School will be out soon and our traditional routines will give way (hopefully) to a more relaxed pace and more leisure time with family. Many families probably are planning a summer trip to the islands, the mountains or simply a favorite spot in the Midwest. But what will you be doing the rest of the summer? How will the weekends look right here in town? And, let's face it. Money is tight, gas is out of sight. Maybe there won't even be a full-on trip this summer.Fortunately, there are plenty of fun things to right here in town. We want to know your favorite. Listed below are some of the …

Last month, we asked readers where they go when they want a great deli sandwich.Their answer? One word: Zenwich."I don't think you can get better than Zenwich," commented Joe Calderone. "Both different and delicious."Zenwich also racked up several five-star reviews with comments like, "The best, best, best!" And, "Best sandwiches, period."It also got a few fan responses on the Elmhurst Patch facebook page. So, what is Zenwich? For those who haven't discovered this little gem at 416 N. York St., it's not really like any other sandwich joint in town. That may be why in November 2010 it drew the…

Where do you think you might eat lunch today? Some days, only a deli sandwich will do, and there are plenty of delicious choices right here in town. Are you all about the spicy Italian sub? Or, is a turkey and swiss or corned beef on rye more your speed? Does the classic clubhouse have you drooling, or will it take a wrap? There are so many choices in town for a sandwich—delis, family restaurants, fast food joints—that we had to narrow it down to deli-style. So this isn't about burgers and beefs (sorry, Portillo's, we promise we'll catch you in another Readers Choice) and a burrito is not a …

Who doesn't like to get a referral before getting work done on their car? After all, it's your baby. Your pride and joy. Your precious-cargo carrier. And, with so many auto shops in town, it's hard to know where to turn.We asked readers to go to the directory listing of their favorite auto shop in town and give it a rating.Most of the 21 choices we provided in our Readers Choice story, which has been posted since March 26, got some reader praise. But at the end of two weeks, JMS Auto Repair emerged with the most positive votes: eight 5-star ratings (with comments) and an additional positive …

Fewer things are more highly regarded than a trustworthy auto mechanic. We all have, at one time or another, been in search of one, and when you find him you want to hang on to him for life. It's like finding a great doctor.So, today we ask: Who is your favorite mechanic in Elmhurst? Who do you call when you start hearing that funny noise? Where do you drop your precious four-wheeled baby off and know she'll come back just as good—or better—than new? Here are the mechanics we found in town, but if we missed any, please let us know. Click on your favorite and give it a rating (up to five stars…

St. Patrick's Day celebrations kick off a full week early this year. That's because the annual Elmhurst St. Patrick's Day parade will be held this Saturday, March 10, a full week before the official holiday. More than 20,000 people are expected to attend to see every local dignitary and organization (and some from far away), like DuPage County Board Chairman Dan Cronin, various political candidates, the York Marching Band, the Shriners, Irish dancers, and the Emerald Queen and her court, just to name a few. So, in the spirit of all things green, Patch wants to know: What is your favorite …

The results of our first "Local Favorites" poll are in.On Monday, we asked, "What is your favorite place to work out?" By Friday morning, the article had garnered more than 40 comments and 32 Facebook recommendations, and loyal fitness fans flocked to our directory to review their favorites. Emerging with a virtual tie were Patriot Boxing and It's Fitness. The good wrinkle is, we learned a little more than mid-way through our polling that Patriot Boxing merged with It's Fitness last fall. So, in effect, they're one in the same as far as our poll is concerned.Patriot Boxing received 49 5-star …

Some people work out religiously all year long. Others spring into action to burn off winter weight-gain as the days start getting longer. Our inaugural "Patch Local Favorites" contest kicks off this week with the question: Where do you go in Elmhurst to get rid of your love handles? Whichever type of exerciser you are, we want to know where you like to work out.Here are some of our favorite places, but if we're leaving one off the list, please let us know in the comments and we'll add it. Click on the link, give your favorite a rating (up to five stars) and tell us why you like it in the …