a drink before/after dinner. LOVE IT!!

8 Peroni 40.00
3 Paulander Hef 15.00
2 Happy Hour App 10.00
1 Soda 2.50
1 dewars 7.00

Total - 78.10

107 Salem StBoston, MA 02113-2227
(617) 624-0454‎bacconorthend.com

Annabelle's Natural Ice Cream, Portsmouth NH - June 24

Rating - 9.9999

Stopped in after a meeting in town and it blew me away how good it was....and how cheap. Great service, neat space, and located right next to the harbor.

Excellent cone.....I had the double chocolate and it was exceptional. Plus, the shop itself is really neat.

Located near the harbor in Portsmouth......which by the way is a really neat little New England town. Unfortunately I was there for one meeting and had to leave right after to get back into Boston, but I would have loved to have had a beer in one of the outdoor beer gardens on the harbor!

Total - $7.00 for 3 cones

49 Ceres StPortsmouth, NH 03801-3759
(603) 436-3400‎

Jun 22, 2009

Jerseys Pizza and Grill

Rating - 9.44

What a great place to sit and watch the second round of the US Open while it was pouring rain outside. It is a friendly neighborhood bar/restaurant with plenty of tvs and decent food.

I arrived around 4:30 on Friday afternoon and joined the Maggi who was sitting at the bar. We had a very nice ice cold beer and ordered some apps. The skins were marginal, but the boneless wings were excellent. I really enjoyed the excellent service from the bartenders, beers were always cold and never empty for long!

I didn't think the pizza was that great, but i did enjoy the boneless wings again. I also loved the Hofbrau beer.

Only downside was when the storm was so strong that the Direct TV feed went out for about 20 minutes....what did people do on rainy Fridays during the US Open before there sports bars.

This is a favorite place to go, and is VERY kid friendly.

2360 Lakewood Blvd, Hoffman Estates

2 Hein Light 9.00
1 Hacker Pschorr 4.75
1 Potato Skins 4.99
2 Boneless Wings 15.98
1 16 oz Sam Adams 3.25
6 Molson 24.00
3 Hofbrau Weiss 15.00
1 12" Pizza 11.99
Sausage 1.25
Extra Cheese 1.25

Total - 95.72

Jun 19, 2009

Char House, Batavia IL - June 14

Rating - 9.999999

What a great dog/beef joint this is in Batavia. They are located in the center of the city, on the river in a strip mall by the Batavia Creamery/Pizza Hut, and just down the street from the police station and MacDonald's.

The old owner sold the place to Al and Jim and the only thing that has changed is that it is cleaner! We ride our bikes on the trail every Sunday and have lunch here. Our kids love it almost as much as we do!!

Excellent food and an incredible value!!!

I almost always get the beef value meal (fries are awesome), Katie gets the tuna melt, a kids grilled cheese (outstanding) and chicken nuggets.

Worth the drive even if you don't live in Batavia.

Total for the 5 of us - $22.53, cant beat it.

PS. My most recent receipt has a new name of "Bulldogs" on it.......and the first one I got said Lukes of Lake Bld (Jim and Al own some other joints in Chicago)

Millers Pub, Chicago IL - June 18

Rating - 10.0

This is a favorite south Loop restaurant for lunch....can always get a table or a seat at the bar.

We arrived around noon on Friday (2 of us) were promptly seated in a booth, waitress was right there for drink and food order. I got the bacon cheese burger and it was EXCELLENT!!! Also, we waited less than 10 minutes to be served. Great place to have a conversation.

Interesting crowd: mothers with strollers, retirees, business people in suites, and construction workers - everyone gets along and the place has a great vibe.

Try it!

Lucky's Lounge, Boston - June 17

Rating - 9.66

We took a customer here at their request. Arrived around 5:30 on a Thursday and the place was crowded and we got the last two seats at the bar. Its really a neat place, down a flight of stairs and it just has a cool decor and a great vibe to it. I guess they have bands on many nights, but I enjoyed the top notch service, cold drinks, and atmosphere.

