|
This place seems to be THE place to go for breakfast on the weekends in Rockford. I must say, I can see why.
Although the place is usually crowded, when I have gone we have never had to wait...
This place seems to be THE place to go for breakfast on the weekends in Rockford. I must say, I can see why.
Although the place is usually crowded, when I have gone we have never had to wait long for a table. The food is quite excellent and the portions generous. I tend to stick with the more traditional breakfast foods. I get the ham and eggs and it's delicious.
My friend Tim is more daring and will try some of the breakfast fish dishes. For me, fish is not meant to be something eaten for breakfast, especially when it is breaded so heavily, but he says it's really good and I trust his opinion.
The tables are a little old and I don't recall booths being abundant. Still, the place is large and the service is friendly and good. The food is worth it and the price is very reasonable.
If you are in Rockford and it's morning and you want some good breakfast food, or maybe you are daring enough to try some traditional Scandanavian dishes, then this is the place to visit.
Hide
|
|
I stayed at the Sweden House when I was in Rockford for a wedding several years ago. The entire place really does have a wooden, mountain lodge feel to it. The rooms were not to small and very...
I stayed at the Sweden House when I was in Rockford for a wedding several years ago. The entire place really does have a wooden, mountain lodge feel to it. The rooms were not to small and very comfortable.
I have stayed at a lot of hotels in Rockford over the years. Usually, because I am only there a night at the most, I go for whatever is cheapest. If you need to spend more time in Rockford, you couldn't do much better than Sweden House Lodge.
Comfortable beds, reasonable prices, nice rooms and a great-looking place. Good stuff.
Hide
|
|
This Houlihan's has been a favorite of mine for some time. It's not necessarily that the food is that much better at this particular one than any of the others across the country, it's just that...
This Houlihan's has been a favorite of mine for some time. It's not necessarily that the food is that much better at this particular one than any of the others across the country, it's just that it's in the cool Old Orchard Mall. This means that it's a really nice place to take a walk after you stuff yourself full of good food at Houlihan's.
The food at Houlihan's is just excellent. They have a salmon dish that I love and are willing to work with me and my food issues and make sure no butter is used to prepare the dish. To me, this scores big bonus points on any restaurant.
The pot roast sandwich special is also quite good at this particular Houlihan's.
Not long ago Old Orchard Mall was dying. It was then bought and a major restructuring came about. The place is now up-scale, has movie theaters, restaurants and great stores. So, once you manage to find a place to park (the one major flaw with the place) you can take a walk and find plenty to look at.
Check out the Barnes and Noble. It's enormous.
As for Houlihan's great place to sit down and eat. Decent food and the prices won't break the bank. The atmosphere is right for eating and conversation.
Hide
|
|
This little store is tucked away in the Strip Mall that time forgot. The biggest store that used to be in this little mall was some fabrics store and that was closing the last time I was there. ...
This little store is tucked away in the Strip Mall that time forgot. The biggest store that used to be in this little mall was some fabrics store and that was closing the last time I was there. Tucked away in here is this store and if you are into health food, vitamins, organic food or have a food allergy this place has everything you need.
This is not your typical store. The aisles are filled to bursting with food and product. The aisles are sometimes filled so much they clutter the place. Still, if you want it, you can find it. The hap-hazard way of the place sort of ads to its charm.
Their selection of vitamins and supplements is pretty much gi-normous. If you head to the back you find freezers full of products for those of us who have food allergies. Ice creams, cakes, brownies, etc. are all there so you can still enjoy frozen sweets without worry about allergic reactions.
The woman who runs the place is ALWAYS there. Her entire life seems wrapped up in this store, but that means she knows her products inside and out. She is very nice, friendly and willing to answer questions about products at any time.
Hard to find, a little dangerous just walking around the place, but worth it if you have a need for special food.
Hide
|
|
This restaurant is another family favorite. The entire atmosphere of the place is very nice and very condusive to conversation and family dining. This is not the kind of place that is so loud you...
This restaurant is another family favorite. The entire atmosphere of the place is very nice and very condusive to conversation and family dining. This is not the kind of place that is so loud you can't hear or so dark you can't see who you're talking to.
As a family we have been going to this restaurant for years. We have sat in the main dining room and had a great time and enjoyed the food and we have sat in the bar area. Even though the bar area is the smoking section, I almost like that area better. It's cozy and there are televisions within easy view.
The food is great. Back when I could eat anything, the pasta and Italian food dishes were great. When I developed some food issues, I found their filet mignon to be oustanding. At a lot of Italian restaurants, the non-Italian food sometimes is an afterthough. Not at Amici's.
The prices are decent and you won't feel like you spent too much for too little. My brother and dad also agree the drinks are excellent and I have enjoyed their coffee and desserts.
Hide
|
|
Many years ago, Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel filmed part of the opening of their show in front of this historic theatre. This place is like taking a step back in time. The man auditorium is huge...
