Ling "can't, shouldn't and won't complain" L.'s Profile

Thank goodness, real good Q in the burbs.

Will is a Texas-bbq-inspired smokemeister. What started originally as a hot dog joint where he occasionally smoked a few meats has turned into a full-fledged bbq joint (yes, dogs can still be gotten). And thank goodness for that.

We got the ribs, brisket and pulled pork and they were just right -- moist, meaty, flavorful. The potato salad is homemade as well, and contains hardboiled eggs chopped up, with a dash of spiciness to it.

GFS is a restaurant supplies distributor. Know that what you buy there is generally what some restaurants acquire for their menu and jack up the prices. So, be it a quick, inexpensive heat-them-up emergency meals, or staples like towels, oat meal, etc, GFS is a time and money-saver.

I haven't done too much shopping there, but a quick jaunt to the cooler section gets me my staple -- RICOTTA and meat lasagna platter. Not bad for $15 where a household of two can eat for at least 4 meals.

Wickets' menu and quality is one of the better options at the Streets of Woodfield for my lunchtime fare.

Thrice I was there, I couldn't bring myself to get anything else but the fish tacos ($8) and the tomato bisque. The portions are substantial and quality fresh.

The main caveat I have about Wickets is its speed. Most office lunch hours are 1 hour; and the wait for service and check is excruciating. I hope the nice owner sees this review and invest in more servers if he wants to keep this going. From what I've heard, restaurants that open in this location right next to the Lowes' theater has not been able to thrive.

I think I'm in love with this store.  I would describe the clothes to be a cross between Carrie Bradshaw and Charlotte -- whimsical and classy. Perfect for a stylish weekend or business casual at the office. Everything that's girly and frilly and classy without the Anthropoligie skyrocketing prices.

Never understood why Boston Market never appealed where fast-food is concerned. It's better than KFC and Popeyes, and I like them both.

The chicken is flavorful and juicy. The sides are fresh; its mashed potatoes doesn't taste like the boxed flakes from KFC.

And weekly coupons in the Sunday papers help soften the price by $4.

Only downside to this location is the horrible location -- no drive-through, shared entrance and exit, and no median crossing. Best to come east on Golf or north on Roselle, turn left on Golf.

BBQ is so such a personal experience, and the House didn't do it for me. It wasn't horrible, but certainly not one I would make a special drive out for Q.

The ribs weren't fall-off-the-bone. The brisket was fine. The sweet tea passed muster, but the cole slaw were too huge and sweet, as was the sauce. Sweet sauce ain't my preference. We enjoyed the smokey baked beans, and the chili. Enjoyed their cherry pie. The crust was buttery flakey and the filling not too, yes you guessed it, sweet.

The service was great and portions huge. If you enjoy your brews, you won't be disappointed by their selection of imports.

I was sorely let down by Q on my 2nd visit.

The first visit was a dine-in experience. The most recent was a carryout.
What a difference in quality.

While we were pleased and somewhat impressed from our first visit, it was a complete turnaround the 2nd time.

Our whole ribs were burnt and tough, devoid of any moisture. The side of Q-puppies were not included in the meal, either.

The saving grace were the pulled pork and brisket, although the brisket was unevenly sliced.

It really made me wary of heading back when the quality in the main staple of bbq aka ribs were this badly mismanaged in the cooker and sold.

I'm sorry a reviewer had a bad experience with it. Poor CS is never, well, pleasant. I would like to balance the review out by saying I'd been there many times and I never once had a bad cashier or service.

The lady/manager who generally greets me there is professional and pleasant. Sometimes, it feels like she has known me for ages.

There was an instance when they had some technical difficulties, and she gave some credit to use on my next wash.

The facility is simple and effective. No fuss. It is easy to access the business from a wide median at Golf Rd or from Roselle Rd either direction.

Since my first review, I have become a regular monthly "patient". For someone with blotchy skin tone, high sensitivity and constant outbreaks of any sorts, this monthly regimen has done an almost-180 to my complexion. No pills. Just methodical maintenance.

At first, I was skeptical due to unsuccessful treatments by other aestheticians. Now, I'm a believer, and even make the almost 30-minute drive to Campton Hills for my monthly treat.

I don't spend my money on mani/pedi, or massages. But I will not hesitate to treat  the health of my skin right.

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For many who frequent an aesthetician, it is usually either because they have "problem skin" they cannot resolve themselves or they are maintaining their skin.

I had gone through aestheticians in other salons, spas and used Elemis at Nordstrom. Neither past experiences left me with much confidence after repeat visits. The aestheticians ignored my history of sensitivity, and introduced lots of products with fragrance that irritated my skin, or products that chemically burned my skin.

When I visited Lynda on a sales consultation, I noticed her style set her apart from the other aestheticians. For one, she listened and gave her professional opinion on how to treat it. Secondly, her spa is clean, smells clean and is inviting. Thirdly, she's personable, not clinical and distant. I thought I'd give facial another shot.

In my first visit, Lynda took time to explain the products before she introduced them to my skin. Not one stung or left me with the uneasiness I had smelt or felt like in my past facials.

Her diagnosis of my trouble skin was spot on as she was able to discern my daily habits from the signs of acne and likes. Have her explain what a "computer chin" is. ;) Furthermore, if you happen to have a breakout on an important day, Lynda has the right tool to zap it away.

The best part was the massage. From the shoulders to my neck and face, I was well pampered. And it continued on to my arms and tired fingers that had been pounding the keyboard for weeks leading to this relaxing treat.

While I first came to her to treat my troubled skin, I am now returning for maintenance. Few of us have the proper equipment and expertise to give our skin the thorough care it deserves. The rate is reasonable and it'll be the best money you could spend once a month for this deep cleansing.

Location: The spa is on the 2nd level of a professional office building in the Campton Hills shopping area off LaFox Rd.

In our already-saturated marketplace of grocery stores, my hope is that Mariano's will one day be as prolific as Jewel-Osco, Dominic's, Caputo's and Valli's.

Produce look fresh and well assembled. Go bananas at 39cents a lb. $2.99 your choice of whole or cored pineapple! Naturally, I go for the ready-to-eat! $2 for Driscoll strawberries. Beat that,  Jewel!

This was my first visit and I'm sure I'll return whenever I'm in the area. As my purpose was the bakery section on a busy Saturday, I didn't get a chance to discover the entire store. Check out their beautifully piped cupcakes at $2.35 for a beautiful, huge thing.

And DOUBLE COUPONS on Wednesday (someone told me Saturday, too, but I didn't see any sign for it). The last time I could do double coupons was at least 10 years ago.

Mariano's seems to do everything right. And from the looks of the crowd, they are doing more than all right.