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Laissez le bon temps rouler! Let the good times roll! Today is Mardi Gras, also known as “Fat Tuesday,” is a holiday of feasting prior to the Lenten Season of Christianity.  It is a joyful, hearty holiday that also dates back to roots in pagan springtime ritual and fertility rites.  It’s celebrated with eating rich foods, fatty sumptuous treats, imbibing in cheerful cocktails and toasts, and of course the classic Mardis Gras parade featuring floats, confetti, and beads!  In short, it’s a really good time for all. more Today we’re celebrating some great cajun restaurants in the area and fun recipes you can make with your family to celebrate.  Check it out on today’s blog! How far is New Orleans Louisiana from Classic Auto Group? It’s at least 5 states and 1,000 miles from here, but you don’t have to drive that far for original cajun flavors!  Let us point you in the direction of classic cajun eateries in the area. Local Restaurants with Cajun Cuisine and Cajun Items Cajun Grill in Gurnee The Boil Cajun Seafood in Chicago Ragin’ Cajun Gumbo in Chicago Crab King Cajun Boil & Bar in Chicago Joker’s Cajun Kitchen in Chicago Spicy Fingers Seafood Kitchen in Chicago Rajun Cajun in Chicago Storyville Chicago The Crab Pad in Chicago Savor 27 Cajun Seafood & Tacos in Chicago The Cajun Connoisseur Food Truck & Catering in Chicago JJ Fish & Chicken in Waukegan Honey Bays BBQ in Waukegan Juan’s Chuck Wagon Restaurant in Waukegan Jerk N’ More in Waukegan Island Del Mar in Waukegan Ostioneria Briza Azul in Waukegan Make Your Own Cajun Feast No Mardi Gras Celebration is complete without a smorgasbord of delectable treats.  We’ve got everything from soup to nuts, or well, gumbo to pralines that is.  Got a fave recipe of your own? Share it with us in a comment! Traditional New Orleans King Cake Vegan Cajun Boil Mardi Gras Pasta Sazerac Cocktail Recipe New Orleans Ramos Gin Fizz Recipe New Orleans Style Beignets Shrimp Etouffe Instant Pot Jambalaya Sausage and Shrimp Jambalaya Muffaletta Sandwich Classic Pecan Pralines Authentic New Orleans Gumbo NYT Vegan Gumbo Recipe

Today is National Chili day, so we’re sharing some of our favourite picks for items that can take your food on the go! There’s nothing like a richly flavored, tomatoey, spicy, heart bowl of chili on a cold winter’s day.  It’s also an incredibly versatile culinary treat!  You can put it on hot dogs for chili dogs, add it to fries, use it as a base for nachos,  bake it into a cheesy chili casserole, mix it into some mac and cheese.  There’s literally no wrong way to enjoy chili, even if you prefer it in the non-traditional meatless variety.  It’s one of our favourites to serve at race-day and game day tailgate parties, or as an appetizer at workplace potlucks. Deeeelicious! more Check out our picks for great items to take your food on the go, and then stick around til the end for a selection of some of our favourite chili recipes!  You’ll find some smaller portioned options, vegan options, and big-batch recipes perfect for race day or game day tailgates.  We’re kicking it up a notch on today’s blog. The Hot Bento Self Heated Lunch Box is perfect for on the go lunches like chili, soup, or anything else you can think of.  Priced at $100 we know this might not be for every customer, but we think the price tag is worth it since it’s durable and easy to clean and travel with. The Aotto Portable Food Warmer is insulated to keep your prepped meals warm while traveling. It’s also multipurpose for reheating food or prepping raw ingredients to cook on site with a slow-cooker option.  It also comes with a convenient insulated carry case that prevents food smells from permeating everything around you. The T&A Electric Lunch Box fills a void for portable lunch ideas! If you’re a contractor or tradesperson who is always on the go, we know that you might be pretty sick of sandwiches and shelf-stable suggestions for a sack lunch.  That’s why we’re recommending the Electric Lunch Box with 3-in1 features to go in your car or truck. Crock-Pot’s portable heated lunch box container is a great option for single serve portions of your favourite chili!  It’s made of stainless steel, and has two charge cable options for heating in the office or on the go with your car connector.  It’s an awesome option for students, interns, and office workers, but it also makes a great choice for campers and tradesmen on job sites! Now that we’ve given you lots of options for transporting your chili in the car safely, we’ve got to do due diligence and round up some of our picks for great tailgate-friendly and campsite cooking style recipes.  You’ll love our picks for simple, easy comfort foods to get you through the last few chilly weeks of winter! Taste of Home’s Classic Beef Chili for Two Cooking for Two: Crock Pot Chili (Perfect for our on-the-go crock pot above!) One Dish Kitchen’s Single Serve Beef and Veggie Chili Ambitious Kitchen’s Turkey Chili for Two Slowcooker White Chicken Chili Boilermaker Tailgate Chili Epicurious Vegan Chili Easy Instant Pot Vegan Chili

