Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Nick's, Check Please

Here is my personal best of Chicago list for eating as of how I feel today. This list is always subject to change.

Italian – I am of this heritage and am pretty picky. I hold Italian food up to a pretty big standard, my Grandmother. I have been to a lot of mediocre places. For my money there are 2 establishments I really like. Clara’s in Woodridge (http://www.claraspasta.com/) and the O.G. Rosebud’s in Little Italy. (http://rosebudrestaurants.com/rest1.php) Clara’s is very good and for the money a great value. I am big fan of their vodka sauce. I prefer Rosebud’s by a small margin. Now, there are many Rosebud’s in the city and I have been to some of them. None of them are as good as their location on Taylor. Make the trek you won’t be disappointed. This is old school Italian. Their sauce is a very close 2nd to my Grandmothers. They roll their own pasta and it is damn good. Also the sausage is a must as a side.

Greek – I love Greek food as well. I have been to a number of places but the Greek Islands on Halstead is still my favorite. (http://www.greekislands.net/index.html) Go for the egg lemon soup alone. It is seriously worth a trip just for a cup of that soup. I am a big fan of their pastichio as well. Their deserts are good but, I must admit I prefer the banana bread pudding at Athena. They give you a brick of it that I could eat as a meal.

Chinese – This is a difficult one as there are a number of places I like for certain dishes. For good old traditional Americanized Chinese food then Lang Lee in Orland is my favorite. (http://www.yelp.com/biz/lang-lee-ii-restaurant-orland-park) Joyce and I get the dinner for two and it rocks. You each get a cup of soup, egg rolls, some Bali Maki, and then Beef with Pea Pods, Sweet and Sour Chicken, and some BBQ Pork Fried Rice for like $22. Make the trip it is worth it. Now, my favorite place in Chinatown for of a less Americanized version is Loa Sze Chuan (http://www.laoszechuan.com/) They still have a traditional Chinese menu as well as a more authentic as well. Their menu is a book and if you can’t find something on it you like you aren’t trying. For dim sum, I like the Phoenix Restaurant. (http://www.chinatownphoenix.com/) Go there on a Sunday morning (get there early) and you won’t be disappointed. You may not know what it is you are eating, but just eat it, because it is all good. Lastly, if you are in Chinatown grab a drink at Joy Yee. They make some killer smoothies.

BBQ – There are two places I really like in Chicago for good old barbeque. One is Chuck’s in Burbank (http://www.yelp.com/biz/chucks-southern-comforts-cafe-burbank) and the other is Smoque on Irving and Pulaski. (http://www.smoquebbq.com/) Chuck’s is a local favorite that has a dish called chicken fried chicken that is sinful. I only get it once a year because it must have 10,000 calories. That gravy is like paste but damn if it isn’t good. At Smoque just get the brisket ,you can’t go wrong. It is so tender you don’t even need a knife. The place is always packed and with good reason. Everything I have eaten there is delicious. It is a bit of a ride from my house but well worth it.

Mexican – Living in Chicago we are privy to a number of really good Mexican restaurants. It is hard to limit this to one so, I again will list three. The original (at least I think it is the original location) Lalo’s in Berwyn is one of my old time favorites. (http://www.lalos.com/locations/3011harlem.html) If you like your food spicy then you will love Lalo’s. Maybe it is nostalgia but there is something about that Berwyn location that I like that you don’t experience at any of the other spots. Café Salsa in Countryside is quickly becoming a favorite as well. (http://www.cafesalsa.com/) Joyce and I have been frequenting this place for years and the food is always right on. (Sometimes the service leaves a tad to be desired however.) There tamales are some of the best in the city. Also they have a steak dinner called the Churrasco that they marinate in garlic that is an orgasm on a plate. Lastly for a good old cheap burrito at 3 in the morning nothing can beat El Farol in Summit. (http://www.yelp.com/biz/el-farol-summit-argo-2) Even my wife likes this burrito joint. Their meat (whatever animal they use that week) is seasoned just perfectly. I have consumed hundreds over the years and that can’t be a good thing.

Deli – Again, I have to list 2 places. For a sandwich my favorite place is still Perry’s Deli in the Loop. (http://www.perrysdeli.com/) I go down on a Perry’s Favorite like it is 1972 andI am Linda Lovelace. That thing is again 10,000 calories but damn good. For just a regular old sub sandwich I am a slave to Peppo’s mere blocks from my house. (http://www.peppos.com/) Their “guts” are what make the sandwich. My personal favorite is the #1 Ham, Salami and Swiss.

