The one question we get asked more than any other is, "What are your very favorite places?"  On this episode, you get those answers! Join us as we talk about our favorites among the 100+ restaurants and events we've reviewed on Cheap Date since we started doing this show.  If you're not hungry after hearing this episode, we're not sure what we can do. :-) And as we wipe away a little tear with our napkins, we announce that this will be the last Cheap Date in this series.  We've had a blast sharing our experiences with you and we hope you got something out of our shows. The Cheap Date web site and all our old episodes will remain online for the forseeable future, so you can refer back to them for your listening pleasure.   You'll also be able to continue e-mailing us at cheapdateshow@gmail.com, and you can follow us on Twitter where we post under the name "cheapdate." And be sure to keep us in your feeds, because we will be back one day with something new and exciting, and you won't want to miss it. In the meantime, thanks for listening! "My Favorite Things" is by John Coltrane. "Am I The Same Girl" is by Swing Out Sister. "Soulful Strut" is by Young-Holt Unlimited. This episode's running time: 43:39

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It's the Fourth of July weekend here in the USA, so we're taking the day off. Be sure to catch our next show on July 19th! --Lisa & Joe

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Tonight we visit one of our very favorite restaurants of all time: Peggy Kinnane's Irish Restaurant and Pub in Arlington Heights. And it's about time, too... we certainly go there enough. :-) So pull up a bar stool, pour a Harp, and enjoy the comfort of an authentic Irish pub right here in our own town. We follow that with Lisa's first adventure in making a blueberry pie from scratch. Yummmmm. We love hearing from you! If you'd like to tell us about your dining experiences in your town (or anything else that's on your mind), please write to us at cheapdateshow@gmail.com or leave a message at 206 203-3283! "Please Heart You're Killing Me" is by Eleanor McEvoy. "Love" is by The Dream Academy. This episode's running time: 31:26.

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Summer '08 is here in our hemisphere, and it's time to get out there for some Cheap Date goodness!  Join us on the patio for a glass of Zolo Torrontes, this week's restaurant review, and some recommendations for upcoming events... First off, we share our thoughts about Gumrai Thai, a relatively new restaurant in downtown Arlington Heights. Then, we talk about two bike rides in which we took part: Bike the Drive and The Miller Lite Ride for the Arts. We round out the show with some of our favorite, cheap, Summertime things-to-do, including the Arlington Heights Evening Music Programs, Frontier Days, Capannari's Ice Cream Family Nights, and Elk Grove Village's Rotary Fest. Something you'd like to share?  Send your throughts to cheapdateshow@gmail.com or leave a voice mail at 206 203-3283. "Summer's Cauldron" and "Grass" are by the fabulous XTC.  This episode's running time: 32:34.

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In Vino Veritas, as they say.  No, this is not an excuse for us to drink and 'cast, it's a recap of our visit to Southwestern Michigan's Harbor Country where we sampled some great wine and enjoyed some wonderful food over a beautiful spring weekend. Come along with us as we tell you about the Tabor Hill Winery, Redamak's, Red Arrow Roadhouse, Brewster's Italian Cafe, and Ozzie's Eatery.  And if you're still hungry after all that, there's no hope for you at all. :-) We'd also like to welcome our new listeners who discovered us theough the article that appeared in The Daily Herald--  here's a link to the piece at the Herald's sister site, beepcentral.com! Happy Memorial Day weekend to our listeners across the US-- Summer is officially underway! The part of the Chocolate Torte in this episode was played by pastry from Urban Harvest. Tell us what's on your mind-- send us e-mail at cheapdateshow@gmail.com or leave a voice mail at 206 203-3283. We love your feedback! "Listen to the Music" is by The Doobie Brothers, from a 1979 Soundstage TV appearance.  Party on. This episode's running time: 26:48.

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Lisa has returned, and everything is back to normal.  Well, sorta. :-) This time around we enjoy an amazing breakfast at the L&L Snack Shop in Des Plaines, Illinois.  Listen to the show for all the delicious, not-exactly-lo-cal details!  L&L Snack Shop is at 456 E Northwest Highway in Des Plaines, 847 803-6767. We also follow up on what you call the drink made of many drinks, and we do a mini-review of a new candy from the Mars people: Mint Crisp M&Ms. We love your feedback!  Send us e-mail at cheapdateshow@gmail.com or leave a voice mail at 206 203-3283. "Ja Sei Namorar" is by Tribalistas.  "Love" is by The Dream Academy. This episode's running time: 27:00.

