Big G's Pizza Review

Big G's Pizza
Photo Credit: Ryan Magnuson/Mealtime With Mags

Last night was bittersweet in the land of Wrigley, as the Chicago Cubs wrapped up their final home stand of the 2014 season. I was fortunate enough to have been in attendance for the 3-1 win, and what a night it was. Being in Wrigleyville is an experience in itself, as a bevy of bars and restaurants line the streets, making it a great atmosphere for someone who loves food as much as I do. I am slowly making my way through the restaurant scene, adding another quality place to my list last night in the form of Big G's Pizza.

Jack Daniels BBQ Pulled Pork Slice
Photo Credit: Ryan Magnuson/Mealtime With Mags

Big G's is a stone's throw from Wrigley Field, located at 3716 N. Clark Street, and is a popular spot for fans, workers, players, and other members of the organization. Owners Jeronimo Gaytan and Jamie Gamez, both Chicagoland natives and Wisconsin-Madison grads, opened the doors of this location in 2012, serving up a variety of menu items, but centered around pizza. Their traditional and unique pizza creations have the place hopping on the regular, so I figured I had to stop in and give it a try.

In a space with nearly more kitchen than seating, Big G's makes sure their product is something that customers can walk around with. Whether you are ordering by the slice or full pie, it is all very easy to eat. Stepping up to the counter, my brother and I got a preview of the different pizza types. Being someone who normally just orders traditional pepperoni, I decided to be different, ordering two uniquely-topped, specialty slices. The first was a Jack Daniels BBQ Pulled Pork, which had healthy amounts of sauced pulled pork with some cheddar cheese and french-fried onion straws. The second was a BBQ Steak and Fries, which had slices of thin, seasoned steak, bbq sauce, and crinkle-cut fries. The flavors were unique on both slices, but all ingredients flowed together well. On the first slice, the pork was tender, flavorful, and had just the right amount of sauce. The cheddar cheese and onions added more flavor, as it felt like I was literally eating a pulled pork sandwich, but in pizza form. On the second slice, the steak had a nice seasoning, which was complimented by the sweetness of the bbq sauce. The fries added another element of flavor and had a nice crunch. Again, it felt like I was eating a sandwich on a pizza. The crust resembled more of a New York style, as it was fresh and had a good crunch to it, but was sturdy enough to hold all of the contents of the pizza.

BBQ Steak and Fries Slice
Photo Credit: Ryan Magnuson/Mealtime With Mags

Between my brother and I, we spent $18.50 on four specialty slices, which are $4 a piece, and two cans of Cherry Coke, which is fairly priced considering the size of the slice and ingredients used. In reality, spending a little north of $9 on dinner is a great deal, especially in the city. Great food and a great game is an ideal night in my world. If you are the same way, or if you just enjoy good food, head on over to Big G's and order a couple of slices. It never hurt anyone to try something different.

Ryan Magnuson is a Baseball/Food/Nature Writer from the Chicagoland Area

Au Cheval Review

Au Cheval Bar & Diner
Photo Credit: Ryan Magnuson/Mealtime With Mags

 Downtown Chicago is a food lover’s paradise. A variety of bars and restaurants line nearly every street, giving someone no excuse to run out of options when it comes to a finding a meal. Being from the suburbs, I have not even scratched the surface of the Chicago restaurant scene, but will try to tackle it one place at a time. My most recent journey took place on Thursday night, when I visited Au Cheval, an upscale American bar/diner on 800 West Randolph Street.

Single Cheeseburger With Bacon
Photo Credit: Ryan Magnuson/Mealtime With Mags

Nestled in the West Loop, Au Cheval is known for its unique take on food, and of course, out-of-this-world cheeseburgers. The atmosphere is typical of a Chicago bar, but there was an upscale feel to it. There were tables and booths lining the walls, but the main attraction was the bar, which nearly rant the length of the restaurant. At Au Cheval, things are done on a first come, first serve basis no matter who you are. With it being the dinner rush, I was told it was going to be a 45 minute wait. This did not scare me, knowing the food would be worth it. A spot on the bar opened up within 20 minutes, so I was seated right then and there. Looking over the menu, I found many things that the ordinary person would question, like chopped chicken liver on toast and roasted beef marrow bones on toast. I was told in good confidence by people I know, and those who I did not know, that everything is prepared in such a way that even an unrefined pallet can enjoy. While sampling the menu would have been a great experience, I did not have the time or money to do so. I dove right in and ordered the menu item I had heard so much about, the single cheeseburger.

The Bacon
Photo Credit: Ryan Magnuson/Mealtime With Mags

The single cheeseburger, which actually has two beef patties, is possibly the most popular menu item. If you order it as is, you will end up with the following: two beef patties, two slices of American cheese, red onion, sliced bread and butter pickles, and a house sauce, all on a fresh, toasted bun with a large bread and butter pickle spear on the side. The wait staff at the restaurant always suggests you add a fried egg and some of their world class, thick-cut bacon to your burger. Those two items send the burger overboard. While I opted out on the egg, I did go for the bacon, which was the best decision I could have made. Overall, everything on the burger meshed together seamlessly. The patties were rich and juicy, cooked to perfection. The cheese was fully melted and draped over the patties, almost as if they were a flavor blanket. The condiments were a combination of sweet and savory, offsetting each other in all the best ways. The pickle was extremely tasty and had the right blend of spices to give it great flavor. The bacon was the kicker. It was the thickest I have ever had. When I say thick, I mean that a person would have to use a real knife to cut through it. The thickness only added to the taste, as the bacon was cured in such a way that the flavor ran all the way through the meat. I also ordered a side of freshly cut fries with their house garlic aioli, which was another great purchase. The fries were hot and fresh, and the aioli provided me with a cool, tangy counter-flavor. All in all, a great meal.

