Jul 30, 2010

Rosebud Prime, Chicago IL - July 30

Rating - 9.886

Great time having lunch outside, exceptional service and excellent meal!

Hosted a bidness meeting here around 11:30 am, it was a nice day so we sat on the patio....they have done a good job putting a cover over it to block the sun......service was EXCELLENT....fast with drink refills and anything we needed to have a great time.....

Food was outstanding.....I love the pretzel rolls they serve before the meal....and the steak sandwich was PERFECT.....bread was tasty and toasty...steak was perfect.....

Everyone else appeared to enjoy their meal also....and the mac and cheese was a favorite (as always)....

2 Lunch asian   53.90
3 D Chz Burger   38.85
1 Salmon Salad   22.95
1 Sanw Spec  22.95
1 Arnold Palmer  4.95
2 Ice Tea   6.00
1 Coke  3.00
2 Mac/cheese  14.50

Total - $174.38* (for 7 of us)

Due, Chicago IL - July 29

Rating - 6.2

Long wait for our pizzas (seated quickly), pizza not as good as Uno!

Stopped at our family favorite first as we had 3 hungry kids with us.....told wait was 45 minutes (but like usual line was out the door).....so I walked over to Due where they told me the wait was only 15 minutes.....it was to get seated....but it took over an hour for the pizzas to arrive....and we arrived around 5:45 pm......

I didn't mind waiting for the table because Hot Mamma and I grabbed a spot at the bar and put the kids on our laps (I had one on each leg).....because "kids cant sit at the bar".....but the wait for the pizza was just too long....although the service was really good from Justin C!

And in no way, shape, or form does it resemble a Uno's pizza.....the oldest was hungry and crabby and was not pleased that it was not an Uno's pizza....

Although I heated what was left over for dinner and thought it was much better than the pie in the restaurant last night.....

Its worth the wait at Uno!

1 garlic bread/che     4.79
1 soda   2.49
1 Sam Adams pilsn   6.29
1 Gls Geyser Pk sb   7.29

Total - $20.86  (bar tab)

1 lrg, deep dish, sausage   24.99
1 small deep dish, cheese  12.49
1 garlic bread   3.79  (really good!!!)
1 salad bowl   4.29
1 gls Hess chard7.59
1 kids pasta   3.59
1 Miller Lite  4.29
1 gls Tilia Malbec   7.99

Total - $69.02

PS.  They axed us about desert.....when I axed if anyone ever order it...the server laughed and said usually once a night

Roof (at the Wit Hotel), Chicago IL - July 29

Rating - 9.884

Great/FUN spot to have a drink after work...exceptional spot when the weather is nice....lots of beautiful people and great service...and its not that expensive.

It's pretty small on the deck and gets crowded fast....we arrived around 4:15 and easily found a table on the "Roof".....

It is partially covered, but it was HOT when the sun was out....they could use a few fans.....I was surprised when I got off the elevator....I travel all over the country every week and this definitely a COOL place and it doesn't seem like it should be in Chicago......NY or LA sure...

Crowd was older when we got there....no one under 30 except for the servers. (the younger guys with me enjoyed the "cougars")....but as it got closer to 5 pm it became SRO only and the crowd got younger and very attractive......however, service was excellent and both Tyler and Courtney really took care of us.....

When we left at 5:30 I was surprised how crowded it was inside.....

Must have a drink here!

1 btl Dos Equix Lag   6.31
2 Bt Pilsn Urquel   12.62
1 Cucumb Mojito   12.61
1 Apple Julep  12.61

Total - 49.01

12 bt Pilsn Urquel   75.72
5 Bt Coors LT  31.55
2 Gl Lamarc   23.42
4 Bt Dos Equiz Lag   25.24
1 Bt Corona   6.31

Total - 180.09

Jul 28, 2010

Siri's House, Somewhere - maybe Dedham or Nedham MA - July 27

Rating - Perfect 10.0

What great hosts.....Siri and Andy are AWESOME...so much fun to hang with and have a drink out on their wonderful patio....

It was also great fun to play with "Lumpy" and make him laugh......

Andy cooks a mean burger on the grill.....just what the travel Dr ordered!

Total - F R E E

Admirals Club, BOS (airport) MA - July 28

Rating - 8.9

It was the "Grand Opening" today....actually the Grand REopening.....

There were lots of AA employees who are not usually there making it too crowded, but the new place is nice.  I like the soft colors and all the tables to sit at....

Best of all they kept all the GREAT employees...and CHERYL is one of the BEST in the entire system....the people at the desk will do anything they can to help you and make your day just a bit better....

Cosi Terminal B, BOS (airport) - July 28

Rating - 6.8

I had the usual Bacon, Turkey, Cheddar - decent, not great- and tried the Tomato Aurora soup - ITS GREAT but very small......a bit expensive for what you get....but its the only place I will eat in Terminal B food court.....