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This week's show is actually two podcasts in one, kind of like what they used to say on the old Certs commercial. First, you'll join us for the most recent episode of Discover Woodfield! as we visit the 15th Annual Original Chef's Fest at the Arlington International Racecourse. This is our Third Annual visit to the Fest, and once again our pals Liz and Bob accompany us along with Becka and Emma.   Lots of food and fun, as well as some sweet Barbershop singing from The Arlingtones. Then we announce the winners of our "Favorite Cheap Date" contest and read some of the entries.  We had tons of responses, so thank you all for participating! Lisa is feeling under the weather this week, so Joe is your cruise director for this episode. Or maybe he's more like Gopher, your yeoman purser.  :-)  At least there are no Kermodian rants this time around. "Keep The Whole World Singing" and "Stout-Hearted Man" are  performed by The Arlingtones, who provided live entertainment during Chef's Fest. Thanks again for your feedback and comments!  As always, you can reach us at cheapdateshow@gmail.com or on our voice mail line at 206 203-3283. This episode's running time: 26:04

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We're on the road this week, so join us as we talk about the great time we had at Club Lucky in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood. Don't forget to send in your entry to the Cheap Date Contest-- there's still time!  Just tell us about your favorite Cheap Date-- whatever it is, wherever it is--- and we'll draw two entries who will each win a brand-new 2 GB iPod Shuffle! Send your entry to cheapdateshow@gmail.com with "Contest" as the subject line.  The final day to submit your entry is this coming Friday, April 18, 2008, and we'll announce the winners on our April 26th Cheap Date Show! And as always, please keep those comments coming! You can reach us at cheapdateshow@gmail.com or leave a voice mail at 206 203-3283. Your feedback makes this show even better, we promise. :-) "Oh Babe, What Would You Say?" is by Norman "Hurricane" Smith. This episode's running time: 22:29

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Chocolate, peppers, and... bacon??  Tune in to hear about the fabulous Easter candy we scored from Vosges Haut Chocolat and Anderson's Candy Shop, both of which are internet-ready sources for chocolate goodness. We also talk a bit about our first anniversary and the pizza at Chicago's legendary Lou Malnati's, which is also available through the web. There's still time to enter our fabulous contest!  Just send us your favorite date idea and we'll draw two winners for brand-new 2 GB iPod Shuffles! We'll announce the names on our April 26 2008 show, so send your entry to cheapdateshow@gmail.com and be sure to put the word "Contest" in the subject line. Send us feedback at cheapdateshow@gmail.com or leave us a voice mail at 206 203-3283.  We love hearing from you! This episode's running time: 28:54 "Reciting Shakespeare" is by Dundrearies. "Love" is by The Dream Academy.

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It's not what you think-- but it is another fabulous episode of the Cheap Date Show! We talk about our experience watching a taping of NPR's "Wait Wait Don't Tell Me," and then we share our dining adventure at Thai Urban Kitchen in Chicago. Listen carefully to Lisa's description of the tofu. :-) We also review the new General Foods On-The-Go "coffeehouse" drink mixes, and then Joe shares his breakfast experiment: french toast made with Irish Soda Bread. Don't forget to enter our contest to win one of two brand new iPod Shuffles! Just send us your favorite date idea and we'll draw two winners and announce them on our April 26 2008 show! Send your entry to cheapdateshow@gmail.com and be sure to put the word "Contest" in the subject line. Drop us a voice mail with your comments! Dial 206 203-3283 and tell us what's on your mind! This episode's running time: 22:14. "Tuesday Morning" is by The Pogues.

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That's "A Nonstop Parade of Deliciously Seasoned Meats," yo.  Join us as we visit Texas de Brazil in Schaumburg, where Lisa had her very first experience with a churrascaria.  Mmmmm... meeeaat. Joe talks about his visit to Palo Alto and offers some thoughts on Evvia Estiatorio and La Bodeguita del Medio, two really cool places with great food. Then, Lisa describes the birthday breakfast she made for Joe, including this awesome Spicy Mocha.  That oughta explain why we've been at the gym all week. We (heart) your feedback!  Drop us a note at cheapdateshow@gmail.com, or leave a voice mail at 206 203-3283.  This episode's running time: 31:52 "Pascifica" is by Los Straitjackets.

