Adult Kickball?

A growing trend throughout cities and other locales, adult kickball, is a perfect example of an activity that would be perfect for a Postgrad in the Chicagoland area.  A cheaper and easier start-up than other sports; this could become the future of suburban casual gaming.

I say this, because after an experience of joining a softball league full of teams more cohesive than that of an MLB team; I believe that playing kickball in the suburbs would allow people to start with a clean slate.  How many of you have played kickball in the past 5 years? 10 years? Who wouldn't want to join other Postgrads in Suburbia for a bit of friendly competition that ends at a local restaurant or bar?

With at least 5 leagues in Chicago at the moment, all of which sponsored by local bars and played at neighborhood parks; a new kickball league in the suburbs would make a perfect opportunity to meet new people, discover new bars, and even network with other industry professionals.

Look at it this way.  A kickball costs less than $20. A field is free (Or we could organize through a city).  Can you think of options here that would provide interesting experiences on a Saturday afternoon any cheaper than this?

Back to School

Photo is property of its original owner(s)

Welcome to the life of a Postgrad in Suburbia.  The job opportunities are in the most inconvenient locations, the skills for the downtown positions require many years' experience, and nothing has come across the table that you can see yourself enjoying for the next 1-5 years.  Unfortunately, that leaves me in an awkward situation in which I am writing this blog, trying to find new things to do, in a position that was dead-end 3 years ago.

So what does this mean to you? In German terms, this could be referred to as Schadenfreude; which in the words of Avenue Q, is known as "happiness at the misfortune of others."  For me, it means finding a way to delay loans, discover new skills, and become more marketable to companies.  Yes, Postgrads, i am referring to going to a community college for additional classes.  Thanks to a clause in my loan contract, I can continue to defer loans while still in school (with only a 9% interest rate!), but have to take classes that may or may not be enjoyable to myself or others.


This said, my first course at community college happened to be nothing like the NBC hit comedy Community (Although I can relate to Jeff Winger).  Did I expect a life of claymation and musicals, with great hijinks that could pass for entertainment? No.  I expected a demi-college experience that would allow me to meet a few people who knew about this area or about a need for my skill set.

Unfortunately for me, I did not read into the community part of this.  My first class was that of Adobe Photoshop, and as many job descriptions have included this as a vital skill; I thought this would take me in the right direction.  My classmates, as nice as they were, definitely were cut from a different stone; and had this been a creative writing class, a history class, or even philosophy; I could do as I have done throughout college, shown only my finalized copy that would turn heads.  Unfortunately, when working with visual arts, every move that you make can be viewed on a 27 inch monitor; and therefore scrutinized by classmates. 

This is when I noticed the community part.  They weren't scrutinizing my work, they were complimenting my poorly developed photo modification. Why are you so nice to me? Why is everyone so friendly? Why can't you just wait for the final product, and then be blown away?

Maybe my desire to act in a Don Draper fashion isn't able to be fulfilled, but that ends my rant.  Community Colleges are valuable institutions, and I will continue to indulge in these courses until I am hired and can afford to take a vertical move in my educational ventures.

If you are in the Aurora area, I invite you to join me at some classes at Waubonsee: specifically Web Design, Adobe Creative Suite/Cloud, and maybe even Sign Language!  Actually, I could just walk into a marketing class and be the overachiever. I assure you won't be the only one somewhat displaced.  First round is on me at Ballydoyle's.

Photo is property of its original owner, I take no ownership for it.

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.

Charlestowne Mall, or What's Left of It

The Charlestowne Mall, circa 2013

I just had one of the creepiest experiences as a Postgrad in Suburbia.  As I was taking a phone call, I ended up turning east onto Route 64.  As the road was under construction, my choices were quite limited regarding getting back downtown; and I decided to turn around at a location that at one point was a booming hangout for local teens: The Charlestowne Mall.  The last time I visited this location, I was roughly 16 and went there with a few friends to hang out in the food court and shop for various items.  Packed with people, I thought that nothing could happen to it, and it was much cooler than Westfield Fox Valley or the Geneva Commons.

Seven years later, things have certainly changed.  Currently home to 18 stores, many of which are not open on weekdays; the Charlestowne Mall is apparently a prime victim of the times.  As I walked through the gated venues, I wondered about what happened.  Understood the location did not really have a competitive edge for foot traffic, or anything besides Von Maur to differentiate it from any other location; but really, 18 stores?

But my real question, what can be done with the Charlestowne Mall?  A few things will open, a Sushi Buffet (cannibalizing the other sushi shop), an ice rink, and probably a few things open for Christmas season; but where will that take them? 