It was easy to have a conversation, and when speaking it was not so quiet that everyone could here.

Try it!

355 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02110
(617) 357-5825

Sam Adam Seasonal - Draft (3 @ 5.00) 15.00
Patron Silver Margarita (2 @ 13.00) 27.00
Schneider Weiss (3 @ 8.00) 24.00
Dewars (3 @ 7.50) 22.50

Total - 88.50

Boston Airport Water Taxi, Boston - June 17

Rating - 8.0

This is a GREAT way to see the harbor and a wonderful value to travel from Logan (or the Hyatt Harborside) to the financial district (its an 8 minute trip). They also go to 32 other stops in the Harbor, but I just went back and forth to the fin district two times.

Nice thing is that you can call about 5 minutes before you need them and they will meet you on the dock. Comparable taxi is about $20 on way, and this $17 round trip - $10 one way (kids under 12 are free). In addition, I found all of the Captains to be very friendly and knowledgeable of local landmarks.

Only warning is trying to get picked-up around dinner. Many of the people who stay at the Hyatt or Hilton airport hotels want to go into the city for dinner so the wait is MUCH LONGER to get picked-up (about 20 minutes) and you will most likely make a stop and not go direct.

I guess there are a few licensed operators, but I really like the guys at 617-422-0392

Bakey's, Boston MA - June 17

Rating 10.1

It is the FIRST place I have ever rated higher than an 10....not only is the food outstanding, but Hedi behind the bar makes this a "must stop" when in the financial district for lunch. If you are having a rough day, stop in for a bowl of chowder and a chat with her. She has the BEST personality and will leave you with a smile on your face.

As for the food it is so good I am glad I don't live here. I would weigh a lot if I had lunch here every day!

Not only is the chowder outstanding, the sandwiches are HUGE and fresh.....its so good I am glad I am going back tomorrow. I have never been disappointed when eating here.

We met someone for a business meeting at noon, sat at the bar, and really enjoyed ourselves. I have been in here once after work for a beer and it was kind of dead, but it hops at lunch. Mainly a business crowd in suites, its great for a friendly conversation.

For once someone else paid the bill!!

Jun 17, 2009

Panera Bread, 200 High Street, Boston MA - June 17

Rating - 2.4

It is located right in the heart of the financial district, but it has a strange set up. It is a beautiful day, but the tables outside are "not open" - don't understand what that means - and it is HOT inside the restaurant.

I ordered the breakfast sandwich and it is not good, just sausage/egg/cheese, but the bagel is burnt and it doesn't taste right. Service not that great either....manager took my order and it seemed like he was much too busy to provide a smile.

Strange set up to get hot tea also.

Will not return.

1 breakfast sand 3.59
hot tea 1.69

Total - 5.54

Jun 16, 2009

Haytt Harborside, Boston MA - June 16

Rating - 9.6

Something incredible happened on the day of my arrival, I actually got a phone call from Kelly Merkan (who was very friendly and genuine) asking when I arrived so my room would be ready--- in all my years of travel I have NEVER had a property proactively call me.....

The location is at the airport, and there is a water shuttle located at the back of the property that takes you to the financial district.

The property is SPECTACULAR, unbelievable view of the Boston skyline (who would have thought the skyline was spectacular???) from across the bay. When you enter the property its all windows in the back, so that is the first thing you see. There is a bar/restaurant that overlooks the windows, and better yet there is an outdoor brick paver patio that sits on the water.....I wish I had time for a few cocktails there.

I was blown away when I arrived, not only did the front office manager (Matt) introduce himself and welcome me, Lauren who helped me at check in let me know I had been put in the Presidential Suite. It helps to meet the top dogs at Hyatt! Had a nice personal note from Bruce McDonald, the GM, those little things really mean a lot when its a different room in a different city every week.

The room is awesome. Main room has a fireplace, tv over it, and large windows facing the city on each side. The bedroom is large, and the bathroom is huge (tv over the toilet--Sports Center in the am!).

