little blog on the prairie

This page will be periodically updated. It has been inspired by my many friends who have moved here over the years — and even the lifers — who are constantly in search of the best on the prairie.

Q. What do you consider the best pizza in C-U?

A. Most people would say Papa Del’s has the best pizza in town. Located on campus, Papa Del’s serves the closest thing to Chicago deep-dish style pizza south of Interstate 80. Their thin crust is pretty good, too. Beware of the long waits on weekend evenings, and if you eat in, it takes a good 30 minutes from the time you order to get your deep-dish pie. A close second is Jupiter’s, a bar in downtown Champaign, which has very good thin crust pizza. Both Jupiter’s and Papa Del’s have plans to open second locations in Southwest Champaign in the near future.

Q. You used to be a sportswriter. Can you get me tickets to an Illini basketball game?
A. No. Next question.

Q. What is your favorite C-U dining establishment?

A. This is a tough one. But I would have to say that Milo’s in Urbana gets the nod.

Q. Where do you go for Thai food?

A. Thara Thai on Bloomington Road in Champaign is far and way the best Thai restaurant in town. Urbana’s Siam Terrace is not a bad second choice.

Q. What about Mexican?

A. I am a Dos Reales girl myself, with a soft spot for Fiesta Cafe (mmm, black beans.) I avoid the El Toro local chain at all costs.

Q. Where do you get cute shoes around here?

A. You don’t. Go to Chicago or get online. Next question.

Q. My mom is coming to town. Where should I take her for lunch?

A. You have quite a few options for a nice ladie’s lunch. If you’re on campus, head to Cafe Luna. They make amazing quiches and soups from scratch. If you’re in Urbana, head to the aforementioned Milo’s. If you’re in Champaign, point the car south to Sun Singer Wine, a wine shop that also has a great cafe.

Q. Our friends decided to take a road trip to C-U. They have kids. What should I do with them?

A. If your guests will be visiting during the summer, the can’t-miss destination is Market on the Square, the festival-like farmer’s market in Urbana every Saturday morning. Other fun places to go are Curtis Orchard, home of amazing cider donuts, apple picking and pet goats; Prairie Farm in Champaign; and the Hessel Park water feature. For indoor fun, check out the full-size carousel at Marketplace Mall or go to the Indoor Aquatic Center in Urbana (if it ever opens again).

Q. Where do you buy maternity clothes in this town?

A. As a FPW (formerly pregnant woman) with some sense of style, this was a problem. However, thanks to the advent of the Internet and some creativity, building your not-too-gadawful maternity wardrobe won’t be too difficult. These stores actually carry maternity clothes: Old Navy, J.C. Penny, Kohl’s and Bergner’s. Another place to go is Karen’s Kloset, a consignment store in West Champaign. Occasionally you can find maternity clothes at the Gap, mostly returns from online sales. Otherwise, garage sales are a great resource, as is the twice-yearly One Week Bo