French Fries With Garlic Aioli

I spent $22.54 on my meal, which may seem expensive to most, but I can tell you it was worth it. You are not going to get the type of food and atmosphere Au Cheval offers at a much cheaper price in the city, so know that going in. Dining here is something one just has to experience at some point in their life if they want to recapture the classic, American take on food. So if you are in the West Loop, or even if you are not, check out Au Cheval on 800 W. Randolph Street in Chicago. It will be an experience you will never forget.

Ryan Magnuson is a Baseball/Food/Nature Writer from the Chicagoland Area

Riverside Bake Shop Review

Riverside Donuts in McHenry, IL
Photo Credit: Riverside Bakery/Twitter: @RiversideBakry 

Traditional Glazed Donut
Photo Credit: Ryan Magnuson/Mealtime With Mags

Being in the northwest suburbs, we are at no shortage for local, small businesses; restaurants in particular. What I am finding a shortage of in my experience is the number of quality bakery’s who serve up top shelf versions of one of my favorite creations; the donut. Don’t get me wrong, I am not opposed to grabbing something Dunkin Donuts from time to time, they get the job done, but I more so look for something with a homey touch. I want to feel like someone actually put the time in to make my day, and I am not opposed to spending a little extra for that. Being close to McHenry County, I had heard a local spot down the road not only served up fresh donuts daily, but also a number of other specialty treats. I had to give Riverside Bake Shop a try.

Riverside Bake Shop or Riverside Bakery, as it is known to locals, has been serving some of the best baked treats to McHenry and the surrounding area for over 40 years. The emphasis and time they put into their cakes, cookies, bread, sweet rolls, and of course donuts, have kept people coming back for years. They use nothing but the freshest ingredients, and are priced fairly based on the work they do. While I cannot personally vouch for anything but the donuts at the moment having been there only once, those who I have spoken to say everything on the menu is worth checking out.

Cream-filled Cake Donut With Vanilla Icing & Sprinkles
Photo Credit: Ryan Magnuson/Mealtime With Mags

Now on to the main focus: donuts. Stepping into the small shop at 1309 N. Riverside Drive in McHenry’s downtown provided me with a pretty cool sight. All the baked goods were put on display in the glass cases in front of you or on racks near the back wall. The staff was very knowledgeable about all products and was prepared to answer any question a new-comer like me had. Of the many different types of donuts, I narrowed down my five to a traditional glazed, a cinnamon roll with vanilla icing, a cream-filled cake donut with vanilla icing and sprinkles, a traditional chocolate cake donut with chocolate icing, and a cinnamon twist. Each donut had a good amount of sweetness to it, but in no way was it overwhelming. The dough, both on the cake and regular, was not as light and airy as some of the places I have been to, but it was extremely fresh and had substance to it. The icing was sweet, also fresh, and complimented the sweetness of each donut well. You can tell a donut has been sitting out for a while when the icing is hard and crumbles off after each bite. Not the case at Riverside. Lastly, the two donuts I enjoyed the most, the roll and the twist, had a good amount of cinnamon in every crevice. Other places I have been to in the past seem to only sprinkle on the cinnamon, leaving me wondering if I had even eaten a cinnamon-laced donut. Riverside made sure I was getting some cinnamon in every bite, which I more than appreciated. It was $6 even for the five donuts, which is good based on the quality. Make sure you bring cash or a check; they do not accept cards of any sort.

Cinnamon Roll With Vanilla Icing
Photo Credit: Ryan Magnuson/Mealtime With Mags

My first time at Riverside Bake Shop was a success, and I will definitely be sure to try out the other wonderful, homemade creations on their menu in the future. If the other products are anything like their donuts, I think you and I are in good hands.

Ryan Magnuson is a Baseball/Food/Nature Writer from the Chicagoland Area

Gene & Jude's Review

Gene & Jude's in River Grove, Illinois
Photo Credit: Gene & Judes Gallery/geneandjudes.com

After being on the road for several hours en route to the Chicagoland area, the guys and I decided we wanted a proper homecoming involving food. This could only mean one thing: hot dogs. No matter where you live, whether it be in the city or somewhere in the suburbs, nothing says Chicago quite like a quality dog. If you are looking for a great hot dog close to the city, look no further than Gene & Jude's.

Gene & Jude's-Style Hot Dog
Photo Credit: Ryan Magnuson/Mealtime With Mags

Gene & Jude's has been serving up their take on the Chicago-style hot dog since the mid-1940s at the original and only location at 2720 River Road River Grove, IL 60171. When I say "their version", I mean they do not incorporate everything that is on a typical "dragged through the garden" Chicago-style dog. If you order a dog with everything, you would get a steamed, natural-cased dog with mustard, relish, onion, sport peppers, and a healthy helping of fresh-cut fries, all piled on a fresh, seedless bun. Yes, the fries do come on the hot dog. If you are looking for ketchup for any reason at all, you better try elsewhere, because you will not find any in the establishment. If ketchup is a "must have" for you, I have it on good authority that the McDonald's next door will sell you some for a small fee.

