FRICKER'S -- RICHMOND, IN

FRICKEN' COLD

We were on our way to Maryland and stopped for dinner in Richmond, IN. We were looking for somewhere different as we usually stop at Cracker Barrel or Perkins on our trips East. We saw this big red building and couldn't quite make out the name but decided to give it a try. When we entered, we saw it was a sports bar atmosphere which was okay as long as the food was good.

It wasn't very busy, even though it was right around the dinner rush at 6:30 and we had to wait a few minutes before we were told to have a seat anywhere. I wished there would have been a sign to this effect. It took even longer to get waited on. Gary is usually the impatient one, but it was me on this visit.

We took a look at the menu and found the "BEST DEAL" in town. A 16oz. Porterhouse Steak for $14.95 which both of us ordered. It was pretty cold outside and we both decided to order soup, along with our meal. Gary got the Chicken Noodle Soup (he said the chicken was a little tough) and I got a cup of Chili. The chili was very good, real chunky and a little spicy. It helped to warm us up a little which we really needed because it was fricken' cold inside the place. The definition of cold being between an igloo and a meat cooler ... it was COLD. We even mentioned it to the waitress to no avail.

We would have like to had our steak accompanied by a baked potato, but this choice was not available on the menu, so we choose steak fries which were fine. The menu said the steak was a one pounder, but it looked even bigger on the plate. The flavor was good, no need for A1. Our drinks were running low and it was nice that the wait staff covers for each other and when another waitress saw our drinks were about gone, brought us refills.

The clientele was of mixed ages and there were even a few school aged kids. There were plenty of TV to watch your favorite game or sports show. The only complaint, other than being cold was the rolls were room temperature and the butter was cold, so it was hard to spread.

Overall ... thumbs up!

Visited 2/25/14

3237 Chester Blvd.
Richmond, IN 47374
765-965-6655

 

BALLYDOYLE IRISH PUB AND RESTAURANT - AURORA, IL

He who loses money, loses much; He who loses a friend, loses more; He who loses faith, loses all. -Irish Proverb

Read more at: http://irishsayings.net

He who loses money, loses much; He who loses a friend, loses more; He who loses faith, loses all. -Irish Proverb

Read more at: http://irishsayings.net

He who loses money, loses much; He who loses a friend, loses more; He who loses faith, loses all. -Irish Proverb

Read more at: http://irishsayings.net

He who loses money, loses much
He who loses friends, loses more
He who loses faith, loses all
~Irish Proverb

He who loses money, loses much; He who loses a friend, loses more; He who loses faith, loses all. -Irish Proverb

Read more at: http://irishsayings.net

We were in Chicago for the Weekend for the Maritime Festival at the Chicago History Museum. We got together with my cousin for dinner on Saturday evening. She choose to take us to BallyDoyle in Aurora.

I was surprised that she was able to make reservations at a pub on Saturday night, but we were down for 7:30 p.m. for the four of us. We got caught in Chicago traffic and were 20 minutes late getting there. I was taken aback (although flattered, as well) when we were asked to show I.D. as we entered. It was obvious we weren't underage. I also noticed that there were children at a few tables inside, so that made me wonder. Although there were several people waiting, since we had our name on the list, we were seated right away which was another shocker because even with reservations, it seems like you still have to wait for a minimum amount of time. Maybe our wait time was in traffic and they gave us a break being late. We were even given the choice of two tables.

While they didn't have my favorite light beer on tap, and my cousin requested a couple of different varieties that they also didn't have, I settled for a Miller's Lite and two of the others had a draft Smithwick's. There was plenty to choose from on the menu and our server was very helpful, answering questions about things like the Shepherd's Pie and a certain kind of sandwich on a potato pancake, but I decided to go with the Stroganoff which was absolutely wonderful. My husband had Fish and Chips and the serving was large enough, it could have been split, if I would have given up my choice but … no way.

About 8:30, things started to get lively and busy and loud. By 9:00 when the band started, it was hard to carry on a conversation. I hadn't seen my cousin in a year, so we had some catching up to do. She kept apologizing for her choice but I thought it was just a festive, fun place and enjoyed our evening.

VISITED 2/22/14
BALLYDOYLE'S IRISH PUB & RESTAURANT
28 West New York Street
Aurora, IL

MAGGIANO'S LITTLE ITALY - CHICAGO, IL

CHICAGO ON A FRIDAY NIGHT

After a 3 1/2 hour drive and the gridlock of downtown Chicago on a Friday night, we were looking forward to a good Italian dinner after we checked into the hotel.  We have a Maggiano's nearly in Indianapolis but with it on the opposite side of town from where we live, we had never tried it.

I loved the Old World feel as we walked in the door.  We got there about 8:00 and was told there would be a lengthy wait for the dining room, but if we wanted to eat in the bar it wouldn't be quite as long, which was fine with us.  We were seated within 15-20 minutes which I thought was great for a Saturday night.

It took awhile for our server to bring us menus and water and another lengthy wait for the drinks we ordered from when she first came to the table.  I decided on the Chicken Parm and my husband had Chicken Marsala.  We both started with a Caesar salad which was just the right size and very good but again another long wait and my husband was growing impatient.  They really needed more staff and our waitress seemed a little frazzled at times.  Finally, the entrées were presented but it wasn't the dish my husband ordered, so back it went.  I have to applaud the server, as he suggested mine go back, as well, to make sure we dined together and could be kept warm.

The chicken was breaded well but the sauce needed a bit of something to spice it up just a little and make it more memorable.  The serving size was large and I left quite a bit on my plate.  My husband said the Marsala was comparable to most places.  The cost was very reasonable.  Our two entrées along with the salads and drinks ran around $55.

MAGIANNO'S 
516 N Clark St,  
Chicago, IL 60654-7102
Visited 2/22/14