Little Quiapo - Chicago
(Resturant Review)

Sometimes everyone needs a buffet.  There is something deeply comforting about being able to make split second food decisions, avoid paying a tip, and choosing as much or as little as you want.  For people hoping to avoid Old Country Buffet or Golden Corral, but still craving heart attacking goodness, there is Little Quiapo.  Continuing on an Asian theme, Filipino food is not yet as popular as Chinese, Thai or even Korean, but more and more people are giving it a shot.  Little Quiapo is located in strip-mall on McCormick, right accross the street from a massive Home Depot.

Walk inside and the first thing you'll notice is a remittance machine for sending money back to the Phillipines.  The next series of sights and sounds are: bamboo (everywhere!), servers wearing Barongs, and cheerful and cheesy Filipino music that's been on a repeat cycle the last 20 years.  The buffet itself is enclosed inside something resembling a Jeepney (a brightly colored, glorified taxing covered in Tagolog phrases and place names). 

As for the food, there is something good everyday of the week, and most of the options don't change.  My favorites include: Chicken Adobo (with a healthy heaping of Singalang {garlic rice}), Pancit, Pata, Filipino Meatloaf, Kalamar (calamari), and Lechon (only on Sundays).  The deserts don't dissapoint either.  My happy place is one of the various rice/taro incarnations, Biko.  Not offered everyday, the Leche Flan is also worth your while.

The price is right, the service (when you do order) isn't halfway bad and there is a wide variety of Filipino drinks to try out.  As any seasoned traveler knows, buffets are the surest way to stock up on food for the day, and save money for more important endeavors.  Since you're going to stuff yourself anyways before really exploring Chicago or going about your day, why not try something different, and delicious.

Silver City - Milwaukee
(Neighborhood Watch)

While the Third Ward, Brady Street and Walker's Point continue to soak up national media attention, other neighborhoods are quietly transforming and improving.  One of those neighborhood is Silver City.  Not officially designated in the way that more established neighborhoods are, Silver City is Milwaukee's unofficial Hmongtown. 

What to See:

Located on the near South Side, take National Ave a few miles West.  This will take you near West Milwaukee and Miller Park, the home of the Brewers.  If you haven't been before, Miller Park is an architectural wonder of a stadium.  While lacking Wrigley's charm, its complex lattice of cables, glass and metal is awe inspiring.  A pre-exploring drink is a great way to see the field view for cheap, even in the middle of winter.  Unlike many stadiums, Miller Park is open year round.  If you come for a game, make sure to tail-gate.  In same way Lambeau is known for its football pre-game celebrations, Miller Park is known for its pre-game baseball rituals.

Within Silver City, park on National Avenue starting at the 3400 block.  Close by is an Asian Market.  If you are looking for authentic Southeast Asian produce and deli, this is the place to go.  Better than any Whole Foods type place, it's one of the surest ways to soak up some Hmong and Laotian culture.  Only 3 blocks west, GaoYoua's Food and Bakery features Milwaukee's only Asian Bakery.  Their most popular items include: Xalapaus (steamed pork bun), Namvan, Papaya Salad, Taro Bun, and our Asian Sandwich.  Be sure to taste, but don't forget to absorb the sites and smells as well.

Where to Eat:

Breaking slightly from our Hmong and Laotian theme, visit Mekato's for Colombian fare.  In addition to anchoring the local Hmong community, Silver City is also home to an increasing number of Central and South American families.  Colombian food, like most of South America is very meat centric, but with wonderful grilled Chicken and flavorful sides you won't be missing too much (unless you're a vegetarian.) 

Rice Palace Asian Cuisine represents the new trend to go Pan-Asian.  Set in more standard decor (think 1970's as opposed to ultra-modern sushi), RPAC still offers something for the more adventurous eater.  Best of all is the restaurant's twist on an old Wisconsin standby, the Friday fish fry.  Asian entertainment (Lao language TV) plays in the background, except on Friday when Karaoke is more likely to spoil your appetite than the fish.

Moving West of the Mekong and on National, there is Thai-Bar-B-Que.  On Milwaukee has this to say: Experience genuine Thai cooking at Milwaukee’s only Thai Barbecue restaurant. They bring thegrilled chicken, pork and beef. In addition to over 15 years of restaurant experience, chef Thanita Sriamdi says,“My grandmother cooked for the King and Queen of Thailand.” Thai BarBQue is sure to fulfill any royal appetite!"  Cheesy yes, but provocative too.

How to Get There: 

Get off at the National Ave exit on I-43 going West.  Take National until you get to 35th street.

All In All:

An interesting detour in Milwaukee to one of its lesser known ethnic neighborhoods.  While lacking a true Chinatown, the area is filling in nicely.  Offering up Latin American food and Southeast Asian cuisine, its a little glimpse into different corners of the world for more adventurous eaters.

A Word About State Pages:

The state pages will be up and fully functioning once I hit 150 posts on the site.  I will be able to update that based on alphabetical city order.  Cities with multiple postings will be organized by alphabetical order of business.

Graffiti Burger - Columbus, OH
(Restaurant Review)

Recently, after 12 years of being like 'Oh, I don't like Burgers', I couldn't remember why I didn't like them and dug in at a family BBQ. SWEET MOTHER OF GOD. What had I been missing?!

Graffiti Burger is off of 5th going west. Somehow, I can never find anything off of 5th, which makes it all the more difficult during evening or prime burger eating hours due to the horrendous amount of sunlight that shines right in your eyes. However, there's a huge Billboard right by the Five Guys telling you that they're half a mile up the road. Nice job with the subtly guys.

The first thing I noticed is that the place is spotless. There was always a person going around and wiping down the tables. Also, the art or 'graffiti' on the walls is amazing. They really thought about buckeye and Grandview pride before decorating the place. The graffiti is everywhere, but it's done phenomenally and doesn't distract from how amazing the food is.

Onto the food. I ordered a junior burger with American cheese, guacamole, and bacon (yeah yeah I'm a freak). My boyfriend ordered a regular with bacon, onions,mayo and provolone. We also got a half a pound of fries and a chocolate milkshake to split.

I love how you could see them making all of our food. It all looked, fresh, simple and casual. However, once we bit into our burgers, we knew that there was nothing 'simple' or 'casual' about them. These burgers were literally one of the BEST burgers I've ever had. The meat was tender and juicy - nothing was well done or too rare. It literally melted in your mouth. The guacamole complimented all of the other flavors beautifully and the bacon was smokey and crisp. I tried to eat my burger as slowly as possible in order to make the amazing-ness last longer

The fries were not my favorite. There was nothing wrong with them, but they just weren't my style. I can still appreciate them though. The shake, however, was phenomenal! It's so funny that the best things are made with only a few ingredients - whole milk and chocolate syrup. I used to think a teacher of mine was a kook when he always said 'less is more', but I think I get it. This is what he was talking up - a thick, creamy, malted beverage and an amazing burger.

