Tucked into the center of Park Place Plaza in Shorewood is a little taste of Mexico at Casa Maya. The Shorewood restaurant has been open for five years, the dream of Tina Carbajal and her sister Maria Solorio. The sisters and their children run the restaurant from menu creation, to cooking, to serving. The music of our neighbors to the south greets you as you enter the restaurant. The walls are painted a warm cinnamon color, and Mexican art and artifacts adorn the walls. A small bar lies to the right of the front door, and straight ahead are two dining rooms. The ambiance is cozy and casual, …

Fiesta Mexicana Grill and Cantina 24136 W. Lockport St., Plainfield www.fiestamexgrill.com, 815-609-4444  Hours: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday   Downtown Plainfield’s restaurant scene is moving in a great direction, and one of the newest additions, Fiesta Mexicana Grill and Cantina, celebrates its one-year anniversary Feb. 1.  What was once the Plainfield Supper Club has been transformed into a lively, brightly colored dining spot. Owner Dave Lopez is no stranger to the restaurant business; he owns three similar eateries in central …

Crispy Waffle on Route 59 just south of Black Road in Shorewood is much more than waffles. Open from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, it's the place to go for a delicious, hot breakfast or a satisfying lunch.   As my dining partner and I walked in on an early Thursday afternoon before Christmas, we were greeted by the aroma of fresh coffee and … Santa! Seated near the entrance beside a Christmas tree, Santa was ready to visit with the little ones. The restaurant was lively with conversation and the lighting was brightened by three walls of windows. As soon as we sat down, our waitress appeared with a …