One of my besties has been crowing to me about Jo’s Place in Virden and that I needed to do a review of it. Unfortunately, some timing issues meant that I was unable to do the review with him. Instead, I visited with my wife and mother-in-law – each a critic in their own right. […]
Thomas C. Pavlik Jr.
Posted inAsk an Attorney
Deeds and real property transfers
Transferring ownership of a home is one of the most significant legal transactions the majority of people will ever undertake. In Illinois, real estate transfers are governed by a combination of state statutes, common law principles and local recording practices. Whether you are selling your home, gifting property to a family member, placing property into […]
Posted inAsk an Attorney
New laws for 2026
It’s that time of year again when we explore what our legislature has been up to this past year. In a case of the state actually trying to be helpful, cocktails to go (first introduced during COVID-19 restrictions) are now permanent, which should be a boon to the restaurant industry. The state created a new […]
Posted inRestaurant review
Gabatoni’s Italian Restaurant
I’ve been going to Gabatoni’s since I arrived in Springfield in 1999 and maybe even in 1992 while I was here for a judicial clerkship. I was saddened when the pandemic led the prior owners to shift to takeout only, which lasted even after the COVID-19 restrictions eased. But, with new ownership and a re-do […]
Posted inAsk an Attorney
Big dilemmas for tiny houses
The recent passage of a moratorium on tiny houses in Ward 2 comes with some conditions, namely, that the city engage in a review of zoning and housing policies, hold at least two community engagement sessions, assess economic, environmental and social impacts of tiny homes in Ward 2, and make recommendations to the city council […]
Posted inRestaurant review
Palermo Pizza & Subs
It had been a bit since core group of golf guys had gotten together. So, the call went out and, being the food reviewer, I was appointed the location manager. It was a title that was called into jeopardy. Having heard good things about Palermo’s, it seemed liked a good call for the group. But […]
Posted inAsk an Attorney
Free speech 101
The principle of free speech is a cornerstone of American democracy, enshrined in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. It guarantees that “Congress shall make no law … abridging the freedom of speech,” basically protecting an individual’s right to express ideas, opinions and beliefs without government interference. Yet, when it comes to the workplace, […]
Posted inRestaurant review
JAPAN HOUSE
Located near Sam’s Club in the former Empire Korean Steakhouse space, Japan House is yet another on Springfield’s growing list of all-you-can-eat Asian restaurants. Japan House, however, is not a buffet; instead, diners order from a menu. Open for lunch and dinner, the restaurant charges $16.99 for lunch and $27.99 for dinner. By my recollection, […]
Posted inArticles
Star 66 Cafe
Springfield drivers have a growing tendency to crash into buildings, which has been well-documented on social media. One of the more recent incidents involved Star 66 Café, where a driver crashed into the seating area, pushing booths into the counter. Thankfully the injuries were only superficial, but the physical damage is still evident. Since it […]
Posted inColumns
Illinois cybersecurity laws
In today’s digital world, cybersecurity is no longer an option – it’s essential. Whether you’re a business handling customer data or an individual concerned about your digital footprint, knowing your rights and responsibilities is critical. Cybersecurity laws serve several crucial purposes. They establish standards for protecting sensitive information, outline consequences for cybercrimes, mandate breach disclosures […]
Posted inColumns
Aunt Lous Soul Food
With all the hits downtown Springfield has taken over the last few weeks, I figured it would be good to review one of its remaining restaurants. I’m glad that I did. Aunt Lou’s is at the southwest corner of Sixth and Monroe streets. There’s a small bar area zoned off from the main dining room, […]
Posted inColumns
Ramona Tacos + Mezcal
Ramona Tacos + Mezcal is a truly welcome entrant to Springfield’s Mexican food scene, and certainly one that elevates the genre. Although not open for lunch during the week, it is on the weekends. It’s a place you do not want to miss. The physical space is clean and elegant. But for the view out […]