Restaurant closings continued sign of tough times
We follow our "recession score card" with great interest when it has to do with local restaurants closing.
Granted, there have been a few recent openings - such as Fiora's in Geneva, Fox's on the River in Batavia, and the Northern Border American Grill and Baja California Fresh Mexican Grill (that's one restaurant) in St. Charles, or the Isacco Kitchen in St. Charles.
But readers are acutely aware when a restaurant has become a victim of this prolonged and stubborn recession - at least partly because they view them as community institutions and icons of better times.
Thus, it is no surprise my e-mail and phone lines have been busy with questions or tips about favorite eateries with "closed" signs posted.
One reader was surprised to make the trip to Fishermen's Inn in Elburn to find it closed. But restaurant president Cliff Spence announced that last December, just before the holidays. It hasn't made it any easier for patrons of that popular restaurant who enjoyed excellent seafood and service for 45 years.
LeBerry Bistro on Third Street in Geneva surprised its patrons by closing late last month, with many finding out when the bistro's Web site went blank with just a note about the closing on Jan. 20.
Many notes have come in about the Manor Restaurant in South Elgin closing its doors. Those who had continued to go to the restaurant since it was moved out of the new First Street equation in St. Charles are again left without their favorite breakfast joint.
I'm not sure how many folks are still around who would remember the Manor in its previous life on Main Street as The Tin Willy or the Log Cabin, but there is no doubt this establishment had its fans through the years.
Getting more green: If you are passionate about the environment and green initiatives, it appears that Batavia City Hall will be the place for you on Saturday.
A conference in which Fox Valley area environmental groups and experts will be reporting on their projects and missions will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
To taxes and health: Tax time can really raise the blood pressure - and Aurora University is combining those realities.
The university is offering free tax preparation and consultation from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturdays through April 10 (except March 13 and April 3) in the lobby of Dunham Hall.
In addition, a health expo will be held offering free blood pressure checks and memory screenings.
Hopefully, one of the memory tests won't ask this: "So how much do you owe Uncle Sam?"
Cooks in the kitchen: It looks like men are cooking all over the place.
A few days after I agreed to participate in the "60 Men Who Cook" fundraiser for various Geneva organizations in May, I received a note from the Suicide Prevention Services organization reminding me that their "50 Men Who Cook" event will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 27 at the Lincoln Inn in Batavia.
Cost is $50 per person and tickets are available at spsfv.org or by calling Rosa at (630) 482-9699.
dheun@sbcglobal.net