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Jeff Ward

The Foods That Separate Geneva from the Rest

Here's how you can be just like me! (If that ain't a scary thought!)

 

Since last week’s whole liver sausage and onion sandwich conversation (heavy on the mustard) was almost as fun as poking Mill Creekers and because Oprah’s rapid descent into anonymity has left a startling void among those folks who want to be just like a celebrity, I thought it might be fun to expand upon my favorite Geneva repasts.

This way, the multitudes of readers who aspire to be just like me can take it to the next level. And some of you have the nerve to say I can’t overcome my curmudgeonly tendencies!

So let’s get started!

Since my lovely spouse’s favorite maxim is, “life is uncertain, so you better eat dessert first,” just in case Armageddon hits during dinner, we’ll start with Graham’s Chocolates at Third and Franklin streets.

All I can say is, there aren’t many things on this planet that can beat a large scoop of their chocolate peanut butter chip ice cream. Geneva may have its flaws, but just one spoonful of that glorious concoction and I’m even willing to ignore the City Council's latest shenanigans.

Of course, my wife’s personal preference of Graham’s 318’s chocolate fondue certainly has merit, as well.

Now that we’ve had dessert, let’s head north to Stockholm’s.

One would think a steak sandwich is just that, but somehow their ultimate ribeye surpasses all the rest by a long shot. Could it be the cut of meat? Could it be the sauce? Or maybe it’s the fact they actually understand what “rare” means?

Whatever it is, whenever I get the hankering for a hearty lunch, I head down to Stockholm’s.

If a cold sandwich is more your speed, then it’s just a hop, skip and jump across State Street to Great Harvest Bread. It may not be one of life’s unfathomable philosophical quandaries, but choosing between the ham and Swiss and roast beef is not unlike choosing your favorite Beatle.

And since you’re already there, you may as well take home a loaf of banana (or pumpkin in the fall) chocolate chip bread. You won’t be disappointed.

If it’s breakfast you crave, then retrace your Third Street steps (wave at Graham's as you pass) to Egg Harbor for a order of Cassie’s crepes. You just can’t beat that avocado, scrambled egg, and mushroom swimming in a poppyseed dressing combination. Add the English muffin and hash browns and I don’t need to eat till dinner.

Let’s take a break from our lovely downtown and head west to Mike and Miguel's on Anderson Boulevard near the high school. Though I will occasionally attempt to expand my horizons (fajitas are always fun), it’s hard to waver from my cheese and onion enchilada smothered in sauce tendencies.

While we’re at it, the shrimp and avocado appetizer is also one of my favorites.

As we continue our westbound trek, when pizza is the only answer, it has to be Antonio’s on Keslinger Road just across the street from Delnor’s south entrance. It’s nice know you can pick up a quick or go for broke with a stuffed pizza.

Not only is their food great, but much like that '50s telephone booth stuffing craze (ask your parents what a telephone booth is), it’s always a fascinating proposition to see just how many employees they can squeeze into that small space.

And lastly, though folks like my journalistic counterpart Beth Bales will swear By Josef’s on Sixth Street, when it comes to carnivorous concoctions, I will continue west on Keslinger to Ream’s Elburn Market on Route 47—our only non-Geneva mention.

What might well be the only real competition to the previously mentioned liver sausage and onion sandwich (heavy on the mustard), I simply can’t get enough of their jalapeno cheddar sticks.

Of course, in one of life’s true ironies is, I have to moderate myself in that regard because, though the spirit is eminently willing, the flesh does get a bit weaker when it comes to spicy things in your 50s.

But not to fear! There’s also the pinwheel flank steaks, the cheddar weenies, the brats, the smoked super sharp cheddar cheese and so much more. One could subsist on the samples they put out on a daily basis.

So, there you have it! Another great reason to love Geneva: the food!

Though I may jest about the adoring throngs who want to be emulate their favorite columnist (who wouldn’t?), the point of this column is to get you to comment on your favorite Geneva food choices.

You better get started!

