Calliope Cafe

What can I say about Calliope Cafe, other than that it is my favorite sandwich joint in the city. I was introduced to Calliope shortly after moving to Chicago a few years ago, and although we no longer live close by, my husband I still make the long walk there every couple of months for a tasty sandwich and the best house made waffle chips.

Calliope bills itself as a “unique sandwich shop,” and they live up to that name with their Fat Bastard Steak Sandwich, Grilled Salmon Sandwhich, and Asian Turkey Burger (not to mention the reasonable prices). Calliope also offers appetizers, soup, and salad. All of their sandwiches, wraps, and grinders are served with their homemade waffle chips (to die for!).

My recommendation: although I’ve never had anything at Calliope that I didn’t like, the Grilled Salmon Sandwich and the Italian Grinder are my favorites.

TIPS: Unlike many restaurants in the city, Calliope offers free parking in a small lot next to the cafe. Covered outdoor seating is available, and the cafe is BYOB (they do offer a nice selection of soda, water, juices, and other drinks). Calliopes also delivers, and offers catering services.

Calliope Cafe
2826 N. Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 528-8055

Old Victorian Farmhouse

As much as I love living in the heart of the city, I just adore getting away from it all - even if it’s just for one night. And especially if it’s for a glorious and relaxing stay at the Old Victorian Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast.

Sherry Corder, along with her husband Archie, opened the Old Victorian Farmhouse in May 2005. True to its name, the house used to be a dairy farm. Today, it is a haven of comfort and times gone by. Full of antiques and old family pictures, something intriguing caught my eye at every turn.

Although the Old Victorian Farmhouse, located in Wauconda, Illinois, is only a short drive from Chicago, you’ll feel like you’re a million miles away. The B&B is also a short drive from Long Grove Village.

What about the bed and the breakfast, you ask? Well, let me tell you! My husband and I stayed in the Secret Garden room, and slept on the most comfortable and luxurious bed I have ever had the pleasure of sleeping on, topped with a featherbed that I would have liked to take home with me, but I could not squeeze it into my suitcase. As for the breakfast, who wouldn’t love Creme Brule French toast, eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit, served on beautiful china, crystal, and silver. Every breakfast should be so fancy. And Sherry is more than happy to share her recipes with the guests, so just ask!

Sherry is also a great resource for what to do while you’re in Wauconda - if you can bring yourself to leave the B&B, that is.

Old Victorian Farmhouse Bed & Breakfast
26668 N. Main Street
Wauconda, IL 60084
847-526-9271

Long Grove Village

My husband and I made our first trip to Long Grove Village last December. As we were walking around from shop to shop and finishing up our Christmas shopping, it began to snow. The day could not have been more perfect and we immediately began planning our trip to Long Grove for this December, and decided to make a weekend out of it by staying at a local bed and breakfast. It was the perfect escape from the holiday chaos of Michigan Avenue and State Street. And our family and friends ended up getting some beautiful, unique, and handcrafted gifts.

Although Long Grove is only 40 miles from Chicago, I felt we had escaped into a winter wonderland far from home! There are more than 80 shops and restaurants in Long Grove featuring pottery, crafts, specialty foods, home decor items, artwork, jewelry, and other items. Long Grove’s shops are open year-round, so a visit would make a fun getaway any time of year. Some of my favorites:

The Olive Tap is my favorite shop in Long Grove. This shop features fresh extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars that you can taste. Pick out your favorite, bottle it yourself, and enjoy! Or pick out some for your friends who love to cook or entertain.

Mangel’s is stocked full of unique items from cards to home decor to linens to kitchen needs. I especially love their birdhouses.

The Dog House of Long Grove features everything your best friend needs from healthy treats to warm sweaters and squeaky toys. They even have a kitty corner for us cat lovers.

Pick up some beautiful yarn at the I’d Rather Be Knitting Yarn Studio. Beginners will be happy to learn the staff is friendly, knowledgeable and helpful.

Warm up by stopping for lunch at Suzi’s Tea & Cafe to enjoy a hot mug of blueberry, vanilla coconut, or any of their many teas, and a sandwich by the fire.

