Welcome to Suburbia....

I often bitch and moan about how bad it is out here.... But, on the bright side it's cheap. Hopefully my dull weeks will have some highlights and maybe point you in the right direction if you're ever out west of Chicago.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Disc Golf

With the weather still holding out, it was time to hit the 'links' again. Although this time I speak of a different form of 'links'. Yesterday we played golf, disc golf.

West Side Community Disc Golf Course
This disc golf course in St. Charles happens to be 6.4 acres and is filled with luscious full grown trees and scenic 'hills and valleys'.
Example of the typical foilage within the park.

My only advice for those who decide to play is to stay within a few feet (if possible, errant tee shots may send you deep in to the woods) of  the hole or beaten paths. Plants of all varieties grow within the forest, and this does include poison ivy. I can attest to poison ivy's power- if you haven't had it yet, keep it that way.

Disc Golf

For those of you who haven't experienced the world of Disc Golf- Here's a rundown of what to expect.
Rather than clubs, a heavy gram specialized 'disc' is used (a frisbee).
image by metromix.com


The rules are similar to that of golf. You want the least amount of strokes/putts per hole. Rather than putting a disc in a hole, you have a chainlink basket.
Image by theolivamyers.com


Locations
These disc golf courses can be found nearly anywhere, but are most prevalent or typically found in a forest preserve. 

Hazards
With these courses being in a forest preserve open to the public you can expect to find bikers, hikers, joggers, etc using the property as well. As always, be respectful of the  other crowds and pick up your trash when on the course. Nothing is worse than a forest preserve filled with garbage.
Cost
The majority of disc courses I have been to were free. According to wikipedia around 87% of the 3,000+ courses are in fact free. Yes, you heard correctly. Free. How often can you find a sport to play where the cost to use the facility is free?
Popularity
Disc golf grew rapidly, and with its growth the Professional Disc Golf Association was created. Also, many forest areas or empty lots are being used to fuel the fire for this continually growing sport. 
 image by playemalltour.com

If you're looking to enjoy the weather, and spend as little of your hard earned cash as possible you've just found a new avenue to pursue. Also, disc golf isn't too physically straining so make sure to bring the whole family to enjoy the game.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Outdoor Activity- Kayaking.

I have continually made efforts in showing everyone may favorite restaurants within the West Suburbs of Chicago, and have noticed I haven't made a great enough attempt at pointing everyone in the right direction in regards to leisurely or outdoors activity.

Sure, many people may enjoy to golf, but that isn't the outdoors experience you're looking for? Luckily enough, the Geneva/St. Charles/Batavia (and further) have the Fox River within their backyard. The Fox River starts in Green Bay WI, and stretches through WI, and through the majority of IL as well. While the river is much larger in Green Bay than this area, it is hazardous to  swim in specific areas.

Image Courtesy of www.tedvillaire.com
Recent efforts by kayakers/boaters/general users of the Fox River for the clean-up of  the river have given great emphasis on what a luxury this body of water really is and has also shown in increase in boater and fishing traffic in the lower areas (Geneva).


My recomendation is to take advantage of this natural body of water, and bring out the entire family. The Geneva Kayak Center (locatated at 34 N. Bennett, Geneva IL) has everything from kayaks, sea kayaks, to paddle boats that everyone in the family can enjoy. The shop can also boast that they are the only BCU (British Canoe Union) certified teaching center between the East and West coasts. So, if you're concerned about your first time out on the water, you'll be in great hands and under some of the best tutilidge in the country.


Rentals

  • Rentals



Rentals

Geneva Kayak Center has recreational, light touring and sea kayaks available for rent. Rental costs include the use of a pfd, paddle and sprayskirt (for sea kayaks). Rentals may be transported to other paddling locations.

Rates


Boat Type
2 Hours
4 Hours
Full-Day
2+ Days*

Plastic Single Kayak
$30
$40
$60
$45

Plastic Double Kayak
$40
$60
$80
$60

Fiberglass Single Kayak**
$45
$60
$80
$70

Fiberglass Double Kayak**
$60
$80
$100
$90

Whitewater Kayak
$30
$40
$60
$45

*2+ Day prices are listed as per day rates. ** Please contact Geneva Kayak Center to check availability.





