Blog

Today is Cinco De Mayo!  We’re going to take a look at some iconic parts of Mexican American Chicanx Traditions, and the incredible car culture they’ve created out west with Lowrider cars.  We’re also going to learn a little bit about the origins of this commemorative holiday, and then grab a delicious Mexican and Tex Mex dinner at a local restaurant!  It’s a great day to support your local Mexican and Mexican-American owned local businesses, too. more What is Cinco De Mayo? Many people presume that Cinco De Mayo is Mexico’s Independence Day, but it actually has other origins!  Contrary to popular belief, its association with a feast of Mexican and Tex Mex foods is a popularly increasing celebratory trend of recent years. Cinco de Mayo, is actually the Anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, a celebration observed in Mexico and parts of the US. The Mexican Army’s achieved victory over the French Empire on May 5th 1862, thanks to General Ignacio Zaragoza, and overtook the French Forces of Napoleon III.  The French later returned with reinforcements, but ultimately were defeated by the Mexican Army who took full control back of the city later in April 1867.  The battle remains a significant day in Mexican history, symbolizing Mexico’s determination to take back their home, and their fortitude in the face of foreign occupation and aggressors. All About Lowrider Car Culture Chances are you’ve seen a Lowrider car and had some stars in your eyes at these impressive rides!  Lowrider cars are traditionally quite colorful custom painted vehicles with white wall tires and wire-spoke rims. They certainly stand out in a crowd and have become an indelible part of Mexican American culture. Lowrider vehicles originated in the Meximerican Barrios in East Los Angeles during the 1940s.  Young men donned some dapper suits and hit the roads in their American Muscle cars which they’d DIY modified to create a whole new vehicle style.  They began with the idea of creating a low and slow driving art piece which reflected the history and culture of Mexican heritage, and went against the grain of traditional Anglo-American culture and societal standards.  From self-taught skills in detailing and painting, automotive upholstery,and custom engineered hydraulics, its an inspiring creative feat. Learn more: Inside Chicano/Chicana Culture in LA Donut Media Podcast Presents “How Lowriders Were a Protest Against White Supremacy Great Mexican and TexMex Eateries in the Lake County and Greater Chicago Area: Toluca’s Restaurant in Waukegan Pepe’s Mexican Restaurant in Waukegan Antojitos Guerrero in Waukegan El FAmous Burrito in Waukegan Taqueria El Charro in Waukegan La Canoa in Waukegan Taqueria Guerrero in Waukegan Golosinas El Encanto in Waukegan El Caporal in Waukegan Tacos El Norte in Waukegan Comales de Waukegan in Waukegan Sazon Cocina Mexicana in Waukegan Three Amigos in Lake Villa Dos Amigos Mexican Restaurant in Libertyville Authentico Mexican Restaurant & Bar in Lake Forest Jalisco Restaurant in Gurnee Momcorn in Gurnee Sofia’s Mexican Restaurant in Island Lake Casa Bonita MExican Restaurant and Tequila Bar Mexican Grill Los Magueyes in Fox Lake

Today is National Prime Rib Day, and we’re all about it.  Nothing screams summer like a freshly seared steak hot off the grill, but what do you do during the in-between seasons when grilling isn’t in vogue?  You check out the plethora of top notch steaks at local eateries in the Waukegan area. more Supporting our local community is one of our favourite things to do, because we also live, work, and play here in the Lake County and Greater Chicago Area. There are so many wonderful businesses, restaurants, and places to visit!  We’re highlighting some of our picks for best places in the area to celebrate big achievements, reward your employees, or just have a quality night out with a loved one. Check out our picks for local steakhouses and restaurants serving top tier steak and beef dishes: The Backyard Steak Pit in Gurnee Tavern Steakhouse Libertyville in Libertyville Primo Italian American Cuisine in Gurnee Beelow’s Steakhouse in Lake Zurich Eddie Merlot’s Prime Aged Beef & Seafood in Lincolnshire Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in Lincolnshire Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill in Deer Park 129 Center Cut in Grayslake Wildfire in Lincolnshire Carson’s Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue in Deerfield Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf in Chicago Morton’s The Steakhouse in Northbrook Chicago Prime STeakhouse in Schaumburg Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse in Oak Brook Perry’s Steakhouse in Schaumburg Fogo De Chao Brazilian Steakhouse in Rosemont Tsukasa of Tokyo in Vernon Hills Stevens’ in Gurnee Cribb Fine Foods in Waukegan Papa Marcos Restaurant in Waukegan Looking for some fun conversation starters with friends and family? Impress them with your knowledge of these fun facts about one of America’s favourite cuts of meat: The word Steak is derived from the Scandinavian word “Steik” which means “roasted meat” Did you know that the average cow weighs 1,000 pounds?  400 pounds of livestock cattle can be used for steak cuts, and at an average of 4oz per serving that means you can get 1,600 steak dinners from one animal. Holy cow. Chicago’s Oldest Steakhouse, “Gene & Georgetti,” opened in 1941, and has seen three different generations of family legacy ownership in its 80+ years of business. An estimated 27billion pounds of beef are produced and processed each year in the United States, and Americans consume almost 60lbs of it per person per year. Argentina is the top consumer of beef and veal, clocking in at almost 40kg per person annually. With plant based diets on the rise around the globe, vegan alternatives for red meat products are in high demand more than ever; today, many vegan steak alternatives are made from seitan, pea protein + soy, and some specialty restaurants have even created vegan watermelon steaks.

