DeKalb Eats!

I will start blogging soon..look out!!

2010-11-08T08:55:00.000-08:00

I plan on using this more frequently in the coming months!!

The Influence of mediated globalization

2010-04-23T10:05:00.001-07:00

These days no matter waht we do or where we go, we are always surrounded by the media. Especially now since globalization is on the rise, we will partake in it whether we know it or not. The first thing that will pop into everyones head when talking about the media and globalization would be Hollywood. Hollywood has been the main source of media since the beginning. It not only provided entertainment for the United States but also for other countries as well. The influence Hollywood has on other countries is both in a positive and in a negative way. The positive side to it would be that Hollywood provides a sense of entertainment to countries that cannot provide it for themselves. For example, in Russia or many Eastern countries, people have to face with a hard economy, and rough political issues. Because of that, these countries could not afford to make high quality movies. So they had to look at another source of entertainment and that would be Hollywood. It can also bring a sense of closeness between the nations. However, there are many issues dealing with the power Hollywood has on those countries and that can lead to problems. For example, many individuals might feel jealousy and rivalry. Especially for poorer countries, envy can become an issue. When they see all the glamour of Hollywood, they will probably feel like they are not good enough to have that. Also, competition becomes an issue in that moviemakers would want to level the playing field with Hollywood in the moviemaking business. They feel they Hollywood is set on high standards and feel they have to set the bar really high to be on Hollywood's level. Moreover, as more and more people identify with Hollywood, they will lose their identity and start looking like people on the big screen. It makes it seem like Hollywood and the American industry is turning the world into one giant America. Even though it may seem like it, there are some people that hold onto their true culture and refuse to let go of it.

So in order to decrease the influence of American media, the best thing is to murge different cultures together instead of just having one. This is where the term Bollywood comes into play. Bollywood has been the number one film making industry in India. Now it is spreading to the West and people are falling in love with it. Watching and learning about a different culture is refreshing to see for many and also entertaining to watch. Hopefully the spread of different cultures will bring nations closer together in the near furture.

2010-03-26T10:30:00.001-07:00

benefits of sports for students

2010-03-26T10:06:00.000-07:00

Sports have always been a part of people's everyday lives. Whether its playing the sport or watching it, people can always find temselves entertained while taking part in any sport actvities. But sports are not just meant to keep people entertained. They can also help people in ways such as building a high self-esteem, decreasing the likelyhood of obesity, and teaching us the power of teamwork. Those who can benefit most form sports are students from any age group. Whether thy are in primary school or in high school, they can always find themselves improving in school and discpline when they are taking part in a sport.

Sports help improve a kids self esteem bcasue it makes them feel good that they are good at something. When coaches and parents cheer their kids on, they will feel good about themselves and will have confidence for the future. Also, when playing sports, kids will reduce the risk of obesity because they are always active. Obesity is a huge problem for kids in the United States as well as all over the world. By having parents take part in their child's life and signing them up for a sport will decrease those chances. Staying active is always the healthy way to go. Lastly, when kids play a sport, they will learn that they should not always center things on them. They have to respect their coach and teammates and do the right thing for the team. When a player only plays just to win and wats to make every shot, then his fellow teammates will be dissappoined and losr respect for him. Teamwork also teaches kids to work with other people which is beneficial for the future.

Even though some parents think that sports are a waste of time that wll take away form school, they should at least encourage heir kid to try a sport. If not then they could join a differen group or club. Hopefully sports will continue to benefit kids in positive ways for years to come.

copywrite laws dealing with motion pictures

2010-02-26T10:09:00.000-08:00

Even though many people will disagree, copywrite laws are used to protect a person's work from being stolen, catch people who download movies or music illegally, and decrease the chances of having someon's work stolen. For example, in order to protect a filmakers movie, whenever someone gets a DVD, it does not come with a license that promotes them to viewing the movie outsode the home. This means that they cannot show the movie publicly without having a special license. I do think though, that some things should be shared with others but only if its legal. If it is meant not to be shared, then it should stay that way. Obeying these rules is very crucial and if disobeyed, then you will suffer ocnsequences. In this one article, it mentions that college students are the number one age group to get caught doing illegal downloading. The reason for that is becasue they are not educated on the importance of following copywrite rules. That is why it is important for students to know beforehand about wy copywrite laws should be obeyed insted of learning it the hard way.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/335338/why_you_must_obey_movie_copyright_laws.html

I personally think that copywrite laws should be obeyed and if not, then the person who didn't follow them should pay the consequences. If a person wants to show a DVD outsde the home, then he or she should get a license to get to do that. Hopefully in the near future, piracy and illegal downloading will decrease so that those people who have their work owned to them don't have to worry about infringement.

2010-02-05T10:27:00.000-08:00

Video Games by children: Form readng this article, i found out many interesting information about what happens to children when they paly too much video games. There were some stuff on there that I already knew but the fact that video games may cause obesity and communicaton problems was shocking. In the essay that I wrote I mentioned why addiction happens o videogame playing kids and also about how they become unrealistic about the real world. This is an important aspect that wa not mentioned in the article because when kids percieve the world like its a video game then they will have trouble later on in life. They will for example have problems with relationships and with keeping themselves stable.

video games affecting child behavior.

2010-02-05T10:15:00.000-08:00

There are many kids in this world that play video games either for the fun of it or just to kill time. There are however, some negative effects to this that many kids do not know and get. These effects are addiction, isolation form the real world, and doing poorly in school. When kids play too much video games, all these negative sides are a result form playing too much and can harm a child. Of course, there are people that think that video games are good for children and help them learn. This is only true for the educational ones but the others are not real nd they teach kids things that do not matter. When any child diplays addiction or the other effects, the only way to hep him or her is to make them stop playing video games for quite some time.

Rice Kitchen

2009-10-26T13:21:00.000-07:00

Everyone seems to have “their restaurant” when it comes to Chinese cuisine. The one restaurant that they can trust to have a good plate every time. Since I have recently changed locations, I have been in dire need to find “my restaurant.”

A few days ago, I was taking a walk with my friend near Greek row. We were both hungry and started for a pizza place. Then a smell of garlic and ginger wafted through the air that made our mouths salivate, Chinese food located at 850 Pappas Dr. Unit D, Dekalb, IL 60115. We looked around and saw the bright read sign stating Rice Kitchen. I went up to the door and found out that they are open seven days a week mainly 11:00 am to 10:00 pm with free Wi-Fi. We headed inside and later found out their numbers are (815) 787-8899 and (815) 787-8891.

As we walked in, I looked around. There was a part of the restaurant that could be used for a party, for it could be sectioned off. There was also a buffet counter, but that was closed because I went at 8:30 in the evening. The rest of the dining area was very simple and relaxed. A few decorative Chinese paintings and some comfortable chairs made it seem all at ease.

The place where we took our orders had pictures of the different plates they had to offer. Each one looked delicious. Although the waitress did tell us that it had not been updated in a while so she handed us menus which had a huge selection. I went for the Special Lo Mein. It consisted of soft noodles, shrimp, pork, onions, carrots, and other vegetables with a sauce that complemented and brought out all the flavors onto the plate. The dish was mainly brown, but with the sparks of orange and green color, it made the plate pop! The tender noodles was counteracted by the crunchiness of the onions and the carrots added a sweetness to balance off the saltiness of the protein. The whole entrée seemed to have been marinated in the sauce to age the spices just enough to excite the mouth. My friend ordered pork fried rice and let me try some. It reminded me of home! My best friend's mother grew up in China and is known for her cooking in my home town, and this plate held a great competition with hers. No disappointment in sight at the Rice Kitchen.

The food came out with a wait of six minutes. The waitress was very kind and the presentation of the food was superb! We both ordered smalls and it was the right amount for us. The prices are very reasonable of between $4.75 to $6.25 for smalls and $6.95 to $9.95 for larges. They have a wide selection of food so I believe that anyone can find a meal there. They offer dine in, carry out, delivery, and party trays. They accept most credit cards and Huskie Bucks so college students are most definitely welcomed. An avid customer told me, “I come here at least once a week and I feel as though it's kitchen is mine.”

****

Rice Kitchen

850 Pappas Dr. Unit D

Dekalb, IL 60115

Tel: (815)787-8899

and (815)787-8890

There’s no place like Hillside

2009-10-16T12:18:00.000-07:00

In the heart of downtown DeKalb, Illinois, a local family owned restaurant sits on the side of a small hill. The aptly named Hillside Restaurant is the epitome of what it means to be a resident raised in the DeKalb tradition.

Now in its fifty-third year of business, The Hillside Restaurant has kept true to its small hometown roots. The Restaurant purchases all of its produce locally and has always done their best to help out the local farmers. Hillsides sole hostess Daniell claims" …Our restaurant is supported by the people of this town, so we feel it's only fair to give back what they have given us over the years." Hillside has stayed true to that claim by keeping their portions large, and menus price friendly with entrees ranging from $6 to $17.

The atmosphere of the restaurant hit me instantly when I walked in the door. The restaurant resembles a one level ranch whose brick walls are slowly being covered completely vine and vegetation. Protruding bay windows run along the front allowing high amounts of natural light giving the inside an easy and relaxing day time feel. Rich with stained wood that run across the ceiling, deep brown wooden floors, naked wood chairs, and mahogany walls the restaurant resembled some ones den. A shelf is decorated with fake flowers in a vase, small grandfather clocks, and mason jar, while others hung prints and paintings. Sounds of jazz, Sinatra, and solo piano compositions hummed at a low volume from the speakers will put anyone at ease.

I visited the restaurant on a Wednesday around 4:30. I was the only person in the entire restaurant for about an hour before a few senior couples showed up for dinner. Hillside has over 50 drinks to choose from ranging from $4-$45 dollars a glass. I started with one of their specialty drinks, the cranberry kiss. The drink is $5.50 and was simply cheap champagne mixed with cranberry cocktail. The drink taste like a wine cooler and is a total waste of money.
The appetizer I ordered showed no relation to its predecessor. For $8.50 the herb pita chip and crab dip a try is served on a rectangular plate with the light pink crab dip accumulated in the center. The pita chips are cut a triangular tortilla chip style sticking out of the dip. The pita chips took on a texture and taste similar to a funnel cake, while the dip has a sweet but still seafood taste too it. Although I am not impressed with the quality of the beef noodle soup, it is still satisfying. With soggy vegetables and very little beef, this soup is served with pre-packaged crackers.

For $12.95 the description reads turkey pot pie with homemade biscuit and cranberries. Uniquely served on a circular dish that contains a warm, soft butter-milk biscuit in the middle surrounded by the homemade fillings of what would be in the pot pie. A useless side of cranberry sauce is served on the side. The biscuit is nothing shy of delicious and soaked the vibrant and lively flavors from its surroundings. The dish included vegetables that crunched as you chewed them, and were all chopped finely and evenly distributed in the dish. The dish has an abundance of white turkey meat that is juicy and full with flavor. The consistency of the sauce that all of these ingredients float in is thick, and warm. By no means did the preparer of this dish take any shortcuts. Sensations of sweet, buttery, savory, and salty all dance perfectly on your tongue.

The Hillside is a restaurant that decides to spend their money on the dishes they feel people will come and spend money on. Some dishes are completely unoriginal and tacky, while others are brilliant with flavor and texture.

Rating: 4 Stars-Very Good
The Hillside Restaurant
121 North Second Street
DeKalb, IL
815-756-4749
Open: Breakfast-dinner every day excluding Mon., Breakfast-lunch on Mon.
Entrees:$5.75-$19.99
Credit Cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Recommended after shows end at Egyptian Theatre
Noise: Conversation- Friendly
Other: Restaurant located on one-way street with one way parking

Fine Dining at Johnny's Charhouse

2009-10-16T12:16:00.001-07:00

With its main dishes ranging from a $7.95 sandwich to $31.95 for 26 ounces of porterhouse steak Johnny’s Charhouse is moderately expensive and perfect for a date night with its romantic atmosphere. All meals include delicious bread baked daily from Turano Baking Co. served with oil and butter, a potato, and the best soup in the area. The service is excellent and no reservations are necessary; Johnny’s can accommodate your party any night of the week, including Saturday night.

My family and I are not locals to the area and had no problem finding Johnny’s. It is prominently located right off of Sycamore road with clear signage advertising the restaurant’s location. Upon entering the restaurant there is a display with beautifully presented desserts and steaks, if you desire to pick out your own steak to be prepared. The light is slightly dimmed; perfect for an evening of romance. Tricia Ruthe commented on the interesting décor; the walls are covered with “tasteful and interesting” black and white pictures of events, people, history etc. We were seated in a quaint back room. The room was rather large (what is sometimes the size of a small restaurant) with ten tables perfect for large parties. There is more than enough space between other tables and the chairs. Johnny’s was able to accommodate our group of around twenty-five with only a half hours notice on a Saturday night. I was astonished at the swift efficiency of the staff. We never felt rushed, and we got our beverages (including refills) and food right on queue. Tricia Ruthe, a member of our party, observed that “our waiter didn’t hesitate” when we requested the check be split seven ways. To make it even harder we were all intermingled throughout four tables, but that didn’t seem to hinder the staff in the least.

Johnny’s in known for their delicious steaks, and there is a good reason for it. My parents and several other members of our party ordered steaks, and they all enjoyed them. My stepfather said it was the best filet mignon he had ever had for $25.95, which is saying a lot; he is a bit of a steak fanatic. It was properly prepared with delicious spices that didn’t overpower the steak’s juicy flavor. Johnny’s certainly met my stepfather’s standards for a good steak.

The French onion soup was exquisite. I highly recommend it, especially if you normally enjoy it, because Johnny’s will top it. From the mouthwatering flavor it is obvious that the chefs at Johnny’s know how to make delectable soup fresh from scratch.

The Charhouse Steakburger for only $8.95 was slightly less impressive. It wasn’t bad as far as a burger goes, but there was no pizzazz, nothing that set it apart. It was ordinary, lacking the flavor succulent burger I was anticipating. Next time I will know to stick to the steak.

The garlic-mashed potatoes were good, but not a rarity. The garlic was not overpowering, it could stand to have more garlic, and the mashed potatoes were the right consistency. I would order them again, but I wouldn’t go to Johnny’s specifically to have the garlic mashed-potatoes. It is not the garlic-mashed potatoes that make Johnny’s praiseworthy; it is the soup and steak.

Everything from the bread and soup to steak is delicious though I think there are a few things that were not praiseworthy like the Steakburger and the mashed potatoes. You cannot order wrong, everything on the menu is satisfactory, but there are select dishes that will make an exquisite meal. To enhance your experience at Johnny’s be sure to try the fresh bread, French onion soup, and most importantly a steak. To leave Johnny’s without trying the steak is to visit New York and not gaze upon the skyline.

***
Johnny’s Charhouse
1950 DeKalb Avenue
Sycamore, IL 60178(815) 756-1155

Annie G’s Gimme Some Please

2009-10-16T12:15:00.002-07:00

Sarah Lenart

By having a wide selection of all- you-can eat pancakes and a large assortment of pies and desserts, Annie G’s is the perfect place to go for breakfast or to just satisfy that sweet tooth. Even though it is a typical family restaurant, the food was delicious and enjoyable along with the atmosphere.

