Lexi Lu in Edison Park

I was a bit distracted over the holidays ... Santa was very kind (even though I ate his cookies) he still filled my stocking with a new electric blue dog collar and a big white bone... I'm back with a new review after overhearing another Edison Park hot spot. This time for breakfast...

Lexi Lu is a recently opened Breakfast/Brunch Café that shares its kitchen with the Curragh Irish Pub in Happening Edison Park. The building, new but built to look old, is attractive and warm with both indoor and outdoor seating (when the weather eventually behaves). The menu has standard breakfast fare along with some amazing specialties. The Crepes with Nutella are excellent but even better are the huge, stuffed French toast with your choice of stuffing. Pesto eggs are another surprise. Coffee was pretty good and they have a wide assortment of teas. If you are looking for a breakfast place with atmosphere and a European influence, Lexi Lu is a definitely place to try.

Lexi Lu
6707 N Northwest Hwy
(between Oliphant Ave & Oshkosh Ave)
Chicago, IL 60631
(773) 774-6170

Cafe Touche

With much anticipation, there was finally an opportunity for the Tinders to visit the new French Bistro in Edison Park, Cafe Touche, by the award-winning Chef, Joseph Calabrese. Zia's (Calabrese's other restaurant just down the block), was made famous in the 100th episode of Check Please!, the local tv show, when it was one of the restaurant reviewed by none other than President Barak Obama (when he was a State senator). He gave it a ringing endorsement and, rumor has it, that he has come back on subsequent occassions.

Prior to opening, Cafe Touche was completed remodeled from the corner's prior incarnation as a quiet, white tablecloth, Vietnamese restaurant, Nam Viet. Those who haven't been to the location since they had Lemongrass Shrimp would not recognize the new look. A friendly frog sign reaches over the sidewalk inviting guests... the interior is welcoming with octagon flooring, copper ceiling, and warm wood throughout. The bar is stunning and the cozy dining area features plenty of booths. With all of the hard materials, it is not for those seeking to dine in a quiet, intimate setting. At some point, more they made need to see about adding additional fabric in order to facilitate more dinner table conversation. On the other hand, the loud atmosphere focuses you on the food and the meals do not disappoint. The filet is particularly excellent, cooked perfectly to order, and complimented with the thinnest of fries.... a true delight. Desserts are rich in taste but not overwhelming in size.

For those looking for excellent food, an attractive atmosphere, and a fun time, you won't be disappointed at Cafe Touche. Reservations are recommended. Open for Dinner Only

Cafe Touche
www.cafetouche.com
6731 N Northwest Hwy (Edison Park)
Chicago, IL 60631
(773) 775-0909
Open Tue-Thu 4:30pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm; Sun 4pm-9pm

Houlihan's is Hot in Uptown Park Ridge

The latest restaurant to take advantage of the new Uptown Park Ridge development is Houlihan's. The Uptown Houlihan's is an American Style Bar & Grill with a swanky, Lincoln Park feel in atmosphere, lighting and decor (leather, wood, & glass). The bar area is generous with 4 flat-screen TVs. The dining area is comfortable with plenty of intimate booth seating. Wait staff is young, attractive, and out-going. Almost too friendly as you can expect to be interrupted a couple times during your meal to be asked "how is your meal." Food Presentation is excellent and many of the selections are quite good including the Angus Burgers, and crisp Fish Tacos.... Despite the sleek atmosphere, the restaurant is appropriate for children and has quite the impressive kids menu (under $5) which includes a drink and ice cream for dessert. Plenty of close underground parking is available for Chicago weather and you will be sure to warm up once you are inside. Outside dining is available when the weather is a little more cooperative.

Houlihan's Bar & Grill
550 W. Touhy Avenue
Park Ridge, IL 60068-4276
847-692-6205
Mon-Sat 11-11 dining room
Bar until 1am
Sun 11-11pm bar/dining rm
www.houlihans.com

Paradise in Downtown Des Plaines

Downtown Des Plaines has been revitalized over the past few years with the influx of condos. Not surprisingly, a number of restaurants have popped up to capitalize on potential consumers.

Our favorite...... "Cheeseburger in Paradise"

This fun, island-themed restaurant features burgers, seafood, Island drinks, and often, live Caribbean music. Burgers, not surprisingly, are excellent with a lot of unique options and the fish tacos are tasty. Staff is helpful, fun, and festive ... although it has a full-bar, it is still family- friendly. Thursday night even features Hermit Crab races starting at 8 pm. Unique to the Des Plaines local is the "Seth Rogan" sound-a-like. The tall head bartender looks a little like the actor, but wait to he speaks, and especially when he laughs. Overall, the food and entertainment make for an enjoyable evening at a reasonable price.


Cheeseburger in Paradise
1472 Market Street
Des Plaines, IL 60016
Phone: 847-299-3657
Fax: 847-299-3782
Website: www.cheeseburgerinparadise.com

2009 Schedule for the Maine South Varsity Hawks

Aug 28th SCHAUMBURG H.S. 7 pm MS 64 - 35
Sept 4 WHEATON WARRENVILLE SOUTH 7 pm
Sept 11 at Highland Park 7 pm
Sept 17 MAINE WEST 7 pm
Sept 25 at Niles West 7:30 pm
Oct 3 EVANSTON TOWNSHIP 1:30 pm
Oct 10 at Waukegan H.S. 1:30 pm
Oct 17 GLENBROOK SOUTH 1:30 pm
Oct 23 at New Trier 7:30 pm
Playoffs tba tba

Maine South Hawks

It is the start of another school year which means that it is a start of another football season for the Maine South Hawks. Last year was perfection. The team, led by Vanderbuilt-bound All-State QB Charlie Goro, went undefeated (14-0) and won the state 8A championship game over Hinsdale Central.

Last Friday marked the beginning of another offensive explosion. The star Running Back, Matt Perez (committed to Indiana) ran for 122 yrds and 3 touchdowns and it was an awesome debut for the Hawks new quarterback, Tyler Benz. Benz threw for 2 touchdowns and ran for 3 more as the the Hawks defeated visiting Schaumburg 64-35.

The Hawks now face a huge challenge as they face the #1 ranked team in the Chicago-area... Wheaton-Warrenville South. Will the Hawks be victorious? Come and find out this Friday at 7 PM in Park Ridge under the new stadium lights.

Grazie Coffee House

Situated diagonally across from the now famous Zia's (a favorite of President Obama's) in downtown Edison Park. Grazie is the best of both worlds: a coffee house and an ice cream shop. Its eclectic decor is very warm and comfortable. The loft-like space balances exposed brick with crystal chandeliers.... The morning staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The evening atmosphere is nice and low-key. While certainly gourmet, it is also kid-friendly with crayons and coloring books. There is plenty of temporary parking for those who just want to run in and get a cup to go.. Most importantly, for those of you who are allowed to have coffee and ice cream ... it is excellent. It easily holds it own against any national chain.

Grazie Coffee House
6700 N Northwest Hwy
(between Oliphant Ave & Oshkosh Ave)
Chicago, IL 60631
(773) 775-3312

www.graziecoffee.com/