After a taste of the warm weather earlier this month, we’re getting ready to make Summer plans and enjoy it to the fullest!  Today’s blog is going to be covering great Food and Wine/Beer Festivals near our Classic Auto Group stores.  Just a short drive away in your brand new Classic Auto Group car, you can be well on your way to fun in the sun with your loved ones! more Please remember: Buzzed driving is drunk driving, so make sure you have a plan in place for rideshare or a “DD”.  As always, we encourage you to bring a designated driver to your festivals and tasting events. Some events may offer  a discounted DD ticket so they can still attend the rest of the fun with your group.  Please Drink Responsibly. The Glen Club of Glenview is hosting the “Glenview Bites & Brews event from 5PM to 8PM on Wednesday evening April 27th. On Saturday  April 30th from 12PM to 4PM head over to Long Grove Illinois for the Craft Beer Fest at the Stempel Parking Lot. On Saturday April 30th from 2PM to 4PM you can enjoy the fine musical stylings of the Big Al Wetzel Band at the Long Grove Craft Beer Festival from 2PM to 4PM at Buffalo Creek Brewing Head up North to the Dairy State Cheese & Beer Festival from 1PM to 5PM in Kenosha at the Brat Stop on Saturday April 30th. Head over to Main Street in Libertyville between 1PM and 4PM for “Let’s Vino In the Ville” Festival on Saturday April 30th. On Sunday, May 1st, at What’s Brewing? Supply in Palatine, you can head over from 10AM to 1:30PM for a Basic Beer Making Class! The College of Lake County in Grayslake is hosting the Food Truck Frenzy of 2022 from 11AM to 5PM on Saturday May 7th. The Harbor Brewing Co in Winthrop Harbor is hosting “The Harbor BRewing Company Proudly Presents Mr. E!” on Saturday May 7th starting at 6PM. Perfect Brewing Supply in Libertyville is hosting the 25th Anniversary Big Brew with N.U.B.S. from 8AM to 6:30PM on Satu On May 21st, head over to Vernon Hills at the Century Park Arboretum and catch the 8th Annual Craft Beer Tasting even from 10AM to 2PM! With over 40 vendors, live music, fine foods, and craft brews, the Craft Beer Festival in Mundelein is a surefire hit; stop by June 11th from 6PM to 10PM for a fun-filled evening. The Highwood Metra Station in Highwood is hosting “Highwood Days with Taco Fest” from 8AM until late night at 11:30PM on Saturday July 23rd and Sunday July 24th. On August 6th in Long Grove, Buffalo Creek Brewing is hosting thei r “Saturday Night Food Truck Event” with the “Stadium Street Eats” theme running from 3PM to 7PM. Long Grove’s Woodfire Tavern is hosting the “Street Food Showdown” on Saturday August 20th from 2PM to 6PM. The Blues, Brews, & BBQs festival of McHenry is running from Friday August 19th through Sunday August 21st at Petersen Park!

Today is National Grilled Cheese Day, and we’re sharing our picks for road trip worthy restaurants for the best grilled cheese across our illustrious state and the cheese capital of the US, Wisconsin!  You can also check out our list of Grilled Cheese fun facts and see how these top sandwiches stack up to their potential. more Fun Facts About the Grilled Cheese The Grilled Cheese began as an open faced snack of melted cheese on one singular piece of bread during the WWII era; the classic toast-cheese-toast configuration appeared in the 1960s and is what we know and love today as the “grilled cheese!” One of the most expensive grilled cheese sandwiches ever sold belonged to Diana Duyser.  She claimed her grilled cheese sandwich was brandished with the toasted image of the Virgin Mary; it sold for $28,000 on Ebay in 1994! The highest priced actually edible grilled cheese sandwich is priced at $214 from the Serendipity 3 restaurant in New York City.  It features rare cheese, white truffle butter, Dom Perignon champagne, and edible gold flakes. Wow! Top Notch Grilled Cheese Sandwich Establishments in Illinois and Wisconsin: Chicago Grilled Cheese & Mac Factory in Chicago IL Edzo’s Burger Shop in Evanston IL McAlister’s Deli in Springfield Gayle V’s Best Ever Grilled Cheese in Chicago IL The Fieldhouse Bar & Grill in Peoria IL Jerry’s Sandwiches in Chicago IL Cheesie’s Pub & Grub Lakeview in Chicago IL Everdine’s Grilled Cheese Co in Naperville IL Wyler Road in Chicago IL Mak’s House La Grange in La Grange IL Honest Abe’s Tap & Grill in Morris IL Little Goat Diner in Chicago IL BIG & little’s Restaurant in Chicago IL The Fat Shallot Lincoln Park in Chicago IL Same Day Cafe in Chicago IL Fort Jesse Cafe in Normal IL CYOC Create Your Own Cheesecake and Cheesesteak in Waukegan IL Green Town Tavern in Waukegan IL Glen Flora Tap & Grill in Waukegan IL Leno’s Sandwich Shop in Waukegan IL Potbelly Sandwich Shop in Waukegan IL Papa Marcos Restaurant in Waukegan IL Brat Stop in Kenosha WI Mars Cheese Castle in Kenosha WI Spanky's Bar and Grill in Kenosha WI Franks Diner in Kenosha WI House of Gerhard in Kenosha WI The Coffee Pot in Kenosha WI Waterfront Warehouse in Kenosha WI Pepi’s Pub and Grill in Racine WI Tino’s Carry Out in Racine WI The Dish Restaurant in Racine WI