Argo Georgian Bakery - Chicago
(Local Spot)

Chicago's greatness comes from its diversity.  The diversity of neighborhoods and neighbors gives Chicago a flavor unlike any other Midwestern city.  On the same street (Devon), one encounters Indian Udupi, Pakistani and Afgan Kebabs, Jewish Deli Salami and Georgian Hachapuris.  Thus it's possible to touch the Middle East, the Caucasus region, Central and South Asia in one visit.

We entered for a late afternoon snack, and had no expectations.  Walking in, you can barely see the shopkeeper behind the tall glass display.  A gruff but friendly Georgian takes your order as he slides pastries out of an ancient looking beehive shaped oven.  After looking through the day's options, it wouldn't be fair to consider the Georgian Bakery a full blown resturant, but a bakery doesn't quite do it justice either. Since there are Breakfast, Lunch and Dessert type pastries, you can eat your way through the day just by picking up a mixed bag. But, no matter the time of day you are looking to satisfy, it is universally delicious.

Now, keep in mind I've never had Georgian food, so I have nothing to go off of, but if the rest of Georgian cousine follows suit, I'll be updating my list of favorite foods.  We took home five, each of a different variety as our snack turned into a full blown meal.  The buttery, flakey pastry melts in your mouth while the various fillings are explosions of flavor.  Eating the three cheese pastry may have permanently ruined other bread-cheese combinations for me.  The mushroom combination was a refreshing summer treat, while hearty enough to satisfy future Fall and Winter cravings.  Surprisingly, the most dissapointing in the group was the raspberry, which we were most excited to try.  However, any thing filled with meat or cheese was phenomenal. 

This small hole in the wall is a local's dream: undiscovered by the masses, tucked away in a corner of Chicago most transplants don't see, and super delicious and affordable.

Champaign – Urbana, Illinois

(City Review)

Champaign‐Urbana is located in East Central Illinois, about an hour away for the Illinois‐

Indiana border, two hours south of Chicago and three hours northeast of St. Louis. It’s a college town, with the University of Illinois nestled in the heart of Champaign‐Urbana; Parkland College, a community college, sits on the North west end of town.

If you are passing through the Champaign‐Urbana area, there are a couple parts of town that you may want to visit. For one, the north side of Champaign is the shopping center of the entire town; it’s where Market Place mall is located. The north side also holds a variety of restaurants. Downtown Champaign is the cafe capital for Champaign. There are more upscale places to eat, and a more relaxing vibe in the downtown area. Campustown lies in the middle of Champaign and Urbana. The Green Street strip has plenty food choices and bars to part take in. Downtown Urbana is small, but it has a few places to eat that are very good.

What to See:

On the North Side of Champaign, you will find all kinds of restaurants and shopping centers. Shopping is a popular pastime for Champaign natives. Market Place Mall has many visitors on a daily basis. With department stores like JC Penny’s, Macy’s, Bergner’s and Sears, its no wonder why many people spend their time at the mall. Among the nationally known department stores, Market Place mall is also home to stores like Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, Marrakesh, and so much more.

Downtown Champaign also has some neat, smaller stores. Ten Thousand Villages is a great artisans shop. You can find something from almost every part of the world, jewelry, picture frames, and other home décor items all made by hand. Also located downtown is Dandelion Vintage & Used Clothing. It’s the best place to find quality vintage and used clothing. Dandelion is also good for providing clothing for Halloween, theme parties and plays. Downtown is also home to the Orpheum Children’s Science Museum. This science Museum is a great hands-on learning experience for children.

Watching movies is another popular pastime for the Champaign natives. Beverly Cinemas is located on the north side of town and Savoy 16 is located in the Village of Savoy just south of Champaign.

There are several parks to visit while passing through the Champaign-Urbana area as well. Hessel Park lies just west of Campustown. It has outdoor grills in the park ready for public use. It makes for a perfect place for cookouts in the summertime. And for the kids, there is a decently sized playground including fountains to play in on the hot summer days. Throughout the spring and summer, the local Park District puts on several concerts in the park, which are free to the public. And if you are a tennis fan, a volleyball fan, or basketball fan, Hessel Park also has tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts available for general use.

Within walking distance from the Green Street Strip is Spurlock Museum. The Museum is a quite place to look at humanity’s shared cultural heritage.

Further away from the Strip is the University of Illinois Arboretum. The arboretum is a beautiful place to visit with gardens to walk through and the Japan House just next door. Even though its 57 acres lie very close to the corner of Lincoln Avenue and Florida Avenue, two of the busiest streets in Urbana, it is still a very peaceful place to admire nature’s true beauty.

Just southeast of Campustown is Meadowbrook Park. This park is a prairie reservation area. It has three miles of concrete trails, perfect for walking, jogging, and cycling. In the park, there are 30 acres of recreated tall grass prairie land, which is open to the wildlife that live in such habitats. So while you are on you three-mile jog, do not be surprised to see pheasants, small rodents and even deer!

Where to Eat:

The Market Place food court offers a variety of food as well. Mexican to Chinese, it’s all there. But once you get tired of shopping all day and don’t want to eat in the food court, one of the best places to eat on the north side is O’Charley’s. They offer everything from pasta to seafood. While visiting O’Charley’s make sure to try their loaded baked potato soup, it’s the best in town. Ruby Tuesday is another good place to eat. They also offer a salad bar with any meal. The salad bar has a variety of great salad items and it is fairly inexpensive.

Just a couple miles down the street from Market Place mall lies downtown Champaign. The downtown vibe is a lot more relaxed than the North side. Downtown Champaign has many cafe choices, most of which allow you to sit outside if you would like to. The ever‐famous Taylor Street is closed off to cars, but it becomes the courtyard like center where several café’s have outdoor seating. Café Kopi, Aroma Café and Café Luna are among the favorites in the downtown area. Among the cafe scene, downtown is also home to the upscale Jim Gould restaurant. Jim Gould is a great place to eat if you are willing to pay the price. KoFusion is a fantastic Asian Fusion place with dollar sushi nights on Sunday and Monday; they also provide an inexpensive lunch buffet Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The downtown area also holds a few nightclubs and lounges that can satisfy the nightlife craving for those over the age of 21.

Just a couple blocks to the southeast of downtown is Campustown. And the heart of Campustown is the Green Street Strip. It has a lot of places to eat, nothing you can’t find off campus but the fact of the matter is that these places are now accessible to the car‐less students living on campus. Campustown is the area of town that you can find bars and nightclubs that allow for people 19 and older to get in. The Clyborne, Joe’s, and Murphy’s Pub are among the popular hot spots in Campustown. One place that must be visited is Coco Mero. Coco Mero is a frozen yogurt spot and there is nothing like in all of the Champaign‐Urbana area. It has all kinds of frozen yogurt flavors, from green tea to cheesecake and an assortment of fruit flavors. They also provide all kinds of toppings from fresh fruit to different types of cereal. They charge by the ounce so get as much or a little as you want. And if you are not a frozen yogurt fan, no worries, there is a Cold Stone Creamery in Campustown as well.