Sand, cosi 3    7.79
Gatorade     2.19
Soup, SD Tomato Aurora   2.10

Total - $13.02

MBTA Commuter Rail, Manchester-by-the-Sea MA - July 28

Rating - 9.991

Awesome experience!

Got on in Manchester at 10:20 am and arrived downtown Boston in North Station at 11:10 am......easy, efficient, with very pleasant employees.....best of all its a great value.

Cab to airport was only $15.35

Total - $7.75 (for the train fare)

Dunkin Donughts, Beverly MA - July 28

Rating - 9.4

Great spot for a breakfast sandwich, I loved it!

Located in a rest area/gas station off of 95 there was line when I walked in at 8:50 am.....Bostonians LOVE their DD coffee....almost like Tim Horton's in Canada......

The shop is just part of the gas station, but there were 3 very friendly and efficient ladies working there....I loved the fact that locals came in and they knew what to make them....it was like the corner store!

I had the sausage/egg sammy on a bagel and it hit the spot.....also had a cup of tea - and that was just like a cup of tea....

Egg-saus-chz sesame toasted   2.89
Md Orig Blend   1.86
cmb      -.36

Total $4.70

Jul 27, 2010

Hilton Dedham, Dedham MA - July 27

Rating - 2.1

No way I stay here again.

It is in a weird location and kind of hard to find off the highway.....I arrived around 8:15 pm and check in was a breeze...they had my folio prepared for me.....

Nothing special about the rooms, pretty standard with an OLD and SMALL tv, a couch, bed and desk to work at.....a/c is very cold and room looks dated...bathroom IS dated and smells like MOLD when you close the door.....

I really did not like the vent for the fan....I ran it all night to kill exterior noise.....and it blows right on the bed....speaking of the bed it was NOT COMFORTABLE.

I also thought it was expensive at $202 a night for room 373........

Room = $202 + 12.12 tax +11.51 tax = $225.63

Papa Razzi, Hanover MA - July 27

Rating - 9.22

Excellent spot for lunch....we took 2 customers with us on Tuesday around 12:30 pm and were immediately seated....in fact the place was pretty empty.....

Large list of specials for lunch along with GREAT service from Michelle (she was AWESOME with refilling drinks).......they first bring a basket of crispy bread sticks and then some kind of warm bread that was SO GOOD.....

I had the salmon and it was excellent....large piece of fish that was perfectly cooked.....I also sampled the Chicken Parm and it was OUTSTANDING....the ladies also liked their salads and pasta......

Great spot for a business lunch!

Winner!!!

1 soda club   2.75
1 soda diet   2.75
2 Arnold Palmer   5.50
2 Iced Tea   5.50
1 Farfale Pollo  10.99
1 Pollo Parm   12.99
1 Cesare Pollo   10.99
1 Salmon   16.99

Total - $72.74**  **not too happy that I was charged for 2 Arnold Palmers and 1 ice tea, I HATE IT when they charge the Arnie's by the glass!!!!!

Millers Pub, Chicago IL - July 22

Rating - 9.4

GREAT new burgers.....changed the roll to a pretzel roll and they are AWESOME....took 3 people here for lunch on Friday afternoon around 1 pm....and got seated at a booth in the bar.....

It was really crowded at that time....bar was full....and service from Dylan was SLOW....no drink refills and it took a long time for lunch....but it was worth it.....

Burgers were great (I had a cheddar burger) and fries were good (they are steak fries).

2 Coke    5.00
1 Hamburger   8.95
cheddar   .50
bacon  .75
Mushrooms  .50
1 Hamburger  8.95
American    .50
1 hamburger   8.95
cheddar  .50
1 hamburger   8.95
Swiss cheese  .50
mushrooms  .50
Ice Tea   2.50

Total - $52.24

Memphis Airport, Memphis TN - July 21

Rating - 6.1

Easy airport to get in on a Wednesday around 4 pm....no lines in security and TSA people were actually friendly......


Sucks to return a rental as they are off site and it is a long bus ride....

Had a GREAT time drinking Margs at the Varsity Grill......

Horrible place to fly AA because they only have 1 gate.......

Varsity Grill, Memphis TN (airport) - July 21

Rating - 6.2

The service was good....food is marginal at best - pass on the nachos and chicken fingers were just ok (not worth $10)....the margs are Great but expensive (it is an airport after all)....in fact our waitress said after we had the second "I usually like to tell people after the second they are $13 each".....funny.....

Christie was a great server, and it was extremely funny to see them card anyone who ordered a drink....didn't matter if they were 70.......

Different review for the airport itself.....