Firstly, when I went to Annie G’s I thought that the food would be horrible seeing as it was a family restaurant. Having my dad over on Friday, I told him that he could pick a restaurant of his choice and of course, he picked Annie G’s. As soon as I went inside, I was greeted very warmly and then seated immediately. It was around seven p.m. when I went and there was not a lot of people dining there, which would explain the fast service. Not surprisingly, as soon as we sat down our waitress came to our table with the menus. If the service was going to be that fast, we would be out of there in less than half an hour which did occur.

Besides the service being fast, the meal that I ordered was also very delicious. Although, when I was looking through the menu, I had trouble deciding what to order. Since there is a huge breakfast selection and a small dinner one, I could not make up my mind on what to get. Since the restaurant is a pancake restaurant, my waitress says their most popular dish “are pancakes in all different flavors.” I saw many pancakes from blueberry to chocolate chip ranging at 7.99. Also, the dinner selection had some delicious options such as the steak dinner which is 11.99 and the chicken caesar pita at 7.99. After about five minutes on deciding, I ordered the blueberry crepes. I thought they were very delicious despite that they were a little cold, and tasted like the ones my mom makes. They had blueberries and cheese inside with some whipped cream, fresh blueberries, and blueberry sauce as toppings. Moreover, the price I paid for them was very reasonable. For two crepes and a fresh bowl of fruit I paid $ 7. 49. The prices overall were not bad, which ranged from six dollars to fourteen dollars being the highest. After we finished eating, it took our waitress about ten minutes to come to our table and give us our check. In general, I was still satisfied with the service as well the meal.

Lastly, as I mentioned before, Annie G’s is a family restaurant so the whole décor and atmosphere was kind of frilly but at the same time pleasant. I wondered if the decorations changed over time and my waitress said that “the wall decorations stay the same all the time. But on the shelves and window sills we do have decorations for fall currently and I am sure at Christmas time they will change again.” Also, I liked that they kept the restaurant clean. I also like how it smelled greatly of freshly baked pies. This fresh scent of the pies and the whole atmosphere in general can remind anyone of their grandmas baking at home. Also, outside there is a patio with desks and chairs where you can sit. You can go and sit outside and enjoy a nice summer day while eating your meal.

Overall, Annie G’s is a great family restaurant where you can take your mom and dad out to spend some time with them. It is not a restaurant to go out with your friends, especially on a Friday or Saturday night because the atmosphere does not fit well. However, I would go anytime for those delicious crepes.

Satisfying Since 1956

2009-10-16T12:15:00.001-07:00

All families have had those nights when one person wants chicken, another one pizza, and someone else fish or a salad. A sure way to not go to KFC, Pizza Hut, and Long John Silver’s is to get dinner at Pizza Villa. Their menu includes a wide variety including chicken, pasta, fish, salads, and pizzas.

This restaurant is located on West Lincoln Highway and prides itself on being “A DeKalb Favorite Since 1956”. Its brick exterior had no windows giving off a vibe that only exclusive people were permitted to eat there. Once inside there was a homely and inviting vibe in the restaurant. The walls were brown brick just like the outside which made the whole restaurant dark and warm. The actual decorum and set up left something to be admired though. There were snowman and hanging clown decorations that didn’t seem to go with any particular theme. But the fireplace that took up practically a whole wall was a nice touch to the calming family oriented setting.

It was an untraditional sort of restaurant. Usually people are seated and then order their food but at Pizza Villa you place your own order as soon as you walk in. Once you order your food you seat yourself and then a waitress takes your drink orders and brings you your food. This method was not beneficial to me because when trying to make a selection I had to stand there with a menu in my hand until I figured it out.

With the many having such a wide range, so did the price. Prices went from $.75 to $4 for drinks; $.99 to $7 for appetizers; and $2.10 to 29.56 for entrees. Overall the prices were reasonable for the product. I ordered an individual 7 inch pepperoni pan pizza that cost 6 dollars and an order of fries that were $1.95. The pizza was small but filling. The crust was crispy and buttery on the outside and soft and decadent on the inside. The sauce was seasoned to perfection and the cheese was moist and delicious. It was worth the 3 extra dollars that I paid for it over what I would have paid at a place such as Pizza Hut. Something that I didn’t like about the prices was the fact that there were no refills on drinks. If you wanted another soda you would have to buy one.

The servers were nice but the customer service was nothing to be remembered. It took a while for the food to be cooked and after eating I had to wait for a long amount of time to for the waitress to check back in for boxes.

Pizza Villa is a dinner restaurant and does not open until 4 pm. Since I have only eaten there one time I could not speak on other dishes in the restaurant but from the look on the other customers faces young and old, the food is enjoyable.

***1/2
Pizza Villa
West Lincoln Highway
DeKalb, Il 60115
815-758-8116
http://www.pizzavilla.com/

Flour at its best

2009-10-16T12:15:00.000-07:00

Pizza restaurants are always an open option for a casual lunch, but no one expects it to be an exceptional, first-class meal. I first heard about this restaurant from a friend who had told me that Toppers was one of the best pizza restaurants around town. One of the employees there says, "[b]eing regular is bad in such a competitive market like Dekalb. Seeing how this was a unique and popular restaurant, I decided to try it out. Unfortunately, I was not able to dine at the restaurant, so I had no idea what the interior appearance was like. I made a short trip down there to take a glimpse at the exterior of the restaurant. It wasn't anything too spectacular to look at, but it did have a contemporary look to it.

I placed an order for a large diced bacon pizza. Despite the fact that I have an indisposition towards bacon, the pizza turned out to be pretty tasty. I especially enjoyed the crust; It was extremely chewy and the texture was like nothing I have ever eaten before. The chewy crust was the perfect combination with the juicy bits of bacon scattered all over the pizza. The overall appeal of the pizza was also great. At first, I thought the pizza was a bit overcooked as it was really dark looking, but after I took a bite into it, I realized the darkness was intentional as it added an extra bit of crunchiness. Overall it was a phenomenal pizza. The price was amazingly cheap as well, and with it being cheap, you can always find awesome deals online by searching for coupons on their website. There is a coupon for a large one topping pizza and a triple order of Toppersticks for only $14.99. Now that's a great deal or as one of the employees at Toppers says, "The 1 topping large and triple order for $14.99. It is a good deal for that much food".

In addition to the pizza, I also placed an order for their famous triple order of Cinnamonstix. When the Cinnamonstix arrived, the vagrant scent captured my attention; the mere smell of them was worth drooling over. They were perfectly shaped rectangular bars of soft, chewy goodness. And the sweet, cool icing layered on top gave it a bitter sweet taste, although the sweetness of the icing overpowered it a bit. An employee states that "[t]hey are probably our single most popular item. I estimate it is partially due to the low price". Along with the sticks came a rich and creamy dip. It had a similar taste to whip cream with a kick of vanilla, but was much thicker in texture; it added a unbelievable taste to the sticks.

Although I only had a small portion of their extensive, diverse menu, the food was great nonetheless. The restaurant had a very unusual yet enticing menu and out of all the things I have seen before, I have never seen any pizzas topped like these. There was a Mac N' Cheese topped pizza and a pizza named "hangover helper", which I thought was quite bizarre. These pizzas are only two of the many house pizzas, which are $16.99. Additionally they had an option in which you could create your own pizzas. Some toppings in these custom made pizzas include taco meat, steak, buffalo chicken, and ground beef. These start at $11.99 and $1.75 for each additional topping.

Both the service on the phone and the in person delivery service was great "coupled by fast deliveries and friendly employees". They were both very friendly, especially the delivery guy; he was very conversational. He managed to find the apartment rather quickly, only taking 20 minutes, which came to me as a bit of a shock.

The restaurant, overall, was exceptional. I would rate it a 4.5 out of 5.

****1/2
1015 W Lincoln Hwy
Dekalb Il 60115
(815)756-7755
http://www.toppers.com/#/intro

Tom and Jerry’s really is the King of Gyros

2009-10-16T12:14:00.001-07:00

Situated within eyeshot of eastern Rockford’s State Street is Tom and Jerry’s. It’s located right on the beaten path of State Street’s strip of retail shops and restaurants. If you’re in the neighborhood, hungry, and looking for a unique dining experience, then this gem of a restaurant is worth looking for.

One thing that is this restaurant’s greatest strength can be one of its weaknesses. You will be getting freshly made food, which means you may end up waiting a while for it. Jacob Wingert, a friend and recent patron of Tom and Jerrys, felt that “[i}t was a longer wait than [he] was used to,” but that in the end it was “very worth the wait.” It is important to remember that they don’t start making what you order until you order it. This means that your food will be delicious and fresh, but you won’t have it instantly. The restaurant does it’s best to make up for this inherent flaw by having genuinely awesome people for their wait staff. The service is very friendly and that makes an excellent dining atmosphere.

The vibe here is very warm and inviting. It is a blend of family and fast food that makes this a place where you have a relatively quick, convenient meal that you can enjoy at your leisure and you could stay a while and talk after your meal if you wanted to. This isn’t a heartless, corporation kicking you out to make room for the next customer. You’re being served food by people who care.

The food at Tom and Jerry’s is a step above fast food joints you may be accustomed to. They have some unusual fast food faire, such as a pizza puff for 2.69$ and saganaki, a Greek fried cheese dish, both of which were unimpressive. Their Chicago-style hot dog, for the paltry sum of 2.25$, is very good. Their burgers are also very excellent, although they can be slightly over grilled. By far the best thing on the menu is the gyros. They are slightly more expensive than your average hamburger at 4.29$, but they are worth the investment. Their flat bread is made daily, and is always so fresh and warm it feels like it’s just out of the oven. They almost over pack the bread with meat. The meat is seasoned just right and is so tender it falls apart in your mouth. There is a sauce with the consistency of mayonnaise and excellent flavor, tomatoes, and onions on top. When asked about his feelings toward the gyro he had, he said that this experience made him a “fan of gyros, especially this one!” Short of kidnapping an elderly Grecian woman to make gyros for you, this is your best bet to get an excellent, authentic gyro.

The prices on the menu might be higher than you’re used to seeing at a drive thru menu, but what extra your paying doesn’t compare to the quality you’re getting. Really, if you’re looking for an excellent meal to share with friends for a reasonable price, you can’t go wrong with the king of gyros, Tom and Jerry’s.

Rating: ****
Tom and Jerry’s
5446 E. State St.
Rockford, IL 61108
(815) 398-1240

Amazing Annie G’s

2009-10-16T12:14:00.000-07:00

Amazing Annie G’s
By Marissa Meyer

Annie G’s Pie and Pancake restaurant is located at a very convenient spot for students that go to NIU. The restaurant is right down the street from the university at 131 Annie Glidden Road, so it is perfect for any college student to be able to have a nice sit down meal with family and friends.

Not only is the location perfect, but the service is amazing. The waitress I had was very friendly and made my friend and I feel comfortable, and very relaxed. Our waitress told us to take our time and recommended the pancakes to my friend and me. We did not feel rushed at all while trying to decide what to choose from the large menu. After finally deciding what to order our food came out no longer than between ten and fifteen minutes. Our meals were exactly what we had ordered and the bill at the end was accurate. The cost of the food at Annie G’s ranges from $4.99 to $12.99, and drinks range from about $1 to $3.49 and there are free refills on any soft drinks or milk. The total bill for both me and my friend ended up being around $20 which was worth it because you get a lot of food for your money.

The overall atmosphere of the restaurant has a very homey feel to it, and is very clean. The music was very soft it was good to have in the background for conversations. The restaurant has a cozy feeling to it; there are a lot of booths rather than tables to dine at, and the décor there is not much but there are a few paintings that remind me of some I have in my house. The paintings are mostly of flowers and garden scenery. Another guest that was at the restaurant Stephanie Cooke, explains her thoughts about the decorations at Annie G’s, “I would change the decorations a little bit because it seems like it is more for older people and this restaurant is right by a college campus. I would spice up the dining area with more decorations to give it more appeal to younger college students.” The lighting is bright and is the perfect temperature inside. The types of people that dine there range from young children to elderly people.

The menu at Annie G’s ranges from soups, salads, pitas, steak, sandwiches, burgers, pies, and many breakfast options. Stephanie describes the many different types of breakfast choices on the menu. “The breakfast selection was huge they have, different kinds of omelettes, crepes, skillets, pancakes, steak and eggs, croissants, and many a good selection of side orders you can chose from to.” This restaurant is known for their breakfast cuisine especially their pancakes. The prices of the food are about the same as any average restaurant, not exactly low but not expensive. I chose to try their famous pancakes that our waitress highly recommended to us. When I got my meal it fit the description off the menu exactly. They were amazing and delicious; I was not able to eat all of the pancakes because they were so big. The presentation of the food was great. They had a huge plate with four big pancakes stacked up on top of each other, with maple syrup drizzled all down them and butter melting all over the pancakes. The food at this restaurant is worth the price. You get a great quality meal and a huge quantity as well.
Annie G’s was a great dining experience, and I would definitely recommend it to other college students. It is right down the street from campus, you get a great meal that tastes like it is home cooked with an atmosphere that feels as if you were back home.
****
Annie G’s Pie and Pancake Restaurant
131 Annie Glidden Rd.
DeKalb IL 60115
(815) 217- 0227
http://www.anniegs.com/

Eatin' Good In This Neighborhood

2009-10-16T12:13:00.005-07:00

Feeling a little hungry with my family on a Saturday night, we drove down Sycamore Road and pulled into Applebee’s parking lot. The red-brick building looked like a hot-spot tonight, having most of their parking lot filled up, also a few cars in their “carside to go” parking spots. We went in looking for a line, but only found smiling faces, welcoming us in, quickly and efficiently seating my family. We were escorted to a high table in the bar area.

We all took a brief moment to get comfortable, looking at the array of knick-knacks about the room; memorabilia for all Chicago teams ranging from the Blackhawk’s, the Cubs and White Sox, Bulls to Bears, also a bit of the Dekalb and Sycamore High School jerseys and pennants, now throw in NIU jerseys, stickers, wall art and lack of space, that is what the walls look like, everything thrown up in a hap-hazard-like fashion.

After getting into the spirit of sports(there are also TVs in the corner so you can watch ESPN), I look to the menu and pick out something that looks appetizing, yet new. Before I get to decide, our lovely waitress, Jess, comes to our table, issuing us the required welcoming speech and smile, but she had a different air about her that a lot of waiter/waitresses cannot pull off. She had a friendly attitude and the way she went about her work made the experience a bit better.

I felt not too hungry yet adventurous, so I ordered a nice plate of French Dip Sliders, getting those after digging into the Appetizer Sampler that my father ordered. Mozzarella Sticks, Cheese Quesadillas, and Boneless Buffalo Wings, your choice of either honey BBQ or spicy, and spinach & artichoke dip with tortilla chips(my personal favorite of everything there). This is, according to my father, Dan Walsh Sr., “…the best thing on the menu”.

