Richard’s Family Restaurant is the latest diner to open in Springfield and is a most welcome addition to the genre. Located on Ninth Street, just south of North Grand Avenue, Richard’s operates in the space formerly occupied by Homestyle Café. Homestyle had gotten a little long in the tooth, but Richard’s started with a deep […]
Thomas C. Pavlik Jr.
Posted inArticles
Practicing law is nothing like it looks on TV
Myth versus reality All too often, people’s perceptions and beliefs about lawyers and the practice of law are formed from watching any number of TV shows. Television law emphasizes high-stakes drama, surprise evidence and rapid courtroom victories, while the reality involves months of methodical, behind-the-scenes research, negotiations and settlements. Real lawyers rarely rely on theatrical […]
Posted inRestaurant review
Soy Oaxaca Mexican Restaurant
Soy Oaxaca, which translates from Spanish to, “I am Oaxaca,” is also the name of downtown Springfield’s latest restaurant. Soy Oaxaca itself is both a state and a capital city in southern Mexico. Some call it the culinary capital of Mexico (especially with respect to mole) but all agree that its United Nations Educational, Scientific […]
Posted inAsk an Attorney
Nonprofit basics
We’ve written before about issues potential board members should consider before joining the board of a nonprofit, but we’ve never really looked at some of the broader legal issues that are unique to nonprofits. As the nonprofit sector continues to play an ever-increasing role in communities across Illinois (think of recent developments with our own […]
Posted inRestaurant review
Jo’s Place
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. […]
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, […]