The menu is as simple as it gets. You can get a dog or double dog with or without any of the toppings listed above, a side order of fresh-cut fries, tamales, and Coke products. That's it. They keep it simple and quick at Gene & Judes, which is the way people have enjoyed it for years. Whenever I go, which used to be a lot more when I worked in River Grove, I get two dogs with everything but relish. This is more than a full meal and I spend less than $6, maybe around $7 if I feel like washing it down with an ice cold Coke. Talk about a bargain. The dog itself has great flavor and a nice snap to it, which is the sign of a quality dog. The condiments compliment the flavor of the dog quite well. The fries are the kicker to me. Not only are they fresh and flavorful, but they give each bite a rich, fulfilling texture. There are some who choose to eat the fries off the hot dog, which is their choice, but I highly recommend eating the whole thing as one. All the flavors blend together quite well if you give them a chance.

Gene & Jude's was a great way to end a great trip and summer. If you are ever in the area, or even if you are not, give this River Grove spot a try. I promise you will enjoy it. All things aside, I am so grateful that I got to experience new places with some of the best friends I could ask for. A huge thank you to Brandon Magnuson, Chris Stielow, and Brad Baron for trying all these new places with me. I hope you enjoyed them as much as I did.

Ryan Magnuson is a Baseball/Food Writer from the Chicagoland Area

Holtman's Donuts Review

Holtman's Donuts in Cincinnati, Ohio
Photo Credit: Bridgett Raffenberg/365 Things to do in Cincinnati

They say that all great things must come to an end, which is sad, but true all at the same time. As we neared the end of our annual road trip, we wanted to leave the city of Cincinnati with a smile on our faces. What better way to start a five and a half hour drive back home than by eating some great donuts? Cue Holtman's.

A Magnificent Dozen
Photo Credit: Ryan Magnuson/Mealtime With Mags

Holman's Donuts is a family-opened, local donut shop with three locations in Ohio, and has been serving up freshly made, extremely tasty pastries since 1960. Their downtown Cincy shop, located at 1332 Vine Street Cincinnati, OH 45202, is in a very nice location and has tons of charm. One of the coolest things about the location is that you can see the donuts and ingredients being made fresh right in the window. Seeing everything being made right in front of you may cause you to stop in your tracks, but the intoxicating smell of hot, fresh donuts will force you to go in and pick some up.

Not only are they fresh, but the variety is outstanding as well. You can choose from different types of dough, fillings, glazes/icings, and toppings, which was difficult to do for me, but I managed. After scouring the options, the four of us purchased a dozen, each person choosing their own three. We selected four original glazed, four vanilla-iced with sprinkles, a cinnamon twist, a key lime-filled, a red velvet, and a maple-iced topped with bacon. The total for the dozen came out to $13, which may seem steep, but the quality alone was worth the price. I personally had an original glazed and two vanilla-iced with sprinkles and I felt like I died and went to donut heaven. Each sweet, airy bite was better than the next, making me want to go up to the counter to purchase three more. I resisted because we had to get back on the road, but Holtman's was everything I was looking for and more.

I had been searching for quality, fresh-made donuts near home for weeks, but never came across anything worth writing about. No, Dunkin Donuts is not worth writing about. Holtman's answered my call and satisfied my craving, proving to me that the places I was looking for did indeed exist. I will continue to search for great donuts closer to home, but will be counting down the days until I can get back to Holtman's. You can count on that.


Ryan Magnuson is a Baseball/Food Writer from the Chicagoland Area

Eli's BBQ Review

Eli's BBQ in Cincinnati, Ohio
Photo Credit: Ryan Magnuson/Mealtime With Mags

With the Pittsburgh skyline at our backs, the last part of our summer road trip started in the journey to Cincinnati, OH. After spending the whole morning driving, our group got BBQ fever. Rather than stopping at the Montgomery Inn, which is one of the most popular BBQ spots in Ohio, we decided to try a lesser known spot called Eli's BBQ.

Pulled Pork Sandwich Plate
Photo Credit: Ryan Magnuson/Mealtime With Mags

Eli's has been serving up great food and great times to Cincy natives for the past several years. Their simple menu does not overwhelm anyone, as you have a few meats and several sides to choose from, which hints that they are all about perfecting what they do best. Their single location, at 3313 Riverside Drive Cincinnati, OH 45226, is minutes away from the Ohio River and is just far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Both the indoor and outdoor seating were packed, clearly their great food was not a secret to anyone, so it did take a little while for our food to get to us. Was it worth the wait? You bet it was.

Rib Tips
Photo Credit: Ryan Magnuson/Mealtime With Mags

With the menu being smaller, only pulled pork, hickory smoked turkey, ribs, and Nathan's All-Beef Hot Dogs to choose from, I went with the classic pulled pork sandwich, which had a base price of $5. I decided to make it a plate for an additional $3, getting mac and cheese and coleslaw as my sides. I washed it all down with an ice cold coke, it was bottled, which I was a huge fan of. Soft drinks always taste better in a bottle to me. My meal was right around the $10 mark, which is pretty much the norm for BBQ no matter where you go. The most important thing to me is the quality, and Eli's was not lacking in that department. The pork was juicy, had a nice crust and smoke ring, and a great smoky flavor. I doused my sandwich in their tangy BBQ sauce, which  only made the sandwich better. The mac and cheese was hearty and flavorful, displaying all the classic signs of a great side from a quality BBQ establishment. In addition to my meal, I finished the rib tips my brother ordered, which were a special for the day. I don't eat rib tips often due to their reputation as being fatty, but these were not fatty at all. The slow cooking process melted the fat away. They were very meaty, had excellent flavor, due to the dry rub that was applied previously, and the BBQ sauce was an excellent contribution as well.