Mediterranean – I have gone back and forth on this argument with myself but, today I have to lean to Andie’s on Clark (http://www.andiesres.com/) I am a dill rice junkie and theirs is my favorite. A damn good hummus and I love their chicken kabobs. Reza next store is pretty good as well but Andie’s is cheaper and in my opinion a little tastier.

Jewish – I have not been to a ton of Jewish places so my experience is limited. With that said the Bagel on Broadway serves up some real good nosh. (http://www.bagelrestaurant.com/) They have a soup called the mish mash which is a half gallon of chicken broth with a matzo ball, a kreplach, noodles, rice and kasha. My brother tackled it back in the day so, I had to see if I could do it. I did and it is good but you aren’t right for like a day. Also, they put out complementary pickles on every table. A huge plus in my book.

Filipino – My wife would kill me if I didn’t include a Filipino listing. We have been to Cebu in Downers Grove a couple of times and I really like it. (http://www.ceburestaurant.net/contacts/) May I suggest the Chicken Adobo that they serve. Place is very good if you are a rookie to the Filipino cuisine.

Polish – I have been to a million polish restaurants in Chicago as living here we have a number to pick from. For me the best is the Red Apple Buffet on Milwaukee. The food they put out is outstanding. I could make a meal out of their apple pancakes alone. Only bad thing is the food is so heavy that for a buffet it is hard to force it all down. Just load up on perogies and do your best.

German – Well it used to be the Berghoff in the loop. (http://www.berghoff.com/Berghoff/home2.html) but they don’t have the sit down restaurant anymore. You can still eat there but it is more of a scaled back menu. Their German pot roast was to die for. Since the Berghoff essentially closed I am searching for a German place to call home. I have been told that the Chicago Brauhaus is good but I have not been there as of yet.

Thai – My wife loves Thai food. I like it. We go to a place in Palos Heights called Thai Smile that we both like. (http://www.yelp.com/biz/thai-smile-palos-heights-2) I usually go for the pad thai or a dish called Bangkok Chicken. I Admit, I haven’t gone to a ton of Thai places so, there are probably better out there.

Japanese – I don’t like sushi (I know I am the only one left) so, I will leave this choice to my wife. She likes Matsuya in Wrigelyville (http://chicago.metromix.com/restaurants/japanese/matsuya-wrigleyville/136080/content) I usually get an order of teriyaki chicken which is fine. Joyce loads up on California rolls and other assorted fish.

Italian Beef – There are a number of places that have a good beef but there is only one place that has a perfect beef sandwich and that is Duke’s in Bridgeview. (http://www.dukesitalianbeef.com/) Dukes has spoiled me. Many people will tell me about a beef stand that they say is better but sorry Dukes tops them all. Portillo’s beef is good but it is expensive and not nearly as big as Dukes. Johnnie’s in Elmwood Park is also very tasty but again is a tad on the small side. Duke’s uses just the right spices and the beef is lean. The sandwich is packed with meat and big enough for my appetite. If you have never had a Duke’s beef I really believe you are missing out on one of life’s great pleasures.

Chicken – For fried chicken I have yet to find a place that makes a better bird then White Fence Farm in Romeoville. (http://whitefencefarm-il.com/) Their chicken is to die for. Plus they have great sides. A vinegary cole slaw that I love and then of course the fritters. I really can’t do justice to the corn fritters at WFF. You have to go yourself and eat them. If you have then you know what I mean. Del Rhea’s Chicken Basket in Willowbrook also is pretty good and I would recommend that place as well.

Burger – I have eaten at a number of burger joints around the Chicaoland area. For my money Top Notch in Oak Lawn is the best. (http://chicago.citysearch.com/review/35368725?reviewId=33092871) There is also a Top Notch in Beverly (the O.G. location I believe) and in Orland. They grind their own beef and cut their own fries daily. It is the freshest, tastiest burger around. Also, do yourself a favor and get a shake there. You will thank me later. Kuma’s Corner on Belmont also has good burgers. They have a huge menu with a heavy metal theme and it is worth a trip just for the décor.

