November 3, 2011, Author: Bev, Leave a comment

The Ultimate Italian Dessert

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Ingredients:

1 pkg Tiramisu Chocolate Crunch Topping*
1c chocolate graham crackers, crushed
2 T sugar
1/3 c pecans, chopped
1/4 c butter, melted

1/3 c East Shore Dipping Caramel*
1 pkg Wind and Willow Tiramisu Mix*
8 oz cream cheese
4 T butter
8 oz prepared whipped topping
1/3 c East Shore Dipping Fudge*

 

Directions:

To prepare crust, combine Chocolate Crunch Topping, grahams, sugar, pecans and butter and press into an 8×8 baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool 10 minutes

Warm Caramel Topping and drizzle over crust. Prepare filling by combining Tiramisu Mix, cream cheese and butter. Mix until smooth. Fold in whipped topping and spoon over crust and caramel. Warm Chocolate Topping. Smooth over top of dessert. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
* Available in our International Food Courts

November 3, 2011, Author: Bev, Leave a comment

Reindeer Dip

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Ingredients:

1c Robert Rothschild S’mores Dip*
2 T small marshmallows cut in half
2 T chopped salted, roasted peanuts
2T chopped Super White Chocolate Wafers*

Directions:

Mix all of the above and serve with Robert Rothschild Chocolate Dipping Pretzels,*
Cinnamon Honey Dipping Pretzels* or All-Natural Baked Pretzel Twists.*
* Available in our International Food Courts

October 31, 2011, Author: Bev, Leave a comment

Everything We Wanted and More!

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I just wanted to thank you for making sure our baby shower went as planned! It turned out beautiful, everything we wanted and more! Your staff was wonderful, and our waiters Nick, and Adrianna were amazing, they could not have been anymore attentive or efficient!!! Again thank you sooo much for making our day special!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Weibel

October 3, 2011, Author: Bev, Leave a comment

Great Service and Location

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I just wanted to say thank you for putting together a great shower this afternoon. The service was great and a great locations. Thanks again and I’ll be sure to recommend it to friends as well.

Thanks!
Catherine O.

September 26, 2011, Author: Bev, Leave a comment

An Extra Special Birthday – Little Traveler Style

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Dear Little Traveler:

I wanted to thank you and your staff for helping to make my Mother’s birthday extra special this year.  We visited your store on Friday, September 16th.  My sister and I had an idea – we wanted to take my Mom through the store and have different clerks present her with gifts we had purchased earlier.  We bought items in the following sections:  candy, wine, gourmet, kitchen, Dept. 56, linens, flower shop and Vera Bradley.  Each and every staff person was very happy to play along and had the purchases wrapped beautifully.  When we arrived to each section, your staff cheerfully greeted my Mother by name (Eileen) and wished her a happy birthday while presenting her nicely wrapped gift.  Two even sang – which was unexpected!  I believe the singers were in the wine shop and flower shop.

Some special staff mentions – my sister originally spoke with Dale in the Christmas area about a Dept. 56 house.  Her enthusiasm towards holding and wrapping a house for my Mom led to us wanting to expand to many other departments.

Judy, the wonderful person who answered your main phone on the afternoon of Thursday, 9/15, patiently listened to my idea and tried very hard to find someone to help me coordinate the event on Friday.  She led me to Peggy Maness in linens.

Peggy told me to see her first when I came to shop for the gifts.  I told her which areas I would be going to and she went around and talked to everyone to give them a heads up.  She is also the one who suggested a common ribbon color – we chose yellow.  (The Dept. 56 house was already wrapped too nice to change from the pink.)

So I wanted to share a giant “THANK YOU” to your staff.  Everyone we worked with was so pleasant and really helped surprise my Mom.  She loved it!

My Mom had spent three months in the hospital and a nursing home earlier this year and now has to face another surgery.  She loves shopping, so our afternoon at the Little Traveler was perfect for her!  After dinner, we took all the presents home and she got to open them there, so the fun lasted for hours.

