...the hiatus is over...thanks for your patience and for continuing to be a valued reader and supporter of my creative endeavors...
I recently went on a press trip sponsored by the DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau
(http://www.discoverdupage.com). While my interest was in the area of food and
wine, I was amazed at the wealth of activities and points of interest to
experience in the county I’ve called home for approximately twenty-one years. Following are some of those experiences.
~ Some Dining Experiences ~
 |
| (Stuffed Eggplant Bundle and Quinoa Pilaf; photo by B. Edwards) |
Arrowhead Restaurant
& Bar (Wheaton) ~ Arrowhead
is a lovely restaurant that overlooks a beautiful outdoor patio near the
“eighteenth” of the Arrowhead Golf Club,
a beautiful and exceptionally well-maintained public course. Our group feasted on a generous sampling of
all of their appetizers, where it was difficult to pick one or two that were
standouts, since all of them were quite tasty.
We then got a chance to order an item off of their new spring menu, and I
selected one of their vegetarian options, grilled
eggplant roulades stuffed with Boursin cheese and smothered in marinara, quinoa
pilaf wrapped in slivered cucumber, and fresh vegetable haystacks; this
dish was delicious. Executive Chef Alan Pirhofer makes sure there’s a wide range of
food options on the menu that cater to all dietary needs.
 |
| (Bar Bites; photo by B. Edwards) |
Dave & Busters
(Addison) ~ I’ve never experienced one of these national franchises until
this trip, and was very impressed; multiple nooks and crannies that suit just
about any type of gamer, and an extensive menu edibles and libations. Our group enjoyed a special springtime non-alcoholic margarita made with watermelon
reduction and juice; the glass was rimmed in green sugar and was very festive
looking; the “bar bites” were delicious, as was the main course of sautéed rosemary chicken breast and Caesar
salad; the individual Belgian dark
chocolate fondue servings were loaded with optional adds; making S’mores tableside was a hit, I also
enjoyed dunking the fresh fruit into the exquisitely melted chocolate. The extensive drink and food menu includes a
wide range of options to suit any palate preference.
 |
| (Surf and Turf; photo by B. Edwards) |
Glen Prairie (Glen
Ellyn) ~ Glen Prairie is a highly
acclaimed fine dining restaurant that prides itself on quality ingredients and
inventive culinary creations that celebrate their commitment to principles of
sustainability and Locavore. Chef
David Ovanin created a special menu for our group that featured mouth-watering
appetizers and entrees; I chose their take on “surf and turf”, which was delicious and a perfectly prepared
tribute to spring; risotto with spring
peas accented with Nueske brand bacon, grilled white fish, paired with grilled
saddle cut of sirloin, and accented with roasted spring carrots. Glen
Prairie offers an extensive menu of food options that highlight seasonal
and local bounties, pleasing all palates and dietary needs; Chef Ovanin is also on the ready to come
or tableside, to offer his suggestions.
 |
| (Lynfred Winery Montage) |
Lynfred Winery
(Wheaton) ~ Lynfred Winery is the
largest and longest operating winery in the state; visitors can enjoy tastings
of their extensive wines, while browsing their boutique of interesting culinary-themed
wares; tours can also be arranged of the inner-workings of the heart of the
winery, as well as a tour of their unique one-of-a-kind overnight rooms; each
of the four rooms is decorated to replicate a global wine destination; the Winery is also a popular spot for
special events. Although I enjoyed the
tasting of their wines and browsing the boutique, our group was given a special
tour of their wine-making area; I was impressed with the number of distillation
tanks, hundreds of barrels of wine in various stages of aging, and a large
quantity of wine in the bottle-aging stage.
Lynfred Wines are available
throughout the area to restaurants and retail outlets, as well as consumers. http://www.lynfredwinery.com
~ Additional Points of Interest ~
The trip also included tours of the following points of interest.
Each impressive stop offered a wide variety of observational and interactive
activities that emphasized education, imagination, and inspiration.
