It’s time for our annual preview of Chefs’ Fest 2011, presented each year by the Woodfield Chicago Northwest Convention Bureau! ; The event will be held on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at Arlington Park, and as always, it’s going to be a great event!

Listen to Joe’s interview with Dave Parulo, the President of the Bureau, and hear what’s coming up with the 40 exhibitors for the 18th annual Chef’s Fest!

Comments? Send an e-mail to discoverwoodfield@gmail.com or visit the Woodfield Chicago Northwest Convention Bureau’s website at www.chicagonorthwest.com.

As always, you also send your comments to us at cheapdateshow@gmail.com .

Thanks for listening!

This episode’s running time: 11:01.

Join us for our interview with Derek Hanley, owner of Peggy’s, to hear all the detail of this exciting event!

Details on the party can be found at Peggy Kinnane’s web site.

As always, you can reach us at cheapdateshow@gmail.com  with your comments and questions! And don’t forget to check into our Facebook page at this link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cheap-Date-Show/253639588763 and follow us on Twitter as “Cheapdate.”

This episode’s running time: 11:31.

It was a wonderful event as always, attended by 300 beer aficionados from all over the USA.  We had a blast with the people at our table, including a couple guys who were actually surprised that Lisa was there of her own volition– and the fact that she actually likes beer.  I guess they never heard our favorite sound bite where Lisa talks about how much she enjoys it.

Here are the winners of this year’s Shootout:

Beer
1. Haymarket Pub & Brewery
2. Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery
3. Rock Bottom North/South – Lombard & Orland Park

Food
1. Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery
2. Gordon Biersch, Bolingbrook
3. Haymarket Pub & Brewery

Pairing
1. Revolution Brewing Company
2. Haymarket Pub & Brewery
3. Gordon Biersch, Bolingbrook

You can read more about the event on the Society’s web site (linked above and right here) and you can also view our photos on the Cheap Date Facebook page!

We hope your 2011 started out as well as ours!  Talk to you soon!

Listen to our review of Biggby Coffee and our interview with owner Tim Mickelson.  We’re sure you’ll enjoy this one!

We love hearing from you– if you’d like to tell us about your dining experiences (or anything else that’s on your mind) please write to us at cheapdateshow@gmail.com . You can also join our Facebook page at this link, and follow us on Twitter as “cheapdate.”

This episode’s running time: 21:09.

When we asked the guy at the register what was going on, he indicated that the name had changed that day, and that was about all the information he had. We got the impression that he was probably just as surprised as we were. The Pacifica Mexican Grill menu is basically the same, albeit stripped down a bit. All the “Baja Fresh” trappings– cups, plates, etc.– were replaced with generic ones.

None of the media outlets covered this, and no press release was issued by Baja Fresh. We noticed several other people complaining about the stores in their areas suddenly closing, so I wrote to Baja Fresh and got this response:

Thank you for taking the time to contact Baja Fresh. The Baja Fresh restaurants you are inquiring about are no longer members of our franchise community. At Baja Fresh we take guest satisfaction very seriously, and unfortunately there were a number of operational and financial issues that led us to terminate our relationship with our Illinois franchisee and close all Baja Fresh restaurants in the Illinois Market. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused our loyal Baja Fresh Customers. There are no immediate plans to open another restaurant in this area; however Baja Fresh currently has 254 restaurants in 20 states and is continuously growing in its number of locations.

It looks like another good fast-food alternative is gone.

Listen to our preview of Chefs’ Fest 2010, presented by the Woodfield Chicago Northwest Convention Bureau! The event will be held on May 11, 2010 at Arlington Park Racecourse, and it promises to be a great time for all!

On this show, Joe interviews Dave Parulo, the Bureau’s Director of Membership and Community Outreach. Join the guys as they talk about what to expect at this favorite event, the 17th annual presentation of the area’s premier restaurant and hospitality show. We expect nearly 70 exhibitors this year!