My first ever meal in Cincy was a success, and it was a great addition to my ever-expanding list of quality BBQ places. If you are in town on business, visiting family, or just checking out a Reds game like we were, make sure you give Eli's BBQ a visit. You will thank me later.

Ryan Magnuson is a Baseball/Food Writer from the Chicagoland Area

Primanti Bros. Review

Primanti Bros. in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Photo Credit: Ryan Magnuson/Mealtime With Mags

In a city known for it's food, Pittsburgh brought us weary, Illinois travelers a variety of quality food. Being college-aged kids, we are always looking to get good food in mass quantities without cleaning out our wallets, so we made sure our next stop in the Steel City would involve just that. Venturing to the heart of the University of Pittsburgh campus, we walked into Primanti Bros., a favorite among Penn natives.

Primanti Bros. has been serving up super-sized sandwiches since the early 1900s, but these are no ordinary sandwiches. A Primanti sandwich is like a full meal stuffed between two slices of thick Italian bread, served with heaps of fresh cut fries, coleslaw, and tomatoes, in addition to your choice of meat and cheese. The sandwich was created to cater to those who either did not have the time or money to squeeze in a full meal, so Primanti's made sure their guests did not leave hungry or broke. A version of these sandwiches are made in Chicago at Lucky's Sandwich Co., a favorite spot of mine closer to home.

Turkey and Cheese with Bacon Stuffed Sandwich
Photo Credit: Ryan Magnuson/Mealtime With Mags

With locations all over the Pittsburgh area, one does not have to travel far to find an establishment. I visited the Oakland location, at 3803 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15213, which was right near the Pitt campus. We walked right in and got our food fairly quickly, which was great because we were hungry. I ordered a turkey breast and cheese with bacon, which costed me in the neighborhood of $9. The turkey was thinly cut with tons of flavor and the bacon was thick and crispy. The fries were freshly cut and added more substance to the sandwich. The bread was light and airy, yet held in the contents of the sandwich quite well. All menu items, including the 20 plus other sandwiches, wings, salads, soups, and sides, will run you around $10 or less. Caution: whatever you end up ordering, expect to leave full. It is a lot of food.

In comparison to Lucky's, the Primanti sandwich had a head up to me. It had more meat, both turkey and bacon were loaded on, whereas meat seemed less ample on the Lucky's sandwich. The fries were more to my liking also, fresh cut and russet potato-like, where as Lucky's uses more of a steak-cut. Both sandwiches are delicious, but I favor the original in Pittsburgh. If you are ever in Pittsburgh, make sure to visit the birthplace of the stuffed sandwich, Primanti Bros., at one of their many locations. You will not regret it.

Ryan Magnuson is a Baseball/Food Writer from the Chicagoland Area

Dave and Andy's Homemade Ice Cream Review

Dave and Andy's Homemade Ice Cream in Pittsburgh, PA
Photo Credit: Ryan Magnuson/Mealtime With Mags

There is no better way to end a solid night than with some good ice cream, so that is what my group and I decided to search for after walking the Pittsburgh downtown all day. About a mile or so from our hotel, near the heart of the University of Pittsburgh campus, we found Dave and Andy's Homemade Ice Cream.

Dave and Andy's has been serving locals and visitors homemade ice cream creations and hand rolled waffle cones to since 1983. They are known for their fresh and unique selection of your favorite treat, only having five regular flavors (vanilla, chocolate, cookies and cream, chocolate chip cookie dough, and birthday cake), with the rest of the line up changing often. In addition to ice cream, they serve up various frozen yogurts and sorbet, which gives people a lighter option to enjoy. One can expect to spend $5 or less for a typical treat here, the fresh and house-made ingredients worth every penny.

The atmosphere of Dave and Andy's provided me with a blast from the past, as I felt like I was in one of those old school ice cream shops you only see in the movies. The black and white checkered floor, the bright colored, picture covered walls, and the chalkboard menu gave the space a warm, nostalgic feel. The fact that it is near a busy street in a college town makes it accessible to Pitt students and residents of the Oakland neighborhood.

Double Scoop in a Homemade Waffle Cone
Photo Credit: Ryan Magnuson/Mealtime With Mags

Ice cream has always been one of my guilty pleasures, so I had to make sure I got some while I was on my road trip. I'm a fan of the frozen treat in all its different forms, whether it be soft serve or hard packed, but its not often when I come across a place that does everything fresh and isn't a chain. Walking through the door at Dave and Andy's was an experience in itself, as I was blasted with the heavenly aroma of freshly made waffle cones. From that instance I knew I was getting a cone, the smell was too good to pass up, but then came the dilemma of which flavors to get. I decided on two flavors, double chocolate and mint chocolate chip, and I did not regret my decision. The ice cream itself was creamy and packed with tons of chocolate, which I was a huge fan of. The waffle cone was sweet and crunchy, and held the ice cream in quite well. There was even a red M&M at the bottom of the cone to ensure no ice cream leaked on my hands, a cool trick that not many places think to do. For two scoops of fresh ice cream in a homemade waffle cone, I paid $5, which may seem a little steep compared to many of the chains around. When you look at the hard work that goes into what you're eating, the little extra is worth it.

The old school ice cream parlor is something I don't see much of any more, so I jump on the chance to enjoy a fresh creation in a cool, old time set up whenever I get the chance. If you are ever in the Steel City or near the University of Pittsburgh campus, be sure to stop by Dave and Andy's Homemade Ice Cream at 207 Atwood Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.