Cantigny
Park (Wheaton) ~ Steeped in history, Cantigny Park is the former estate of
revered Colonel Robert R. McCormick,
and includes the Robert R. McCormick
Museum, The First Division Museum, and the McCormick Mansion. The Park
was named after the first victorious battle of America in WWI; the Colonel commanded the Artillery Battalion of the U.S. First Division, which won this
battle. The Park is set on a sprawling five hundred acre location that has
extensive walking trails, gardens and a golf course; the Visitors Center and Education Center provide extensive historical
information on this iconic location. Our
group was given a special tour of the McCormick
Mansion; not only impressive, the Mansion
was also inspirational, and made me feel like I was living in an era that had
been frozen in time.
Lizzadro
Museum of Lapidary Art (Lombard) ~ This museum houses hundreds of
exquisitely carved gems and minerals that are grand works of art; an interactive
entertainment center regularly shows movies on the history of this museum,
bequeathed to the city of Lombard by the Lizzadro
family, and the history of lapidary
art; not to miss is the impressive boutique gift shop. http://www.lizzadromuseum.org
Sheldon
Peck Homestead (Lombard) ~ The Homestead was an integral part of the “underground railroad path”; Peck also promoted educational equality for
all, in a day when it was deemed both racially and gender prohibitive; it also
features artifacts from the 1800s of day to day living, including a garden.
Warrenville
Historical Museum & Art Gallery (Warrenville) ~
Artists Adam and twins Ivan and Malvin Albright were residents of this town;
the Museum preserves their history,
along with some of their works of art on display, most notably Ivan Albright’s “Picture of Dorian Gray”. Throughout the Museum, there are displays of art, artifacts and reference
materials on the history of the city. http://www.warrenvillehistorical.org
~ Miscellany ~
Bottle and Bottega
(Glen Ellyn) ~ Celebrate your inner Monet
while sipping your way through the finer aspects of self-expression on canvas; veteran
artists guide all artist wannabes; all materials are provided and guests get to
take their masterpieces home as a keepsake.
http://bottleandbottega.com/glen-ellyn/
Crowne
Plaza (Glen Ellyn) ~ Our group overnighted at this upscale
hotel, which is close to major highways and is also the home of the
award-winning Glen Prairie Restaurant;
wonderfully comfy beds that assures a solid night’s sleep, plus a tasty buffet
breakfast the next day, will help start the next day on a high note.
Lilacia Park (Lombard)
~ Lombard is known as the “Lilac Village”
because of the extensive number of these fragrant bushes that line many of the
cities streets, in addition to this beautiful city park; the park attracts
visitors from all over to see and smell these exquisite blooms each spring;
there’s also the annual Lilac Parade,
complete with a Lilac Queen and Princess Court. http://www.lombardparks.com
~ In Closing ~
Sometimes it’s a surprise to explore and experience what’s in
your own backyard. These eye-opening
mini-adventures are another way to experience a “staycation” without the hassle
of baggage, limitations, delays, and the TSA.
Even though you may think you know the area you live in, start looking
into points of interest you’re not familiar with or haven’t experienced, then start
planning your adventure.
That’s it for this edition.
Until the next one, remember to always celebrate yourself and your culinary
curiosity. Happy cooking…happy eating…happy drinking.
By Terry Herman
TERRY HERMAN continues perfecting her passion for food and
wine. She has been covering culinary
related for many years as it relates to wellness and a healthy lifestyle. Her popular blog, Terry's Spa, Beauty and Wellness
Go-To has featured formidable reviews of cookbooks, restaurants, wine and
food, food prep and tools, chef interviews, and coverage of prestigious events
such as the International Home+Housewares Show, the National Restaurant Show
and the Sweets and Snacks Expo. She has
been published since the mid-1990s in both consumer and trade publications, and
is regarded as an expert in spa, beauty, wellness, travel and lifestyle, and is
frequently interviewed by publications for her expert content. She has also presented at major industry
conferences, and has served with distinction on numerous governing and advisory
boards. She has a background in
strategic and qualitative management, consulting, and motivational speaking. Her social media outreach includes Facebook,
LinkedIn, Twitter, Cision Seek or Shout, Plaxo, Red Room, Pinterest, and
Tripatini. For additional information,
email her at terry.herman@gmail.com.
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(Photo credits as noted and/or represented by the specific brand.)
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