Thanks again.  You have a wonderful staff there!

Patrice Mendala-Zitt

September 23, 2011, Author: Bev, Leave a comment

Turning Grapes into Community Aid

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The Little Traveler tried something a little different at this year’s Festival of the Vine. In accordance with the new Geneva liquor code, customers received three free tastings before being required to purchase a tasting package. Mike Simon, co-owner of The Little Traveler, explains, “We chose to sell the package for $1, and give that money to the Geneva Community Chest.”
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Through those wine tasting package sales, The Little Traveler was able to donate $3871 to the non-profit organization for local charities.
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This donation will be added to the Community Chest’s funds, which will be disbursed to worthy charitable organizations in our community.  The Chest’s all-volunteer board of directors, consisting of community and business leaders, annually reviews requests for funds from organizations that provide a wide variety of help to citizens of Geneva and the surrounding area. The board then allocates a portion of its annual fund-raising goal to deserving agencies..

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95% of the money raised goes directly to the agencies that need it most, serving local children, the disabled, seniors, the terminally ill, families, and emergency services through agencies such as Lazarus House and Tri-City Family Services.

Geneva Community Chest has been helping social service organizations that help the people of Geneva for nearly 40 years, and hopes to continue that important mission for 40 more.  The staff at The Little Traveler is thrilled to have been able to help them do that.  Cheers!

Jeff Rodewald and Lori Kohorst of the Geneva Community Chest with Mike Simon, Jane Bristow, Maggie Petersohn, Karen Baurle, Gail Cross, Sharon Bruce, Lynn Agresta of The Little Traveler

 

 

September 13, 2011, Author: Bev, Leave a comment

Cool Lemon Layer Cake

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Barefoot Contessa Lemon Pound Cake*
1/2 c Stonewall Kitchen Wild Maine
Blueberry Champagne Jam*
8 oz. Mascarpone, room temperature
1/4 c Packed light-brown sugar
1/2 tsp Madagascar Bourbon
Pure Vanilla Extract*
2 c Heavy cream
1/2 jar The Little Traveler Lemon Curd*
Fresh blueberries

Directions

Bake Barefoot Contessa Pound Cake (Packet 1) according to directions. Combine contents of Packet 2 with Stonewall Kitchen Wild Blueberry Champagne Jam, simmer 2-3 minutes, set aside.
Cream filling: Using an electric mixer, beat mascarpone cheese, brown sugar, and Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract on high until well combined. With mixer on medium, gradually add heavy cream; continue beating until soft peaks form.  Slice cooled cake (horizontally) in thirds.
Arrange 1/3 of cake in a 3-quart serving dish. Spoon 1/3 of Blueberry compote over cake; spread to sides of dish. Spread a small layer of lemon curd over compote. Dollop 1/3 of cream filling, spread to sides of dish. Repeat twice, ending with cream filling. Cover, refrigerate 2 hours (up to 1 day). Garnish with blueberries.
*Available in our Gourmet Department.

September 8, 2011, Author: Bev, Leave a comment

Grilled Picnic Roast

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Ingredients

1 pork shoulder 3-4 lbs.

4 T Little Traveler’s Original Pork Rub*
2 c cider vinegar
1 T The Little Traveler’s Good and Evil Hot Sauce*
Robert Rothschild Anna Mae’s Smoky Sweet Sauce*

Directions

Place pork and rub in an extra large zipper bag. Shake until The Little Traveler Pork Rub* covers the entire pork. Refrigerate overnight. Place pork on grill in indirect heat. Combine vinegar and hot sauce in a bowl and brush pork on both sides every 30 minutes to prevent drying out. Remove from the grill when internal temperature reaches 160˚ F.  Let the meat sit for 30 minutes before pulling apart. Mix with Robert Rothschild Anna Mae’s Smoky Sweet Sauce* and serve on egg or pretzel buns.
*Available in our Gourmet Department.