Another Kayak destination not too far away is the Whitewater Recreation Facility at Bicentennial Riverfront Park in Yorkville, IL.

http://www.yorkville.il.us/GlenPalmerDamUpdate.php

This area provides a 'whitewater simulation' ranging in areas for  the beginner to the more  experienced. It's a nice alternative to certain areas of the Fox that contain low-head dams (which have caused numerous deaths over the last 50 or so years).

All in all, kayak is affordable and a bonding family activity. Just make sure when you go out to paddle you wear a life jacket, paddle wisely, and have fun!

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Turf Room, Aurora IL

It's really not too often you have the abillity to obtain your gambling fix (horses), drink incredible martinis, and eat decadent food at all at once. Well, today you can.

The Turf Room offers the gambling man his OTB, but remade it to look like an OTB swallowed a fine dining restaurant, horse stable, and a scenic log cabin.


The Crowd
Oddly enough, The Turf Room isn't filled with older people down on their luck. With the eclectic menu they offer, you'll often see the entire family present. And, as always, it depends on the time you arrive. Later in the night the crowd is typically older and the bar and restaurant fill up rather quickly, so make sure you arrive early or make a reservation. 

The Drinks
I'm not even sure where to begin for the drinks. The list is expansive, and I almost feel out of my element trying to explain the lists of red and white wines, and the martinis. If you do happen to be drinking wine, the wine bar has one of the most incredible small tapas menus. The 'flights'  you can choose from are nearly endless. Rather than stumble over my words, or fall far short of describing these wines with the calibur and swagger they deserve- I'll do one better: Red Wines, White Wines.

Martinis
When I think of martini, I typically think of MadMen- a gentleman in a nice suit smoking a cigarette and drinking a gin martini with stuffed olives. My world flipped when I saw the martini list at  Turf Room. The drinks are incredible, and with the names being inventive and funny- it begs to be tried.

The Grub
The food here actually left me speechless. The variety, the flavors, the contrast, the, the, the everything. (Yes, that stutter was intentional). The food is incredible to say the least. It has the ability to assult your taste buds on levels I never knew existed. As the Turf Room has said- they offer and American eclectic menu that changes with the seasons and offers unique gastronomy. I'm pretty sure I'd have to agree with their statement. Below is the dinner menu. The Turf Room also offers Brunch, Lunch, and a Dinner menu that can be found here.

The Venue
Dim lights, oak panels, and lightly colored exposed brick make up the Turf Room's interior. A look that portrays a cross between a horse stable and a country home with modern steel accent pieces. The overlook makes you feel as if you've been transported far in to the countryside, while in reality your still in the heart of the suburbs a few hundred feet off the main road running through town.
One of the main attractions, or at least one that I particularly enjoy is the patio. Given the weather is playing in your favor, the patio is unbeatable area. Especially during the cooler nights when the giant outdoor fireplace is keeping you warm and providing an incredible extra ambiance.

Location
1033 Kilbery Street
North Aurora, IL 60542

My Opinion
While Turf Room is slightly higher in price than many other reviews I have provided, it is in fact worth it. If you aren't looking to fill your gullet with some astounding food, the wine flights are also a great option- small tapas dishes to accompany and intensify the flavors of your wines. The atmosphere is great, I love its feel and the service is always top-notch. Also, a new integrated favorite of mine is the ability to reserve a table through the website. I'm all about convinience, and to be able to browse the menu and book a table all while you sit at your computer makes for a happy person. Enjoy everyone.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

The Arcada, St Charles IL- Brew & View plus Live Concerts

The Arcada used to be a staple of everyone's childhood who grew up in the area. At one point in time they were a big name theater with the movie releases to prove their worth (I'm pretty sure the last movie I saw on an opening night was Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure. If that doesn't show my own worth, I don't know what does.).

