Jan 24, 2010

Bien Trucha, Geneva IL - January 23

Rating - 9.888

Yes, we really did wait 2 1/2 hours to be seated...and it was mostly worth it......We arrived just before 6 pm and the place was PACKED....it is little...but it was PACKED and there were tons of people walking over to it. Told the wait would be 2 hours we gave our cell phone and headed down to Stockholms to have some drinks and pass the time.

About 8:15 pm we decided just to walk over and see if we could "force" our way in...but in the two blocks the phone rang and they said our table was ready.

We arrived and it was "almost" ready.....small bar with probably 8 seats, it was lively with loud music going....reminds of a trendy NY spot...small with the table close to each other...but with a GREAT "vibe"..... and lights are very dim (hard to read menu)

I would guess there is no more than 16 tables in the place, but there are two clean/large bathrooms and service was excellent. Only downside was that we were seated somewhere around 8:30 pm and they close at 10 pm.

The drinks from the bar are small, but EXCEPTIONAL with fresh squeezed juice, and just enough alcohol to be stiff, but great tasting!!!

The food is an experience by itself, I didn't have any of the guac or the ceviche del mes, but everyone at the table LOVED them. The entrees are all tacos, and they served us with 8 (one for each) at a time. I thought the beef and pork tacos were the best, and I didn't really like the shark. I am not a tapas guy at all, but I will admit the food was something interesting and special.

Service was perfectly spaced between the different tacos, and drinks and water were constantly full, while the plates were cleared between each "course". It was easy to have conversation and really fun. Only thing I didn't like was the folding chair I had to sit on.

Place is always packed and it should be. It is a MUST DINE experience!!!!!

2 ceviche del mes 17.90
2 guacamole trad 13.90
2 tacos est playa 21.90
2 pescadillas 17.90
2 tacos arrachera 17.90
2 tacos al pastor 17.90
1 tacos pescado 9.95 (there are actually 4 mini tacos)
2 esquites 5.90
2 arroz poblano 5.90
4 pear mojito 43.80
4 mojito 35.80
12 traditional (marg) 95.40
1 tomatesta 10.95

Subtotal - $315.10
service - 63.01

Total - $401.76 **Its funny because the tacos are really small, the drinks are fairly expensive, but I was full (and very happy) after spending $100 per couple -- maybe because the margs were so good!!!

Stockholms, Geneva IL - January 23

Rating - 9.99999

Headed over around 6 pm with a party of 8 after we put our name in at the Mexican joint....there was a good crowd and only one open bar seat. We put our coats there and stood around.....about 15 minutes two seats opened next to us and the ladies got to sit down.

This place is very friendly and has EXCEPTIONAL service and food. Bartender was great, came around the bar and took our orders, and was quick to get another bottle of wine or fill a beer glass.

We had the wings as and app and they were EXCELLENT.

I am sad only because they don't have Fanz on tap any more (only in the bottle). Great atmosphere and everyone had an fun time.

1 Papas italiano 7.59
1 buffalo wing 6.99
1 portabella mushroom 10.99
food total - 25.57

3 Trapiche Bottles 99.00
7 Franz 38.50 (no wonder I have a headache)
5 Stockholms red ale 20.00
5 miller lite 16.25
Beverage total - 173.75

Total - $214.27

Oberweis Dairy, Glen Ellyn IL - January 23

Rating - 7.3

Stopped in at 11:15 am after kids got the Swine Flu shots.......and the people working the counter did not look happy to see us. They finally decided to take our order, and we got our AWESOME ice cream --- so GOOD. We sat at the chess tables, ate our ice cream, and "played" chess.

The place is clean (even the bathroom) and warm.

Great spot to have a cone.....now if the employees were a bit more friendly......

1 scoop vanilla 2.99
1 kid cone choc chip 1.99
1 scoop choc chip 2.99
1 scoop choc chip 2.99

Total - $11.86

Third Rail Tavern, Chicago IL - January 21

Rating - 10.00

We tried to go to West End, but they don't open until 5 pm, so we walked the 5 blocks over to Third Rail and were glad we did. We were having a going away party for Kristian, and there were probably 15 people from work who came over for a drink.

We arrived around 4:30 and pulled a couple of tables together. There were several other people in the place, but the bartender came right over to us to take our orders. Her service was EXCELLENT, and after she left at 5, the new bartender was just a GREAT - very attentive and friendly. She did an awesome job as the place became more crowded, and still provided us with friendly and efficient service.

I happen to really like the place. Plenty of tvs and a warm/friendly atmosphere. Great staff, huge beer list and really good food. I love the boneless hot wings and fries..... This spot is a winner!!