1 Soda   2.69
1 Draft Stella 20 oz    8.79
6 Patron El Rita   78.42
1 Nachos Grld Chix  10.00
ass Guac    1.49
1 Chicken Tenders   10.99

Total - 116.60

Jason's Deli, Memphis TN - July 21

Rating - 1.2

It certainly seemed like I was bothering them when I stopped in for a quick breakfast sandwich around 9 am....they were setting up for huge catering jobs and I had to walk to the register to see if I could grab a bagel sandwich......

I know they were not happy to see me...and the breakfast was awful.

NO WAY I would ever go back....

Bagel sand
Cup of Tea

Total - $5.60*  ***not worth it

Doubletree, Memphis TN - July 20

Rating - 8.1

Historic building with a GREAT LOBBY....with a free HHonors Happy Hour.....located right across the street from an excellent AAA baseball team and park (make sure to go) and 2 blocks from Beale Street - which I think is WAY over rated.....can be a scary walk back to the hotel later at night.....

Service was excellent at check in, I was in room #433 on a prepaid rate....room was large and bed was great....only issue was the bathroom is HOT - must be no a/c in there.....and the place is a little "beat up" but I believe that gives it charm.....

Didn't take advantage of the breakfast - its served in a TGI Friday that is attached......but I liked the place....very quiet at night!

Total - $136.50 + 12.63 + 6.83+2.32 taxes = $158.27

Blues City Cafe, Memphis TN - July 20

Rating - 3.2

Disappointing......everyone suggest we come here...and we arrived after a great time at their AAA Baseball park around 9 pm and were seated next to the bar/lounge to the right....place itself is really neat and the service was good.....

However, I did not think the ribs were that good....dry with a smoky flavor....but something was missing and the 1/2 slab did not have that much meat on them......Tom had the catfish and that was really nothing special.....

Would not return!

1 half ribs    14.95
1 Best Meal on Beale  17.95

Total - $35.94

Rum Boogie Cafe - Memphis TN - July 20

Rating - 9.994

Lured in by a rocking band...had great service from the bartender....and the band was EXCELLENT......neat old joint with a long bar and some tall tables to sit at....we walked by later in the night and the place was HOPPING!

2 huge beers

Total - $12.26

Beale Street, Memphis TN - July 20

Rating - 5.0

Its only 2 BLOCKS LONG....that is it....I expected something like Austin, TX....but its REALLY SMALL.....

I do like that you can buy beers on the 2 block stretch and walk around with them (open container)...and beers are really CHEAP......

And lets just say the area around it is like being on the South Side of Chicago.....it can be SCARY walking back to a hotel that is just 2 blocks away.....

During the day it is DEAD....but on a Tuesday night it WAS FUN to walk around....live music everywhere with NO COVERS....but it was not lively/hopping.....

Maybe when college students are back in town.....but that is too young for me....or maybe if an NCAA Tourney game was there - basketball stadium is right on it.......

But otherwise it is NOT WORTH a visit just to go here....

Memphis Redbirds, Memphis TN - July 20

Rating - 9.881

Lovely place to watch a game even on a HOT Memphis summer night...if you go mid week buy the law tickets ($7) and you can sit anywhere you want......on a Tuesday night there were probably less than 1,000 in attendance.....

The park is spectacular, great sight lines, plenty of bathrooms, food and really good local beers......

We paid $9 per ticket and had a GREAT TIME!

Don't miss this place......

Lonoke Shell, Lonoke AR - July 20

Rating - 0.00

Look out for the Subway....it is scary....hard to believe someone can eat here with all the flies as "friends"......and the employees.....lets just say "Prison".....


The gas station itself most likely has never even thought of cleaning the bathrooms......

RUN AWAY!!!!!!!!

Little Rock National Airport, July 20 - Little Rock AR

Rating - 7.89

I flew in and it looks pretty decent/newer, kind of awkward to walk from arrival though baggage claim and to rental cars (although they are in the parking garage - don't have to take a bus).....however it is SMALL....

I only wish I would have seen Slick Willy!

Schaeffer Greenhouses, Aurora IL - July 19

Rating - 7.21

Shopping for annuals on July 19 yields good prices, but a sorry looking selection....they did have some inventory left and I don't blame them at all for the condition of what was left....I bought my flowers and they are doing much better now that they are planted......

Good service and willing to help......

Jul 25, 2010

Panea Bread, Amherst OH - July 18

Rating - 9.221

Wow....its just like a regular Panera just at a stop on the I90 expressway....


I swear there were "locals" in here just for lunch...even though it is on the tollway.....

Anyway the food is great and so is the service........

1 Asiago RB

Total - $7.59

Homewood Suites, Victor NY - July 17

Rating - 9.992

Great place for a family to stay......we got the "last room"....104 - a smoking room - normally disqualifies it right away...and while it WAS SMOKEY it was ok for the nigh.....

Check out the Champps for dinner and we enjoyed the putting green they have (bring your own balls and putters) before bed time...