Currently The Arcada is used for more eclectic tastes. The live concerts are geared toward the older generations, the baby boomers. I'll dive further in to the concerts momentarily.


The Crowd
As said prior, it really depends on the movie or concert. Seeing something such as Jurassic Park may result in a mixed crowd of adults and children. If this movie happens to be on a Friday, and it's a Brew & View night, it will more than likely be a larger crowd of adults than children. Either way, the crowd is always civil and respectful to the rest of the audience members.

The Drinks
The drinks are pretty standard; gin, vodka, whiskey, rum, beer, wine (red & white- not sure the quality of cab or pinot or whatever it is on tap unfortunately). While the drinks are a little bit more pricey than my typical posts, I look at it from a different angle to justify the cost. How often is it you can watch a movie on the big screen and enjoy a beer while doing so? Not often unless a friend has a personal theater in their house, and in that case, where is our invite?

The Grub
Aside from the standard issue popcorn and candy, the Arcada doesn't offer too much more unless you'd like to join the Onesti Dinner Club and pay a small fortune for the 6 hour slow roasted prime rib. As for now, I'm OK with just the drinks.

The Shows/Listings
July 30- Prince Dance Party, Featuring Erotic City Band
Aug 20- Tribute to the Eagles
Aug 24- Bret Michaels
Aug 27- Paul Revere and the Raiders
Sept 24- KC & The Sunshine Band
Oct 8- Kansas
Oct 14- AMERICA
Nov 21- An Evening with Martin Short
(Listed Major Events, check here for listings including smaller acts and movies)


The Venue
The interior of the Arcada can play ball with the best of theaters. The architecture is absolutely immaculate, reminding me greatly of the Chicago Theater. Before making your way in to the theater itself you wind through a marble hallway maze that is actually quite breathtaking. The detail in the marble work is incredible. To satisfy your visual needs so we can both agree:
Image courtesy of FoxValley Magazine

Location
105 E. Main Street
St. Charles IL 60174

My Opinion
While the drinks may be on the pricier side, the attractions you find at the Arcada simply can't be beat. Whether it's the Rocky Horror Picture Show, Indiana Jones, Chicago Cover Band, Jurassic Park, Davy Jones, Bret Michaels, etc the ticket prices usually are modestly priced, which makes the trip all worth while. Plus, how often can you see some of these movies or artists again in such an intimate venue?

The more concerts that come to the Arcada, the happier I'll be in the long run. I'll see all of you there.

Filling Station, St Charles IL

The Filling Station Pub & Grill in St. Charles is an excellent place to go relax and eat or socialize and enjoy an era unbeknownst to most people my age (23). The atmosphere is inviting, and the food and staff is incredible.



The Crowd
As said many times before, this is all dependent on what time of the day you arrive. If you're here earlier in the day to enjoy lunch or an earlier dinner, expect families with younger children. As the night progresses the children are fewer and fewer and the crowd is generally from around 21 years and older (many times up to senior citizen range). On most nights where they have specials, I would suggest arriving a little earlier than initially planned on, as the crowd can grow quickly.

The Drinks
The bar obviously has the normal bar drinks, but what I typically go for is the specials. While they may not be everyone's favorite drinks, they aren't completely terrible, and when you look at the price you really can't go wrong.

Monday- $1.00 Drafts, $5.00 Pitchers
Tuesday- $2.50 Imports, $3.00 Long Islands
Wednesday- $1.50 Bottle Night (All Domestics)
Thursday- $1.75 Pint Drafts, $3.50 Jager, Cherry, Grape & O-Bombs
Friday- $3.50 Vodka Redbull, $3.50 Margaritas
Saturday- $3.00 Captain Morgan
Sunday- $3.50 Bloody Marry & Screwdrivers, $5.00 Martinis

The Grub
I've managed to try just about everything on the menu here, and would have to say I haven't made a bad selection yet. They serve typical American bar food, with a flair of nostalgia thrown in to taste. The flavors are bold, yet refined at the same time. The food offered is definitely some of the better bar food I've put in my gullet. 