After a long afternoon of shopping, stop in to the Apple Haus for a warm, yummy fresh-baked treat or some hot apple cider.

TIP: Get your directions to Long Grove from the website link below. Online mapping sites often get this one wrong! The site also includes directions to get there via Metra and Pace bus lines, as well as lodging information.

Long Grove Village
Business and Community Partners
Long Grove Village, IL
(847) 634-0888 ~ Information Center

Quartino

I’m embarrassed to say that Quartino has been 3 blocks from my apartment for a long time now, and I just ate there for the first time last weekend. I had no idea what I was missing. Now that I do know, I can’t wait to go back!

You can’t talk about Quartino without first mentioning the wine. It is, afterall, “where wine is cheaper than water,” and is based on the European tradition of pricing local wines as a cheaper alternative to water. The expansive wine list features a hand-picked selection of Italian wines, many which are unique to Quartino. Many wines can be purchased by the quartino (a little more than a glass), the mezzo (half liter), or the litre (liter), so it is easy for everyone to enjoy their favorites.

Best of all, the wine list explains the wines so that even the beginner can pick out the perfect glass (or bottle… or liter) to suit their taste. My party of four managed to drink two liters of red wine and one bottle of Prosecco (sparkling wine) for less than you might spend on one or two bottles at other restaurants.

Not to be outdone by the wine, the food at Quartino is the perfect accompaniment to great wine and great company. Served on small plates for the whole table to share, the menu features everything from an antipasto menu to pasta and pizza to octopus. Our waiter recommended each person order 2 items and that would be plenty for the whole table, and he was right.

My recommendations are the pan roasted clams in a pino grigio and red chili broth and the broccoli rabe (gotta eat those veggies!).

In the name of research, and so I could inform you all fully on Quartino, I felt it was my duty to test the desserts. We ordered two desserts for the four of us, and although they were both out of this world, one dessert would have been plenty. It’s been five days and I still can’t stop thinking about the Panino al Gelato di Limone (lemon cream gelato sandwhiched between to delectable lemon cookies).

TIP: Call ahead for reservations, or make reservations on Quartino’s website. It was packed when we went on a Friday night, but we had reservations and were seated in about 10 minutes.

Quartino
626 North State Street
(Corner of State & Ontario)
Chicago, Illinois 60610
(312) 698-5000

Red Line to Chicago stop (walk S on State)
or
Red Line to Grand stop (walk N on State)

Hairbanger’s Ball

If you grew up in the 80s, if you love music from the 80s, or even if you have simply heard of the 80s, you need to check out Hairbanger’s Ball.

Hairbanger’s Ball is a band paying tribute to the “Decade of Decadence” in a new and crazy way. They tout themselves as being not just a band, but the wildest party in town. And they are right!

I didn’t know what to expect when I agreed to go with a group of friends to see Hairbanger’s Ball. What I got was a flashback to my pre-teen years, hairbrush in hand, singing along to Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer” in front of the bathroom mirror.

Perfectly over-the-top, Hairbanger’s Ball plays all of the 80s hair band classics, and I can guarantee that if you grew up in the 80s, experiencing Hairbanger’s Ball will fill you with nostalgia, which quickly turns to full-out singing and dancing and reliving those younger years. I have to admit I was pretty tired, achy, and hoarse the next day from all of the jumping around and singing, but I can’t wait until the Ball comes back to Chicago so I can see them again.

Hairbanger’s Ball plays all over Illinois and Indiana, as well as in some surrounding areas. In Chicago, they frequent Joe’s Bar, and can be found at many of the neighborhood festivals during the beautiful Chicago summer months.

Hairbanger’s Ball
Various Locations

Saint’s Alp Teahouse

The Bubble Tea craze is sweeping Chicago, so I took an opportunity to see what all of the hype is about during a recent visit to Saint’s Alp Teahouse in Chinatown. Saint’s Alp Teahouse is a Taiwanese teahouse-inspired chain that originated in Hong Kong and has spread to New York City and Chicago. It has been dubbed by some as the “Starbucks of Hong Kong.”