Only downside is that I cant get the in room wifi to work, and when I hit the "Internet assistance" button the phone it rings and rings with no answer. Good thing for wireless cards.

Went down to the gym. Its kind of "old school", located right next to the pool. There are 3 ellipticals, and 3 tread mills, some machines, and a rack of dumbbells with one adjustable bench. Serviceable, but probably tough to get on cardio machines when the place is full. In addition, its kind of weird that the cardio machines look into the pool area, instead of at the skyline (you could put the machines against the pool wall) as its strange to be on the elliptical while watching some large people swim.

Best way to get into the financial district is to use the water taxi........$17 round trip and you call them and they will pick you up. I enjoyed this so much I have to write a separate entry.

Only downside was waiting for the shuttle bus to get me to the airport........after a 20 minute wait I ended up getting the Domino's Pizza driver to drop me at departure gate for $10.....actually a pretty funny travel story.

I believe my rate was $199

Hyatt - Jeff Zidell, VP Gold Passport, Chicago IL - June

Jeff is a great guy who took time to meet me for breakfast and listen to me BITCH about Hyatt in general. I have to do a rating of the properties I have stayed at in the past year, but I had a horrible experience almost every time at the San Fran Grand, and I worked my way up to him.

Not really what he is responsible, but I really appreciated that he took the time to listen to me.

The odd thing (probably not) is that ever since we spoke, I have been getting exceptional service from the properties. In fact on of my favorite place in the country to stay is the Hilton in the financial district in Boston - but I am not staying there tonight because the rate was $425, so i decided to try the Hyatt Harbor side. I received a call from them today (on day of check in) to see when I was arriving so my room would be ready if I got in early -- I have NEVER had a property reach out proactively like that before. And on my trip to San Fran last week I had the executive suite the night before I met him (he swore he didn't set me up, but I don't believe it).

If Hyatt treats their Diamond members like this all the time there would be no reason to stay anywhere else. I am at the cross roads because I am done with Hilton, and Hyatt doesn't have properties everywhere, so my options are Starwood or Marriott, or Hyatt.

I am leaning tword Hyatt.........

Amtrak 2168 Acela Express, Philadelipha to Boston - June 16

Rating - 9.996

This so beats traveling via plane between Philly and Boston. I could have had an 1 1/2 hour flight on US Air for $560 since SWA doesn't start flying there until August. The train was just $160, plus $103 for upgrade to first, so for $263 you can't beat it....no security....no delays....no crabby flight attendants yelling at you to get in your seat and stow your bags.

Sitting in first on this train is ok, no better really than their standard coach. The car behind us in the "quiet car" no talking/cell phone usage........NICE. So there are probably 25 seats up here, two servers who are very attentive (it is common to tip them as you leave). Food is marginal, but drinks are free (for once, I am not drinking). I just walked back to the food/bar cart, the prices are very reasonable.....$6 for turkey sand, $5 for a Heiny, $2 for soft drink. I just upgraded because its 5 1/2 hours on the train.

I would never fly between cities on East coast again, i have had several miserable air delays due to weather.

Dinner - had to go with a dog.
Hot dog - 3.95
Utz Chips 1.75

Total - 5.70 -- how do you beat that?

AA 1248 - ORD to PHL, June 16

Rating - .000000000000000000000000000000001

The only reason it is positive is because the service up front was great, and the pilot did a pretty job with communication.

This flight was to depart at 6:20 am, we left at about 8:20. Something was wrong with the landing gear, they tried to fix it, and we ended switching planes all together. Best thing was the pilot kept us up-to-date and said he hoped we switched planes before we did.....he was honest. That was all i could ask for.

Plane was mostly empty, and needless to say I missed my first appointment by 1/2 hour.

Cab to downtown Philly is 28.50 -- on the high side for sure, but they all accept credit cards which is great - they default to 20% tip so I am sure cabbies love that.

Time to fly SWA here.

