Carlucci Restaurant & Bar

Downers Grove, IL| (630) 512-0990| website

Polpetti Al Ragu (homemade meatballs, braised tomatoes, fresh basil). Photo Credit: Michelle Guilbeau

I visited Carlucci Restaurant & Bar for lunch recently and overall my experience was exceptional!  When I walked into Carlucci’s, I was impressed with the beautiful décor and the welcoming feel-it was stylish yet a casual atmosphere.

We were seated at a lovely table near the patio; the patio was quite impressive with the large fountain reminiscent of an outdoor café in Italy. It is important to note that a live band performs every Saturday night from 8:00pm to 12:00am, when weather permits the live performances are held on the patio.

We were given the menu and it was obvious the lunch offerings were spectacular and interesting. We started our meal with appetizers. The first appetizer we indulged in was the Polpetti Al Ragu (homemade meatballs, braised tomatoes, fresh basil), the 4 meatballs were the perfect size to share and the taste was pure Italian, I was thrilled with the combination of flavors..... Read the full article on my website here.

Best 4th of July 2016 Fireworks Displays In Chicago

Seeing fireworks on the 4th of July is a tradition for most. The sky lit up with beautiful colors is a sight to see and the excitement felt on this holiday makes memories that last a lifetime. That time of year is soon upon us and there are numerous fireworks displays in Chicago. Here are the five best 4th of July 2016 fireworks displays in Chicago this season.

Fireworks burst above Lake Michigan… (Photo Credit: JEFF HAYNES/AFP/Getty Images)

Best Water Slides In Chicago

A water park is an economical way to spend the day with the kids and enjoy the great outdoors.The best water slides are in Chicago and kids love to enjoy the water fun in the summer.  Here are the 5 best water slides in Chicago. There is a great time had by all!

Photo Credit: Splash Station Waterpark’s Facebook

Best Spring Beers In Chicago

 Photo Credit: halfacrebeer.com

Chicago has some of the best craft beers in the country, period. Highlighted are the best five spring craft beers. It is extremely difficult to select only five. There is no right or wrong… drink what is enjoyed most. The goal is simply to introduce beer drinkers to new options if they are not already familiar with these. The highlighted beers are fairly well known and can be purchased at the corresponding microbrewery in Chicago. The microbreweries offer tours, an excellent way to learn about beer and gain an understanding as to how it is made.

There are also great sites that do a fantastic job of reviewing craft beers, Beer Advocate and Rate Beers just to name a couple. It is important to try different beers for yourself. The reality is that everyone has a different palate. The texture, flavor and ABV make these craft beers excellent to enjoy after the Spring Equinox (first day of Spring) on March 20, 2016.

Click here to read about the best 5 best beers in Chicago

Best Mommy & Me Classes In Chicago

Both Moms and kids enjoy spending time with each other. However, many families are busy, and it can be challenging at times to find those special moments to bond. Mommy and Me classes are a great way to enjoy those bonding moments that create memories and feelings that last a lifetime. Outstanding Mommy and Me classes are offered in Chicago, but here are the best five.

Photo Credit: sweetpeastudio.com

Best St.Patrick's Day Parties In Chicago

There are 2 excellent St. Patrick's Day parties happening in Chicago on Saturday, March 12! You will not want to miss these! Click on the logos for details.  No other city celebrates St. Patrick's Day better than Chicago!

Chicago Country Day Party At Old Crow River North

Throw on your cowboy boots & daisy dukes for the best country For those who love country and enjoy having a great time, this is one of the best places in Chicago to be. Ticket includes: Brunch buffet, beer, bloodies and mimosas! Tickets can be purchased here.  Be sure to put it in CHI20, good for $10 off the Country Day Party!!d day drinking party at the best new country bar in River North! 

5411 Empanadas Chicago-Argentinian Stuffed Pastry Baked to Perfection

Let’s first start with the definition of an Empanada:   Empanadas are made by folding dough with stuffing and baking to a golden brown.  They are typically light and very flavorful.  Empanadas are very common throughout Latin America and in many parts of the U.S.

5411 Empanadas has a fairly large selection of stuffings for their empanadas.  And at $2.50 each, they’re very affordable!

They now have several locations in Chicago and are quickly expanding.  The restaurants aren’t very big, but they do not need  to be.  Empanadas are not designed to be a big dinner, most people grab a coffee (or a beer, or a glass of wine) and a couple or three empanadas and then move on with their day.

They have three ‘breakfast’ empanadas that are simply delicious:
·         Bacon, Cheddar, and Egg;
·         Chorizo, Black Bean, and Egg; and the
·         Veggie and Egg.

Any of these and one of their strong Espresso coffees will get your day going right.
In addition to the breakfast empanadas, they also have 12 different types of empanadas.  I’m not going to list them all out in this article, but please check out the photos for the complete listing.  I will however, tell you that my four favorites were:
·         Malbec Beef;
·         BBQ Chicken;
·         Bacon, Dates, and Goat Cheese; and
·         Sweet Corn.

For most people, 3 empanadas will more than satisfy.  However, I thought it was my duty to sample 9 or 10… I actually lost count!

The three partners who launched this business devised a brilliant way in which to decipher what is in each empanada.  To be precise, each empanada is folded and/or creased in a very unique way that lets you know what filling is in each one.   They have a chart at each table to help you identify your empanada.

To accompany your empanadas, 5411 Empanadas has coffee, several craft beers on tap and several Argentinian wines.  I am a big fan of Argentinian wines so perhaps I am not the best person to ask for an unbiased opinion.  Having said that, their full-bodied Malbec wines were outstanding along with the beers!

The bottom line is that 5411 Empanadas is a legit Argentinian place founded and operated by three Argentinian friends.  If you’re looking for a quick bite to eat that is light and different, you need to give this place a shot! You will not be disappointed!!
Enjoy.

2045 W. North Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647
773.276.8344
www.5411Empanadas.com