2 Fat tire draft 11.00
5 Paulner Heffe 42.00
3 Dog fish Head 90 24.00
Bells Amber Ale 5.50
Bells Third Coast 5.50
3 Matilda 25.50
3 Bass 16.50
2 Ketel One 15.00
3 Fries 12.00
4 sliders 8.00
2 Boneless wings 12.00
Delerium 8.00
Hummus 5.00
2 Tavern Burger 4.00
New Belgium 5.50
3 Tavern Burgers 6.00
2 Peak Organic

Sub Total $240.00

Total - 245.02

Au Bon Pain - Aon Center, Chicago IL - January 21

Rating - 0.2

This place is awful, crummy soup, and horrible employee.....

Stopped in for quick lunch around 1:30 and was blown away that a small cup of soup and a G2 was so much....also the girl working the cash register would have been better off knocking off banks with here demeanor and hostility.

Total - $6.74

Wolfgangs, New York NY - January 20

Rating - 9.993

Excellent high end lunch spot located at 4 Park Avenue. We met 2 customers here at noon on Wednesday, and the place had a good crowd, but was not totally full. By the time we departed at 1:30 it was packed.

It is a business lunch spot, almost everyone in suits, and "old school" waiters dresses in white aprons. Service was exceptional (Sead H was our lead waiter).....always there with a drink refill, bringing a new dish or clearing the table.....but not so obnoxious that it interrupted conversation.

I started with some of the excellent bread that was on the table, we then had the bacon slice (outstanding), salads and "steak for 4". The steaks were EXCEPTIONAL, perfectly cooked with excellent flavor....ABSOLUTELY outstanding. We ate every piece....then had dessert.

We got one piece of cheesecake for the table, and while it was just ok, the home made whipped cream was out-of-this world!!!!! And I don't even like whipped cream.

As I mentioned, this is a great place to bring clients.....you can have an intimate conversation, and yet it is lively enough that know one can hear your conversation.....and the service leave a great impression on all......this place is a Perfect 10.

4 Canadian Bacon 11.80*** so good it makes me want to cry
2 soda 7.90
1 mixed green salad 8.95
2 Caesar Salad 23.90
2 Psteak for (2) 163.80
1 creamed spinach 9.95
1 German Potatoes 11.05
3 Iced Tea 11.25
1 cheesecake 8.95
1 strawberries 9.95
1 hot tea 3.45
1 Coffee 3.95

Total - $300.29 ***lunch for 4 is a bit expensive

Pizza Rustica, New York NY - January 19

Rating - 7.2

I walked over around 9 pm on a Tuesday night. There was a more limited choice of slices to get than usual....thus the low rating....I settled for a cheese square (Sicilian) and cheese and sausage along with a lemonade.......there was only one other table in the place....but the service is fast and friendly.

Pizza was AWESOME, and you cant beat the price. This remains my favorite spot by the Hyatt...

Total - $8.00 (wow, what a great deal)

Grand Hyatt, New York NY - January 19

Rating - 9.999999

I arrived very early (10 am) and was told my room was not ready, but I was given a key to the Grand Club and checked my bag with the friendly bag guy.

I returned around 5:30 pm, had no line at the front desk, got my key and bag and headed up. Jeff Monson hooked me up with a GREAT room ( )!!

I had to meet someone for an interview in the lobby and then we up to the Grand room. Decent little apps and water/soft drinks. A good spot to do an interview.

Another enjoyable stay!!

Total - $285.84 (room was $ )

Naples 45, New York NY - January 19

Rating - 9.443

Great spot to take clients to lunch at....we arrived with a party of 7 at noon and were seated immediately at a big round table. It was a bit hard to hear those across the table, but there is a great atmosphere. Almost every table was full, and there were many people coming/going, but there is an excellent atmosphere - it is comfortable and relaxed.

They service some excellent bread once you are seated and we had some fantastic calamari as an app, then I ordered the grilled salmon. It was plain, but PERFECT, and the portion was so large I couldn't finish it. The client to my right had their pizza and it looked great (she took over half of it home).

Service was wonderful, everything was perfectly timed, and it was an enjoyable experience.

Total - I didn't have to pay!

Lohman Funeral Home, Ormond Beach FL - January 12

They did a very nice job with Frank's wake. Professional staff who did an excellent job with a photo show that played on tvs during the wake.

Nice building, easy parking, and well done.

Frank Sovich (Sr)

Frank was my best man's (Doug) father, and I got to know him just a little bit after I met Doug in college. I was always welcome in their house, and I really felt at home there - even though my "real" home was hundreds of miles away.

He and Mamma Sovich were always kind and loving to me and Katie. I know my friend Doug will miss him, but I am sure Frank is now in a better place.

God bless him and his family.