Comments? Send an e-mail to discoverwoodfield@gmail.com or visit the Woodfield Chicago Northwest Convention Bureau’s website at www.chicagonorthwest.com.

This episode’s running time: 22:14.

This time around we’re visiting with some officers of the Chicago Beer Society, and we talk about this year’s Twelfth Annual Chicagoland Brewpub Shootout, one of our favorite events of the year.

Keep that feedback coming! Write us at cheapdateshow@gmail.com  You can also follow us on Twitter where we post as “cheapdate,” and if you’re so inclined you can join our Facebook Fan Page by clicking here.

Thanks again for listening!

“Send Me No Wine” is by The Moody Blues, and “Love” is by The Dream Academy.

This episode’s running time: 32:23.

Joining us this time around is Joe’s daughter Becca, who shares her thoughts on two of her favorite spots around the Chicago suburbs: Charles Romano’s in Des Plaines, and Chef Ping in Rolling Meadows.

We also mention our beer-expert friend Chris’ recent trip to Italy, and you can read his report by clicking here. You’ll be thirsty after reading it! And speaking of beer, we also talk about the upcoming 2010 Brewpub Shootout, sponsored by the Chicago Beer Society.

Thanks for all the emails and voice mails– we love hearing from and corresponding with you! You can drop us a line at cheapdateshow@gmail.com  And you can follow us on Twitter where we post updates as “cheapdate.”

Thanks again for listening, and here’s wishing you all the best for 2010!!

“Not So Silent Night” is by Charlie Crowe.

This episode’s running time: 17:01.

Join us for this year’s event at the Arlington International Racecourse, where we sampled many of the offerings from the 60 exhibitors who were present! Special guests Liz and Bob and Becca and Emma joined us for the festivities.

We’re presenting this as a Discover Woodfield show—if you’d like to hear more shows like this, drop by www.discoverwoodfield.com.

Some of the places we mention:

Lynfred Winery

Fox & Hounds

McCormick & Schmick’s

Birch River Grill

Sweet Baby Ray’s

eSkape

Pinstripes

Bob Chinn’s

Francesca’s Tavola

Cabela’s

Spring Valley Nature Sanctuary

The Grand Station

John Barleycorn

The Meadows Club

Weber Grill

Morton’s Steak House

Wildfire

Uno Chicago Grill

Lou Malnati’s

L’Eiffel Bistrot & Creperie

Dominick’s

Fuego Mexican Grill

Kendall Kelly Lewis Quartet

The Arlingtones

Big Shot Piano Lounge

Thanks again for the fine people at the Woodfield Chicago Northwest Convention Bureau for their hospitality and for putting together such a wonderful event!

We love your feedback, so please drop us a note at cheapdateshow@gmail.com and let us know what’s on your mind!

This episode’s running time: 15:35.

We’re back with an all-new show for you to enjoy… This time, we visit a brand-new addition to downtown Arlington Heights: Grand Station Restaurant and Cocktails! Listen in as we talk about the restaurant’s expansive drink and food menu.

Drop us a line at cheapdateshow@gmail.com if you’d like to share your thoughts about the show, And you can follow us on Twitter where we post updates as “cheapdate.”

Thanks for listening and have a wonderful holiday season and great 2009!

“Merry Xmas Everybody” is by Slade.

This episode’s running time: 22:34.

Join us as we talk about our favorites among the 100+ restaurants and events we’ve reviewed on Cheap Date since we started doing this show. If you’re not hungry after hearing this episode, we’re not sure what we can do.

And as we wipe away a little tear with our napkins, we announce that this will be the last Cheap Date in this series. We’ve had a blast sharing our experiences with you and we hope you got something out of our shows.

The Cheap Date web site and all our old episodes will remain online for the forseeable future, so you can refer back to them for your listening pleasure. You’ll also be able to continue e-mailing us at cheapdateshow@gmail.com, and you can follow us on Twitter where we post under the name “cheapdate.”

And be sure to keep us in your feeds, because we will be back one day with something new and exciting, and you won’t want to miss it.

In the meantime, thanks for listening!