Continuing east, downtown Urbana is definitely not has big as downtown Champaign but downtown Urbana has V. Picasso Tapas Bar. Its causal atmosphere is nice for having get‐togethers with friends or family for lunch or dinner. And just around the corner from V. Picasso is Courier Cafe. This cafe is perfect for breakfast or lunch. It’s antique style makes for a comfortable place to eat with friends.

Where to Stay:

If you are staying overnight in the Champaign‐Urbana area, there are plenty of hotel choices on the North side. The hotels found on the North side are located around the Interstate highway, mainly along I‐74. Among those are Drury Inn & Suites, La Quinta Inn, and The Marriot Courtyard. A few blocks south of Downtown Champaign is the Hilton Garden Inn and Hawthorne Suites. The I Hotel lies on the south side of Campustown. The Lincoln Hotel is located in downtown Urbana.

Getting Around:

Getting around Champaign‐Urbana is easy by car. The town’s city bus system is pretty reliable and convenient when going to places like downtown and Campustown when parking is not free. If you are new to the area, it’s fairly easy to get around if you have a street map. Obtaining a map of the area isn’t hard; just stop by any gas station to pick one up.

Tags: Illinois City Review

Hot Doug's - Chicago
(Resturant Review)

NOTE:  Hot Doug's was insanely popular even before it was featured on Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations travel show.  Now, it's one of the most known restaurants in the city.  As a mecca for encased meat enthusiasts the world over, it has a loyal fanbase bordering on Cubs like fanaticism.  Not only is the owner and name sake one of the nicest guys in Chicago, he still works there!  He led a sucessful campaign to reinvent the hot dog stand, and features items like Duck Fat Fries, Antelope and Jerk Goat sausages.

Here is a review from a Kansas City native:

I firmly believe that there's nothing I can say about Doug's that hasn't already been said. In fact, I bet that someone has already written the EXACT sentence I just wrote.

We all know that Hot Doug's provides the greatest sausage concoctions ever. EVER. Inarguable. So I thought I'd take a second to focus on the negatives.

1.) Hot Doug's is over 400 miles from my home. Even if I fly to Chicago, get in a cab, get to Hot Doug's and wait in line, I can't have a sausage for probably 3 hours. 3 hours is a long time to wait for this goodness.

2.) I have friends who live in Chicago who have never been to Doug's. This is inexcusable. It's like living in Paris and never seeing the Mona Lisa, it's like living in Cairo and saying, 'man, those pyramids are just TOO far away,' it's like living in Amsterdam and never contracting an STD in the Red Light District.

3.) I know people who plan trips to Chicago, and at my insistence, promise to go to Doug's. When they get back, they say, 'oh, my grandma was having heart surgery in Wheaton and we just couldn't find the time.' Fuck your grandmother. You FIND the time.

4.) The hours are limited. This is self-explanatory. I'm not advocating a 3am close. You can't truly appreciate Doug's unless you're of sound mind and body. Plus, late-night hot-dog places breed animalistic tendencies. I don't want a 'vanilla milkshake,' wherein Doug bares his breasts for $20. Go to Wiener's Circle at 3 in the morning. Enjoy. It would be nice, though, if I could have dinner at Doug's.

5.) Hot Doug's is over 400 miles from my home. This is a big one.

If I could marry a sausage-emporium, it would definitely be Hot Doug's. I'd treat her right, make sweet love to her and have little half-human/ half-sausage monster-babies. Then, we'd have to kill them in infancy. And eat them. Because I bet they'd taste pretty great too.

Shake It Records - Cincinnati
(Local Spot)

Maybe you like music. Maybe you like music that you can hold in your hand. Maybe you like music you actually pay for. If any of these maybes describe you and you find yourself in the Greater Cincinnati area, you probably already know about Shake It Records.

It's been called the best record store in town, and maybe even in the midwest but as a customer for years I can honestly say that it's the best record store in the country. I know, I haven't been to them all, but the ones I have been to pale in comparison.

Upstairs you get a pop culture overload with their selection of used CD's & DVD's. In addition, what is often overlooked is the massive amount of other products they peddle. From books to strange but funny toys and magazines, Shake It has alot to choose from.

But wait, is it vinyl you crave? Wanna spend an hour "crate digging?" No problem, just take the stairwell down to the vinyl vault where you can dig for wax as long as you want. Used and new records are always jumping off the shelves and into my hands. I gotta say though, it's the dudes that work at Shake It that set it apart. These are not your typical High Fidelity music snobs but instead are regular guys who run a regular business and care alot about their customers and the community.

So whether you are local and a regular, or are in from out of town and want to know what record store to check out, Shake It wins.

Stan Hywet Hall and Garden - Akron, OH
(Local Spot)

I've toured Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens four times in my life and every time I go back, I am amazed.

The best time to visit, in my opinion, is in spring or early summer when all the flowers and trees are in bloom. There are so many things to see here like the obvious, beautiful mansion, the Japanese garden, the row of birch trees, the view, and the green house.

Of course, the mansion is simply beautiful. When I was a kid, my parents brought me here for my first tour. I was mesmerized. I remember wanting to own this mansion badly. I still want to live in it! I feel like I'm stepping into the past each time I visit. My imagination runs wild and I pretend that I live here.

The mansion has 65 rooms and 25 fire places, an indoor pool, an indoor bowling alley and much much more. My favorite room is the great room with all the stuffed animals from Mr. Syberling's hunting adventures, followed by the music room with the massive rug.

Some of the walls were shipped here from Europe as other tudors and mansions were being dismantled. The stone floors were worn to make them look older!

Presidents have stayed here as well as Helen Keller. Stan Hywet is truly remarkable. I'm so glad to live near it to have the opportunity to visit once every few years. I can't wait until my kids are old enough to appreciate this gem of a landmark.

http://www.stanhywet.org/

West Side Market - Cleveland
(Local Spot)

NOTE: If you want to really get at the heart of the local psyche, head to the market.  You'll see the produce and the locally produced delicacies that you won't find in the supermarket.  All of the great, historical American cities have them, and Cleveland is no exception. 

This is the place to go for all of your food needs in Cleveland. As long as you're not out looking for processed foods, you'll find what you're looking for here.

You'll have to be careful with the produce area. I usually stick to the shorter aisle for my produce needs. If you don't pay attention, you can as for a pint of blueberries and when you get home you'll find them to all be moldy. Unfortunately, not all vendors are trustworthy. This is the exception rather than the rule, but you'll still want to be careful. The WSM's website provides a list of all of the vendors so you can also do your research ahead of time.

Once you get inside the market, your options are plentiful. Everything from baked goods like bread and cookies to meat, fish, and regional/ethnic cuisines is at your fingertips. Everyone has their personal favorite vendors...so my advice is that you shop around until you find yours. I am yet to have a bad experience with any of the indoor vendors.

