Q-Tips Reviews

Ordinary Angels

Posted on May 23, 2026 by Q-tips

Based on a remarkable true story, ORDINARY ANGELS centers on Sharon Steves (Hilary Swank), a fierce but struggling hairdresser in small-town Kentucky who discovers a renewed sense of purpose when she meets Ed Schmitt (Alan Ritchson), a widower working hard to make ends meet for his two daughters. With his youngest daughter waiting for a liver transplant, Sharon sets her mind to helping the family and will move mountains to do it. What unfolds is the inspiring tale of faith, everyday miracles, and ordinary angels.

Q tips say: WOW! Yes we enjoyed Ordinary Angels. A heartbreaking story everyone else thinks is hopeless, and Sharon (Hillary Swank) somehow manages to triumph over the most daunting of obstacles. Hilary Swank brings incredible energy and humanity to her role, while Alan Ritchson delivers a surprisingly restrained and vulnerable performance as a struggling father.

Mrs. Q says: This movie reminds me that ordinary people can sometimes make an extraordinary and positive difference in our lives. We need more of this in our present society.

Posted in Movies 2026 | Comments Off

Send Help

Posted on May 22, 2026 by Q-tips

Two colleagues become stranded on a deserted island, the only survivors of a plane crash. On the island, they must overcome past grievances and work together to survive, but ultimately, it’s an unsettling, darkly humorous battle of wills and wits to make it out alive.

Q-tips say: Thought we would like “Send Help” but the ending is a bit awkward & disappointing. This was humorous and intense. Quickly paced and the 2 characters were great. Got a little dumb at the end.

Posted in Movies 2026 | Comments Off

GINO’S NORTH PIZZA – EDGEWATER -near Loyola U.

Posted on May 21, 2026 by Q-tips

1111 W Granville Ave Chicago, (773) 465-1616, ginosnorth.net

Nice seeing Mixologist – Jen.

5/21/26 – Had a wonderful dinner with long time friends, Wayne & Marge.

Wayne had: Wine

Marge had: Water

Mrs. Q had: An Old Fashion & a Cosmo.

Mr. Q had: A Perfect Manhattan & a glass of wine.

We shared: The Antipasto & Garlic Bread & each couple had: Gino’s Special pizza – Includes Italian sausage, fresh mushrooms, green peppers, black olives & onions.

Gino's North — Beautiful Holiday Decorations

Gino’s Special pizza – Includes Italian sausage, fresh mushrooms, green peppers, and onions.

Posted in Chicago Rest. 2026 | Comments Off

L Woods Tap & Pine Lodge – in Lincolnwood, IL

Posted on May 20, 2026 by Q-tips

5/20/26

Photo of L. Woods Tap & Pine Lodge - Lincolnwood, IL, United States

It has been awhile since we went to L Woods. So after running errands, & Dr. appts., decided to go here.

Food, service & libations were good. Yes, you can eat indoors or outdoors in a covered area with heat lamps.

Some of the entrees are large, so feel free to share one.

FYI – SURCHARGE – As a way to offset rising costs, we have added a 3% surcharge to all checks. You may request to have this taken off your check should you choose.

Mrs. Q says: She likes the inside décor. It reminds her of supper clubs in Wisc.

Began our meals with a Happy ( 3 till 5) Hour Old Fashion & Perfect Manhattan.

Mrs. Q had: cup of French Onion Soup & Weds. Special – Chicken Pot Pie – carrots, celery, sweet corn, English peas, flaky pastry crust.

Mr. Q had: Bowl of Tomato Soup & Fish & Chips house-made salt and vinegar chips.

Inside Décor

French Onion Soup - Lunch Menu - Samuel Slater's Restaurant - American Restaurant in Webster, MA — cup of French onion soup

L. Woods Tap & Pine Lodge Restaurant in Chicago | diningchicago.com

Posted in Chicago Rest. 2026 | Comments Off

LINCOLN PARK Z00 5/19/2026 – IT IS FREE !

Posted on May 19, 2026 by Q-tips

LINCOLN PARK ZOO – 2200 N Cannon Dr., Chicago, IL 60614, (312) 742-2000, lpzoo.org

The exterior of Lincoln Park Zoo in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago. This zoo is free to everyone year round and features 1,100 animals Stock Photo - Alamy

Mrs. Q-SAYS: YES, GO AND ENJOY! IT IS FREE! – FREE IS GOOD.

Decided to thru the zoo instead of around the hood. Had a great walk & beautiful weather.

LINCOLN PARK ZOO is a wonderful place to visit – old and young alike enjoy the wonderful zoo & lakefront. Found free parking on the street but there is a parking lot & pay the fee just in case you can’t find free street parking. Many animals to see and they were active due to the sunny beautiful weather. The Zoo offers little people train & all restaurants were open. Restaurants and sidewalk vendors are available as well as areas to picnic either under shelter or on the grassy areas. The small working farm was not open along with a few other venues but most are open. The day we went the animals were very active, which adds to your enjoyment.