But it was QUIET..........and we all slept well

Breakfast the next day was great (pan cakes and sausage patties) and everyone who worked there was friendly......

Great place to stay!

Total - Free (Hilton Honors points)

Champps Restaurant & Bar, Victor NY - July 17

Rating - 8.442

Great service, decent food (what do you expect from Champps?).....it is located in a very nice/upscale mall and I was surprised we could get a table at 6 pm on a Saturday night (there were many tables open)......

EXCELLENT service from Lindsay......Mozz sticks were pretty good as was the BBQ Chicken sand.....Hot Mamma liked the fajitas and kids enjoyed the FREE ice cream.......

This is worth a stop........

2 gls Brancott Sauv  17.58
22 oz Miller Lite    4.89
Mozzerella Sticks   7.19
Kids Quesadilla   4.20
2 Kids Chicken Fingers    9.98
Shrimp Fajitas  14.49
BBQ Chicken Sand   9.29
White Chocolate Martini  7.10

Total - $74.90

Pate's, Chatham MA - July 16

Rating - 3.2

**********Perhaps I was a bit harsh in my review....although I thought it was funny...I was asking the little guys and they liked the food and thought there was plenty....also liked the game they game them to play and Lindsy was GREAT......BUT I still did not feel welcome (or appropriate) having kids with us*********
I would not go back unless I was forced to at gun point.....my Great, Great, Great Grand parents would probably appreciate this place....but I just don't.....we had a good time (but we also drank a LOT)..........

The decor had to be at least 50 years old (I am 44) and so is the clientele....I had called for reservations and they put us in our own private room (with 6 kids).....service was great from Mel but I kept waiting for Buddy Holly to appear....

Food was decent, but not great by any means....kids meals are actually small....not really family friendly....but if you had a relative who was close to dying it would be appropriate......

1 kids pasta   5.95
1 btl Sterling Cab   44.00
6 Sam Adams Draft   27.00 (must be Brady)
1 Nantucket Lemon  2.50
2 Franciscan Cab   20.00
1 Mini Carrot Cake   4.95
2 Sherbert   8.00
1 Ice Crea,   4.00
1 Choc Parfait   4.50
1 Molton Choc Cake  4.95
1 Ice cream scoop 1.00
3 Mac & Cheese  17.85
1 Mozzarella Sticks   5.95
1 Baked Haddock  23.95
2 Kids Chkn Fingers 17.90
1 Lobster   37.95 (see Chatham Squire )
1 Swordfish   25.95

Total - $282.35

Vining's Bistro, Chatham MA - July 14

Rating - 9.9937

Romantic, FUN, Great food, excellent atmosphere, solid service.....

Recommended by friends we met on the beach and it was EXCELLENT.....you will be surprised because it is one of the first restaurants you get to in downtown and it sits above a pizzeria......

We had a reservation for 6, but it was a rainy Thursday and it was not needed at 8 pm....wine selection was vast and not that expensive....apps were GREAT and the Portuguese Cod was spicy but good...

Total - $159.80 (per couple including tip)

South Cape Seafood, Chatham MA - July 13

Rating - 9.994

Fabulous place to buy fish.......great selection and friendly folks.......best of all fresh fish....we had GREAT SALMON steaks and some COD.........

Stop in here.......

Total - $24.22

Chatham Squire, Chatham MA - July 12

Rating - 9.442

So much FUN......we got in around 5:30 and found a seat for us (and all the kids) around 5:30.....kids emptied all the wallets of money.....and we emptied the bar of all the wine/beer.......food was great (as usual)....

Chowder is GREAT, kids meals are big and include Italian Ice....and Mamma LOVES the lobster special.....VERY FAMILY FRIENDLY.....

1 cup chowder   3.95
1 stuffed clan  5.95
1 kids finger  7.95
1 grilled cheese  7.95
1 kids linguine  7.95
1 fish &chips   15.95
2 gls Cambria   14.00
2 Lemonade   3.30
2 Margarita   16.34
1 Canadian Club   5.18
1 Heineken   4.4 7

Total - $ 121.54**

**a bit expensive for a family of 5

Dennis Pines Golf, Dennis MA - July 11

Rating - 9.00

Solid Course.....excellent value at $64 (walking).....will test every shot in the bag....too bad the range is only on mats......great 1/2 way house and decent club house (at least the service is EXCELLENT).........


71.0/127

Total - $ 64,00

New England Pizza, Chatham MA - July 13

Rating - 9.994

LOVE IT....Mamma was not working the cash register but the daughter was and service was EXCELLENT....kids love this place (even with only 2 video games).....very family friendly and FOOD IS GREAT.....

Total - Bro-in-law Paid!

