Here’s an email we sent out this week with ads for Johnny Angel’s and Bull’s Pit Smoked BBQ.

Thanksgiving Email Blast

Here’s the Best Bites column that appears in today’s edition of The Daily Journal.

Read the rest of this entry »

I’ve received several recommendations from readers recently. Here’s a rundown:

• Carlo’s Family Restaurant is now serving gourmet cupcakes. Jocelyn Robinson, daughter of Carlo’s owner Jackie, has started making the cupcakes under the business name BabyCakes. Flavors change daily but have included Boston Cream, Mint Melt-away and Mocha-Chocolate Caramel Surprise. It’s a good idea to get there early, as I’m told they sell out quickly. Carlo’s is at 2060 W. Station St. in Kankakee. The phone is (815) 932-2924. Hours are 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday. (Thanks to a reader named Tracey for that tip.)

• A reader named Doris left me this via voicemail: “You must try cake through Cakes and Pastries by Jorie. It’s the best birthday cake and frosting that I’ve ever eaten. Absolutely delicious.” Cakes and Pastries by Jorie is at 119 N. Main St. in Manteno. To make an appointment for a consultation, call 815-468-7700. Jorie bakes cakes of all kinds, plus cupcakes, cookies, pastries and other desserts.

• A reader named Sonja sent me this via Facebook: “Tried the Station Street Pub in St. Anne. They have a new cook. Great tilapia and smelt. Good steaks and unique garlic sauce pizza. Great wait staff and bartender. If you haven’t tried it yet, give it a try. … It is worth the short drive.” Station Street Pub is at 101 W. Station St. It’s open from 11 a.m. to midnight Tuesday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday & Saturday. The restaurant is closed on Sunday & Monday.

Pup-N-Pop in Bourbonnais has new winter hours and some new offerings.

The small hut on Route 102, in front of the Jewel plaza, has a surprising variety of homemade items each day, including meatloaf sandwiches, pulled pork, chicken and dumpling soup, white chicken chili, baked beans, potato salad and carrot cake. French fries and chicken strips were added to the menu this week. Vienna Beef hot dogs, Polish sausages and tamales have been offered since they opened in May.

New hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. They’re closed on Sunday. There’s a drive-up window, so you can order without getting out of your car. Pup-N-Pop is at 415 Main St. NW in Bourbonnais.

River Bend Bar & Grill has changed their hours for the season. New kitchen hours are 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, and closed on Monday. The bar remain open each night after the kitchen has closed.

River Bend is at 6070 E. Illinois Rt. 17 in Kankakee.

Johnny’s Pizza in Kankakee is now selling its sauce by the quart jar. Not only is the sauce homemade, but the tomatoes for it are homegrown.

Johnny’s is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Friday and for dinner on Saturday and Sunday. There’s also a walk-up window serving hot dogs and pizza by the slice from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The address is 265 S. Schuyler Ave. To order, call 815-939-2333.

(Thanks to a reader named Joanie for that tip.)

Here’s the Best Bites column that appears in today’s edition of The Daily Journal. Read the rest of this entry »

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.

Bull’s Pit Smoked Barbecue is now open for breakfast from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Menu offerings include biscuit sandwiches, a breakfast burrito, biscuits and gravy, and hash browns. If you’re really hungry, and have time for a nap afterward, try  The Trough. It’s a pile of hash browns, eggs, bacon, sausage, green peppers, tomatoes and cheese topped with country gravy.

In addition to the express breakfast Tuesday through Saturday, Bull’s also has a brunch buffet every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bull’s is at 125 W. Station St. in Kankakee. The phone is 815-932-2399.

The Dorcas Society of Our Savior Evangelical-Lutheran Church in Momence is holding their annual Chili Supper on Friday from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Hamburgers and hot dogs will also be available.

The cost is $6 for adults, $3 for children ages 6 to 10, and free for children 5 and under. The church is located at the corner of Second and Pine Streets, one block west of Dixie Highway.