Pizza – Now how I could I do a list of food without including pizza, maybe my favorite food of all. There are two types of pie I will splint this into, thin crust and deep dish. For thin crust there are a number of places that I like. But if I am forced to choose my favorite of all of them, I have to give the nod to Fasano's in Justice. (http://www.fasanospizza.com/welcome.html) It is greasy, my wife hates it, but man there is something about that ‘za that makes my mouth water. For deep dish it is still Lou Malnotti’s. (http://www.loumalnatis.com/) That butter crust just makes the pizza. A very close 2nd is Louisa’s in Crestwood. It is Very under rated and worth the trip. Service there sucks though so be prepared to wait. Gino’s East used to be a favorite but, they are way too uneven to recommend anymore.

Ice Cream – For homemade ice cream nothing compares to the Plush Horse in Palos Heights. (http://www.theplushhorse.com/) Go there and you will never go to Baskin Robbins again. My personal favorites are the Chocolate Chip and Apple Pie. For soft serve I am a Premo’s guy. (http://www.yelp.com/biz/premos-drive-in-oak-lawn) As my Uncle Dan would say they have chocolate, vanilla and chocolate and vanilla. A medium twist on a summer night is heaven. Just like the Plush Horse one cone from Premo’s and you will never go to a Dairy Queen again.

Hot Dog – You can get a hot dog anywhere. And most of them are pretty much the same wherever you go. The one place that stands out to me is Hot Doug’s. (http://www.hotdougs.com/) For a Chicago dog they do it right (no ketchup.) On weekends they do the duck fries and trust me they are worth the trip. You will have to wait to get in the place but the wait is worth it.

Breaded Steak – Not really much of a competition but I had to throw it in because I love Ricobene’s. (http://www.ricobenesfamoussteaks.com/) I get mine with mozzarella which melts right on top. Man I am getting hungry just thinking about it.

Ribs – Two places to mention here. Locally by my house I like a place called the Pit. (http://www.thepitribhouse.com/) They are very tender and fall off the bone. Another place that has good ribs that I have not been to in centuries is the Gale Street Inn. (http://www.galestreet.com/) I need to go back as I cannot remember the last time I ate there but remember enjoying them.

Ok, that is a pretty comprehensive list. I am sure I missed some genres so feel free to let me know what I neglected to mention.

Friday, April 24, 2009

Java Jive

I haven’t had a cup of coffee since June, 22 1998. When I tell people this I get all kinds of perplexed looks. Most individuals that I encounter drink coffee and usually copious amounts of it. My co-worker in Chicago would have at least 6 cups before lunch it seemed. Why I quit coffee isn’t really an interesting story but one I guess I should explain.

I used to drink coffee. I used to drink a lot of it. In the mid nineties I was no doubt as most adults are, addicted. Caffeine is a drug like anything else and the more you use it the more addicted to it you become. Now, I was a 2 to 3 cup a day guy. Nothing earth shattering. My brother back in the day was a bigger consumer of java. He used to make it so strong he used to say, “That isn’t a cup of Joe it is a cup of Joseph.”

My addiction was much tamer. I would get up in the morning and get my first cup at the Chicago Ridge train station. There was this guy who ran a roach coach who was there every morning at the train station I used to board. For coffee out of a truck it was pretty good. It would give me that first bolt in the morning that most times I felt I really needed. This was my mid twenties and I was usually getting really shitty sleep. I either had a softball game the night before or I would have gone out with my friends.

Back then every Wednesday was spent at BJ McMahons. They had this special every Hump Day of 50 cent domestic drafts. I spent a lot of time there drinking Budweiser (back then I was a Bud guy) and playing darts. It was a lot of fun. That is until Thursday morning rolled around and I had to get up and go to work. Without that cup of coffee or two in the morning I would have never made it.

At least this is what I thought. Now after not having had any morning coffee in nearly eleven years I realize it was just my addiction I needed to feed. After my cup that I had on the train I would slog into IRI and grab a cup there as well. The free coffee they had in the cafeteria was pure shit. It was the cheapest worst tasting tar that I ever had. Thankfully, I moved to the Monroe building and there the client services team had some good stuff. I would usually steal a cup from them in the small break room we had in that building.

Eventually I changed jobs and I started working for Monsanto. When I moved to the Merchandise Mart they not only had free coffee but it was Starbucks. I increased my coffee intake at this point to 3-4 cups per morning. The problem with all this coffee was it was nuking my stomach.

Sadly, I inherited the Francone stomach. My grandfather for as long as I knew the man had stomach issues. He drank Mylanta like it was water. (It didn’t help that he smoked, drank coffee by the gallons and ate at least one meal a day at the greasiest truck stops located throughout the Chicagoland area.) All that coffee was wreaking havoc on my digestive system. I was getting these massive stomach pains which at first I wasn’t sure what the cause was.