Festival Season is finally here!  From food trucks to mobile brew-pubs to art fairs and more, there’s a lot of fun to be had this spring!  We’re excited to share this lineup of awesome events in our great state of Illinois over the next two months. more There’s so much to see and do, we recommend planning ahead and making a weekend out of it with your friends and family.  Or perhaps you’d like to snag a ticket and secur planse a fun-filled week for Spring Break and Memorial Day Weekend? No matter what your plans are, there’s lots of excitement in store!  Check it out and feel free to suggest a festival to us in a comment on our social media. Excellent Events in April Across Illinois and Wisconsin From April 8th through April 10th, t he 2022 Spring Festival: An Arts and Crafts Affair rolls into town at the Odeum Expo Center in Villa Park! On April 9th, The Chicago Beer Fest returns with an afternoon of awesome food, craft brews, and a whole lot of fun! On April 9th, The Finders Spring Market Decatur is filled with a wide array of vintage items, boutique clothes, custom furnishings, handmade artisanal crafts, and more!  There’s also food, drink, live music, and lots of giveaways. On April 9th you can head over to the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion because the Vedic Cultural Society is hosting the Holi: The Festival of Colours in Naperville. On April 9th, grab your best pals and a designated driver and head on over to http://tinleychamber.org/brew-and-vine/ You can sample craft beers, wines, food, and fantastic local vendors with live entertainment. On April 9th, the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club is hosting the Riverbend Earth Day Festival in Alton! On April 16th in Lake Geneva, plan a lovely weekend with your date, your significant other, or even a friends weekend at the Lake Geneva Festival of Wine in Wisconsin. On April 23rd, head on down to Freeport for the second annual Downtown Freeport Pretzel Fest! There will be a BBQ competition, top tier food and drink, and entertainment.  It’s an up and coming new local tradition, so don’t miss it! On April 23rd, dessert aficionados will rejoin in the return of Chicago Donut Fest: A River North Donut Tasting in Chicago at Moe’s Cantina River North. On April 23rd, the 6th Annual Oak Street Art Fair returns to Murphysboro with an incredible variety of arts, crafts, and artisan works by local artists and the arts collective. On April 30th, you’ll have a chance to sample more than 100 types of craft beer and craft cider when the Craft Brews at Lincoln Zoo in Chicago for the 7th year. On April 30th, Long Grove’s Craft Beer Festival transforms the historic downtown into a lively beer garden in the suburbs of Long Grove!  Sample local and craft brews and listen to some live music and entertainment all afternoon. On April 30th, the exciting Dairy State Cheese and Beer Festival returns to Kenosha, Wisconsin with artisanal foods, local beverages, vendors, entertainment, and so much more. On April 30th and May 1st you can sample a large selection of wine, brandy, whisky, and spirits along with other treats at the Spring Festival at Vahling Vineyards in Stewardson. Even more exciting events and festivals coming up in May: 5/1 Cinco de Mayo Celebration in Sycamore 5/1 German American Central Society Maifest in Peoria 5/1 Maestown Springfest/Fruehlingsfest in Maeystown 5/1 Lilac Time Art and Craft fair in Lombard 5/5-5/8 The Milwaukee Maifest at Estabrook Beer Garden in Milwaukee 5/6 Bolingbrook Food Truck Rally in Bolingbrook 5/6 Aurora Food Truck Festival in Aurora 5/6-5/7 Lake Zurich’s Craft Beer Festival in Lake Zurich 5/7 American Farm Heritage Museum  Spring Fling Festival at Greenville 5/7 Naperville food truck festival in Naperville 5/7 Locust Street historic fair in Centralia 5/13-5/15 Art on the Square in Belleville 5/14 Springfield Area Highland Games and celtic festival in Chatham 5/14 Ballpark brew fest in Schaumburg 5/14 Chicago Wine Fest: Spring Edition in Chicago 5/20-5/22 Mayfest in Chicago 5/21 Canni Fest in Milwaukee 5/21-5/22 Family Kite Festival in Milwaukee 5/21 Mulholland music fest in Nauvoo 5/21 Blooming fest in West Chicago 5/21 Starved Rock Country Brew Fest in Ottawa 5/21-5/22 Northbrook Art in the Park at Northbrook 5/28 Fruling Fest in Milwaukee 5/21-5/22 Arts at the Lake in Lake Zurich 5/25-5/29 Washington Good Neighbour days festival in Washington 5/28-5/29 The Prairie Arts Festival in Schaumburg 5/28-5/29 Mackinaw Valley Winery Music Wine and Craft Beer Festival in Mackinaw

Just a few hours north of our Classic Auto Group dealerships in Waukegan is the great city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Milwaukee is the most populous city in Wisconsin, and one of the 25 largest cities in the entire United States.  Incorporated in 1846, this city has also historically been a very bustling and vital international seaport for North America.  The worst of Milwaukee winter is over, with January being its coldest month, and the weather is warming up for plenty of outdoor activities and sunshine!  Thanks to Lake Michigan’s “lake effect” weather, summers are a little cooler here with July reaching an all-time high of 75-80 max.  It’s the perfect city to explore for walking tours and sightseeing trips. more Awesome Walking Tours of Milwaukee: Untapped Tours Milwaukee City Tours offers small group sightseeing tours of the city from local guides who really know all there is to see, do and love about Milwaukee!  The tours are a combination of driving in a mini-coach bus with stop-offs for walking tours to see history sites, architecture, food, and brews and cocktails. Historic Milwaukee Store & Tours starts at a local historic Milwaukee gift store, where you can choose from guided architectural tours or historic walking tours of the city.  Local docents will take you sightseeing, and you can feel good knowing that your dollars have gone to supporting this nonprofit historic tourist organization! City Guided Tours MKE Milwaukee take you for an interactive tour around The MKE with a combination of history, food, and brewery tours.  