“My Favorite Things” is by John Coltrane.

“Am I The Same Girl” is by Swing Out Sister.

“Soulful Strut” is by Young-Holt Unlimited.

This episode’s running time: 43:39

We follow that with Lisa’s first adventure in making a blueberry pie from scratch. Yummmmm.

We love hearing from you! If you’d like to tell us about your dining experiences in your town (or anything else that’s on your mind), please write to us at cheapdateshow@gmail.com

“Please Heart You’re Killing Me” is by Eleanor McEvoy. “Love” is by The Dream Academy.

This episode’s running time: 31:26.

First off, we share our thoughts about Gumrai Thai, a relatively new restaurant in downtown Arlington Heights.

Then, we talk about two bike rides in which we took part: Bike the Drive and The Miller Lite Ride for the Arts.

We round out the show with some of our favorite, cheap, Summertime things-to-do, including the Arlington Heights Evening Music Programs, Frontier Days, Capannari’s Ice Cream Family Nights, and Elk Grove Village’s Rotary Fest.

Something you’d like to share? Send your throughts to cheapdateshow@gmail.com

“Summer’s Cauldron” and “Grass” are by the fabulous XTC.

This episode’s running time: 32:34.

Come along with us as we tell you about the Tabor Hill Winery, Redamak’s, Red Arrow Roadhouse, Brewster’s Italian Cafe, and Ozzie’s Eatery. And if you’re still hungry after all that, there’s no hope for you at all.

We’d also like to welcome our new listeners who discovered us theough the article that appeared in The Daily Herald– here’s a link to the piece at the Herald’s sister site, beepcentral.com!

Happy Memorial Day weekend to our listeners across the US– Summer is officially underway!

The part of the Chocolate Torte in this episode was played by pastry from Urban Harvest.

Tell us what’s on your mind– send us e-mail at cheapdateshow@gmail.com . We love your feedback!

“Listen to the Music” is by The Doobie Brothers, from a 1979 Soundstage TV appearance. Party on.

This episode’s running time: 26:48.

This time around we enjoy an amazing breakfast at the L&L Snack Shop in Des Plaines, Illinois. Listen to the show for all the delicious, not-exactly-lo-cal details!

L&L Snack Shop is at 456 E Northwest Highway in Des Plaines, 847 803-6767.

We also follow up on what you call the drink made of many drinks, and we do a mini-review of a new candy from the Mars people: Mint Crisp M&Ms.

We love your feedback! Send us e-mail at cheapdateshow@gmail.com

“Ja Sei Namorar” is by Tribalistas. “Love” is by The Dream Academy.

This episode’s running time: 27:00.

First, you’ll join us for the most recent episode of Discover Woodfield! as we visit the 15th Annual Original Chef’s Fest at the Arlington International Racecourse. This is our Third Annual visit to the Fest, and once again our pals Liz and Bob accompany us along with Becka and Emma. Lots of food and fun, as well as some sweet Barbershop singing from The Arlingtones.

Then we announce the winners of our “Favorite Cheap Date” contest and read some of the entries. We had tons of responses, so thank you all for participating!

Lisa is feeling under the weather this week, so Joe is your cruise director for this episode. Or maybe he’s more like Gopher, your yeoman purser. At least there are no Kermodian rants this time around.

“Keep The Whole World Singing” and “Stout-Hearted Man” are performed by The Arlingtones, who provided live entertainment during Chef’s Fest.

Thanks again for your feedback and comments! As always, you can reach us at cheapdateshow@gmail.com

This episode’s running time: 26:04

Don’t forget to send in your entry to the Cheap Date Contest– there’s still time! Just tell us about your favorite Cheap Date– whatever it is, wherever it is— and we’ll draw two entries who will each win a brand-new 2 GB iPod Shuffle!

Send your entry to cheapdateshow@gmail.com with “Contest” as the subject line. The final day to submit your entry is this coming Friday, April 18, 2008, and we’ll announce the winners on our April 26th Cheap Date Show!