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Welcome to the latest edition of Cheap Date. This one features a lot of beer-- listen for details. We talk about our fun evening with Jen and Alan from the Dinkycast and the famous Barely. We went to The Lamplighter Inn in Palatine, followed by a visit to Durty Nellie's where we saw Given 2 Fly, a great Pearl Jam tribute band. We also hear from Listener Chris with his guest review, and Joe uncovers the mystery of "Show today is crowded so we must move quick!" (You can see a clip here.) We also tease the fact that there's a new Cheap Date contest coming up... Thanks for listening, and please let us know what you think! You can reach us at cheapdateshow@gmail.com or leave a voice mail at 206 203-3283. "Ain't Misbehavin'" by Fats Waller. This episode's running time: 22:17.

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Laissez les bontemps roulez, as they say in New Orleans this time of year!  Join us for a delicious Louisiana-style dinner at Gumbo a Go-Go in Palatine, Illinois, and get really hungry just by listening... We also provide a biscuits'n'gravy update, a recap of the Chicago Beer Society's Brewpub Shootout 2008, some local restaurant news, and some ideas for this upcoming Valentine's Day (sorta :-). Let us know what you think of the show, or if there's any place you'd like us to cover! You can drop us an email at cheapdateshow@gmail.com or leave us a voice comment at 206 203-3283. "Iko Iko" was performed by Dr John on the finest musical TV show ever, NBC's Sunday Night.  Glad I taped it. "Love" is by The Dream Academy. This episode's running time: 24:58

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Welcome to the latest Cheap Date Show -- we're glad to have you here! Learn why Joe won the Coolest Dad of 2008 Award: we'll give you a hint: it involves a Sky Box and tens of thousands of screaming teenagers. You'll also hear our thoughts on theme and incidental music, along with a request for suggestions from the audience. Then it's off to Sunny Side Up Cafe in Elk Grove Village where we had an awesome Saturday morning brunch.  Listen for the details! Let us know what's on your mind!  Send us an email at cheapdateshow@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at 206 203-3283.  We love hearing from you!  And thanks for downcasting our podload. :-) This episode's running time: 27:23.

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It's the first Cheap Date Show of 2008, and believe you me (whatever that means) it's fully packed! After discussing our holidays and our annual visit to Buffalo Joe's in Evanston, we take you for a wonderful Louisiana dinner at Chicago's very own Heaven on Seven.  We follow that up with a (return) visit to favorite Wishbone, and a mini-review of Elephant & Castle.  We throw in a mention of White Palace Grill, too.  You couldn't hear about more delicious food if you tried.  (And we've tried!) Drop us a note at cheapdateshow@gmail.com or leave a voice mail at 206 203-3283-- we love hearing from you! This episode's running time: 23:57.

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All the best of the holiday season to you from us at the Cheap Date Show!  This episode is a little out-of-the-ordinary, as we talk about holiday traditions: food, movies, and family. We talk about A Christmas Carol, and in particular the film versions as well as The Goodman Theatre's 30th annual production of the play. Then we spend some time with Becka, as she shares her recollections about Christmases past and a review of how her 2007 played out. Finally, we talk food, 'cause after all, that's what we do. Let us know how your holidays are going! You can email us at cheapdateshow@gmail.com or leave us a message at 206-203-3283. We love to hear from you! Have a wonderful Christmas and a Safe and Happy New Year!  "A Merry Jingle" is by The Greedies. "Mary Cristo" is by Tribalistas. "Thanks for Christmas" is by The Three Wise Men.  "Coming Home For Christmas" is by Chris Rea.  Afters by Kermit and Miss Piggy. This episode's running time: 29:07.

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The holidays are here, so hoop-de-do.  Join us for a warm drink (or two) and settle in for another episode of Cheap Date! This time around, we visit Hungry?, a new restaurant in Rolling Meadows.  Listen to our review to see what we thought of this new entry to the dining utopia that is the Chicago suburbs... We also talk about the fact that World Market has discontinued carrying Arnotts Originals, leaving many of us in the States without our favorite cookies. Lisa closes out the show with a holiday tip.  She just didn't know she was gonna do one at the time. :-) As always, we love your feedback!  You can send us your email comments at cheapdateshow@gmail.com, or you can leave a voice mail at 206 203-3283.  "Winter Wonderland" is by Steve Goodman.  John Lennon's "Love" is performed by The Dream Academy. This episode's running time: 25:09. Happy Holidays!

