The Great Super Bowl Dilemma: In or Out?

When it’s your team competing for the ultimate in pigskin honor, it’s completely understandable that the only acceptable place to watch it on the big screen at home, remote poised for replays and no line for the bathroom.

While chips and dip may be fine for an appetizer, the big game deserves no less than a fine feast. Whether you’re a wing man or a chili filly, there’s no lack of fine establishments who will take the burden of cooking off your hands.

Touted by lifelong fans as “the best wings in town,” Buffalo Joe’s does not disappoint, and is a carryout powerhouse. Choose your sauce: mild, spicy, suicide or bbq, and remember to order the waffle fries; cheddar fries if you’re feeling especially naughty.

Buffalo Joe’s
812 Clark St., Evanston
847.328.5525

If subs and chili are what you are looking for, check out Captain Nemo’s catering menu. They offer subs by the foot; Italian beef sandwiches; amazing homemade chili in beef, turkey or vegetarian varieties; a bevy of sides and homemade cookies.

Captain Nemo’s
38 Greenbay Rd., Winnetka
847.446.6406

Clucker’s celebrates all things chicken: offering a variety of yummy preparations. For the family in which half the folks are still on their New Year’s resolution diet, split the difference between healthy and decadent with a combo of rotisserie chicken and spicy wings. The sides include original items like rosemary reds and peanut slaw, as well as traditional ones like sweet potato fries and mac ‘n cheese. Chicken chili is another Clucker’s specialty.

Clucker’s
760 Sheridan Rd., Highwood
847.432.2582

For the ultimate deli tray, look no further than Kaufman’s in Skokie. You can please meat eaters and vegetarians alike with their bounty of sandwich meats, fish trays, salads and sides. Don’t forget the bagels; they’re the real deal and won’t harm people or TVs when “accidentally” tossed.

Kaufman's Bagel & Delicatessen
4905 W Dempster St., Skokie
847.677.6190

Having the Italian cousins over for the game? Order up a couple of trays of lasagna and few garbage salads from Stash’s in Highland Park. Don’t forget the homemade meatballs!

Stash's - Guido's Pastaria
610 Central (Port Clinton Square), Highland Park
847.432.6550

Next week... the Insider scoop on festive and fun spots to watch the big game.

Shake Up Your Fitness Routine in 2010

You’ve always been fairly fit. Your New Year’s Resolution is usually not “stop being a couch potato” rather, “devote more time to exercise and try something new for a change”.

It seems like the fitness industry is constantly coming out with new programs for core, cardio, stretching and strength training. If your elliptical routine leaves you bored and unchallenged, Mother Nature is messing with your walking route, or you’ve spun until your head is spinning, shake things up a little this year. There is certainly no lack of interesting fitness programs and practices on the North Shore. Here are just a few:

Akemi Fitness Method
515 ½ Davis St. Evanston
847.332.1700
www.akemifitness.com
Combines core, dance Pilate’s and yoga.
Single class rates or memberships available

2 HOT Yoga
1500 Old Deerfield Road, #7 Highland Park
www.2hotyoga.com
Get deep into the muscle and get rid of all the bad stress stuff that can all to easily build up. Hit the down dog, clear your head, stretch and say ahhhh. Phenomenal teachers, classes daily and privates available too.


Ballroom Dance Studio
4187-89 Dundee Road, Northbrook
847.272.4202
www.ballroomdancestudionb.com
Not a gym rat? This studio offers all kinds of dance instruction - from ballroom to country western to salsa to nightclub dancing - for all ages and abilities through private, group, and practice lessons.
Introductory special: private lesson and party $25

The Bar Method
1770 First Street, Suite 201, Highland Park
847.432.9150
www.barremethod.com
The Bar Method™workout creates a uniquely lean, firm, sculpted body by combining the muscle-shaping principles of isometrics, the body-elongating practice of dance conditioning, the science of physical therapy and the intense pace of interval training into a powerful exercise format that quickly and safely reshapes and elongates muscles.
30 day new client special $100. Single classes or packages available.


Body Evolve
600 Central Ave, Suite 305, Highland Park
847.926.8490

246 E. Deerpath Rd, Suite C, Lake Forest
847.234.8490
www.bodyevolve.com
Body Evolve, one of the first Pilates studios in the Chicago area, opened its doors in August 1998 in Highland Park. Now, Body Evolve has two locations – Highland Park and Lake Forest. The studio attributes its popularity and excellent reputation to its high standards for knowledgeable instructors and physical therapists.
Private or semi-private classes. Purchase single class or 10- and 20-class cards.

Generations Yoga Center, LLC.
1231 Green Bay Road, Wilmette
847.919.0533
info@genyoga.com
Offers a wide range of classes to accommodate the novice to the more advanced student and everyone in between. Classes for kids, teens and adults.
First class is free! Drop-in rates or memberships available.


The Pilates Barre
906 A Green Bay Road, Winnetka
847.784.1436
www.thepilatesbarrewinnetka.com
Offers a variety of classes including Pilates, Spin, and sculpt that are taught by excellent and encouraging instructors who can individualize their instruction for the beginning or advanced client and also cater to a client with limitations or injuries.
Privates, Duets, classes for four, and group fitness available. Walk-in rates for group classes and prepaid packages available.

Sanctuary Yoga
502 Sheridan Road, Highwood
847.266.1600
www.mysanctuaryyoga.com
Classes are designed to build strength, flexibility and inner calm. A variety of yoga practices are offered for teens and adults, including hot room yoga.
Single classes, 10-class series and private instruction available.