When going out to eat, I don’t expect to taste mom’s home cooking, but a recent visit to Softails Bar and Grill in Ladd delivered an unexpected flavor of childhood.

Blue Margaritas, which opened recently in Oglesby where the KFC/Taco Bell had long resided, offers Mexican favorites but also more exotic dishes that show a little creativity in the kitchen.

Imagine opening a plain cardboard box and finding a 2-carat diamond inside. That’s how I describe my first experience with Ryan’s Eatery in Marseilles.

O-9ers’ Pub’s Mac Bomb Burger is the perfect example of making a good thing even better.

Believe it or not, some of the best barbecue I’ve had in La Salle County was at Mr. Salsa's in Oglesby.

In delivering consistent quality and fast service to patrons, the Four Star Family Restaurant in Peru doesn’t have many peers.

Bianchi's Pizza in Ottawa lives up to its "world famous" title.

Brennan’s Bar and Grill in downtown Oglesby had me at hello.

From our first step through the door of the Morris restaurant, it was clear the menu still is a comfort-food favorite among locals.