Mon Ami Gabi- 260 Oakbrook Ctr,Oak Brook,IL

Mon Ami Gabi-More to come!
I really love this place. I know, I know so it is part of a "chain". Big deal, it delivers the goods. You have to give Rich Melman snaps, he really does know what he is doing. This fun, cozy place gives you exactly what you want. The raw oysters are fresh and tasty, the bread is crusty and moist on the inside, the cocktails are amazing and good. I've had their mussels, very good, except I would include frites with the small in addition to the large order. I like the casual but attentive attitude of the staff. Now, a few doors down at The Reel Club..can't say so much about the intial feeling we got from the front staff cause their rudeness and don't care attitude was so annoying that we left and went to Mon Ami!

Marigold Kitchen-118 S. Pinckney Madison,WI

Marigold Kitchen is a great place to enjoy fresh, organic food. The urban location and feel really makes this place rock! Madison is a very hip, intellectual, politically informed city, with a lot of like minded people. I think most them eat here. It really is ok if you are not pierced or have cool tats, you can still enjoy this place. They have a system of wait in line, order, take a number and wait for a seat. It really works. Each time I've been there I have not been standing holding my food waiting for a place to sit. I will say that the high-ceiling-ed open room does lend itself to a loud noise level.
The food is amazing good. First of all the Marigold potatoes are some of the best I have ever eaten. One item; French toast brioche drizzled with pastry cream, berry puree, seasonal berries, shaved almonds and pure maple syrup was some of the best French toast I have ever had. The ham, green onion, Gruyere cheese omelet was so good I ate every last bit of it. Very good coffee, not so good ice tea, in my opinion as it was all flavored. This is a great place to head to after the farmer's market in the square. I've been tempted to try their Bloody Mary's..next time. Diner23 gives Marigold Kitchen 3 organic and sustainable triangles for food.

Lux Bar 18 E. Bellevue Pl.

Lux Bar is a fun place to go. The food is good. It is similar to Hugo's (all owned by the Gibson's Restaurant network) menu but has a few extras and differences. We visited on a cold, windy Saturday afternoon. The place was packed. The customers sort of looked like "OK my hangover is almost gone..I think I need some food and a Bloody Mary" type crowd. Now there was college football on the TVs so I am sure that was a draw too. We like to sit in the bar, I have explained this in other reviews, so I will move on. We didn't have to wait long for our menus or our beverages. Lux has a great wine by the glass list. The beer on tap is good. I liked that they had a nice, average priced prosecco or champagne by the glass too. We ordered the Lux burger, some Gold Coasts sliders, a tuna melt on a lobster roll and some fries. All was very good. Upscale bar food. Can't beat that! The only problem is Lux Bar is NOISY! OM Goodness! As nice as the interior is, dark wood bar, big mirror and lots of windows, the huge open warehouse like space ends up being an echo chamber. I hate shouting at my table guests when I go out to eat (even if they irritate me : ) I would so go there again, if I was in the area. Lux is right next door to the Orginal Pancake House. Just an FYI. Oh, and we walked around (in the cold, windy weather) looking in nearby shop windows. All I am going to say is, I started to walk into one to browse..the reaction from the staff there was..I will use this quote "We have nothing here for you..Please leave". I guess cause I didn't pull up in a limo, I wasn't viewed as their kind of customer. : )

North Pond

North Pond was a quite an experience. Let me just get this out of the way Diner23 gives North Pond 4 triangles for food and 4 for service/ambiance. The location in itself is beautiful. Lincoln Park pond and the trees all make it an amazing place to be. The building used to be an ice skating rental shelter. The warm arts and crafts style interior draws you in. The bar is small and not entirely a good place to hang out unless you are waiting for a table. Most of their libations are from local, organic, small distilleries. They have a nice wine by the glass list too. Once seated you are asked if you want to have the seasonal tasting menu, which is an assortment of Chef's selections starting with appetizers all the way to dessert. It is a great way to experience all they have to offer. WE chose to go with the regular menu. I think we felt we would be way to full at the end of the tasting menu. We tried the seared foi gras, it was tasty but, I think this diner was expecting it in a pate form. I had the Pork, Grits Grilled Berkshire Pork Chop, Suckling Pig Pavé, Bing Cherries, English Peas, Creamy Artisanal Grits, Pork Jus. It was very good. My friend (of 30 years : ) had Grassfed Beef, Cauliflower Grilled New York Strip Steak, Warm Purple and Gold Cauliflower Timbale, Almond Bulghur, Shallot Cream. All was expertly prepared and presented. There were times, briefly we half expected to see Agent Cooper stop in for some damn fine coffee.. Just the feel of the building I think. WE really liked it and yes we had room after dinner for some champagne at Pop's.