Who doesn’t love a little snack and a beverage with their history lesson?  Exactly! Gothic Milwaukee Haunted Tours of Milwaukee explores a darker, spookier side of the city like you’ve never seen before.  With options for private and group tours, this is a truly unique experience led by a costumed tour guide leading you through the shadowy past and dark secrets of Milwaukee’s past. You may even see some spirits or and spooky sightings. Milwaukee Food Tours are perfect for the adventurous foodies in our midst!  You’ll get to sample all sorts of local cuisines and culinary delights such as breweries, taquerias, regional pizzas, desserts, fine spirits, and so much more.  Make sure you come with an empty belly and excited tastebuds, because it’s a delectable experience. Milwaukee Ghosts Tours and Investigations leans into the local legend and folklore of the region,and is the original Ghost Tour of the area!  You’ll learn about the arts districts dark and menacing history once known as “The Bloody Third” and so much more American Family Field Walking Tours in Milwaukee are perfect for those who are big fans of America’s Pastime: baseball!  You can take a tour of the Milwaukee Brewers home field from Monday through Saturday, and get an inside look at this iconic sports destination.  Take a self guided tour at your own pace, or book a group tour. Other great destinations to explore and walk around the city include: Immortal Milwaukee History Tours, Milwaukee Seven-Seat Bike Tours, Milwaukee Pedal Tavern, Historic Miller Caves Tour, North Point Lighthouse in Milwaukee, Tour the Historic Pabst Brewery.  And you’ll definitely want to make sure you explore all there is to offer at the annual Summerfest Milwaukee event! In addition to these fun walking tours, you’ll definitely want to explore some of the city’s most interesting museums, arts venues, and science centers: The Betty Brinn Children’s Museum The Charles Allis Art Museum The James Lovell Museum of Science, Economics, and Technology The Milwaukee Art Museum The Milwaukee County Zoo The Milwaukee Public Museum The Mitchell Park Conservatory The Schlitz Audubon Center The Villa Terrace Decorative Art Museum The William F. Eisner Museum of Advertising & Design The Milwaukee Repertory Theater The Pabst Theater The Milwaukee Ballet The Milwaukee Theatre The Florentine Opera Company Once you’ve spent the day exploring all the city has to offer, we know you’re going to be absolutely famished.  We’ve made a list of top notch restaurants and bars to grab an incredible bite to eat to refuel before your next endeavor. Sanford at 1547 N. Jackson Street Birch at 459 E Pleasant Street Swingin’ Door Exchange at 219 E Michigan Street Zarletti at 741 N Milwaukee Street Calderone Club of Downtown Milwaukee at 842 N Old World 3rd Street Morel at 430 S 2nd Street Rodizio Grill Milwaukee Brazilian Steakhouse Restaurant at 777 N Water Street The Capital Grille at 310 W Wisconsin Avenue Harbor House at 550 N Harbor Drive in Pier Wisconsin Third Coast Provisions at 724 N Milwaukee Street Carnevor at 718 N Milwaukee Street Stella Van Buren at 550 N Van Buren Street in the Westin Milwaukee Ardent at 1751 N Farwell Avenue Blue’s Egg at 317 N 76th Street in Jennings Village Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro at 3133 E Newberry Boulevard in Lake Park Story Hill BKC at 5100 W Bluemound Road The Diplomat at 815 E Brady Street The Original at 2498 N Bartlett Avenue Mason Street Grill at 425 E Mason Street at the Pfister Hotel Momo Mee Asian Cuisine at 110 E Greenfield Avenue Maxie’s at 6732 W Fairview Avenue

Road Trip season is upon us and we’re ready for long days on the open road and long nights by the open fire kicking back and relaxing with friends.  Grab your best buddies and let’s hit the trails for some daytime hiking and bonfire socials over a fire grilled dinner, and wake up refreshed and rejuvenated with campfire brunch! more Today is National Waffle Day, and we’re celebrating with one of our favourite roadside diner treats and campfire breakfasts: delicious, magical, homemade waffles.  We’ll be sharing some of our favourite recipes, tools, tricks for making fluffy treats as well as some of our favourite local spots in the state to enjoy waffles on the way to your next big adventure.  Check it out! Great Campfire Friendly Waffle Makers Make the best campfire waffles of your life with Rome’s 1405 Waffle Iron Steel and Wood Handles.  It’s easy to use, easy to clean, and reasonably priced for the durability!  Makes great regular waffles with deep pockets, making it easy to use boxed mixes with minimal ingredients.  No futzing and fooling with ratios, just easy-peasy and ready in minutes once you pre-heat it on the coals. The NordicWare 15040 Cast Aluminum Belgium Waffle Maker is another excellent waffle maker. Works well on gas camping stoves to give you crisp, fluffy, evenly baked waffles every time!  No need to connect it to a power source or even worry about complicated clean up - you can soak it, wipe it, and you’re ready to rock thanks to its non-stick coating. Terrain’s Cast Iron Waffle Maker is perfect for outdoor fire pits, campfire cooking, and brunch at the beach with your friends!  The long handle makes it easy to cook your breakfast safely, and the sturdy, classic cast iron finish makes it easy to clean up with just soap and water.  