Many years ago, Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel filmed part of the opening of their show in front of this historic theatre. This place is like taking a step back in time. The man auditorium is huge with a painted ceiling. This was the classic place to go when I was growing up because you could get into see movies for a buck. The chairs were a little cramped, but it was worth it because of the price.
We would spend the time before the movie started staring at the mural high on the ceiling trying to figure out what pictures you could find.
Unfortunately, for a time, the Theatre was falling into disrepair. The new sound of the movies did not match the sound system. The management has changed and improvements have been made. The Pickwick used to be a second-run movie house, but now gets first-run movies. There are now smaller, less-impressive, theaters behind the main auditorium.
The prices are a bit higher now, but still generally cheaper than most of the larger chains. It's worth it all to see the giant marquee and walk up to the ticket booth and pay outside just like the old days.
The Pickwick's stage is big enough for plays and concerts as well. They also have special showings of classic movies and even a live organist at times.
Hide
|
|
This is a fish store. Short and simple this is a place to walk into and buy your fish. I have no idea how good or bad their selection of fresh fish. I worked for several summers at Luther North...
This is a fish store. Short and simple this is a place to walk into and buy your fish. I have no idea how good or bad their selection of fresh fish. I worked for several summers at Luther North High School nearby and one of the best places to go for lunc was Hagen's Fish Market.
You have to try the fish sandwiches. I honestly do not know how to put is any better than that. The little triangles of fish covered with breading and then put onto a fresh bun and smothered with tartar sauce is one of the finest things you could possibly eat. Get a little cheese put on it or, better yet, just a side of fries (chips).
The prices back then were unbelievable. You could get two fish sandwiches and an order of fries for under $5.00. I have not been back in many years, so the prices are probably quite a bit higher. Still, I am willing to bet the price of two sandwiches and the fantastic fries is probably still cheaper than a trip to McDonald's.
The place is a little deceptive. You walk in and you are probably sure you are in the wrong place while you wait behind some people ordering salmon. Still, look above the counter at the menu and order the sandwiches.
Trust me, you will NOT be sorry.
Hide
|
|
This restaurant is a classic, especially if you happen to be of Irish descent. The hamburgers at this place are classic for the Chicago area. That is saying something considering this is the same...
This restaurant is a classic, especially if you happen to be of Irish descent. The hamburgers at this place are classic for the Chicago area. That is saying something considering this is the same city that has the Billy Goat Tavern. Then, there's the onion loaf. I am telling you, these onions very literally melt in your mouth.
The Hackney's on Harms is basically a house. The parking is a little limited and the seating can be a bit tough, but it is worth every minute. This is the perfect place to sit down and drink a pint of Guiness. I also have a friend who plays in a bagpipe band and he sometimes plays here. It's about as close to sitting in a large Irish pub in the middle of the UK as you can find in the Midwest.
The menu is excellent with plenty of things beyond burgers. The decor is nice and the atmosphere is perfect. It gives you a fine dining experience without the fine dining prices.
There's another Hackney's in Wheeling, but try this one first.
Hide
|
|
One thing is very true about Woodfield Mall and that is the fact it is huge. There is pretty much any store for any product you could possibly want availabl here. There are book stores, music...
One thing is very true about Woodfield Mall and that is the fact it is huge. There is pretty much any store for any product you could possibly want availabl here. There are book stores, music stores, and clothing stores. Anchored by stores like Nordtrom and Sears and Marshall Fields (soon to be Macy's).
There are plenty of great restaurants as well. The Cheesecake Factory is located at Woodfield and I have written a great review of that restaurant elsewhere on this website.
The only complaint I can think of regarding this mall is that it is often overpopulated with teenagers. Also, during the holidays the place is pretty much impossible to get around in or to find a place to park near. Still, once you do get inside, the holiday display is pretty cool and worth a look.
Hide
|
|
This restaurant is tucked into the rather beautiful little town of Geneva Illinois, right on the Fox River. It is set back from the road and the river runs right past it. The setting couldn't be...
This restaurant is tucked into the rather beautiful little town of Geneva Illinois, right on the Fox River. It is set back from the road and the river runs right past it. The setting couldn't be any better, but it's what awaits inside that's really worth the trip out of Chicago to this suburb.
We went there because my brother was getting married and this was where the rehearsal dinner was going to be held. Myself, my family and my brother's future in-laws all went there weeks before the dinner to test-drive the place. Even though I was suffering through a bad stomach virus, I was still impressed with the salmon dish I had to want to go back there and try it again. That's a tough thing to do and a rather back-handed endorsement.
The night of the rehearsal dinner we had prime rib. I must tell you this is the finest prime rib I have ever eaten. A lot of time the prime rib can be way too fatty. Let me tell you, this cut of meat melted in your mouth and left you wanting more.
They have a great menu for regular, non-wedding related dinners as well. Plenty of great steaks, seafood, etc. The prices were reasonable when you consider the classiness of the place as well.
I recommend at trip to Geneva for this restaurant very, very highly.
Hide
|