Ryan Magnuson is a Baseball/Food Writer from the Chicagoland Area

Stone Neapolitan Pizzeria Review

Stone Neapolitan Pizzeria in Pittsburgh, PA
Photo Credit: Ryan Magnuson/Mealtime With Mags

The month of August has started out with a bang, as I got to travel to cities I have never been to before for some baseball and great food. This post is the first in a seven post series, highlighting all of the great local restaurants I visited during my time in Pittsburgh and Cincinnati. On our first day in The Steel City, my friends and I traveled to the downtown area to explore. Having been in a car for several hours, we were hungry and decided to make a stop at a local pizza joint called Stone Neapolitan Pizzeria.

Wood-fired Oven
Photo Credit: Ryan Magnuson/Mealtime With Mags

Opened by Pennsylvania native Rick Werner in 2012, Stone has been serving up authentic Neapolitan-style pizza to Pittsburgh natives and out-of-towners for the past couple years, and is said to have been the first casual joint of its kind in the entire state. They are known for their fresh ingredients and insanely quick cook time, around 90 seconds to cook a pie, which gives visitors a quality meal to enjoy during the course of their busy day. Stone’s menu features a number of pizza options, including house pies and create your own pie, and non-pizza options, including sandwiches, salads, and a number of beer/wine options. One can expect to spend anywhere from $5 to $12 on any of the menu items, special or additional ingredients costing extra. The pricing is not only fair, but is more than worth it based on the quality that goes into anything you would eat.

The atmosphere of Stone was sleek and cool, with tall windows and high ceilings making the space seem larger than it was. Wood paneling on the walls and ceilings were also contributors to the unique feel of the space. The coolest thing about the space is the large wood-fired oven in the corner of the cooking area. It gives one the feeling of being in an authentic pizza place. Being in the middle of the hustle and bustle of downtown Pittsburgh with all of the businesses and such makes it accessible to the masses. Ample indoor and outdoor seating gives visitors a great view of the downtown as well.

Fresh Pepperoni and Hot Sauage Pizza
Photo Credit: Ryan Magnuson/Mealtime With Mags

I wanted my first official meal in Pittsburgh to be a special one, so I was hoping to find something unique and special. Stone was this and more. Truthfully, it changed the way I looked at pizza for the better. I selected the Create Your Own Pizza option, which was broken down into three steps. Step One, Choose Your Base, gave me three options for my pizza base: Marinara (no cheese), Margherita (sauce and fresh mozzarella), and Bianca (oil with no sauce). Step Two, Choose Your Oil, gave me the option of choosing from various oils, garlic, or chili to top my pizza base. Step Three, Choose Your Toppings, gave me a number of different topping options for $1 each (pepperoni, mild or hot sausage, salami, roasted red pepper, etc.), specialty toppings like prosciutto costing $3 each. For my pie, I went with the Margherita (fresh mozzarella, real tomato sauce, and fresh basil), fresh garlic, and pepperoni and hot sausage as toppings. The hand tossed crust was light and airy, easily the best crust I have ever had, and I could tell how fresh it was even if I had not just witnessed the worker tossing it. The cheese was fresh and ample, but not too heavy, and the sauce was light and non-acidic, standing out in a good way. The garlic was noticeable, but attributed well to the pizza’s authentic taste. The pepperoni and hot sausage were added bonuses to the already great taste, both fresh with outstanding flavor. The fact that I was able to get a pizza of this quality within 10 minutes for the minimal price of $9 was the most unbelievable part of the whole experience. I'm always looking for great food at a great price, so finding gems like Stone is special to me. 

Not having pizza like this around me makes me miss Pittsburgh that much more, but it gives me more of a reason to go back. If you are ever in the downtown Pittsburgh area and are looking for a place to get some of the best pizza you will ever eat, check out Stone Neapolitan Pizzeria at 300 Liberty Avenue, Suite 100 Pittsburgh, PA 15222.  

Ryan Magnuson is a Baseball/Food Writer from the Chicagoland Area

Buddy'z Pizzeria Review

Buddy'z Pizzeria in McHenry, Illinois
Photo Credit: Ryan Magnuson/Mealtime With Mags

Let me start off by saying that I love getting suggestions from friends and family on places to go eat. You guys sharing your food experiences with me allows me to do so with others, so please keep the suggestions coming. With that said, I have been urged by a number of my pizza-loving friends to try a place called Buddy’z Pizzeria in the downtown area of McHenry, IL. Buddy’z is a place I had passed by several times, but never had the opportunity to go in. That changed on Tuesday, as I accompanied a few of my close friends to the neighborhood pizza joint.

Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza
Photo Credit: Ryan Magnuson/Mealtime With Mags

Buddy’z was started by the Scarnato Family in 2005, and has been serving northern Illinois fresh, top quality pizza for nearly 10 years. They describe themselves as “an upscale casual pizza environment”, offering up both pizza and non-pizza options. When it comes to pizza, one can choose from four different styles of crust (thin crust, hand tossed, butter crust pan, and deep dish) and a slew of toppings, or one of their Chicago-named specialty pizzas like the Navy Pier, the Grant Park, or the Soldier Field. Non-pizza options include a number of starters, house salads, wings/chicken, sandwiches, pasta dishes, and other entrees. One can expect to spend in the $15 to $20 on a standard pizza, specialties are more, and at least $10 on other menu items, but based on the quality of the food and the atmosphere, it’s priced fairly.