Del Friscos #8680, Philadelphia PA - June 16

Rating - 9.723

A really neat place in the heart of downtown Philly, located in an old bank building. We had a business lunch with 5 of us total (all male), we fit in very nicely in suit and tie, and really enjoyed the experience. It was the customers choice.

The wait staff (let me see how to say this PC) was stunning, fish net stockings and very beautiful....in addition, they were friendly and service was excellent. Drinks were served in small glasses, but were always full, salads/apps were right out, and presentation was great.

Has a great, friendly, warm atmosphere. Very conductive to a business meeting/presentation. Easy to hear each other, other tables were near by (but on top of us), we could have a conversation but not feel like everyone else could.

When served our entrees a VERY FUNNY thing happened to my partner - he took a bit of his burger and it "exploded" and juice shot onto his white dress shirt. Everyone at the table laughed and the server was right on it, she brought over club soda and one of those bleach sticks immediately. When the manager realized what had happened, he came right over and insisted on paying for the dry cleaning, when my buddy resisted, he said he insisted because "that's what we do". What GREAT SERVICE, with all the travel I do it is the best insistence of going above and beyond to ensure satisfaction. Well done.

We had to leave earlier than our customers due to another appointment, we were probably there for an hour, but it didn't seem like it.

How about the food? Unbelievable sesame bread served first, so good we ate 4 loafs, customer next to me devoured the crab cakes as an app (he would have licked the plate for sure if he could get away with it), and the entrees were great. Squirting burger looked excellent, i had the steak sand and it was pretty plain (without onions or peppers) but steak was great, customer had steak salad and an entire piece of steak was on top, and other two had medallions which looked awesome.

Expensive, but well worth it. Did I mention how great the wait staff looks????/

3 ice tea 8.95
1 diet coke 2.95
1 crab cake 16.95
1 prime burger 12.95
1 clam chowder cup lunch 8.95
1 filet medallions 24.95
1 L. seafood feature #2 25.95
1 steak salad 17.95
1 filet steak sand 17.95

Total - 147.08 (inc taxes).

Go here for a bidness lunch!

Stockholm's, Geneva IL - June 13

Rating - 10.0

We went over at 5:30 on Saturday and got a table right away for the 5 of us.....this is one of our favorites in the Western Suburbs for the family and also to sit at the bar for date night. I have reviewed it many times on this blog, and WE LOVE IT.

I think there are 4 four person tables, 1 two person tables, and then about 5 large sit/stand tables. In addition, when the weather is nice you can sit out back as there are 5-6 round tables with umbrellas.

The service is always GREAT.

I am addicted to the Franz (beer) that they have on tap, however I don't like their micro brews.

Best of all is the FOOD, it is SPECTACULAR!!!

We had kids chicken nuggets, kid's grilled cheese, fries only for the little guy, I had the fillet steak sandwich (excellent) with great fries, dad had the fish sandwich - not only did it look GREAT, it was huge. 5 Franz beers, tip and Total of $81.70.

Great value, service, food and beer.

Rivers Euro American Bistro, Chicago - June 11

Rating - 2.7

I met a customer here for breakfast on a Thursday morning at 8 am. There was no one at the host stand, and almost no one in the restaurant. It had an odd feeling to it, like they should not really be open for breakfast. I have had a few beers on their patio, and I loved that. Never again for breakfast.

Not a good place for a business meal, it was too quiet and "dead". No excitement. The waiter tried hard, but service was pretty crappy. The food was similar (although my buddy Jeff said his was good). I had the scrambled with breakfast potato's, sausage and bacon. Bacon was crispy and good (how could it not be), sausage was like a hockey puck (maybe not that good) and eggs were marginal.

I couldn't wait to leave.

They are located in the old Merc building, very close to Union Station and Olgivy...have a beer here, NOT BREAKFAST.

1 hot tea 2.95
1 2 -egg special 7.95
1 salmon scramble 9.75

Subtotal = 23.00

Total - $27.00 (including tip)

Bally's South San Francisco - June 10

Rating - 8.88

I had time to kill before a flight out of SFO, so I used the GPS in my rental to find the nearest to the airport. This is a five minute drive located in a strip mall next to a Safeway grocery store, street address is 180 El Caminio, South San Fran.