And as always, please keep those comments coming! You can reach us at cheapdateshow@gmail.com Your feedback makes this show even better, we promise.

“Oh Babe, What Would You Say?” is by Norman “Hurricane” Smith.

This episode’s running time: 22:29

We also talk a bit about our first anniversary and the pizza at Chicago’s legendary Lou Malnati’s, which is also available through the web.

There’s still time to enter our fabulous contest! Just send us your favorite date idea and we’ll draw two winners for brand-new 2 GB iPod Shuffles! We’ll announce the names on our April 26 2008 show, so send your entry to cheapdateshow@gmail.com and be sure to put the word “Contest” in the subject line.

Send us feedback at cheapdateshow@gmail.com . We love hearing from you!

This episode’s running time: 28:54

“Reciting Shakespeare” is by Dundrearies.

“Love” is by The Dream Academy.

We talk about our experience watching a taping of NPR’s “Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me,” and then we share our dining adventure at Thai Urban Kitchen in Chicago. Listen carefully to Lisa’s description of the tofu.

We also review the new General Foods On-The-Go “coffeehouse” drink mixes, and then Joe shares his breakfast experiment: french toast made with Irish Soda Bread.

Don’t forget to enter our contest to win one of two brand new iPod Shuffles! Just send us your favorite date idea and we’ll draw two winners and announce them on our April 26 2008 show! Send your entry to cheapdateshow@gmail.com and be sure to put the word “Contest” in the subject line.

This episode’s running time: 22:14.

“Tuesday Morning” is by The Pogues.

Joe talks about his visit to Palo Alto and offers some thoughts on Evvia Estiatorio and La Bodeguita del Medio, two really cool places with great food.

Then, Lisa describes the birthday breakfast she made for Joe, including this awesome Spicy Mocha.

That oughta explain why we’ve been at the gym all week.

We (heart) your feedback! Drop us a note at cheapdateshow@gmail.com

This episode’s running time: 31:52

“Pascifica” is by Los Straitjackets.

We also hear from Listener Chris with his guest review, and Joe uncovers the mystery of “Show today is crowded so we must move quick!” (You can see a clip here.) We also tease the fact that there’s a new Cheap Date contest coming up…

Thanks for listening, and please let us know what you think! You can reach us at cheapdateshow@gmail.com.

“Ain’t Misbehavin’” by Fats Waller.

This episode’s running time: 22:17.

We also provide a biscuits’n’gravy update, a recap of the Chicago Beer Society’s Brewpub Shootout 2008, some local restaurant news, and some ideas for this upcoming Valentine’s Day (sorta .

Let us know what you think of the show, or if there’s any place you’d like us to cover! You can drop us an email at cheapdateshow@gmail.com

“Iko Iko” was performed by Dr John on the finest musical TV show ever, NBC’s Sunday Night. Glad I taped it.

“Love” is by The Dream Academy.

This episode’s running time: 24:58

Learn why Joe won the Coolest Dad of 2008 Award: we’ll give you a hint: it involves a Sky Box and tens of thousands of screaming teenagers. You’ll also hear our thoughts on theme and incidental music, along with a request for suggestions from the audience.

Then it’s off to Sunny Side Up Cafe in Elk Grove Village where we had an awesome Saturday morning brunch. Listen for the details!

Let us know what’s on your mind! Send us an email at cheapdateshow@gmail.com. We love hearing from you! And thanks for downcasting our podload.

This episode’s running time: 27:23.

After discussing our holidays and our annual visit to Buffalo Joe’s in Evanston, we take you for a wonderful Louisiana dinner at Chicago’s very own Heaven on Seven.

We follow that up with a (return) visit to favorite Wishbone, and a mini-review of Elephant & Castle. We throw in a mention of White Palace Grill, too. You couldn’t hear about more delicious food if you tried. (And we’ve tried!)

Drop us a note at cheapdateshow@gmail.com – we love hearing from you!

This episode’s running time: 23:57.

We talk about A Christmas Carol, and in particular the film versions as well as The Goodman Theatre’s 30th annual production of the play.

