I was excited at the prospect of Chatham Cafe opening in Springfield on MacArthur Boulevard, but a fire in the almost-completed space dashed my hopes for a diner in my neighborhood. With that in mind, I decided to venture over to Chatham to see what the original Chatham Cafe is about. Chatham Cafe looked like […]
Thomas C. Pavlik Jr.
Posted inColumns
Statutes of limitation
All too often we operate under the rule of: Why do today what can be done tomorrow? But, under the law, that kind of delay may well result in certain rights being forever barred. Illinois law has specific rules regarding time limits within which claims must be brought as lawsuits. These rules are strictly enforced […]
Posted inColumns
Brewski’s Pub
I’ve driven by Brewski’s Pub countless times but never stopped in until recently when I was craving a burger. When I think pub, I also think burger. My bad, as I should have paid more attention to Brewski’s logo, which proudly proclaims it’s all about pizza and beer. Other than sliders, Brewski’s has no burger […]
Posted inColumns
Lake Springfield Tavern
Given my fondness for tavern fare, I was surprised I had never been to Lake Springfield Tavern. I’ve driven by hundreds of times, and I don’t think I even recognized that it was a tavern. Folks tell me that Lake Springfield Tavern has been around since Stevenson Drive was a dirt road. And, from exterior […]
Posted inColumns
New laws
Our legislature has been at it again, passing a slew of new bills that have now been enacted into law. Mandatory paid leave Perhaps the most significant new law is the “Paid Leave for All Workers Act.” Illinois was the third state to pass a law requiring employers to provide paid leave to employees […]
Posted inColumns
Ginna’s Cafe
I’ve been to SCHEELS, and knew that somewhere in the back of my mind the store served soda, coffee and fudge. What I didn’t know is that Ginna’s Café & Coffee at SCHEELS offers a full menu. Indeed, I visited Ginna’s Café & Coffee with a group of friends that goes out for chili once […]
Posted inArticles
Hot Pot & BBQ Buffet
By Thomas C. Pavlik, Jr. Chinese hot pot is more than just a meal, it’s an experience – and one that’s done nicely by Hot Pot & BBQ Buffet. Hot pot originated in the Mongolian Empire and started out as a simple broth bought to boil in a helmet into which a soldier added horsemeat […]
Posted inArticles
El Arriero
By Thomas C. Pavlik El Arriero, which means “someone who drives mules,” opened up just under a year ago on West Wabash close to Archer Elevator Road. It serves fresh, authentic, homestyle Mexican food with great service and excellent salsa. There’s lots to like here. Although it’s in a strip center, El Arriero did a […]
Posted inArticles
Charlie Parker’s
By Thomas C. Pavlik It’s hard to believe that in all the years I’ve been doing restaurant reviews for Springfield Business Journal, I’ve never reviewed Charlie Parker’s Diner. Thanks to a group of friends who meet once a month for chili, this time has come. The group has been meeting monthly since 1999, and I […]
Posted inArticles
Replay Lounge
By Thomas C. Pavlik What with many former downtown businesses relocating elsewhere, downtown dining options have diminished as well. As a result, I’m generally on the lookout for anything new that pops up. I must have been asleep at the switch, however, as I completely missed that Replay Lounge is more than just a bar […]
Posted inArticles
Café Fresca
By Thomas C. Pavlik I wouldn’t have known about Café Fresca but for my wife giving me a heads up that she had seen several positive reviews on Facebook for the place. Perhaps that’s because it doesn’t advertise much or because it’s located in the Bicentennial Building, occupied by the Illinois Department of Financial and […]
Posted inArticles
Empire Korean Steakhouse and Bar
By Thomas C. Pavlik, Jr. I’m a huge fan of all Asian food, but I’ve only had Korean barbecue a handful of times and always when I was out of state. It’s something that I look forward to whenever the opportunity presents itself, which is why I was happy to learn that this genre was […]