When the Sliders came, I was very impressed with the size of them. Sliders are small, and these had more size to them. They serve you three perfectly sized toasted sandwiches, filled with thinly sliced roast beef and a slice of swiss cheese, brought to you with a side cup of au jus(a sauce used with most, if not all, roast beef sandwiches) and fries, which I heartily ate, still having room after devouring the appetizer plate.

They have some special orders and accommodations here, which include a well rounded kid’s menu, 2 for $20(your choice of one appetizer and two entrees), and what they call Pick ’n Pair, which is your choice between 4 soups, 4 salads, and 3 pastas or sandwiches, all for $5.99.

Overall, if you want to grab a bite to eat, sit down and relax, in a(more or less) familiar environment, Applebee’s is the way to go here in Dekalb, all food for reasonable prices between $5.49 and $16.99. Going there over the years, I have experienced nothing bad about this establishment and would recommend it to anyone who wants great food, good service, and a welcoming, pleasing environment. Tip of the hat to Applebee’s.

Hours of Opperation
Mon.-Thu: 11AM-11PM
Fri.-Sat: 11AM-12AM
Sun: 11AM-10 PM

Applebees Restaurant
2411 Sycamore Rd.
Dekalb, IL 60115
(815)748-3222
http://www.applebees.com/
Rating: **** stars

Traditional American Annie G’s

2009-10-16T12:13:00.004-07:00

Annie G’s Pie and Pancake Restaurant is the perfect restaurant because everyone feels at home, “As I walked in it felt really welcoming” said Sam Williams, a costumer. That is just the response Annie G’s wants to get from costumers. Though it is appetizing and a lot of people will be there, you will just almost never have to wait around for a seat. When you walk in, you feel like you are walking into your own home. The atmosphere feels extremely comfortable. The walls and everything inside was just like mine at home and other costumers feel the same way, “The decorations of the restaurant reminded me of ones that I have in my own home” also said Sam Williams. You will feel extremely relaxed sitting there and eating because the seating is ideal. You have enough space between tables to feel apart but it is close enough to feel cozy. They don’t have much to decorate the place but not too little, perfect to feel at ease.
Annie G’s is in the perfect spot. It is close enough to the dorms of Northern Illinois University, so when the students feel hungry they can just take a nice walk over. The best time to come would be in the morning for breakfast because no wait and good food. Also people driving on the highway will be able to get off and come right on in. The service was nice and inviting when I went there. The waiter was very personable and actually made my dining experience better. “Actually our waiter was pretty entertaining. He was kind of funny” My dinning partner said. He brought the food quick and swiftly so I wasn’t waiting there hungry. He also was very friendly with me and I felt extremely welcomed when I sat down. Everything I ordered was perfect and no mess ups. Actually I got something that I didn’t expect. The waiter asked me instead of hash browns if I would like their special potatoes with cheese into them. This was like a cheesy fluffy heaven and it felt like the waiter wanted what was best for me.
Speaking of the potatoes and how delicious they were, all the food was good including my great glass of orange juice. “The food was really good. It tasted delicious, like a home cooked meal” thought Sam. The menu had a decent variety of foods, but mainly traditional American dishes. I went for breakfast and they had everything that I would want made to perfection. They looked so good almost unreal, “It looked like what you would see on TV” said Sam, a satisfied costumer. The descriptions are made to make your stomach rumble before even seeing the food, which also were so accurate it was better than a picture. You will know exactly what you are getting before you actually get the food. The pricing was very reasonable. For all the food that I got, which was the eggs pancakes, bacon, and cheesy hash browns was only $6.99.The DeKalb skillet that made my mouth water was eggs, peppers, and sausage all mixed up was only $7.49. Those are great prices. At first I thought they were charging a little bit much but when you order the waiter will ask you if you want more food that comes with the dish, Once he finishes asking you , you will realize that you get plenty of food for your money, maybe for some people, too much food.
At Annie G’s you will feel welcome every time when you are eating your fantastic food, with great service. When you get the bill you will realize that you are getting a great amount of food for a great price at Annie G’s.
Annie G’s Pie and Pancake Restaurant
**** 1/2
(815) 217-0227
131 Annie Glidden Rd.
DeKalb, Illinois

Tasty Time at O’Leary’s

2009-10-16T12:13:00.003-07:00

O’Leary’s Irish Pub & Grill is located in the heart of down town DeKalb right off of Lincoln Highway. With its easy access and visibility off the main road it leaves no surprise that this place is a pretty popular location especially on a Friday and Saturday night. If you enjoy that fun outgoing atmosphere Friday and Saturday are the nights to go. The bar is full of entertaining people wanting to cut back and have a great time but be prepared to wait if you want a table. If you prefer to dine in a quiet atmosphere O’Leary’s will provide that for you during the week Mondays through Thursdays.

The term Irish Pub is depicted well on the inside. The walls are covered with pictures and the restaurant is filled with dark wood. At night the lights are dimmed to set the mood. The seating is either booth or table. The seating is spread out in a certain fashion that you are not sitting on the person next to you. You can easily be engaged in your own conversation and not the people next to you.

The service was excellent. Our waitress brought drinks out right away and gave us enough time to figure out what we wanted to order. The food came out before we knew it. It was obvious that once the food is done being prepared it is brought out almost immediately instead of sitting under a heat lamp.

The menu contains a wide variety of food and what seems to be an endless amount of dishes even Andrew Loaiza, a fellow dining companion, had something to say about it, “[t]he menu definitely had something to suite everyone.” When it came to the quality and portions of the food he had nothing bad to report about it, “[i]t was good and there was definitely a lot of it!” Some appetizers include Loaded Potato Skins, Wexford Wings and Guinness Battered Onion Rings. O’Leary’s also provides a variety of soups and salads such as Jamaican Jerk Salad, Buffalo Chicken Salad and soups include French Onion and of course the soup of the day. There are a wide variety of main dishes to choose from. Vegetarians can indulge in a Veggie Wrap or Burger, for non vegetarians the menu includes a BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich, Tangy Ranch Chicken Wrap, 6 different Burgers to choose from, a couple steaks such as the Flame Grilled Top Sirloin, Fajitas, O’Leary’s Baby Back Ribs, Yankee Pot Roast as well as a couple of seafood and pasta dishes. The menu is reasonably priced with nothing exceeding $20.

All the dishes sound fantastic and are full of flavor. I personally had the Baja Chicken Quesadillas which was $8.75. Even though it’s served as an appetizer do not be fooled it’s a lot of food. It was delicious but a little on the spicy side. It was filled with two different kinds of cheese, spicy chicken, diced tomatoes and green onions. I also sampled the Chimes Chicken Strip Platter for $9.75, another huge portion but also extremely tasty. There were three choices of sauce for the chicken to be smothered in, Asian Zing, Honey-BBQ or Buffalo, I opted to go the Honey-BBQ route, it was definitely a good choice. The sauce was a little on the thick side but very good.

Overall I was impressed by this cute little pub. It had a homey feeling to it as well as having an accommodating atmosphere for everyone. I rate this restaurant 4 out of 5 stars. The service was great the food was good, not the best I have ever had but it was very appetizing.

O’Leary’s Irish Pub & Grill
260 E Lincoln Highway
DeKalb, IL 60115
(815) 748-0000

4 out of 5 stars

Eduardo's: All-around fine Mexican dining

2009-10-16T12:13:00.002-07:00

All-around fine Mexican dining

Reviewer: Robert Rickard

Over the weekend I had the pleasure of visiting the Mexican restaurant Eduardo's in downtown DeKalb. The building is situated in the center of the small town off Lincoln highway on a side street with a public parking lot within walking distance. Eduardo’s outside does not offer much: a brick building with a simple light- up sign, an overhang, and little more. The inside of Eduardo’s is of stark contrast to the outside. The warm, earthen colors and decorative lighting offered a comfortable waiting area where a receptionist stood attentively at a podium, ready to seat us immediately.

The seating in Eduardo’s is ample and offers variety. If you prefer a more intimate setting there are booths inset into the wall, warmly lit by a personal chandelier. There is also a long banquet table by the windows to host larger parties. There are unique lights with colored glass and large, Hispanic themed paintings that adorn the dining room. Coupled with the décor, the soft, lively music, and the food with its appetizing aromas, Eduardo’s can be an immersive experience.

The food at Eduardo’s is excellent, but the quality may vary depending on what you get. I spoke with Andy, a manager at Eduardo’s about the restaurant and its food. He told me that the head chef, Bobby, “was born and raised in Mexico,” and “has been cooking for 35 plus years.” Bobby’s experience is clearly evident in some dishes, but other dishes could use attention. The salsa that comes at the table is disappointing; it has a vinegar base that drowns out all other flavors. However, the chips come warmed up, have a salt- pepper seasoning on them, and are delicious. To go with the chips I recommend the guacamole, a small is perfect for two people, costs $6, and it has a wonderful taste that is perfect to start your meal off with.

For dinner I enjoyed my Tijuana enchiladas($13), corn tortillas topped with a copious amount of shredded iceberg lettuce, roasted green peppers, caramelized onions, and tender strips of char- broiled steak. My guest had the Chile relleno($11.50), which is a battered poblano pepper, stuffed with soft Mexican cheese, deep fried, and coated in sauce. The poblano pepper was undercooked however, leading to a tough skin that was difficult to eat. All the entrees come with Spanish rice and refried beans piled on the side. The Spanish rice was done perfectly, however I would recommend staying away from the refried beans- they were soupy and contain a lot of salt.

If you are unsure of what you want, but have an idea of what you are looking for the waiter has a good knowledge of the menu and can offer suggestions. Our server was very attentive, offering to refill our drinks, asking if we needed anything, how it was, etc. At the end of the meal we received our check. Eduardo’s is not too expensive, at about $15 per person it includes a meal sure to include leftovers and a drink with unlimited free refills. Eduardo’s accepts all major credit cards including: Visa, MasterCard, and Discover, but do not accept NIU Huskie Bucks.

Rating: **** 1/2
Out of five

Eduardo’s
214 E. Lincoln HighwayDeKalb, Illinois 60115

Phone: 815-758-2677

Webpage: http://eduardosdekalb.com/

The Sky Box

2009-10-16T12:13:00.001-07:00

Downtown DeKalb is no mecca for sports bars, let alone fine dining, but there is one standout spot in the area at an affordable price: The Upper Deck. It was about the only place on the DeKalb strip that even looked remotely alive around 7 P.M. The walk through the door was quite surprising, the speakers were blasting and The Dream’s hit single “She Rockin’ That Thing” was playing in the background. The music instantly won me over. This song was followed by music from Keri Underwood, Keri Hilson, and many others. The atmosphere of the restaurant was very clean and neat and gave off an aura of sports. If you enjoy watching sports, this was the place to be. In the restaurant, were signed jersey’s of Bears, Bulls, Wolves, and even NIU Huskie players. Even if you’re not a big sports fan, it’s still a pretty relaxing get away. The restaurant has eight forty-two inch flat screen TV’s and each was displayed a different sports broadcast from boxing to baseball to women’s basketball and so on. So you can bet with their sufficient amount of TV’s, if there’s a big game or your favorite team is playing, it will most definitely be on.

The customer service was especially fantastic. The manager, an NIU student named Kyle Schwan, consistently checked up on our table to make sure everything was fine and made us feel very welcomed with his keen sense of humor. I don’t know if it was due to the fact that we were two of about ten customers in the restaurant, but regardless he always seemed to be right there when we needed him for a joke or service. Our waitress wasn’t too far behind him either, I don’t think there was one time during my meal where I even had to request for a refill.

The menu consisted of the same kind of menu that you’d find at any sports bar, nothing more and nothing less. Although the menu was very normal, it was probably the best tasting food I have ever eaten. On the contrary, it may be a little bias though because I’ve been eating nothing except dormitory food. Their main dish was the prized Hangover Burger. This quarter-pound burger was topped with American cheese, ham, scrambled egg and homemade Bloody Mary sauce. It was named to appeal to college students who’d probably eat the burger in its name sake for a price of $8.29. My friend Bobby and I didn’t think we were hungry enough for a quarter pounder, so we ordered the boneless wings instead. We took advice from Kyle who said, “The most popular dish are the wings with various sauces.” The wings came in a bundle of eight for only $7.29, which was a pretty solid price. We noticed when we received our food that fries were not included nor were they on the menu, which was a little upsetting. We later learned, that you can order them, by request. The reason they weren’t on the menu was a question no one could answer. For the most part, the prices were pretty reasonable for an average college student, such as myself. The price range was between $5.00-15.00 for appetizers and entrees.

The Upper Deck was a great place to eat and relax. It’s opens early and stays open late. Also has a bar for those old enough to drink. If you’re on the downtown strip, it might be the only place with a light on. The food was great and the service was even better. The atmosphere is a wonderful place for college students to come eat and hang out. They’re building a game room in the down stairs portion of the restaurant so that could attract more customers. This was the first time I ate outside the dorm or delivery, and it was memorable. To top it off, the husband of a elderly couple named Paul Sawyer paid for our bill and also for the waitress’s tip. Look for Upper Deck in the near future to become DeKalb’s number one spot.

4 stars
The Upper Deck
722 E. Lincoln Highway
(815)761-9621

Pita Pete's: A College Student's Escape

2009-10-16T12:13:00.000-07:00

College campus’s are notorious for their not so delicious cuisine we all like to call dorm food. But once in a while it’s nice to get out of residence hall dining’s tight grasp and venture off into the world of regular restaurants.

Pita Pete’s is the stereotypical, yet very satisfying, “healthy hippie” food you would expect to see on college campus’s. Whether your in a hurry to get to your next class or need a place to sit and study while you eat, Pete’s laid back personality and quick order-at-the-counter type style is perfect for every college student. “I love how convenient it is to just drop in and get a quick bite to eat between classes,” says long time patron Cassie Johnson.

Their philosophy is based on the fact that fast food can be healthy. They also love cash, but accept major credit cards, deliver, and stay open late. They will not take checks or reservations, park your car, sing happy birthday, or get you a date. See what I mean about the light hearted attitude?

There is a wide range of different types of pita’s you can choose from. Whether you’re a vegetarian or a steak person, Pete’s has got you covered. They have everything from falafel and BLT, to hummus and garden. After you tell the cashier what type of pita you want, they go over to the grill and cook the main ingredient. While someone’s doing that, you tell another person what other ingredients you want in it. They have a large selection of these ingredients, including lettuce, tomato, cheeses, giardenera, cucumbers, carrots, peppers, pickles, rice, corn, olives, and so on. Once they add everything into the low fat pita, you pick the dressing and they put it on in front of you so you can be the judge of how much is added. And if you want a dressing, Pete’s has got it. They have anything from ranch, italian, and caesar, to salsa, horseradish, and tahini sauce. They also have four types of mustards, two types of barbeque sauces, and much more.

Another option is to order a naked pita. You pick any type of pita and ingredients, and they make it into a salad. My favorite menu item is the chicken caesar pita with romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, croutons, and caesar dressing. However I have had the fajita pita which comes with steak, green pepper, onion, and whatever else you please. That too is very good but only if you’re in the mood for mexican.

They have fresh homemade hummus and chipotle hummus that once dipped with their homemade pita chips is absolutely to die for. I prefer the chipotle flavor because it adds a little kick at the end.