Preheat it over the flame or coal grill, pour your batter in, and get to it! If you’re planning on some romantic getaways with your special person, why not step up your romantic game with the Sweetheart Waffle Maker from Victorian Trading Co.  It even comes with a recipe included! The Rome Industries Old Fashioned Waffle Cast Iron Maker is only 6.7” in diameter and it’s perfect for campside cooking. It’s an affordable campfire friendly traditional style wafflemaker. The Texsport Outdoor Cast Iron Waffle Maker is excellent for big, fluffy campfire waffles that cook evenly thanks to the cast iron stand that keeps it steady and flat in the fire.  The convenience of thick wooden handles makes it a sturdy, easy to hold option as well. Breakfast and Brunch Camp Friendly Recipes Campground Cornmeal  Waffles Best Ever Campfire Waffles & Berry Sauce Campfire Cinnamon Roll Waffles Camp Waffles with Caramel Grilled Waffle Treats Campfire Chicken and Waffles Gluten-Free Camping Waffles Easy Camping Breakfast Bacon Egg Ham Waffle Bake Wood Fire Waffles Best Local Breakfast and Brunch Spots for Waffles Around Illinois Emily’s Pancake House in Waukegan Sunset House Restaurant in Waukegan Gojos Cafe & Pancake House in Waukegan Monica’s Diner in Waukegan Bob & Anne’s Restaurant in Waukegan Juan’s Chuck Wagon Restaurant in Waukegan The Point Pancake House in Gurnee Double Yolk Pancake House and Restaurant in Aurora Golden Bear Pancake & Crepery in Alsip Chicago Waffles West Loop Chicago’s Home of Chicken & Waffles The Churro Waffle in Chicago Batter & Berries in Chicago Royalberry Waffle House & Restaurant in Chicago Waffle Company in Vernon Tasty Waffle in Romeoville Crispy Waffle in Shorewood My Waffle FAmily Restaurant in Crest Hill Waffle Pancake House in Chicago Kingsberry Waffle House in Flossmoor Egg Harbor Cafe in Chicago Stax Cafe in Chicago Stray Hen Cafe in Elmhurst Elly’s on Milwaukee in Chicago Egg Yolk Cafe in West Chicago D-Boe’s Chicken and Waffles in Decatur Butterfields in Oak Brook Eggsclusive Cafe in Sycamore

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day from all of us here at Classic Auto Group!  Today we’re celebrating by highlighting some wonderful facts about Ireland’s automotive history!  And when you’re fully in the spirit o’ the holiday, we’ve included lots of local pubs and restaurants to visit or some recipes you can make to enjoy Irish meals at home. more Fast Facts About Famous Irish Race Car Drivers Derek Patrick Daly is an Irish-American race car driver who drove competitively for 17 years and participated in 64 World Championship formula one grand prix races in his career. Eddie Jordan was not only a race car driver who won the Irish Kart Championship in 1971, but he was the founder and owner of Jordan Grand Prix Formula One from 1991-2005. Tommy Byrne is a former race driver fro Irland, participating in two Formula One Grands Prix races in 1982, raced in the Irish Formula Ford Championship in 1981, and won the 1982 British Formula 3 Championship. Ryan Smith is an Irish racing driver who drove in the British Formula Ford Championship in 2012, the GP3 Series in 2014, and currently competes in the European Le Mans Series races. Oliver O’Donovan is an Irish Rallycross Driver who currently competes in the FIA European Rallycross Championships.  He was previously the 2007 British Rallycross Champion. Paddy Hopkirk won the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally.  In 1968, he participated in the London-toSydney Marathon, but he and teammate Tony Nash lost the race to stop and rescue two drivers from a collision.  A race car participant crashed headlong into a commuter, despite the fact that the road was to be closed to the public through traffic.  Hopkirck and Nash pulled both drivers to safety and returned to the race site to warn other drivers and call for help. Martin Birane is the owner of Mondello Race track, and also a former race car driver who won the GT class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1985.  He also set the Irish land speed record in 1990, going 176mph! If you’re looking to visit Ireland and explore the racing culture in person, you might want to check out these wonderful tracks and locations: Mondello Park in Naas, Tipperary Raceway in Rosegreen, Kirkistown Racing Circuit in Newtownards, Carlow Autograss Club in Leinster, ALMC Motor Club Limited in Drogheda, Nutts Corner Raceway in Crumlin, Bishopscourt Racing Circuit in Downpatrick. Fun Facts About Driving and Cars in Ireland: It is prohibited to use your car horn between 11:30PM and 7AM. The minimum age for a driver’s license in Ireland is 17 years old. The Alesbury was the first Irish Car; it had solid tires, a 10 horsepower engine, debuted in Dublin in 1907, but was discontinued just one year later in 1908. The Shamrock was an ill-fated Irish dupe of the classic American Cruiser of the 1950s, failing to achieve peak sales and manufacturing output due to poor handling, awkward aesthetics, and weak 53 horsepower engine. The Shamrock was only manufactured for one year due to its poor design and drive capabilities (too large for UK motorways, and too slow for American roads.) The owner built a 40,000 square foot factory in County Monaghan, and planned to make 3,000 cars per year but sadly less than 12 were made total; only 3 of them made it to the US. John DeLorean received over $130 million dollars to build upwards of 9000 DeLorean DMC-12s in Dunmurry, Ireland.  