The winter up North here in Illinois and Wisconsin can certainly be brutally cold and snowy!  For those of us who enjoy the brisk, blustery wintry weather and outdoor activities it can be blissful and exhilarating. However, for the person who prefers something more low key, it can cause a bit of cabin fever.  That’s why today’s blog is dedicated to the folks who want to get out of the house, stay out of the weather, but still find some fun and excitement!  We’re rounding up some great ideas and options for indoor destinations and non-winter sport indoor/outdoor activities in the Greater Chicago area.  Let’s get out there and add a little color to our lives and paint the town red! Be sure to check local guidelines for COVID19 restrictions such as vaccination cards and mask mandates.  We also encourage our readers to abide by all establishment’s individual guidelines for masking and social distancing for your safety and that of others. Family Friendly Activities We’ve scoured the internet and pulled from local suggestions for some of the best Chicago area destinations that are great for families.  Whether you’re going on a family outing or you’re taking the kids on a playdate, there’s lots of fun in store at these destinations.  From indoor playgrounds to museums to zoos, you’ll have plenty of entertainment for all age groups. Fit City Kids Exploritorium ClimbZone Chicago Lincoln Park Conservatory The Escape Game Chicago iFLY Indoor Skydiving in Lincoln Park Sod Room Indoor Playground Chicago LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago Present Place Chicago Indoor Playground Shedd Aquarium at Museum Campus Chicago Children’s Museum Navy Pier Amusement Center Chicago Purple Monkey Playroom Amusement Center Altitude Trampoline Park in Chicago Museum of Science and Industry Chicago Fox in a Box Escape Room Chicago Bronzeville Children’s Museum Indigo and Violet Art Studio Children’s Museum of Art and Social Justice Kidcreate Studio Lakeview Chicago Wonder Works Children’s Museum Family Friendly Eateries After a fun-filled day of exploring the city and running around in museums or playgrounds, you’re going to be faced with plenty of hungry bellies!  Beat the hangry tantrums by planning ahead and reserving a table for your brood at one of these family friendly restaurants. We’ve done our best to pick kid friendly favourites, but also give you choices with a great atmosphere and lots of options for teens and adults, too. R.J. Grunts BIG & little’s Restaurant Crosby’s Kitchen SafeHouse Chicago Little Goat Diner JoJo’s Shake Bar Eleven City Diner Summer House Santa Monica Eggy’s Diner Lou Mitchell’s Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe Happy Camper Pizzeria Pinstripes Restaurant Funkenhausen Harvey’s Family Restaurant Big Kids Sandwiches Sunshine Restaurant Inc Friends Night Out and Date Night Ideas for Adults in Chicago You’ve had your fun with the kids and some serious quality time as a family, but now it’s time for you to kick back, let loose, and relax for a night on the town!  Get a little grownup time at these fun destinations that are perfect for couples, groups of friends, or even a nice night out alone.  You’ll find plenty of active choices such as skydiving and axe throwing, to walking tours and tours of brewpubs.  We’ve got a little bit of everything and a whole lot of creativity in our suggested destinations! WhirlyBall Chicago Bad Axe Throwing iFly Indoor Skydiving Broadway Playhouse Lucky Strike Downtown Chicago Chicago Magic Lounge City Winery Chicago Thomas McCormick Gallery Hofheimer Gallery WNDR Museum Gallery 400 FLXST Contemporary Kavi Gupta Gallery The Logan Theatre David Theater Chicago The Brew & View Nightingale Cinema The New 400 Theater Studio Movie Grill Ignite Gaming Chicago Redline VR Chicago FTW Chicago Play and Spin Museica’s Sip & Paint Deja Hue Art Wet Paint Chicago Chicago Hauntings Ghost Tours Restaurants & Bars for a Great Night Out On the Town Who says adults can’t enjoy theme restaurants?!  We’ve gathered our picks for bars and restaurants with playful themes, interactive experiences, breweries, and farm-to-table options.  You’ll find no shortage of enjoyment and unforgettable experiences shared over cocktails and award winning plates of food.  We know you’ll have a blast! Replay Lincoln Park Elf’d Up Grill The Little Mermaid Cocktail Experience Chicago Map Room Bar Three Dots and a Dash Weegee’s Lounge Brando’s Speakeasy Janitor's Closet Neon Wilderness SafeHouse Chicago The Violet Hour Cocktail Bar Bunny Slope The Drifter Moneygun Range New American Blue Door Farm Stand Lula Cafe Table, Donkey and Stick Lagunitas Brewing Company Chicago Goose Island Brewhouse