The Venue
The Filling Station, or Filler as many call it, is filled with old gas station memorabilia and has a vintage feel. The inside is reminiscent of an era I was never able to experience, and the patio outside has the same approach. My biggest attraction, aside from the specials, is the patio area. When it's nice out the patio at Filling Station is unbeatable. The waitresses are plentiful, and so are the people and the beers. For the amount of traffic outside, the service is unbeatable.



Location
300 West Main Street
St Charles, IL 60174

My Opinion
To start, the selection of food provides quite the variety, and even though the list is large, everything is cooked well. The staffing is always kind and they are dedicated to providing you with the service you've been longing for from a restaurant. 

So between the service, atmosphere, food, and specials the Filling Station is a win for anyone.



Friday, July 9, 2010

Japanese Cuisine

Matsuri Japanese Restaurant

The Crowd
Due to the more eccentric tastes of this restaurant, the patrons are typically older or have a more mature palate. Within the several times I arrived at this  restaurant, I rarely saw younger children. Either way, your experience will be enjoyable.

The Drinks
Soft Drinks ($1.95, Japanese Sodas  2.50)
The beverages offered are limited, but easily satisfy the palate. They offer standard beverages such as- Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Ginger Ale, Lemonade, and Japanese Sodas (Watermelon and Strawberry Ramune).

Beers (Small $4.00, Large 6.95)
Japanese Beers; Kirin, Sapporo, Asahi

Sake
(Hot or Cold)
Small 3.50
Large 6.50

Tea (1.50)
Iced
Hot

The Grub
 Shumai

Appetizers

Goma Ae (Boiled spinich with sesame sauce): $4.25
Sunomono (Shrimp, octopus, seaweed, and cucumber in vinegar sauce): $5.95
Sashimi (Fresh fish served on top of shredded radish): $9.50
Edamame (Boiled green soybeans): $3.95
Gyoza (5 pieces of Japanese style panfried shrimp or beef dumplings): $4.50
Shumai (6 pieces of Japanese style steamed shrimp dumplings): $4.25
 




Harumaki (3 pieces of Japanese style springroll): $4.00
 Yakitori (Charboiled chicken with onion and green pepper on skewers):$3.95
Kara Age (Tender deep fried sesame flavored bite sized chicken): $4.25
Age Dashi Tofu (Deep fried soybean tofu with sauce): $4.50
Tempura (Deep fried shrimp, broccoli, carrot, green long bean, and sweet potato in a light batter): $6.50
Asparagus Beef Roll (Thin sliced beef rolled with asparagus broiled with teriyaki sauce): $5.95
Scallop Saute (Tender scallops and fresh mushrooms sautéed with soy base sauce): $7.50
Baked Green Mussel (Sea mussel and stuffed crabcake baked with creamy
sauce topped with smelt roe and scallion): $5.75
Soft Shell Crab (Deep fried soft shell crab served with ponzu sauce): $8.95
Salads 
Calamari salad

Green Salad (Crisp bed of mixed vegetables):
 $3.95
Kaiso Salad (Seaweed salad drizzled with special
sauce):
 $3.95
Calamari Salad (Deep fried squid on a crisp bed of
mixed vegetables):
 $6.50
Salmon Skin Salad (Baked salmon skin on a crisp bed
of mixed vegetables):
 $5.25
Ta Taki Salad (Seared tuna on a crisp bed of mixed vegetables):
$9.95

Noodles

Yakisoba (Chicken or shrimp and stir fried vegetables with yakisoba noodles):
-Chicken:
 $6.95
-Shrimp:
 $7.50
Tempura Udon (Shrimp tempura served over hot noodle soup):
 $7.25
Nabe Yaki Udon (Shrimp tempura, eggs, chicken, fishcake, and vegetables served over hot noodle soup):
 $8.25


Special Rolls: 