I bought a lock (5.99) and towel (3.99) for $10.90 and got after it. It is a great facility, clean and large (more the old school Bally's). Great free wight area and plenty of cardio (elliptical and treadmills). It is a place all about getting a serious work-out in. Excellent modern equipment and friendly staff.

Great place to get in a workout before a flight!

Parcel 104 @ The Marriott, Santa Clara, CA - June 10

Rating 9.2

Located in the Santa Clara Marriott.

This was a great spot to take a customer for lunch. Only downside is the parking lot is a bit of a hike from restaurant (located near the hotel lobby), but service was impeccable - not too overbearing, but always there. The decor is very "hotel-like", but the food is outstanding. There were three of use and I had the Halibut -- cooked to perfection, lite, and with great taste. The other two devoured theirs also.

The best part was a good mix of business and leisure travelers. It was easy to have a conversation, and yet there were enough people present to create a relaxed, easy atmosphere (ie. not too quite).

I would return here again in a second.

2 soft drink 6.00
1 arnold palmer 4.50
2 steak 48.00
1 Halibut 23.00

Total - 89.04

Total $107.04 (including tip)

Phone is 408-970-6104

Jun 10, 2009

Hyatt at Fishermans Warf, San Francisco - June 9

Rating - 10.00

(This may be a record for 10s awarded on a really long travel day, I am usually pretty cranky.)

I arrived around 8:30 pm local time and was greeted by a very polite valet person. He was friendly and directed my inside. The lobby is a bit odd and is set-up in the new fashion without a counter, just a table at check in. The guy working check in was even better than the valet, was incredibly friendly, let me know my room was indeed quite and was in fact upgraded to a suite.

I don't know if my meeting with Jeff Zidell at Hyatt on Thursday has anything to do with it, but it was a great experience.

The room is awesome, and the thing that surprises me is how quite it really is......

I walked into the restaurant/bar and there were quite a few people there, it look nice with several big screens, and a lively atmosphere.

Dustin was GREAT at check out!

I can't stand the Grand Hyatt here, and this really is a great property, I will stay here every time I come to town!!!!

Rio City Cafe, Sacramento CA - June 9

Rating - 4.6

After the parking in SF, this was the low lite of the day. We had a meeting in Sacramento and rather than drive back in traffic, we decided to have a beer and appetizer.

Old Town Sacramento was recommended to us, and to say the least it is not impressive. There is a Joe's Crab Shack and the Rio City Cafe (where we stopped).

The restaurant is very nice, great atmosphere, nice crowd and a beautiful deck that over looks the Sacramento River. However, the river is nothing to look at, and the far side bank is fairly ugly. They had good beer on tap, but the apps were HORRIBLE. I would not like to try any of the entrees.....but it is a good spot for a cocktail outside. Service by Jessica was marginal at best.

As for Old Town Suckramento (to quote Jim Rome), it sucks. Nothing really there, no one on the streets, and they should wipe out all the buildings and start again. OUT.

2 Widmer (a GREAT beer) 9.90
2 Heine drafts 10.50
1 smoked Quesa 8.50 -- this was HORRIBLE, couldn't even finish one
1 Asian Skewers 8.00 -- these were a tiny bit better, but they were burnt, and there were only 4 of them.

Total $38.34 --- NOT WORTH IT

Jun 9, 2009

San Francisco Parking Meters - June 9

Rating - (Negative) 1 Gazillion

Think we have it bad in Chicago? I tried to park on the street by the old Transamerica building (600 Montgomery St) and it was $.25 for 6 minutes.......its not that 2.50 is bad for an hour you just cant carry that many quarters.........and they don't take credit cards.

Parked in a garage for $15 which is still a steal.