I do have a few WSM traditions, and you'll probably get your own the more you shop there. I prefer to go bright and early on Saturday morning before it gets too packed. Before shopping, I start with a WSM breakfast. Breakfast options are abundant. Delicious crepes (probably my favorite choice), freshly made pizza bagels, fresh bread, coffee...the choice is up to you. Before I leave, I always treat myself to a dark chocolate buckeye from one of the candy stands.

Some tips:

-Go early to avoid the crowd. It can get a bit chaotic over lunchtime.
-Bring cash. Not all vendors accept plastic.
-Bring your own bags. It's not only better for the environment, but it'll make your life easier.
-If you think you'll be there for a while, bring an insulated bag to carry your dairy and meat items in.

Vendors you should try at least once:

-Ohio City Pasta
-Crepes de Luxe
-Annemarie's Dairy
-Campbell's Popcorn shop (best buckeyes in the market)
-Grandma Freda's

(Krystal D 2009)

New Scenic Cafe - Duluth, MN
(Resturant Review)

I'm giving this place an A stars based on the fact that is it up in two harbors, if it were in a bigger city it would probably be only an A- or B+. However I think they deserve the grade for offering and pulling off what they do in a more remote place where they could get away with much less, as their competition is really doing nothing noteworthy from what I've seen (and tasted).

Made a reservation here for a friday night for when we arrived up north. This was a very smart move as when we showed up there were about 15 people all waiting for tables and the wait was about 45 minutes. We got our table about 10 minutes after our reservation time, and they were really apologetic, couldn't believe how nice they were- 10 minutes waiting is no big deal.

Just looking at the menu made me hungry- everything looked awesome, and I rarely look at a menu and feel I could order anything happily. The waitress also told us of about 6 additional specials that all sounded amazing as well. You can't go wrong! We ended up ordering a fig appetizer special with gorgonzola and pecans. It was yummy, but the honey glaze the figs were cooked in was a bit sweet- I could eat it for dessert. For mains my hubby had a pork special wrapped in bacon with spinach. He loved it, and let me tell you that piece of pork was huge- took up the whole plate! I had a vegetarian lasagna, which was not like traditional lasagna with pasta sheets, but had grilled polenta layers with veggies, pesto, and some goat cheese. It was much lighter than traditional lasagna and WAY tastier.

Now, usually, we're not big dessert people- especially after having the super sweet fig appetizer. However, their dessert menu looked so amazing, we had to order some dessert. Hubby had the goat cheese cake, which might have been the best cheesecake I"ve ever had, but I"m a huge goat cheese fan. I had the lemon tirimisu, which was the only mediocre thing either of us ate the entire meal. It was like a bad lemon sponge cake- really, I could only eat two bites and it just wasn't worth it to continue.

Despite the bad lemon dessert, I really loved the place, it had a cute cozy atmosphere, the staff were all really friendly, and the food was delicious, I 'd go back- in fact, I could happily eat here every day of a weekend away up North. Book ahead though.

(Carlin S. 2009)

SC Johnson Wax Headquarters - Racine, WI
(Local Spot)

NOTE: For the purpose of this blog, I'm including Racine within the Milwaukee metro.

Yoo hoo! Calling all Frank Lloyd Wright devotees!! Over here, in Racine, WI.....

Frank Lloyd Wright struggled off and on in his career, but when he found a client who shared his vision (and had the budget to indulge Mr. Wright), magical things happened. Herbert Johnson, then President of the S.C. Johnson Wax company, was one such visionary and in 1936 construction of this modern masterpiece began.

The building was meant to be the world headquarters of Johnson Wax, a working building and, is in fact, still operating in that capacity today. Wright wanted it to be a "living" building, a free and open space that would be a stimulating place to work. Later, he said of this building "There in the Johnson Building you catch no sense of enclosure whatever at any angle, top or sides....Interior space comes free, you are not aware of any boxing in at all. Restricted space simply is not there. Right there where you've always experienced this interior constriction you take a look at the sky!"

The Johnson Wax company has carefully maintained the integrity of the building and the interior, so it is on the National Register of Historic Landmarks. It is utterly breathtaking to see the interior of the Great Workroom just as Frank Lloyd Wright envisioned it, still operating as an office today, right down to the desks he selected! It is a wide open space, filled with Wright's dendriform columns, a miracle of engineering in themselves. The tour guides do a great job of walking visitors through the struggles and complexities of the building.

I could go on forever about this place, but any number of websites out there will do a better job as I'm neither an architect or an historian, merely a fan of FLW. An amazing building that has been wonderfully preserved, it is absolutely worth a visit. Sure, you have to get schooled on the Johnson Wax company at the end of the tour, but I didn't mind as this company has done such a wonderful job preserving this gem.

Love Frank Lloyd Wright? Get thee to Racine! Be sure to call ahead of visiting as the tours sell out and reservations are strongly encouraged.

(Jenny Z)

Baha'i House Of Worship - Wilmette, IL
(Local Spot)

Many words come to mind when one first comes upon Wilmette's Baha'i Temple.  Magnificent.  Beautiful.  Graceful.  Awe-inspiring. Tranquil. 

It's a place that I've been to several times in my life, all at very different stages and ages.  When I was a kid, I enjoyed roaming the outside gardens and listening to the echoes bouncing off the lofty dome 135 feet above.  When I was older, I could appreciate the stillness inside me, a rarity in my hectic life.  Still more recently, I returned with Fiance to catch an unbelievable sunset as the light changed and reflected different hues against the building's dazzling exterior. 

I was lucky to talk at length with an ambassador once about the faith and the building.  It is a powerful building with an interesting history.  Baha'i is a truly syncretic faith representing the world.  Christian and Muslim elements occur throughout the structure, inside and out.  Still more subtle cultural flourishes reveal the faith's place as a world religion.  Taking nearly 40 years to complete, the building started before, and finished after the surrounding neighborhood had filled in.  The unique mixture of building materials help give the temple some its most beloved and defining features.  For example, look closely and you'll see quartz inserted into the white granite.  Thus, during certain hours of the day, the building appears to be glowing. 

As the only Baha'i Temple in the United States, one of only seven in the entire world, and one of Illinois' Seven Wonders, this is a truly unforgettable building and setting in Chicagoland.

The auditorium (upstairs) is open every day of the year from 7am until 10pm

Visitors Center (downstairs):
10 am to 5 pm October 1 - April 30
10 am to 8 pm. May 1 - September 30

The Tamale Guy - Chicago
(Local Fabric)

NOTE: I thought I would start a section called "Local Fabric".  This means anything that helps define a place or a region.  It is something less tangible than a stadium, a resturant or a historic landmark.  It is about the culture makers and the collective celebrations (read festivals) that make a place unique.  I thought I would start this out for Chicago, and who better to cover than the Tamale Guy.  Enjoy the ode written below.

Dear Tamale Guy,

I realize that you are probably already married. I'm sure your current wife is lovely and helps you make all those magic tamales you shill to drunks in Bucktown, Ukie Village, and the Wickaaaaa.

