Where to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Lake Zurich-Barrington

Check out the top 5 rated Mexican restaurants in Lake Zurich and Barrington, based on Yelp! reviews. Did your neighbors get it right?

Cue up the mariachi band—Cinco de Mayo is fast approaching. The celebration of Mexican heritage on May 5 is sometimes mistaken for Mexico’s Independence Day. However, Cinco de Mayo actually commemorates the Battle of Puebla, a turning point in Mexican history and freedom.  In the U.S., it is celebrated by observing Mexican culture through food, drinks and dancing. If you are looking for a fiesta with margaritas, live bands and authentic food, here's a list of top five rated Mexican restaurants on Yelp! Tell us: Do you agree with Yelp! reviewers? If not, tell us about your favorite restaurant.

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Barrington's Tropical Smoothie Cafe Slated to Close

The eatery's last day will be April 25.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe of Barrington is closing its doors. The restaurant located in the Shops at Flint Creek next to the new Heinen's Fine Foods has lost its lease, according to its Facebook fan page.  This status update was posted Monday afternoon, informing fans of the impending closure:  "I want to take this time to tell you all THANK YOU for being such loyal customers of TSC Barrington. Its hard for me to tell you this, but Tropical Smoothie Cafe will be having its final day in Barrington, tentatively Thursday, April 25th. It is not something we planned on doing or want to do. Unfortunately, our lease was not renewed. We are currently looking for a new location but as of right now, that has yet to be determined. In the meantime, we …

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What Did Yelp Miss in its Restaurant Picks?

Readers respond to Yelp's top 10 rated restaurants in the Barrington with their own picks that weren't on the list.

When Patch listed Yelp's ranking of the top 10 rated restaurants in the Barrington, readers were quick to point out that Yelp missed a few.  Readers pointed out that the list was missing PL8, Francesca's and Chessies. Rusty Hernandez said "No, I don't agree and certainly hope it's not the order of the ratings. Given the list, I'm surprised McDonalds didn't make the top 10 "eateries". Not realizing we even had 10 restaurants, I do feel that there are actual really good restaurants that didn't make the list such as pl8 and Chessie's. That's why you can't believe everything you see on line." Brian said, "No matter how they came up with it, Coopers' definitely makes this list. The pizza is great, but there is so much more there. I usually end …

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Northwest Suburban New Year's Eve Party Guide

A list of bars and restaurants hosting parties or dinners on New Year's Eve.

Carlos and Carlos http://carlosandcarloschicago.com/ Reservations starting at 5 p.m. offering regular dinner menu selections. A DJ and dancing starts at 9:30 p.m. with a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Call 847-259-2600.   Atlantis Banquets http://www.atlantisbanquets.com/new-years-eve.php ‘A Night in Vienna’ Strolling violinist, seven course dinner, open bar, concert by Viennese Symphony of Chicago, dancing, champagne toast, party favors and sweet/fruit table. Call 847-693-1119.   Clementi’s http://clementirestaurant.com/ Dinner alone, and dinner/alcohol packages available while The Fair Lanes perform hits from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. Late night packages also available. Starting at 8:30 p.m. until 1 a.m. Call 847-253-3544.   …

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How Will You Celebrate National French Fry Day?

Whatever the origins of the crispy spuds, it is clear they are a beloved part of the American diet. Where is your favorite place for french fries in Barrington?

Friday is National French Fry Day, and that could prompt some to ask, “did the fried potatoes really originate in France?” The answer to that questions, is, well, slightly unclear. There is some innuendo out there that the “French” fry could actually have come from Belgium!  According to www.todayifoundout.com, Belgium people are believed to have started deep frying potatoes in a fashion similar to how they deep-fried fish, sometime in the 1600s. When fishing became difficult, potatoes were turned to as a diet staple, where they were cut into thin, long slices and deep-fried, the website reports. Then there is the French side of the debate. According to the website, potatoes were banned in the mid-16th century, because they were thought to…

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Eat Local for Easter

Looking for a place to eat for Easter brunch? Have family in town and need somewhere to go? Check out our directory listing of Barrington restaurants.

Ambrosia Plans Benefit For Local Chef

Ambrosia Euro American Patisserie is holding a fundraiser to offset medical costs for a local chef battling encephalitis.

When times are tough, it’s easy to tell who your true friends are. Chef Rob Macey of Port Barrington feels lucky to have so many who are willing to go above and beyond during his time of need.   Macey’s story begins when he was just a teenager with a dream of becoming a chef. “I was like the kid in ‘Rattatouille.' There’s a young American clumsy kid working in a French restaurant—that was me,” Macey said fondly. Macey worked hard to make his dream a reality.  He attended the Culinary Institute of America and got to work making a name for himself in the culinary community.  Macey’s resume includes working for esteemed chef Charlie Trotter, and opening his own restaurant called Harvest Moon in Woodstock. It was during his time as a banquet …

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Restaurants Open on Christmas

Where to eat on Christmas Day.

Many Barrington residents will be enjoying home cooked meals and the company of family on Dec. 25, but for everyone else, there are a couple of restaurants open in Barrington on Christmas Day.  If you're looking for some Mexican cuisine, you're in luck. La Mesa, 243 W. Northwest Highway, is open until 2 or 3 p.m.  After the gifts have been opened and dinner is complete, head over to Penny Road Pub, 28w705 Penny Road, for some late night entertainment.  Penny Road opens at 9 p.m. on Christmas Day, and closes at 4 a.m.  La Mesa and Penny Road Pub are the only Barrington restaurants open on Christmas Day.  Most restaurants re-open on Dec. 26 and 27. 

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