The Great American Cooking Expo

Sunday finally came and we went to the Expo; this was the third one that I have attended (the first two were in Philadelphia, PA) There are so many things to enjoy here that you would be hard-pressed to find someone who didn't enjoy it. It is three days of food, fun and festivities. That said, it was the first one that offered alcoholic beverages in the form of wine and beer tastings; they actually made up a good portion of the vendors represented. But I was more interested in the food. There was plenty of that too!

Each end of the room was anchored with a large demonstration area; this is where noted local chefs would prepare their signature dishes for you and serve it when the demonstration was completed. They had a demonstration going every hour at each spot. You could spend your time walking back and forth and attending these shows, eating and learning new things. A lot of people do.

That's not for me though; I like going to all the booths and getting samples of the foods that are being represented...it's all free and you can sample more than one--but etiquette says you should walk away and return for the second (or third) taste!

Without further ado, here are the pictures of some of the stands that I stopped at:

This was the Nespresso stop...deluxe espresso/latte/cappucchino machines made by the Swiss Company Nestle. There were three models on display each one having a few more options than the previous one. They made me a cappucchino by inserting a vacuum packed coffee bullet (you pick the robustness etc) and in less than 2 minutes I had a wonderful individual coffee and NO CLEAN UP! I was really tempted with this one; it will be available in the States in the Spring. You can enlarge the photos to see the three different models and the coffee bullets.


I saw the sign here for Ostrich and decided I would only look...I was a little put off by the thought of eating a really big bird! but Chuck had some and was really impressed with it so I had one. It was very delicious and was very much like....no not chicken, but steak.
We had to stop by some of the local restaurant tables; here is Maggiano's offering wonderful meatballs and lemon cookies. I walked away and back twice on this one!
Nuthin' could be finer than a Sweet Baby Ray's pulled pork sandwich...MMum Good!
This is a demonstration plate prepared by don roth's Blackhawk; a Prime Rib - Steak - Fresh Seafood house. It was Beef Tenderloin with mashed potatoes and asparagus.
We had samples of the tenderloin with garlic mashed potatoes.

This was my favorite stop of all! I was intrigued by the name Eponymous. See, I took a picture of the bottle; that's because it is the best wine I have EVER tasted! I am embarrassed to tell you how many times I "walked away" and came back to this booth! The bad news is that it sells for $54 a bottle.
I thought this was kind of cute...chocolate everything! Even shoes.
Here is demonstration given at the Viking Cooking School demo spot present by Birch River Grill. the specialty was Crab Cakes. Prepared excellently.

Wauconda Wild West Rodeo

Tonight Chuck and I attended the annual Wauconda Rodeo sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce.

It was my first rodeo ever despite my having lived in Arkansas for over two years now. It was quite amazing to see how the men and women could handle horses in the barrel races and demonstration rides.

There was bronco riding and baby bull roping. It surprised me to see that often-times the bulls won; escaping the lasso and avoiding the tackle.

It would have been nice to be able to show the pictures from the activity but photos were absolutely prohibited. That was almost enough to make us turn around at the entrance and forget the whole thing, but since it was a first for both of us, we went anyway. Even without the photos.

Lake Zurich Park and Recreation - Men's Softball

I went to my first LZ men's softball game today. Chuck's son, Steve, plays for the Hangover Heroes team. Sadly, they lost to Big Stix 16 to 5. Good thing Steve plays for the fun of it and not the glory! Here's a couple of shots.




It was over in 40 minutes.

Train Garden in North Barrington

As if the WaucondaFest was not enough to satisfy our curiosity...we went to an open house showing, for magnificent indoor and outdoor model railroad set-ups built by Huff n Puff . This goes way beyond the typical train set up you are likely to see at Chirstmas-time.
It was actually a benefit for a gardening conservancy and the trains were a pleasant 'add-on'.

So there is no need to keep yakking about what was there, here's my best shots. Enjoy!


A train going over a bridge by a waterfall in the garden. Doesn't everyone have one?
Here is a shot of the pool area, with a nice little lake in the background. This is more plush than a lot of resorts I have been to.







Here is a commuter train with the Chicago skyline in the background. One of the indoor models.
Here is a scale model of 'the Bean'...I found this to be amazing!
Here is a model of the face fountains that are located not too far from the bean. They have thought of everything.

WaucondaFest Lumberjack Show

We caught the first lumberjack show at the WaucondaFest. Best part...there were very few people siting in either of the two bleacher sections set aside for watching. That means we got a chance to talk to the "Red Team" Jaime Fischer. He explained how the various show components work. We felt like we were getting our own private demonstration! Don't think for a moment that these shows are put on by amateurs...no way! Our guy was professional all the way. So was the Blue Team!

Here he is in the ax throwing contest...the ax has not yet hit the target; look closely!
This is the last time we see him dry while doing the Boom Run.

Chuck was obviously having a great time too!

The 'red team' was Jamie Fischer, you may like to learn a little of his interest in lumberjack sports.