I've heard the city wants to create Section-8 housing at the location, Tear certain parts of it down to add an outdoor/outlet mall style vibe, build a University Extension with dorms and classrooms, or even tearing it down to create a Downtown Naperville style Riverwalk with stores.  A full PDF of what some residents want to do with the Charlestowne Mall can be found here.

Many of those ideas are great for the right people, but who would I be to admit they are right?  I like many of their ideas, especially trying to rebrand it through addition of niche restaurants and stores not available to the current market; but that will get them so far.  I also like the idea of adding a Gameworks, but why not take it even farther?

There is already a theater, a mini-golf location, a proposed ice rink, and the proposed Sushi Buffet; but all of those are on the lower level.  What can they do with the upper level? Why not make a location similar to an indoor French Quarter or Beale Street, in which the area is closed off; open containers are allowed, and walkways or shuttles to local hotels are provided?  Each bar would have a theme, and different venues would have different types of entertainment.

Or as a short-term plan, why not turn it into a haunted house?  The mall is so vast and already eerie. They could create a society similar to Fallout.  Open "shops" that have absolutely nothing left, and people to jump out and scare people.  It would be like Detroit, but without the travel or murder.

What are your ideas for the future of the Charlestowne Mall?

Kane County Cougars Games, Bringing Back My Youth

If you are like me and grew up in Suburban Chicago, especially the western suburbs; you remember the great times going to Elfstrom Stadium (now Fifth Third Bank Ballpark) to watch a low-A baseball team attempt to make it big and get promoted up the ladder.  Whether it be a scout trip, youth baseball outing, or just going with family; tickets to the Kane County Cougars have always been cheap, and the games fun to watch regardless of the outcome.

After the recent acquisition of the Cougars from the Cubs, this team is going to be part of the rebuilding process that will (hopefully) see a World Series victory within the next few years.

The Cougars have always had great promotions, and this year offers some great theme nights and specials.  My personal favorite, Thirsty Thursdays, offers $1 beers, soda, and hot dogs.  Half-Priced Mondays offers $5 tickets for reserved seats.  How about that for a cheap night in the suburbs?  Even tonight (8/9), for you country fans, is their Country Music Night with fireworks and contests.

I have been to many a ballpark, but this stadium always brings me back to my youth.  I remember seeing greats like Miguel Cabrera, Adrian Gonzalez, and Ryan Dempster, before they were big.  If that doesn't excite you, the greatest name in the MiLB (2012), Rock Shoulders, is playing first base/designated hitter.

Too Much Thrifting? Never.

Frequented by hipsters, families in need, and one hit wonder artists alike; one of the most interesting hobbies that I have found myself indulging recently is that of thrift shopping. With so many random items, a possibility for turning a profit, and something to take my mind off the current job search; I have made my way to various Savers, Goodwills, and private stores over the course of the past 8 months. 

Now you may ask yourself, "why would you waste your time touching used goods, while knowing that none of the leadership really cares about the causes they support?" Well, how often can you find a record player from the era records were popular, a blender that will last the rest of your life, or things as random as a fire hose? 

My favorite place, albeit a location I may never buy something, would have to be Thrift and Dollar on Route 31 (lake street) in Aurora. The aforementioned fire hose? Found it there. Speakers that are going to destroy anything on the market today? They have 15 sets. They even throw in an apothecary counter and 1940's soda shoppe coke fridge for good measure. If I continue my tenure in suburbia, there is a good chance I will be furnishing my apartment with items found there. 

Other than this, I will generally stop at a Goodwill if I see it, regardless of attire. This being said, I can honestly admit that I've shown up to many a thrift shop in a full suit.

Great weekend idea? Head to a local Goodwill, pick up a game or two (generally priced at $1.99), buy a case of beer, and enjoy some creative jurisdiction regarding the rules of Candy Land. 

All in all, I would have to say that this hobby has become my cheapest way to spend a lot of time while spending absolutely no money. Maybe if you're lucky, you can find an old school Nintendo.

What are your favorite thrift shops in the suburbs? What is the craziest item that you've seen?

Geneva Ale House

One of my personal favorites; a bar that I have been frequenting since I heard of a few winters ago, Geneva Ale House, has been a welcome escape from the ordinary for a few years. Needing an escape from the kids at Swedish Days (nothing worse than feeling old at 22), I decided to head here for a beer and an update.

All superstitions aside, as the Bruins have scored twice since arrival (may have to leave to protect the hawks precarious lead), this has to be one of the best ale houses in the suburbs. Not only do they have a comfortable atmosphere, but one of the benefits of this location is the knowledge that the staff provides. My current server has visited every local brewery, tasted all the beers; and was able to talk about all of the beers with an actual knowledge I hope for but rarely expect out of an ale house in the area.