Hell, maybe you beat the crap out of your current wife. Maybe you force her at knifepoint to make those tamales. Maybe she cries at night because her hands are rubbed raw from folding the corn husks around the magic tamale goodness and you keep her chained in a basement cell with only corn husks to eat.

But I do not care.

Because I love you Tamale Guy. And no amount of violence or husks or tiny cages will temper my love or cause me to forsake you.

Tamale Guy, run away with me. Run away with me and we will be married. And if you are already in a loveless marriage but don't want to get divorced because your Catholic relatives will shun you, then just run away with me in general.

Please bring your little insulated bag of hot, fresh tamales - $5 per bag of 6 tamales with napkins and salsa verde and that red salsa that isn't as good but comes with just the same.

And we will ride off into the sunset.

I love you,

Stacey

Brothers Restaurant and Lounge - Sandwich, IL
(Restaurant Review)

NOTE: While Sandwich is not that far south of Chicago, or that far away, I consider it part of the rest of the state.  Those who claim Sandwich is now part of the metro area are pushing it too far in my opinion.  I'm willing to draw the absolute limit at Yorkville.  If you're from that far away, you CANNOT be from Chicago.

Sandwich is a happy place, with an awesome name.  There are quaint little shops lining the main street.  There are dudes pushing lawn mowers in the sweltering heat with mullets and wife-beater tan lines.  The cigarettes are half the price of Chicago, and the liquor is a fair amount cheaper too.  Chicagoans escape the city to troll around on Lake Holiday and or visit High Heels.  And Sandwich, not surprising is the origin of a wonderful creation called the Beef Roll.

Brother's Restaurant claimed to have invested it.  Although similar to a gyro, the pita like bread pocket is thicker, and the meat tastier than you'll find at the standard road shack.  The fries are the thick home style type you'd find at a greasy spoon diner.  And, Brother's for all intensive purposes is a glorified diner.

The price is right.  Anytime you can spend $17 bucks for two people, including drinks, its cheap.  The service isn't great.  It's worth the occasional surliness (and forgetfulness) from our Eastern European (Serbian?) waitress.  But, the Beef Roll is an extravaganza of meaty flavor, and in a place like Sandwich, the Beef Roll is enough to justify that community's name.

(Matt Altstiel 2010)

Wisconsin Cheese Mart - Milwaukee
(Local Spot)

NOTE: Good cheese is one of life's great pleasures.  Unfortunately, too many are content to settle for processed super market cheese.  Thankfully for the slightly more enlightened, there is the great state of Wisconsin.  With more award winning cheeses than any other in the nation, it is turning a new generation of foodies onto palate driven tourism.  I can only hope for a week off work to put together the first annual Beer, Cheese and Wine State Trail Trip.  I like gathering up outsiders reviews of all things Midwest, so here is another "foreign perspective" below.

After seeing other people's enthusiasm for wine and cheese, I wanted to expand my horizons in this area of my palate. After leaving the Old German Beer Hall (Mader's), we walked aimlessly looking for things to do. When I saw the sign for cheese tasting sandwiched out front, I had to go in. When you walk in, you are greeted by cheesy cheese hats and full showcase of cheese. You look to your left, and there is even more prepackaged cheese to go! I think the last time I was this excited about cheese was when I was on a tour in Amsterdam or when I visited an Amish country store in Ohio.

Anyway, I walked around to the bar area, and checked out the menu. Something really interesting caught my eye. The carpe diem sampler had chocolate walnut fudge cheese. Maybe if you're a cheese afecionado that might not phase you, but this just blew my mind! The sampler also included cranberry cheddar, old fashioned string cheese, and raspberry bellavitano for $8.25. The bartender recommend a great pinot noir as well.

Also, there was a disposable camera left on the counter. Geez, haven't seen those in ages! Anyway, I think my friend accidentally took a snap shot of me. And a few minutes later, a lady came back for the missing camera. So, I apologize if you develop your pictures and you have one random unsightly picture of me. But, hey, if you left it at a college bar, you probably will have developed more ghastly images (like random crotch shots)! Imagine how embarrassing picking up those pictures would have been.

(Luan N. 2009)

Lambeau Field - Green Bay, WI
(Local Spot)

NOTE: I feel that going to a game at Lambeau is every Wisconsinites scared duty.  There is just something awe-inspiring about entering that bowl of humanity.  When you cheer along with everyone else wearing Green and Gold (really mustard yellow), you are part of a 90 year old tradition.  The waiting list for season tickets is so long that tickets are passed on through the elders' Wills or Estate agreements.  What Wrigley and Fenway are to baseball, Lambeau is to football.  And probably moreso actually.  Without football, Green Bay becomes a Waukegan, a Duluth or Cedar Rapids.  With football, Green Bay is the nation's David, and the pride of millions who believe it still represents some sort of American ideal.

Here is a review from a New Yorker, and a pretty accurate description I'd say:  I've made four pilgrimages to Lambeau, twice prior to the renovations and twice afterwards. Lambeau has succeeded where a number of the other traditional stadiums that have been refurbished/rebuilt (read Yankee Stadium) have failed, and that's in maintaining the unpretentious essence of the original. Don't get me wrong - the new atrium and the modernization and expansion of the concourses represent a vast improvement over the corrugated green-painted aluminum in the old Lambeau (not that I was complaining). But the experience of sitting in the bowl and watching the game is exactly the same as it was before, and no other stadium can replicate it. When you sit there, nobody has to remind you about the tradition of Lambeau or the Packers. It just oozes from the place.

One of the many, many fabulous features of Lambeau is the interaction between the stadium and its surroundings. Most stadiums are either isolated, sitting in the middle of vast parking lots and surrounded by interstate highways, or have been woven into artificial Disneylands of urban renewal that are perhaps more charming than the alternative but don't have much tradition. Lambeau is neither. The whole town is kind of a Packer Disneyland, but it wasn't built that way, it just evolved. The surrounding neighborhood is mostly residential, with some bars and restaurants sprinkled around. There isn't adequate parking in the stadium to satisfy demand, so unless you have a season parking pass, the better options include, among other things, parking in a homeowner's driveway or backyard (for a little more money you get access to the homeowner's bathroom). There are fans everywhere and they come out in force long before the game for tailgating (in fact, lots of people show up to tailgate even if they aren't going to the game). People are incredibly friendly and apparently can drink enormous amounts without getting obnoxious (or sloppy).

I've lived in the New York area most of my life, and around here there is a sense of privilege that accompanies going to a sports event (particularly now given the ridiculous ticket and food prices). Call me naive, but even with Lambeau's upgrades and modernization, there is a sense of purity and innocence to it that you can't find much anymore in professional sports.

(Jay R. 2009)

Koepsel's Farm Market - Baileys Harbor, WI
(Local Spot)

If you live in Milwaukee, Green Bay or Chicago, there is a high probability that you've been to Door County at least once in your life.  Chances are you've stayed on the Bayside though.  As soon as 57 merges into 42, the vast hordes of tourists often leave the quieter Lakeside to the locals.