Sadly, the cars had many quality control issues since many of the employees at his manufacturing facility had never worked in automotive before. Electric vehicles are catching on worldwide, and Irish manufactured/designed ALEX eRoadster is aiming to take their crack as an industry competitor. Ford Motor Company opened in Ireland over 100 years ago, manufacturing models such as the Prefect, Escort, and Sierra on site; it continued to manufacture sedans there until 1984. Now that we’ve got you all excited about celebrating Irish accomplishments and achievements in automotive history, why not paint the town green at these local establishments?  And if you prefer to celebrate at home, we’ve also rounded up some of our recommended reacipes tha are easy ot make in a pinch. Great Bars and Pubs to Visit Today and Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day: Waukegan Bally Muck Bar in Waukegan Frolic Bar in Waukegan Timothy O’Toole’s Pub in Gurnee The Mill in Mundelein Up North Pub in Waukegan Peggy Kinnane’s Irish Restaurant & Pub in Arlington Heights Flanagan’s Bar & Grill in North Chicago Booners in Waukegan The Taproom in Waukegan Green Town Tavern in Waukegan Toby’s Tavern in North Chicago Anastasia’s Restaurant & Sports Lounge in Waukegan Eleven19 Kitchen & Cocktails in North Chicago The Park Inn in Round Lake Park Wholesome St Patrick’s Day Recipes to Make At Home with Your Family: The Best Classic Shepherd’s Pie Best Ever Instant Pot Beef Stew Absolute Best Instant Pot Beef Stew Irish Colcannon Fried Cabbages Irish Boxty Potato Cakes Amazingly Easy Irish Soda Bread

From March to early April, Chicago area fishermen have gathered on the shores of Lake Michigan for a time honored tradition started in the 1930s: smelt fishing!  Unlike the typical fishing techniques spent floating on a pond sipping drinks leisurely under the shining sun, smelt fishing takes place in the still of the night, most commonly from 7PM to 1AM.  This nocturnal pastime has delighted Chicago residents for decades; one of the telltale signs of smelt fishing season are the sights of lanterns along the lakefront all the way from the North side to the South Side. more Smelt fishing requires very little by way of complicated supplies, most frequently relying on nets instead of the usual fishing rod methods.  You’ll need a 15-25 foot wide seine net, some waders, head lamp, 5 gallon buckets, and waterproof gloves.  Easy peasy! Just like tailgating at sports events, smelt fishing has its own cheerful celebratory tradition of grilling a good meal, roasting snacks over the fire, enjoying drinks with family and friends, and sharing a moment together.  Over the years the smelt population has declined, but many still uphold this time-honored tradition for Chicagoans. Recipes for Smelt Fried Smelt with Garlic Swiss Chard Norwegian Pan-Fried Smelt Pan Fried Smelt Recipe Fried Smelt Fried Smelts No matter whether you’re into the smelt fishing tradition, ice fishing, or sport fishing, there’s plenty of options for the outdoorsy soul to enjoy.  If you’re angling for a good fishing spot this year, we’d love to help you with some suggestions!  Pack your car up with your favourite tailgate snacks and fishing gear, and let’s hit the road in your new car from Classic Auto Group! Best Spots for Fishing in Northern Illinois On the shores of Lake Michigan at Illinois Beach State Park Auburn Fishing Area in Chicago Calumet Fishing Area in Chicago Canal Origins Fishing Area in Chicago Canalport Riverwalk Fishing Area in Chicago Daley Fishing Area in Chicago Douglass Fishing Area in Chicago Garfield Fishing Area in Chicago Heidecke Lake in Morris Braidwood Lake in Will County Rend Lake in Benton area Pierce Lake in Rock Cut State Park Lake Shelbyville near Shelbyville & Allenville Devils Kitchen near Marion Looking for some great gear for your car to make the fishing season more enjoyable?  Let us help you stress less with these recommendations for ways to store and transport your fishing equipment. Fishing Gear Storage for Your Car The River Quiver Fly Rod Roof Rack comes in several sizes and colors for your fishing needs priced between $480 and $840. The Thule Rodvault Fly Fishing Rod Carrier can help you carry your gear with a 2-rod or 4-rod option; up to $649 for the largest option. The YAKIMA ReelDeal Rooftop Fishing Rod Moun t can hold up to 8 fully-rigged rods on your roof rack, leaving the interior free to pack up your favourite snacks and camping gear, and all of your best pals, too! The Brocraft Aluminum Clamp Rod Holder holds up to 4 rods and reels and can be placed vertically or horizontally for more space as needed. The Hosmide Car Fly Fishing Rod Holder is perfect for keeping your rods and reels inside your vehicle and it’s certainly budget friendly!  Holds up to 5 and is adjustable from 38 inches to 52 inches depending on your need.  Great for those using SUVs, Vans, and Station Wagon model vehicles. The LL Bean Truck Seat Fishing Organizer is the perfect option for storing all your rods, reels, fly and tackle accessories with convenient pockets and zipper pouches so everything is easy to reach and find in seconds. YakGear’s Angler Crate Kit is perfect to store your essentials without too big of a footprint in your cargo space.  It’s compact 13”x13” inch design and convenient accessory pouch are perfect for squeezing into small spaces next to gear bags and more. The YETI Side Mounted Fishing Tackle Unit is perfect for boating, beach days, camping, and more.  It’s perfectly designed to mount to the side of your YETI cooler, and it’s fully portable!