Lakeside on Lake Tomahawk

Lakeside is a great spot to fuel up your boat and fuel up your body! The only restaurant on Lake Tomahawk, Lakeside is a good one. There are plenty of spots to dock your boat, outside seating with umbrella tables and a gas pump for those who are low on boat fuel. The inside is decorated with pine beadboard paneling. Windows are on 3/4 of the walls, allowing ample sunshine in to make the place bright! The bar is equipped with just about anything you'd want and the people who work there are young and friendly. The food is pretty good. It is your basic bar food menu. Burgers, fish sandwiches, onion rings, wings etc... Their Bloody Mary gets high marks! Not too salty, not too spicy.. plenty of vegetables on a spear soaking in the tomato goodness. Don't worry about a dress code. Most people eating here have just got off their boat. I must say one time, only one time I was here, a lady came in wearing a thong bikini. Lets just say good thing Lakeside has plastic chairs...OOOOH!
Diner23 gives Lakeside 2 1/2 triangles for food; 3 for ambiance and service.

Mama's

Here is a place that to say the least is a tradition in the Northwoods area. It really is quite unique! Initially it looks sort of ..well..like a hole. BUT! If you really look at it, it looks like a quaint little well worn place, on a lake with great views. It is worn because it is well liked. We have been coming here for probably 10 plus years. There are people working here that were here when we started visiting. The cross, funny, sarcastic bartender that has to be at least 70 plus..makes any drink you could possibly want, as it should be made. The food is good. There are sub par selections, but honestly I think it is because the place is so popular quality can sometimes take a detour because of the volume of food that needs to be produced. Pizzas are expertly made with fresh ingrediants. Love the thin crust. Fish fry is very good, Herb chicken is a go to also. Mama's has been in Minocqua for 55 years. That says something! Mama's gets 2 1/2 triangles for food and 3 triangles for drinks and service.

Pane Caldo and Aria

Well, We are in Chicago walking down the MM, it is raining, with our quickly purchased umbrella we are hurrying toward a warm inviting beacon sign..Pane Caldo. The warm wood bar with sandy yellow walls made us feel extremely welcome. It was early in the day, we were two of four people in the place. We wanted a light lunch. I ordered a pizza margarita and the one who is my one ordered the potato omelet(this was the star) with watercress and tomato. We both indulged in a lunch time glass of wine and I must say the whole lunch was amazing. Rain spattering the windows outside, warm, inviting enviornment, effective service and good food made this an exceptional experience. 3 triangles for service and 2 1/2 triangles for food.

Aria- 200 N. Columbus. We walked from our hotel, in the rain to enjoy some very interesting food. Aria lists itself as a new world Asian cuisine restaurant. We sat in the bar area. It was cozy and fun. I had wine and my companion had something called a Mandaran Sting....hmmm after a few of these it certainly can sting. I had a selection from The Wok. It had chicken, assorted oriental veggies and a light sauce. It was good. It was not WOW, but it hit the spot. My companion had sushi selections that were fresh and tasty. The service was very good.
Snaps to our server for knowing what a Sazerac was!! 3 1/2 triangles for ambiance/serivce and drinks. 3 triangles for food.

The Violet Hour

The Violet Hour-1520 North Damen. What an interesting place! Original, interesting drinks that will amaze and intrigue you. I highly recommend, having said that though, don't clog up the place I still want to be able to get in and have a seat.
We are in the Northwoods, talking to a young bartender who wants to do some time in Chicago..We of course suggest TVH!! Be cool young man, be cool!!

SPRING

Spring restaurant on North Ave. in Wicker Park, Chicago.
This place is beautiful. Clean, fresh lines with warm wood and pastel hues. The service is amazing. The food is divine. The experience was over the top good. Now here is the review: Malaspina Oysters black pepper and cucumber mignonette/tabasco & citrus 'caviar'. All parts of this recipe is good, except the oysters were a bit fishy. Braised Short Rib Dumplings very good, tender and tasty.Seared Maine Sea Scallops braised oxtail/wild mushrooms/sweet soy Very good, except my scallops were gritty. Gulf of Maine Skatewing pumpkinseed vinaigrette Fresh, delicious very good. The wine selection is very good. The bartender did an amazing job on my martini! Old school-gin with vermouth. Frosty cold goodness! Diner23 gives Spring 4 triangles for food and 4 for service.
We will be back!

