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!!!!!!!!!!