That's a shame though.  Baileys Harbor and the area just north of it on Highway 57 is full of interesting shops and attractions.  My fiance's Aunt and Uncle own a place in Baileys Harbor, and we were lucky to spend some quality time in the Eastern portion of the peninsula for the holiday weekend. 

Along Highway 57 is a wonderfully fresh, farm market called Koepsel's.  Inside is a wide selection of Door County and Wisconsin products.  As an Illinois transplant originally from Wisconsin, it's always heartening to revisit the products I remembered as a kid.  We enjoyed the shelves upon shelves of homemade jams and sauces made from Door County fruit, through the several tasting stations!  Cherries are king here, and the sheer variety of cherry related products is astounding.  Also astounding is the selection of Wisconsin cheeses and beers.  I love that I was able to pick out random beers to make my own personal six pack.

All told, we left Koepsel's with a bag full of Wisconsin goodness and a warm, fuzzy feeling from our time on the Lakeside.

Chicago Architecture Foundation - Chicago
(Local Spot)

I must admit I am more than a little biased.  When I interned for CAF, I had the privilege of taking the tours, attending seminars and being able to view the Model City on a daily basis.  I know what an asset this organization is to Chicago, and why this place should be on every architecture buff's must visit list.

Honestly, where to begin.  Well, let's start with the building itself.  The Santa Fe Building was the site of Daniel Burnham's offices.  An early skyscraper, it relied on the huge internal atrium to filter light down below in the first days of electricity.  On the first floor, one walks into the atrium to find a scale model of the downtown which stretches from the Gold Coast down to the South Loop / Museum Campus area.  The buildings are all cast in grey, while the lights above simulate shadows for the different times of day.  Complete with street names, building makers and interesting facts, it is the perfect starting point for any visitor trying to orientate themselves around the Loop.  The exhibit is encircled by color coded panels that reveal different facets of the city which make it so unique.  Smaller models, interactive kiosks and guided tours are also part of the experience. 

On one side of the wall is the Daniel Burnham meeting space which hosts a weekly series featuring architects, authors and development experts.  The series is a wonderful opportunity for locals and visitors to learn more about the city and the process of development itself.  On the the other wall, is a gallery space that provides a brief history of Chicago through a walkable timeline.  Specific buildings receive special attention, and like everything at CAF, there is a knowledgeable volunteer on hand to answer any question you may have.  Also inside is a smaller model of the Loop, which is a fascinating time capsule to compare with the newer model in the atrium.  Then, let's not forget about the tour center and CAF shop.  Inside are gifts you won't find elsewhere in Chicago, plus the always polite staff who will go the extra mile for any customer.

Then there are the tours.  Hands down the best tour guides in the city are at CAF.  What makes it all even better is not only are the tours relatively inexpensive, varied and fun, all of the tour guides are volunteers!  Becoming a tour guide requires a staggeringly involved orientation and continued commitment.  How amazing then that many tour guides have been with CAF for 15+ years, while expanding their knowledge and learning new tours.  The Boat Tour is replicated, but won't be surpassed, trust me.  Forget the Double Decker buses, and the Mafia tours, if you want to experience Chicago you'll be on a CAF Tour. 

With over 50 tours to choose from this is a seriously well rounded organization.  Guided walking tours, self-guided walking, bus and boat tours are available.  Check out the website: http://caf.architecture.org/Page.aspx?pid=698 for full tour information.  Again, this is a first rate organization that is a must visit for any tourist or local alike.

John Hancock Observation Deck - Chicago
(Local Spot)

Chicago has one of the world's great skylines.  After all, the city pretty much invented the skyscraper.  Taken from any angle, the view is spectacular.  But how about the view from the top?

True, you can also rocket up to the top of the Sears Tower as well, but I feel like the Hancock has a lot more to offer both in terms of views, and in terms of ammenities.  The 360 view is wonderful at the northern edge of downtown.  You can look south to see the taller AON, Trump and Sears Towers.  You can look north to see the Gold Coast, Old Town, Lincoln Park and all the way up to Wrigley. Finally, looking east you see the parks, beaches and vast expanse of Lake Michigan until it ends 90 miles east at the shore. 

The Observation Deck also has the good sense to offer Self-Guided Audio tours that let you make your way around Chicago both in the historical and the geographical sense.  Informational panels also show off Chicago's symbolic importance and metaphor for America as a whole.  The international feel of the cafe and little gift shops cement the OD as a tourist trap, but after the view, you can afford to be a little tacky.

Since its a million dollar view, its certainly worth the time to sit in line and the money to spend on ride up.

John Hardy's Bar-B-Que - Rochester, MN
(Resturant Review)

A real, authentic southern barbecue place from start to finish. It's locally owned, and there are two locations in Rochester. The joint was started by John Hardy in 1972.

You drive up to a little parking lot and a little brown shack of sorts. As you walk in the door, your greeted by old-school blues or country music playing on the ancient in-ceiling speakers. The booths and tables are old and worn out. Off to the right is an obviously added on sunroom (ironically, on the north side).  Checkered tablecloths, farmers in their overalls sporting John Deere hats, and mullet wearing tobacco chewers are all part of the experience.

Shortly after sitting down, a waitress greets you. The one we had was, um ...toothless.

I guess what I'm saying is that it meets all the "hole in the wall place with good food" criteria.

Everything on the menu is good, so choose whatever you want, and the prices are really good, considering what you get. You can get a full meal and drink for $7-15 a person.

The menu has a little section about the barbecue sauce. It comes in five or six levels of hotness.

One note: Unless your completely insane or have no taste buds left, DON'T get anything hotter than medium or hot. If you have kids, make sure they get mild.

A short time later, the food comes out. This is what all the fuss is about. I had Jo-Jos, baked beans and a BBQ sandwich and garlic bread, a water and two Dr. Peppers. The sandwich and Jo-Jos were topped with medium sauce.

It was a religious experience, to say the least. The sauce is the absolute antonym of that sweet Kraft crap. It's battery acid with flavoring!!! It's darn good, too. The medium didn't seem that hot at first, but after a few minutes, I had different opinions. Enough about that. The meat was tasty, and my Jo-Jo's were great! The other guy I was having lunch with had ribs (smoked over cherry and apple), hot sauce and frys, all of which was awesome as well.

It was definitely the BEST BARBECUE I'VE EVER HAD. PERIOD.

You owe it to your self. Go and check this place out.

Nomad World Pub - Milwaukee
(Local Spot)

NOTE: The Nomad is probably my favorite bar in the city.  It's the type of anything goes spot where something like the John Daily / Recession Special can take place.  It's a shot of Jameson, a PBR and a cigarette all for $5 bucks.  In short, this bar is a lot of different things to a lot of people.  But they all have fun when they're there.

