Day 1:
Weather: Cold. Snowy. 36 degrees. Start of snow accumulation. Good ol’ Chicago Spring. We are venturing out from Downtown in the Family Van with snow falling all around. As we start on 94 South, we cannot wait to get closer to the equator. Not just for the excitement of our travels, but for the warmth as well. Looking though the front window shows nothing but grey clouds, straight ahead.
As our route turns onto I-57 south, our trusty red headed travel guide likes to talk about the surrounding area. To give you an idea of these conversations:
Daddy – “Look Aislinn, water on your side!”
Aislinn – “Yeah, and barns for horses!!”
No. It was actually a flooded trailer park. Oh I-57, the excitement and intrigue that you hold. So, with “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” belting out of the speakers, our family sees itself beginning the long trip south, on their quest for the Que.
Our first stop: Excalibur BBQ in Richton Park, Il, approximately 45 minutes outside of Chicago. We ordered the Rib Tip and 4 Wing combo for the family to share. Not trying to over do it on our first stop, we are impressed that the wings a freshly breaded and fired to order, rib tips were also prepared and cut fresh. Slightly cooler than we would have liked, but the taste of the meat made up for the lack of warmth. Hickory smoked meat is the house specialty. Large logs sit on a palate, off to the side of the smoker, waiting to give their essence to the meat. Sauce made in house is a recipe of the owner’s father, passed on to us to enjoy. The sauce was sweet, with just enough of a peppery under-tone, and a strong tangy finish. The place has been open for 4 ½ months, and we presume is the sister dinner club to the Venetian Night Club, located 200 feet behind in the adjoining strip mall. Definitely a dine in place. Our kids had everyone there laughing, with mouths bathed in red sauce and little fingers pulling apart the pork and chicken.
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