Then we spend some time with Becka, as she shares her recollections about Christmases past and a review of how her 2007 played out.

Finally, we talk food, ’cause after all, that’s what we do.

Let us know how your holidays are going! You can email us at cheapdateshow@gmail.com  We love to hear from you!

Have a wonderful Christmas and a Safe and Happy New Year!

“A Merry Jingle” is by The Greedies. “Mary Cristo” is by Tribalistas. “Thanks for Christmas” is by The Three Wise Men. “Coming Home For Christmas” is by Chris Rea. Afters by Kermit and Miss Piggy.

This episode’s running time: 29:07.

This time around, we visit Hungry?, a new restaurant in Rolling Meadows. Listen to our review to see what we thought of this new entry to the dining utopia that is the Chicago suburbs…

We also talk about the fact that World Market has discontinued carrying Arnotts Originals, leaving many of us in the States without our favorite cookies.

Lisa closes out the show with a holiday tip. She just didn’t know she was gonna do one at the time.

As always, we love your feedback! You can send us your email comments at cheapdateshow@gmail.com, or you can leave a voice mail at 206 203-3283.

“Winter Wonderland” is by Steve Goodman. John Lennon’s “Love” is performed by The Dream Academy.

This episode’s running time: 25:09.

Happy Holidays!

This time, we share a few minutes at the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting in Arlington Heights’ North School Park.

Enjoy!

This episode’s running time: 5:00

This week we review ToPa Tavern and Grill in Elk Grove Village, where Joe enjoyed a Gumballhead American Pale Wheat Ale and Lisa had the famous 312 Urban Wheat Ale. And we haven’t even started on the food yet. Listen to the show for complete details!

We also spend some time gushing over this year’s Beaujolais Nouveau from Duboeuf, which is as delightful as the years before. If only we could remember them, that is. And we give a nod to Cycles Gladiator for their Pinot Noir.

Also highly recommended is our visit to Opera in Focus, as featured on our other show, Discover Woodfield. This is truly a Chicago area treasure, so be sure to check it out!

We’d also like to welcome all our new subscribers who joined us through the Zune Marketplace. Let us know what you think of the show and what you’d like to hear!

Thanks for all your comments, and please keep them coming! You can e-mail us at cheapdateshow@gmail.com . We love hearing from you!

“I Told Ev’ry Little Star” is by Linda Scott, as heard in the ultra-creepy David Lynch film Mulholland Drive.

This episode’s running time: 26:27

Join us for a round of performance art worth complaining about, thanks to The Complaints Choir of Chicago, who appeared at The Empty Bottle last weekend.

Then it’s off to Irazu Costa Rican Restaurant, where we had a wonderful dinner featuring the tastes of the Caribbean.

We follow up with a rave (and a rant) about Joe Strummer: The Future is Unwritten which opens at The Music Box Theatre this weekend, and we fill you in on a special presentation of the movie with the guys from Sound Opinions. Oh, and Joe has a cash offer of $25 for the right taker.

We also review the Bug Guts Sundae from Oberweis.

Thanks for downloading and please let us know what’s on your mind! Drop us a line at dish@cheapdateshow.com.

This episode’s running time: 29:03

And speaking of the devil himself, “Willesden to Cricklewood” is by Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros.

This time out, we visit Periyali Greek Taverna in Des Plaines for a wonderful family meal. We also spend some time talking about Halloween and lots of other stuff, too.

Here is the link to listener Chris’ recap of his two weeks in Europe drinking LOTS of really good beer.

And here is listener Thelma’s Orange Syrup recipe:

Orange syrup

1 can of frozen Orange juice (plastic can is microwaveable)

4 tablespoons Butter

Sugar

Water

Corn Starch

Put OJ and butter in saucepan over medium heat. Make sure to stir constantly. I don’t have a specific amount of sugar because I just put some in, test it, a little more, test it, and so forth. I think the last time I did this I put 4 spoonfuls in. I also used Splenda the last time I did it, and it came out great. I put in about third of the OJ can filled with water to settle down the OJ taste, and add 1 spoon of cornstartch. Keep stirring it over the saucepan. This only takes a few minutes to take.