For drink options they have your regular everyday fountain drinks, but also Vitamin Water, SoBe, and each day they have a different flavor of fresh brewed iced tea (I prefer the mango).

The staff is very helpful if you have any questions and most of them are college students as well so they’re very witty and sarcastic - but in a funny, charming sort of way.

The Garden Pita comes in as the cheapest at $4.99, and the Philly Steak Pita is at the top with a $7.49 price tag. It’s $2.00 for double meat, $0.75 for extra cheese, $1.00 for extra bacon, and $1.25 for extra hummus, but all the other ingredients come with the original price. Regular potato chips are $1.00 which I think is cheaper than most places, and homemade pita chips and hummus are $2.69. It is a little pricier than dorm food but I have never had a bill over 12 dollars, which included a pita, a drink, and chips and hummus. But spending the extra buck is well worth it since eating dorm food every day for every meal can drive a person crazy.

*** 901 Lucinda Ave
Suite #T, Dekalb, IL
(815) 758-3012‎

China House has a Good Slant on China’s Cuisine

2009-10-16T12:12:00.004-07:00

The China House Restaurant and Buffet at 1900 Sycamore Ave. in Dekalb is located just past the Jewel and before the Wal-Mart. It is a really plain and simple exterior covered in bricks with a small parking lot gracing the front. As you walk through the front door you are greeted by children’s fifty cent toy machines on either side of you and another set of doors. As you walk in the actual restaurant there is seating on the left side of the room with five buffet tables on the right side. A hostess leads you to your table and takes your drink orders and then you commence the gorging process.

The first buffet table on the far left is dedicated to the seafood of the Chinese culture. With trays of crab legs that are always a favorite for anyone and they are delicious. Next to that they have fish fillets in different sauces that I cannot comment on due to my allergies to fish products. So, I interviewed my brother who is a China House Veteran and he said, “It was alright, the different selections kind of have the same basic flavor and not much else. I would only recommend the shellfish on that buffet because they are delicious.” Overall, the first buffet table looks delicious and is a successful table.

The second buffet table is dedicated to traditional Chinese dishes that we Americans know and love. They have your classic sesame chicken, orange chicken, beef, pork, and shrimp fried rice, and different side noodle dishes. They also have many beef and pork dishes that I barely sampled but were very tasty. I am a fan of everything on this buffet table except for the fried rice. The rice is dry and tasteless, so if you are looking for good fried rice then you’re in the wrong place.

The third and forth tables are filled with traditional American cuisine. All kinds of appetizers, such as mozzarella sticks and potatoes, and other side dishes with children’s food, like chicken strips, take all those spots on those tables. These dishes are adequately prepared for the average buffet so I was not impressed with any of those. You can find all of the American foods anywhere.

The fifth table is all desserts, Chinese and American, with a soft serve machine that makes everyone happy. They have sweet glazed pineapples, chocolate pudding, wontons with various fillings. The dessert table is a great way to finish your experience with nothing too heavy which makes everyone feel more comfortable walking out the door.

The service is great for drinks and cleaning up your dishes. They know when you’re done with your drinks and when the next round of plates is coming. But the funniest part is watching the servers talk to each other in little groups about how long you have been eating in their restaurant and how much business they’re losing. I asked my brother what he thought about these women and he said, “I think the little Chinese women are funny to watch because they scurry around getting everything done. When they get in their little group and snicker about the fraternity guys that are eating all their food makes us all laugh.” So, if you have nine dollars lying around, then the China House is the place for a great Chinese experience. The interior is covered with murals and tapestries of old China that really give you a sense of history and tradition as you consume copious amounts of Chinese food. I urge everyone to experience the China House and enjoy.

China House Restaurant
1900 Sycamore Rd, Dekalb, IL
(815) 748-0032 ‎

Close- to- Campus Quality

2009-10-16T12:12:00.003-07:00

Erin Ortiz

In the last year many restaurants across the United States have seen a decline in business. According to Mike James, supervisor of Annie G’s Pie and Pancake restaurant, “business at Annie G’s could not be better, even with the hurting economy.”

The privately owned restaurant opened six months ago under new management (Jim and Linda Mason), which many believe the new ownership and ideas they have produced are factors contributing to the success of the restaurant. Located near the Northern Illinois campus, it is a convenient walk or drive for any student who needs a break from dorm food. The prices are reasonably cheap and Annie G’s accepts Huskie Bucks. If these are not incentives to come and enjoy the restaurant, catering or delivery is available. There is a two dollar delivery charge.

Weekday nights are not extremely busy. On an average day, there are 250 people and between 600-750 people on the weekends. During family weekend and other special events hosted by Northern Illinois, it is be best to come early or expect a between a 20-30 minute wait. The waiting period can be enjoyed outside on the “newly installed patio” where waiters can bring coffee and a menu.

The interior is colored shades of green and light blue giving the restaurant a comfortable feel. The tables are spaced far enough apart, allowing for plenty of space between customers. No need to worry about glancing down at the floor because the staff keeps the restaurant clean, even on crowed days. During the day the sun’s rays shine through the large windows enclosing the restaurant and at night the lights inside are dimmed to for a more calming atmosphere.

People who may have complained about the quality of other restaurant’s food can be reassured that the menu Annie G’s provides is filled with a variety of high quality meals. In the past few years demand for locally grown and healthier food has increased. To accommodate these demands Annie G’s has partnered with, Inbodens, a local beef and pork supplier, to provide Grade A meat for the menu. Supervisor Mike James believes “adding Inbodens has helped bring in customs, because people like to know where their food comes from.” In addition to fresh meat, the pies are made with all natural ingredients, such as 100% real dairy whipped cream, and chocolate shavings.

The most popular dish is the Huskie Slammer. The meal includes two eggs made to order, ham, bacon, or sausage, with a choice of toast, English muffin, or biscuit and hash browns or fruit cup. I did not eat this particular dish, but the buttermilk pancakes I had were golden brown, fluffy, and almost perfectly circular. The velvety pancake melted in my mouth. I quickly devoured my meal. I wish the fresh fruit cup could have been a little bigger, but at least it was not wilted or from another century. To save for later, I ordered a cinnamon roll, which was half the size of a pancake, layered in sweet icing. The check total was less than eight dollars, which I thought was a bargain for purchasing three menu items.

Do not expect to find five star quality foods at Annie G’s, but they offer a menu selection that will satisfy anyone’s craving.

Annie G’s Pie and Pancake Restaurant ***
131 Annie Glidden Rd.
DeKalb, IL 60115
(815) 217-0227
Open: Mon-Thurs., 7 a.m.-10p.m. Fri-Sat., 7 a.m.-11p.m. and Sun. 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
Entrée Prices: $6.99-12.99
Credit Cards: V,M,DCReservations: Recommended Sundays
Noise: friendly
Other: wheelchair accessible, no smoking

9 O'Clock at O'Leary's

2009-10-16T12:12:00.002-07:00

Anthony Edward Boldrini

NIU Students don't have to look far for great food. All around DeKalb, IL, are a multitude of different dining options for students and professors alike to dip their hand into. When I decided to write a review for a restaurant in that area, I knew it would be an arduous task just to pick a restaurant and eat there. One day in town, I came across O'Leary's Pub and Grill, not that it's hard to find, situated on Lincoln Highway right in the middle of the downtown area. O'Leary's may not have a Ruth's Chris elegance to it, but it certainly has extremely high quality food at a fair hit to the wallet.

As soon as we walked in, I felt welcome. I could tell the man behind the desk was either the owner or a high level manager, which instantly gave me a sense of comfort. He later told me that he “like[d] to see the looks on customers when they enter, eat, and leave”. We went through the motions and got to our table. It was a spacious booth towards the back corner of the restaurant. I liked this, because I was with a date and did not feel like being bothered by the people at the bar. I picked up my menu and started to browse. Many of their menu items sounded enticing, including their Jamaican Jerk Salad with a curious mix of Strawberries and Oranges with the usual fixings in a salad. Their Key West Citrus Tilapia, with a secret blend of herbs and a papaya mango salsa also sounded delicious. I asked the waitress about their diverse menu and she explained the owners “were the kind of people that always wanted to please everybody”. I decided to go with the Crispy Monterey Chicken Wrap. Chicken and Bacon with Ranch and Monterey Jack cheese, all wrapped up in a convenient little tortilla seemed to suit my mood exceptionally. Our waitress, Rachel, came to meet us not long after we sat down. Her service throughout the night proved to be prompt. She took our drink orders and got right on it.

Looking around, the atmosphere seemed like a more upscale version of the popular Fridays Chain. There’s a bar situated in the middle (it can get rowdy on the weekends I was told), and seating around it. Our booths area was sectioned off by a half wall and it was elevated a few steps, separating us from all of the bar-goers. Conversing was easy, as it wasn’t too loud at any point in the evening. We ordered our food, and waited. Looking around, there was a large amount of memorabilia posted on the walls: nothing new, but it was nice that most of the stuff was from the DeKalb area, like the NIU Husky Logo, or the “76” gas station logo, showing pride in their town.

After about 20 minutes, our food arrived. I could smell the bacon in my wrap from about 15 feet away, making my mouth water. My wrap looked just as good as it sounded on the menu. It was absolutely overflowing with veggies, chicken, bacon, and I couldn’t wait to take a bite. Folks, I’ve had my fair share of wraps in my day, and I’m telling you that this Crispy Monterey Chicken Wrap is one of the best in the world. It had the perfect amount of tangy ranch sauce, the chicken was crispy and warm, the bacon was just the right mix of crunchy and chewy, which is tough to do. I enjoyed every bite like it was the first of the night. The fries served alongside of it also deserved to be mentioned. They were the crunchy kind, which everyone knows is the best. They complimented my somewhat healthy wrap quite well.

When our food was done, I felt accomplished, because the wrap was a rather large helping, along with the fries. Our waitress was speedy with the check once our food was done, and we both left that night more than satisfied. O’Leary’s is definitely a place I would like to visit again. I recommend it for people of all ages. If you in the DeKalb area, it’s worth checking out. I give O’Leary’s Grill and Pub a 4 STAR overall rating.

O'Leary's Irish Pub
260 E. Lincoln Hwy
DeKalb, IL 60115
(815) 748-0000

The Great Eduardo's

2009-10-16T12:12:00.001-07:00

If traveling to Mexico is too far for some traditional Mexican food, tryout Eduardo’s in downtown DeKalb. Each meal is extremely different from the other, with an explosion of taste in each bite. With over seventy meal options to choose from, Eduardo’s is the place to spend your money.

Having dinner here is very relaxing and has a romantic mood. It is a casual dining experience infused with Mexican flair. The walls are filled with artsy, mellow Spanish traditional artwork, with paintings of farmers and other unique portraits. Many of my other experiences at traditional Mexican restaurants did not have a good restaurant environment; they were dirty and did not look appealing. Eduardo’s tables were spotless, the paint on the walls was fresh, and the dishes were glittery clean. The restaurant had a very elegant look to it, there were candles lit at every table.

The service was very good and I got my food very fast. For the best sufficient service, Nicole Javolve, a two year host recommended “a weekday, after three pm would be the best time for a meal,” because the hosts are on top of their game. If you want more of an upbeat experience, then try grabbing a table on a Friday night. It is the busiest night and the restaurant is always glowing with new fresh faces. At Eduardo’s you never have to wait for a table very long as stated by hostess Nicole Javolve, “only twenty minutes at the most you will have to wait,” which makes a trip to Eduardo’s a very fast and convenient experience. Locals love it; the food at Eduardo’s and is affordable for everyone.

I started off the meal with some hot, crispy tortilla chips. The salsa was taste bud tingling, it was spicy but had an amazing after taste. It also came free with the meal, and everyone knows, if it’s free it tastes even better. For the main meal, I chose the spinach enchiladas, which was an amazing experience. I got two tortillas stuffed with your choice of filings, served with the red enchilada sauce. Biting into one of them was a little slice of heaven. My taste buds were the happiest they have ever been. The Spanish rice was perfectly cooked, not too soft and not too hard. The menu also had many other appetizers, such as guacamole, which was home made.

The special of the day was the Pollo Ranchero, it was a chicken breast stuffed with broccoli and rice. At a price of $12.99, any one would be lucky to dig into it. Eduardo’s menu is full of divine choices, such as many vegetarian selections. All of the food was freshly made and the restaurant was also very clean.

Lastly, was the desert, if you’re a chocoholic like I am, the turtle trio is right for you. It was chocolate; caramel and pecan abound in caramel cheesecake topped with milk chocolate and mousse. It was the most extreme taste of flavors. Sugary, yes, but it was good it leaves you wanting more. Eduardo’s also has a lot more desert options and over a hundred alcoholic drink options.

It is a very fancy, serene restaurant, a meal at Eduardo’s ranges from seven to twenty dollars. For my whole meal, including the appetizer, main dish, and dessert, it only cost $18.84, which made me and my wallet happy. But for this cheap, eating at Eduardo’s at least once a week is defiantly worth it. Eduardo’s is by far the best Mexican restaurant I have eaten at and it’s an experience you will never forget.

Eduardo’s rating ****
Eduardo’s Mexican Cuisine
214 E. Lincoln HighwayDeKalb, IL 60115Phone: 815-758-2677

Just a Short Stack

2009-10-16T12:12:00.000-07:00

(http://www.anniegs.com/)

Annie G’s has to be one of the easiest restaurant to get to, all one has to do is drive down Annie Glidden traveling south, towards Lincoln highway and Annie G’s will be on your right hand side. I was able to make it to Annie G’s on Saturday morning for breakfast, with my girlfriend, Amy. They have an open breakfast buffet if you get there early enough that looked really intriguing. They have a full menu and deliver within a seven mile radius for only $2, they also accept husky bucks.

When walking in the first thing you see is their amazing display of pies and cakes, they have over 11 kinds of pies and 6 kinds of cakes. When you sit down in the booths the first thing you notice is that Annie G’s try’s to represent an older style restaurant. They have oldies music playing and an older looking décor. On the walls they have three different wall papers all matching, they also have a great deck were you can chose to eat on if you want. When I sat down I noticed that our table was sticky and had sugar all over it; I don’t think that it was cleaned before we got there.

Our waiter was very nice and took our drink order right away with a friendly smile. I ordered an orange juice and was surprised to find that it was in a very large cup. The orange juice was fresh and had a lot of pulp in it; personally I don’t like pulp so I was unable to finish my glass. I later found out that the orange juice was so big because it was priced so high. Amy had said that the orange juice was “[r]idiculously overpriced; I could have gotten my own carton.”

We placed our order and within 20 minutes we had our food, it was hot and ready to be eating. I had gotten the meat lovers skillet it consisted of; hickory smoked ham, crumbled bacon, sausage cubes and any type of cheese I wanted, I went with cheddar. All of this was served over diced potatoes and my choice of toast, English muffin, pancakes or a fresh fruit cup, I went with the pancakes.

The portion size of the skillet that I was served was small for $8.19 but it did come with huge pancakes. The potatoes were a mushy I definitely would have liked them to be crispy. For a meat lover’s skillet there was barely any meat. The ham was cut into mini-cubes with what looked like one sausage cut up into the skillet and one piece of bacon. The only thing that I liked about my breakfast was the pancakes; they were served with melted butter, warm syrup and didn’t even need a knife to cut them.

