Holly & Rich’s Top Bites, 1780 East Golf Road, Schaumburg, IL (2026)

06/24/2026

🍽️✨ Holly & Rich’s Restaurant Review ✨🍽️
👉 Steak Tartare Dreams & Live Music Nights in Montreal

The Basics
• Restaurant: Modavie
• Location: Montreal, QC
• Date We Rolled Up: May 8, 2026
• Visit Type: Dine in (first night in Montreal - starting strong!)
Vibe Check
Atmosphere:
Lively, romantic, and unmistakably French bistro. There’s an energy here that instantly pulls you in, equal parts cozy and celebratory.
Décor Thoughts:
Classic bistro charm with warm lighting and that slightly rustic, European feel. It’s the kind of place that feels effortlessly cool without trying too hard.
Crowd:
A great mix of locals and visitors, all leaning into the moment, whether that’s date night, a fun evening out, or (like us) kicking off a Montreal adventure the right way.
Service Shenanigans
Service was exceptional. Our waiter, Tyler, was patient, kind, and genuinely fun, striking that perfect balance between attentive and relaxed. He helped make the whole evening feel easy and enjoyable, never rushed, and full of good energy.

The Food (Aka: The Reason We’re Here)
What We Ordered:
• Steak tartare (the whole reason we came, no pressure 😉)
• Caesar salad
• Calamari
• Sarladaise potatoes
Taste Test:
Let’s start with the star: the steak tartare. Absolutely worth it. Fresh, flavorful, and everything you want when you’re specifically seeking out this classic dish, it did not disappoint.
The Caesar salad was crisp and delicious, the calamari perfectly cooked (no rubbery situation here!), and then… the sarladaise potatoes.
OMGosh. These were divine. Rich, crispy, and packed with flavor, easily one of those dishes you keep thinking about long after the meal ends.
Presentation:
Classic and appetizing, nothing overly fussy, just well-executed dishes that look as good as they taste.
Portion Size:
Perfect for sharing and grazing, which made the whole experience feel relaxed and social.
Drinks & Dessert (Optional but Highly Encouraged)
We enjoyed a mix of specialty drinks, wine, and beer, everything was well-crafted and paired nicely with the meal.
Highlights:
The overall experience: great drinks, incredible appetizers, and that unbeatable combination of food + live music.
Highlights
The live music truly elevated the evening. It added such a fun, memorable layer to the experience, making it feel less like dinner and more like an event. Combine that with fantastic service and standout dishes, and it made for an unforgettable first night in Montreal.
Opportunities for Improvement
Nothing to note, this was exactly the kind of experience we were hoping for.
The Money Talk
• Price Range: Moderate to slightly upscale
• Was It Worth It?: Absolutely. Between the food, service, and atmosphere, it felt like a perfect “we’re on vacation” night.
Final Thoughts
Modavie set the tone for our Montreal trip in the best possible way. Delicious food (hello, steak tartare and those potatoes), amazing service from Tyler, and live music that made the whole night feel special, it’s everything you hope for in a French bistro experience.
⭐Rating - The Food Joy Scale
🌈 Life Enhancing Bite – A full-blown moment. We are thinking about it tomorrow.
Would We Come Back?
Without hesitation, this is a must-repeat on our next Montreal trip.✨

06/03/2026

Looks who’s toasting his buns!