Currently I am sitting and drinking a Great Lakes Ohio City Oatmeal Stout, a new favorite from a top brewery. From this, my server was able to talk about related beers and then transition to seasonal beers from Lagunitas and Revolution.

In addition, their food selection really ties into their alcohol menu, offering a high class bar food menu. Their mini tacos and fried pickles offer good savory options if you're looking for a few appetizer choices.

All in all, every time I come here, I expect great things and am never disappointed. If you're looking to enjoy a nice night, enjoying a bit classier beers and food, Geneva Ale House is the place to go.

Where Are the Cheap Nights?

Let's face it, you may be like me, broke on a Saturday night.  You're a few months out of graduation; rent is due, student loans need to be paid on Tuesday, and your bank account is looking more similar to a start-up tech firm's IPO than you would like.  Such is the lifestyle of being Postgrad in Suburbia.

The real question, what can you do?  It's still a bit too cold for a bonfire, and doing something like that definitely takes you back to your awkward high school days, without the entire sneaking alcohol in backpacks.  Plus, your apartment complex (or parents if you are in the unfortunate situation that many of us live) frowns upon or flat out bans fires, no matter how controlled.

You could go to a bar, and enjoy the dearth of specials, winding up dropping a few dollars more than you would like for a bottle of beer that you need to wait 10 minutes to acquire.  Don't get me wrong, I love the bar scene.  I just cant afford to go out with my unemployed/underemployed friends, because their tabs somehow find their way onto my credit card.

You could follow my advice and go to Pride of the Fox Riverfest.  It's mostly free, it's this weekend, and you at least can get a good start to your night.  That will at least get you out of your house until 10 pm.

So now what? Do you hit up your local Steak and Shake, feel far too old when you see class of '13 shirts, and slowly delve into your plate of fries thinking about how easy kids have it these days? Well, if that's the case, I can meet you on Monday at a cash-only bar at 5:30 pm for a glass of whiskey on the rocks.  We can shake our canes at the skater kids in unison.

Okay, enough complaining.  This is a little bit of saying what you could do this weekend for cheap, and asking any of my readers: What do you do in Suburban Chicago if you don't want to spend a lot of money?

A few of the upcoming posts will hopefully touch base on some decent alternatives to dropping a $50 spot at a bar.  I look to be visiting Sky High Sports in Naperville, a trampoline site with dodgeball available by the hour; a few local hookah bars (North Aurora Hookah Lounge, Exhale Hookah Lounge, Oasis Cafe, and Mr. Shesha); and maybe I'll even check out the Cascade Drive-In over in West Chicago, hopefully with a date.

Pride of the Fox, A St. Charles Tradition

I have already talked about Swedish Days, the Geneva festival that has drawn a crowd and is something of which I can speak highly due to my personal experiences.  However, as festival season opens in the suburbs, another long standing tradition, Pride of the Fox, is opening today in St. Charles.

Already making local news, Pride of the Fox opened last night amid controversy between The St. Charles Festival Committee and Pride of the Fox LLC.  A well written article by Tim Schnell of the Geneva Patch (2 St. Charles Groups Clash over Pride of the Fox Riverfest) touches base on the arguments provided by both sides, along with the growth that each claims to have provided. Pride of the Fox LLC ultimately provided information allowing it to gain reinstatement an run the festival yet again.

The festival itself opened last night with a carnival, one that runs all weekend long, at the corner of IL Route 31 and Cedar.  Including many free events throughout the weekend, such as the Kane County Swat Team performing an explosives demo on Friday behind the Riverwalk and various concerts sponsored by the Arcada Theatre.

The artists performing on the Main Stage on Friday include last year's Battle of the Bands Winner, The Skelters, performing a funk blend; 28 Days, providing both covers and originals; and Modern Day Romeos, a Chicagoland band with a long history.  Saturday evening's concerts include the Battle of the Bands (winner plays Pride of the Fox 2014), 1 Sam 10, The Hat Guys, and Mike and Joe.  Closing it out on Sunday will be On Tap, The Homewreckers, and Billy Croft & the Five Alarm.

Among the music; there will be bags challenges, food offerings, line dancing lessons, and a beer garden each night.  Furthermore, additional games will include Bingo with a Twist and Trivia with a Twist.