DINER23 RANT

Picture this..I am in bed. I have the tv on in the backround. Tyler Florence's low and slow brisket recipe being spoken quietly in the backround. Next thing I hear is this whiney female voice talking about ground pork and beef, canned mushrooms, canned cream of mushroom and cheddar cheese soup. Beef and onion soup mix, onions, shake and bake packets, evaporated milk and an egg. AAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!! It's Sandra whats her name and the evil meatloaf in the crockpot recipe!!!!!!!!!!

Hugo's Frog Bar Naperville,IL

Hugo's Frog Bar. A great place to have a hearty cocktail, glass of wine from an amazing wine by the glass list and a few great beers on tap. The food is? We like to eat in the bar. Order mini sliders or mini lobster roll sammies with a side of shoe string fries. Salad first? Ok, how about a nice iceberg wedge with yummy bleu cheese dressing for a $1.00? How about a dinner salad for a $1.00? You can try a bowl of creamy, chunky clam chowder! Oysters? Yes, you have come to the right place. The briny, meaty little buggers are fresh shucked and brought to you with a vinegar spice dip and the traditional horseradish-ketchup sauce. The wait staff is very friendly and efficient. This place does a great business. It is always busy. We usually do not eat in the dinning room. The main menu food is ok. We have had hit and miss experiences in the dining room.  Bloody Marys are good but the bartender forgot to include the "garden". You know you have to have celery, olives maybe brussel sprouts?
We do like this place, yes it is owned by the same people who own Gibson's. So they have a good formula. One other thing, sometimes as the evening goes on, the bar gets very crowded and noisy. The place really swings.

FLO Chicago ave. Chicago,IL

Flo is a very good Mexican restaurant to enjoy a meal. It has ambiance, comfortable friendly wait staff and oh did I mention good food? We had a wonderful dining experience. I had a pounded chicken breast that was stuffed with goat cheese, pepita pesto and spinach. The sauce was a wonderful spicy red sauce. I had a side of jalapeno cheddar potatoes that rocked my world. Oh and the margarita's were exceptional and good. One of our dinner guests had steak tacos, it was a special. The steak was chopped into small bite size pieces and was tender to the max. The desserts are fab!! Coconut cake was tender, moist and flakey. OK you get it this place is one of our favorites. The price was right too. Try Flo!

Glen's Diner on Montrose, Chicago, IL

Well, we tried to eat there. We tried to experience the hub, the buzz the thread that is about this place..only to be told "no room at the inn". Too busy was Glen's, no food did we try! Ok enough Yoda..This place does have a "force". We felt it in the few moments it took for them to tell us to leave..I really do want to like this place and I want to be able to review it for you. Till the next time.
UPDATE: We made it in. It was a Sunday. No fish specials on Sunday : ( The food was pretty good. I can see the value on the fish specials. I had crab cakes. They were ok. I have had better. Everyone else had a great meal. Marlon, Sturgeon, Salmon all good. The potatoes and asparagus that came with those meals were cooked perfectly. The clam chowder was brothy vs. over creamy (I like it that way) a lot of clams, veggies to make it good. Nice wine list and the service was very good. I could see that being an issue when they get very busy though. This particular Sunday there were a lot of families with small children there. The place seems family friendly, although I wouldn't try it on a busier night. Over all I give them 3 Triangles for food and 3 Triangles for service.

BrasserieV Madison,WI 1923 Monroe St. Madison, WI

You are in Madison Wisconsin, maybe you were there to catch Willy Porter @ the Barrymore..anyway want to dine at a fab gastropub? BrasserieV is your place. There is not a lot of seating but no one seems to mind. People wait, chat, have a refreshing Belgium beer or glass of wine and hang out. The feel of this place is warm and inviting, the vibe is comfortable and friendly. The very talented chef Rob creates delicious food offerings sure to please any one's palette. We eat there every chance we can. The menu changes so there is always an anticipation of excitement when you dine there. The beer menu changes too and even though you may feel sad a favorite brew has gone, there will be another one to take its place. Give it a try you won't be disappointed. We give them 3 Triangles for food and service. Great Job!!We were just there again, in town for the Madison Food and Wine Show. I had the Moules-Frites – a heaping bowl of mussels prepared in the House broth (a classic Belgian preparation of garlic, wine and butter), AMAZING!!! Another member of our party had the Glazed Maple Braised Pork Belly, Pleasant Ridge Polenta, Potato-Crusted Fennel. There was also the Steak-Frites12 oz. flat iron steak, cabernet pan sauce, sauteed greens & frites enjoyed by Colin a member of our dining party. All good! This place really is a gem of a find. I think Diner23 might have to change their triangles from 3 to 4. I'm thinking....