Overall Annie G’s was just around par when it came to breakfasts. I would give them three out of five stars, because all though the service was excellent the price of the food was not worth it. Amy agreed and gave Annie G’s a “2 out of 4 stars,” adding that “it was good but not fantastic; it served as an ordinary breakfast.”

Overall Rating: ***
Annie G’s Pie and Pancake Restaurant
131 Annie Glidden Rd DeKalb, IL 60115
(815)-217-0227
www.Anniegs.com

High Times at Ruby Tuesday’s

2009-10-16T11:27:00.000-07:00

Located on Sycamore Road in DeKalb, Illinois, Ruby Tuesday’s is a great place to take the family on a Friday night. With a menu that stays mostly around the $10 mark, even a college kid can afford a great meal for a once in a while treat.

Even though it was definitely during their busier hours, the servers still managed to do a fine job. Business was kicking at about five o’clock at night the estimated wait was only about fifteen minutes and we were still seated within about ten minutes. With a buoyant toddler in tow we were seated at a window table and promptly asked what it was we wished to drink. I ordered a lemonade and the waitress, quick on her feet, asked if I would like to try one of their flavored lemonades as opposed to the fountain drink.

To talk about their selection of foods is Margaret Blake, a fellow patron. She says, “They have a wide enough variety for all types of eaters. They of course specialize in their burgers, but they do not forget about the white meat eaters.” From previous experience I have found that you cannot go wrong with a burger. So, after a long debate with myself, I chose their Triple Prime Bacon Cheddar Burger. At only about $11 it is definitely worth what you pay. Cooked to order anywhere from medium rare to well done their burgers are always juicy and flavorful and, more importantly, also served with french-fries (or onion rings on request of course).

Where the main course was quite worth the money I have admit that the dessert, their Double Chocolate Cake, was not all I was hoping for especially considering that it cost us about $6. Essentially a chocolate bunt cake, it comes with a good helping of melted chocolate inside the ring of chocolate cake, and a large scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. All in all the cake was quite dry and the chocolate so-so, the ice cream was still on its own pretty good.

As far as the actual building goes it’s quite tidy and managed in way that even on their busier days the wait is not so bad. Clearly a newer building, on the outside it seems to be what it really is, a pretty low-key family restaurant. To be truthful on the inside it’s not much different. With those stained glass lampshades that you seem to find in every family style casual restaurant, the booths along the walls (and even some set up for extra seating and used to separate the restaurant and help with the flow of traffic), and tables set up for it to feel a little more like home. “The atmosphere is a relaxed setting. Even though the tables are not that far apart,” Miss Blake makes a valid point, “you do not feel too crowded and can enjoy the company of the people you are with” .More than that, like a good restaurant they had posters of old ads and other nick-knacks on the walls that were attention grabbing enough that they could entertain, but not so much so that they would be distracting.

I was impressed by our waitress because, even though it was pretty obvious that she was quite busy with other patrons, she never forgot any of the things we requested outside of our order, whether it was something as little as a straw or something bigger like adding a desert she always came back in a reasonable amount of time.

Overall, considering the general family style of the restaurant and the fact that it was their busy dinner hours on what was pretty much a weekend, they did well. The food was good and the service was more than one could expect.

***Ruby Tuesday’s
2370 Sycamore Rd.
DeKalb, Illinois 60115
(815)748-7900
http://www.rubytuesday.com/

“Potbelly; The Works of a Sandwich!”

2009-10-16T11:25:00.000-07:00

While sitting in lecture I thought about what a long walk it would be from Montgomery Hall to Potbelly on Lincoln highway, but it’s so worth it. As I arrived in front of the restaurant, I could already smell the bread crisping in the ovens and hear the “Dunch” theme song. “Dinner and Lunch, Dinner and Lunch! That’s what you call a good Dunch”, is what I hear when walking through the doors.

Although Potbelly has a way with its sandwiches, their prices are a little over the top for a sandwich you might think you can make at home. However, the sizes of their sandwiches match with the prices. Every time I visit Potbelly I order the BIG turkey breast sandwich which is 30% more of everything included in the sandwich than an Original or Skinny. A BIG is about $6 which is only a dollar more than an original sandwich. A skinny is about $4.30. And for a small Oreo shake costing about $3, I can make it worth it.

I only have two items on my list for when I visit Potbelly, but they do have a large variety of other things. For instance, they don’t just include sandwiches and shakes, they also have soft drinks, which range from $1-$2, salads for $5, soups and sides that cost $2.69, malts and smoothies that are $3 as well as the milk shakes, small snacks full of sweets that are only $2, and they even have a breakfast menu. However, not every Potbelly serves breakfast. The toppings that they provide are perfect to top off the perfect sandwich. On the menu they also provide nutritional information so that you know the nutritional content in every party of your meal. Now isn’t that fair?

Even though I usually take my sandwich and shake to go, my dining experience there is always the best one. The good part about it is that you can choose to eat inside if it’s a cold or rainy day or you can go outside on a nice day and sit at a preferably perfect table for four with a vintage umbrella covering the table so that your meal is not interrupted by the sun. I often sit outside under the umbrella. I appreciating the workers, for they prepare my sandwich and shake with love just like a mother would for her child. As well as I, they love the food at Potbelly too. I had one worker tell me, “[y]ou could catch me here whether I’m working or not. I love the food here.” Back in 1977, Potbelly was actually ran by a young couple. They boosted their business by making sandwhiches “despite the fast-paced, never-a-dull-moment world of antique dealing”, as they would say. They usually sold vintage glass doorknobs but a that change was a good one. However, I enjoy the 1977 antique look of the restaurant and the antique potbelly, cylinder and parlor style stoves in the store.I think they are one of the most important objects that bring out the idea of the setting. The pictures and articles posted are also good and interesting object used to idealize the restaurant. At some Potbelly restaurants a musician performs live. I guess it might be a way to liven up the restaurant.

I would say that the best time to visit this Potbelly restaurant is in the early afternoon when everyone is still in class and you can be in and out of the line while waiting for the best lunch you would ever have.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Potbelly Sandwich Works
1031 W. Lincoln Highway
DeKalb, Illinois, 60115
815-756-1658

Appetite for Applebee's

2009-10-16T11:23:00.000-07:00

With meals ranging from 4.99 to 16.49, Applebee’s truly is a wonderful neighborhood restaurant. The prices of meals at this restaurant are affordable to pretty much any social class. The meals are worth the value, and they increased their marketing approach when they began the two meals and one appetizer for twenty dollars promotion. It is a wonderful promotion for a date or a family dinner, or just a really hungry college student. They also have a wonderful drink selection from your traditional alcoholic beverages to flavored lemonades, all for reasonable prices.

Applebee’s was easy to find due to its prime location, just off Sycamore road. It is easily accessible to college students, because it is only about 10-15 min from campus. The campus bus also makes a stop near the Applebee’s location, just in case college students get tired of the residence hall food and want something different and affordable to eat. The view from the restaurant isn’t very interesting, it is mostly different stores, restaurants and Sycamore road. I saw that the restaurant was handicap accessible, because they provided handicap parking and they opened the door for you when you walked in, which would be perfect for disabled people in wheel chairs. The neighborhood that surrounded Applebee’s, seemed to be middle class, and neat, the stores were also well maintained on the outside. The prime times to visit this location would be week days between 1pm-4pm to avoid the dinner rush from 5pm-8pm, and of course to avoid the weekend rush.

As their décor, they had decorative chandeliers hanging over all the tables; they also had a lot of sport memorabilia lining the walls. The lighting of the restaurant was dim to give it a sporty feel. You could also feel that it was a sports bar and grill atmosphere because they had a big wooden bar in the middle of the restaurant. Their seating choices included the booth seats, tall chair with a tall table, regular sized table and chairs, and of course bar seats.

The menu has a variety of foods, but they are all Americanized so if that is the style of food you wanted, then you are going to the right place. I ordered the ½ rack of glazed baby back ribs which came with fries and Cole slaw, they were okay but they could have been way better, by cooking them differently or making a better sauce for them. When I looked through the menu an interesting item I noticed was their new sliders, they stood out to me because when I saw them I thought of white castles famous sliders. I think that Applebee’s just put a new spin on white castles sliders, by making it into a smaller version of what they serve as normal sized hamburgers. They have an assortment of appetizers for every taste. I sampled the mozzarella sticks and I really didn’t think they were very appetizing, but they were not the worst mozzarella sticks I ever had. In a previous visit I had also tried the spinach and artichoke dip, which I feel was phenomenal.

My dining experience was really enjoyable. My waitress had a great attitude and it seemed to me that she really enjoyed her job. The drinks were to our table really fast, the appetizer and main dish took a little while but it wasn’t really a long wait time. As stated by my mother, “I liked how our waitress gave us our food in a quick manner and how she refilled our drinks as soon as they were gone. She made our dining experience truly pleasurable.”

***
Applebee’s
2411 Sycamore road
Dekalb, Il 60115
(815) 748-3222
http://www.Applebees.com

Fatty’s, not just a pub

2009-10-16T11:22:00.000-07:00

One restaurant stands out from all the others on the busy street of West Lincoln Highway in DeKalb, Illinois. The astounding Fatty’s Pub and Grille is the place to go if one is looking for a good time and great food.

The pub and grille has a normal exterior, with dark brown layered bricks that seemed welcoming. The bar is neat and simple. The counter is polished dark brown with a large shelf of many different assortments of alcoholic beverages. The walls of Fatty’s are lined with high definition flat screen televisions. It’s a very family and friends orientated style of dining.

There are several sections to this establishment. If someone is having an important gathering or a reunion there is even a room for that. The pub has a very elegant dining room just for big gatherings. The room is painted tan with a crystal chandelier hanging from the center of the room. The room is filled with several round tables that seat up to eight adults.

There are even places to eat outside. Fatty’s has several tables setup outside if a guest prefers to enjoy a meal outside. Occasionally they host bags tournaments and other games, where guests come to the restaurant to unwind and enjoy some food.

If there is a restaurant for any day of the week then Fatty’s is it. Fatty’s is always celebrating something whether it is sports games, holidays, or even it being half way from a holiday. The pub occasionally has some live music where local bands can show their talent to the patrons at Fatty’s.

Saturday’s, when there is a home football game, is a very busy day to dine there. Wild and cheering football fans dressed in the Husky colors fill the tables after watching the Huskies dominate the opposing team. Returning guests of Fatty’s say that it’s the “Official Pre-game and Post Game Tailgate Headquarter of NIU football games.”

The menu at Fatty’s is wonderful. There are a plethora of pleasing entrees to choose from. One of Fatty’s specialties, the locally famous beer battered hot wings is a crowd pleaser. The wings are big, bigger than most wings at other restaurants, and are really good too. The cook(s) choose wings with a good amount of meat on them. The batter that surrounds the wing does a great job absorbing the sauce. When eating this entrée, eat with care as this dish does get somewhat messy, so make sure you have enough napkins. These wings come with a choice of Thick Bleu Cheese or Tangy Ranch with a side of celery. This is a very good choice for people who have not dined here before.

Another local favorite at Fatty’s is its signature “The Fat Boy.” The Fat Boy is a gigantic burger that contains two one-third pound burgers of mouth watering Angus beef, layered with Cheddar and American cheese. Also topped with grilled onions and drizzled with a top secret house sauce unique to Fatty’s. This burger comes with a side of fries or potato salad and a choice of coleslaw or baked beans. Fatty’s also offers a smaller size version of this burger called, “The Little Guy.”

There are an assortment of fountain sodas, shakes, and Alcoholic beverages for those who are of age to choose from.

With everything good there is always some bad. The waitresses were very friendly and welcoming, but took a considerable amount of time taking orders from guests. The preparation of the dishes was about average, the chef’s didn’t put very much effort at all into presenting it. “The service was kind of lack luster. It seemed like the waitress had more important things to do.” Said Adam Raslawski a patron of Fatty’s who enjoys dining here.

Overall, Fatty’s pub and grille is a great place to enjoy food with friends and family. The dishes at Fatty’s are almost free since most food that taste this good, run a pretty a penny compared to what Fatty’s is charging, Adam said, “Not very expensive great for a college town.” What more do you need? Stop waiting, head out to Fatty’s with some friends or family and go have a great time.

Rating – **** ½
Fatty’s Pub & Grill1312
West Lincoln Highway
DeKalb, Illinois 60115
(815) – 758 – 7737
Open 7 days a week.
Entrée Prices: $3.79 - $20.99
Noise level: Normal, enough to talk with guests at the table.

Kicking it at Fatty’s

2009-10-16T11:18:00.001-07:00

Kicking it at Fatty’s
Josh Stelsel

Located just off Lincoln highway in DeKalb, Fatty’s sports bar is the place to go for a fun night out. My friend Mike and I recently travelled to Fatty’s sports bar and grill to play bags and get dinner on Wednesday night at 8 o’clock. Although Fatty’s is primarily a bar, there are a decent number of people under 21 who go there for the food, entertainment, music, and playing in bags tournaments.
When we arrived, we walked around the long bar and past many tables that were set up around countless flat screen TVs hanging here and there. We didn’t stay inside however, we walked out back to where they have a deck leading down to about ten tables outside with TV sets hanging with the Cub’s game on. There were also bag sets and a bar outside.
The environment was very relaxed and laid back with many pictures of palm trees on the building and signs. According to Mike, “The restaurant seemed like a laid back place to be, everybody seemed to be having fun and enjoying themselves, which made it all the more welcoming for me.” There was also a great variety of music played throughout the night, everything from classic rock and country, to rap and some alternative music.
As soon as we were seated we were immediately attended to by a very nice waitress Samantha. We ordered drinks and a basket of 30 wings. She got us refills and made sure we had everything we needed throughout the night. The service was a little slow sometimes but it was understandable because there was a decent amount of people there so they had a lot of work to do.
The menu includes chicken, rib eye steak, pork chops, ribs, fries, an assortment of burgers, deep fried fish, wings, appetizers and many choices for drinks, especially if you are 21 or older. The average cost of a meal at Fatty’s will usually run anywhere from $10 to $20.
While we waited for about 45 minutes, we played about 4 games of bags which was fun because when our food arrived it felt like we didn’t even have to wait for it. This is a very nice thing to have because waiting for food is always the worst, especially when you are extremely hungry.
We ordered thirty wings, half honey barbeque, half hot, they were excellent. The sauce melted on your tongue with a tangy mesquite taste of honey barbeque. They were not skimpy wings either, in fact there larger than normal. This makes them a great deal for the price of $20.99 and drinks were about two dollars with unlimited refills which didn’t even matter because she didn’t end up charging us for them.
Wednesdays they have bags tournaments that are free to get into with a chance of making up to $500 which is awesome, especially considering you don’t have to pay anything. If you’re every looking for a fun place to go on a weeknight or weekend, I would highly recommend stopping out at Fatty’s for a night of food, sports, and drinks for all.
1312 West Lincoln Highway

(815)758-7737
Dekalb, Il 60115
Rating:****

Taste of the Wild

2009-10-16T11:18:00.000-07:00

Just outside of the Northern Illinois Campus on Sycamore Road is a number of strip malls, a Wal-Mart, and the very popular Buffalo Wild Wings grill and bar restaurant.

