Slyce Coal Fired Pizza- Wauconda

Try it! A great alternative to a CA Pizza Kitchen any day!

Better tasting and locally owned. Slyce offers fresh ingredients on artisan pizza and gourmet dishes. Don't let the outside appearance fool you, Once you are inside you'll be pleasantly surprised, While Slyce doesn't discourage children from dining it does have more of an adult feel, I would recommend that your first trip be with a more mature crowd to really enjoy the menu and atmosphere.

http://www.slycecoalfiredpizza.com/

Buddyz- McHenry, IL

Buddyz offers good pizza in an area where great pizza doesn't exist. This restaurant is located in scenic downtown McHenry alongside a small body of water that leads into the Fox River/Chain of Lakes.
Buddyz has a friendly wait staff and a great patio to sit and enjoy nice weather. It is worth trying if you are in McHenry County.

The Green Peapod- McHenry, IL

Kim's Review- McHenry isn't known for a wide culinary selection, so when you find a place outside of the box you have to try it. Green Peapod is one of those places. For the area, this restaurant is a pleasant surprise. Everything was fresh and seasoned well. A few dishes altered in from the norm of other Thai restaurants in Chicago, but overall the experience was good. The price is reasonable, but a little high for families. This location great for a quick date night and anyone looking to relax and enjoy a meal from the patio or a casually elegant atmosphere. 

Aria Tuscan Grill & Champagne Lounge- Charlotte, NC

 Kim's Review- I ventured out to Aria Tuscan Grill for a business meeting. I had the chance to dine at the chef's table, which I had been looking forward to for days. While the food was amazing I was a bit disappointed on the chef's table experience. 

We tried a little of everything on the menu and we were impressed with the quality and the vast wine selection. Everything was seasoned well and prepared with a high level of expertise. However, I visualized the chef coming out before the dinner to greet us or to recommend his favorite dishes. I was imagining myself entranced watching the kitchen staff toss and flip delectable offerings in sauce pans. None of that happened. The view of food runners backs as they picked up trays of food was disappointing. It was a creative way of getting people to reserve a table that's typically known as the worst seat in the house- the table by the kitchen. Go to Aria, just avoid the "chef's table experience". http://www.ariacharlotte.com/home/aria-home.php

Moonshine- Austin, TX

One of the best restaurants we've ever been to in the Austin area (that wasn't BBQ).The food was very well priced and the quality was high. We were pleasantly surprised at how good everything was. The patio was the prefect spot to relax after a long day. This spot is great to spend time with family and friends or entertain clients.  If you are ever in Austin we highly recommend that you visit Moonshine! You won't be disappointed by the food, service, or atmosphere. 

Tokio Pub- Schaumburg, IL

http://tokiopub.com/

Kim's Review- Latin and Asian fusion? That's what I'm talking about! This restaurant is amazing. You HAVE to try the taco flights. Hands down, this is one of the best date spots in Schuamburg for an upbeat atmosphere with creative flavors. Located near Woodfield Mall, this is the perfect place to enjoy awesome food before a movie or trip to the comedy club. The heated patio is perfect in the fall. Go-go-go!

Popeye's- Lake Geneva, WI