I started the Mylanta diet and tried to figure out the culprit to my dietary issues. One day while I was reading about stomach ailments online I saw that coffee was one of the leading culprits. At that point the idea of giving up the sweet black beverage was not too appealing but I was sick of the stomach problems I was having. So, the day before I turned 29 I decided to see if I could do it.

I dove in head first and quit cold turkey. The first couple of days in a word, sucked. I head a headache for pretty much a week. I was sluggish and was overall in a shitty mood. The one positive is my stomach seemed to be better. However, it seemed I traded one ailment for a whole bunch of others. Slowly but surely the effects of my caffeine withdrawal subsided. Eventually my headache went away I started to feel like Nick again.

Nowadays I drink a cup of either red or green tea (decaffeinated) in the morning. I find myself rarely missing coffee anymore. I have known my wife over 10 years and in that time I have not shared one cup of coffee with her. My fear is that if I cave in again and have a cup I will go right back to being hooked. With all the other vices I have, java is one I guess I have bargained with myself I can live without. The funny thing is now I don’t even miss it. I have energy in the morning without it.

I firmly believe the reason I always felt like I needed that cup of Joe in the morning wasn’t because I needed the energy boost. It was that I was addicted to caffeine and I needed it to get going. My body had become dependent on it to start my day. Trust me, I am no tea totaler and I don’t begrudge people their morning Starbucks. (I mean my wife still loves coffee though she is a Dunkin Donuts fan.) If that gives you pleasure far be it me to tell anyone they shouldn’t enjoy it. For me personally, I can live without the coffee and I feel better for it.

Monday, April 20, 2009

I'm Back

I am back at work after a wonderful (for the most part) week off. Besides hitting beautiful Wrigley Field for two games I was able to stain my deck, throw down some grass seed for the bare spots in my lawn, and get out most of the patio furniture. I also completed a number of other menial tasks that had been on my list for awhile.

With that said for the most part my vacation was all about heading up to Wrigley to see my favorite baseball team. I went on Wednesday and on Friday. I saw a loss and a win and as usual had my share of Old Styles. Here are some random items relating to the Cub games I attended.

The best line I heard during the two days at Wrigley took place on the train platform on Wednesday. I get off on Addison and one of the drunk frat boys started singing Go Cubs Go, you know before the game even started. Being intoxicated at 11:30 in the morning is not a foreign experience to me but, I “don’t go cherry popping with bubble gummers, my friends can handle their high.” (Name the movie)

Anyway the drunk started berating the rest of us as we climbed down the stairs for not being Cub fans because we didn’t join in on his drunken version of the Steve Goodman classic. That was when this older gentleman became my hero. He looked at this moron and said, “Asshole, I was a Cub fan when you were still swimming around in your Daddies, balls.” That shut him up much to the delight of all.

Another amusing story happened after the game. My buddy Tony and I were walking along Clark Street near the Ernie Banks statue. A 20 something guy and his girlfriend were running towards us. The guy was about 5 steps ahead of his lady. Well, the woman had, had a couple of drinks and the motor skills were not working very well. So, as she was attempting to run her legs were running faster then her brain could process information. This caused her to fall flat on her face. She stuck her hand out at the last second to avoid a complete face plant onto the hard sidewalk pavement. Tony and I asked her if she was ok and all she could utter in a slurred drunken trixie voice was “I’m not running anymore.” That was wise. By the way the boyfriend never stopped to ask how she was.

I also have to offer some advice. I hesitate to let this secret out because my fear is that it will get out and ruin it for me personally. But, knowing my blog reaches an audience of about 5 people I really don’t have much to fear. If you need to meet people for a Cub game near the park, I cannot recommend meeting them at the Raw Bar enough. Raw Bar is located between The Trace and Metro right on Clark. It is mere steps from the ballpark yet, is never really that crowded before or after the game. Also, there are far less frat boys and trixies in the bar. You can sit at the bar and have a conversation and actually hear yourself talk. They have great food and while the beer selection isn’t great it suits me and my posse perfectly. Also, Tony the owner is a really nice guy who will B.S. with you. The Raw Bar has been my default Wrigley bar for nearly 10 years now and I see no need to change.