06/01/2026

🍽️✨ Holly & Rich’s Restaurant Review ✨🍽️
👉 Pizza, Cocktails & a Speakeasy Surprise -Zarella Knows What It’s Doing
The Basics
• Restaurant: Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna
• Location: (Add if you want)
• Date We Rolled Up: April 18, 2026
• Visit Type: Dine in (and yes… we came for the pizza)
Vibe Check
Atmosphere:
Energetic, stylish, and just the right amount of trendy without trying too hard. It’s got that modern Italian tavern feel where you can relax but still feel like you’re out somewhere special.
Décor Thoughts:
Warm and inviting upstairs, but the real surprise? A hidden speakeasy downstairs tucked into their walk-in. Such a fun, unexpected twist that takes the whole experience up a notch.
Crowd:
Lively and social, perfect for date night, groups, or anyone in the mood for good food and good energy.
Service Shenanigans
Service was smooth, friendly, and attentive. Everything came out at a great pace, and the staff really helped keep the vibe upbeat and relaxed.
The Food (Aka: The Reason We’re Here)
What We Ordered:
• 14" tavern-style pizza
o Pepperoni & sausage
o Mushrooms on half (no judgment, mushrooms are always the right call)
• Brown butter cake with roasted banana & crème fraîche
Taste Test:
Let’s be honest, we came for pizza, and Zarella delivered. The tavern-style crust was crisp, flavorful, and exactly what you want. The pepperoni and sausage brought the classic Chicago tavern vibes, and yes, the mushrooms were a perfect addition (half or not 😉).
Everything hit the mark: balanced, satisfying, and something you immediately want another slice of.
Presentation:
Clean and appetizing. Pizza looks like pizza, but when it’s done right, that’s all you need.
Portion Size:
Perfect for sharing (or not, we’re not here to judge that either).
Drinks & Dessert (Optional but Highly Encouraged)
The espresso martini was a delight, smooth, rich, and dangerously easy to sip.
Highlights:
That brown butter cake. Absolutely worth saving room for. Warm, indulgent, and paired beautifully with the roasted banana and crème fraîche. A standout finish to the meal.
Highlights
The combination of great pizza, a standout dessert, a perfectly executed cocktail, and a hidden speakeasy? That’s a full experience, not just a meal.
Opportunities for Improvement
Nothing major, this was a really solid visit across the board.
The Money Talk
• Price Range: Reasonable
• Was It Worth It?: 100%. Great food, fun atmosphere, and a few surprises along the way
Final Thoughts
Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna is more than just a pizza spot, it’s an experience. Between the crispy tavern-style pie, standout desserts, and that fun speakeasy twist, this is a place that knows how to keep things interesting while delivering on flavor.
⭐Rating - The Food Joy Scale
🌟 Big Smile Energy - Truly delicious and memorable.
Would We Come Back?
Absolutely, and next time, we’re spending a little more time downstairs too. 🍸

06/01/2026

🍽️✨ Holly & Rich’s Restaurant Review ✨🍽️
👉 Old-School Italian Charm with a Seriously Great Old Fashioned
The Basics
• Restaurant: Vinny’s Clam Bar
• Location: Tinley Park, IL
• Date We Rolled Up: April 2, 2026
• Visit Type: Dine in (a well-earned night out)
Vibe Check
Atmosphere:
Classic, old-school Italian with tons of personality. It’s the kind of place that feels lively, welcoming, and just a little nostalgic, in the best possible way.
Décor Thoughts:
Full of character, nothing cookie-cutter here. It leans into that traditional Italian restaurant feel, where the charm comes from authenticity rather than trends.
Crowd:
A vibrant mix, date nights, regulars, and groups clearly enjoying themselves. You get the sense this is a local favorite with a loyal following.
Service Shenanigans
Service was absolutely on point. Attentive, friendly, and dialed-in without being overbearing. Everything arrived at a great pace, and the staff made the experience feel easy and enjoyable from start to finish.
The Food (Aka: The Reason We’re Here)
What We Ordered:
• Old Fashioned (because priorities)
• Lobster bisque (special)
• Salad
• Whitefish piccata
• Roasted potatoes
Taste Test:
Everything delivered. The lobster bisque was rich, flavorful, and a great way to start, especially as a special. The whitefish piccata was the standout entrée: light, bright, and beautifully balanced with that classic lemony, caper-forward flavor.
The roasted potatoes rounded everything out perfectly, simple, well-seasoned, and exactly what you want alongside a dish like that.
Presentation:
Classic and unfussy. Not overly stylized, but everything looked appetizing and thoughtfully prepared.
Portion Size:
Just right, satisfying without going overboard.
Drinks & Dessert (Optional but Highly Encouraged)
Let’s talk about that Old Fashioned, because it deserves its moment. It was spectacularly done. Balanced, smooth, and clearly made by someone who knows exactly what they’re doing.
(No dessert this time… but plenty of reasons to come back and fix that.)
Highlights
That perfect mix of strong service, delicious food, and unmistakable personality. And truly, one of the better Old Fashioneds we’ve had in a while.
Opportunities for Improvement
Nothing that stood out, this was a smooth, enjoyable experience from start to finish.

The Money Talk
• Price Range: Moderate
• Was It Worth It?: Absolutely. Great food, great drinks, and a fun atmosphere, it all came together nicely.

Final Thoughts
Vinny’s Clam Bar is a great reminder that old-school Italian spots still do it best. With flavorful dishes, standout drinks, and a ton of personality, it’s the kind of place you leave already thinking about when you’ll come back.
⭐Rating - The Food Joy Scale
🌟 Big Smile Energy – Truly delicious and memorable.
Would We Come Back?
Yes, especially for another round of that Old Fashioned and to explore more of the menu.

05/21/2026

✨ Holly & Rich’s Restaurant Review ✨🍽️
From Deeter’s to Checkers II - Years of Consistently Delicious Dining

The Basics
• Restaurant: Checkers II
• Location: Union, IL
• Date We Rolled Up: March 29, 2026 & April 17, 2026
• Visit Type: Dine in (x2, and worth every minute)

Vibe Check
Atmosphere:
Warm, inviting, and comfortably old-school in the best way. It’s the kind of place where you immediately settle in, take a breath, and know you’re about to enjoy a proper meal.