Mrs. Q says: The Zoo was busy with School children & families enjoying the Zoo. The four legged animals were out playing & enjoying the day also. Go and enjoy, it may not be the largest Zoo due to lack of some animals but a great way to spend the day. I miss the Elephants.
PS Lincoln Park Zoo has a great Ape House. So go and enjoy – say HI your distant relatives!

Photo of Lincoln Park Zoo - Chicago, IL, United States

Photo of Lincoln Park Zoo - Chicago, IL, United States. Love the Zebras!

Photo of Lincoln Park Zoo - Chicago, IL, United States. Gorilla — **Hi to my very very distant relative.**

Posted in Chicago Events 2026 | Comments Off

Beard & Belly

Posted on May 18, 2026 by Q-tips

6157 N Broadway Ave Chicago, IL – (773) 754-7429, beardandbellychicago.com

Beard & Belly and Honeypie Bake Shop - CHICAGO, IL 60660 (Menu & Order Online)

5/18/26 – Mrs. Q had: Old Fashioned – Maker’s Mark – demerara, Regan’s orange bitters, angostura bitters with an orange swath- dirty ice on the side.

The other half had: Perfect Manhattan.

Yes, enjoyed the ambiance- Sandwiches can be big at times so we share sometimes.

We shared the: Baked Pretzels w/ mustard.

Shared: Half Pint Burger w/Fries/
cheese sauce on the side.

Chicken Hand Pie -Flaky, buttery
pastry crust with savory filling.

The outside heated tent space. The heaters are those tall lamp-like objects.

Posted in Chicago Rest. 2026 | Comments Off

Tapas Barcelona

Posted on May 17, 2026 by Q-tips

5/17/26 -1615 Chicago Ave Evanston

(847) 866-9900, tapasbarcelona.com

We shared the bread.

Q-tips shared: Queso de Cabra con Tomate – Baked Goat cheese in tomato sauce, garlic bread. Gambas al Ajillo – Sauteed shrimp with olive oil, garlic and chiles. Chuletas de Cordero – Baby lamb chops in a savory red wine sauce served with couscous.

**Gambas al Ajillo** – Sauteed shrimp with olive oil, garlic and chiles.

**Chuletas de Cordero** – Baby lamb chops in a savory red wine sauce.

Pulpito a La Plancha

Posted in Chicago Rest. 2026 | Comments Off

Indie Cafe – Sushi

Posted on May 11, 2026 by Q-tips

5/11/2026 – 5951 N Broadway St Chicago – (773) 561-5577 – indiecafe.us

Photo of Indie Cafe - Chicago, IL, United States. Chicago's best casual neighborhood sushi spot

Indie has indoor/outdoor seating. BYOB with corkage fee for Beer & Wine only. No BYOB outside.

Today was “Maid Day,” – Cleaning Day, which means NO COOKING DAY. This visit was a take home & we ate and drank our favorite libations at home.

We shared & always enjoy one of the best Crab Rangoon around.

Mrs. Q ordered the BIBI SUSHI – 7 pcs. of Nigiri and one California Maki roll – no sesames please & Wonton Soup. A Cosmo with dirty ice (ice from the shaker) on the side.

The other half had: OMAKASE – 9 pcs of Sashimi, a few pieces of Unagi & Miso Soup. His Saki.

Women Owned Restaurant – Executive Chef Iggy Waranon and Co-Owner Gui Prasartkul came to Chicago in 1998 to study the arts of photography(Governor State University) and film making(the School of the Art Institute of Chicago).

Photo of Indie Cafe - Chicago, IL, United States — Delicious Crab Rangoon

Photo of Indie Cafe - Chicago, IL, United States. Omakase Nigiri — Omakase Nigiri

Photo of Indie Cafe - Chicago, IL, United States. Unagi is so good:) — Delicious Unagi

Photo of Indie Cafe - Chicago, IL, United States. Lunch special — Lunch Special

Posted in Chicago Rest. 2026 | Comments Off

McNamara’s Irish Pub

Posted on May 8, 2026 by Q-tips

2740 Old Lebanon Rd Nashville, TN

mcnamarasirishpub.com

On our way to Chicago, our favorite Son, Sean, suggested to stop at this Irish Pub for dinner & an overnight stay at The Hampton Inn. The Inn was the cleanest place we have ever stayed in & the bed & pillows the best ever – Mrs. Q wishes she had that mattress & pillows at her house.

The Pub was awesome. The service/drinks/food & the ambiance was outstanding.

Sean had: A Guinness beer & soup & Steak & Guinness Pie -Guinness Marinated. Beef Tips with Button Mushrooms in A Rich Brown Sauce. Topped with Puff Pastry Served W/ Steak Fries.

The Q-tips shared: Irish Stew & the other half also had soup. Our usual drinks: Old Fashion & Perfect Manhattan.