On a similar note I was sad to see the Sports Corner torn down. The Sports Corner was one of the original Wrigley bars dating back to my youth in the late 70’s. It might be the first bar I ever stepped foot in as a youngster with my Uncles John and Dan. I have told the story in this post http://10withamop.blogspot.com/2005/08/how-i-becmae-south-side-cub-fan.html#comments about my first experience with the female forum at the Sports Corner. I can only guess just how much cash the owner got by selling so, in a way I can’t blame him. Still, I will miss seeing the place as I head towards the park.

Lastly, here are some Cub game traditions for Nick. I must bring with me a bag of Cubs peanuts to every game. I buy them at Jewel and have them with me as I walk into the park. The bag has the Cub logo on it. You don’t want to eat peanuts before you walk into the park, but man there is something about being at a ballgame with an Old Style and eating some salty nuts. It makes life worth living. I also have to have my usual two hot dogs with mustard and relish as well. Last year I went to 19 games. That is 38 hotdogs last summer. That cannot be a good thing. I also start the year with a new hat. I then wear that hat until the Cubs lose, then I switch hats for the next game I go to. I have an order that I can’t really explain, to the process. Since they lost on Wednesday I am back to my second hat of the year. They won on Friday so, that is the hat I will wear to my next game. I will continue to wear said hat until I see them lose in it. I know it is insane but, ever since my Dad made me sit in the same seat on the couch that Sandberg hit his first homer in that famous game in 84 and it worked I have been superstitious.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Easter Blues

Today is Good Friday and Sunday is Easter. Easter has always been in my mind the lamest of the many lame holidays on the calendar. You don’t get a day off of work for it (However I see many still take today off based on the emptiness of my train this morning and our office resembling the hospital in the beginning of 28 Days Later.) Yet, I still have to make the rounds and visit parts of my family that are littered all throughout the Chicagoland area.

I don’t have any good Easter stories. I have good Christmas, Thanksgiving, Halloween, and St. Patrick’s Day memories. Easter, all I can remember is being dragged to church on Good Friday and having to sit there for what seemed like an eternity for the Stations of the Cross. (I believe now it is known as the Passion) For those not of the Catholic faith, basically it was a mass where the final hours of Jesus were re- told in all their bloody glory. After the endless mass was finally over it was usually followed (at least with my Grandparents) with a trip to the local VFW for the all you could eat fish fry.

Man, those fish fry’s were something else. If there was a way to make fish any unhealthier I would love to hear it. You basically take some cod and flash fry it in a Crisco based batter. My Grandpa’s VFW would be a mob scene on Fridays during lent. You wouldn’t be able to park and you would wait in line that stretched around Burbank for the artery clogging fish. It usually was like $5 for all the fish your stomach could handle.

Easter itself was more church with a mass that lasted longer than Ben Hur. Finally you go home and feast on some ham and if you were good a visit from the mythological Easter Bunny. I get Santa. The Easter Bunny that one just boggles my mind. I actually googled the Easter Bunny and read a little bit about the origins. Seems like the Germans are to blame for all of this. (Walter: Germans, fucking Nazi’s. Donny: They were Nazi’s Dude? Walter: Oh, come on Donny, They were threatening castration are we going to split hairs here?)

What is the point of all of this? I guess I just wanted to bitch about a day that really doesn’t matter much to me yet, still I feel obligated to celebrate with my family. Maybe bitch is too harsh a word. I like seeing my family. It is the constant travel throughout the day that bugs me. I don’t complain much about being a child of divorced parents because really I don’t have much to complain about. However, when it comes to holidays it becomes an issue. I have been visiting two sets of families since the 70’s and whenever it is perceived that I am spending more time with one side of my family over the other I get someone upset at me. It is getting old. (And I know I am lucky to have family and people that want to see me. I do feel blessed in that respect.)

In any event for those who still believe in all this religious mumbo jumbo, have a Happy Easter. Have fun with you Paas egg dye and marshmallow peeps. I just ask that you say a little prayer for me as I am swearing like a sailor fighting with all the other drivers heading south on 55 into the vastness of the western suburbs.

Thursday, April 02, 2009

Channeling My Inner Andy Rooney

Just some more things I needed to get off of my chest.

Parking Wars

I am going to the gym the other day and I am trying to park in the parking lot. I am trying to navigate my car down an aisle and I am blocked from moving because a woman has her large SUV taking up the entire lane waiting for the car in the second closest space to the door to back out and leave. All of this led me to ask what seemed to me a rather obvious question.

