The Challenge

For over 20 years lunchtime at Fermi has presented quite a quandry for the hardworking staff of FESS/Engineering. The midday meal must be filling, tasty and, of course, relatively inexpensive. Many local establishments have strived to satisfy the staff, but few have succeeded. Of late, new arrivals and our friends throughout the lab have recommended new places in the hope of winning the FESS/E stamp of approval.

Here's the rating system.

Value
Under $10 dollars per person rates 2 stars
Between $10 and $14.99 per person rates 1 star
Over $15 per person rates 0 stars

Portion Size
"Filling" rates 2 stars
"Needs a Desert" rates 1 star
"Is that all" rates 0 stars

Distance
There and Back in 45 minutes rates 2 stars
There and Back in 60 minutes rates 1 star
"Unlimited Lunch" rates 0 stars

Taste
0 to 4 stars based on taste.

The Contest
It's simple. Recommend an establishment for the a Friday Challenge and if it's rated the highest during the contest period (currently open until Thanksgiving 2010) you'll be treated to a meal at that restaurant.

Do you think you have the stones to recommend a dining establishment that can make the cut? If so, contact Tomski. If you dare.....



Sunday, November 14, 2010

Bulldogs Red Hots

Recommended by Steve. and located Batavia, Bulldogs is your standard hot dog place staffed by a group of friendly guys interested in making a filling meal. The portions are big and the fries are handcut.

Selection team included Tomski, Steve, Randy and Ed.

Here's the ratings:
Value: 2 stars
Portion Size: 2 Stars
Distance: 2 stars
Taste: 3 stars

Overall: 9 out of 10 stars

Friday, August 27, 2010

Culver's of North Aurora

Recommended by Tomski, Culvers is a reliable standby that did not disappoint. Butter burgers, fries and fried chicken that can't be beat.

Selection team included Tomski, Steve, Tim W, Randy, Ed, Ron and Tom P.

Here's the ratings:
Value: 2 stars
Portion Size: 2 Star - A dessert wasn't NEEDED, but come on, frozen custard!
Distance: 1 stars - just barely under an hour door to door.
Taste: 4 stars

Overall: 9 out of 10 stars



Saturday, August 21, 2010

Sweet Tomatoes


Recommended by Randy W. and located Geneva, Sweet Tomatoes looked to a formidable challenger given the all-you-can-eat nature of the buffet. However, the traffic on Kirk and the Friday lunch clientele hurt the ratings. Notables: Tall guy peering OVER the sneeze shield into the soup. Sticky tables. Soup laddling issues. Maybe a better choice for a lenten lunch.

Selection team included Tomski, Steve, Tim W, Randy, Lee, Bridgett and Jim.

Here's the ratings:
Value: 2 star - Yes, under ten bucks with a coupon.
Portion Size: 1 Star - Needed a desert.
Distance: 0 stars
Taste: 1 stars - 2 stars overall, minus 1 star for no meat, minus 1 star for fighting the old folks to line.

Overall: 4 out of 10 stars

Check here for the Yelp Review

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Two Brothers Tap House

Recommended by Tim W. and located on just up the street in Warrenville, Two Brothers Tap House is the early favorite. The decent lunch menu (they are only open on Friday) with the moderately priced specials had the evaluation team coming back for two weeks in a row. Let's see if they can hold that #1 spot.

Selection team included Tomski, Steve, Tim W, Randy, Ed, Ron C and Tom P.

Here's the ratings:
Value: 1 star
Portion Size: 2 Stars
Distance: 2 stars
Taste: 3 stars

Overall: 8 out of 10 stars

Check here for the Yelp Review

Mike and Denise's Pizzeria & Pub

Recommended by Tom P. and located on Farnsworth Road in Aurora, Mike and Denise's Pizzeria and Pub seemed like an early favorite given the nearby location, but alas, the delay in delivering the food pushed the door-to-door time over 60 minutes.

Selection team included Tomski, Steve, Tim W, Randy and Ed.

Here's the ratings:
Value: 1 star
Portion Size: 2 Stars
Distance: 0 stars - way too long waiting for food
Taste: 2 stars

Overall: 5 out of 10 stars