In-N-Out Burger, Fairfield CA and The Warf in SF - June 9

Rating - Perfect 10

You cant get anything better than In-N-Out while grabbing something quick........it is so far superior to McDonald's they are not even in same league. All the location are very crowded and busy, but they have the layout done perfectly and it doesn't seem that crowded.

That's right, I ate the same thing in two different cities today.

1 Double cheese
FF (fires)
Drink

Total 6.05 in Fairfield, and $6.78 in SF

Hertz, San Fran Airport location - June 9

Rating 10.00+++

They finally got it right!!!!!! My name was on the board and I had reserved a Malibu but was upgraded to the Infinity Cross over......I was so surprised and happy that I didn't even get that mad when the "everlost" navigation system didn't work in the city.

Had to drive from San Fran to Suckramento and the car was great to drive, only used 1/2 tank of gas driving 80 mph....what a brutal, ugly drive........

Finally Hertz...........THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AA 1341 - Ohare to San Fran, June 9

Rating - 3.1

Wow, what a full flight.....its been a while since I have seen every seat full without a cancelled flight prior to departure!

Only the second flight all year where I was not upgraded, and I was #4 on the list.....but there were a lot of Exec Plat travelers who were sitting around me.

Row 21 (exit) seat E (yes the middle one), it was not that bad for a 4 1/2 hour flight.....tight but manageable enough to pull out the laptop for a while.

Rating is so low because we were delayed leaving ORD and delayed landing at SFO and arrived over 30 minutes late. Tough since I had an appointment to get to.......

Jun 8, 2009

Papa Bear, Aurora IL - June 6

Rating 9.69

This is an old school breakfast place located just north of 88 and Farnsworth. It had been quite a while since I ate there, and afterward I wondered why I had waited so long.

We arrived about 9:15 am on Sunday, were seated immediately, and serviced tea and coffee. Menu is large with a bunch of specials. I ordered the two eggs, b and g, hash browns and it included sausage and bacon. Katie had an omelet with the pancakes. Both meals were daily specials.

Food arrived in about 5 minutes. It was AWESOME!!!!!!!!!! Makes me hungry again just thinking about it.

Service was perfect. There was wait as we left (around 10 am) but it was not too long.

I didn't get an itemized check but the total was $22.17 for the two of us.

Schaeffer Greenhouses, Aurora IL - June 5

Rating - 10.00

Yeah, its not a restaurant, hotel or flight.......its a Fabulous nursery. The staff is so friendly and helpful, and the variety of plants is exceptional.

Worth the short drive as they are located just south of Aurora off route 31.

Shawn Michaels Bistro, Batavia IL - June 5

Rating - 9.89

The address is 31 N River St, Batavia, 630-326-9087

This GREAT spot located right on the Fox River in the heart of Batavia (was the former home of the families favorite The Venice Tavern). The official opening was on Saturday, but we went on Friday evening about 6:00 pm. As we walked in I immediately noticed the new paint job and just how CLEAN it was. We met the new owner Star, her son Shawn Michael (the namesake) and daughter. I like that it is family run and Star was everywhere making sure all was in order.

We sat outside on the large patio overlooking the river. They had a great crowd. Service was very good, and it is a family friendly place (has to be with our four year old roaming all over the patio). We started with the kid friendly mozz sticks (excellent) and while we loved the Venice Taverns pizza, Shawn Michaels puts a different spin on the traditional pie. I am not sure if the crust was wheat, put it was outstanding. We got the "double dough" and it was still pretty thin, but great. We ate every single piece it was so good!!The spaghetti was served to the little guy and he finished it off.

The only thing keeping it from a perfect "10" rating is the lack of video games for the kids since it would be nice to have a few drinks on the patio without them. However, the second floor does look like its under construction.

Spoke with a few of the neighbors who have been and first thing they say is great service, second is great food.

Excellent family place with great prices.

The address is 31 N River St, Batavia, 630-326-9087

1 pasta 4.00
1 mozzarella sticks 5.00
2 312 (beers) 9.00
2 house wine 10.00
1 large pizza, 1/2 sausage 13.40

Total 43.08 --- Exceptional value.