All posts tagged restaurants

When you go to Red Mango in downtown Naperville, by all means sample the Green Tea frozen yogurt. It’s one of two kinds available (the other being Original) and sounds absolutely refreshing, especially on a hot day like it was on the afternoon of the Riverwalk Art Fair. Just walking down the street had me sweating, so our group of four walked into this new frozen yogurt place, hoping to cool down. The short lines, available seating and air-conditioning (OK, mostly the air-conditioning) made up for the flavor of the Green Tea yogurt I tried, which I could best liken to a smooth, cold version of cottage cheese. One spoonful was enough to turn me off, but I did hear from at least one reliable source that it grows on you, so, really, give it a shot.

The allure of Red Mango is simple, beyond its being a cool place to escape the heat: all the yogurt is 100% natural, as in, no unhealthy additives, all-natural ingredients, certified Kosher and gluten-free. In fact, it might actually be a healthy, good-for-you thing to eat since, at least according to the company’s website, yogurt is one of the five healthiest foods in the world. Beyond the two flavors of yogurt, there are over a dozen add-ins, ranging from fruits to chocolate to brand-name cereals. Purchase a cup of yogurt and customize it with your choice of extras, or get a shake, which comes with three mix-ins.

I went the simple, refreshing route: a raspberry, raspberry, raspberry blender (yes, that’s raspberry for all three of the shake’s mix-ins) made with the Original yogurt. It was fruity, tart and very, very cold. As a particular bonus, it lasted me through most of the rest of the art show, a welcome companion in the blazing sun.

As far as pricing goes, I’ll say this: Just outside the entry, there was a tiki hut with tropical smoothies going for $5 each. I thought that was a little high but attributed it to the whole this-is-a-fair-so-we-charge-more realities of life. Yet somehow, after ordering my regular-sized blender in Red Mango, I walked out having spent a little more than $5 and getting a shake about the same size.

Also, it’s interesting to note that for a shop called Red Mango, there were no mangoes to be found (they were out) or pineapples either (also all gone). That’s all well and good; it happens. I mean, when you put a certain fruit in your company’s name, it’s likely to inspire more orders. You’d just think, though, that the restaurant would carry more accordingly.

All in all, I’d say Red Mango is a decent place to get some tasty frozen yogurt, customized with your choice of mix-ins, without any guilt over preservatives or gluten or what-have-you. It’s especially good when you’re hot, sweaty and, you know, standing in front of the store.

The newer Red Mango in downtown Naperville is one of two in Illinois (the other is in Evanston); other Red Mango locations can be found here.

Red Mango Frozen Yogurt
111 W. Jackson Avenue, Naperville, IL 60540
Phone: 630-904-0994

Sunday through Thursday: 11am to 10pm
Friday through Saturday: 11am to 11pm

On the first floor of Fifth Avenue Station, tucked behind the elevators that lead to upper offices and loft apartments, Cafe Buonaro’s is a rare find in downtown Naperville, just steps from the Metra: it’s a family-owned Italian restaurant, and it’s not a chain.

Everyone in the suburbs seems to know Naperville, ranked by Money Magazine as a best place to live three years running, has a lot to offer residents: a great school system, abundant jobs, a quaint Riverwalk surrounded by retail from Starbucks to the GAP. But what it lacks, according to many, is the charm that once defined it. According to one frustrated Yelper, for example, “[What was] once a pretty interesting little area full of unique, small stores with a lot of character … is essentially a mediocre mall spread out over a few blocks.”

It’s true, I admit, while enjoying the benefits of the commercialization, the chain stores do lack something. Nonetheless, as part of its commitment to being a great place to call home, downtown Naperville offers several free events throughout the summer, one being Tuesday night concerts at the Carillon, its 160-foot tower bordering Centennial Beach and scenic trails. Yesterday, my friend Kristen and I were looking for good food to take with us, and I was on the special mission to find something from a unique restaurant, something small and different.

It needed to be nearby, not too expensive and, most importantly, not a chain. That’s how we found Cafe Buonaro’s, which was easy to get takeout from, I getting the toasted ravioli and she choosing the lasagna, with its crusty bread and salad.

Even on a Tuesday night, the restaurant drew a nice-sized crowd of diners, seated at large booths and cozy tables. The menu is handwritten on the wall, and white twinkle lights add ambiance. We put in our order and waited in the building’s lobby, sitting next to a fountain. The food arrived quickly, easily, packaged nicely in Styrofoam containers and plastic bags.

At $7.50, my toasted ravioli (appetizer size) was more than enough food and quite delicious. The breading was seasoned and flavorful, perfectly complementing the ricotta filling. I haven’t had any this good since a great batch from Tuscany, at the Taste of Chicago a few years ago. Perfect picnic food, great mom-and-pop restaurant, a definite must-try. I will be back, next time dining in.

Neighborhood: Naperville, southwest suburbs of Chicago

Cafe Buonaro’s
300 E. 5th Ave.
Naperville, IL 60563
630-717-0006