This sports bar and grill is crowded about every day of the week because of their outstanding specials. The twenty-five plus TVs throughout the restaurant makes watching sports a must. “I liked how there’s an outside patio with TVs too, I found that to be more different than the one in Orland and Chicago Ridge,” according to Paul Ferfecki, a friend and costumer. With the location of Buffalo Wild Wings being in the town of De Kalb, it's no wonder why it's crowded with Northern Illinois University and De Kalb High School nearby. The service is kind, quick, and to the point. There is no need to wonder when the waiter/waitress is coming back to the table for a refill since they just swipe it off your table whether you need a refill or not.

Main courses are delicious and acceptable. The main courses that Buffalo Wild Wings are famous for are the Traditional Wings and Boneless Wings. The flavoring of the zesty sauce of your choosing determines the quality of the meal for the wings. The fourteen different variety of sauces start out from a cooling, more mild flavor to a tingling fiery sensation on your tongue. The wings come in a 6, 12, 18, 24, or 50 counts; the boneless comes in an 8, 12, 24, or 50 count. The best time I recommend going to order some boneless wings would be Thursday night, when it is sixty cent boneless wings no matter the quantity. Paul was asked about the wings and prices and responded that they are “definitely affordable.” As far as sandwiches go, they have a number to choose from like the Pulled Pork Burger, Veggie Burger, and one of my other favorites the Honey BBQ Bacon Chicken Sandwich that will leave anyone in awe after tasting the sweet, Honey BBQ sauce; simply amazing!

While those were all hits, here are a few misses that I wouldn’t recommend so highly of. For starters, simply just say no when asked if you would like cheese with your French fries. Cheese fries are not the same when it is shredded cheese on top of French fries; it is wrong and disgusting when it gets all hard. The cost of the cheese fries are $2.99, definitely rather save the three dollars on something else. The same goes for the potato wedges with cheese, bad idea. The onion rings aren’t something to be proud of either. Onion rings are supposed to be crispy when bitten into, but not crispy enough to taste burnt. Really the starters should remain on the bench and if necessary try the Sampler platter if anything. Another major miss is having to pay for the cups of ranch or bleu cheese, that’s just really cheap of the restaurant.

There is not a wide variety of desserts at Buffalo Wild Wings. Three main desserts on the menu are the Deep Dish Apple Pie, Chocolate Fudge Cake, and the New York Cheesecake. I’m a huge fan of the cheesecake with every bite being able to taste the richness flavor with the raspberry sauce giving it that extra sweet taste. If you are not that hungry after dinner, the children menu has vanilla ice cream with chocolate syrup on top for a little treat to cool off the taste buds. The drinks served are Coke Products, Beer, and Iced Tea.

The hours at Buffalo Wild Wings are from Monday through Thursday starting at 11am to 12am, Friday and Saturday starting at 11am to 1am, and Sunday from 11am to 11pm. Every day of the week is filled with sporting events from Monday Night Football to UFC 103 on Saturday. UFC night of a Pay Per View, the lights are dimmed and the fight is on every TV screen with surround sound throughout the restaurant. It is a great atmosphere for the family, friends, and kids of every age and is also wheelchair accessible. Nice weather outside and don’t feel like sitting inside with a group of people; there’s a patio section outside to enjoy the food, family talk, and even watch the big game.

Cost of everything is mainly what you would expect from a bar and grill restaurant. Main Courses are about $7-$33.99 (unless you can beat the Blazin’ Challenge of 12 wings in 6 minutes you eat free), the starters around $2-$8, and the dessert from $1.29 - $5. The price is decent, I recommend Thursdays for the best time, and receive a good amount of food for what you are paying. Good Food, Good Service, and Great Entertainment.

Buffalo Wild Wings ***1/2
DE KALB (#0110)
2466 Sycamore RoadDeKalb, IL 60115-2050
Phone: 815-754-9299

Store Hours:
Mon-Thurs: 11am to 12am
Fri-Sat: 11am to 1am
Sun: 11am to 11pm

Entrée Prices: $6.99 - $33.99
Reservations: Recommend on Thursdays and weekends
Noise: Typically loud, nothing to be concerned with
Other: Wheel Chair Accessible

Potbelly Sandwich Works, Works!

2009-10-16T11:17:00.000-07:00

My pizza sandwich, chips and drink. $7.90

If you’re ever in dire need of a great sandwich or just want the classic peanut butter and jelly, you should head on over to Potbelly Sandwich Works, located on Lincoln Highway in DeKalb. Open since 1977, Potbelly’s is the perfect place to sit, relax, and enjoy a tasty sub. Not a big sandwich person? Don’t worry they have plenty of options for everyone!

On the outside it looks like the average sandwich shop, but on the inside it is so much more. Potbelly’s has a unique, antique vibe that hits you right when you first walk in. I asked my friend Lexy, who accompanied me on the day I visited the restaurant, what she thought about the décor in general and she said, “[A]s for the décor, I’ve been to a few of them and have seen many different styles of the restaurant but have never gotten bored while visiting because there’s always a lot to look at.” In the restaurant I recently visited located in the DeKalb, Illinois area, there are old fashioned books and signs all over the place. The traditional dim lighting and mood set the atmosphere with a vivid touch of the olden days. Occasionally, if you make it in on a good day there will be a live musician playing in the corner. The great thing about it is that no two look the same. Therefore, every Potbelly Sandwich Works you run into can be a new, pleasure filled experience.

What they’re known for is obviously stated in the title of their store, sandwiches, the original style runs for about $4.40 but if you choose to go with the “bigs” it’s only a dollar more totaling it out to be $5.40 for twice the sandwich. However, they do also have a variety of hand-dipped malts and shakes available upon request. They also offer salads, macaroni or potato salad, a special soup every day, chips, coleslaw, and sweets such as their famous delectable oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. Most of the sides run about $1 apiece. All of their sandwiches come on freshly toasted bread to make for the perfect crispy on the outside but yet soft on the inside, sub.

During my visit, I ordered the pizza sandwich. It’s an amazing array of spicy pepperoni, tangy marinara sauce, and it’s smothered in provolone cheese and Italian seasonings. I opted to go with the unhealthy choice of adding the sour cream and onion kettle chips along with a coke, but it was oh so good. Potbelly’s also has an interesting selection when it comes to beverages. There’s the ordinary fountain soda, or a cooler filled with some cans or rare choices of brightly flavored and colored bottled soda that add to the more old fashioned style.

Service on my trip was very friendly and kind. I stepped up to the counter was greeted, and ordered my sandwich. My companion ordered the classic turkey breast and Swiss cheese. According to her, “it has never failed me yet and I just love it so much that I have yet to try anything else.” So with our “never failed us yet sandwiches”, we decided to sit inside at a wooden booth instead of outside. The conversation just flowed in the musty aura of the place. All in all we were very pleased with our visit. I encourage everyone to try it at least once. It’s a very kid and family dining that won’t break the bank.

Overall rating (5 stars possible): ****
Potbelly Sandwich Works
1013 W Lincoln HwyDeKalb, IL 60115-3018
(815) 756-1658

No Chips and Salsa

2009-10-16T11:16:00.003-07:00

My boyfriend Jim and I started driving around DeKalb to find a new restaurant after we realized the one I chose online was a bar. We stumbled upon a restaurant called Rosita’s in downtown DeKalb. With are stomachs growling we headed into the Mexican Restaurant with high hopes that we would be satisfied by the time departed from Rositas.

Just from seeing piñatas hanging and vibrantly colored decorations through the window, I assumed it was a Mexican restaurant. As we walked through the door I could see decorations hanging on an orange, green, or brick wall. The decorations consisted of paintings, a mural (my favorite décor) painted on a section of a wall where margarita glasses hung underneath, waitresses in Mexican dresses, and a cactus. Someone behind the counter greeted us and the sound of Spanish music was in the background. Jim and I sat ourselves down at the booth, it was about nine o’clock and besides the staff only a family and an elderly couple drinking dos equis accompanied us. The lighting was dim, but a perfect amount that I personally prefer.

Sitting at our booth Jim and I never received glasses of water, something I find to be apart of every good service at restaurants, but did not receive here. A main attraction to this restaurant that we were sorry to never receive was chips and salsa. Jim and I began to really consider this restaurant as unfavorable, and we were only on appetizers. On the contrary, we did receive our Dr Peppers quickly, and even received free refills before we had even finished our first.

They did not have horchata (rice water) at Rosita’s that was extremely disappointing because it is a big appeal in my opinion at Mexican Restaurants. From the interview I had with the manager of this restaurant Jennifer, when I asked what she considered good service she responded: “Good service is the customer is happy and the staff is friendly and efficient.” I could see this ran true when speaking to our waitress. As we ordered our food and made small talk with the waitress I thought she was one of nicest waitresses I ever had at a restaurant. I ordered a tostada, (one of the cheapest items on the menu) and the beans over powered it, and made it bland. Although the beans that Jim ordered were excellent in his two-steak tacos, one enchilada, rice and beans dinner. The rice failed to meet our expectations, with little flavoring and spice, and was cold. The enchilada was decent with little meat, and even less sauce it tasted flavorless. Now the steak tacos, they are always a favorite of mine, and every part of these tacos were delicious at Rosita’s. Between the crisp green lettuce and the juicy mouthwatering steak, there were just the right amount of plump tomato wedges and shredded cheese. To give the food some credit, seeing as I would not describe the taste as authentic, Jennifer in our interview to explain the restaurants cuisine said, “Mexican casual.”

Lastly, we decided to get desert and churros caught my eye at first glance. The churros were absolutely amazing, but you only get two short sticks for about three dollars, a lot to pay for only about one churro. On the other hand, the churros are well worth the effort to stop by Rosita’s restaurant.

In my perception by not giving customers salsa and chips, the one thing every good Mexican restaurant offers Rosita’s cut corners in some ways that do not provide customer satisfaction. As for me I recommend ordering the churros, we even took an order to go! After meeting and interviewing with the manager Jennifer I realized she was friendly and regretted my opinion that the food was not good. After hearing Jennifer say in the interview, “This is the only Rosita’s,” I came to my next realization that Rosita’s is a one of a kind restaurant. Overall, my advice from my experience at Rosita’s is to know what is good to order, and know before showing up you will not receive water, horchata, or chips and salsa. Next time I go to a restaurant I will make sure to read a review on it to ensure authentic cuisine.

Rositas Mexican Restaurant
621 Grove Street
DeKalb, IL 60115
Fax: 815-748-7648
Phone: 815-756-1201
Email: rositas@rositas.com

Good Times at Buffalo Wild Wings

2009-10-16T11:16:00.002-07:00

Buffalo Wild Wings Bar and Grill located in DeKalb, Illinois, on Sycamore Road is an excellent choice if you are looking for a place to watch a big sports game. It is about ten minutes away from the central Northern Illinois Campus. The view from Buffalo Wild Wings is not that spectacular. It is surrounded by a few strip malls and a gigantic parking lot; beyond which you can also see cars whizzing by on Sycamore Road. My friend who I went with said that the restaurant was “somewhat hard to find.” It was hard to find because it is in the middle of a parking lot facing a Borders Bookstore, not the main street. Buffalo Wild Wings is handicap friendly, so anyone is able to enjoy food there. The inside decor include a great number of TVs which show different sporting events and TV shows. They also have trivia games that you can test your knowledge of music, sports, and more.

Buffalo Wild Wings has an excellent variety of food for even the pickiest eaters. They serve different kinds of wings, chicken tenders, and ribs with sauces ranging from Mild to Blazin’ and lots of other sauces in between to choose from. There are plenty of salads, wraps, and sandwiches available also. The price of Buffalo Wild Wings cuisine is extremely reasonable. Their appetizers are very cheap; they are all less than $7. The entrées are also inexpensive. The most expensive item on the menu is the ribs, which cost $13.99. Buffalo Wild Wing’s drinks are a little over priced at $3.99, but you do get free refills on the sodas. My friend agreed with me by saying that for the three of us that went, “the prices were reasonable…the bill was just over $30.” For about ten dollars per person, that is a good deal considering you get great food.

An appetizer you should try is the tasty potato wedges with melted cheese, topped with sour cream and chives. For only $2.99 it is a hard deal to beat. An excellent entrée to try is the Buffalo Ranch Chick Wrap; it consists of crispy chicken tenders mixed with their Medium sauce and Ranch dressing with tomato, lettuce, and different cheeses; and at $7.29 it is a very good deal. An obvious choice for a meal would be their award-winning Traditional Buffalo Wings topped with one of their fourteen signature sauces at only $8.49 for twelve wings.

Buffalo Wild Wings is a known sports bar, and you can definitely tell that on a Saturday afternoon in DeKalb with lots of Northern Illinois football fans cheering on the Huskies as they played (and beat) the Purdue Boilermakers. If you go there on game day, expect the service to be really slow and the restaurant to be very noisy. It was twenty minutes before the waitress even came to get our drink orders and another forty-five minutes before we got our food. Other then the service being slow, the dining experience was very enjoyable. We ate good food and got to watch and root for the Huskies. Also, when we got our check, our waitress explained that since we had to wait so long for our food and drinks, we got our drinks for free. This showed great customer service and that Buffalo Wild Wings cares that their customers enjoy their experience. When my friend was asked if she would recommend Buffalo Wild Wings to others, she said she would because, “it has good food at reasonable prices.” All in all, it was an enjoyable afternoon.

*** 1/2
Buffalo Wild Wings
2466 Sycamore Road
DeKalb, IL 60115-2050
815-754-9299
http://www.buffalowildwings.com/

Great Food for a Great Price

2009-10-16T11:16:00.001-07:00

The new freshman of Northern Illinois University may be looking for a great new place to eat. If you are looking for a place that has a serene atmosphere, delicious food, and good value, stop looking, because I have found that place. This place is Annie G’s Pie and Pancake Restaurant located right here on campus. It is close to all of the dorms on 131 Annie Glidden Road Dekalb, Illinois 60115. However, if you do not feel like leaving home, they will deliver your meal for a reasonable price of $2.00 if it is within a 7 mile radius. People of all ages will enjoy eating here because of the warm delightful sense of home that it provides. Annie G’s is located on Annie Glidden Road and next to other local restaurants such as Lukulo’s. The neighborhood is usually peaceful and quiet and it provides a feeling of safety. They also reserve parking spots for the handicapped which is considerate and appealing to many. Customers also have the option of dining outside when the weather is nice. Eating outside will give you the view of the campus as well as the great view of nature provided by the fence of trees. If the fantastic location and outdoor service has made you sitting at the edge of your seats, just wait until you get inside. From the moment you walk through the door, you are treated with pleasant people. There are people standing near the entrance who flood you with smiles and feelings of welcome. After they lead you to your seat, you are not alone for long. The waiter or waitress will soon be at your service and hand you a menu. While the wait time is minimal, the customers will not feel rushed since the waiters or waitresses are patient. The whole restaurant atmosphere exceeded my expectations. The lighting was great, the seats were comfortable and the meal was accompanied by soft soothing jazz music. It was family friendly as well since they had high chairs for younger customers.