Here's the review: Let me take a moment to first reflect on things that make me happy:

- Puppies playing with rubber balls
- Ice cream cones with rainbow sprinkles
- Songs with hand clapping solos
- The Nomad patio on a summer afternoon

Yes, that is right... The Nomad's "patio" is one of those things that always makes me happy. Now, I use the term "patio" loosely... in reality, its no more than a row of plastic chairs lined up along the wall of the building behind a railing. But don't let that description get you down on this venue, its one of the most fun in Milwaukee. Anything is bound to happen!

One time when I was sitting on the Nomad patio, I was cornered by a "biker gang". Not a Harley gang... a gang of bicyclists wearing studded spandex riding suits!

Another time at the Nomad patio, a group of my friends watched as several drunken ruffians helped a older neighborhood woman mow her lawn... with a manual rotating lawnmower from the 1940s!

Another time at the Nomad patio, I participated in one of the most intense games of Pop-o-Matic Trouble ever possible... it almost resulted in a table being flipped!

Well, hopefully you get the idea as to how dynamic the Nomad patio is, but in addition to the patio, the bar itself is great too. Some people refer to it as a dive bar, but I would never classify it as such. Yes, it's small, dark and very smokey, but they taken their beer seriously... and it's not all Milwaukee domestics.

One of my favorite breweries in America is Magic Hat (out of Vermont) and early this summer I received word that they got a distributor in the Milwaukee area... my heart skipped a beat. When I began to wonder who would actually carry such a unique and interesting beer right away... there was only one answer... The Nomad! I suggest picking up a pint of Magic Hat #9 on tap.

In addition to these unique craft brews, the Nomad also has a wide selection of imports in bottles and on tap. These are real beer people. There is also the option of the Prix Fix, but I've never indulged. My Nomad drinking nights are generally too chill to start taking down Jameson.

Nomad does also have a weekly trivia night, but I don't recommend it. First of all, the bar gets too smokey for me to focus my intelligence on random bar trivia. Second of all, the trivia game lasts FOREVER. It's about 4 or 5 rounds and it wouldn't surprise me if it lasted from 8 pm until 11pm. it's a marathon.

Overall, Nomad is one of my favorite bars in Milwaukee. Its always crowded and anything goes.

(Jon B. 2008)

Gary, IN
(City Review)

Gary.  Yes, I said Gary.  The industrial, majority African American, working class outpost of Chicago.  Constantly thrown in the same lists as Camden, East St. Louis and Flint, Gary has an infamous reputation.  It is still a place many fear and avoid at all costs.  I've spent a fair amount of time in Gary, enough to be able to form a rational, informed opinion of the place.  Is the reputation deserved?  The answer is both yes, and no.

By 1960, Gary was still a booming town that had developed some history after the literally explosive growth of its formative years.  Steel mills were king, and the downtown was vibrant, filled with beautiful mid-rise buildings, looking very much like the Edgewater / Uptown of modern day Chicago.  Then the steel industry flat-lined, pressuring anyone who could afford to leave to do so.  As the city's base shrank and grew ever poorer, even its most basic infrastructure became taxed.  No longer supporting its former population, vast tracts of land became virtually uninhabited with nature growing up through the ruins.  Flash forward to now.  From the outside, Gary looks as dismal as I've described, but remaining pockets of affluence and new gentrification provide hope that Gary can change for the better.

What to See:

One of those hopeful pockets is called Miller Beach.  On the eastern edge of town and close to Lake Michigan, this neighborhood has always been one of Gary's wealthiest.  It is here that you are most likely to find a mix of cultures and races.  Art galleries and restaurants line this section of the Lake and Miller thoroughfares.  On our next day trip to Gary, this area will receive special consideration.  Mobil thinks highly enough of the area to include it in their 2009 Midwest Road Trip Guide Book.

The Indiana Dunes National Lake Shore provides a welcome antidote to the Steel Mill choked lake shore of Gary's western end.  The park is home to some of the prettiest scenery you'll find in Indiana.  The towering dunes and beaches provide endless recreation regardless of the season.  However, the park is also blessed to be at Lake Michigan's southernmost extent, and Indiana's stretch of the lake is also the shallowest.  This means the Lake's warmest summer temperatures are found here too.

In town, there is Michael Jackson's boyhood home.  I hope that Gary can capitalize on Jackson's legacy and develop some tourism catering to the legions of devoted fans ala Elvis in Memphis.  Right now there is a statue, but not much else of note nearby.  Strictly a drive through attraction.

(Update 9/1/10) I was finally able to attend a Gary Southshore Railcats game, and was thoroughly impressed.  I highly recommend going to a game here and bringing plenty of family and friends.  What more could you want?  It's close to freeway exits, has a great atmosphere and features unbelievably friendly staff.  The product on the field is also impressive, with major league level arms, exciting plays at the plate and all for just $9 a ticket. 

Now, if you are looking for a different, more dangerous adventure, Gary offers that too.  As a disclaimer, not only is Urban Exploring dangerous and irresponsible, it is also ILLEGAL.  So please don't do it.  But, if you must, there are so many abandoned buildings in Gary that make for unbelievable photography.   This is the Gary that serves to validate its national reputation.

Near Broadway is a statue honoring the Steel Industry.  Especially in winter, when the downtown is completely dead, the spot feels otherworldly.  Other spots to check out: Gary School, Jackson Five Theatre, Gary Post Office, City Methodist Church and the Standard Liquors Building.

The City Methodist Church is one of the saddest, most awe-inspiring ruins you'll find in the United States.  When we went, the interior was littered with graffiti.  The building's roof had partially fallen through, and snow lay on the floor where carpet and pews should have been.  We didn't have any of our visit planned out, but it certainly was the highlight of our trip.  It's worth noting that we were also extremely lucky.  No one knew we were there (always tell a friend before going "exploring"!), we didn't "feel out" the floor or stairs for weak points beforehand.  Finally, we didn't have a flash lite, and our passage through the church until reaching the chapel was very dimly lit.  We could have very easily encountered a bum, or gotten severly injured.

Where to Eat:

This is another section that will need to be updated after more trips to Miller Beach.

Where to Stay:

Chicago is so close, I say that's your best bet.  However, the Horseshoe Casino is very close in adjoining Hammond.  The casino is a nice air-conditioned spot to unwind after exploring Gary.

All in All:

I hope Gary can turn it around.  I think it's a place everyone should visit once to understand how over-dependence on a particular industry, and government failure can derail a city for generations.  As a nation, we can't stand idly by and continue to let places like Detroit, Gary and East St. Louis fail.

Molly's Cupcakes - Chicago
(Local Spot)

NOTE: While they serve food, I can't call it a resturant since it basically is just cupcakes.  This is one of my fiance's favorite spots in all of Chicago.  The cupcakes really are something everyone should experience, and a unique local creation like this is worth the visit for any tourist.  The interior is very playful with 50's era TV lunch boxes, a sprinkles bar, and swinging seats attached to the roof with metal chains.  Here is a review for the place that I liked from a New Yorker.