Personally, I have not gotten a chance to indulge in the Pride of the Fox in years past, but with the offerings available; I feel that there will be opportunities to check out a few local artists, drink some beers, and close out my night at Beehive Tavern or River Rockhouse

Mike and Denise's

One of the biggest parts of living in suburban Chicago is finding your go-to place when you don't feel like heading out of your way to enjoy a night.  For residents of Aurora, options are generally limited to driving 10 miles north to St. Charles, 12 miles east to Naperville, or choosing areas near the Westfield Fox Valley Mall.  If you don't feel inclined to risk an extended drive to either of these locations, or don't want to hear a poor Top 40/Pop-Country mashup; one of the best locations to visit is Mike and Denise's on Farnsworth Avenue in east Aurora.

During my first visit to this location's bar, I expected to walk into a bar full of older regulars who didn't take kindly to newcomers.  Mike and Denise's was always one of the restaurants that I ended up after high school events, and I never actually got to look into the bar area.  Upon entering, not only was I received normally as a patron; I actually found that the activities and events were geared to span a great deal of ages, and the pool tables are some of the best in the suburbs. 

I'd have to say some of the biggest reasons that I not only went back; but now can consider myself a regular have to be the pool, the music, the drink specials, and the staff.

Pool
As someone who is still heartbroken over the demise of The Green Room in North Aurora, I have always looked for a place to play pool.  Mike and Denise's offers four high quality pool tables, and you are likely to play (as long as you don't show up on Wednesday league nights).  On an even better note, Tuesdays offer free pool to anyone who can hold a table. 

Music
I could go many ways with this.  Utilizing TouchTunes software whenever the system isn't taken up by some of its events, Mike and Denise's offers patrons their choice of music with the biggest online jukebox service available to bars and restaurants.  Secondly, offering karaoke on Tuesdays, Fridays, and sometimes Saturdays; you can always show off your vocal skills or enjoy a good laugh at the expense of your friends.  Finally, Mike and Denise's provides live music events on occasion; of which you can find on their Facebook page or by looking at posters lining the bars.

Drink Specials
Providing great specials on weeknights, and monthly specials on beers; Mike and Denise's can compete with a lot of the other Aurora bars on cost and quality.  My personal favorite, $1.75 Shiner Bock on Tuesdays, always gives me increased courage on the karaoke mic; and draft night on Thursdays ($2 domestic, $3 import, and $4 specialty) allows patrons options in choice and price.  Other than this, many nights carry specials that I have not experienced firsthand.

Staff
You can choose any bars based on the previous two entries, and some bars based on the first; but the best reason to frequent a location is the waitstaff.  With many knowledgeable bartenders, you can always find interesting drink choices; and with split tips, any server will come to help you if your drink is low.  This allows for fast, efficient service provided by any number of workers.

All in all, this bar is perfect for a lot of demographics: family restaurant for early evenings, sports bar with a large quantity of TVs for fanatics, and other events for us, postgrads in suburbia.  Whereas you may not be walking distance like me, this bar is still incredibly accessible and popular.

For more information, check out the Mike and Denise's Official Facebook Page to see more specials and events.

Swedish Days and Geneva's Downtown

Throughout my experiences growing up in the suburbs, one of the biggest events each summer has been the mid-June tradition in Geneva, Swedish Days. From the carnival themed area and daily music events to the local vendors and businesses showcasing the latest installments, Swedish Days has grown through the years and has really helped to put Geneva, Illinois on the map.

At a minimum, the musical offerings on the Main Stage on Third Street downtown provide entertainment for many individuals; with acts such as American Idol's Nick Lynch, the Swedish American Children's Choir, and various cover acts providing entertainment to the vast expanse of visitors passing through the main Swedish Days area.  For those looking for a bit more intimate musical experience, the Concerts on Lawn area offers various acoustic acts throughout the festival.

If food is your thing, Swedish Days has anything you need. From standard fare offered by local restaurants to authentic Swedish Cuisine, if you look around, you will find some enjoyable dishes throughout the festival.  Many of the offerings come from local non-profits, so you can get good food while helping a worthy cause.

And now the best part of the week-long event, and something I have missed due to age-related issues the prior years: The Swedish Days Beer Gardens.  Although many local restaurants are offering normal bar service, venues such as the American Legion Post 75 and Gratto Italian Tapas will be serving beers in fenced-off areas on Third Street.  If you are looking for a more bar friendly area, just walk north of Main Street, and you can find bars that will hopefully be offering late night and post-festival drinks.  A personal favorite, Geneva Ale House, offers rotating taps and knowledgeable servers for the beer connoisseur.

Finally, many local businesses from the Kane County Cougars to Charlestowne Cinema 18 will be offering samples, sweepstakes, and giveaways.  I actually may or may not be legitimately excited for my free chair massage and wellness score provided by The Chiropractic People

For more information, check out the Swedish Days Brochure, provided by the Geneva Chamber of Commerce.

