John L.'s Profile

So sad......I drove down Western Ave. last night and Las Asadas is now just another hot dog place.  

So sad....no more smokestack emitting the steak-cooked-over-an-open-fire scent wafting through the air...another Chicago institution lost.

Say is ain't so!!!!

Heeeere, fishy-fishy-fishy-fishy......

From fresh Scallops, Salmon, Whitefish, Walleye, Cod, and the list goes on, though Schwarz's prices may seem high to the average Piggly Wiggly visitor, the quality surpasses any grocery's  fish/seafood goods.  YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!

Take it fresh to sautee, grill, smoke.  Take it frozen for a later date.  Pick up some frozen crab cakes!  YUM!!!

WHAT A FIND !!!

About 10 or so miles west of Sheboygan, WI is an awesome out-of-the-way miniature golf course and batting cages.  As you pull your vehicle into the gravel lot, the golf course doesn't look like much, but it's a compact 18-holer and lots of fun.  No pirate ships, stupid plastic animals or gnomes attempting to distract you.

This is a no-frills, no B.S., down to earth way to spend a couple of hours with friends, kids, water buffalo, iguanas, dwarf rabbits, and even a gallon of chili.

Tom & Jerry's is a nice breather compared to the pretense that comes with Sheboygan's sterile looking $1,000/night Harbor Resort place.

Great food, great service, great atmosphere.

On a 75 degree summer night, Brisco is the perfect place along side the river where you can chill out, have a drink and munch on some quality food while watching the sunset over Lake Michigan.

We had both the wood-grilled Salmon and Shrimp.  Both were cooked perfectly and both very fresh.

Would I go back if I'm again in Sheboygan?  YES!

Would I get the salmon again?  Most Likely, but the smell of the ribs made my mouth water, so I may have to visit twice!

Would I stick my face in a fan?  NO!

If you're into wings, you'll either love or not love Larry.  I've always loved to try new places for wings and over the years have grown tired of getting the usually overcooked deep fried poultry tossed around in a tupperware of sauce that barely coats said poultry.  These bad boys should be swimming in sauce, no?  If you don't like a lot of sauce and crispy sinew, you'll be happy with Larry.  If you like saucy-sauce, order a side of sauce to dip in...yes!

So, 3 stars for the meat, and FIVE stars for the sauces!  I LOVE HOT HOT HOT!  So I ordered 6 wings with the "Scary Larry" sauce (the 2nd to hottest) with a side of the "DOA" sauce to dip Scary in.  The Dead On Arrival sauce was hot as hell, but still retained and offered much flavor despite the disco inferno.

Now, for the BW3 (or now Buffalo Wild Wings) junkies, the 2 hottest sauces at BW3 (Blazin' and Wild) don't hold a candle to Larry and his onslaught of spice.  BW3 may pack an "ouch", but the flavor is lost, whereas Larry slyly sneaks past the pepper guards to allow flavor to persevere.

I will hereby order bottles of Larry's "Scary" and "DOA" sauces and top smoked chicken thighs on the Weber this weekend.  You are welcome to join in the burning lip contest until your face falls off!

Located on the riverfront 'boardwalk' in Sheboygen, WI, The Weather Center Cafe serves up various concoctions of Alterra Coffee.  During my visit, I became quickly addicted to the iced mocha.  Star-who-whats?  One taste of Weather's fine coffee instantly removed any desire for corporate coffee that you find at any corner in Yuppieland.

Pastries:  success
Veggie Quische:  looks amazing...something to look forward to next time.

Alterra Coffee:  Just Can't Get Enough!

Why can we not import Ms. Weather and her lovely friendly staff to Chicago???

Fried Chicken!  Yes!  The nice and crispy breading protects the juicy meat awaiting your taste buds.  Be patient though.  YOU WILL WAIT as your chicken is cooked to order and Fiorella's can be busy at any time of the day.  Top off your chicken order with a side of mac n' cheese.

Simple casual environment.  Good home cookin'.

Thankfully, 777 opens earlier than most restaurants.  I used to crash at a friend's apartment on Argyle when I was too lazy (and drunk) to walk home to Andersonville.  Yeah...pathetic, eh?  

PHO:  very very very good.  777 knows broth and beef.  I was always thankful for my (relatively) early Saturday morning drunken Pho-stop.  Yes, I do go back to 777 every time I'm grocery shopping on Argyle, even two days ago, sober though.

Very friendly and expedient service.  Check out the fish tank on the way to the washrooms.

There is hype about a papaya salad that I read about in an article posted in the entrance. Sounds good and I will update you whether or not it lives up to my super-atomic-spicy-can-take-anything-palate-&-stom ach! BANZAI !!!!!

No excuses!  I'd been reluctant to try Bodhi Thai because I've tried so many Thai restaurants and been disappointed to the point that I would only go back to my favorites (ask me where if you dare!).  

But, I was asked to go one night last year and the place was quite packed.  So we sat at the front waiting area around two big coffee-like tables.  The waitress told us it might be a wait, so she reluctantly offered we eat at the round table in front.  Of course we accepted because (a) we were hungry, and (b) it's noisy back at the table seating, expecially when Mr. & Mrs. Oak Park bring their two screaming undisciplined oinklets stare at their food not knowing what it is and dreaming about mac and cheese or McStupid's.  

FOOOOD:  Igenerally test Thai food restaurants that are new to me with their Khee Mao.  Score!  And NICE and SPICY IF and ONLY if you ask.  Pad Thai:  success.  Fried Tofu (ToeFoo...ha) and Spring Roll appetizers:  success.  All curry(s):  great success!  How much?  $6.95 - 9.95.  Get into the seafood, it can be $13.  Oh, and Thai Coffee or Iced Tea?  YUM!

Quality food.  Impeccable service.  BYOB (Be Your Own BodhiThai)

We were up for an early dinner and tried to go to Broache on N. Water St. Friday night and could not get in because of some party that was lasting till 8:30.  Hmmm....the server suggested Trocadero up the street and they let us in without reservations.

I was delighted to find my Friday Night Fish fry.  It seemed a tad pricy  for dinner but it was GOOOOD!!!!   My friend got the mac & cheese and all I could think was "for $16 that better be the best mac & cheese in the world!" lol

All in all good (and filling)

Nothing funny happened except the shuttle driver, very accomodating, was quite amusing with his laid back dry humor.