Chatham A's, Chatham MA, July 5

Rating 9.875

FUN, the ball games are GREAT and Family friendly....in fact there is a large playground down the right field line......you can just sit on the hill in right field field (or get there early and get a bleacher seat between the bags)......

Total - FREE

(I A's Hat = $15)

Jul 8, 2010

Hardings Beach, Chatham MA - Summer 2010

Rating - 8.4

GREAT beach with lots of room to park ($15 for the day) and plenty of room to spread out by the water or further back.  It is friendly to any age group, from families with young children to young singles to retired people...

Only issue can be the sea weed, it can be thick and last year they didn't clean the beach daily (although this year it seems like they are).  You also cant take any type of flotation device on the guarded part of the beach, but just past the ropes you can........

In addition, there is a bathroom, but no concession stand (although a filthy ice cream truck does prowl the parking lot).

Have to visit for at least one day!

Chatham Candy Manor, Chatham MA - July 7

Rating - 10.00

Its like walking back in time....a true old fashioned candy store.....we went in around 7 pm and it was crowded, but you could still move around....and everyone is very friendly (wouldn't you be if you worked in a candy shop!)

The kids love the candy and the wife LOVES the FUDGE....it may be her favorite part about Chatham!!

School House Ice Cream, Harwich Port MA - July 8

Rating - 8.445

Great little ice cream shop on busy Rt 28 - best to park in back.  Kids who work here are really friendly and efficient.....kids all LOVED their ice cream.

A few keys:  a SMALL is really LARGE, "jimmies" are .40 cents, toppings .85 (nice), kiddie cones $2.99 and the small/HUGE is only $3.59

Great spot to finish the evening (although I think I like the Old School House a little bit better and its just a bit further down the road in Chatham - http://talesfromtheroad-mwalno.blogspot.com/2010/07/old-school-house-ice-cream-chatham-ma.html)

The Cape Sea Grille, Harwich Port MA - July 8

Rating - 4.4 (food is 9.87)

If you like a pretentious place with EXCEPTIONAL FOOD that dislikes kids very much this is the spot for you!

We had 4 adults and 5 kids and this was NOT the place for us....didn't help that little guy knocked his water over as soon as we sat (ha, ha).....THEY DON'T HAVE A KIDS MENU - kids get mac and cheese at $8 per or something off the grown up menu.

We had a reservation at 6 pm and it was not necessary as it was pretty empty, although when we left around 7 it was pretty full...mix of much older groups and couples.....

I know they tried hard to make us feel welcome, but it just was not going to happen......they were friendly but very reserved.  I overhead the (old) lady sitting behind us talking loudly about how rich she was....and then she tried to use a coupon when the bill came (I enjoyed that)....Lauren provided good service without a smile....

But the FOOD IS EXCEPTIONAL.  No doubt about it that their cook/chef is fabulous.....I had the sword fish and it ROCKED.....best flavor of the tip yet.....Hot Mamma and PePe had  the shark special - and while it was perfectly cooked it had no flavor...Meme had the pork tenderloin and really enjoyed it.

So, crazy good food, great service, hate kids and expensive.  NO WAY I RETURN....just too pretentious for me.  For me the Chatham Squire (http://talesfromtheroad-mwalno.blogspot.com/2010/07/chatham-squire-chatham-ma-july-7.html) or The Red Nun (http://talesfromtheroad-mwalno.blogspot.com/2010/07/red-nun-restaurant-chatham-ma-july-5.html) are more my style.

1 Gl Sauv Blanc   7.00
1 dewars   7.00
2 Margarita  14.00  (they were VERY tasty)
1 Lemonade  3.00
2 Fish Special   58.00
1 Swordfish  30.00
5 Kid Pasta   40.00
1 Pork Tenderloin   28.00
1 Gl Chardonnnay   6.00
1 Gl Cabernet   7.00

Total - $246.65

Bass River Sports World/Skull Island Mini Golf, S Yarmouth MA - July 8

Rating - 2.31

So OVER RATED!!!!!  They told us to skip this one and hit the next place on Rt 28....but the kids could not wait any longer....don't know why we do this to ourselves every year......

First, its CASH only and its $8.00 per person to play (even little guys)....then you will WAIT and have a painful time playing....I know waiting is part of mini-golf, but its brutal here.

Course itself has about 6 good holes, 6 marginal ones, and 6 that just blow.....looks much better from the road than it is when you are there.

They do have batting cages, a driving range and small arcade.....don't dare go here when its not a beach day because its swarmed.....GO SOMEWHERE ELSE!!!

Total - $40.00

Larry's PX, Chatham MA - July 8

Rating - 9.99998

LOVE this place for breakfast......lucky today because the 5 of us did not have a wait at 8:30 am on a Thursday morning.....in fact we had our choice of tables.

I walk up here everyday for the paper, but we LOVE to have breakfast here.  Service is AWESOME and the food is BETTER.....portions are HUGE so make sure you are ready for serious chow.....