Laissez le bon temps rouler! Let the good times roll! Today is Mardi Gras, also known as “Fat Tuesday,” is a holiday of feasting prior to the Lenten Season of Christianity.  It is a joyful, hearty holiday that also dates back to roots in pagan springtime ritual and fertility rites.  It’s celebrated with eating rich foods, fatty sumptuous treats, imbibing in cheerful cocktails and toasts, and of course the classic Mardis Gras parade featuring floats, confetti, and beads!  In short, it’s a really good time for all. more Today we’re celebrating some great cajun restaurants in the area and fun recipes you can make with your family to celebrate.  Check it out on today’s blog! How far is New Orleans Louisiana from Classic Auto Group? It’s at least 5 states and 1,000 miles from here, but you don’t have to drive that far for original cajun flavors!  Let us point you in the direction of classic cajun eateries in the area. Local Restaurants with Cajun Cuisine and Cajun Items Cajun Grill in Gurnee The Boil Cajun Seafood in Chicago Ragin’ Cajun Gumbo in Chicago Crab King Cajun Boil & Bar in Chicago Joker’s Cajun Kitchen in Chicago Spicy Fingers Seafood Kitchen in Chicago Rajun Cajun in Chicago Storyville Chicago The Crab Pad in Chicago Savor 27 Cajun Seafood & Tacos in Chicago The Cajun Connoisseur Food Truck & Catering in Chicago JJ Fish & Chicken in Waukegan Honey Bays BBQ in Waukegan Juan’s Chuck Wagon Restaurant in Waukegan Jerk N’ More in Waukegan Island Del Mar in Waukegan Ostioneria Briza Azul in Waukegan Make Your Own Cajun Feast No Mardi Gras Celebration is complete without a smorgasbord of delectable treats.  We’ve got everything from soup to nuts, or well, gumbo to pralines that is.  Got a fave recipe of your own? Share it with us in a comment! Traditional New Orleans King Cake Vegan Cajun Boil Mardi Gras Pasta Sazerac Cocktail Recipe New Orleans Ramos Gin Fizz Recipe New Orleans Style Beignets Shrimp Etouffe Instant Pot Jambalaya Sausage and Shrimp Jambalaya Muffaletta Sandwich Classic Pecan Pralines Authentic New Orleans Gumbo NYT Vegan Gumbo Recipe

Today is National Chili day, so we’re sharing some of our favourite picks for items that can take your food on the go! There’s nothing like a richly flavored, tomatoey, spicy, heart bowl of chili on a cold winter’s day.  It’s also an incredibly versatile culinary treat!  You can put it on hot dogs for chili dogs, add it to fries, use it as a base for nachos,  bake it into a cheesy chili casserole, mix it into some mac and cheese.  There’s literally no wrong way to enjoy chili, even if you prefer it in the non-traditional meatless variety.  It’s one of our favourites to serve at race-day and game day tailgate parties, or as an appetizer at workplace potlucks. Deeeelicious! more Check out our picks for great items to take your food on the go, and then stick around til the end for a selection of some of our favourite chili recipes!  You’ll find some smaller portioned options, vegan options, and big-batch recipes perfect for race day or game day tailgates.  We’re kicking it up a notch on today’s blog. The Hot Bento Self Heated Lunch Box is perfect for on the go lunches like chili, soup, or anything else you can think of.  Priced at $100 we know this might not be for every customer, but we think the price tag is worth it since it’s durable and easy to clean and travel with. The Aotto Portable Food Warmer is insulated to keep your prepped meals warm while traveling. It’s also multipurpose for reheating food or prepping raw ingredients to cook on site with a slow-cooker option.  It also comes with a convenient insulated carry case that prevents food smells from permeating everything around you. The T&A Electric Lunch Box fills a void for portable lunch ideas! If you’re a contractor or tradesperson who is always on the go, we know that you might be pretty sick of sandwiches and shelf-stable suggestions for a sack lunch.  That’s why we’re recommending the Electric Lunch Box with 3-in1 features to go in your car or truck. Crock-Pot’s portable heated lunch box container is a great option for single serve portions of your favourite chili!  It’s made of stainless steel, and has two charge cable options for heating in the office or on the go with your car connector.  It’s an awesome option for students, interns, and office workers, but it also makes a great choice for campers and tradesmen on job sites! Now that we’ve given you lots of options for transporting your chili in the car safely, we’ve got to do due diligence and round up some of our picks for great tailgate-friendly and campsite cooking style recipes.  You’ll love our picks for simple, easy comfort foods to get you through the last few chilly weeks of winter! Taste of Home’s Classic Beef Chili for Two Cooking for Two: Crock Pot Chili (Perfect for our on-the-go crock pot above!) One Dish Kitchen’s Single Serve Beef and Veggie Chili Ambitious Kitchen’s Turkey Chili for Two Slowcooker White Chicken Chili Boilermaker Tailgate Chili Epicurious Vegan Chili Easy Instant Pot Vegan Chili