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Join us for another Cheap Date Video cast! This time, we share a few minutes at the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting in Arlington Heights' North School Park. Enjoy! This episode's running time: 5:00

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Welcome to another action-packed episode of the Cheap Date show! This week we review ToPa Tavern and Grill in Elk Grove Village, where Joe enjoyed a Gumballhead American Pale Wheat Ale and Lisa had the famous 312 Urban Wheat Ale. And we haven't even started on the food yet. Listen to the show for complete details! We also spend some time gushing over this year's Beaujolais Nouveau from Duboeuf, which is as delightful as the years before. If only we could remember them, that is. And we give a nod to Cycles Gladiator for their Pinot Noir. Also highly recommended is our visit to Opera in Focus, as featured on our other show, Discover Woodfield. This is truly a Chicago area treasure, so be sure to check it out! We'd also like to welcome all our new subscribers who joined us through the Zune Marketplace. Let us know what you think of the show and what you'd like to hear! Thanks for all your comments, and please keep them coming! You can e-mail us at cheapdateshow@gmail.com or leave us a voice mail at 206-203-3283. We love hearing from you! "I Told Ev'ry Little Star" is by Linda Scott, as heard in the ultra-creepy David Lynch film Mulholland Drive. This episode's running time: 26:27

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Yeah, I got your griping right here. Join us for a round of performance art worth complaining about, thanks to The Complaints Choir of Chicago, who appeared at The Empty Bottle last weekend. Then it's off to Irazu Costa Rican Restaurant, where we had a wonderful dinner featuring the tastes of the Caribbean. We follow up with a rave (and a rant) about Joe Strummer: The Future is Unwritten which opens at The Music Box Theatre this weekend, and we fill you in on a special presentation of the movie with the guys from Sound Opinions. Oh, and Joe has a cash offer of $25 for the right taker. We also review the Bug Guts Sundae from Oberweis. Thanks for downloading and please let us know what's on your mind! Drop us a line at dish@cheapdateshow.com or leave us a voice mail at 206 203-3283. This episode's running time: 29:03 And speaking of the devil himself, "Willesden to Cricklewood" is by Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros.

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Welcome to the latest episode of Cheap Date! This time out, we visit Periyali Greek Taverna in Des Plaines for a wonderful family meal. We also spend some time talking about Halloween and lots of other stuff, too. Here is the link to listener Chris' recap of his two weeks in Europe drinking LOTS of really good beer. And here is listener Thelma's Orange Syrup recipe: Orange syrup 1 can of frozen Orange juice (plastic can is microwaveable) 4 tablespoons Butter Sugar Water Corn Starch Put OJ and butter in saucepan over medium heat. Make sure to stir constantly. I don't have a specific amount of sugar because I just put some in, test it, a little more, test it, and so forth. I think the last time I did this I put 4 spoonfuls in. I also used Splenda the last time I did it, and it came out great. I put in about third of the OJ can filled with water to settle down the OJ taste, and add 1 spoon of cornstartch. Keep stirring it over the saucepan. This only takes a few minutes to take. If you don't use it up, put it in a sealed jar and place in the fridge then when you need to use some just heat in the microwave and serve. Other fun stuff mentioned: The Affy Tapple Factory Store, Oberweis Dairy, and the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce. We'd also like to invite you to a live podcast by some wonderful Chicago podcasters at the Globe Pub, 1934 W Irving Park Rd, in Chicago. The hosts of The Brit and Yankee, ChicagoScope, Chicago Bites, and GamaSutra will all be there! Details on the flyer here! Have something to tell us? Drop us a line at dish@cheapdateshow.com or leave us a voice mail at 206 203-3283. We really enjoy all your feedback! This episode's running time: 29:40 "Kiss Them For Me" is by Siouxsie and the Banshees.

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Here it is, folks-- a videocast of our adventures in making apple butter. We hope you enjoy it! Comments, questions, and great thoughts are always welcome at dish@cheapdateshow.com! This episode's running time: 14:39.

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It's an episode that's full of apple goodness. You couldn't BE more autumnal if you tried. Lisa shares her cobbler recipe, which can be found here. And her baked apple recipe is here. Then it's a recap of Crazy Apple Butter Daze at Lisa's parents' house in the fields of Indiana. This week's Cheap Date brings us to Teddy's Just Good Food in Arlington Heights, featuring guest co-host Emma! This episode was fueled by apple cider laced with mulling spices from The Spice House. Thanks for all the great feedback, and please keep it coming! You can email us at dish@cheapdateshow.com or leave us a voice mail at 206 203-3283. "Johnny Appleseed" by Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros. Go Joe. This episode's running time: 28:33.