Décor Thoughts:
Classic supper-club charm with subtle European flair. Nothing over-the-top, just cozy, welcoming, and perfectly on theme for the German-inspired menu.

Crowd:
A great mix both nights, families, couples, and small groups. Our first visit was with our 16-year-old grandson, and the second with cousins, which made it feel like the ideal gathering spot for all ages.

Service Shenanigans
Service was consistently fantastic on both visits. Friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming without ever feeling overbearing. Everything flowed smoothly, from drinks to courses, and you can tell the team takes pride in creating a great experience.

The Food (Aka: The Reason We’re Here)
What We Ordered:
• Relish tray (with fresh vegetables, liver pâté, and cheese)
• Swiss potato
• Swiss geschnetzeltes
• Chicken fingers
• Baked cod
• BBQ ribs
• Friday fish fry cod
• Ahi tuna steak
• Tiramisu (because we’re not skipping dessert)

Taste Test:
Absolutely fantastic across the board. The German specialties really shine here, the Swiss geschnetzeltes and Swiss potato were especially memorable, rich, and comforting in all the right ways. The relish tray is such a fun throwback and a great way to start the meal, fresh, flavorful, and a little nostalgic.
Everything else held its own, from the perfectly cooked fish dishes to the excellent ahi tuna steak. Even the classics like ribs and chicken fingers were done really well.

Presentation:
Simple, classic, and clean. Not overly fancy, but everything looked appetizing and well-prepared, exactly what you want from a place like this.

Portion Size:
Generous and satisfying. You will not leave hungry, and you might even be planning leftovers.
Drinks & Dessert (Optional but Highly Encouraged)
Drinks were a great complement to the meal, well-made and enjoyable.

Highlights:
The tiramisu was the perfect ending, light, flavorful, and a great capstone to two memorable meals.
Highlights
One thing that makes this experience even more meaningful for us is the consistency over time. We’ve been dining with Alex and Nadine for years, going back to their previous restaurant, Deeter’s. Whether then or now at Checkers II, the food has always been reliably delicious and thoughtfully prepared. That long-standing consistency really shows and is a big part of why we keep coming back.
Between both visits, whether with our grandson or enjoying time with cousins, the experience was equally fantastic each time.

Opportunities for Improvement
Honestly, nothing significant to note, both visits were smooth, enjoyable, and hit all the right notes.

The Money Talk
• Price Range: Moderate
• Was It Worth It?: Absolutely. This felt like a true dining experience—great food, great company, and great value.

Final Thoughts
Checkers II is a gem in Union, warm, reliable, and full of delicious comfort food with standout German specialties. Knowing the quality has remained this strong over the years makes it even more special. Twice the visits, twice the great experience, and many more to come.
⭐Rating - The Food Joy Scale
🌟 Big Smile Energy – Truly delicious and memorable.
Would We Come Back?
Yes, and next time we’re bringing even more people. This place is meant to be shared. 👍

03/30/2026

🍽️✨ Holly & Rich’s Restaurant Review ✨🍽️
The Basics
• Restaurant: Perry’s Steakhouse & Grill
• Location: Schaumburg, IL
• Date We Rolled Up: March 14
• Visit Type: Dine in (double date + “let’s make a night of it” energy)

Vibe Check
Atmosphere:
Very boujee, in the best way. Elegant, upscale, and clearly designed for special moments. This is not a “quick bite” place; it’s a lean back, savor everything kind of experience.
Décor Thoughts:
Polished, refined, and absolutely date night ready. Moody lighting, luxe finishes, and an overall sense that something fancy is about to happen.
Crowd:
A mix of couples, celebrations, and people clearly treating themselves. Definitely an occasion spot.

Service Shenanigans
Top tier. Professional, attentive, and smooth without feeling stiff. The tableside elements were especially impressive, confident, knowledgeable, and perfectly timed.

