2016 2016 Back Back to to School School Edition Edition | | NIU Welcome Book | 21
have anything to substantiate this, but we like to think they are playful spirits.”
enjoy a game. This is a great place for groups or parties to come out and enjoy authentic, upscale Mexican food.
The theatre features “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” once a month. Not only will the audience see the film on a huge screen, but there’s a live shadow cast. Nerad said performers act out the movie, complete with props, costumes and audience interaction, while the film is playing.
If you’re in the mood for more exotic international cuisine, visit Thai Pavilion, Mediterraneo or Tapa LaLuna. Thai Pavilion, 131 E. Lincoln Highway, is described as a “laid back” restaurant that serves authentic Thai food and affordable prices. You’ll find satay, curry and dumplings on the menu. Tapa La Luna, 226 East Lincoln Highway, is a tapas and wine bar. Diners can enjoy small plates, specialty pizzas and even sushi! Tapa La Luna has an extensive wine list so you can perfectly pair your wine with your meal.
“This year is the 40th anniversary of the film’s release,” Nerad said. “This is a bucket list item. Everyone needs to experience this at least once. The shows are usually on a Friday night and usually have a couple hundred people at each.” The theatre also provides NIU students great opportunities for a date night, or a night out with friends. The theatre has many plays, concerts, movies and comedians each year. “Lewis Black and Brian Reagan have performed here recently, as well as country artist JoDee Messina and Gaelic Storm,” Nerad said. “We also show classic movies and documentaries on DeKalb’s largest movie screen. Former presidents JFK and Ronald Reagan have been here in the past.” The Egyptian Theatre comes alive during the holidays. Nerad said they have a lot of holiday shows beginning in November, including “The Nutcracker.” He said they also show holiday films and “a variety of other holiday programming.” The theatre is also a great place for NIU students to volunteer and meet new friends. “We’re a non-profit, so we rely heavily on volunteers and a lot are NIU students,” Nerad said. “Students are needed to take tickets, usher, and work at the concession stand. Students can also volunteer as actors. It’s a great way to learn about the community and get a really great volunteer experience. We’re really a hidden gem in downtown DeKalb.” For more information about the Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St., visit www.egyptiantheatre.org.
Dining Options Several unique restaurants line Lincoln Highway in downtown
DeKalb and there’s something for every taste and mood. Eduardo’s Mexican Restaurant, located on the corner of Lincoln Highway and Second Street, has an extensive menu, plus a large selection of margaritas. Take advantage of the warmer weather and enjoy your meal on their brick patio. Not only do they have excellent food and drinks, the restaurant features a live blues band on the last Tuesday of each month. There are plenty of TVs in the bar area for students to relax and
Mediterraneo, 122 E. Lincoln Highway, serves mouth-watering Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. You can order online at mediterraneogrilldekalb.com and your food will be delivered right to your door. Their homemade hummus, falafel, spanakopita, gyro and chicken shawarma are some of the highlights on their extensive menu. Visit O’Leary’s Ale House, on the corner of Third Street and Lincoln Highway, and play trivia for free every Wednesday while enjoying a beer from one of the best draft selections in the area. On the menu you’ll find traditional Irish fare and a wide variety of burgers, salads and flatbreads. Don’t forget dessert! Downtown DeKalb is home to The Confectionary, a locally-owned and operated homemade chocolate and candy shop. You’ll find delectable creams, mouth-watering caramels, and hard-to- find chocolate-dipped ginger and sponge candy. The Confectionary is located at 149 N. Second Street. If you’re a morning person, stop by The Lincoln Inn, 240 E. Lincoln Highway, for a delicious, homemade breakfast. Enjoy a hot meal, or stop by the bakery and marvel at their extensive selection of freshly-baked breads, muffins, pastries and cookies. The Lincoln Inn also serves lunch.
DeKalb Farmers Market Sample fresh local produce and browse local vendors at the DeKalb Farmer’s Market, every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Van Buer Plaza. The market is a great place to grab lunch from one of the 3 food trucks including Mike’s Empanadas, Tinez Tacos and Rolling Harvest. The market runs through September so students still have a few more weeks to take advantage of one of the area’s best farmer’s market. You’ll find much more than fruits and vegetables here; other vendors include local wineries, a creamery, a vegan bakery and fair trade coffee. The farmer’s market accepts debit, credit and link cards.