If you don’t use it up, put it in a sealed jar and place in the fridge then when you need to use some just heat in the microwave and serve.

Other fun stuff mentioned: The Affy Tapple Factory Store, Oberweis Dairy, and the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce.

We’d also like to invite you to a live podcast by some wonderful Chicago podcasters at the Globe Pub, 1934 W Irving Park Rd, in Chicago. The hosts of The Brit and Yankee, ChicagoScope, Chicago Bites, and GamaSutra will all be there! Details on the flyer here!

Have something to tell us? Drop us a line at dish@cheapdateshow.com  We really enjoy all your feedback!

This episode’s running time: 29:40

“Kiss Them For Me” is by Siouxsie and the Banshees.

Comments, questions, and great thoughts are always welcome at dish@cheapdateshow.com!

This episode’s running time: 14:39.

Lisa shares her cobbler recipe, which can be found here. And her baked apple recipe is here.

Then it’s a recap of Crazy Apple Butter Daze at Lisa’s parents’ house in the fields of Indiana.

This week’s Cheap Date brings us to Teddy’s Just Good Food in Arlington Heights, featuring guest co-host Emma!

This episode was fueled by apple cider laced with mulling spices from The Spice House.

Thanks for all the great feedback, and please keep it coming! You can email us at dish@cheapdateshow.com.

“Johnny Appleseed” by Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros. Go Joe.

This episode’s running time: 28:33.

Joe talks about the “Highway McFifty,” a drink he invented, and the variations thereof. And if that wasn’t enough sugar for you, we taste-test the brand-new Snickers Dark candy bar.

Then it’s off to Bogie’s Ale House in Mt Prospect for– what else?– pizza and beer! Oh, and Lisa uses the term “over-herbed.” Listen for it.

We also share a little bit of news about the newly-renamed Biggby’s Coffee, and listener CB shares a review of the Atwood Cafe in Chicago.

“Paperback Believer” is by Mark Vidler.

As always, we love hearing from you!  drop us a note at dish@cheapdateshow.com!

This episode’s running time: 33:18.

Then we recap our BBQ excursion with an email from Shelly, and then Joe shares his favorite pancake recipe (originally by Ryan D’Agostino in Esquire magazine). Here it is:

Wallet Pancakes

• 1 1/4 cups flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 1 1/4 cup milk
• 3 tablespoons melted butter

Combine dry. Beat egg. Combine wet. Mix wet into dry. Stir until barely mixed. Can be doubled, tripled, etc.

Thanks for listening! And if you have any comments, please drop us a line at dish@cheapdateshow.com  You can also follow us on Twitter under the names 4thtime and jtl.

The next episode of Discover Woodfield! is now live, too… Enjoy our visit to another great place in the Chicago suburbs!

This episode’s running time: 27:48

Our first stop is at The Texan Barbecue in Algonquin, followed by a trip further west to The Huntley Dairy Mart. Needless to say, we weren’t very hungry by the time we were through with this Cheap Date!

We also share Nanette’s Sangria Recipe and continue on with the debate about the Five Major Food Groups. You already know about chocolate and beer, and we have some additions.

As always, thank you for downloading the show! Your comments are always welcome at dish@cheapdateshow.com  You can also follow us on Twitter under the names “jtl” and “4thtime.”

The next episode of our other show, Discover Woodfield! will be going live shortly. Be sure to check that out, too!

This episode’s running time: 33:17

We received a very generous wedding gift from a friend of ours, which led us to an incredible meal at Chicago’s Les Nomades. We can’t say enough wonderful things about this experience, so you’ll have to listen to the show for all the details.

We received a lot of feedback on our “dip” question in our last show, and we share the results this time around. We also announce our creation of Lisa and Joe’s Five Major Food Group Pentagram. Send in your votes today!