No matter where you live in the US, chances are your state lays claim to fame for “best kinda pizza anywhere!”  As much as we’d love to agree with you, we know that the only real pizza worth eating is the  illustrious regional classic: the Chicago Deep Dish! No matter what ingredients you prefer in your pie, we won’t judge you, because we're free spirited people; just about anything goes when it comes to toppings for our state’s greatest culinary achievement.  Be it pepperoni or pineapple or peppers and onions, we can’t complain! It’s all gravy (the tomato kind, even.) So for today, on this, the day of National Pizza appreciation, we’re sharing some of our picks for best local and regional pizzamakers.  And you can feel confident in our suggestions, because we consider our collective staff something of an expert in the subject. Leave the thincrust, take-a the deep dish! Classic Auto Group’s Recommended Local Pizza Places Double D Pizza at 1500 N Lewis Avenue in Waukegan K & R Jesters at 1500 N Lewis Avenue in Waukegan Louie’s Restaurant at 1009 North Avenue in Waukegan Jimano’s Pizza 938 N Green Bay Road in Waukegan Quonset Pizza at 2606 Grand Avenue in Waukegan North Avenue Tap at 637 North Avenue in Waukegan MOD Pizza at 970 S Waukegan Road  in Waukegan Potestas Pizza at 434 S Green Bay Road in Waukegan Marco’s Pizza at 741 W Glen Flora Avenue in Waukegan Anastasia’s Restaurant & Sports Lounge at 3880 Northpoint Boulevard Big Ed’s BBQ & Bar in Waukegan Mama K’s Pizza and Grille in Gurnee Kaiser’s Pizza & Pub in Gurnee Giordano’s in Chicago Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria in Chicago Pequod’s Pizza Gino’s East in Chicago Pizzeria Ora Chicago George’s Deep Dish My Pi Pizza in Chicago Nancy’s Pizza in Chicago Bartoli’s Pizza in Chicago Pizzeria Uno in Chicago Bacino’s of Lincoln Park in Chicago Great Pizza Car Gear: Deck Your Ride with a Proclamation of Your Love For Pizza Pizza Fixes Everything Car License Plate Frame Set of 2 Pizza Car Coasters 3-Pack Car Air Freshener Pepperoni Pizza Design Pizza On Board 6in Sign Pizza Floor Mats with  Blue backgrounds

Happy Lunar New Year! 我们祝你幸福，万事如意 Wish you happiness and all the best in the Year of the Tiger! Check out our picks for local restaurants, recipes, Lunar New Year traditions, books, and movies on today's blog. more February marks the beginning of Lunar New Year celebrations for the Year of the Tiger!  This week,  Asian-Americans in the US will be celebrating with their families, just like many others around the globe in China, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, North Korea, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines! Each country has their own version of the festival’s celebrations, but at the central core of each of them is Family.  Today we’ll be focusing mainly on the Chinese celebrations for Lunar New Year, but we encourage you to explore other global versions of these celebrations with your family, as they are equally important and wonderful! Here are some key elements you will see in Lunar New Year celebrations: Dragon - Much like many of the other symbols in Chinese new year, this also represents prosperity and good fortune, as well as a cultural symbol that the Chinese people are descendants of the  Dragon. Click here to learn more about the festival origins! Duilian - These are two vertical banners usually placed on either side of a doorway which announce wishes for good fortune, success, and happiness in the coming year: - Wan Shi Ru Yi: May everything be as you wish - Da Zhan Hong Tu: May you achieve your great plan - Sheng Yi Xing Long: May your business be prosperous Fish - Whole fish is a traditional dish served on New Years, and it is considered quite lucky.  It is customary to leave the head, tail and bones in one piece symbolizing a good beginning and end to the year. Flowers - The Plum Blossom and the Water Narcissus (or white daffodil) are both prevalent in Chinese New Year celebrations.  Plum blossoms represent growth, hope, and courage.  The Narcissus plants are representative of good fortune and prosperity, and if the blossoms open precisely on New Year Day, it is said to bring good luck all year long! Lanterns - On the 15th day of Lunar New Year celebrations is the Lantern festival. Red - This hue is considered an auspicious color in Chinese culture, often used in decor, gift giving, clothing, and more.  It represents life, vitality, good fortune, and prosperity.  