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/news-journalonline/obituary.aspx?n=frank-s-sovich&pid=138446190

Saints and Sinners, Ormond Beach FL - January 12

Rating - 3.72

You can smoke in bars in Florida and it is GROSS....hard to believe that a few years ago people could smoke in any bar or restaurant....but now when I go into one it almost makes me choke....and that is the reason for the low rating.

We arrived around 10:30 pm on a Tuesday night to have a few beers after the wake. There were only 3 or 4 other people in the place....Bar tender was EXCELLENT - good service and very good looking. The three of us just kept to ourselves and had a few beers to unwind.

Not a place I would like to spend any more time at with the smoke.......

Dayton Beach Airport (DAB) - January 12

Rating - 8.5

It is pretty cool to fly into the airport because the race track is literally right next to the runway....neat to see it come into view when you are landing.

The airport itself is modern, but really small. Easy to get from gate to car rentals. If you are renting from Hertz there is no board for Gold members, you have to go to the counter, get your keys and walk strait out the door to the lot (I got lost trying to find where the cars were).

I bet this would be a great airport to get in/out on a regular basis.

Delta Airlines, ATL - January 12

Rating - .00001

They are awful......not much else to say. I had called the night before to check on a fare from ATL to Daytona Beach to attend a funeral.....it was is a 6+ hour drive....and the fare was $386, the bereavement fare was a bit lower at $318 but they whacked me with a $20 booking fee (you cant book the reduced rate on line).

Then the flight was handled by one of their partners, but branded Delta, and was way at the end of the last terminal. Lots of flights were taking off to smaller cities and the gate area was swarmed with people who were pissed because their flights were late. It was hot and sweaty. We actually had to walk down the stairs and onto the tarmac to drop off our bags, and then back up the stairs on to the really small plane. It had been a long time since I had done that......

I would NEVER fly them again!!!!

Admirals Club, ATL - January 12

Rating - 8.0

I stopped in after arriving on an early flight and axed if I could store my bag in the club since I was flying out that afternoon....I was told "no" due to heightened security....that is a bunch of b.s.....

I did stop back in before my flight to Daytona Beach to use the wireless network and have lunch. It is a nice club, small and yet spacious. I had a sandwich in the bar area and it was surprisingly very good.

Total (for lunch) - $13.17

Pepito's Cuban Cafe, Atlanta GA - January 12

Rating - 7.00

Grabbed a quick breakfast sandwich here....friendly and fast...and good too!

Lrg Hot Tea 2.50
Biscuit Sand 4.75


Total - $7.73

Hinsdale Coach

Rating - 9.992

This is the best car service I have found for trips to Ohare from the Western suburbs. Brian is the owner and he is great to deal with, especially since I sometimes forget to book a car until the night before. I have also never had a problem when I have taken and earlier flight home.

Ask for CHUCK to drive you, he is the BEST.

(630) 515-8100

Bakey's, Boston MA - January 5

Rating - 10.00

Although Hedi has left, Gina is now working behind the bar for lunch. She is great! Friendly, good listener, and in general very happy.

We arrived around 11:15 am and were first ones to sit. Food is awesome as always. I had a cup of chowdah to get started, then a turkey sandwich that was so big I couldn't finish it. By the time we left just before noon the place was packed and almost all the bar seats were full.

If you are in the financial district this is THE place for lunch!

Total - the BEST - FREE

Hilton, Boston Financial District - January 4

Rating - 9.89

That's right, I had to head back for a meeting just three days after I left with the family....got a great rate of $144 for the night, and got right back into my new favorite room #427. I arrived quite late (after 11 pm), checked right in, and hit the sack. It was quiet in the room.....

Woke up the next morning and headed downstairs for breakfast around 8:15 am. The restaurant was fairly crowded and I got to see the GM Sean Smith. Its no wonder why the people are so friendly, Sean is very sincere and outgoing. He makes you feel very comfortable. I had a great/quick breakfast and headed out to my appointment.

Total - $144 room, $168.31 after taxes

Simple Human, via the web - January 4

Rating - 7.0

Found an article in the Chicago Tribune and decided to order one of their stainless "touch less" soap dispensers. It was backordered, and took about a week to ship. It was really cool looking, but Hot Mamma decided it did NOT fit in the kitchen, so it went back with a no hassle return.

Total - $44.98 (inc shipping)

Jan 3, 2010

Delta Sonic Car Wash, Naperville IL - January 3

Rating - 9.3

Got to the gas station at 11:30 am on a Sunday and was pleasantly surprised to find that gas was $.10 cheaper if you got a car wash....and it was a true savings based on the price at the gas station across the street. Only thing that sucks is you have to go inside to pay......

The line for the wash itself was a bit long and I probably sat for 5 minutes waiting to pay....I used a coupon I had bought prior...and it only took only a few minutes to get where they were spraying the cars before entering....still can't believe the guys with the power washers in 12 degree temperature spraying everything down.