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Time for another Cheap Date, Guys and Gals... Joe talks about the "Highway McFifty," a drink he invented, and the variations thereof.  And if that wasn't enough sugar for you, we taste-test the brand-new Snickers Dark candy bar.  Then it's off to Bogie's Ale House in Mt Prospect for-- what else?-- pizza and beer!  Oh, and Lisa uses the term "over-herbed."  Listen for it. We also share a little bit of news about the newly-renamed Biggby's Coffee, and listener CB shares a review of the Atwood Cafe in Chicago. "Paperback Believer" is by Mark Vidler. As always, we love hearing from you!  Leave us voice mail at 206 203-3283, or drop us a note at dish@cheapdateshow.com! This episode's running time: 33:18.

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It's an evening of great Italian food and wine on this Cheap Date Show!  We take in a visit to Quartino in Chicago. Then we recap our BBQ excursion with an email from Shelly, and then Joe shares his favorite pancake recipe (originally by Ryan D'Agostino in Esquire magazine).  Here it is: Wallet Pancakes â 1 1/4 cups flourâ 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powderâ 2 tablespoons sugarâ 3/4 teaspoon saltâ 1 eggâ 1 1/4 cup milkâ 3 tablespoons melted butter Combine dry. Beat egg. Combine wet. Mix wet into dry. Stir until barely mixed. Can be doubled, tripled, etc. Thanks for listening! And if you have any comments, please drop us a line at dish@cheapdateshow.com or leave a voice mail at 206 203-3283.   You can also follow us on Twitter under the names 4thtime and jtl. The next episode of Discover Woodfield! is now live, too... Enjoy our visit to another great place in the Chicago suburbs! This episode's running time:  27:48

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We couldn't think of a better way to wrap up the summer than with barbecue and ice cream.  Could you? Our first stop is at The Texan Barbecue in Algonquin, followed by a trip further west to The Huntley Dairy Mart.  Needless to say, we weren't very hungry by the time we were through with this Cheap Date! We also share Nanette's Sangria Recipe and continue on with the debate about the Five Major Food Groups. You already know about chocolate and beer, and we have some additions. As always, thank you for downloading the show!  Your comments are always welcome at dish@cheapdateshow.com or you can leave a voice mail at 206 203-3283.   You can also follow us on Twitter under the names "jtl" and "4thtime." The next episode of our other show, Discover Woodfield! will be going live shortly.  Be sure to check that out, too!  This episode's running time:  33:17

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A word of caution: this week's Cheap Date is not at all cheap. We received a very generous wedding gift from a friend of ours, which led us to an incredible meal at Chicago's Les Nomades. We can't say enough wonderful things about this experience, so you'll have to listen to the show for all the details. We received a lot of feedback on our "dip" question in our last show, and we share the results this time around. We also announce our creation of Lisa and Joe's Five Major Food Group Pentagram. Send in your votes today! The show ran a bit long, so we saved some feedback and a guest review for the next time out. Keep those comments coming! We love hearing from you. You can email us at dish@cheapdateshow.com, leave a message at 206 203-3283, or follow us on Twitter as 4thtime and jtl! This episode's running time: 38:18

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We've got a lot of ground to cover, so let's get to it. Condiment or food?  You be the judge.  It's a new listener poll. Charlie's Ale House on Navy Pier in Chicago was the venue for our meetup with fellow podcaster Shelly and her husband, The Fabulous Frank.  Good food, good conversation, and a good place to go if you're visiting the Pier. We also discuss the "Micks at the Mike" event presented by Bottom Shelf Comedy at Murphy's Pub in Arlington Heights.  Great stuff, and truly cheap! There's listener feedback, and then it's time to go. This episode fueled by Potocki Vodka and Cruzan Black Strap. (Not mixed together, mind you.)  Please keep those comments coming!  You can send an email to dish@cheapdateshow.com or leave a voice mail at 206 203-3283.  We love hearing from you! This episode's running time: 35:40

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It's a Cheap Date full of beer and ballpark fun! Join us as we head over to Goose Island Brewpub near Wrigley Field for lunch before a Cubs-Astros game! Listener CB also offers his Guest Review of Barnelli's, which can be found attached to Portillo's Restuarants all over the Chicago area. We love your emails and voice mails! You can reach us at dish@cheapdateshow.com or at 206 203-3283 to share your thoughts on pretty much anything... This episode's running time: 34:17.