Red envelopes, or hong bao, are envelopes filled with money given to unemployed single folks and young children Lunar New Year Crafts for Kids Make some dragon crafts with the kiddos at home like these from Red Ted Art. Chinese dragon puppets would make a great addition for storytime! Hang up some handcrafted Chinese Paper Lanterns to get festive! Make a family friendly “T is for Tiger” Felt or Paper Craft with Printable Pattern Whip Up a Culinary Treat for the Lunar New Year Shochu Punch Chou Dao Miu Pea Sprouts Lunar New Year Dumplings Whole Fish with Ginger Sesame Oil Spicy Dan Dan Noodles Peking Duck with Honey Glaze and Five Spice Chinese Restaurants to Support in the Greater Chicago Area China Garden Restaurant in Waukegan Ming Toy Restaurant in Waukegan China Kitchen in North Chicago Hunan Sixth Happiness North Chicago Lung Fung Restaurant in Zion Win Win Restaurant & Bar in Waukegan Lao Sze Chuan in Highland Park House of Szechwan in Des Plaines Lao Sze Chuan in Skokie Chengdu Impression Restaurant in Chicago Mrs. Gu Skewers Hot Pot in Chicago Laojiumen Hotpot Chicago MCCB Chicago Xi’an Cuisine in Chicago Supporting Asian Creators Year Round We believe in supporting the AAPI community all year round and not just on special holidays or months! To celebrate all global Asian cultures that participate in Lunar New Year, we’ve compiled a wonderful list of books and films by Asian creators for you to enjoy! Fantastic Books by Asian Authors for Audio/EBooks Make sure to load up your e-reader or tablet with some of these great books before your next road trip! You’ll find a slew of incredible tales written by both new and treasured voices in the writing community. Beautiful Country by Qian Julie Wang Eyes that Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho Bringing in the New Year by Grace Lin Amy Wu and the Perfect  Bao by Kat Zhang Land of Big Numbers by Te-Ping Chen How Much of These Hills is Gold by C. Pam Zhang A Pho Love Story by Loan Le Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue Park Stargazing by Jen Wang The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo Home Remedies: Stories by Xuan Juliana Wang Front Desk by Kelly Yang Yolk by Mary H.K. Choi Finding Julie Kim by Ellen Oh A River of Stars by Vanessa Huo Severance by Ling Ma The Last Fallen Star by Graci Kim Luck of the Titanic by Stacey Lee American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang Movies to Stream Starring Asian Americans and AAPI Talent: Raya and the Last Dragon Over the Moon The Wish Dragon The Guardian Brothers Next Gen Ne Zha Go Back To China Front Cover It’s Already Tomorrow in Hong Kong Lucky Grandma Minari Crazy Rich Asians Shang Chi and the Legend of the 10 Rings Always Be My Maybe To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before

Today we’re covering a list of fantastic drive-in theaters with unique viewing experiences, and those who offer a wide range of media from family flicks, indie films, foreign cinema, and more. hen the weather outside’s less frightful, we think a trip to the drive-in sounds delightful!  You’ll find lots of fun suggestions for destination movie theatres on today’s post. We’ve also got some quick tips and tricks for packing up the car to ensure everyone has a great time no matter how far from home you go.  Let’s go to the movies! more Note: Some of these locations may be closed for the season, but others are open throughout the season (weather permitting.) Let’s Go To the Movies: What to Bring To the Drive-In Going to the movies is very exciting for little ones, especially if you’re at the drive-in!  And as fun as it is, an unexpected mess or a case of the fidgets while waiting for the show to start can make things go haywire.  That’s why we love to keep a little bag of tricks in our trunk to ensure that the experience is a breeze, and everyone can enjoy themselves together with less stress.  Plus, there’s some bonus picks for grown-up movie nights and date night suggestions! For Kiddos: Pack boxes with juice pouches, bags of fresh fruits and veggies, and crackers or munchies to keep them satisfied.  Pack some insulated water bottles to keep them cool and hydrated. Bring some cozy snuggle stuff such as a hooded blankie, fleece blanket, stuffies, or cotton throw. Pack an overnight bag with extra clean clothes - one spare outfit per child, and make sure it’s easy to wiggle-on in a pinch such as PJs or sweatpants or leggings.  For babies or toddlers, consider packing at least two onesies or sleepsuits.  Plan for being out late, and perhaps having some spills or accidents needing a swap. Bring simple outdoor toys such as velcro mitts with a tennis ball, a frisbee, a beachball, or similar to play outside and keep the kids happy before the movie starts. Plus, it means they’ll be a little knackered and more likely to sit still for the duration! A box or two of glow sticks and glowing jewelry, and party style spinning flashlights will keep kids entertained in the dark before the movie starts. For Everyone: Snag some comfortable cushions or pillows with waterproof material for sitting outside, or to add a little luxury to your car’s interior. Stay warm and cozy and comfortable in your car with a pile of soft blankets. Folding chairs for those who need a change of pace from sitting in the car and want to sit outside. A box filled with your favourite movie theatre snacks, chips, crackers, and other snack packs and candies.  