Tag Archives: ice cream

Cafe Firefly Coffee Shop Algonquin for Work or Relaxing

Cafe Firefly in the heart of historic downtown Algonquin is the perfect place for a few hours of work on your laptop or relaxing with friends over coffee. Owner and head baker Allie Gilberts ensures the customer favorites such as Hello Dolly bars, Strawberry – Lemonade cupcakes and biscotti are always plentiful. <Update: I understand the new owner is Wade Merritt.> Daily specials change and may include cupcakes, cookies, scones and bar cookies. Several sandwich choices are on the menu for those with a heartier appetite. Drink selections include a variety of coffees, smoothies and hot chocolate.

Service is friendly and attentive often remembering your previous order. Tables and chairs are perfect for working or informal meetings. Log in to your laptop or tablet with the free wi-fi.

Curl up with a thick book on the couches near a corner wall of windows and soak in the natural light. When the weather is temperate, take your order out on the patio and watch the downtown scene pass by.

Allies’s Cafe Firefly treats must spark creativity. Recently a guitarist quietly strummed as I reconnected with a friend. Open mic nights draws locals with various talents.

Follow Cafe Firefly on Twitter, Facebook and check in using FourSquare to earn loyalty bonuses.

Allie GIlbert's coconut lime cupcakes at Cafe Firefly

Allie GIlbert’s coconut lime cupcakes at Cafe Firefly

Cafe Firefly on Urbanspoon
Cafe Firefly on Foodio54

Colonial Cafe Kitchen Sink Sundae

Colonial Cafe and Ice Cream in Crystal Lake

Colonial Cafe and Ice Cream recently moved to a larger location across Northwest Highway in Crystal Lake. The brightly colored walls at the new location are cheery and the many windows make for a airy feel.

We stopped by for lunch and ice cream. The menu remains the same as the prior location with a few additions. Breakfast fare include eggs, pancakes and waffles. Lunch and dinner items include burgers, other sandwiches, wraps, salads, pot roast and country fried steak.

We had the patty melt with fries and burschetta. Sweet potato fries are also available.

Colonial Cafe is known for the Kitchen Sink Sundae, a monster created with 6 scoops of ice cream, three toppings, two bananas, whipped cream and nuts all served in a bowl that looks like a kitchen sink. Our came with a candle and the staff sang happy birthday to Noel.

Our server was pleasant, answered all our questions and was more than happy to customize our order. She offered to add fresh peaches and mangoes to the iced tea. During the busy lunch hour on a summer weekday, the restaurant was full with a mix of people. Many families with small children came in for meals.

Colonial Cafe has restaurant locations and headquarters throughout the Chicago suburbs. Meeting rooms are available for clubs or events.

Colonial Cafe Kitchen Sink Sundae

Colonial Cafe Kitchen Sink Sundae

Food was served hot and tasty. The menu has a wide variety of foods including vegetarian choices.

Lunch at Colonial Cafe in Crystal Lake, Illinois

Lunch at Colonial Cafe in Crystal Lake, Illinois

The new location is at 5689 Northwest Highway.

Colonial Cafe on Urbanspoon

Ice Cream Boat on the Fox River

An ice cream boat sailing down the Fox River? You bet.

We are sure to see interesting sights on a trip along the Fox River. Birds, hot air balloons even a spectacular waterfall. One thing I did not expect to find is a floating ice cream and hot dog vendor. If your on the Lower Fox River above the Algonquin Dam, keep your eyes open for this boat.

Ice cream boat

Ice Cream and Hot Dog Boat on the Lower Fox River

Founders Day Ericson Marine in Algonquin Illinois McHenry County

Algonquin, Illinois hosts an annual Founders Day festival. The weekend wraps up with fireworks at Ericson Marine. Before the show starts boat owners enjoy the day with picnics on their boats and visits to neighbors along the pier.

Ice Cream at Ericson Marine in Algonquin Illinois McHenry County

Ice Cream at Ericson Marine in Algonquin Illinois McHenry County

Carmen and Don Ericson treat boat owners who rent slips in their marina to 15 gallons of ice cream as we wait for sundown and the fireworks show to begin. These guys were recruited to dish out the goods before the sun melted our desert.