The show ran a bit long, so we saved some feedback and a guest review for the next time out.

Keep those comments coming! We love hearing from you. You can email us at dish@cheapdateshow.com or follow us on Twitter as 4thtime and jtl!

This episode’s running time: 38:18

Condiment or food? You be the judge. It’s a new listener poll.

Charlie’s Ale House on Navy Pier in Chicago was the venue for our meetup with fellow podcaster Shelly and her husband, The Fabulous Frank. Good food, good conversation, and a good place to go if you’re visiting the Pier.

We also discuss the “Micks at the Mike” event presented by Bottom Shelf Comedy at Murphy’s Pub in Arlington Heights. Great stuff, and truly cheap!

There’s listener feedback, and then it’s time to go.

This episode fueled by Potocki Vodka and Cruzan Black Strap. (Not mixed together, mind you.)

Please keep those comments coming! You can send an email to dish@cheapdateshow.com We love hearing from you!

This episode’s running time: 35:40

Listener CB also offers his Guest Review of Barnelli’s, which can be found attached to Portillo’s Restuarants all over the Chicago area.

We love your emails and voice mails! You can reach us at dish@cheapdateshow.com to share your thoughts on pretty much anything…

This episode’s running time: 34:17.

Our Cheap Date this week is at Big Sammy’s Hotdogs in Elk Grove Village, where you can get a good, honest, dog and a Pizza Puff. You’ll also hear a little about our annual visit to Superdawg. Mmmm.

Keep those comments and voice mails coming! You can reach us at dish@cheapdateshow.com.

See you in a week!

This episode’s running time: 15:27.

This week, we talk about Lisa’s new Sangria recipe, followed by an update on the Arlington Heights Frontier Days Festival and American English, an awesome Beatles tribute band.

Our dining adventure this week is Hackney’s on Harms in Glenview, Illinois. Delicious!

Thanks for downloading the show! Be sure to let us know what you think by sending an email to dish@cheapdateshow.com or you can leave a voice mail at 206 203-3283.

Be sure to check out our other show, Discover Woodfield!

This episode’s running time: 31:58

We stayed at the Belle Aire Mansion and dined at Backstreet. We also sampled lots of goodies at Galena Canning Company. Mmmmm.

We have a special bonus for you, too: Lisa’s recipes for summertime slushies. And Joe enjoys a Sprecher Root Beer during the show.

Thanks for downloading the show! Be sure to let us know what you think by sending an email to dish@cheapdateshow.com .

And don’t forget to check out our other show, Discover Woodfield! We have a new show going live on July 1, 2007.

This episode’s running time: 31:51

El Sombrero in Mt Prospect and The Thai House in Hoffman Estates are our two stops this episode. And they were both delicious.

Send you comments and other great thoughts to dish@cheapdateshow.com.

This episode’s running time: 29:18.

In this episode, we take you for a vegetarian dinner at Chowpatti Vegetarian Cuisine, followed by Joe’s tales of his trip to Tokyo.

Thanks for all your comments! You can reach us at dish@cheapdateshow.com or you can leave us a voice mail at 206 203-3283!

This episode’s running time: 38:24.

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Aaron and Jenny spent some time with us this week, and we went for an awesome breakfast at The Village Grill of Arlington, just to give them a taste of the northwest suburbs of Chicago.

We also get a Vegetarian Update from Lisa. Mmmmm.. tofu.

Keep the comments coming! You can reach us at dish@cheapdateshow.com or leave us a voice mail at 206 203-3283.

This episode’s running time: 28:14.

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This year, there were over 60 restaurants, hotels, and other purveyors of food and fun offering samples to the attendees. For a $30 admission fee, visitors could sample as much as they wanted.. Great stuff!

This episode also serves as the pilot for our new sponsored podcast, Discover Woodfield, which will have its debut in May.