Include a small cooler with ice for veggies, fruits, and bottled drinks.  And you can even jazz things up with a simple charcuterie tray for a date night twist! Don’t skimp on the wet wipes, napkins, paper towels, or hand sanitizer (and you might even want to toss a spare roll or two of toilet paper in there in case the bathrooms are less than equipped.) Bring some bug spray in case you leave your windows open or opt for the outdoor seating. Flashlights and LED candles can add an ambiance and make it easier to find your way to and from the car in the dark while stretching your legs or a walk to the facilities. Last but not least, pack some plastic grocery bags and a garbage bag to gather up your trash at the end of the night.. Fabulous Drive-In Movie Theatre Experiences Drive-In movies are a special experience in movie watching, so why not make a mini road trip and memorable weekend getaway around this cinematic excursion?  Grab your own camera or your smartphone and film a little documentary about your road trip as you go to your destination, and create some beautiful keepsake videos together.  Check out these suggestions for drive-in theatres and plan your next visit when the season opens, or check what’s playing now! The Milky Way Drive-In in Milwaukee, WI Chi-town Futbol and Movies in Chicago, IL McHenry Indoor/Outdoor Theater in McHenry (formerly the Skyline Drive-In) Blue Moonlight Drive-In Theater in Galesburg, IL Harvest Moon Drive-In Theatre in Gibson City, IL The Chicago Drive-In in Bridgeview, IL The Cascade Drive-In in West Chicago, IL Midway Drive-In, Sterling, IL Route 66 Drive-In Theater Hi-Way 18 Outdoor Theatre in Jefferson, WI 49er Drive-In Theatre in Valparaiso, IN Route 34 Drive-In in Earlville, IL Melody Drive-In in Knox, IN Skyview Drive-In in Litchfield, IL

Did you know that today is National Puzzle Day?  Whether you’re looking for a rousing good time with friends, an activity for the whole family, or a lively new addition to your date night rotation, you’ll find plenty of ideas on today’s blog! We’re highlighting our picks for interesting Escape Rooms and Mystery Dinner Theatre puzzles that involve diving right into the center of all the action.  Solve a puzzle or a mysterious crime with a little bit of cheeky improv and a lot of laughs! And for those who prefer to stay indoors, but want to stay busy at home we’ve got some great picks for car themed puzzles. It’s all happening right here on today’s blog. more Amazing Escape Room Experiences in Greater Chicago Area and Southern Wisconsin: You might have seen Escape Rooms or Puzzle Escape Game Experiences popping up in your area over the last few years.  They’re an excellent way to spend time with friends and family, and perfect for those who have a competitive edge!   You and your friends, or even a group of strangers, will work together to solve puzzles by putting together clues or brain teasers in order to beat the clock and gain your freedom.  It’s a fun teamwork experience with challenging adventures and themed elements, and no experience is the same twice!   You’ll experience a whole new form of experiential storytelling and role playing for a truly unique night out on the town.  Check out our picks for great escape rooms in the area and snag your ticket now! 60 to Escape in Gurnee IL Golden Escape Rooms in Grayslake IL Edge of Escape Rooms in Zion IL No Escape Room in Buffalo Grove IL Xscape in Time in Barrington IL Lock Chicago Escape Rooms in Wilmette IL Noggin Builders Kid Escape Room in Northbrook, IL EscapeQuest in Crystal Lake IL Twisted Limits Escape Rooms in McHenry IL Mastermind Escape Games in Schaumburg IL Lake Geneva Clue Room in Lake Geneva WI TeamEscape 262 Menomonee Falls, wI City13 Milwaukee in Oak Creek, WI Seven Keys to Escape in Racine, WI Mystery Dinner Theatre Shows in Wisconsin and Illinois: If you really enjoy the escape room experience, but want to shake things up a bit, then dinner mystery theatre is just the ticket!  Check out these super fun experiential supper clubs and virtual experiences that put you and your guests in the middle of a mystery to solve.  It’s a super unique experience that will change each time you go thanks to the magic of improv theatre. The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show in Schaumburg The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show in Chicago The Murder Mystery Company in Milwaukee, WI St Croix Off Broadway Dinner Theatre in Hudson, WI Fireside Dinner Theatre in Fort Atkinson, WI Murder Mystery Dinner Parties in Chicago Cool Car Themed Puzzles to Do At Home SpringBok’s 1000 Piece Classic Car Puzzle MasterPieces 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle Route 66 Pitstop Road Trip License Plate Map Puzzle by TDC Games Road Trip Puzzle Map Book for Kids on the Go by Conceptis Puzzles Road Trip 300 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle by Buffalo Games Store