The menu provided a wide variety of magnificent choices. Their name does not say it all. Not only do they serve great pie and pancakes, they have a whole selection of different breakfast, lunch and dinner options. To prevent customers from getting overwhelmed, they intelligently grouped the food choices into different categories. These categories range from omelettes, crepes, steak and eggs, skillets, pancakes, starters, soups, and chili, sandwiches, burgers, pastas, dinner meals, fruit pies, specialty pies, cream pies, and cakes. Audrey, the person who I ate with, said, "The menu is huge and you can order breakfast all day." This menu will satisfy a large number of people with different tastes.

The price is reasonable especially for broke college students like me. Breakfast items range from $3.99 to $12.99. Lunch items range from $ 2.99 to $8.99. Dinner items range from $7.99- $14.99. Desserts may cost anywhere from $1.39- $3.99. Anyone who is on a budget will certainly enjoy eating at this place for such a great deal.

My choice was Annie G’s Mac n’ Cheese which costs $7.89 with the option of chicken for an additional $1.99. This was not your average Mac and cheese, it was magical. Not only were the portions enormous, but it was all delicious. Every bite was loaded with melted cheese, bits of salty bacon, and perfectly cooked grilled chicken. All of the pasta dishes came with garlic bread. My friend ordered the Californian omelette, which she was also happy with. The Californian omlette costs $7.19. My friend Audrey, who I dined with stated, "My omlette was really good. It was not overcooked like some other restaurants." Her meal was loaded with a ton of healthy vegetables including onions, spinach, mushrooms, green peppers, tomatoes, avocado, and any one of the five cheese choices that they have. Her side dish was a bowl of fresh fruits. For dessert we both could not resist each getting our own pieces of pie. I ordered the cherry pie which was warm, flaky and sweet. My friend ordered blueberry pie which she also enjoyed. Although she liked the blueberry pie, she preferred the cherry pie.

Overall, this was a great restaurant experience and a wonderful choice to eat. While their menu will satisfy your taste buds, it will not bust your wallet. Everything from the atmosphere, service and food is sure to meet your expectations. So the next time you are feeling hungry and looking for a new place to try out, consider Annie G’s Pie and Pancake Restaurant.

***** Annie G’s Pie and Pancake Restaurant
131 Annie Glidden Road
DeKalb, Illinois 60115
1(815)217-0227
http://www.anniegs.com/

Low Prices at Pizza Pros

2009-10-16T11:16:00.000-07:00

There are many places throughout DeKalb and Sycamore where you can go to enjoy a good meal. However, there aren't too many places where you can eat well for low prices. Pizza Pros is a place where you will never leave unsatisfied.

Located right near campus on Lincoln Highway, Pizza Pros has a parking lot for those with cars, and there are buses that drop you off right in front. It’s not a hard area to get to. There is a Dollar Video next door where, for only a dollar, you can grab movies after your meal. It also surrounded by hotels located across the street from the restaurant. James Williams, a continuous customer, says “the area is very quiet and peaceful.” Areas like these keeps customers feeling comfortable.

If you go between the hours of 11 and 4, you can catch their daily lunch specials. They offer burger with fries, 6" sub sandwich with fries, 6 chicken wings with fries, or an Italian beef sandwich with fries all for $4.99. Overall their prices range from 2 to 17 dollars. Those who are over 21 can buy beer at the bar they have located inside. Or adults can choose to play darts while waiting on their food. One thing that caught my attention was when they brought out puzzles, which can be colored in, for the children while they're waiting to eat.

The menu is too good to be true. I tried their 12" sausage pizza for only $9.20. It was a nice rounded pizza with square slices. The pizza was very hot and mouth-watering, even though the cheese kept sliding off. I also ordered 10 bone-in wings (5 Bbq & 5 Hot), with shrimp with fries. Their boneless wings are good as well, however, they are much smaller than the bone-in wings.
They have other flavors to choose from for the wings. Including Plain, Extra Hot, or Teriyaki. Their shrimps are one of a kind due to the fact that they cut the tails off. Everything on the menu is delicious and worth the time and money.

The dining experience overall was good. As soon as we entered the restaurant, there was a sign that said "please seat yourself." The waitress came immediately to give us ours menus, and asked us what we wanted to drink. It took us a minute to choose, but the waitress remained patient and calm. We had to keep reminding ourselves that we were not dreaming because of the low prices. Although we went during the evening, it was pretty empty on the side. There were a few people over at the bar watching sports on the TVs they have throughout the restaurant. They had music playing very low. I felt relaxed, and when the food came you can tell it was freshly cooked from the steam rising. Although the service was good, James stated “the food took a little too long getting to our table.” Nevertheless, the waiter still received a tip.

Pizza Pros is a very good restaurant that will not send you home broke. They deliver and they even accept Huskie Bucks. Now I go there every chance I get, and I leave knowing I had a great meal for a low price.

****
Pizza Pros
1205 w. Lincoln HWY
DeKalb IL 60115
(815) 758-4776
Noise: Quiet-Peaceful
Credit Cards: American Express, Discover, Visa, MasterCard

Dining on the Tracks

2009-10-16T11:15:00.003-07:00

Come aboard and take a ride through the Junction! The Junction is located in The Junction Center on West Lincoln Highway. George Bahramis runs this small town diner with his uncle and father, who he claims, are the ones who taught him everything there is to know about the restaurant business. He states, “the thing that makes this restaurant unique is the atmosphere.” They achieve this by having a railway theme which contains different shops around the perimeter for all guests to enjoy. This small town diner obtains pictures of trains from back in the day throughout the restaurant, and they even have their own miniature train model that circulates above the dining room.

During the morning till the early evening is when all the families and regular hometown guests go to visit for a delicious sit down meal. The Junction is opened everyday from 6 am- 2am, allowing a wide variety of guests to enjoy the atmosphere as well as the food at any time. Monday through Wednesday for dinner is when the restaurant becomes a nice relaxing, comfortable, and engaging place to converse with friends. I would not recommend to go out for a meal at The Junction on a Thursday-Saturday night due to all the college kids who look for a place to eat after a night of “fun”, due to the fact that it is opened late conveniently allowing them to have a place to sit down for a meal. They have banned smoking in the restaurant which allows guests to enjoy their food and time without having to breathe in smoke.
Their menu has a variety of different dishes to try out from breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Bahramis and his family come from a Greek background, which is incorporated in their menu. They have an item on their menu called, “chicken fajitas pita”, which is a combination of a Mexican and Greek cuisine. The Junction is a great place to visit for breakfast because of their wide selection of pancakes, French toast, omelets, waffles, skillets, crepes, and oatmeal. Lunch and dinner are also a great time to try out their main courses. They offer burgers, steaks, sandwiches, fajitas, kabobs, pastas, stir fry, and seafood. It is not just for meat lovers due to the fact that it has certain dishes that can me made to be vegetarian friendly providing seafood as well. Try topping off the end of your meal with a light dessert such as a piece of pie, cheesecake, scoop of ice cream, rice pudding, and baklava (a Greek dessert). The pricings for the food on the menu are very reasonable ranging from $4.95-$15.95

Bahramis mentions when hiring his employees he looks for experience, politeness, and a good work ethic. Their servers are all women, and they are very friendly with an attentive service. My server was very friendly, patient, and presented herself in a very professional manner. I ordered the turkey club sandwich when I had gone to visit and it was very delicious. It was presented in a very appetizing way just the way it looks on the menu. It contained bacon, lettuce, and tomato with a side of fries and Cole slaw. The meal was very simple, yet very fulfilling with a reasonably good price. The total amount that I had spent on my meal was $9.72. Bahramis defines good service when “guests leave happy”, and I was very happy with my visit besides the food, the environment was really quiet and I was able to carry a relaxing conversation with my friend.

I had asked Bahramis if there needed to be any improvements, and he clearly said, “as of right now nothing comes to mind; however, there is always room for improvement.” I can’t agree more with Bahramis due to the fact that my visit was wonderful. Overall The Junction is a great place try, and if not then you are missing out!

TheJunction EatingPlace

816 W Lincoln Hwy

Dekalb, IL 60115

(815)758-5441

**** ½

Apple Be Delicious

2009-10-16T11:15:00.002-07:00

With a nice bar in the middle and beautiful artistry on the walls, Applebee’s is a great restaurant. One patron, Angela Oliver, would describe the decorum as “…. mellow. A huge place, with low lights, very comfy….” I would have to agree. Applebee’s started in 1980 when Bill and TJ Palmer opened T.J. Applebee's Rx for Edibles & Elixirs, in Atlanta, Georgia. Since, then even after the name change, it has continued to grow into a great franchise. Main entrees range from $9 to $16 depending on food type, and appetizers from $5.50 to $9. Applebee’s is very affordable.
Monday through Friday Applebee’s offers drink specials and, their “pick ‘n pair” lunch combos until 3pm starting at $5.99. On busy weekend’s they offer free appetizers to encourage people to sit at the bar and on certain holidays they have specials. On your birthday Applebee’s will sing to you and bring you free dessert and, they’re currently offering a cheeseburger and fries special all day for $4.99.
This was my first time dining at Applebee’s so I took a friend who also hadn’t been. We went on a Saturday around 7pm. It wasn’t busy so we were immediately seated at a booth. Our waitress was over quickly and asked about drinks. I ordered lemonade and she recommended I get a flavor added because that’s one of their special drinks. I could choose between raspberry, mango, strawberry, or kiwi. I chose the kiwi flavor while my friend just ordered a regular soft drink but, after she tasted my drink she changed to order the same.
We were then given time to look over the menu, and they had a lot of tasty looking items. We decided to order from the “two for $20” menu, a special menu they’re having now where you and your guest choose from 12 entrees, pick two to eat, and choose an appetizer to share. Due to the fact that we couldn’t agree on an appetizer, we chose to get a half and half mixture of hot barbeque and honey barbeque boneless buffalo wings. In addition we ordered the ultimate trio, which lets you pick three appetizers to eat for $11.99. We ordered mozzarella sticks, dynamite shrimp, and chicken parmesan tanglers. I’ve never heard of tanglers but they’re chicken breasts sliced, tossed in breading and signature spices, fried, topped with parmesan cheese and served with marinara sauce. Our appetizers arrived quickly and we immediately dug in, they were delicious.
For an entree I had a hard time choosing between two the ½ rack double glazed baby back ribs or the bacon cheddar cheeseburger. The ½ rack double glazed baby back ribs, are ribs double glazed in your choice of honey barbeque, southern barbeque, or, for Asian flare sweet and spicy barbeque sauce. I decided to order the Bacon cheddar cheeseburger, but plan to come back soon to try the ribs. My friend ordered the Fire Pit Bacon burger, a burger topped with pepper-jack cheese and Applewood smoked bacon on a toasted bakery bun served with a smoky chipotle spread, lettuce, tomato, and onion. If you have a hard time choosing from their many selections don’t fret because every person on the wait staff is trained to be able to recommend you an entree from every food type on the menu.
We barely had room for dessert but when our waitress offered to bring us a complimentary desert shooter I couldn’t turn it down. Desert shooters come in Strawberry Cheesecake, Chocolate Mousse, or Hot Fudge Sundae. Hot fudge sundae is what she brought me it’s vanilla ice cream with hot fudge topping, whipped cream, and a cherry excellent. The next time I visit I plan to eat the baked dessert mile high ice cream pie, a pie-scraper with an OREO cookie crust, filled with chocolate ice cream and layers of chocolate fudge and peanut butter. They add peanut butter ice cream, caramel swirls, peanut brittle, drizzle it with hot fudge & caramel, and top it with whipped cream and OREO cookie crumbs.
Applebee’s also offers weight watchers selections and salads for healthy choices. Applebee’s has all types of entrees there’s something for everyone. They don’t do reservations, but if you call ahead they will try to accommodate you. Also if you want the dine out food, but have no time to sit and eat Applebee’s has Carside To Go their special pick up service that lets you call in your order and have it delivered to your car when you arrive. Applebee’s is open all holidays except Christmas so anytime is the perfect time to go.

****
Applebee’s
2411 Sycamore Rd.
DeKalb IL 60115
(815) 748-3222
http://www.applebees.com

Oh My O'Leary's

2009-10-16T11:15:00.001-07:00

On the corner of Lincoln Highway and 3rd street, sits the landmark building now called O’Leary’s Restaurant and Pub. Built as a department store in 1939, renamed in 2000, O’Leary’s proudly sits in the middle of historic downtown DeKalb. The restaurant is hard to pass by its giant green and white awnings, humongous gold lettering, and appealing window light display. Being a Wednesday night, parking was easy to find and was available all around the block.

Upon walking in, my friend, Brittany, and I found ourselves quickly hypnotized by the random array of décor. On the inside of the entrance, visitors are almost immediately greeted by an enormous cow that proudly sits in front of the bar. Before being seated, I was walking to our table I noticed there was an array of model airplanes hanging from the ceiling and mirrored images of alcoholic beverages. The atmosphere instantly gave us the impression of an Irish pub.

The overall atmosphere of the restaurant is very cozy. The lights have a perfect dim and are quite relaxing. The music, a local classic rock station, stays constant at a perfect steady low hum, provoking dinner conversations. The bench seats of the booth were very comfortable as they absorbed me in for absolute relaxation. The only downfall of the interior is that there were not any windows to look from unless the table was towards the front of the building.

We were almost immediately seated and given a menu. The restaurant has a wide variety of foods, from the typical pub appetizers to luscious cuisines. To begin, a limited selection of appetizers will not be a problem. In this roster, there are the typical pub dishes such as loaded nachos, hot wings and mozzarella sticks, but most importantly there are a few specialty platters. Only at O’Reilly’s can someone order the notorious Guinness Beer Battered Onion Rings and the luscious combination of stuffed sauerkraut, corned beef, and cheese in a soft tortilla called Irish Egg Rolls. Then after warming up, the real challenge is faced, settling for one entrée over others. There is an entrée for all, including vegetarians. At first the menu seems to be over whelming because the numerous diverse dishes. It proved to be very hard to choose a meal since everything sounded so delicious. After browsing through the juicy steaks, the numerous sandwiches, and the overly tempting pot roast, I looked up and debated with Brittany; “I think I might have the roast beef, nah, I’m going to have the Chimes Chicken Strip Platter with a side of sweet potato fries.” She responded quickly, “I’m gonna have the Baja Chicken Quesadillas, mine is going to be so much better!” The orders were set and we took the time in between to observe the restaurant.

While waiting for our food it seemed the waiter came too much, so I asked Brittany what she thought and she said; “it’s really good service but I think the waiter is going over-the –top and not letting us just talk and have fun.” The food was brought out quickly and correctly. It was absolutely delicious. The Chimes Chicken Strips I ordered were glazed in a rich honey barbeque sauce and were accompanied with delicious side of sweet potato fries. The sauce was almost a little too rich but wasn’t bad. This was my first occasion having sweet potato fries and it was a fine one. The meal cost $9.75 and was worth every penny. For this price I was given an immense plate full of food including six glazed chicken strips with an ample amount of fries for two people.