White Dragon Roll
Hot Sunset Roll: $15.00
White Dragon Roll: $15.00








Rolls(Maki): 
Spicy Tuna Roll: $5.50 


 (Farthest to front) - Caterpillar Roll, Crazy Roll, Sunrise Roll, Matsuri Roll
Crunch Spicy Tuna Roll: $5.95
Wasabi Tuna Roll: $5.95 
Picante Roll: $6.50 
Salmon Skin Roll: $5.00 
Salmon Roll: $5.00 
Crunch Baked Salmon Roll: $8.00 
French Roll: $7.00 
Philly Roll: $7.00 
Unagi Roll: $6.00 
Caterpillar Roll: $10.95 
Dragon Roll: $10.95 
Spider Roll: $10.95 
Rainbow Roll: $11.95 
Double Spicy Roll: $12.50 
Matsuri Roll: $13.95 
Ebi Crunch Roll: $8.50 
California Roll: $5.25
Sunshine Roll: $5.7
Sunrise Roll: $13.95

  Rainbow Roll
Sunset Roll: $13.95 
Sapporo Crunch Roll: $8.25 
Crazy Roll: $9.50 
Geneva Roll: $8.25 
Veggie Roll: $5.50 
Tekka Maki (tuna roll): $5.00 
Negi Hama Maki: $5.00 
Futo Maki (10 pieces): $9.50 
Kappa Maki (cucumber roll): $3.50 
Avocado Roll: $4.00








Aba Ebi, French Roll, and Sunrise Roll at the bottom


Sashimi: 
Maguro [tuna]: $2.50 Shiro Maguro [superwhite tuna]: $2.95 Hamachi [Yellowtail]: $2.55 
Sake [salmon]: $2.25 Smoke Salmon: $2.95 Hirame [fluke]: $2.75 Ebi [shrimp]: $2.00 Tako [octopus]: $2.00 
Ika [squid]: $2.00 Saba [mackerel]: $2.00 Hokkikai [surf clam]: $2.25 Hotate [scallop]: $2.50 
Tobiko [flying fish roe]: $2.50 Masago [smelt roe]: $2.00 Ikura [salmon roe]: $3.50 
Uni [sea urchin]: $4.00 Amaebi [sweet shrimp]: $3.50 Ungai [eel]: $2.50 Tamago [egg omelet]: $1.75 Tataki [seared tuna]: $2.75 Shiromi [red snapper]: $2.00 Wasabi Tobiko [wasabi flavored flying fish roe]: $2.75 
Seafood Salad [assorted raw fish over lettuce with our special sauce]: 

Lunch Entrees








Steak Teriyaki
Chicken Teriyaki (Broiled chicken with teriyaki sauce): $7.25






Chicken Karashi Yaki (Broiled chicken with mild sweet Japanese mustard sauce):  $7.25




Steak Teriyaki (Broiled New York cut steak with teriyaki sauce):  $11.50




Steak Karashi Yaki (Broiled New York cut steak with mild sweet Japanese mustard sauce):  $11.50




Salmon Teriyaki (Broiled salmon with teriyaki sauce):  $8.50




Shrimp & Vegetables Tempura (Shrimp, broccoli, sweet potato, green long bean, and carrot deep fried in light batter served with tempura sauce): $8.50




Vegetable Tempura (Broccoli, sweet potato, green long bean, carrot, and zucchini deep fried in light batter served with tempura sauce):  $7.50




Yakiniku (Sliced tender beef and vegetables served with soy base sauce):  $8.95







Dinner Entrees


Chicken Teriyaki (Broiled chicken with teriyaki sauce):  $13.50




Chicken Karashi Yaki (Broiled chicken with mild sweet Japanese mustard sauce):  $13.50




Steak Teriyaki (Broiled New York cut steak with teriyaki sauce):  $21.50




Steak Karashi Yaki (Broiled New York cut steak with mild sweet Japanese mustard sauce):  $21.50