If you are going to the gym to work out why do you need to park so close to the door? I mean aren’t you in theory getting exercise parking farther from the door and walking a tad further. The weather was not an issue that particular day. It seems to me to be illogical to want to get the “Costanza” spot so close to the door of your workout facility. Maybe it is just me.

The Minivan A-Hole

On the same day, this time as I was driving home I had another experience with a member of the driving public. I heading south on Harlem avenue on my way home. I am getting ready to turn right onto 100th place when a green minivan cuts me off from the left lane and turns right in front of me. I had to slam on the brakes to avoid hitting him.

So, I am behind this ass on 100th place when he stops in front of me and turns left into Polekatz. For those who aren’t versed on the area, Polekatz is the local peeler joint in the southwest suburbs. A couple of thoughts crossed my mind at this occurrence. First, the fact that the guy was in a minivan would lead me to believe he has kids. Listen, I am no prude and far be it me to deny someone their freedoms. I mean looking at the local talent that Gidesh Park has to offer is about as American as you can get and if a man can’t do that then the terrorists win.

But, in these economic times there is something unsettling about a soccer dad tucking bucks in the g-string of a girl young enough to be his daughter. I don’t know the whole story but the fact that on a Tuesday night this guy was heading to a strip club while in the family van is disturbing. That he cut me off to get the privilege to pay $200 bucks for a case of blue balls is a whole other story. Like was he driving along when all of the sudden it him that oh, ya it is 6:30, I almost forgot it is time to go to Polekatz and get my $7.00 beer.

I have said it before, I am not a strip club guy. I never saw the appeal and I don’t need some girl to pretend to like me when in reality all she is after is what is in my wallet. I don’t know that particular guys story and they say don’t judge unless you walk a day in another mans shoes. But something tells me there might be a better way to spend your money and time on a week night.

Cici’s talked dirty to me.

There is a Cici’s Pizza across the street from our office in Downers. Normally I would not be caught dead in a fast food pizza joint but, they had this huge yellow banner in the front of the place advertising a $3.99 all you can eat buffet. Now, I am cheap and $3.99 for all you can eat is something I can’t pass up. I mean its pizza, even when it is bad it is good. So, a co-worker and I head over there to get our lunch on.

I go to pay and the dude ringing me up asks me if I want a regular drink or a to-go cup. Now, as I may have mentioned I am off soda. So far I have only broke down once all year and that was for a Steak and Shake Cherry Coke. So, I tell the guy all I want is water. He then tells me that the $3.99 deal is only valid with the purchase of a drink. Said drink runs $1.29 for fountain pop. I explain to the guy I don’t want a soda. He then tells me that the buffet costs $5.99 without the soda so, it is still a better deal to just buy the drink. I say fine and secretly vow to never go back to Cici’s on principle alone for false advertising. I slog through the line of sweat pants wearing moms and their brood of misbehaved children to get my couple of slices of cheese and pepperoni. I then get to the drink dispenser and find that they don’t have a dispenser for water. I ask the guy working there and he says that he can get me some from the sink in the back. I am not kidding, that was his suggestion. With that option not really appealing to me I settled on some iced tea.

I at long last sat down to eat. The food was pretty much what I expected. A Little Caesars quality 'za and some heated frozen garlic bread. The problem was that in the back was a game room, where all these kids are creating a loud ruckus. I have nothing against children. Let me amend that, I have nothing against well behaved children. The undisciplined kids I have a huge fucking problem with and it isn’t with the kids. It is with the mouth breathing parents who don’t bother to keep their kids in check. I was taught to be respectful of my elders and this was drilled into me at a very young age. The problem is now we have reversed everything. These parents let their kids run their lives and not to get on my soap box again but this is leading us into more of a lame society.

I hate to break this to the parents of America but, chances are your kid like most adults in the world is average. There is nothing wrong with being average. The problem is we have a society where parents are living their failed dreams through their kids. This has led to a society where every kid thinks he or she is special and thus what they want they get. If they want that to play more ski ball then they will cry and bitch and moan until the beaten down mother gives in just to get some peace. If I would have acted like a spoiled brat in public like that when I was a kid (you know back in the 70’s) I would have gotten my ass chewed out and with good reason.

Anyway, not sure how a post about Cici’s Pizza turned into a rant about the kids of America other than to blame it on my ADD. (I was diagnosed with ADD before it was hip.) If you want an example of the type of children I am talking about, just go to a Cici’s Pizza in Downers Grove on a Wednesday afternoon. To say I will not be going back is shall we say obvious.