A familiar Schaumburg location reinvented itself once again last week when Westwood Tavern & Tap opened in the former Prairie Rock/Pete Miller’s location. The novelty of this otherwise standard tavern concept, lies in the tables which feature their own private beer taps. On a spur-of-the-moment dinner meeting last week, we were intrigued when we found ourselves seated at a table tap and our waitress was more than happy to explain how the setup works. At select tables, there are two taps which emanate from the center of the table, one domestic and one import choice. Each table features a different combination of brews, so you’ll either have to get lucky and get a table with your choice or order directly from the bar. If you score a table tap you like, the waitress scans a card telling the computer located in the center of the table how many people will be drinking and it activates the taps for self-service. Sounds like either your greatest dream or a complete nightmare, right? The good part is that the computer calculates your consumption to the ounce and you only pay for what you drink, the more confusing part is that the computer will only serve a maximum of 32oz. per person - village guidelines. I’m sure they are still ironing out some of the details, and the waitress readily admitted they are evaluating as they go. All else aside, we enjoyed some stellar fish tacos (by no-ocean-in-sight Illinois standards), good service, and a comfortable, inviting atmosphere. I also look forward to enjoying the outside bar and lounge seating area next summer! Get out and experience Westwood Tavern & Tap soon – before it catches on with the beer crowd!

Westwood Tavern & Tap - 1385 N. Meacham Rd., Schaumburg – http://www.westwoodtavern.com/

Woodfield Mall is located in Schaumburg, IL and is one of the best malls in America. Located outside of Chicago, it is one of the best places to get the real mall "atmosphere" that is hard to find in the city. Having just visited it over the weekend, I can say that is a one-stop place. I would recommend driving early and being there when the doors open. Hours are Monday-Friday, 10 am to 9 pm, Saturday 10 am to 9 pm and Sunday 11 am to 6 pm. Parking can definitely be a problem, especially during the holidays and on summer weekends. Unless you want to walk far, plan to wake up early. Woodfield has over 300 restaurants and stores and has a variety of merchandise that suits the whole family's wishes. For your personal needs, Woodfield has carts, strollers and wheelchairs for $5.00. There are family restrooms on the upper floor. The mall is very well maintained and there are many information desks that are available to answer questions about the mall or the Schaumburg area. If you are from out of town, the information desks are helpful in guiding a person around the large mall. The mall includes elevators and escalators all over.

My personal experience was great, and while I have been to Woodfield plenty of times, every visit is a new experience. Since the mall is so varied and massive, there are always new stores being built. The mall has three different levels full of every type of store, for every person. Woodfield includes clothing stores for women, men, teens and children. They also have furniture, arts and crafts, souvenir, toy, music and movies, jewelry, and athletic wear stores.

Woodfield also has plenty of places to get something to eat before or after a long day of shopping. There are many sit down restaurants, such as the famous Cheesecake Factory or Ruby Tuesday’s, but also quick places like McDonalds or Sbarro Italian Cooking.

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Happy Traveling!