Yakinku (Sliced tender beef and vegetables served with soy base sauce):  $16.95




Salmon Teriyaki (Broiled salmon with teriyaki sauce):  $15.95




Shrimp & Vegetable Tempura (Shrimp, broccoli, sweet potato, green long bean, and carrot deep fried in light batter served with tempura sauce):  $14.95




Vegetable Tempura (Broccoli, sweet potato, green long bean, carrot, and zucchini deep fried in light batter served with tempura sauce):  $11.95


Special Lunch Combos
Shrimp Tempura (2 pcs) with Vegetable Tempura and Chicken Teriyaki: 
$8.95
Shrimp Tempura (2 pcs) with Vegetable Tempura and Steak Teriyaki:  $13.50
Shrimp Tempura (2 pcs) with Vegetable Tempura and Salmon Teriyaki: 
$9.25
Shrimp Tempura (2 pcs) with Vegetable Tempura and Sushi: 
$11.50
Chicken Teriyaki with Califoria Roll: 
$8.95
Salmon Teriyaki with California Roll: 
$9.25 
* Served with miso soup and rice *

Dinner Combos





















Shrimp Tempura (2 pcs) with Vegetable Tempura and Chicken Teriyaki: $17.50








Shrimp Tempura (2 pcs) with Vegetable Tempura and Steak Teriyaki: $21.95








Shirmp Tempura (3 pcs) with Vegetable Tempura and Salmon Teriyaki: $18.50








Shrimp Tempura (3 pcs) with Vegetable Tempura and Sushi: $19.95








Shrimp Tempura (3 pcs) with Vegetable Tempura and Sashimi: $21.95


Lunch
Sushi Lunch (Tuna, whitefish, salmon, shrimp, egg omelete, and 4 pcs of California Roll):  $11.50
Sashimi Lunch (Assorted sliced fish and rice):  $12.50
Maki Special (California Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, and Cucumber Roll): 
$9.50
Una Don (Broiled fresh water eel over rice): 
$11.50
Dinner Sushi (Tuna, yellowtail, salmon, whitefish, shrimp, white tuna, smelt roe, egg omelete, and 6 pcs of California Roll): $20.95
Sashimi ([15 pieces] Chef's choice of freshest selection of fish served with rice): 
$22.95
Matsuri Platter (6 pieces of sushi, 9 pieces of sashimi, and 6 pieces of spicy yellowtail roll): 
$34.95
Maki Special (California Roll, spicy yellowtail roll, and shrimp tempura roll): 
$16.95
Chirashi (Tamago, Ebi, Tuna, Salmon, Tai, Hanachi, Saba, Tako, and Unagi served over bed of sushi rice): 
$18.95
Una Ju (A bowl of rice topped with broiled eel): 
$14.95





I can't get enough of the food served at Matsuri. To me, it's right on par with Toro Sushi in Lincoln Park. The seafood used is always fresh, along with all other ingredients. It makes the utmost difference in your sushi experience.

The Venue
Matsuri has an 'old meets modern' feel behind it. You are able to notice the traditional Japanese elements within the architecture inside, yet you notice the hard steels and industrialized lighting style that contrast these more traditional elements. Overall, it has a great overall impression. I also like that the lights aren't on full-blast, it's at a level that works perfectly as noted in the picture.

Location
507 South Third Street
Geneva IL, 60134

My Opinion
First, you must take in perspective that I have little to no money... If I could afford to go to Matsuri everyday, I would. This visit I went with a few friends, and none of us had a great deal of money and didn't want that to discourage our tipping so we ate modestly and well within our price range. If you do happen to have more money to spend, the options at Matsuri are limitless. The menu is expansive, and everything is fresh to order and tastes delicious. If you have the time and the hankering for some sushi, you know where to head.


FYI- Blogger.com is driving me *#$%&*% mad. When I preview my post before publishing, the dimensions look and work fine. Once I post, they readjust themselves to this whacky spacing. I have gone back and fixed, or attempted to fix, several times only for it to change back again. I'm sorry for the inconvenience and difficulty it causes in the readability for you. I apologize to all of you.