It’s National Chocolate Cake Day It’s National Chocolate Cake Day, and we feel that’s cause enough to celebrate. Who doesn’t love a great chocolate cake?!  It’s the perfect sweet moment to punctuate a busy week once the weekend rolls around.   All that fudgy, moist, sweet, rich deliciousness on a plate is the best treat at the end of a long day.  And we’re here to support some fantastic local businesses in the Greater Chicago Area and Southern Wisconsin, all just a short drive away from Classic Auto Group!  So let’s hit the road and find some truly luscious chocolate treats right here on today’s blog. more Best Places to Grab a Slice of Chocolate Cake or Order Dessert: Illusion Bakery Inc in Waukegan O Brothers Bakery in Waukegan Tony’s Bakery in Waukegan Panaderia y Pasteleria Arizmendi in Waukegan Sweet Tooth Delivery in Gurnee Dalton’s Cakes in Grayslake Tina’s Italian Bake Shop in Gurnee Gloria’s Cakes in Racine, WI O&H Danish Bakery in Racine, WI Larsen Bakery Inc in Racine, WI Olde Madrid in Racine, WI Sebastian’s in Racine, WI Nothing Bundt Cakes in Greenfield, WI Sweet Mandy B’s Bakery in Chicago Mindy’s Bakery in Chicago Lutz Cafe & Pastry Shop in Chicago Jennivee’s Bakery in Chicago Bittersweet Pastry Shop & Cafe in Chicago Make Your Own Car Themed Cakes in These Fabulous Tins and Moulds: Wotoy’s Cake Baking Pan Mold Wilton’s Lightning McQueen Cake Pan Mold Car Shaped Silicone Molds for Cake or Candies

Pardon our cheesy demeanor, but we’re a little excited today.  We’re celebrating National Cheese Day with an awesome list of local cheesemongers who have everything you need to make delectable dairy treats. Whether you’re cooking up a feast to take to tailgating parties, or you’re hosting a race-day party at home, we’ve got lots of ways for you to prep this delightful dairy food, whether it’s diced, sliced, fried, or fondue’d! more Image via Motor1.com Grab your favourite cheeses for a wine-and-cheese dinner at home with your friends, or grab some sharp cheeses and delectable bites for a fondue or charcuterie for a race day party! And if we may be so bold as to boast, we’re really thrilled with our proximity to the great state of Wisconsin, home to the “cheeseheads” of Green Bay, as well as some of the country’s top dairy farms and cheese shops. 5 Cheesy Fun Facts About Wisconsin’s Dairy Industry 90% of the milk made in Wisconsin gets turned into cheese, equating to over 2.8 billion pounds of this dairy delight! There are over one dozen cheese-themed festivals in Wisconsin Wisconsin is home to nearly 100 cheese production facilities More than one million cows call Wisconsin home, which equates to 1 cow for every 5 people living in this great dairy state. The average American citizen eats over 25 pounds of cheese per calendar year We love shopping locally at neighbouring businesses, and that’s why we’re sharing our picks for great local cheese mongers and delis in Southern Wisconsin, Waukegan, and the Greater Chicago Area that you can support with your patronage.  And check out our picks for great recipes to share with your friends. Top Notch Cheesemongers and Shops That Are Worth the Drive Mars Cheese Castle in Kenosha, WI Tim & Tom’s Cheese in Kenosha, WI Wisconsin Cheese Mart in Milwaukee, WI The Village Cheese Shop in Wauwatosa, WI Fromagination in Madison, WI The Cheese Box in Lake Geneva, WI Highfield Farm Creamery in Walworth, WI Wildmer’s Cheese Cellars in Theresa, WI Beautiful Rind in Chicago, IL Great American Cheese Collection in Chicago, IL Augusta Food and Wine in Chicago, IL Rogers Park Provisions in Chicago, IL Provisions Uptown in Chicago, IL Schaefer’s Wines, Foods & Spirits in Skokie, IL Vintages Cheese Shop in Arlington Heights, IL Movie Night and Race Day Recipes to Share with Friends Impress your friends with these great cheese centric tailgating recipes if you bring your grill, crockpot, or other portable warming stations. And if you’re spending the day at home watching our recommendations for car themed movies, or watching a televised Formula 1 or NASCAR race, you’re going to need lots of snacks to nosh on!   No matter how you slice it, these are some great shareable recipes featuring delectable dairy delights: Brown Eyed Baker’s Game Day Dip Just a Pinch Blog’s Chili Game Day Cheese Dip Lane’s BBQ Blog’s Game Day Pretzels and Beer Cheese Kingsford’s Game Day Grilled Cheese Sliders Old House to New Home’s Mini Mac & Cheese Bites Fountain Avenue Kitchen’s Cheesy Game Day Charcuterie Board Dinner at the Zoo’s Cheese Fries with Bacon America’s Test Kitchen’s Kid Friendly Cheese Quesadillas Meg’s Every Day Indulgence Blog’s Four Cheese Flatbread Tasty.co’s Cheese-Stuffed Burger Bomb Sliders Make Joshua Weissman’s Super Cheesy Homemade Deep Dish Pizza for a taste of Chicago right at home: And check out this fun video from celebrity chef and talk show host Rachel Ray featuring 5 NASCAR drivers as they race for the perfect cheeseburger!

