Today is Veterans Day. My sincere thanks to all of you readers who have served or are serving in our armed services.

Today all veterans and active duty military personnel can receive a free signature entree today at all Applebee’s locations. Locally, Applebee’s is at 1040 N. Kinzie Ave. in Bradley.

Also, a reader named Gary reminded me that all military vets are invited to the Veteran’s Breakfast that’s held the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at Coyote Canyon. It begins at 8:30 a.m. and costs $6.50 (tax included) for the buffet. “I’ve been there many times over the past few years and have enjoyed the terrific food and company of fellow veterans,” Gary told me via email. “How about more of the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, Marine and Merchant Marine Veterans joining us some time? Also, I’ve noticed the absence of female veterans. I know you exist because I remember seeing you from all branches of the services. You’re as welcome to join us as any other veteran.”

Coyote Canyon is at 1359 Locke Dr. in Bourbonnais.

I spoke with a reader named Kathy this week who recommended the gluten-free meals at Bahay Kubo in Bourbonnais.

Kathy said she eats at the Filipino restaurant at least once a week, ordering either the gluten-free buffet or gluten-free dishes specially prepared by Chef Arnold. A recent blood test showed that she had almost no exposure to gluten in her diet, which confirmed her belief that Chef Arnold is meticulous in adhering to correct preparation techniques. Such care is a relief to those allergic to gluten, as cross-contamination from shared pans and utinsles is a common problem at restaurants.

The gluten-free buffet is offered the first Tuesday and third Thursday of every month. Gluten-free dishes are always available from the menu.

Bahay Kubo is at 263 N. Convent, Suite 10, in Bourbonnais. Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The phone is 815-802-9889.

Kathy is head of the local Celiac Support Group, which meets monthly at Kankakee Natural Foods in Bradley.

Congratulations to PJ’s Ice Cream and Coffee in Manteno. They are celebrating 10 years in business this month.

Now through spring, Bull’s Pit Barbecue (125 W. Station St.) in Kankakee is serving Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The all-you-can-eat buffet features an omelette bar, southern style biscuits ‘n gravy, eggs to order, smoked sausage, bacon, pulled pork, beef brisket, and Chicago style smoked sausage links. The cost is $10.99 per person.

Call (815) 932-2399 for more information.

El Zacatecano, formerly of 656 E. Court St., has closed, and Soul da Soul has moved into its space. Soul da Soul had been across the street at 559 E. Court St. since January of 2010.

The Bourbonnais Township Park District’s 6th Annual Wine Tasting and Silent Auction will be Feb. 4. The event will feature wines from several Illinois wineries, plus a silent auction.

It will be held at Recreation Station (770 E. Franklin St.) in Bradley from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 and available at all BTPD facilities, including the Perry Farm House, Exploration Station and Recreation Station.

All attendees must be 21 or older to enter and must show ID at the door. For more information, call (815) 933-9905 or go online to btpd.org.

Isidro’s Tamales and Taqueria (430 W Station St.) in Kankakee is celebrating their one-year anniversary this weekend by offering free tamales. On Saturday, Sunday and Monday, customers can request six free tamales with any purchase. When ordering, mention that you want the anniversary special and pick your tamale flavors. Isidro’s offers several fillings, including pork, chicken and jalapeno with cheese, plus they have sweet tamales flavored with coconut, pineapple or strawberry. The savory tamales come with your choice of red or green sauce.

If this will be your first visit to Isidro’s, look for a single maroon awning on the south side of Station Street, across from St. Rose of Lima Church. There’s limited seating inside, so take-out is a popular choice. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

For a full menu, coupons, a map and more, go to www.i57life.com/letseatout. You can also call the restaurant at (815) 929-0700.

Congratulations to The Unpampered Chefs for their second consecutive win in the annual Amateur Chef’s Competition.

The two-man team of Shawn Hamende, of Bonfield, and Tim Chappell, of St. George, impressed four very lucky judges (myself included) at the event, which was held Aug. 21 at the Kankakee County Farmers Market. Their menu featured grilled minestone soup, tomato bread, twice-baked potato in grilled peppers and Tuscan brick chicken.

Each team in the competition received $50 at 9 a.m. and had to purchase all the ingredients for an appetizer and a main course from market vendors, and then prepare and serve their creations to us at 11 a.m.

Here are a few pics:

Catalina’s opened last month inside D.I.L.L.I.G.A.F.’s bar at 226 W. Broadway in Bradley.

The tip came from an anonymous reader via email. “I’ve gotten carry-outs of pizza and it is delicious!” the reader wrote. “Lots of cheese! They also have sandwiches and appetizers, but I like the pizza so well that’s all I have ever gotten.”

When I stopped in on Monday, a regular customer also recommended the tenderloin sandwich. It’s “real thick, really good,” he said. “Better than any I’ve had at any restaurant in town.”

The pizza is an “old, secret recipe,” according to owner and sole chef Catherine Mau-Corona, who goes by the nickname Catalina. She starts with a made-from-scratch, never-frozen crust, brushes on garlic and homemade pizza sauce, then tops it with provolone and mozzarella cheese, plus the fresh toppings of your choice. On Sundays, large one-topping pizzas are only $6.

Catherine said she plans on expanding the menu in the fall and adding homemade pasta dishes, including lasagna.

On Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, Catalina’s is open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and for dinner from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Friday and Saturday, hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. On Sunday, hours are noon to 7 p.m. The restaurant is closed on Tuesday.

The food is available for dine-in, carry-out or delivery, which is provided by To Your Door for a $3 to $5 fee, depending on where you live. Cash is the only form of payment accepted at the restaurant.

Call (815) 936-9944 to place an order or for more information.

Catalina’s is also on Facebook. Become a fan to receive updates and specials.

Here’s the Best Bites column that appears in today’s edition of The Daily Journal: (more…)