Bubble Tea is milky tea featuring tapioca balls floating at the bottom of the glass, which not only makes this versatile drink pretty, but also a light snack, as the tapioca can be sucked up through the oversized straw of the cold tea drinks. The Coconut Black Tea, which I tasted served hot, is creamy and indulgent and so perfect on a chilly fall afternoon.

“Integrating eastern flavor with a western twist,” Saint’s Alp offers over 70 types of tea drinks, which can be served hot or cold. If Bubble Tea isn’t your thing, there is definitely something on the menu for you. For example, the Strawberry Black Tea, served over ice, is a refreshing and deliciously fruity energizer. Not sure what to order? Check out the array of pictures on the menu, or ask the staff - they are very friendly and quick to fill you in on their personal favorites.

Considering that much of the menu is devoted to the tea drinks, I expected the food at Saint’s Alp to be an afterthought, but was pleasantly surprised that the pan-Asian food is delicious and cheap. Aside from the “rice sets” (combo meals that include rice, sides, and a tea drink for a whopping $7.50), nothing on the menu is over $5.00. Selections range from Crispy Squid with Salted Spices to spring rolls and dumplings. I recommend the Yakitori Chicken.

Saint’s Alp Teahouse
2131 S. Archer Avenue
Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 842-1886

True Skin Care Center, Magnificent Mile

I’m turning 30 next year, and I have decided to devote my 29th year to focusing on those things that I have neglected during the last nine years. I’m going to eat better, exercise more, spoil myself a little, and work to keep my skin from showing too many signs of aging.

That is what took me to the True Skin Care Center for a chemical peel. The True Skin Care center is found within the offices of Dr. Steven Dayan, a facial plastic surgeon. This allows the estheticians to use products and procedures that can only be used in a doctor’s office, so you know you’re getting a more effective treatment than you might find in a spa setting.

The procedure I had was a mild, multivitamin chemical peel, that took a very relaxing 45 minutes, and costs about $100. My esthetician, Amy, took great care of me and during the procedure she asked lots of questions about my skin and the problems I was having (dry, pink spots and minor breakouts), and gave me some advice and tips on how to take better care of my skin as I get older. She even sent me home with some great samples!

Now for the review: First, the experience itself is wonderful - like a massage for the face. The esthetic suites are warm and comfortable, and the obligatory relaxing music is playing in the background. You can even start out with a cup of tea beforehand, if you like. About 15 minutes into it, I was completely hooked. During and immediately after the peel, I could feel changes in my skin. That night, when I washed my face, I noticed it was clearer and brighter. Over the next day or two, the red spots went away and a week later all dryness was gone. When the harsh Chicago winter starts taking its toll on my skin come January and February, I’m sure I’ll be making another visit to the True Skin Care Center.

Beyond the multivitamin peel that I had, True Skin Care offers a wide range of treatments and procedures including microdermabrasion, all types of facials (from acne treatment to maintenance facials), waxing, lip hydration therapy, purifying back treatments, and lash and brow tinting.

In addition, Dr. Dayan’s practice offers a full range of procedures, including non-surgical (such as Botox), and surgical (such as rhinoplasty). Basically, the Center offers the treatments you want to keep you looking younger, whether it’s a soothing facial or a complete face lift!

True Skin Care Center
845 N. Michigan Ave. (Water Tower Place)
Suite 923 East
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 335-2070

Wicked: the Musical

We thrifty girls who love theater often find ourselves fretting over wanting to see the hottest shows and not wanting to pay big bucks for the good seats. That means we often settle for the “cheap seats” that have a better view of the ceiling lights than the stage. At $30 a pop, these seats aren’t even that “cheap.”

Here is a little-known secret to seeing Chicago’s current “hot” show from the first row at a price that won’t give you a nosebleed.

The hottest show in Chicago right now is Wicked, the Musical. Wicked follows the Wizard of Oz’s infamous Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch as they grow up in the Land of Oz and become unlikely friends. If you loved the classic movie Wizard of Oz growing up, Wicked is an exciting and entertaining look at what happened “before Dorothy dropped in.” My husband surprised me with tickets for my birthday, and we both loved the show. It is a must-see for anyone who loved (or loves) the classic story of the Wizard of Oz.

