Join Phil On His Culinary Adventures

Illinois is packed with history, culture, and—let’s be honest—the real reason I travel so much: food. From Chicago deep-dish to small-town diners where the waitress calls you “hon,” this state has flavors for every mood and every mile of the road.

But this isn’t a foodie guide—my palate isn’t sophisticated enough for that. These are simply the kinds of places I actually eat: the restaurants I love, the spots I wander into while traveling the state for work, and the destinations Liz and I escape to when we manage to leave the country. (Looking at you, Tulum 2025… that picture says it all.)

Whether you’re a banker, a friend, a foodie, or someone who wants to join me for dinner instead of watching another golf post—here’s your inside look at my go-to eating habits across Illinois and beyond.

Tulum, Mexico February 2025.

🍽️ Small-Town Gems

(aka: where I always frequent)

Illinois small towns do food right. No frills, no nonsense—just great meals and even better people.

I’m always up for checking out:

• Any place locals swear by

• Any restaurant that smells good the second you walk in

• Any spot that makes you say, “Yeah, I’m definitely getting dessert”

If you ever ask, “Phil, where should we eat around here?”—I’ll probably ask you, or a local, because small-town recommendations never miss.

🍕 Naperville Is Full of Classics That Never Miss

I don’t head into Chicago nearly as often as I used to—and I don’t really need to. Naperville’s dining scene is fantastic, and most of it is within walking distance for Liz and me.

We’re always down for:

• A European-style tapas night

• A cozy Italian dinner with a great wine list

• A place where the burger quietly steals the show

Not recommendations—more like requirements.

🍔 Phil’s Road Trip Staples

When I’m out visiting clients, family or friends, a few types of places have a gravitational pull on my car:

• I ask my client where we should go—they always know the real local spots.

• Any diner with a glowing neon sign

• Any tavern that looks exactly like it did in 1974

• Any restaurant serving a bbq, burgers and fries

If the napkins are thin and the beer is cold—I’m home.

🌮 And Then There’s Liz & Me…

Every now and then, Liz and I escape Illinois and drop into full vacation food mode.

We love European dining Italy, Portugal, Spain, France, Austria slow meals, great wine, long conversations, real tablecloths… the whole thing. Did I mention, GREAT WINE?? I’ll share more from those trips in future blogs because they deserve their own spotlight.

And of course, Tulum 2025 gave us:

• Fresh seafood on the beach

• Tacos that instantly ruined all future tacos

• Cocktails that cooled us from the tropical heat

That picture from the trip? That’s the look of two people who found their new happy place.

🍴 Want to Join Me for Dinner?

Just check Where’s Phil? If I’m eating somewhere good, I’ll post it. If I’m trying somewhere new, even better—you’re invited.

And yes…bring your “I Met Phil Aderton” koozie for a food photo. Bonus points if the bartender ends up asking for one—though let’s be honest, they probably already have one.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, food is just another way I connect with people—bankers, friends, family, or whoever pulls up a chair. If you see me out somewhere, say hi. If you want to join me, even better. So bring your appetite, bring your curiosity, and don’t forget your I Met Phil Aderton koozie.

You never know where the next meal might take us—and life’s too short for boring meals and empty tables.

Cheers (and bon appétit),

Phil