Having been to a number of pizzerias around the area, I know when a restaurant has done it right when it comes to location and atmosphere. Buddy’z McHenry, which opened in 2010 and is one of the franchises three locations (one in Algonquin and one in Queen Creek, AZ), is conveniently located in a busy downtown area, right along the Fox River. Having river access is a unique feature of the restaurant, as boaters can tie up and come in for a quick bite after a day on the water. The restaurant itself has ample indoor seating and a great outdoor patio area, which is great for a summer night. The full bar and daily drink specials are another added plus to the restaurant, giving people a place to go and relax with friends and family.

This being my first time, I had to get the great pizza I heard so much about. I went with an 18 inch thin-crust pie, half sausage, half pepperoni. The crust was crispy, but not too thin, and had some char on it, which I appreciated. The sauce to cheese ratio was to my liking (I like more cheese and less sauce), and all additional toppings were fresh. The pizza itself was in the $20 to $22 range, which is what you should expect when ordering an extra large, two topping pizza from an upscale place like Buddy’z. I can say that both me and the friend who I split it with left full with no room for anything else. Not even ice cream. I want to give a special shout out to Kristen Sircher, Trey Williams, and Brad Baron for joining me in this food adventure. Thank you for the suggestion and I am glad I got to experience it with you. If you are looking for a great place to get a quality pizza and relax, check out Buddy’z Pizzeria at 1138 North Green Street, McHenry, IL 60050.

Ryan Magnuson is a Baseball/Food Writer from the Chicagoland Area

BBQ King Smokehouse Review

BBQ King Smokehouse in Woodstock, Illinois
Photo Credit: Ryan Magnuson/Mealtime With Mags

Starting a food blog is something I had been meaning to get to for some time. I have always loved sharing my food excursions with others and giving them recommendations to places where they will be able to enjoy a great meal, so this venture has allowed me to do just that. One of the best parts of this whole journey, as new as it is, is the recommendations I get from readers, who clue me in on some of their favorite spots. This very notion brings me to my latest review on BBQ King Smokehouse, a McHenry County BBQ joint that has digs in the downtown Woodstock area. This town favorite was brought to my attention by Nick Andrus, a former classmate of mine at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, who said it was his favorite local place for BBQ.

BBQ King opened up its downtown Woodstock location two years ago, but has been catering events and participating in BBQ competitions for nearly a decade. They pride themselves on serving up top quality BBQ and being an establishment where people love to stop in and stay for a while. The menu is full of great food choices, including a variety of top quality, natural wood and charcoal-smoked meats, available in a sandwich or platter option, burgers, signature sandwiches, signature dishes, like King Mac (Pulled pork served with their rich mac and cheese) starters, like BBQ Nachos or Woodstock Fries (fresh cut fries topped with your choice of meat, cheddar jack cheese, BBQ sauce, and ranch), and a number of sides. One can expect to spend about $10-$15 here on a meal, but trust me; it is worth every penny and you will leave feeling stuffed.

The Meats in the Pig Out Platter: Chopped Beef Brisket, Pulled Pork, and Smoked Sausage
Photo Credit: Ryan Magnuson/Mealtime With Mags

Having gone to school in Oklahoma for a period of time, I am fully versed in what the atmosphere of a real BBQ joint should look like. BBQ King fits the description and then some. It features a dark concrete floor, old signs lining the walls, wood tables, high ceilings, a chalk board menu, and that great smoky smell we all love. One of the coolest features of the restaurant is the bar, which stretches nearly the entire length of the place and is outfitted with big screen TV’s and a number of drink options. This is definitely the place to be for good food and a great night out.

This being my first trip to BBQ King, I felt the need to get my paws on as many menu items as I could. After scanning the menu, I opted for the Pig Out Platter, which gave me the choice of three meats, three sides, and included a drink for $19.50. For my meats, I went with chopped beef brisket, pulled pork, and smoked sausage, accompanying them with an order of fresh cut fries, two orders of mac and cheese, and a coke. Seconds after digging in, I could tell how much time and thought went into each thing I ordered. Each meat was excellent and had a great smoky flavor, but the smoked sausage was my favorite. It was thinly sliced and had a nice char on it, which went great with their sweet Carolina Gold sauce. The fresh cut fries were very good as well, but the mac and cheese was even better and unlike any I have ever tasted before. It was rich and cheesy, but had a spicy bite to it that offset the rich flavor very well.

After getting a box for the leftovers, yes there were leftovers, my mom and I just sat and talked, enjoying the establishment and all it had to offer. Being there felt as comfortable as home, which is why I will definitely be returning there in the future. I would like to thank Nick Andrus again for the great recommendation, and I look forward to sharing this special place with more people down the road. If you are looking for a great place to get food and relax, head to BBQ King Smokehouse at 125 E. Calhoun St. Woodstock, IL 60098. 

Ryan Magnuson is a Baseball/Food Writer from the Chicagoland Area

Franks for the Memories Review

Franks for the Memories in Mundelein, Illinois
Photo Credit: Ryan Magnuson/Mealtime With Mags

To me, there is nothing more enjoyable than good finger food. Due to its simplicity, finger food is ideal for a number of events, whether they be small or large gatherings at home, a night out with friends, or a quick lunch with co-workers. When it comes to everyone’s favorite finger food, opinions vary, but it can be said that the chicken wing is near the top. There is something about a chicken wing that is so easy, yet so unbelievably good, especially when done right. There are many great places to get wings around the Chicagoland area, but I figured I would go to the source, visiting Franks for the Memories in the Lake County suburb of Mundelein.

