So, last Saturday, February 20th, my sis, hubby and I decided to try John Hawks again. It's probably been 15 years since we were there and it's good...not great, but good. The atmosphere is nice, pub-like with lots of wood.
Menu is mostly sandwiches, which we knew, so we were not surprised. My sis and I had open-faced prime rib sandwiches which were very good but the fries were cold --which means our food had been sitting in the kitchen. Hubby had a large cut of Prime (aren't we adventurous) which again was very good.
I actually think that next time I go I'm going to try the Fish n Chips--they looked fabulous walking by--and its available any day/night of the week.
Service was slow. Our waitress was running with lots of tables but several others were just hanging at the bar chatting. Our drinks sat at the bar for almost 15 minutes (no non-busy waitsaff had the drive to bring them to us) before we got them. I was just getting up to go get them myself when our waitress finally had time to bring them for us.
I think this is why our food was semi-cold , too. She was too busy and none of the others bothered. I really prefer when wait staff works as a team and helps each other out. Sometimes they just don't want to.

Then, this past Tuesday, my sis and I headed to Chez Jacques (1st & National) for brunch/lunch. I, of course, had my favorite sandwich...Croque Madame, which is a ham and gruyere sandwich topped with a fried egg. A nice salad with a sharp dijon vinaigrette on the side. Dawn had Crepes filled with Nutella and Bananas (lunch and dessert all in one)--she loved them!! and we split a piece of Quiche Lorraine. So good!!
I really like Jacques and try to get there several times a year.

Now, tonite we are heading to The Capitol Grille. I hope it lives up to its reputation. I'll let you know!!

Enjoy--and don't forget to post your favorite food spots in the comments.

Hmmm...haven't posted anything in a week! Well, it was a busy one--even had class on Tuesday in the snowstorm. That was some fun driving. Only 1/3 of the class made it, but they were troopers and they ate reallllllllllllly well!!

Fat Tuesday is this coming Tuesday, February 16th. Get your paczkis while they're hot!!

These are a few of my favorite things...
The Spice House
Dannys Meats
Tenutas Italian Market in Kenosha
Uncorkt wine Shop in Racine


Went to eat last night at Final Approach on Howell Ave. across from the airport. Father-in-law and his girlfriend flew back in from Phoenix last night so it was a convenient meeting point for dinner.

If you haven't been to the Final Approach--they have pretty good food at reasonable prices. Good burgers, great French Onion Soup, they make all of their salad dressings homemade (which is a very rare thing for restaurants) and one of the best Bloody Mary's you're gonna find! Huge garden salad of a Bloody Mary with everything including shrimp. You can make dinner just out oftheir Bloody Mary.
Only drawback...bad ventilation! It was reallllllly smoky last night. My oldest daughter had to leave the table towards the end of the evening and stand outside. She couldn't take it anymore.
All of our clothes went right into the washer--including jackets--they were so smoky.

But, don't worry too much--ALL Wisconsin Restaurants and Bars will be smoke free by July 5, 2010!

Tonite is dinner at Buca's with a large family group. Bucas is always fun--pretty good food, great atmosphere, but it does get crowded when you have to wait for a table. Not sure what their reservation policy is, but we have 11 so we've got resies and no waiting!

Have a great day and don't forget to blog comments on your favorite restaurants!

Spending some time today getting ready for the Superbowl tomorrow. Having a few friends over for drinks & apps and possibly even to watch the game (more likely the commercials).
I'm planning on...
Boneless Chicken Wings--4 styles
     Southern Fried

     Caribbean Jerk
     Habenero Honey
     Traditional Buffalo

Breaded & Fried Ravioli with Marinara

Asst'd Cheeses & Sausages with Crackers

Beer-Cheese Spread with Honey Pretzels

Taco Dip with Chips and Cucumber Sandwiches (being provided by friends)

Chocolate Glazed Brownies (football shaped)
     and a friend is bringing Kopp's Custard to go with!!

Also, Hurricanes (New Orleans is in the Superbowl!!) and Margaritas

A good time shall be had by all!!

Busy all day with class related stuff, not sure what to make for dinner, I headed to Danny's in the early afternoon. While gazing at the lovely meats one called out to me...Prime Rib Roast on the bone.
I had to think this over...pretty expensive for a regular dinner at home...Did I have the time? What should I make with it? etc etc

Well, I had a head of cauliflower at home--ok, side dish one taken care of. I also had about 5-6 yukon gold potatoes at home, side dish two taken care of. So, I bought a 2 bone roast, small end of the rib, only about 3.5 lbs or so.

Brought the roast home, let it come to room temp for about an hour, heavily rubbed it with garlic, onion powder, kosher salt and pepper. Into a roasting pan, insert probe thermometer (set to 133 degrees internal temp--perfect med-rare) and about 1/2 can of beef broth. Into a preheated 450 oven for 15 minutes and then lower temp to 325 and roast to desired temp. For med-rare takes roughly 15 minutes per pound BUT USE A THERMOMETER TO BE SURE!

Also, factor in at least 10-15 minutes to rest the roast after its out of the oven. While its resting, throw the roasting pan on a burner, bring to a boil, add the rest of the beef broth and reduce by half. AuJus is ready! Ne seasoning usually required because you have all the flavor from the roast.

While roasting, I steamed the cauliflower, made a cheddar cheese sauce, tossed them together and put cauliflower in the oven with the roast for the last 30 minutes of the roasting time. Scrubbed and boiled the potatoes, tossed them with butter, fresh lemon juice, parsley, salt and pepper! Tada! dinner is prepared! (So easy, I even had time to watch a Seinfeld episode).

Don't be intimidated by something like a Prime Rib Roast--they are easier than you think. Just take your time and use the proper tools (like a thermometer) and you'll be ok!

Yes, we traveled again to Lucky's in Chicago. Overstuffed sandwiches, served with a side of defibrilator and a wheelbarrel ride to your car! So good!! Got Lucky (ha ah) and found street parking just around the corner.

My sandwich was stuffed with Skirt Steak, fried egg, cheese, cole slaw, tomatoes and homemade fries. It is the ultimate meal. Mark had the skirt steak, but with double meat and no egg, Hannah had BLT (no T) and Marissa had the Fredo (asst'd Italian meats)--again, all sandwiches with the works!
Sadly, Marissa did not like the cole slaw on hers--she is just not a cole slaw fan. Actually, we're really not sure if she belongs to us at all!

We will visit the restaurant that originally created these sandwiches back in Pittsburgh in the 30's--Primanti's. We will visit there as part of a vacation to New England--I'm routing us through Pittsburgh--it's really not out of the way--really!!  :)
Primanti Bros. is nationally known and have been featured on both the Food Network and the Travel Channel. Can't wait to compare!!