September 7, 2011, Author: Bev, Leave a comment

Peanut Butter Pie

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Ingredients

1 1/2 c Robert Rothschild Farm Chocolate Pretzel Dippers*
1/4 c Sugar
4 T Butter, melted
1 c Koeze Creamy Peanut Butter,* room temp.
1 c Confectioner’s sugar, sifted
8 oz Mascarpone cheese, room temp.
1/2 tsp Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract*
1 c Heavy cream, whipped
2 T Stonewall Kitchen Dark Chocolate Toffee Sauce,* heat until pourable

Directions

In a food processor or grinder, chop Chocolate  Pretzel Dippers* to “breadcrumb” consistency. Add crumbs, sugar, butter, mix well. Evenly spread crust on bottom and side surfaces of 9inch
baking pan. Blind bake in 350˚ F oven for 5 minutes to set crust.

In a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment combine Koeze Creamy Peanut Butter, confectioner’s sugar, mascarpone cheese, and Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract. Mix on medium until combined making sure to not over mix. Gently fold in whipped cream. Spread filling evenly in the baked crumb crust.

Drizzle Stonewall Kitchen Dark Chocolate Toffee Sauce over top. Chill until ready to serve.

*Available in our Gourmet Department.

August 31, 2011, Author: Bev, Leave a comment

A Home Away from Home

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Dear Little Traveler,

I was born and raised in the wonderful town of Geneva, Illinois.  Now I live in Naples, Florida . In fact, Sylvia Simon was my neighbor.  My parents have passed away, so now when I visit Geneva, The Little Traveler, you are my home.

Growing up my mother, sister and I would go to the Atrium Cafe for every special occasion.  As I had my children, we continued the tradition. Then there was my ladies luncheons among the antiques and the wonderful food was always memorable.

My husband was a great shopper, so whenever we would visit Geneva, you were always our first stop.  We would always experience great finds. Please don’t ever change!  You will always be home away from home.

With loving memories, sincerely

Ruth C. Griffin, Naples, FL

 

August 30, 2011, Author: Bev, Leave a comment

Surpassing Expectations

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Just wanted to let you know how much I and my family and friends LOVED the baby shower luncheon in the Atrium at Little Traveler yesterday!

The food was absolutely delicious–we had a hard time deciding which course we liked best! The finger sandwiches, breads, and desserts were all fabulous, as well as the delightful teas! John and Taurino did a wonderful job of serving us and coming back many times to see how we were doing (the hostess was so helpful, too!).

Many thanks for the lasting memories that you helped to create for my guests on Aug. 27…this was a special day that we’ll fondly recall many times in the future! Little Traveler always surpasses our expectations and makes our important family milestone events so perfect!!

Thanks for all of your help with this special day.

-Linda

July 19, 2011, Author: Bev, 1 Comment

A Marvelous Afternoon Tea at The Little Traveler

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After posting information about The Little Traveler’s Thursday and Saturday Afternoon Teas in the e-verse and hearing the great reviews, I decided it was time to try it out for myself…especially after examining the intriguing menu.  And what better day than my sister’s birthday!  She lives in London and couldn’t be with us, so my mom, daughter, son, and I decided to honor the day with a proper English Tea at the Traveler.  The afternoon was a hit with all three generations.

We started with a selection of tea.  I went for Harney and Sons Egyptian Chamomile, while my mom had Harney and Sons Apricot Tea.  Our awesome waiter Victor let us know that we were welcome to try out more flavors if we wanted.  Meanwhile, the kids were happy to find out lemonade was also an option.

The food is served in three courses:  sandwiches, followed by scones & breads, completed with deserts. We loved that each of us received our own individual plate with a sampling of everything on the menu.  Don’t let the small sizes fool you—by the end of the tea we couldn’t possibly eat another bite.