Some of the places and food we mention:

Fuego:ceviche, chicken breast with mole poblano and mole pistachio

Emmett’s Pub: cheese, sausage

Fox & Hounds: pulled-pork sandwich

Wildfire: chopped salad, mashed potatoes, seared salmon

Bonefish Grill: Ahi Tuna Sashimi

Vittorio di Roma: Chocolate Cake

Clearbrook Cafe: Coffee and Donuts

Le Titi de Paris: amazing chocolate things

Tradewinds @ Sheraton Chicago Northwest: White Chocolate Mousse and Creme Brulee, chocolate dipped strawberries

Lynfred Winery: red, white, and rhubarb wine

Lou Malnati’s: Pizza

Birch River Grill: Pulled Pork Sandwich

Drop us a note– we love your comments! You can reach us at dish@cheapdateshow.com or you can leave a voice mail at 206-203-3283.

Thanks to Alyssa, Amanda, Linda, and David from the Bureau for their hospitality, and stay tuned for the debut of Discover Woodfield!

This episode’s running time: 31:56.

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This week’s show is a double-header:

First, we visit Thai Little Home Cafe in their new home in Arlington Heights.

Then, we take you to Armand’s Pizzeria in downtown Arlington Heights for some great Italian cuisine. Two home runs tonight!

Lisa shares her thoughts on being a vegetarian for the month of April. And she shares this awesome bean recipe: try it– you’ll thank her.

Thanks to everyone for the good wishes from our wedding! We appreciate all your wonderful congratulations and comments, and please keep them coming (the comments, not necessarily the congrats). You can leave a message at 206 203-3283 or send an email to dish@cheapdateshow.com.

This week’s running time: 28:05

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Yes, your hosts got married last weekend, and it was wonderful. We talk about our cake from Jarosch Bakery in Elk Grove Village, Cristalino Extra Brut Cava (which fuels this episode), wedding favors from Godiva, the fabulous folks at Refined Dining, and special thanks to Mitch at Tuscan Market for all the great referrals.

Then it’s off to Las Vegas and The Bellagio, where we spent our honeymoon. We also took in The Beatles Love at The Mirage, which was fantastic.

We also share some Las Vegas tips, but unfortunately none to help out at the BlackJack tables.

Keep those e-mails, voice mails, and special notes coming! Drop us a line at dish@cheapdateshow.com or leave us a voice mail at 206 203-3283. We love hearing from you!

This episode’s running time: 52:28.

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This time we start out with some wedding talk and then it’s on to a tale of international intrigue. This is a story that has a HAZMAT unit, stolen radioactive material, and a really tasty Monte Cristo sandwich. You won’t want to miss it!

Our Cheap Date visit takes us to Omega Restaurant in Niles, Illinois. Good stuff and something to please everyone

Drop us a note at dish@cheapdateshow.com or leave us a voice mail at 206 203-3283. We’d love to hear from you!

This episode’s running time: 30:42.]]>

The highlight of this week is the one-night-only presentation of This American Life at the Chicago Theatre. The show was called What I Learned From Television. Turns out, there’s a lot.

Dinner tonight is as Petterino’s, right in the theatre district.

Thanks for all your comments! You can reach us at dish@cheapdateshow.com. You can also leave us a voice mail at 206 203-3283. Thanks again!

This episode’s running time: 35:30.

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We start off talking about our Super Bowl Sunday dinner, including an awesome beef tip roast from Costco (seasoned perfectly by a concoction from The Spice House) and latkes. We also talk about the wonders of dendritic salt, so be prepared to learn somthin’.

Then it’s off to the Ninth Annual Chicagoland Brewpub and Microbrewery Shootout, presented by The Chicago Beer Society! Food. Beer. Yum.

We share some listener feedback, including this Rachael Ray video from listener Adan, and a Guest Review of Pompei from listener CB. We also talk about our upcoming appearance on fellow Chicago restaurant podcasters Tammy and Bridget’s Chicago Bites.

Oh, and there’s more Xuxa.

We love your comments! Send us a note at: (dish@cheapdateshow.com), or leave a message on our voice mail line (206 203-3283)! Thanks for listening!

This episode’s running time: 32:55.

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