Thursday Roll Call

Connie, so you were in Itasca, huh? Where was the workshop? McCormick and Schmicks is a great place. I have not been to the one near Woodfield but have been to one in CA, pricey but worth it because the seafood is really, really fresh. I have another suggestion for you if you want really, really good seafood - and that is Shaw's Crabhouse http://www.shawscrabhouse.com/ at the Streets of Woodfield. Big Bowl is also great. It is not just one of those "Chinese restaurants". It is Chinese and Thai. http://www.bigbowl.com/ there is a totally different atmosphere, not your glitzy, cheese Chinese place. It is classy on the inside. Chris

The workshop was at the Westin. I didn't think the restaurant was at all pricey. The entree was under $20 and we split it. I ate at Shaw's crabhouse downtown and the food was marginal. Maybe the Woodfield one is better. I hope so. The next week workshop is at the NIU Hoffman Estates campus so I can hit the restaurant again! Connie

I can see the Westin building from my house, through the trees. During the summer when the leaves are on the trees it is a little more difficult.  Also the building with the gold spike on top of it just a little NE of the hotel can be seen from my house also. I am just about 1 mile south of that office/hotel area. I have been to Shaw's several times, eaten on both sides of the restaurant and had really good meals. I am sorry that you did not have as good of an experience downtown. Have fun while in Hoffman. There are some fabulous restaurants in that area. Let me know if you need any help on deciding where to go. CB