The sandwiches are an eclectic assortment that complement each other nicely.  All bases are covered—salty, spicy, light & refreshing, and sweet.  Carrot Raisin wins for table favorite, but Curry Chicken gets the prize for my personal fave.

The scones and breads are served with jellies and creams.  We all went crazy for the Lemon Curd—it tasted great on every single thing.  You can even buy a jar or two in The Little Traveler’s gourmet department or on-line to have at home.  I meant to take a picture of the desert plate, really I did, but I guess I got too distracted by deliciousness because by the time I thought of my camera again, all that was left on any of our plates were crumbs!  The Chocolate Mousse Triangle and Mini Lemon Roulade were particularly wonderful.

Bravo to Chef Zack and the whole Atrium Cafe team for bringing a proper English tradition to Geneva, IL and doing such a fine job of it.  Afternoon Tea is served from 2:30-4:30pm on Thursdays and Saturdays.  Reservations are recommended for parties of 4 or larger.  Private Teas can be scheduled any time during store hours for parties of 10 or more.  Call Zack: 630-232-4200

July 18, 2011, Author: Bev, Leave a comment

Brighton Handbag Trade-In Event

Categories: Clothing and Accessories
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July 22 – July 30

When you trade in your gently used handbag (from any manufacturer) at The Little Traveler by July 30,  you’ll help a local charity and get a Brighton bonus at the same time. Your gently used bag will be donated to a woman in need through the Lazarus House, and The Little Traveler will give you a bonus toward the purchase of a registered Brighton Handbag.

The bonus is as follows:

*Purchase a registered Brighton Handbag of $100 – $150 and receive a $25 bonus

* Purchase a registered Brighton Handbag of $151 or more and receive a $50 bonus.

This offer excludes Minibags, Straw Bags, Luggage, and Brighton Memories, and is limited to stock on hand.

The Lazarus House in St. Charles, helps individuals living in poverty regain their dignity and become self sufficient members of our community by offering emergency shelter, transitional housing and outreach programs.  In 2010, Lazarus House provided care to 331 individuals, served an average of 55 people per night, and provided 60,000 nourishing meals to those in need throughout the community.   In addition, Lazarus House was able to assist several of its guests with their special needs, including: 83% with medical care, 88% to obtain or improve employment, and 87% to receive dental care.

The Little Traveler is proud to be able to donate gently used handbags to local women in need as they make a fresh start.  To see a list of the shelter’s urgent needs, please visit lazarushouseonline.com

July 15, 2011, Author: Bev, Leave a comment

Traveling to the Traveler

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Hi Little Traveler,

Last weekend four of us traveled from Akron, Cleveland and Toledo, Ohio to visit our friend in South Elgin, Illinois. Three of us have been friends since 1st grade and the other two were added at our all girls Catholic high school. Our Chicago friend, Ann, said I must take you to the Little Traveler in Geneva. What do they sell we asked? A little bit of everything was her answer. So, we all bought our matching scarves to remember our weekend. The women who sold us the scarves took the photos and told us to email them in and possibly they will be on the website. So here they are.

Thanks Little Traveler, we enjoyed our visit.

Marianne Bodine
Avon Lake Ohio

July 11, 2011, Author: Bev, 1 Comment

Photos

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July 8, 2011, Author: Bev, Leave a comment

Vera Bradley Fall 2011 has Arrived!

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If a picture’s worth a thousand words, then a video’s got to count for at least a million.  So here you go…a million words about Vera Bradley Fall 2011 collection, including Happy Snails, Safari Sunset, Mocha Rouge, and Plum Petals.

Vera Bradley Fall 2011

 

June 14, 2011, Author: Bev, Leave a comment

What a Fabulous Experience!

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What a fabulous experience.  We had 31 guests in the Atrium Cafe for a Bridal Shower.  It was an English High Tea and guests all wore hats!  We had lots of comments from other diners that day who peeked in our room to see what was going on.

