Q-Tips Reviews

TRENCHERMAN’S – 2039 W North Ave., Chicago, IL 60647, (773) 661-1540, trenchermen.com

Q-Tips say: The Q’s went to celebrate their anniversary and had a great time. The food, service and ambiance was terrific. Our appetizers: CDK Farm Beef Tartare, Sunflower Aioli, Sunchoke, Crispy Rice Paper $12, & Tuna, Wild Chickpeas, Green Romesco, Almonds $16. Entrees: Seared Scallops, Smoked Chicken, Green Peas, Spring Onion, Sherry Jus $30, & Beef Shoulder, Beets, Caraway, Sugar Snap Peas $28. TWO cocktails were in included in the Groupon – a great deal. Took public transportation because parking is only street parking and glad we did because it was heavy “rush hour” traffic.

Mrs. Q says: Pricey but decent food options and something different. Have been here before when it was called “Summer.” Summer went under and now a new owner and new chef. It it in a bldg. that was a “bath house” many years ago. Ah yes, I am full of worthless information.

MAGGIE DALEY PARK – 407-461 S Columbus Dr., Chicago, IL 60603, www.maggiedaleypark.com

The MAGGIE DALEY PARK offers: Several Climbing Walls -Skating Ribbon, Play Garden, Fieldhouse, Tennis Courts, Picnic Groves, Cancer Survivors’ Garden, and special Programs & Events.

Mrs. Q says: A wonderful park located on the beautiful lakefront of Lake Michigan. The play areas are arranged for different age groups. EXCELLENT place for families to have fun and let the little one run, and run till they get tired.

CHARLES DAWES HOUSE – 225 Greenwood St., Evanston, IL 60201, (847) 475-3410,
evanstonhistorycenter.org

Q-Tips say: Go and enjoy. They are open daily from 1 to 4 PM. Docent tours on on Wed. Th. Fri. at 1, 2, 3 o’ clock (call before going to be sure the docent tour is on). Parking is FREE – FREE is GOOD by the park area facing the lake. Full of history and the life and times of Charles Dawes vice president under Calvin Coolidge, our 30th President. Lawyer, a co-winner of the Nobel Peace Prize for his work on World War I reparations. Dawes was a self-taught pianist and a composer. His composition, “Melody in A Major” in 1912 became a well-known piano and violin song, and it was played at many official functions as his signature tune. It was transformed into the pop song “It’s All in the Game.” Decided to join the Armed Forces when he was in his late forties. The commanders welcomed him to assist them, but Dawes wanted to be along side the fighting troops.
He was decorated with the Distinguished Service Medal during World War I. Mrs. Dawes supported him in his efforts during the war and formed her own knitting group to knit items for 2 troops.

Mrs. Q says: The main level is exactly like it was when the Dawes lived there. Yes, you can take non flash photos. No, you cannot sit on their furniture. Many artifacts from other buildings are in the house.
Keep in mind that the Park area facing the lake by the Dawes House was not there at one time. It is man made.
Mrs. Q could easily live in the Coach House which was remodeled in the 1920s to accommodate autos. The second floor servants’ quarters and hay loft have been remodeled, now serve as a private residence to renters. Be sure to admire the wood carvings, and Mr. Dawes memorial honoring his superiors he served under during the war. See it – such an accomplished man, so much history in the Dawes House. The second floor has exhibits showing how Evanston evolved. At its early stages it was called “Heavenston”.

LOVE & MERCY – In the late 1960s, the Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson (Paul Dano) stops touring, produces “Pet Sounds” and begins to lose his sanity. By the 1980s, Wilson (John Cusack), under the sway of a controlling therapist, finds a savior in Melinda Ledbetter. Cast: Paul Dano as Brian Wilson, Elizabeth Banks as Melinda, Brett Davern as Carl Wilson, Graham Rogers as Al Jardine, John Cusack as Brian Wilson, Paul Giamatti as Eugene Landy

Q-Tips say: We enjoyed it. Never heard this side of their story. Great acting by John Cusak, Paul Giamatti and the cast. This is not a movie where you go to hear all their famous hit songs. This is a sad story of Brian Wilson who seems to be losing his sanity with the help of his Dr.
Mrs. Q says: Probably could wait and see it as a rental and still enjoy it.

Drop Dead Healthy – A. J. Jacobs – One man’s humble quest for bodily perfection

Mrs. Q says: A good book done with lots of humor. Mrs. Q guarantees you will laugh out-loud while reading this book. Finally, a book about a MAN seeking bodily perfection instead of a woman.

Drop Dead Healthy covers all quests: The quest to eat right, the quiet quest, conquering germs, being smarter, perfect smile, more sleep, better sex, etc. You get the idea. Also covers every body part: stomach (and stomach revisited), heart, ears, butt, immune system, genitals, nervous system, intestines, adrenal gland, brain endocrine system, feet, lungs, skin, eyelids, bladder, gonads, nose hands back, eyes skull and las but not least exercise.

ORPHAN TRAIN – Christina Baker Kline

Mrs. Q says: Read it. It is the type of book you will not want to put down.
If your children/grand children complain about their lives, are spoiled (whose fault might that be?), etc.?
Ask them to read this book and see what a hard life really is for these young children and perhaps they will appreciate what they now have.

Orphan Train is a wonderful story about so-called orphan trains that ran regularly from the cities of the East Coast to the farmlands of the Midwest between 1854 and 1929 that carry thousands of abandoned children whose fates would be determined by pure luck. Would they be adopted by a kind, loving family, or face a childhood and adolescence of hard labor and servitude? Read Orphan Train and enjoy the friendship that emerge between a ninety-one-year old women and the young woman.

FORNELLO TRATTORIA – – 1011 W Irving Park Rd., Chicago, IL 60613, (773) 404-1800, fornellotrattoria.com

Q-Tips say: We liked it. The Q’s decided to have a drink and Mr. Q had the lasagne. Mrs. Q had one of the specials of the day. She really wanted the Braised Beef Ravioli that is on their internet menu but not on their restaurant menu. We were told that the restaurant was recently redecorated. The drinks were ok. The decent food, service is worth another visit for a before/or after Theater meal. They have nice outdoor seating, if that what you prefer or sit at the bar. If in the neighborhood, give it a try. You might enjoy!

ONCE – Cadillac Theater – 151 W Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60602, (312) 977-1700
www.theatreinchicago.com

ONCE tells the enchanting tale of a Dublin street musician who’s about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs. As the chemistry between them grows, his music soars to powerful new heights… but their unlikely connection turns out to be deeper and more complex than your everyday romance.

Q-Tips say: Such talent. The actors not only happen to have great acting ability but also dance, outstanding voices, and each played at least one musical instrument. Nice story line. Great choreography. An added touch is having the audience, if they so desired, to come on stage before and during the intermission. The Q’s liked “ONCE”. Mrs. Q says: Saw “Once” and once is enough.