I had the egg, sausage and cheese sandwich on a bagel and it was DELICIOUS.......Hot Mamma had an omelet and some kind of HUGE PANCAKE, Little guy had the silver dollar pancakes (there were literally 20) and girls had the huge stack of pancakes also (3 so big they cover the plate).

With drinks it was about $40.....so a bit expensive.....but worth every bite!!!!!

Chatham Squire, Chatham MA - July 7

Rating - 10.00

Such a GREAT family place....FUN, FUN, FUN....so family FRIENDLY.....arrived around 6 pm on a Wednesday and headed to the back (secret) for a table....AWESOME service from Amy....by 6:15 the place was full.....

Kids can head over and spend all you money on the games (fooze ball, pinball, Golden Tee, 2 car games) while the adults have a cold beverage.  I had the chowder (exceptional) and fish & chips (PERFECT - light breading, lots of fish, good fries, and cole slaw); kids had the kids meals (loved them AND they include a cup of Italian Ice - that they LOVED); Hot Mamma had the Lobster Special (loves it and it includes some "steamers" - great BARGAIN)........

Love this place to have a drink in the bar, or dinner with the kids!!!

1 Cup Chowder   3.95
1 Kids fingers   7.95
1 kids linguine   7.95
1 Grilled cheese   7.95  (really cool, its served in a "pocket")
1 fish & chips    15.95
1 Lobster Special   27.95
1 Sam Summer   4.47
2 Gls Tohu SB   12.00
2 Lemonade   3.30
1 Margarita   5.65

Total - $103.20

Jul 7, 2010

Maid of the Mist, Niagara Falls ON - July 2

Rating - 9.9999

This is a classic.....kids love...parents love it.....be prepared to GET WET if you go to the top level.  We headed over the day after Canada Day around 10:30 am, reasonably short line (maybe 20 minutes) and were one of the first on the boat.  Kids ran up top by the pilot house and boat quickly filled up.

Great views of American Falls, and excellent view of Canadian Falls - wind was blowing and it was a good thing we had the raincoats - I even put my hood on.

Tons of fun and a family tradition!

Jul 6, 2010

Old School House Ice Cream, S. Chatham MA - July 6

Rating - 9.999

Great ice cream, excellent service, all in a former one room school house....this has long been a favorite of the kids....they love to sit in the old school desks, play with the juke box and when the blocks (when they are little)....

They employ all local kids and the service is great.....only "knock" is no air conditioning.....but the 'jimmies" are FREE.......

Great spot!

3 kids cones (with sprinkles or "jimmies")
2 bunts (small adults)

Total - around $16 including tip!

New England Pizza, Chatham MA - July 6

Rating - 9.9994

Arrived around 5:30 pm and were surprised not to find a line on this hot and muggy line....mamma was working the register and taking orders and she was quick to get us our pitcher of beer, lemonades and waters, and salad.....waited 15 - 20 minutes for our pies to arrive and the kids blew through $5 on the pinball machine.....

I really enjoy it because it is a family operation, its reasonably clean, lots of tables and a few flat screen tvs....

Pizza's were SO GOOD....I always eat too much here....everyone was happy.....

1 large cheese and 1/2 sausage
1 small veggie
1 ziti (noodles)
1 Pitcher of beer
2 lemonades
2 waters

Total $65.72

Ocean State Job Lot, Chatham MA - July 6

Rating - 4.21

Not the cleanest place, or the nicest employees, but they do have what you need in a beach town......boogie boards and flip flops. But it is CHEAP...you do get what you pay for!

Oh, be prepared to wait at check out!

Flip Flops Ladies   3.99
Body Board w/Leash  8.99

Red Nun Restaurant, Chatham MA - July 5

Rating - 9.994

This place is GREAT.....very small dining room (only seats 26 with 3 round high-tops, 3 tables that seat 4, and 2 that seat 6) and small bar (maybe 10 stools) it is GREAT FUN. 

We arrived at 6 pm on the night of an "As" game, and waited about 5 minutes for a table.  Sharleen was a FABULOUS waitress, and even though every inch in the place was packed, she was friendly and efficient....we did not wait for anything.

Warning - the portions are SMALL, but excellent.  I told Hot Mamma that I liked the fact they did not serve King Sized portions....but we did have to order an extra chicken finger dinner for the girls (each order only has 2 pieces).

Food is GREAT.  I had the Swordfish special and it was a perfect steak with a light sauce, rice and some veggies....Hot Mamma had the Fish Tacos (only 2) and they were delightful.....I also had a cup of chowder (very small, decent but too many potatoes) and Katie LOVED the stuffed Quahog and Wedge salad.....

Took a bit for the food to come out, but it was well worth the wait.....