Franks for the Memories opened up shop at its downtown Mundelein location in 1984, approximately 20 years after the Buffalo wing came into existence at a Buffalo, New York bar in 1964. Owners and Buffalo natives, Jim and Carol Schultz, missed their home town food staple so much, that they decided it would only be fitting to bring it to their new home. Actually, the duo is said to have brought Buffalo wings to Chicago, as well as the Midwest, which is something us Chicagoans could not be happier about. In addition to serving up Buffalo wings by the half pound, Franks offers a number of other menu options, including hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches, and side orders/appetizers. The price range on all menu items is good, as one should expect to spend $5 to $12 on a meal. Like I have said in my other posts, spending the extra couple of dollars is worth it if it means you get great food in return.

One Pound of Buffalo Wings
Photo Credit: Ryan Magnuson/Mealtime With Mags

The restaurant’s location in Mundelein’s downtown is smaller, but it stands out, a yellow triangular kitchen attached to a rectangular red, white, and blue seating area. The indoor seating area is smaller, but historic feeling, a number of New York-inspired signs and pictures lining the walls. The restaurant also has additional outdoor seating, which is ideal for nice summer days, like the one we experienced today.

 I have visited Franks several times over the years, and can say that it is one of the better wing places, if not the best wing place in the area. The wings Franks uses are bigger and meatier than those you would get at chain-type restaurants, and have a great taste. They are un-breaded and deep fried as opposed baked, ensuring you get a good crunch and no leftover fatty parts of the chicken. After the deep frying process, the wings are thrown into a bowl and sauced to your liking, with a choice of mild, medium, hot or extra hot. When I go, I usually order a pound of Buffalo wings tossed in hot sauce, seven wings in one pound, and top it off with a side of ranch and an order of cheese fries. I can leave here full and satisfied without breaking the bank, spending a mere $11 in the process. So if you are a fan of wings and desire to go to the place where it all began in the Chicagoland area, stop by Franks for the Memories at 645 E. Hawley St. Mundelein, IL 60060.

Ryan Magnuson is a Baseball/Food Writer from the Chicagoland Area

Il Forno Review

Il Forno Pizzeria in Deerfield, Illinois
Photo Credit: Ryan Magnuson/Mealtime With Mags

Chicago is a city that is known for many amazing things. We love our business, our sports, and most importantly, our food. Whether you are a resident or just a visitor of the Windy City or the surrounding areas, you need to try the cuisine, namely an Italian beef, a hot dog, or some dynamite pizza. Sticking with the pizza theme, when one typically thinks of Chicago-style pizza, they think of thick, doughy, sauce-covered deep dish. Those who enjoy this style of pizza savor each bite to the tune of one or two slices, a complete meal to most. What many fail to realize is that there is another side to Chicago-style pizza, which is the polar opposite of deep dish, known simply as thin crust. Chicago-style thin crust features heavy cheese, light sauce, an abundance of toppings, if that’s what you’re into, and is served on cracker thin crust. The light and airy dish is perfect to share with friends and family after a long day at the office or after the game has ended. Among the many places who serve this food staple around the Chicagoland area, Il Forno, which has locations on Chicago's North Shore, is one of my favorite spots.

Pepperoni and Sausage Chicago-Style Thin Crust Pizza
Photo Credit: Ryan Magnuson/Mealtime With Mags

Il Forno has been serving up great pizza and much more on the North Shore since the early 1950s. Whether you are looking for a place to take a quick lunch break or are in a dinner time pinch, Il Forno has what you need. Their menu has plenty on it, but is nothing that would overwhelm anyone. They serve up pizza by the slice or full pies, thin crust or pan style, and provide customers with over 20 different toppings to choose from. They also have a number of sides, sandwiches, burgers, wraps, pasta dishes, salads, soups, chicken and seafood dishes, and desserts to choose from. Pricing on all items is fairly decent considering all the food you get. Pizza ranges from $10-$15 with additional toppings and specialty pies being extra. Everything else can be purchased for $10 or less, which is what one would be expected to pay for a standard meal at a non-fast food chain.

The location I visited in Deerfield, which is a North Shore suburb, is nestled in the downtown area among other restaurants and local businesses, which makes it accessible and in walking distance for town residents, business people, and those who are getting off the nearby train. It has a good amount of inside seating, the wood floors, high ceilings, and colorful atmosphere making it very inviting. There is also an outdoor patio area, which is great place to enjoy a nice summer day while you catch up with a close friend.

I have only known about Il Forno for a few months, but I can already say it is one of my favorite spots to get pizza in the state. Being one who is a huge fan of thin crust pizza, this spot gives me everything I look for in a pie; light sauce, lots of cheese, and a really thin, airy crust. When I go, I order an extra large 17” thin crust pie with sausage and pepperoni, splitting it with family or close friends of course. This meal runs in the $20 range, but the taste and amount of food you get makes it worth it. So if you’re in the mood for great Chicago-style thin crust pizza or are just looking for a new place to try, stop by Il Forno at 750 Osterman Ave. Deerfield, IL 60015. 