Overall, I really enjoyed O’Leary’s. I loved the service. The waitress was always around ensuring everything was okay and the food arrived quickly and correctly. The food was delicious and the fairly inexpensive for the amount of food received. It was not an absolute “special” place to eat but was a nice dinner out. This restaurant is great for a good bite but not for a fine night out. Given the restaurant was great it was still a pub in many forms. But it is also very possible my overall view of this restaurant may have been altered if I would have gone a weekend night and not a Wednesday, given the size of the bar.

***1/2
O’Leary’s Restaurant and Pub
260 E. Lincoln Hwy
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-748-0000
http://www.olearyspubandgrill.com/

Fushi Yami Hibachi n' Suchi

2009-10-16T11:14:00.002-07:00

Next time you feel the craving for Asian food think about Fushi Yami. This small place located in the Junction Shopping Center, is the place to go if you are looking for cheep Japanese food. The only thing they don’t have is a chef cooking right in front of you, but the food still taste amazing. Also, if you don’t feel like going out to eat they deliver, but if you get delivery order it soon because the wait is about forty minutes.

The prices range for what you are getting but there isn’t a meal on the menu over ten dollars. All of their meals range from five to ten dollars, and the sushi ranges from two to six dollars but you do get a lot for what you pay for, it was enough to fill my stomach. “I picked the vegetarian sushi, because I couldn’t have meat, and I like sushi.” said Valerie Hays

The drinks they serve are pretty normal, so if you want a fountain drink they have it, but they also have special soda drink from Japan named Ramune. The one I chose was an orange flavor, but it’s not the drink that is so fascinating it’s the bottle. It is a glass bottle with a glass marble to keep the drink concealed. First you use the small cap that comes with it and bunch out the tool you need to get the drink open. Then you take that and push down on the marble on the top, the marble drops and makes the drink smoke a little. It is entertaining for people who have never seen the drink before. The Last thing would be the desert, and they only have one thing on the menu, and it’s a little pricy almost four dollars for the muchi. The muchi has a sweet rise cake shell with your choice of ice cream in side. It is one of the best things you could ever try if you are up for something new.

First on the menu is all the sushi, they have everything from the California rolls that contain cucumber, avocado, and artificial crab, for people who aren’t fond of fish. To smoked salmon rolls for people who are fond of fish. The hibachi section is just amazing. All of the meals in this section come with your choice of rise, vegetables, and their home made souses. You can choose anything from chicken, chicken and steak, or steak and shrimp. Any combination is great and mouthwatering.

The atmosphere is very pleasant. The lights are soft and they have a large picture of a cherry blossom tree. The decorations “Added to the atmosphere, made it seem more formal.” said Evan Minzer. They also play soft music that everyone seems to know. All combined it creates a calming and enjoyable place to eat. The service is pretty fast for being a small place. I would advise though to order both the sushi and hibachi, because the sushi comes right away so once you are done with your sushi the hibachi will be soon to follow. Otherwise you will be waiting a little while for your meal to come.

***1/2
Fushi Yami Hibachi n' Sushi
822 W. Lincoln Hwy.De Kalb, IL 60115
(815) 748-8868‎
(815) 748-8838‎ - Fax
http://www.fushiyami.com/

Not So Spicy Mexican Food

2009-10-16T11:14:00.001-07:00

When I think of a Mexican restaurant, I think of spicy food and a long wait. Surprisingly, Qdoba Mexican Grill did not have either of these flaws. Qdoba is set up like Subway in that you are able to create your food any way you would like it. You can even order it naked, that is, without the shell! It has a soothing, calm lighting with a nice cool breeze, a television so that you can keep up on the news, and food that will keep you coming back for more.

When I walked into Qdoba, there were a lot of people in line. I instantly thought I should come back another time, assuming it would be a long wait; however, the smell had already convinced me to stay. To my surprise, the line took no time at all. Anytime is a good time to go to Qdoba Mexican Grill, even breakfast. Qdoba makes delicious breakfast burritos, and salads. They serve every meal of the day and are open until 9pm.

If they look busy, give it a few minutes and the line will be gone. The line servers focus on one person at a time, and do not get overwhelmed by long lines. They know exactly what they are doing, and you can be sure that they made your burrito according to your likings. You can get in and out without spending more time in line than actually eating.

The menu is simple in the way that if you want a burrito you can choose everything. The only thing hard about it is deciding what you want. Even if you do not like spicy foods, they have an easy cheese salsa, so that you can enjoy your burrito without drinking a gallon of water to cool your mouth off. They also have many options for vegetarians such as a vegetarian burrito, which included beans, rice, and fried veggies, veggie salads, vegetarian gumbo, which is a veggie soup and a simple cheese quesadilla. Qdoba also offers a children’s menu, which has entrees such as a mini quesadilla, or a kid’s taco meal.

The price averages about $6 for any entrée. The entrées seem expensive but the staff makes sure you get your money’s worth by filling the burrito as full as it can get before it breaks. Each burrito is served with your choice of steak, ground beef, chicken, or pork, black or pinto beans, salsas such as pico de gallo (a mild chunky tomato salsa), mango (full of cucumbers, mangos, cilantro, and lime juice), roasted chile corn (medium salsa full of corn and a few jalapeños, lime juice, and cilantro), salsa verde (a simple medium salsa), salsa roja (a simple hot salsa), or fiery habanero ( a flaming hot salsa with habaneros), and an assortment of toppings such as cheese, sour cream, lettuce, guacamole, or extra veggies and meat. An employee of Qdoba, Craig Worrall, explains his favorite and least favorite combination of these options. “The best is the chicken queso burrito, which is rice, beans, choice of black or pinto beans, chicken, queso sauce, choice of salsa, shredded cheese sour cream and lettuce all wrapped in a tortilla shell. The chicken goes really well with the queso. The worst is any type of mole burrito, mole is a mix of chocolate and beans and you cannot taste the chocolate one bit. I think it is the smell that gets me. It makes me what to gag, which is why I am glad we got rid of it!” All Qdoba restuarants have gladly gotten rid of the mole sauce, because of its unpopularity.

So if you are looking for a quick burrito, go to Qdoba. You can get your burrito anyway you want it, spicy or non spicy and you will not have to worry about picking anything off of it.

Qdoba Mexican Grill
2383 Sycamore Road
Dekalb, IL 60115
*****

Tasty Food at the Thai Pavilion

2009-10-16T11:13:00.000-07:00

Exterior
Banana Sticky Rice

Pad See Ew

(These pictures were taken off the Thai Pavilion website)

Walking up to the Thai Pavilion I couldn’t help but think I was in for third rate Asian cuisine. I found it hard to believe that this could be a delightful experience upon seeing the trashy ripped up awning and the less than impressive location, but looks can be deceiving. Upon entering, I was bombarded with the lovely aroma of Asian cuisine which lured me in and asked me to stick around; I came to find out that when I gave this restaurant a chance, I was pleasantly surprised.

When I first noticed the please seat yourself sign, I thought it contributed to the laid back atmosphere. I quickly realized I had to seat myself because the entire restaurant is being waited on by one waitress. She was efficient and as Cavya Sharma, a fellow restaurant patron, said, “… [the waitress] wasn’t unfriendly, just frazzled.” She was not sitting around, as the restaurant was busy and she was running to keep up, but service was slow regardless. Looking around the restaurant, it is furnished with mismatched tables and chairs, and pieces of art that look like they came from Goodwill, and the clearance rack of Wal-Mart. Nevertheless, it was not uninviting and it was clean.

When I opened my menu I found a pleasant mix of entrees with reasonable prices. The items on their menu are Thai cuisine. My company, Cavya, thought, “they had all the normal stuff,” basic things expected to be on a Thai menu. The highest priced items were seafood which topped off at $9.95, and the most expensive item was duck curry for $10.95. The appetizers ranged from $4.95 for egg rolls to $12.95 for an appetizer sampler, entrée items averaged $7.95 to $8.95, and desserts ranged from $2.00 to $4.50. The average bill is about $15, and the food is delicious and well worth the price.

When our waitress finally got around to us, we ordered egg rolls and wonton soup for appetizers, and green curry, basil fried rice, and pad see ew for entrees. The wonton soup was delicious; it was made with perfectly seasoned chicken broth and filled with fresh green onion, wontons, and chicken. It was hot, fresh, and overall delicious. The egg rolls tasted above average, because they were thin and crispy, and not greasy or overcooked. Entrees came out, fifteen minutes later. The green curry was served with white rice and filled with chicken, basil, and vegetables such as: eggplant, peppers, peas, green beans, and bamboo. I enjoyed it but when I asked Cavya, she said, “it was pretty good [but] a little bland.” The next entrée I tried was mouthwatering spicy beef and basil fried rice. The last dish I tried was pad see ew, a noodle dish with: beef, broccoli, and wide rice noodles. It was sweet compared to the two spicy dishes, but equally delectable. The portions were big and we took food home, but we found room for two desserts, mango and banana sticky rice. The mango sticky rice included sliced mango, and sticky rice with sweetened coconut milk on top. Although unusual, it was agreeable. The banana sticky rice was wrapped in banana leaf and the banana was a pink fleshy color. I couldn’t help but feel I was chewing on a chunk of flesh. Needless to say, I preferred the mango.

The Thai Pavilion surprised me. Despite the odds being against them, the food more than made up for it. This was a great place to relax, eat, and spend time with friends. I would not recommend coming here if you are in a rush, but if you are hungry for Asian and have some time and company, then look no further then Thai Pavilion.

***
Thai Pavilion
131 E. Lincoln HwyDeKalb, Illinois
(815) 756-6445
http://thaipavilionskokie.com/

Good, Old Pizza Hut

2009-10-16T11:10:00.000-07:00

Right on one of DeKalb’s main arteries, Lincoln Highway, sits the well known Pizza Hut. The affordable Italian restaurant is ideal, whether you plan to dine-in or take-out. The menu is fully loaded with Italian favorites like different pastas, lasagna, and of course pizza. This particular Pizza Hut is actually located on Northern Illinois University’s campus so it is convenient for students.
This restaurant has a very spacious dining area which has a dim setting that gives off a warm mood. The windows that line three of the four walls are draped with red curtains. Near each window you will also find matching red sitting booths. The shiny, white, brick walls are dressed with Northern Illinois University sports portraits, which imply a sense of school pride. There are lights hanging from the ceiling that are dimmed by forest-green, glass lamp coverings. At the center of this large room, surrounded by tables, is a buffet bar. Looking out the window you can see the McDonalds restaurant and many other local businesses on Lincoln Highway.
With prices ranging from anywhere between 3 and 25 dollars, it is hard to beat. According to one customer, Darshay Walls, “…it’s a total bargain especially [during] buffet hours.” On Mondays through Fridays from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m., crowds hurry in to enjoy the filling Lunch Buffet. This features an all you can eat pizza and pasta buffet which includes your choice of any of the five different flavored pizza (which varies from day to day), 1 dessert pizza, bread sticks, cinnamon sticks, pasta and salad bar, for just 4.95 plus tax per person.
On the menu you can find various different types of pizza. Some with different crusts like pan, hand-tossed, thin and crispy, and multigrain. Along with these different choices they also offer special pizza toppings. Some of which includes Triple Meat, Hawaiian Luau, Veggie, and Spicy Sicilian. The Hawaiian Luau is topped with tropical pineapples, ham, and smoked bacon. For the low price of 5.99 you can order, from the menu, a special medium pizza called “Pizza Mia.” This is just regular pizza with slightly different ingredients that gives its pizza sauce a sweet taste. Besides pizza, on the menu you can also find pasta and lasagna. The delicious Tuscani Pasta is a fairly new but already a big hit. The menu’s appetizers are salads, different breadsticks, and apple pizza. My favorite, the cinnamon sticks, are sweet bread sticks covered in cinnamon. They are served hot and soft with a cup of small icing. The Chocolate Dunkers are also sweet bread treats battered in dark and white Hershey’s milk chocolate sprinkles. These are delicious and I would recommend these to chocolate lovers
Last year, in 2008, The Pizza Hut Corporation celebrated its 50th year of service and it has become very popular. Ms. Walls explained her experience at another Pizza Hut as being quite different. She said, “…it was usually very crowded...” This Pizza Hut is a family restaurant and has a cheerful environment that can attract huge crowds. Its friendly staff and waiters provide prompt service and will make you feel welcome and even consider returning soon.
Rate: ****
Pizza Hut
701 W. Lincoln Highway
DeKalb, Il 60115
(815) 758- 6601
www.pizzahut.com

Junction Functions for All

2009-10-16T11:07:00.000-07:00

Caitlin Ewald
ENGL 103
Junction Functions for All
One of the landmark restaurants in DeKalb, IL also happens to cater to the needs of students attending Northern Illinois University. Located at 816 West Lincoln Highway, where a mobile home park originally resided, The Junction provides delicious, affordable food in a warm environment right on campus. Right behind train tracks, this restaurant is a simple yet cozy self proclaimed diner, and doesn’t try to be more than just that.
The Junction is railroad themed, which is easily picked up on by their unique railroad crossing shaped sign and the painting of steam engines that greet you when you walk inside. This specifically caboose themed establishment welcomes all types, from families with children, to older couples, to college students, and has been since 1969. From the moment I sat down, I felt comfortable and relaxed. This could have something to do with the overall tone set for not only the diner, but also for its employees. When asked about his knowledge of the restaurant business, the Junctions manager, George Bahramis stated, “Treat people fairly, treat others how you would like to be treated.” This way of thinking was reflected in my server who delighted me with her polite and energetic manner. She even went so far as to decorate the back of my bill with stars and a friendly, “Thank you!” in green highlighter. And the bill itself wasn’t too bad either. The prices of items on the menu are fairly average, depending on what you get.
There main menu includes an array of quintessential American dishes. The Bar-B-Que beef is a popular favorite at $5.75, along with the Taco Salad which is served in a large tortilla shell and comes out to $6.50. The California Sandwich offers a hearty pile of sliced turkey with jack cheese, alphalfa sprouts, sliced tomato, and thick slabs of avocado, all on multigrain bread at $6.95. And, of course, you can never go wrong with a Junction Burger, that is served thick and char-broiled on a toasted bun and comes to a mere $4.95 . But when asked about the most popular menu items, George Bahramis was quick to say, “Skillets, mostly skillets, and the Trailblazer which includes two eggs, meat, hash browns and toast.” Be sure to get the seasoned fries, which go perfectly with almost every dish. There are also soups and two dinner specials offered every day; with this you can be sure that you will always find something delicious on the menu.
You can eat great even later than most other restaurants around DeKalb, because the Junction is open till two a.m. on weekdays and four a.m. on weekends. Very convenient hours for students who like to stay out late. You can be promised a warm booth and coffee, perhaps with an appetizer, or maybe a slice of one of the decadent cakes displayed in a case for you to see right as you walk in. But no matter what time of day you visit the Junction, be sure to look for the toy train that parades around the restaurant top on its wooden track from morning to night, greeting every customer with a warm sense of welcome and a promise of satisfaction.

The Junction
816 W Lincoln Hwy
DeKalb, IL 60115
(815) 758-5441
*****