Best of all we had a prime parking spot for the As and we strolled over to the game which is an excellent adventure on its own!

Lemonade  (2 @ 1.75)   3.50
Cup Clam - app   1.00
Stuffed Quahog   5.95
Wedge    4.95
Kid Pasta (2 @ 4.95)  9.90
Fish Tacos   10.95
Grilled Swordfish   16.95
Cape Cod Blonde Ale  (2 @ 4.75)   9.50 ***not the best beer I have had, it was just ok
Bud Light Draft   3.50
Kid Finger (2 @ 4.95)  9.90

Total - $80.86

Kream 'n Kone, Chatham MA - July 3

Rating - 8.4421

Great food, long line, hard to find tables together....head here for dinner BEFORE 6 pm or you will wait in line for 1/2 hour to place your order....but it is WORTH IT.

We had 5 adults and 3 kids on a recent Saturday night...arrived around 6:15 and waited....dinner for all was over $100 (so it is expensive), but it was great.

I had the chowdah (excellent) and fish 'n chips (solid), others had the Clam Plate (really good) and I cant remember what else......

The atmosphere is great, and the kids love it!

Total - $118.83

Shop Ahoy Liquors, Chatham MA - July 5

Rating - 9.99743

This package store ROCKS...the guys know their wine and make great recommendations at very reasonable prices.....always ask them to pick one for me...they also usually have great beer specials....

Very friendly place to buy booze!

Edgewaters Tap and Grill, Niagara Falls ON - July 1

Rating - 8.447

We headed into the bar area just before the fireworks began (at 10 pm) and couldn't get anyone to wait on us....so I wandered up to the bar.  They were really busy as it was Canada Day, but did not seem too happy that we had three kids at one of the tables....but the bartender turned out to be GREAT! 

We have been here in the past because they usually have a band that plays right outside, but we arrived too late for the band (they stop when fireworks begin).  Fun place with a relaxed Canadian vibe....

We had a few beers, got ice cream for the kids (it was GREAT) and when the fireworks began everyone headed outside to watch.  Good spot for fireworks........

Canadian Pint   7.50
Truis Cab Sau Gl   8.50
EW Ice Cream   (3 @ 4.99)   14.97

Total - $35.00 + 7 tip = 42 CAN = 39.72 USD + 1.09 AMEX Fee

Niagara Skywheel, Niagara Falls ON - July 1

Rating - 2.225

Long wait - 50 minutes, short ride (maybe 4 times around), parents think it was a waste, kids thought it was "good" to "great" but did not like the wait.....they did like when we stopped at the top (to load others) and when it "went around".  We did get our car as a family (5 of us) and the kids enjoyed pushing the buttons for lights and to mute the sound.

Otherwise nothing great, I would skip it unless the line was really short.

2 Adults   19.98
3 Kids   17.97

Total - 42.88 CAN - $40.55 USD + 1.07 AMEX Charge

The Keg, Niagara Falls ON - July 1

Rating - 7.441

Best to make a reservation long in advance on Canada Day....we went down with the kids around 5:30 and were seated in the bar area...they were REALLY busy...and Ben did a decent job of paying attention to us...but he was really BUSY.....

View from the bar sucks, but from the dining room you are looking right at the Horseshoe Falls....incredible view....we got to see it the next morning because the Embassy Suites serves breakfast in the same room....

The cheese toast was EXCELLENT as an app and their local beer is decent, but not great (Rickards Red)....kids meals were ok (but expensive at 9.95 and you pay for drink), and my 8 oz Teriaki Sirloin was decent, Hot Mamma liked the Seafood Sirloin.....

Decent dinner, ok service, expensive bill!  No need to return....

3 Pint Rickards    22.50
2 Lemonade   7.90
1 Cheese Toast   6.95
3 Kids Strips   29.85
1 Seafood Sir   33.50
1 8 oz Teri Sir   23.95
1 Keg Trius Cab   13.75

Sub total   138.40
HST   15.23
DPF   4.15
Tip 30.01

Total - 187.78 CAN = 177.60 USD + 4.80 AMEX fee

Embassy Suites Fallsview, Niagara Falls ON - July 1

Rating - 6.224

The staff is very friendly, most are hometown kids, but the place is HUGE.  Be prepared to WAIT A LONG TIME FOR THE ELEVATORS as there are 42 floors.  Also, I head people loosing their minds when they checked in and didn't have a Falls View room......wow....

We were in room 3407 which had a Citi-view....I had called the GMs office to request a larger room since there was 5 of us and they took care of us....this is a GREAT room, lots of space, and it was QUIET.....very nice.

As mentioned, the waits for the elevator are painful.  They do have happy hour, but you will only get your one drink and the wine is horrible....and the area is packed.

