Patch Picks

Patch Picks: 5 Places to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

While it's not Mexico's "official" independence day, Cinco de Mayo a way to celebrate a culture that refused to give up an important battle in their history.

May 5 marks the un-offical day of Mexican independence. Patch found five ways to experience the celebration of the Mexican battle that kept French forces at bay in the 1860s. What better way to take part in the festivities than to enjoy some fine Mexican inspired cuisine?  1. Tia Maria's features home made recipes from Mexico City. This family owned restaurant brings the flavors of Mexico into Geneva, with authentic ingredients and classic Mexican hospitality.  2. El Molcajete means mortar and pestle in Spanish and signifies the cooking tools used to grind fragrant spices and salsas. This little restaurant in downtown Geneva makes an impact with their fresh guacamole and massive combination plates.  3. Mike and Miguel's is a favorite for …

•  1 Comment
• Photos (1)

John Smetak

4:57 pm on Thursday, May 5, 2011

This holiday is not celebrated in Mexico for the most part. It is a manufactured holiday to increase liquor sales.   more ›

Patch Picks: More Staycation Ideas

Patch found 5 last-minute ideas to make the most out of what's left of Spring Break.

From 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. on Friday, April 1, kids can participate in the "Spring Break Gaming Tournament" at the St. Charles Public Library where grades 3-8 will be revving up their Nintendo skills in a Mario Kart Tournament. Advanced registration with a library card is required.  The indoor pool inside Norris Recreation Center has been remodeled and is open for business. Adults can enjoy a dip in the whirlpool or sit in the sauna, and all ages can take advantage of open swim hours.  Take the family to a hotel for the weekend, but stay local at the Holiday Inn Express, located in St. Charles. Room rates are reasonable and it's easy to book a night or weekend away on-line.  You can catch some live music at the Arcada with, 25 or 6 to 4, a …

• Photos (3)

Patch Picks

Pamper and Relax the Body in One of St. Charles' Finest Spas

Everyone needs some time to relax and unwind. Patch found five spas in St. Charles to help rejuvenate the body and mind, without booking a resort vacation.

Mystique Salon and Spa has a large menu of skin and body treatments including more advanced services, such as microdermabrasion and hydroxy acid peels.   Their staff of licensed cosmetologists also provide hair and nail services, as well as cosmetic color creation and technique lessons. Mystique offers free consultations on all services, and a full line of massage therapy treatments.  Tranquility Skin and Body Care Center is not just a skin-care spa, but a wellness center focused on the mind and spirit. This is truly a day spa to get away from the stressors of life with yoga instruction, chiropractic and acupuncture services, and holistic psychotherapy treatment. Tranquility began with a strong focus on the skin and features many massage …

• Photos (2)

Patch Picks

Patch Picks: Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in St. Charles

Patch found 5 great places to find the luck o' the Irish this Thursday.

The House Pub celebrates this St. Patrick's Day with drink and music specials. Enjoy $3 312 Pints and Cherry Bombs while grooving to the sounds of Dwayne 'Diirty' Richardson and The Dirty Gentlemen, beginning at 9 p.m. DJ Ecks will be spinning deep house in the lounge area at 10 p.m. There is no cover charge for either event.  Pub 222 will be hosting their Annual Pub St. Pats Party with music from the "Down Town Charlie Brown Blues Band". The live show begins at 7 p.m. Pub 222 will also have their heated outdoor patio and bar open.  McNally's Traditional Irish Pub has live music going all day long this Thursday. The O'Briens begin at 2pm followed by SODA from 5 p.m to 8 p.m. Local band, Automatic Fixx,  will take the stage at 9 p.m. Chef …

• Photos (3)

Patch Picks

What About Camp this Summer?

St. Charles kids can spend free time this summer doing something fun and educational while in a safe, structured environment.

Patch found five camps to erase boredom, and make sure there's nothing lazy about summer vacation this year. Camps tend to fill up fast so please make sure to get applications completed and payments in on time while spaces are still available. The St. Charles Park District has summer camp programs for kids of all ages. Many different activity camps are available—from sports to nature—that will keep kids engaged and active all summer long. Teens and pre-teens can enjoy the counselor-in-training program or the “Traveling Teen Camp,” which takes participants on trips to different Chicago attractions every week. KinderCare offers a 12-week summer camp program for ages 3 to 12. Whether your child is interested in science, cooking, art, or …

• Photos (2)

Patch Picks

Patch Picks: 5 Books For Children and Adults

This week's Patch Pick's features five reading selections to enjoy during National Read Across America Day.

As a celebration of literacy, the National Education Association's Read Across America Day encourages all to spend some time with a good book. Patch spoke with local librarians this week to get recommendation's on titles for children and adults. "Black Storm Comin’" by Diane Lee Wilson, is a work of historical fiction for grades six through ten. Colton Wescott is a 12 year old boy traveling west with his family on a wagon train in the 1860’s. The family’s journey is compounded by racial discrimination and strife, as they are of mixed race and their mother is a freed slave who has fallen ill. When his father accidentally shoots him and runs away, Colton is forced to care for them on his own. The excitement ensues with their arrival in state…

• Photos (2)

Patch Picks

What You Might Not Know About Local Boutique Stores

St. Charles has many unique shops offering upscale fashion items and services.

This week Patch found five local shops to indulge in style and grace. With high fashion clothing and classy gifts, St. Charles has many shopping options featuring luxury stores and boutiques. Panache Etc. is located in the historic shopping district of downtown St. Charles. It's a quaint shop carrying many specialty items from clothing to home decor. Panache also specializes in the senses with their many unique perfumes and soaps. Directions in Clothing is a small women's specialty apparel boutique carrying a variety of fashion items and accessories. From business to casual wear, their clothing is often unique and features high style in dressing options. Directions in Clothing also offers complementary alterations on most items. Donna's …

•  2 Comments
• Photos (2)

Devon Vida

1:42 pm on Friday, February 25, 2011

Thank you for the tip Elizabeth!   more ›

Patch Picks

Nonprofits Making a Difference

Patch found five organizations in St. Charles that are making our area, and the world, a better place.

Lazarus House provides social services for men, women, and children, connected to the St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia, and rural Kane County, school districts. This community outreach mission offers the only emergency shelter open all year in Kane County and the only transitional living program in the Tri-Cities area. The Lazarus House outreach program also assists qualified households with rent, mortgage and utility assistance. The Northern Illinois Food Bank is helping solve hunger throughout 13 Illinois counties, covering more than 7,000 square miles. While a large part of their funding comes from grants and donations, they also rely on outside sources such as the Feeding America program and governmental assistance. In 2010 they delivered …

• Photos (2)

Patch Picks: Where To Watch The Superbowl

Five places to see the game in St. Charles.

Next week's Patch Picks: The Most Romantic Restaurants for Valentine's Day. Put your suggestions in the comments box. And be sure to come back to see our Patchers' picks.

• Photos (3)