Ryan Magnuson is a Baseball/Food Writer from the Chicagoland Area

Hickory Pit Review

Hickory Pit BBQ in McHenry, Illinois
Photo Credit: Ryan Magnuson/Mealtime With Mags

Most of us can agree that when it comes to good food, it is hard to resist outstanding BBQ. When it comes to this staple in American cuisine, there is so much to appreciate. It may just be meat and sauce to the untrained eye and palette, but if one takes a moment to appreciate the time and patience that went into making each thing great, they might enjoy their meal quite a bit more. With that said, I have had the opportunity to visit many outstanding BBQ restaurants all over the country and experienced some great tasting food along the way. While Illinois is not considered one of the typical “BBQ regions”, I have had my fare share of great BBQ-style food close to home in the Lake/McHenry County area. One of my favorite spots is Hickory Pit, a local BBQ joint near the downtown McHenry area.

Opened since 2012, Hickory Pit has been serving up quality food to guests for the past couple of years. Their simple menu and reasonable prices make it a solid option for those who want to have a nice, relaxing night out without breaking bank. The menu features four different kinds of meat: pork (pulled pork or baby back ribs), chopped or sliced beef brisket, chicken (pulled chicken or a half/whole chicken), and spicy sausage. These items can be ordered as sandwiches or platters, the most reasonably-priced option being the entree with two sides. Customers can choose between fresh cut fries, sweet potato fries, baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad, mac and cheese, a corn bread muffin, or a fountain drink. Other menu items include eight different burgers, known as Pit Burgers, Tacos, Hickory Fries, which are Hickory Pit’s fresh cut fries topped with a meat and other goodies, and a couple other Signature Sandwiches. Guests can expect to spend $8 to $12 on average for a meal, which is very reasonable by BBQ standards.

Chopped Brisket Sandwich
Photo Credit: Ryan Magnuson/Mealtime With Mags

The restaurant is free standing, has ample seating, and a great feel. Its cement floors, darker colored, picture covered walls, and country music playing in the background made me feel like I was in an actual BBQ joint down south, minus the accents. There is a only single flat screen television in the place, which gives me a good impression as a visitor in regards to Hickory Pit’s unstated message; you are here for the food and to enjoy eachother's company.

I have been a frequent visitor of this hidden gem since it opened and can say that I have not had a bad meal there yet. My go-to meal, which is featured in the pictures above, is a chopped brisket sandwich with fresh cut fries and mac and cheese, although I may sub out one of those for an ice cold coke if I'm feeling a fountain drink. The brisket is tender, has a great bark and smoke ring, and is excellent when accompanied by one of their four sauces (I chose Chipotle Maple). The fries were fresh and hot and the mac and cheese was on point. The best part; I left completely full and only spent $9.40. Considering what we are used to paying for mediocre food in this area, you are getting a steal. If you are ever in the McHenry area or just in the mood to get some good BBQ, be sure to visit Hickory Pit at 3102 West IL-120, McHenry, IL 60051. 

Ryan Magnuson is a Baseball/Food Writer from the Chicagoland Area

Lucky's Sandwich Co. Review

Lucky's Sandwich Co. in Wrigleyville
Photo Credit: Ryan Magnuson/Mealtime With Mags

The Wrigleyville neighborhood on the Chicago’s north side is one of the most exciting places to be during a hot summer day. In addition to having the Chicago Cubs nestled in the cityscape, visitors can wet their whistle or satisfy their food cravings at a number of local bars and restaurants which line the streets. I have been to several restaurants in the area, but my go-to spot before a Cubs game is Lucky’s Sandwich Co., which is about a 3 block walk from Wrigley Field down Clark Street.

Open since 2004, Lucky’s has been serving Chicagoan’s and visitors with great food for a decade. They have been featured on both Travel Channel’s Man v. Food and Food Network’s The Sandwich King for their specialty, the stuffed sandwich. For those who are unfamiliar, a stuffed sandwich is a full meal in sandwich form. It starts with a meat, or several meats, and cheese, and is then topped with a generous portion of hand-cut fries, coleslaw, tomatoes, and whatever other toppings and sauces you would like to add. The contents of the sandwich are held together with two slices of fresh, thickly-cut French bread. The 18 sandwiches on the menu range in price from $8.50 to $11.25, which is a steal considering the quality of the food and how full you are upon leaving. Other menu items include wings, with 12 different sauces to choose from, hand-cut fries, which can be topped with cheese, bacon, gravy, etc., salads, nachos, chicken tenders, cheese sticks, and chili. If you need something to wash this sandwich creation down with, and trust me, you will, Lucky’s has an extensive beer menu, which features a number of on tap, bottled, and canned options.

Turkey and Cheese with Bacon Stuffed Sandwich
Photo Credit: Ryan Magnuson/Mealtime With Mags

The restaurant itself is on the smaller side, with about 10 raised tables and the bar area as the only available seating options, but to me this is a great thing. Outstanding service allows them to maximize the use of a smaller space, a quick turnover rate as a result. Older wooden floors and a number of pictures lining the walls give the restaurant/bar a rustic, old time feel, which makes it a great spot for people to grab a quick bite and catch up.

In my opinion, Lucky’s is a great spot to grab good food and drinks any time, but it is my ideal pre or post Cubs game meal. All of the sandwiches are incredibly good, but my favorite, which is featured in the pictures above, is a Turkey and Cheese with bacon. The turkey is sliced just right and flows together quite well with the rest of the sandwich contents. In case you were wondering, having fries on a sandwich is amazing. You get a little bit of everything in each bite, and believe me; you will have plenty of bites when it comes to this sandwich and any other sandwich you order. If you are in the Wrigleyville neighborhood and are not looking to break the bank on ballpark food, take a walk down to Lucky’s at 3472 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60657. You will not be disappointed.

Ryan Magnuson is a Baseball/Food Writer from the Chicagoland Area.