Today is National Spaghetti Day! And we thought it would be fun to celebrate in a few different ways. Today’s blog post will be a light and cheerful one full of delicious facts and exciting eateries. more First, we’ll be highlighting some of the great racing drivers and pioneers from Italy throughout motorsports history. And secondly, we’re going to shout out some of our favourite local eateries to grab a nice plate of Nona’s “s’getti and meat-a-balls!” So dig in to today’s post and mangia these fun historical anecdotes to impress your friends at your upcoming pasta dinner. Image of Alberto Ascari from thesportsman.com Alberto Ascari competed in motorcycle racing and car racing, and was described as “Italy’s Greatest Ever,” a claim even supported in part by Enzo Ferrari! He was known as “Little Ascari” and “Ciccio.”  Ascari was a Formula One World Champion twice over, and competed for years in the racing circuit until an accident caused his untimely death on May 26th 1955. Image of Giuseppe Farina from Formula1.com Guiuseppe “Nino” Farina was the first official Formula One World Champion and won the first driver’s title, crowned in 1950!  He was also the Italian Champion in 1937, 1938, and 1939 consecutively.  He was sadly killed in a car accident in 1966. Image of Mario Andretti via indycar.com Mario Andretti was born to an Italian family and achieved fame as one of the most successful American F1 racing drives in all of motorsports history.  His name is synonymous with several championship wins, and notoriety as one of only 2 race drivers to win races in F1, IndyCar, World Sportscar, and NASCAR!  He was also the only person to be dubbed United States Drive of the year in 3 different decades (1960s, 1970s, 1980s.)  He is currently 81 years old. Image via Ferrari.com Giancarlo Fisichella has been a celebrated Italian racing driver since 1984.  Heentered his first race in 1996 at the Australian Grand Prix, and continued on to participate in an impressive 231 races, three of which he won in the Formula 1 circuit.  He also made an appearance in the beloved movie “The Art of Racing in the Rain.” Image from F1.Fandom.com Michele Alboreto was an Italian race driver. He was runner up to Alain Prost in the ‘85 F1 World Championship, and later won the 1997 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 2001 12 Hours of Sebring races.  He passed away in April 2001 in an accident in Germany at the Lausitzring during a test drive with Audi. Image from italyonthisday.com Luigi Musso was an Italian race participant who competed in 24 Formula 1 races, and 15 of them were under the ferrari flag starting when he was just 30 years old. He won the 1956 Argentine Grand Prix, but unfortunately perished after just 5 years in the circuit in a fatal accident at the 1958 Grand Prix. Grab a Great Plate of Spaghetti at These Fine Establishments Jimano’s Pizzeria at 938 N Green Bay Road Waukegan Quonset Pizza at 2602 Grand Avenue Waukegan K&R Jesters at 1500 N Lewis Avenue Waukegan Potesta’s Pizza on 434 S Green Bay Road Waukegan Louie’s Restaurant at 1009 North Avenue Waukegan Anastasia’s Restaurant & Sports Lounge at 3880 Northpoint Boulevard Waukegan Double D Pizza at 1500 N Lewis Avenue Waukegan Honey Bay’s Barbecue at 1726 Belvidere Street Waukegan La Scarola in Chicago, IL Siena Tavern in Chicago, IL Viaggio Restaurant in Chicago, IL Quartino Ristorante in Chicago, IL Sapori Trattoria in Chicago, IL The Pasta Bowl in Wicker Park in Chicago, IL Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse in Chicago, IL Il Porcellino in Chicago, IL Riccardo Trattoria in Chicago, IL Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio in Chicago, IL Topo Gigio Ristorante in Chicago IL Salute Italian Restaurant in Racine, WI Casa Capri Restaurant in Kenosha, WI Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen in Kenosha, WI Renzo’s Pizzeria & Trattoria in Kenosha, WI Ruffolo’s Special Pizza 2 in Kenosha

We’re celebrating National Bacon Day with a list of amazing local restaurants that could use your support!  You’ll find amazing brunch restaurants, brunch recipes to make at home for the holidays, and fun bacon themed gear. more Amazing Brunch Spots in the Area These establishments all offer a host of menu items that really hit the spot after an evening of holiday parties and festive celebrations.  From Bacon Hash to Bacon Grilled Cheese to Maple-Bacon Pancakes, there’s a plethora of comfort food that’s perfect to pig out on. (Pun intended!)  Check them out below, and let us know your fave local brunch spots in a comment! Emily’s Pancake House in Waukegan Monica’s Diner in Waukegan Sunset House Restaurant in Waukegan Bob & Anne’s Restaurant in Waukegan Avocado Express in Waukegan Tropical Smoothie Cafe in Waukegan Coffee Break & Lunch in Waukegan Sunset House Restaurant in Waukegan Miramar Bistro in Highwood Garden Berry Cafe in Vernon Hills Taste of Paris in Mundelein Maevery Public House in Lake Bluff Caribana in Lindenhurst Brunch Cafe in Fox River Grove Egg Harbor Cafe in Libertyville Brunch Cafe in Roselle Brunch Cafe in Niles Best Bacon Centric Recipes for Holiday Brunches Get ready for Post-Christmas family brunch and New Years day hangover cures with these bacon-centric recipes to make at home!  Bonus: We’ve also included cocktails and desserts to round it out. Pioneer Woman’s Bacon Brunch Ring Cafe Delite’s Cheesy Bacon and Egg Hash Bacon Egg and Cheese Roll-Ups Alex Guarnaschelli’s Candied Bacon Dinner at the Zoo’s Breakfast Casserole with Bacon Tablespoon’s Maple Bacon Breakfast Pie Butter w a Side of Bread’s Breakfast Rolls with Bacon Damn Delicious’s Bacon Breakfast Pizzas Food Network’s Bacon, Egg and Maple Grilled Cheese Spruce Eats Bacon Me Crazy Cocktail Southern Kitchen’s Maple Bacon Old Fashioned Guy Fieri’s Maple Pig Cocktail A Breakfast Negroni Hy-Vee’s Bloody Mary Mocktail Pineapple and Bacon Infused Vodka Bloody Mary Tammi Lee Tips Bacon Manhattan Cocktail Jones Dairy Farm’s Bacon Pecan Bars Pepperidge Farm’s Brown Sugar Bacon Puff Twists Tablespoon’s Bourbon Bacon Crunch Cake Savory Experiments Chocolate Bacon Saltine Toffee Mr Food’s Maple-Bacon Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Sizzling Hot Bacon Car Decor Keep Calm and Eat Bacon Car Flag is perfect for announcing your allegiance to your top choice breakfast side far and wide! Accoutrement’s Bacon Air Freshener will give you that tantalizing breakfast aroma of everyone’s fave sizzling meat in your car 24/7! While you’re waiting for the MVC/DMV to ship you your new license plates, try this bacon centric license plate cover as a placeholder! This fully realistic bacon weave printed center console cover has your name written all over it!  Good news, it’s quirky, stylish, and it won’t get any grease on your clothes. The breakfast club can hold a new session every commute to work if you deck your ride out in these kitschy and fun pop-art style breakfast themed seat covers!