About this column: Jeff Ward is an opinion columnist who writes for Patch and his blog, The First Ward. He is the owner of Lapinator Incorporated and does part-time consulting for the Kane County Clerk's Office. Related Topics: Food, Geneva Restaurants, and Jeff Ward
What are some of your favorite food treats in Geneva? Tell us in the comments.

Jeff Ward

7:08 am on Monday, September 17, 2012

Rhonda,

Yikes! The spell checker doesn't catch those kind of things. I'll call Rick.

Thanks for catching it!

Jeff

Reply

Colin C.

7:41 am on Monday, September 17, 2012

Jeff,

Geneva is by no means a dessert desert. According to our daughter, who lives in Europe has spent a lot of time studying and researching in Italy, Alain Roby's All Chocolate Kitchen has the best gelato that she has ever tasted, and a lot more to offer.

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Beth Bales

8:51 am on Monday, September 17, 2012

Jeff, Ream's is fabulous as well, without question. Try their stuffed chicken breasts. They come in a variety of flavors, so to speak, and they're all delicious.

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Jeff Ward

8:58 am on Monday, September 17, 2012

Beth,

I will have to do that! Thanks for the head's up!

Jeff

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Rick Nagel

9:34 am on Monday, September 17, 2012

I almost wrote something about the banana chocolate chip bread at Great Harvest the first time I tried it. Amazing. Other repeat favorites: Nachos Delujo (SP?) at Juan Maria's and the best egg rolls are at Gen-Ho.

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Jeff Ward

11:29 am on Monday, September 17, 2012

My favorite dessert is the Gobi!

Jeff

Stevie P.

10:24 am on Monday, September 17, 2012

You forgot to include the entire menu from Bien Trucha, and from The Geneva Ale House, their fried pickes and the spicy dipping sauce, and really great burgers.

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Colin C.

11:13 am on Monday, September 17, 2012

There's sort of an irony here that you may appreciate Jeff. 25-30 years ago I remember reading a number of editorials, in the Chronicle and the Republican I think, complaining about the lack of good restaurants in Geneva. We had Gen-Ho, the Mill Race, and a few others at the time but were certainly "under served". As I remember, it was seen as some sort of CRISIS that needed to be addressed immediately in order to save downtown Geneva.

I guess we don't have that crisis anymore.

Fortunately I'm sure we can find a new one to replace it.

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Jeff Ward

12:22 pm on Monday, September 17, 2012

Colin,

Personally, I'd vote for purses at the the high school!

Jeff

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Colin C.

12:11 pm on Tuesday, September 18, 2012

We never cared about our daughters carrying their purses in school. It's when they carried them downtown that really terrified us.

Arthur Dietrich

2:18 pm on Monday, September 17, 2012

Always enjoy your columns and opinion. This one made me hungry, dammit. When do you think the haters will start crawling out of the woodwork and dis this one?

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Jeff Ward

12:03 pm on Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Arthur,

Thank you for the compliment and your readership. I have to say, after writing that column on Sunday, I ate way too much.

And exactly as you predicted, the haters found a way to attack this column too. Since they love to take me so literally, I'm thinkin' about writing one that encourages these folks to send me a rather large check.

Who knows? It just might work!

Jeff

Jake

10:50 am on Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Who cares what Jeff Ward likes...

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Jeff Ward

12:04 pm on Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Apparently you do because you read the column.

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Jake

3:04 pm on Tuesday, September 18, 2012

I really don't read or follow your trash reporting....I Just wanted to get under your skin and see if you would bite the hook and reply back which you did.
You are a predictable horses ass....

Marguerita Johnston

11:08 am on Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Last sentence should be: You'd better get started. I don't mind helping with grammar, but I can't help with the self-absorbed, bloated delusions of grandeur. Maybe some Beano?

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Jeff Ward

12:22 pm on Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Marguerita,

Though, I appreciate the correction, I also use the word "ain't" all the time so I ain't about to change now.

And C'mon! Who wouldn't want to be just like me? There's nothing bloated about the truth!

Jeff

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