If you haven’t seen it, don’t worry! Wicked has just been extended in Chicago indefinitely, and with a little luck you can sit in the front row on the cheap! You can register to win Wicked tickets in the first two rows for $25 each!! Here are the details:

Sign up for discounted tickets on the day of the performance Tuesday through Thursday at the Ford Oriental Theatre Box Office, and Friday through Sunday at the Borders at 150 N. State St. Two hours prior to each performance, random names will be drawn. If your name is drawn, you can purchase one or two tickets at $25 each. You must be present at the time of the drawing to win.

TIP: If you have read Gregory Maguire’s novel, “Wicked: the Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West,” don’t go see the musical expecting it to mirror the book. They are VERY different stories, although they are both very good!

Wicked Chicago
Ford Center for the Performing Arts
Oriental Theater
24 West Randolph
Chicago, Illinois
(312) 902-1400 (Broadway in Chicago)

All Season Farm

Fall is here, and even the Windy City is noticing a chill in the air. If you’re like me, you’re scrambling around trying to get outside and enjoy the last few weeks of above-frostbite temps. Apple-picking is one fall-inspired activity that will not only get you outside, but it will get you out of the city, away from the car-horns, and back to nature.

Just an hour’s drive from downtown Chicago, a trip to All Season Farm for fresh apples is fast becoming an annual autumn tradition for my husband and me (doesn’t hurt that there is a group of outlet stores between here and there, either!).

All Season Farm has 12 varieties of apples to pick, and over 7,000 apple trees. A half bushel, which is well more than any one person needs, is only $22. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and provided us a sturdy bag, a map of the orchard showing where to find each variety, and plenty of information on what apples are good for baking, making sauces, or just eating.

Next we headed up to the orchard, where we were greeted by rows and rows of apple trees. It really is beautiful, and so much fun to walk up and down the rows, picking out the perfect apples.

After choosing each and every apple with great care, I scored big at All Seasons’ farm market and grill, where I picked up some homemade apple butter and pumpkin butter, and treated myself to one of the world’s best kept secrets - warm apple donuts!! I highly recommend foregoing the packaged donuts in the market and ordering them fresh from the grill… a great way to warm up after being out in the orchard.

All Season also has a petting zoo and hay rides, and you can pick up your pumpkin just in time for Halloween while you’re there, too!

TIP: If you’re interested in picking a particular variety of apple, you should call ahead to see which apples will be in season when you plan to visit the Orchard.

All Season Farm (& Orchard)
1415 IL Route 176
Woodstock, IL 60098
(815) 338-5637

West Town Tavern, West Town

My most memorable West Town Tavern experience did not take place in the restaurant itself, but rather in cyberspace on the restaurant’s website. I hopped online for the obvious and mundane reason of attaining the phone number for West Town Tavern in order to call and find out if they take reservations (they do). Obviously I found the number. Not so obviously, I also found the recipe for tavern’s zinfandel braised pot roast with Pennsylvania Dutch black vinegar sauce made complete by chef Susan’s tip for how she gets the dish to be so tender that the meat cuts easily with the touch of a fork.

It may be a regular practice for restaurants to offer-up recipes and cooking tips, but when one of your favorite restaurants reveals the secrets of one of your favorite dishes, it is, without question, an event for the record books.

West Town Tavern is the creation of Susan and Drew Gross who, with their award-winning Zinfandel Restaurant in River North, have been significant players in the Chicago restaurant scene for over a decade. West Town Tavern is a traditional tavern in some respects (the comfort food, the open space where bar and restaurant occupy a single, stretched room, the come-as-you-are atmosphere that welcomes staying late to visit with friends and neighbors), and not so traditional in others (no televisions for watching sports, no neon-lit beer signs, no dart boards). A sleek simplicity pervades the restaurant from the decorating to the menu to the vibe of the staff. The food is hearty and satisfying, and my friends and I all agree that we appreciate it not being served in belt-busting portions.

Tip: Visit the website to learn about special West Town Tavern events, check out a menu, discover perfect pot roast secrets or find other delicious recipes.

West Town Tavern
1329 W Chicago AVE
(312) 666-6175