The Food (Aka: Why People Go to Perry’s)
What We Ordered:
• Old Fashioneds (drinks to start, obviously)
• Perry’s Signature Fried Asparagus topped with jumbo lump crabmeat
• Signature wedge salad (prepared in the kitchen)
• Dinner Cut Pork Chop, carved tableside
• Corn Brûlée
• Au Gratin Potatoes
• Dessert Trio (seasonal cheesecake, lemon meringue square, chocolate crunch)
Taste Test:
The Old Fashioneds were excellent, smooth, well balanced, and the perfect way to kick things off.
The Signature Fried Asparagus with jumbo lump crabmeat was an immediate hit. Crispy, rich, and indulgent without being heavy. Absolute yum.
The wedge salad, prepared in the kitchen, was classic and well executed, cool, crisp, and a great lead in to what came next.
And then… the star of the show.
The Dinner Cut Pork Chop, carved tableside on a hot cast iron plate, was a full experience. Hand selected in the Midwest specifically for Perry’s, this chop is cured, roasted, slow smoked, caramelized, and served sizzling with homemade applesauce.
Holy awesome experience. Sweet, smoky, juicy, and unforgettable.
The sides only elevated things further:
• Corn Brûlée – who knew corn could be life changing?
• Au Gratin Potatoes – rich, creamy, and melt in your mouth delicious
Presentation:
Flawless. From tableside carving to beautifully plated sides, everything felt intentional and elevated.
Portion Size:
Generous, especially for the pork chop. Perfect for sharing or planning leftovers (if you have the willpower).

Drinks & Dessert (Tiny but Mighty)
The Dessert Trio was the perfect ending, small bites, big flavor:
• Seasonal cheesecake
• Lemon meringue square
• Dessert Trio
Tiny but tasty, and just enough sweetness to finish strong.

✨ Highlights
• Tableside pork chop experience
• Corn Brûlée (still thinking about it)
• Excellent cocktails
• Elevated sides that steal the spotlight
• A full “event dinner” from start to finish

Opportunities for Improvement
None, it delivered exactly what it promises. Just know what you’re signing up for: this is an experience, not a casual night out.

The Money Talk
• Price Range: Upscale
• Was It Worth It?: Yes, for a date, celebration, or special night
Bonus note: While it’s definitely an occasion spot, they do offer Happy Hour Sunday through Friday from 4:00–6:30 PM, with some great bar bite options, worth keeping in mind if you want a taste of Perry’s without going all in.

Final Thoughts
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grill is luxury dining done right. From cocktails to carving, every detail feels intentional and indulgent. If you’re celebrating something, or someone, this is absolutely the place.

03/25/2026

🍽️✨ Holly & Rich’s Restaurant Review ✨🍽️
The Basics
• Restaurant: Chop Suey Hut
• Location: Woodstock, IL
• Date We Rolled Up: March 10
• Visit Type: Dine in (friends, food, and catching up)

Vibe Check
Atmosphere:
Lively, cozy, and full of energy. This place always feels buzzing in the best way, like something good is happening at every table.
Décor Thoughts:
A great room with cozy booths that make it easy to settle in and stay awhile. Comfortable, welcoming, and perfect for a relaxed group dinner.
Crowd:
Always busy, and for good reason. Clearly a local favorite, with a steady flow of diners enjoying themselves.

Service Shenanigans
Friendly, efficient, and right on pace with the crowd. Even with the place being busy, everything came out smoothly and without feeling rushed.

The Food (Aka: The Reason We Over Ordered)
What We Ordered:
• Drinks
• Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings)
• Fried rice
• Beef dish
• Chicken dish
Taste Test:
For three people, this was wayyyy too much food, but every single bite was so darn tasty that no one was mad about it.
The Xiao Long Bao were a standout, rich, flavorful, and deeply comforting. Exactly what you want from soup dumplings.
The fried rice was perfectly done and paired beautifully with both the beef and chicken dishes, which were savory, satisfying, and full of flavor.
It was the kind of meal where you keep saying, “Okay, just one more bite,” even though you’re already full.
Presentation:
Simple, classic, and appetizing,no distractions, just good food done right.
Portion Size:
Very generous. Come hungry or be prepared for leftovers (not a complaint).

Drinks & Dessert (Drinks Definitely Happened)
Drinks were flowing and paired nicely with the meal. No dessert this time, but honestly, we were already happily maxed out.

✨ Highlights
• Xiao Long Bao that truly delivered
• Generous portions perfect for sharing
• Cozy booths and a great dining room
• A consistently busy spot that lives up to the hype

Opportunities for Improvement
Only one: next time, we may need to exercise just a little more restraint when ordering… maybe.

The Money Talk
• Price Range: Reasonable for the quantity and quality
• Was It Worth It?: Absolutely. Big portions, great flavors, and a fun night out.

Final Thoughts
Chop Suey Hut is a go to for a reason, delicious food, a welcoming space, and the kind of menu that makes you want to order everything. Whether you’re meeting friends or just craving something comforting and satisfying, this spot always hits.

⭐ Rating - The Food Joy Scale
😄 Tasty & Trusted
Solid, satisfying, and always a good choice.

Would We Come Back?
Without hesitation, and next time, we’re bringing even more friends (and maybe planning leftovers on purpose).

03/25/2026

Vogt House-Reboot!

Holly & Rich’s Top Bites

06/24/2026

06/03/2026

06/01/2026

06/01/2026

05/21/2026

03/30/2026

03/25/2026

03/25/2026

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