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In this week's bonus Cheap Date episode, Emma and Becka join us for a backyard campout and some talk about our vacation week. Our Cheap Date this week is at Big Sammy's Hotdogs in Elk Grove Village, where you can get a good, honest, dog and a Pizza Puff. You'll also hear a little about our annual visit to Superdawg. Mmmm. Keep those comments and voice mails coming! You can reach us at dish@cheapdateshow.com or at 206 203-3283. See you in a week! This episode's running time: 15:27.

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Welcome to another fun-filled Cheap Date show! This week, we talk about Lisa's new Sangria recipe, followed by an update on the Arlington Heights Frontier Days Festival and American English, an awesome Beatles tribute band. Our dining adventure this week is Hackney's on Harms in Glenview, Illinois. Delicious! Thanks for downloading the show!  Be sure to let us know what you think by sending an email to dish@cheapdateshow.com or you can leave a voice mail at 206 203-3283.  Be sure to check out our other show, Discover Woodfield! This episode's running time:  31:58

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This week, we take you along on our annual trip to Galena, Illinois.  (We told you that if you do something twice, it's a tradition.  Well...) We stayed at the Belle Aire Mansion and dined at Backstreet.  We also sampled lots of goodies at Galena Canning Company.  Mmmmm. We have a special bonus for you, too: Lisa's recipes for summertime slushies.  And Joe enjoys a Sprecher Root Beer during the show. Thanks for downloading the show!  Be sure to let us know what you think by sending an email to dish@cheapdateshow.com or you can leave a voice mail at 206 203-3283.  And don't forget to check out our other show, Discover Woodfield!  We have a new show going live on July 1, 2007. This episode's running time:  31:51   My Podcast Alley feed! {pca-cc133c64f22374f8de6138b1655e7684}

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We take a culinary journey this time around: it's a flight to Mexico with a layover in Thailand. Or something like that. El Sombrero in Mt Prospect and The Thai House in Hoffman Estates are our two stops this episode.  And they were both delicious. Send you comments and other great thoughts to dish@cheapdateshow.com or leave us a voice mail at 206 203 3283! This episode's running time: 29:18.

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Welcome to this worldwide, whirlwind episode of Cheap Date! In this episode, we take you for a vegetarian dinner at Chowpatti Vegetarian Cuisine, followed by Joe's tales of his trip to Tokyo. Thanks for all your comments! You can reach us at dish@cheapdateshow.com or you can leave us a voice mail at 206 203-3283! This episode's running time: 38:24.

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It's Breakfast with The Big Show this time around on Cheap Date! Aaron and Jenny spent some time with us this week, and we went for an awesome breakfast at The Village Grill of Arlington, just to give them a taste of the northwest suburbs of Chicago. We also get a Vegetarian Update from Lisa.  Mmmmm.. tofu. Keep the comments coming!  You can reach us at dish@cheapdateshow.com or leave us a voice mail at 206 203-3283. This episode's running time: 28:14.

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We once again visit the Arlington International Racecourse for The Greater Woodfield Convention and Visitor's Bureau's Chef's Fest 2007. This year, we're joined by co-hosts Liz and Bob and Becka and Emma. This year, there were over 60 restaurants, hotels, and other purveyors of food and fun offering samples to the attendees. For a $30 admission fee, visitors could sample as much as they wanted.. Great stuff! This episode also serves as the pilot for our new sponsored podcast, Discover Woodfield, which will have its debut in May. Some of the places and food we mention: Fuego:ceviche, chicken breast with mole poblano and mole pistachio Emmett's Pub: cheese, sausage Fox & Hounds: pulled-pork sandwich Wildfire: chopped salad, mashed potatoes, seared salmon Bonefish Grill: Ahi Tuna Sashimi Vittorio di Roma: Chocolate Cake Clearbrook Cafe: Coffee and Donuts Le Titi de Paris: amazing chocolate things Tradewinds @ Sheraton Chicago Northwest: White Chocolate Mousse and Creme Brulee, chocolate dipped strawberries Lynfred Winery: red, white, and rhubarb wine Lou Malnati's: Pizza Birch River Grill: Pulled Pork Sandwich Drop us a note-- we love your comments!  You can reach us at dish@cheapdateshow.com or you can leave a voice mail at 206-203-3283. Thanks to Alyssa, Amanda, Linda, and David from the Bureau for their hospitality, and stay tuned for the debut of Discover Woodfield! This episode's running time: 31:56.