Zack met with my dughter and me to set up the menu and plan the event.  It was a beautiful lunch, and Zack and our servers made the day memorable.  They were fantastic and everyone said they would return at another time as the food was delicious.  The service was superb and timely!

Thanks for making the day special,and we look forward to another event in the near future.

Thanks,

Pat

May 26, 2011, Author: Bev, Leave a comment

Warm Light, Cool Shadows: The Life and Art of Ruth Van Sickle Ford

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Warm Light, Cool Shadows: The Life and Art of Ruth Van Sickle Ford by Nancy Hopp Smith offers an affectionate, in-depth look into one of the Midwest’s best watercolorists.

Known as Aurora’s ‘first lady of the arts,’ Ford was a considerable presence in the arts at a time when male artists were most prominent. Born in 1897, and raised in the Fox River Valley, she graduated from the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts in 1918 and later became president and director of the school.  She had many famous students including the wartime and editorial cartoonist Bill Mauldin.  The late Sylvia Simon, former owner of The Little Traveler, had the honor to learn from this great icon.

Van Sickle Ford was the first woman from Illinois to be invited into the prestigious American Watercolor Society in 1954 and the first woman artist member of Chicago’s Palette & Chisel Academy in 1960.  Her art has been exhibited with some of the most notable and popular painters of the 20th century, including Edward Hopper, Grant Wood, and Rockwell Kent.

The Little Traveler is excited to host a free Special Presentation by the Author, Thursday, July 7, 2011 at 2:30pm in The Atrium Cafe.  Meet author Nancy Smith Hopp, of Aurora, Illinois, as she tells us about this amazing icon of the Fox Valley. We’ll have copies of her book available for purchase and signing.  No registration is necessary.

Nancy Hopp was a former student, neighbor, and ardent fan of Ruth Van Sickle Ford. Writing Warm Light, Cool Shadows was a seven year journey into the life and works of one of the most interesting artists of the 20th century.  The book shares unique insights into Ford’s personality and talents along with candid photographs and stunning reproductions of Ford’s watercolor and oil paintings.

As a child, Hopp watched the construction of Ruth Ford’s Round House a few blocks from her own home.  In 1965 she enrolled in Ford’s watercolor class at Aurora University, and the two women were reunited in 1985 when Hopp’s father was a resident in the same nursing home as Ford.

May 18, 2011, Author: Bev, 2 Comments

Captain Rodney Says Ahoy

Categories: Food and Wine

Get ready to set sail on a culinary adventure at The Little Traveler.  Our gourmet department always has a nice selection of Captain Rodney’s take-home tastes of the Caribbean, and on select Saturdays, Captain Rodney himself pulls ashore to share tasty samples with us lucky landlubbers!  The Captain will be here Saturday, May 21.

For over twenty years,  I criss-crossed the Caribbean in search of a pirate’s treasure. What I found instead were some of the most amazing flavours imaginable, and now I share them with the world. On my return to the States I set out to combine these tastes into a collection of unique recipes that capture the true flavour of the islands.

Captain Rodney’s glazes and hot sauces bring the authentic tastes of the Caribbean to your table.  The Captain cooks in small, open-pot batches to ensure the best quality. He uses pure cane sugar instead of corn syrup, locally grown fresh produce, and the best spices and peppers of the Caribbean.

Captain Rodney’s Recipes:

Captain Rodney’s Cheese Bake

Captain Rodney’s Pirate Wrap

 

 

 

May 18, 2011, Author: Bev, 1 Comment

Captain Rodney’s Cheese Bake

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Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • One 8 oz pack cream cheese
  • 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
  • 2 green onions (chopped)
  • 6 Ritz crackers (crushed)
  • 8 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
  • 1/2 cup of any Captain Rodney’s Glaze

Directions:

Mix mayonnaise, cream cheese, cheddar and onions in greased quiche pan. Top with crackers and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Top with bacon and Captain Rodney’s Glaze. Serve with crackers.

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