Jamie Fischer
Fisher, attributes his success in the boom run and logrolling to his long family heritage and to his own private boom run set up in the backyard of his Stillwater, MN home. Fisher shattered his previous world record time of: 12.98 in the Men’s Boom Run set in 2004, with a new world record of: 12.49 at the 2005 Championships, which still stands to this day. With his 2007 crown, Fischer is now a holder of 5 continuous Boom Run World Championships. Fischer, who also held the 2003, 2004 and 2006 Men’s Log Rolling crowns, took home second place in last year's Men’s Open Log Rolling. Committed to the sport of log rolling, Fischer is an ardent promoter of the sport and has started several log rolling schools throughout the country.

They also do tree stump art

The front sign says welcome; that is for friends. When others who are not so welcome show up, just turn the sign around it says: Go Away!

WaucondaFest ..MORE!!!

We went again on Friday evening to the 'Fest and I was able to get some much better shots of this ride that has really grabbed my attention. it's called the Cliff Hanger...and it really is!
Anyway here is a better look and the what fun there is to be had! (If you double click the photos they will enlarge and you can see it much better)





Even the mayor of Wauconda gets into it. Here is his wailing out a good one
with the Rockaholics.

WaucondaFest 2008

We went to the first night of Wauconda-fest 2008 and had some dogs, pulled pork, fries and beer. The rides looked great for the kids and I found one that even I would have like to try 4 or 5 times! I don't know what it is about bumper cars that I find so exciting. Get in and ram the closest car to you before they ram you.. Whee!!!
We walked the grounds and saw lots and lots of "try your luck" and win a stuffed what-ever! I wanted Chuck to get enough baskets to win the banana man, but he declined!
The highlight of the night was the performance of American English, a group that does a really fine job on Beatles stuff...really good job!
Here is a cool ride that you lay down on your stomach and sort of swim through the air...yeah!

Six Flags Great America -- Gurnee

First a little background...
Located between Chicago and Milwaukee on Interstate 94. Six Flags Great America features seven themed areas, each highlighting a different aspect of Americana. The park opened in 1976 and was owned & operated by Marriott before being sold to Six Flags in 1984. Its sister park, Great America is located in Santa Clara, California. Today, Six Flags Great America features dozens of attractions including twelve roller coasters and a neighboring water park, Hurricane Harbor, that is included with admission.


But if you only go by that it sounds very dry and hardly worth the trip. It really is a great fun place for anyone of any age. See, I have always thought that once you get to be adult, you really can't visit a place like this without borrowing (or renting ) someones kids for the day. But, you can go here, as adults, and still have a ball! We had just cleared the entry gate and found this beautiful pool of water lined with mums leading to the carousel



We hit the American Eagle -- an original wooden roller coaster-- first. I loved these kinds of rides as a kid, but now that I am older...I found that I could feel my brain rattling around and while it was fun..it was not as great as I remember as a kid.

We moved on to the log flume. the line was short and we were in the water...I mean on the water....I mean under the spray in no time! It was just after this ride that I wished I wore my underarmour quick dry stuff. Ellen: make a note for your next visit! we barely got away from the ride when
Chuck realized he left his hat in the log. So we went back on the short line to retrieve it. They had it on the storage compartment by the entry turntable, but we figured let's do it again! I had to hurry to get the back seat this time and I made it. How was I to know Chuck was going to duck down when we hit the bottom so I could get the full splash! Now I am really soaked...it must be time to do the mad river raft ride!

This line was a little longer but the ride was well worth it! I looked around to get the driest seat in the circular car. Found and got it! We managed not to get too wet until just before the end we got sprayed from the back (this was probably the only dry spot on me prior to getting on the ride) So now I am so wet that a quick look at me shows everything the same color -- wet. I felt great though the day was in the low 80's and a light breeze kept me pretty cool!
Here is a group just in front of us getting on...look, two people are wearing ponchos...why it takes all the fun out of doing the ride...where is their sense of humor and adventure???!!!


We walked over to the Hurricane Harbor section..Here is a water-fun wonderland! So many slides, beaches and low water spray places to get wet and have fun! Don't forget the lazy river! Oh...My...! With this much close by, who cares if the gas prices are high? No need to travel far for a really good time!



We ended the visit with a train ride around the park getting another look at the rides and the light crowd!



Here is our parting shot...I took this by stretching out my arm and hoping for the best!

Blue Man Group, Briar Street Theatre, Chicago, Illinois

Chuck and I went to the afternoon performance of the Blue Man Group...this is entertainment like no other. it's music, it's rhythm, it's comedy, it's timing, it's loud and dark and bright and many other things. It changes so quickly that even with the provided ponchos we were both hit with the goo that came from the stage during one skit.

It was all such fun, I would highly recommend it to anyone who has not yet been to a performance! It is a casual dress show and you are guaranteed to laugh and forget about your life for a while.

Do NOT show up late!!! They will ridicule you mercilessly...unless of course that is what you are after. The actors came outside after the show and I got a shot or two.





(we were not allowed to take pictures inside, I took one of Chuck prior to the show in his free poncho and was reprimanded soundly)


We walked around Wrigleyville and found this unique planter in front of a bar that had seen better days...maybe they thought if they planted them, they would grow?


Afterward it was on to Millrose Restaurant in South Barrington for a spectacular dinner...we are getting ready to be spoiled on our cruise I think!