What is the Winter Solstice? The Winter Solstice is on Tuesday December 21st at 10:59 EST in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s the shortest day and longest night of 2021. It has many names around the globe including Midwinter, Yule, Longest Night, and Jol.  Learn more about different global solstice celebrations here! Celebrate with your loved ones and our list of festive Yuletime traditions on today’s blog. Did you know: The word Solstice is based in Latin, combining the word for sun (sol) and word for standing (stit) as in “the sun stands still.” Ancient Romans celebrated the agricultural god of Saturn at the Midwinter Festival of Saturnalia. The days get colder following the Winter Solstice, contrary to the fact that the days get longer and it stays lighter each day. December 25th is the Yuletide celebration, inspired by the Sun Day, where people would burn a tree to celebrate the return of the sun and longer days. The Winter Solstice in China is celebrated as the Dongzhi Festival, a lucky day when the sun is more active, the past is gone, and hope is on the horizon.  Traditional foods consumed are dumplings or glutinous rice balls. Celebrate The Winter Solstice with These Winter Traditions Create a Yule Altar - A Yule Altar is created to welcome the return of the sun and the lengthening of the days. To create one, you’ll need golden, silver, or yellow candles to symbolize the sun.  Gather items that represent the winter season: pinecones, evergreen branches, pieces of cedarwood.  You’ll want to burn some sage or sweetgrass to cleanse the altar with positive intentions. Burn a Yule Log in the Fireplace or a Fire Pit - Historically, Nordic tradition was to burn a whole tree across 12 days leading up to Christmas.  Since that’s not exactly sanctioned by apartment management or condo associations (and definitely not feasible for modern hearths) the Yule Log is a popular alternative.  If you don’t have a woodburning stove/fireplace in your home, you can always cue up the digital version on Netflix (in regular or birchwood options!)  Don’t have a Netflix account? You can always bake and serve a Yule Log cake instead. Enjoy some Yuletide “wassail” cocktails! Wassail is a festive warm drink with mulled spices consisting of: 2qts apple cider, 1.5 cups of orange juice, ¾ cup pineapple juice, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.  You can also add a splash of Rum or Whisky if you wish! Take Some Time to Meditate - Since this is the longest night of the year, set aside some time to meditate and so some soul searching. Reflect on the quiet and peace that blanket the world on snowy evenings.  Think about your goals for the upcoming year, and how you can grow as a person and focus on propelling yourself forward towards your goals.  Reminisce about the past year, and what you would like to accomplish in the new year as the world begins to thaw and usher in Spring.  Focus on being present and how you can connect with your peers, loved ones, and yourself within your own space. Exchange Nature-Related Gifts with Loved Ones - Yule is a time to celebrate the changing of the seasons as the days grow in length and nights get shorter. Get your loved ones gifts that remind them about the beauty of the world around them!  Focus on things made from natural elements, plants for their home, bulbs or seeds to be planted in spring, or perhaps some books about nature or a documentary celebrating Earth!  Make some Orange Pomanders with your family.  Take small, firm oranges and whole cloves to create this craft.  You may use a sharp knife or citrus zester to create patterns on the orange skin (save the peel for your wassail or baking!)  Poke the cloves into the orange in pretty patterns (you can use a toothpick or chopstick to pre-make the holes for little ones!.)  They make a gorgeous holiday gathering centerpiece, or temporary ornament for live Christmas trees. Read a Wintry Theme Book with Family and Friends - You can try “The Mitten” by Jan Brett; “The Winter Solstice” by Ellen Jackson; “The Return of the Light: Twelve Tales from Around the World for the Winter Solstice” by Carolyn McVickar Edwards; “The Solstice Badger” by Robin McFadden; “The Shortest Day: Celebrating the Winter Solstice” by Wendy Pfefer and Jesse Reisch. Sending our best yuletide wishes to you and yours from all of us here at Classic!