When going out to eat, I don’t expect to taste mom’s home cooking, but a recent visit to Softails Bar and Grill in Ladd delivered an unexpected flavor of childhood.

Blue Margaritas, which opened recently in Oglesby where the KFC/Taco Bell had long resided, offers Mexican favorites but also more exotic dishes that show a little creativity in the kitchen.

Imagine opening a plain cardboard box and finding a 2-carat diamond inside. That’s how I describe my first experience with Ryan’s Eatery in Marseilles.

O-9ers’ Pub’s Mac Bomb Burger is the perfect example of making a good thing even better.

Believe it or not, some of the best barbecue I’ve had in La Salle County was at Mr. Salsa's in Oglesby.

In delivering consistent quality and fast service to patrons, the Four Star Family Restaurant in Peru doesn’t have many peers.

Bianchi's Pizza in Ottawa lives up to its "world famous" title.

Brennan’s Bar and Grill in downtown Oglesby had me at hello.

From our first step through the door of the Morris restaurant, it was clear the menu still is a comfort-food favorite among locals.

La Salle's competitive dining scene has added a new Mexican restaurant. Jorge's Margaritas & Grill has taken up residence in the former Monari's 101 Club, and still offers local staples such as fried chicken, rib-eye and pork tenderloin sandwiches in addition to Mexican cuisine.

My verdict on 5 de Mayo is it’s worth the trip from out of town, with great value being just one of the draws.

I hate pickles. But the Joy and Ed’s fried pickles turned me into a pickle lover for an evening.

Ziggy’s in Marseilles may be surrounded by orange-striped cones and barricades due to a construction project, but making your way to the restaurant is rewarding.

Drinks and a great atmosphere complement the menu at JJ's in Ottawa.

The 9th Street Pub doesn't offer fine-dining ambience, but this La Salle mainstay has been in business 45 years thanks to a kitchen with a reputation for quality and cleanliness.

The Italian beef at Riverfront Bar & Grill in Peru was how I like it.

Plenty of folks already have discovered Tully Monster in Morris, but it was a new discovery for the Mystery Diner.

Google “best breakfast in La Salle County,” and one of the results will be Country House Restaurant in La Salle.