π π’s for the quality of the dining experience – they may improve with time
π π ½ ’s based entirely on the quality of location. Fun to get to, scenic when there. Service is hit and miss.
$$ Trails End Lodge, Cobden IL
Towards the high end of the two $ sign cost bracket Trails End Lodge disappoints with the quality of their menu. OK is probably the best adjective to describe the taste of their steaks, but when comparing an "OK" steak to the price on the menu you will leave disappointed. Most of my blogs have a cost/value equation weighing heavily on the pi rating, and Trails End does not fare well in that computation. On the other hand, it has a very scenic location, hosts live music and has outdoor dining when weather permits. My recommendation is go for a drink and music, but eat elsewhere beforehand.
$$ The Blue Boar, Cobden Illinois
The Blue Boar is tucked away among the forested hills outside Anna (and yes, it is a Cobden address but it is just beyond the city limits North of Anna) and is in my opinion the nicest of very limited dining experiences in Anna.
Known for their barbeque catering, the menu is surprisingly varied. From pulled pork to crawfish étouffée our lunch entrée’s were good, there was a hic-cup on the Greek salad but the manager made it right. We returned a couple of weeks later for breakfast, and again it was a good selection, generally well done.
I can’t go further without mentioning excellent and fully trimmed Bloody Mary’s at an Amazing $3.00 price. OK, I had to get that out as it’s the only menu item ordered during lunch and breakfast visits.
π π π pi’s for the strength of the variety and preparation
π π π 1/2 pi’s for the generally pleasing nature of the place, inside and out.
Known for their barbeque catering, the menu is surprisingly varied. From pulled pork to crawfish étouffée our lunch entrée’s were good, there was a hic-cup on the Greek salad but the manager made it right. We returned a couple of weeks later for breakfast, and again it was a good selection, generally well done.
I can’t go further without mentioning excellent and fully trimmed Bloody Mary’s at an Amazing $3.00 price. OK, I had to get that out as it’s the only menu item ordered during lunch and breakfast visits.
π π π pi’s for the strength of the variety and preparation
π π π 1/2 pi’s for the generally pleasing nature of the place, inside and out.
$ A Lil' Taste of Cuba, Marion Illinois
If you've been fortunate enough to have visited Cuba or, and more likely, the Cuban American communities Ybor City or sections of Miami Florida and appreciated the unique tastes of this island nation, then A lil' taste of Cuba in Marion will be become a regular stop on your list of worthwhile dining establishments.
Cuban coffee, empanada's, black beans and rice and the cursory Cuban Sandwich are all well done and available as are other island treats. Actually there are about 5-6 empanada fillings (pork and yucca are my favorite). Nobody does black beans and rice like the Cubans and lil' taste does not disappoint. The pork platter cooked with mojo sauce is good, but not quite up to par with the eateries of large Cuban American populations, but if you've never had that you'll be quite satisfied.
In the midst of expansion the seating is for the time being very limited but the future holds expanded capacity and outdoor dining.
π π π for the outstanding tastes that are kind on the budget
π π for the current environment (but there are expansion plans)
Cuban coffee, empanada's, black beans and rice and the cursory Cuban Sandwich are all well done and available as are other island treats. Actually there are about 5-6 empanada fillings (pork and yucca are my favorite). Nobody does black beans and rice like the Cubans and lil' taste does not disappoint. The pork platter cooked with mojo sauce is good, but not quite up to par with the eateries of large Cuban American populations, but if you've never had that you'll be quite satisfied.
In the midst of expansion the seating is for the time being very limited but the future holds expanded capacity and outdoor dining.
π π π for the outstanding tastes that are kind on the budget
π π for the current environment (but there are expansion plans)
$$$ The Global Gourmet, Carbondale, Illinois
Visited October 24, 2010
102 E Jackson St Carbondale, IL
(618) 549-0771
Big city restaurant feel, in a good way. Yes, it is small. Yes, the tables are somewhat close together. Yes, it is the best fine-dining value of the restaurants we’ve reviewed. A limited wine list with a creative flair offers a range of options at fixed price levels, none of which will break the bank. A fully stocked bar with a wide range of scotches, aperitifs’ and spirits. Appetizers were artistically presented and generous, main courses were perfectly prepared, the only flaw may have been the plating could be improved to make the entrees as visually appetizing as they were to the palate. Desserts were good, but unspectacular.
π π π π ½ Pi’s for the food and value
π π π ½ Pi’s for the service and setting
$$$ Legends Restaurant at Walker's Bluff, Carterville, Illinois
Visited Spring and Summer 2010
14400 Meridian Rd Carterville, IL 62918
(618) 985-8463
There seems to be few middle-of-the-road opinions among those who have dined at Walker’s Bluff's Legends restaurant. There are those who rave about the eclectic menu and ambiance. Perhaps the more predominant opinions are from those who feel somewhat cheated, feeling the hit-and-miss offerings of the menu and the equally hit-and-miss service do not live up to the premium charged for the experience. There are few competitors in Southern Illinois in the high-end gourmet-dining experience, and in this reviewers opinion Legend’s still has some growing up to do. While they may someday blossom into the beautiful debutant they inspire to be, for now they seem to be in that awkward and uninspiring age that predates the blossom. I will reserve my high-end dining experiences to the few competitors in the field that seem to have the value/experience equation pegged.
π π π Pi’s for the food
π π ½ Pi’s for the service
$ The Bottoms Up Family Bar and Grill, Jacob, Illinois
Visited October 9th, 2010
3683 Neunert Rd ·
Jacob
(618) 763-4615
Hard to find, well worth the effort seems to be the consensus among those who have made the journey to Jacob to Bottoms Up. If you're looking for simple yet good food at a reasonable price the Bottom's Up will "fill" that need. Finding Jacob can be somewhat of an adventure in itself. But those who make the journey are rewarded. The corn fritters are a particularly tasty appetizer, the daily specials are legendary among their almost cult-like following.
If extensive beer or wine selection and a doting staff are key components of your dining experiance, try somewhere else.
3683 Neunert Rd ·
Jacob
(618) 763-4615
Hard to find, well worth the effort seems to be the consensus among those who have made the journey to Jacob to Bottoms Up. If you're looking for simple yet good food at a reasonable price the Bottom's Up will "fill" that need. Finding Jacob can be somewhat of an adventure in itself. But those who make the journey are rewarded. The corn fritters are a particularly tasty appetizer, the daily specials are legendary among their almost cult-like following.
If extensive beer or wine selection and a doting staff are key components of your dining experiance, try somewhere else.
Rating…..(5 Pi max)
π π π π (4) pi’s for the food / value
π π 1/2 (2.5) pi’s for the atmosphere/service
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