Biggby Coffee, and Why its Entrance into Suburban Chicago is a Big Deal

During the first few months after graduation, many suburban postgrads spend a good time looking for jobs.  If you are anything like me, sitting at home is one of the least productive things that can be done.  With so many distractions in the home, 4 hours of job applications can turn into 8 hours of organizing your room, sitting on Twitter (unless you're following me), and preparing the perfect lunch dish found on StumbleUpon or Pinterest.  This being said, 5 applications later; it somehow becomes 11:30 at night and you feel more unproductive than syllabus week.

Enter the beauty of the unbiased location used to accomplish work.  Everyone has one, be it a library, bar with WiFi (more on this beautiful idea later), or my personal favorite; the coffeeshop.  Over the past 4 months, I have developed a map of different locations so as not to become a regular at one specific coffeeshop.

Enter Biggby Coffee, a coffee chain founded in Michigan in the mid-90s; and has been expanding across the Midwest ever since.  During my college years, I was always a fan of Biggby for their interesting color schemes and change of pace environment.  If I ever needed to get something done, Biggby was the prime location, and I can attribute my successes in Calc II and Business Law to its existence.

Biggby already has a location in Arlington Heights, just opened a location in St. Charles, and I expect an uptick in openings after the recent Caribou Coffee closings.  A friendly environment and the ability to earn free drinks with the Biggby Card, along with good areas to work or socialize; there is no better place for a recent graduate in suburban Chicago to get necessary things accomplished.

In conclusion, there are many options in Suburban Chicago for coffee, but if you need a change of pace and are in the North or West Suburbs, I recommend heading over to Biggby and enjoying a cup and a sense of accomplishment.

Warren's Ale House

One of the last things I think when I go through Wheaton is the Wheaton bar scene.  After one of my interviews in the Oak Brook area, I had some time to kill before heading home for the night; so I decided to stop at a Starbucks in the Town Square Shopping Center on the way back to Aurora to apply for some jobs and waste a Friday afternoon.  While sitting there and wasting my day accomplishing nothing besides deciding to create this blog, I noticed a sign of a newly added bar directly next to my location, Warren's Ale House.

After a bit of research on the bar, I learned it was opening on the 14th of January, and the owner had spent a lot of time updating the location and completely building the bar, updating Facebook followers every step of the way.  Needless to say, the company had amassed about 1,100 followers before it was even open; and was going to have an impressive selection of microbrews.

By 7 pm, I had become sick of sitting at Starbucks, and decided to enter the location for a beer.  When I went in, the restaurant portion was packed (it was a soft open, so I was quite surprised).  I found a spot at the bar, and was helped immediately by a knowledgeable bartender who immediately provided me a beer list and offered a recommendation. As I sat there, I was greeted by each bartender as well as the owner himself, who welcomed patrons to the bar before rushing off to help the staff.

Originally entering for just one beer, I was quickly taken into the environment; staying for two more as well as an appetizer: The Ale House Poutine.  The beers were well poured (I got a Bourbon Barrel Ale, The Two Brothers Northwind Stout, and a Black IPA), and the poutine was a bacon covered version of the Canadian classic (what can I say, I spent the last 3 years within an hour of Canada, I've become a fan of the dish).  The appetizer was everything I wanted out of the product, and I definitely became a fan of the bar.

All in all, I expect great things from this bar, and if I do make it back to Wheaton, I will definitely make it back to this location.  They have taken social media by storm, becoming one of the first bars in the area to use beermenus.com (http://www.beermenus.com/places/6297-warren-s-ale-house), and updates their page to include changes.  Check out their facebook page for a better definition of their product offering.

Postgrad In Suburbia

What does it mean to be postgrad in Suburban Chicago?  Well, it could mean a lot of things.  You could have been here the entire time or just returned from a college halfway across the US. You could have your own house or apartment, or be stranded in your parents basement while you wait for that big-boy or big-girl job to get you out.  Hell, you could be new here because you wanted to live for a lower cost than the city, and have no clue what happens here.

Needless to say, you're stranded in one of the most seemingly boring places in the Midwest, if not the United States.

So now what? Do you sit home and think up interesting money-making schemes like blogging on Friday nights? Do you go out to the same bar you've been frequenting since your 21st birthday? Or do you actually go out and try to do something out of the ordinary?

There are apparently many benefits of living in the suburbs, or else our ancestors never would have moved here in the first place.  This blog will cover some of the random happenings in suburban Chicago: Including bars, restaurants, pool halls, concert venues, and coffee shops.