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This episode was recorded in an undisclosed location, which explains the sound quality. Actually, it's coming to you from the hotel room where we spent our couple of homeless days while we awaited closing on our new house. No more Cheap Date condo! And yes, we're still in Arlington Heights. This week's show is a double-header: First, we visit Thai Little Home Cafe in their new home in Arlington Heights. Then, we take you to Armand's Pizzeria in downtown Arlington Heights for some great Italian cuisine. Two home runs tonight! Lisa shares her thoughts on being a vegetarian for the month of April. And she shares this awesome bean recipe: try it-- you'll thank her. Thanks to everyone for the good wishes from our wedding! We appreciate all your wonderful congratulations and comments, and please keep them coming (the comments, not necessarily the congrats). You can leave a message at 206 203-3283 or send an email to dish@cheapdateshow.com. This week's running time: 28:05

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The big news in this episode is, well, what we've all been waiting for. :-) Yes, your hosts got married last weekend, and it was wonderful. We talk about our cake from Jarosch Bakery in Elk Grove Village, Cristalino Extra Brut Cava (which fuels this episode), wedding favors from Godiva, the fabulous folks at Refined Dining, and special thanks to Mitch at Tuscan Market for all the great referrals. Then it's off to Las Vegas and The Bellagio, where we spent our honeymoon.  We also took in The Beatles Love at The Mirage, which was fantastic. We also share some Las Vegas tips, but unfortunately none to help out at the BlackJack tables. :-) Keep those e-mails, voice mails, and special notes coming! Drop us a line at dish@cheapdateshow.com or leave us a voice mail at 206 203-3283. We love hearing from you! This episode's running time: 52:28.

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It's that time again, kids... a fortnight has passed and here we are again. This time we start out with some wedding talk and then it's on to a tale of international intrigue. This is a story that has a HAZMAT unit, stolen radioactive material, and a really tasty Monte Cristo sandwich. You won't want to miss it! Our Cheap Date visit takes us to Omega Restaurant in Niles, Illinois. Good stuff and something to please everyone Drop us a note at dish@cheapdateshow.com or leave us a voice mail at 206 203-3283. We'd love to hear from you! This episode's running time: 30:42.

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The secret of this episode is Sex. That's all we'll say about that. The highlight of this week is the one-night-only presentation of This American Life at the Chicago Theatre. The show was called What I Learned From Television. Turns out, there's a lot. Dinner tonight is as Petterino's, right in the theatre district. Thanks for all your comments! You can reach us at dish@cheapdateshow.com. You can also leave us a voice mail at 206 203-3283. Thanks again! This episode's running time: 35:30.

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There's a lot going on in here today, and a lot of exclamation points, so get comfortable and enjoy the show! We start off talking about our Super Bowl Sunday dinner, including an awesome beef tip roast from Costco (seasoned perfectly by a concoction from The Spice House) and latkes. We also talk about the wonders of dendritic salt, so be prepared to learn somthin'. Then it's off to the Ninth Annual Chicagoland Brewpub and Microbrewery Shootout, presented by The Chicago Beer Society! Food. Beer. Yum. We share some listener feedback, including this Rachael Ray video from listener Adan, and a Guest Review of Pompei from listener CB. We also talk about our upcoming appearance on fellow Chicago restaurant podcasters Tammy and Bridget's Chicago Bites. Oh, and there's more Xuxa. We love your comments! Send us a note at: (dish@cheapdateshow.com), or leave a message on our voice mail line (206 203-3283)! Thanks for listening! This episode's running time: 32:55.

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This week's show takes you to La Granja in Palatine, Illinois for some awesome Peruvian fast food. We also talk about Valentine's Day and the pressures women put on the guys to deliver the goods, and there's something strange afoot at the local pizza joint. Mentions are also made of Xuxa, Barely Podcasting, and The Big Show. Send us an email at: (dish@cheapdateshow.com), or leave a message on our voice mail line (206 203-3283)! Thanks for listening! This episode's running time: 33:36.

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