Wash itself was fairly quick, it stopped a few times because they dry the cars inside before they exit (too cold to do outside). When I got home it looked like almost all the salt/dirt had been removed the minivan. Pleasantly surprised because sometimes they have the wash cranked so fast the car really doesn't get that clean.

Jan 2, 2010

Villa Fresh Italian, Logan Terminal "B", Boston MA - January 1

Rating - 8.2

Solid spot in the food court of the AA terminal.

Slice of cheese pizza for the 12 year old. It was huge, warm and she devoured it!

Friendly service, and cheap chow!

1 Cheese Pizza 3.19
G2 2.35

Total 5.07

Boston, MA New Years Celebration - December 31

Rating 10.00

We had the family in town for New Years Eve and it was GREAT. We did not attend the First Night celebration, but we did make it over for the fireworks at Boston Common.

It was really fun, especially because a few inches of snow fell earlier in the day, and it seemed like everyone was playing in it.

The fireworks began at 7 pm and they were EXCELLENT, at least a 1/2 hour long. The crowd was great, everyone was festive, it was very crowded but there was not a problem anywhere. Everyone was well behaved, and it was easy to get out after the show.

Second favorite city after Chicago, and this was a great event!!!

Cosi, 245 Summer St, Boston MA - December 30

Rating - 9.2

This is located inside the Fidelity building lobby (yes, you have to clear security first). We took a customer to lunch (yes from Fidelity, DUH!!) at 12:30 on a Wednesday. Because it was by the holiday there was no wait, but the staff was incredibly friendly. Went out of their way to make sure we were happy with lunch, and SO PLEASANT!!

I had the Bacon Turkey Melt and it was Excellent!

Signature Salad 7.79
Bacon Turkey Melt 7.19
Tuna Melt 6.99
Aquafina 1.89
Snapple 2.29

Total - 27.98

Caliterra, Boston MA - January 1

Rating - 5.1

This is located off the lobby of the Hilton. Breakfast buffet is always great, but the service can be suspect....as was the case this morning.

We got downstairs around 10 am and had to wait 15 minutes or so to get seated. It was a bit frustrating because we could see plenty of empty tables, and no one cleaning them. They did have coffee available (Katie loved it, I didn't care because I don't drink it).

After we were seated, we headed up to the buffet. It was good but you could tell they were very busy and had a hard time keeping up. They were out of a few items, and others were only partially warm.

It took FOREVER to get any drinks once we arrived back at the table. In addition, the place was unusually dirty and unkept.

Kind of disappointing, but understandable since it was New Years day.

2 Full Breakfast Buffet 44.00
2 Child Buffet 11.00

Total - $58.85 **

**Good thing I am Hilton Diamond and breakfast was free (except for the tip)

Lo Conte's, Boston MA - December 31

Rating - 11.00

This is the BEST restaurant in Boston and maybe even in the whole WORLD for that matter. We had reservations for 13 on New Years eve at 5 pm. Chris (the owner) put us at a great table and was very nice and tolerant with the 6 kids we had. Mario (our favorite waiter) made sure we always had plenty of food and drinks.

We had several excellent apps (tomatoes and mozzarella, calamari, Cesar salad, and a few others), great wine, and unbelievable entrees. I had my all time favorite (Chicken Parm) and loved every bite. Katie had the Cioppino and LOVED it. Kids had the noodles and great meat balls.

You HAVE to eat dinner here at least once!

2 Chicken broc/Ziti 35.90
1 fried calamari 12.95
1 chicken saltinbocca/ziti 19.95
1 cioppino 25.95
1 lobster ravioli 21.95
1 gnochi spezatin 21.95 (very good, I ate some of Franks)
1 1/2 ziti butter 6.95
2 1/2 Ling butter 12.50
1 shrimp/broc/ziti 19.95
1 chicken parm/ziti 18.95
1 1/2 ziti plain 5.95
1 meat ball 1.95
2 Peroni 11.90
3 Cab Moon Mountain 114.00

Total - $354.00

Lost Dog, Dennis MA - December 30

Rating - 9.4

Stopped in for quick beer (or two) before visiting the "outlaws" for holiday celebration...stopped in at 4:30 pm on a Wed before New Years eve. Good crowd in the bar, mix between older guys and guys in the trades. Probably 20+ in the bar area, good atmosphere, very festive, and everyone in a good mood.

Very attractive bar tender who was also very effective - especially considering she was all by herself behind the bar. We gave her a good tip after first round and she was more than happy to grab us a refill whenever we needed one.

Lots of fun, and good place to have a few quick ones!!

Bass draft
Lite Bottle
Total - $7.50 per round