Did I Just Get Called Mister?

I never thought that I'd feel older than I do at this moment. 

This is actually saying a lot; as I am currently underemployed and work with 16 year old's, realize that the N64 will be 18 old next year, and understand that I'm considerably older then MLB All-Star Bryce Harper.

But at this moment, I feel very similar to PGP (Post Grad Problems)'s Veronica; who recently wrote an article called "The Worst thing You Can Call a Girl: It’s Not The C-word, It’s 'Ma’am'."  In this article, she covered the inner dialogue that occurred after being called Ma'am at a local coffee chain.

Insert the same coffee chain, but a different situation.  I was sitting here, writing a Postgrad in Suburbia original review of Green Basil Restaurant in Downtown Naperville, when I looked up from my work to see am individual pointing at the chair across from me.  Removing my headphones, I received the most depressing question I've heard outside of "What are you doing with your life?" asked every day. 

"Excuse me, Mister... Is anyone using that chair?"

Mister? What am I, a 55 year old who sits at Starbucks in the same chair, running a questionably scammy financial planning venture?  Why would I be a mister? What could possibly define me as a 'mister' besides the fact that I was regarded as old?  Who would have such disrespect to call a 23 year old 'mister'?!?!

This question has been running through my mind since the occurrence, and I feel that I probably can't think about this without a depressing answer.  Maybe I am old.  Maybe these lower back problems aren't just in my head.  What have I done with my life? Does this mean I can give life lessons and tell tales of my youth?

Stay tuned Postgrads, we may have to switch to Geriatric in Suburbia... In which I review breakfast in family diners, elderly dating sites, and complain about how no one respects their elders anymore.

Rizzo's Naperville

Next in my trip through Downtown Naperville comes my experience with a bar that has definitely left me with some high tabs and crazy experiences.  Through my postgrad experience, I have seen few bars with better specials and more interesting dynamics than that of Rizzo's in downtown Naperville.

Not the place that I would choose driving, Downtown Naperville bars are some of those that I do not frequent.  However, when I can secure a DD or indulge in a two stop train ride, my first choice in bar is that of Rizzo's; especially for Mondays or Thursdays, in which dollar drafts or $5 buckets bring in some of the craziest times fueled by blatant disregard for societal norms.

Mondays have a special meaning to me, especially at Rizzo's, as this is the location where I witnessed the Chicago Blackhawks score two goals in 17 seconds to take the lead in game 6 of the Stanley Cup Championships.  Whereas not an "Official Blackhawks Bar," Rizzo's features a few TVs and will turn on sound for important games, so long as there is not a DJ or live music.

Thursdays feature $3.99 burgers (any variety), a DJ and the downhill excursion that is $5 buckets of Miller or Coors.  Many a night this summer have I indulged in the craziness, and look forward to trying this location during the school year; as the dynamic seems to change when North Central is in session.

From what I've heard, Wednesdays are the best night to partake if you are looking to enjoy liquor.  With no cover and prices that match or beat Saddle Up, Rizzo's has the best potential for increased performance on Wednesday nights.

Unfortunately, as with every Naperville bar, weekends are crowded with blatant tryhards, more Ed Hardy than a South Jersey shopping mall, and the high prices that match the demand.  This is nothing against Rizzo's, as the entire city of Naperville can charge as it sees fit, and people will go.

All in all, with free overnight parking in Naperville on weekends; I believe that visiting this location could make for a crazy experience.  Naperville features a plethora of taxis (as opposed to St. Charles), and once the money is there (along with the 9-5 M-F job), I feel that I will be indulging in these nights a bit more often.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a bar in which you can get drunk on weeknights relatively cheaply, dance to decent DJs, or listen to acceptable live music; look no further than Rizzo's Naperville.  Also, I recommend that you try the VeeV shots/drinks/pitchers.  Rizzo's has an exclusive partnership with the company, and has drinks made especially for the bar.

PS. The posters highlight $1 pints on Mondays... You get 12 oz. cups. This is an issue I look to bring to the attention of Euclid Beverage (Their distributor who made the poster)

Green Basil Naperville

I finally got a chance to try a nice little restaurant that had been recommended by my friend; and finally got a chance to test out a new variety of food that has not made a huge name for itself in suburbia, Vietnamese cuisine.

A bit hard to find, located near Quigley's and the parking garage off of Jefferson; Green Basil is tucked directly east of downtown Naperville.

My experience at Green Basil in Naperville has been split between two visits: My first being that of a coffee run, in which I got to try an iced coffee sweetened with condensed milk; and I must say, it was amazing for coffee that I didn't personally adjust to my tastes. My second trip is a result of the prodding by my friend to finally try the food.

On that note, I arrived at a 4 pm, so as to not be that guy who sits alone at a table during dinner rush. Naturally, my eyes moved to the lower priced items before coming across the Cornish hen (com ga). For $9, I thought it would be a small portion of hen with a bit of rice. I was quickly surprised to receive a gratuitous amount of rice, vegetables, and soup included. The hen itself was a marinated half hen that was then fried with just enough oil to maintain crisp texture. Served with lettuce, tomatoes, cilantro, peppers, and a dressing that I wasn't entirely sure what purpose it served; it became quite the filling dish.

Needless to say, I recommend this place for a decent meal, but implore you to bring some form of breath mints. The unfortunate result of the fresh produce is the current fact that definitely carry a strong breath of cilantro, basil, and what I believe to be garlic.

Suburbia has its grand variety of food. I am happy to try any restaurant in the area that will support a postgrad budget. If you would like to see your restaurant featured on postgrad in suburbia, email me at postgradinsuburbia@gmail.com.