I've been wanting to come here since I first heard about it last yr... from an ex boyfriend.

Funny story... I remember my first visit to Chicago he says to me "What kind of boyfriend would I be if I didn't take you there?"... [sidenote: I love cupcakes] Then THIS year it was pretty much said to me again... "How could we visit Chicago and I not take you there?".... Same line, different guy. This time, I finally got to go. SO worth the building anticipation.....

They're on the small size, which is good, so then it leaves you wanting more. We bought a box of 6 and took two choco lollipops to go. I also got a tshirt that says "I don't like to share" and a onesie for future babies of mine to wear staying "Fresh out of the Oven" teehee - I'm just like to be prepared... [Did I mention they have a SPRINKLES bar? Bad. Ass.]

Ron Bennington
Red Velvet
Cookie Monster
Oreo Cookie
Boston Cream
Berry

ALL WERE FANTASTIC [including the lollicakes] - So moist, not too sweet, right to the point on the flavors and slightly undercooked on the bottoms... yummmm...

My favorite would have to be the berry one.. the explosion of jam in the middle made me oh so happy. We saved the Ron B. for boyfriend's brother and we demolished all 5 of them after dinner that day. [They got all mushed up on the planeride back to Boston but who cares, they still tasted great!]

I will have to go back everytime I'm in Chi-town :D Wanna join me?

Although,  I hear they're opening on in NYC soon.. .thank the lordy ;D

(Tiffany D. 2010)

Miller Bakery Cafe - Gary, IN
(Restaurant Review)

NOTE: While Gary as a whole is pretty depressing and generally not safe.  The Miller Beach neighborhood is the one section of the town that is pretty gentrified, filled with restaurants and galleries.  This is truely the nice side of Gary.  It is right off of the Dunes Hwy.  Avoid going further West toward Broadway unless you are planning to go to a Railcats game, see the aquarium or do some urban exploring.  While this is in Indiana, I am lumping it in as part of the Chicago section.

Here is the Review:

A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

Every time.

They serve roasted garlic with fresh bread and butter before the meals.....we now have a garlic roaster in our house (side rant, usually I hate specialized electric appliances, but this one is worth it's weight).

Usually get the wood-fired salmon or risotto special (like tenderloin, asparagus, mushrooms), but went with the house-made butternut squash soup (husband didn't like it, but I finished every last drop - it was a really full flavor of roasted butternet with a hint of brown sugar and perfect balance of spicyness) and POT ROAST!!!! The hostess said the only utensil I would need was a spoon...I opted for a fork, but she was right. Flaky goodness.

I loved it so much I had a conversation with the chef about it in my dream last night.....

I wish some restaurants in Chicago were as consistent as Miller Bakery, that really matters to us...that's why we go on slow nights to awesome places, we feel the chef has more time to devout to a perfect meal....

Miller is top notch. The decor is definitely small town, but the food and price makes us super happy. Every time.

Husband takes clients here, we also enjoy it for a special date night.

(Mindy S.) (Photo Art by Steve Johnson)

Falls Park - Sioux Falls, SD
(Local Spot)

Fall's Park is one of the most stunning places in Sioux Falls and is easily one of my favorites. The falls themselves are beautiful and impressive, but there is more to enjoy than just watching thousands of gallons of gushing water. On the east side of the river are the Sioux Falls Light and Power Company building (now a café), and remnants of the Queen Bee Mill. These old structures give the park a historical feel for those who are interested in that kind of thing. On the west side is the gift shop and viewing tower. Also, at multiple spots along the pathways, they have signs with blurbs giving the history of the area.

The best part about Falls Park, in my opinion, is climbing around on all of the exposed Sioux Quartzite rock. Unlike most places that have the requisite "stay on the path" signs, they have no qualms if you want to hop a railing to get a closer look at the river. In fact, most of the park is railing free to allow for easy access. The Fall's Park grounds are extremely well kept, and it is visually appealing from any spot. It's obviously most enjoyable during the warmer months, but that doesn't mean there isn't value in going during the winter. The falls are also quite breathtaking when frozen over.

I would give yourself at least an hour or so to take everything in. Make sure to walk along the falls on both sides and make your way up to what's left of the Queen Bee Mill. Unless you are afraid of heights, I'd also recommend catching the view from the top of the tower. It doesn't just give you a great view of the falls, but of the city as well.

There are also many event's scheduled at the park throughout the year. My wife and I have been to both a play in the Queen Bee Mill "ruins", and to a lighting ceremony for Christmas. We thoroughly enjoyed both activities. The one Falls Park related activity that I can't recommend is the "light show." They show it every evening during the summer, and it's a complete waste of time. The first 45 minutes takes you through the history of Sioux Falls by shooting "lasers" onto the side of a building. The narration is fine and all, but I made better animations on my Apple IIgs back in 1993.

Afterwards, they light up the falls, which is kind of pretty, I guess, but doesn't compare to the view during the day. Seriously, do not plan your trip to Falls Park around being able to see the light show as it's way too long and pretty much a waste of time.

The city of Sioux Falls has obviously put a lot of work and money into Fall's Park, and it most definitely shows. It's a must stop for anyone visiting and great place to hang out if you live in the area.

(Aaron N. 2009)

Wolski's - Milwaukee
(Local Spot)

When I was a kid, I always wondered what the "I Closed Wolski's" bumper stickers meant.  I still wondered when I was finally of legal drinking age.  Sadly, it took me visiting Milwaukee as a tourist to finally understand how Wolski's stickers, like the famous "Wall Drug" stickers mysteriously pop up all around the U.S.

If there is one bar that sums up Milwaukee, it is Wolski's.  It is a tavern, and in Wisconsin that means something.  Taverns, for the uninformed are neighborhood bars.  Converted houses really that started as social clubs and opened up their membership when they realized they could make more money.  Wisconsin has an unofficial rule called the Tavern Law.  If your parents and relatives say its cool for you to drink (even if you look ten), you can.  This was no exception in my family either, which is why Wisconsinites are famed for having an extremely high tolerance.  Taverns also seem to defy traditional bar close hours, which is why closing down Wolski's is such an achievement.  They don't just give out stickers to anyone.

Traditional dart boards, cigarette vending machines and Harley riders are all part of the standard sights.  Everything you associate with the Laverne and Shirley image, you'll find here.  But, the bar is also a complete cross-section of the new Milwaukee.  Hipsters, young professionals and soccer hooligan types mingle with tourists here too.  Like any good Milwaukee bar, there is plenty of Blatz, Shlitz, Miller, Pabst and Lakefront to go around and obliterate any intention you had of staying sober.  Surviving until bar close is a rite of passage that identifies you as a true Milwaukeean. 

If you are staying in Milwaukee, and don't have young kids to look after.  This is a genuine Milwaukee experience that goes a long way in explaining the local psyche and why people are so proud to be from here.

(Matt Altstiel 2010)