The winter up North here in Illinois and Wisconsin can certainly be brutally cold and snowy!  For those of us who enjoy the brisk, blustery wintry weather and outdoor activities it can be blissful and exhilarating. However, for the person who prefers something more low key, it can cause a bit of cabin fever.  That’s why today’s blog is dedicated to the folks who want to get out of the house, stay out of the weather, but still find some fun and excitement!  We’re rounding up some great ideas and options for indoor destinations and non-winter sport indoor/outdoor activities in the Greater Chicago area.  Let’s get out there and add a little color to our lives and paint the town red! more Be sure to check local guidelines for COVID19 restrictions such as vaccination cards and mask mandates.  We also encourage our readers to abide by all establishment’s individual guidelines for masking and social distancing for your safety and that of others. Family Friendly Activities We’ve scoured the internet and pulled from local suggestions for some of the best Chicago area destinations that are great for families.  Whether you’re going on a family outing or you’re taking the kids on a playdate, there’s lots of fun in store at these destinations.  From indoor playgrounds to museums to zoos, you’ll have plenty of entertainment for all age groups. Fit City Kids Exploritorium ClimbZone Chicago Lincoln Park Conservatory The Escape Game Chicago iFLY Indoor Skydiving in Lincoln Park Sod Room Indoor Playground Chicago LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago Present Place Chicago Indoor Playground Shedd Aquarium at Museum Campus Chicago Children’s Museum Navy Pier Amusement Center Chicago Purple Monkey Playroom Amusement Center Altitude Trampoline Park in Chicago Museum of Science and Industry Chicago Fox in a Box Escape Room Chicago Bronzeville Children’s Museum Indigo and Violet Art Studio Children’s Museum of Art and Social Justice Kidcreate Studio Lakeview Chicago Wonder Works Children’s Museum Family Friendly Eateries After a fun-filled day of exploring the city and running around in museums or playgrounds, you’re going to be faced with plenty of hungry bellies!  Beat the hangry tantrums by planning ahead and reserving a table for your brood at one of these family friendly restaurants. We’ve done our best to pick kid friendly favourites, but also give you choices with a great atmosphere and lots of options for teens and adults, too. R.J. Grunts BIG & little’s Restaurant Crosby’s Kitchen SafeHouse Chicago Little Goat Diner JoJo’s Shake Bar Eleven City Diner Summer House Santa Monica Eggy’s Diner Lou Mitchell’s Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe Happy Camper Pizzeria Pinstripes Restaurant Funkenhausen Harvey’s Family Restaurant Big Kids Sandwiches Sunshine Restaurant Inc Friends Night Out and Date Night Ideas for Adults in Chicago You’ve had your fun with the kids and some serious quality time as a family, but now it’s time for you to kick back, let loose, and relax for a night on the town!  Get a little grownup time at these fun destinations that are perfect for couples, groups of friends, or even a nice night out alone.  You’ll find plenty of active choices such as skydiving and axe throwing, to walking tours and tours of brewpubs.  We’ve got a little bit of everything and a whole lot of creativity in our suggested destinations! WhirlyBall Chicago Bad Axe Throwing iFly Indoor Skydiving Broadway Playhouse Lucky Strike Downtown Chicago Chicago Magic Lounge City Winery Chicago Thomas McCormick Gallery Hofheimer Gallery WNDR Museum Gallery 400 FLXST Contemporary Kavi Gupta Gallery The Logan Theatre David Theater Chicago The Brew & View Nightingale Cinema The New 400 Theater Studio Movie Grill Ignite Gaming Chicago Redline VR Chicago FTW Chicago Play and Spin Museica’s Sip & Paint Deja Hue Art Wet Paint Chicago Chicago Hauntings Ghost Tours Restaurants & Bars for a Great Night Out On the Town Who says adults can’t enjoy theme restaurants?!  We’ve gathered our picks for bars and restaurants with playful themes, interactive experiences, breweries, and farm-to-table options.  You’ll find no shortage of enjoyment and unforgettable experiences shared over cocktails and award winning plates of food.  We know you’ll have a blast! Replay Lincoln Park Elf’d Up Grill The Little Mermaid Cocktail Experience Chicago Map Room Bar Three Dots and a Dash Weegee’s Lounge Brando’s Speakeasy Janitor's Closet Neon Wilderness SafeHouse Chicago The Violet Hour Cocktail Bar Bunny Slope The Drifter Moneygun Range New American Blue Door Farm Stand Lula Cafe Table, Donkey and Stick Lagunitas Brewing Company Chicago Goose Island Brewhouse