We had dinner at the Keg (  ), and they serve breakfast the next morning in the same place.  Again, be prepared to wait for a table if you arrive at the "wrong" time, and the lines for the food are monster long...but all the wait staff were very friendly.

It is a very short walk to the train that takes you right down to the Canadian Horseshoe Falls.

At checkout it was at least a 40 minute wait for the friendly bellman to make it to the room.

Would I stay if I was paying.....probably not....I used my Hilton points.

Total - $33.90 CAN*  *valet parking, its $20 to self park; $32.06 USD + 1.09 AMEX Charge

Chicago to Cape Cod MA - July 1 - 2

Rating - LONG

Its about 1,000 miles.....and our drive to Niagara Falls took about 9 hours (also lost 1 due to time change)....we definitely need to leave by 6 am the next time so we can get into Canada around 3:30 and get on Maid of the Mist BEFORE dinner.

Drive the next day is shorter by an hour if you don't get hung up at the border.

Can I fly again?

Niagara Falls, Ontario CANADA - July 1

Rating - 7.113

Warning - July 1 is CANADA DAY and the place is swarmed with people looking to celebrate by walking very slowing on the streets around the falls....no one seems to care that it is PACKED with PEOPLE.....

I had no idea....it was not too bad crossing the border (we choose furthest East - about 1/2 hour drive to the Falls)...and it was not bad checking into the Embassy Suites (http://talesfromtheroad-mwalno.blogspot.com/2010/07/embassy-suites-fallsview-niagara-falls.html) .......and it was not so bad at the Keg (http://talesfromtheroad-mwalno.blogspot.com/2010/07/keg-niagara-falls-on-july-1.html ) where we had dinner....but it was BAD when we took the short walk to the Falls.

It was PACKED and hard to walk....we were trying to get down to the Maid of the Mist ( http://talesfromtheroad-mwalno.blogspot.com/2010/07/maid-of-mist-niagara-falls-on-july-2.html)...and it took over an hour.....by the time we got there it was closed (closes at 8 pm) so we walked over to the Skywheel ( http://talesfromtheroad-mwalno.blogspot.com/2010/07/niagara-skywheel-niagara-falls-on-july.html)  which was a RIP OFF...

Then we went back to our favorite place for a night cap and some ice cream at Edgewaters Tap and Grill ( http://talesfromtheroad-mwalno.blogspot.com/2010/07/edgewaters-tap-and-grill-niagara-falls.html) where we watched the fireworks....they were short (about 12 minutes) and not that great......lots of people had sat out all night to get prime viewing spots and I bet they felt really STUPID....especially with all the crowds trying to get back to their hotels afterward.

After breakfast the next morning, we headed back to the Maid of the Mist, and then back to the hotel to head back to the crossing.  Our bellman suggested we not try the bridge back to the USA right in the City, so we took the 1/2 hour ride back to the one we came in on...and hit a horrible line.  It looked worst than it did and we got through in about 50 minutes...the TSA guy said it was over a 2 hour wait the day before.....

So BEWARE if its CANADA DAY!!!!!!!!!!

Carmi's Crown Barber Shop, Chicago IL - June 30

Rating - 10.0++

This spot is PERFECT, exceptional service, superb hair cut, and all for only $20......

You have to LOVE a place where they answer the phone "The Best Barber Shop in the World".....

Located on the pedway in the Aon Building (200 E Randolph), give Carmi or Joe a ring at 312-856-5322, or take a chance and just walk in....if you have to wait a few minutes you can read either news paper (or the latest Playboy) or get your shoes shined by DeMarco.....

Carmi is off for a bit, but his son Joe is just as nice and every bit as good with the scissors....you get a cut and wash for $20....has to be THE BEST VALUE in the CITY.

I have been getting a cut every three weeks for the past 5 years and would not think of going any where else.

Love it!

Beehive Shoeworks, 35 N Wells Chicago IL - June 29

Rating - 8.445

Great place for a shoe shine and heel plates.....the guys who work here are fast, have plenty of news papers to reads, and do an EXCELLENT shine.  I believe its only $4.

I also have my golf shoes done here...and while the work is GREAT its $16.....a bit on the high side.....but shoes are always ready when promised.

Only issue I have ever had was when I bought some laces for dress shoes....guys sold me the wrong length...and when I returned I was told they don't do returns....even though it was their guy that sold them to me!

Brooks Brothers, Chicago IL - July 29

Rating - 9.9947

Headed into the store at La Salle and Adams to get a few suits re-tailored.......scary to admit I lost some weight - hope it doesn't come back....and checked to see if Bob was still at the store.

He is and it was a wonderful experience.  Tailor is awesome, old school charm, and the alterations were only $10 (one inch) and $20 (1 3/4").....great experience and excellent service.

If you want to look great, and not spend a ton of $$, give Bob a call.

PS.  The place itself is amazing....I believe its the old "Rookery".