Jammer's, West Peoria (among other chitter-chatter)

Been a while, huh?

I have eaten in many places, but nothing really stood out over the last month or so. I have, however, eaten a few times at Jammer's, out on Farmington Road. It is a Chicago-themed place, small, a bit warm, children running about while Mom watches the front and Dad cooks in back. The two times I visited were days that I just wanted a couple of dogs ran thru the garden, leaving off the tomatoes. They've done it right both times, with good tasting fresh-cut fries and a cold can of my choice of soda, all for just under $7.00. The dogs are grilled, I do believe. I am going to take a closer look the next time I stop by, but they had a good snap to them when I bit down. And BOTH visits I bit into the sport pepper and it got me in the eye. Suddenly I'm doing something wrong?!?

Here are a few other highlights (and perhaps lowlights??):

Burger Barge: always good.
Peking Restaurant (top of Main Street hill): lunch buffet small, some good dishes, some meh...
Chili's: always, always good. Never bad. Curse me and my non-dislike for franchise restaurants!!
Vonachen's Old Place: Had some flavorless pasta dish that should have been better. Service good, food not so much. Still don't want them to close, however. Damn.
Pepper's, basement of the Commerce Bank Building: Nice lunch spot, has the old Jumer's cinnamon rolls (and for good reason-lots of former Jumer's folks working there, I think).
Carl's Bakery, East Peoria: The big rooster!!! It's been 15 years since I have been in the place and it still smells the same-greasy. But the tenderloin, ahh, the tenderloin!!! It is so good, I would allow for even worse smells to accompany my dining experience.
Taco John's, East Peoria: Potato Oles. Salty, greasy, and oh, so damned good.
Garner's Pizza and Wings, out by the new Wal-Mart in Peoria: still expensive, still good.
Good Tequilas, by the Grand Prairie mall: tastes like every other Mexican restaurant around here-yummy.
Chinatown, by the Cub Foods on Knoxville: The BEST Chinese carry-out in town. Try the General Tso's or the Hot Pepper chicken.
McDonald's-my daughter appears to like the cheeseburgers. Don't go to the one on Main Street, across from Campustown. They screwed up a large Coke.
Culver's-kind of getting tired of them. Plus I never know how to order the "Flavor of the Day." Is it a shake? A concrete mixer? A sundae?
Jimmy John's-no frills sammitches with the good bread.

What a shitty food reviewer I am!!

Insert promise to write more meaningful reviews... HERE.

Go Cubs!

Krispy Kreme, Peoria

There was a time that I was excited about a Krispy Kreme coming to Peoria. Them times have come and gone.

I have never, ever, been a fan of the Peoria store. The Bloomington store has always been a treat. We used to take drives over there just for the hell of it, get some donuts and coffee and drive back. But this store here has just been a bucket of problems from the git-go, it would seem. However, whenever I did find it open (amid oddwad hours), I never had too much of a problem with the donuts.

This all changed last Friday evening. We stopped there about 9:00 in the evening to grab a dozen so we didn't have to worry about breakfast the next morning before our trip to Indianapolis (more on that to follow). I ordered up six glazed and six chocolate-frosted donuts. The guy handed me a box that was not really closed at all, and had chocolate frosting all over it. When Jenny opened the box, the donuts looked as though they had been put in the box warm and sat around for a day or two. The chocolate had run down the sides, and the glaze was white and crusty. Additionally, they tasted like shit. They were stale and the chocolate tasted cruddy. To paraphrase Philip J. Fry (if you don't know, then too damn bad), after eating one of those chocolate donuts, it was like there was a party in my mouth and everyone was vomiting.

Jenny tried to get me to turn around and return or exchange them, but I was just so pissed that I knew I would go in there and pitch a (albeit, small) hissy fit. Plus, I knew I would eat a few of them, just to make sure they really did suck. They did.

So, by golly, I will not go back to Krispy Kreme. I don't really like Dunkin Donuts, but at least I can expect that they might be a little stale, and just roll with it. We also have Lester's Donuts, even though they don't really have late night hours.

I never get over to Pekin, but they have arguably the best donuts around at Spudnuts. I understand that one needs to order their donuts the night before, with little hope for catching a few in the morning without a donut appointment.

What I want to know is: what is your favorite donut from around here? Are there any little shops like that used to be down on Spring Street, where the real fun was to get home before the greasy donuts dropped out of the bottom of the greasy bag? Anyone remember Mel-o-Creme on War Memorial? Does Trefzger's still do donuts? They have Danish, for uppity folks, but I seem to remember them making a mean chocolate Long John.

As for the weekend that was preceded by the donut fiasco, me and Jenny went to Indianapolis to see Eddie Izzard (straight transvestite comedian). Good times were had by all. Didn't eat anywhere real remarkable, except RED ROBIN (Yummmm). It was our second time to the franchise, and I just swear that they need to come to Peoria!!! They do a fine job with a burger (had one with an egg on it... tavern burger anyone?), bottomless steak fries, and great service. If anyone wants to go halfsies with me on opening a Red Robin here in town, let me know. By the way, you have to fund it all.

Mikey's Pizza, Peoria

After having talked about it for a while, and somehow forgetting about it, the Don and I went to Mikey's Pizza and Subs, located where the LaGondola used to be at Forrest Hill and Gale. I've noticed that they have a "$5 Lunch Special" advertised on the window. Silly me, thinking it was something to do with pizza. We got in there, and were informed that it was a cheeseburger and fries. The Don got that, and he said that it was a pretty darn fine sandwich, stating that he thought the bun was slathered in garlic butter. That definitely got my attention.

I had the "personal" sized calzone, which was enough for two people to enjoy a lunch. Of course I ate it all, but were I only to have half, I would have been just fine. Oh yeah, it was good, too. Nothing special, but it was something I would order again.

Lots of sandwiches and some pasta dishes, too, on the menu. Some pretty decent pizza specials, as well. I recommend checking this place out for lunch sometime.

Political Rant: Hillary, it's time to hang it up. Please. Let's go ahead and get on with things. You have gone as far as you can. The Obama Train just cannot be stopped at this point.

Food! And other stuff!!

Glad this thing is still here!

I'm going to try and update this thing a bit more regularly. I don't type as much as I eat! We'll see if that changes.

Last night we went to Pizza Inn, right as the buffet was shutting down. The girl said as much, and told us that we could have at it, but there wouldn't be anything new being added to it. We took a look, saw much pizzas, and gave it a shot. The whole thing wasn't bad. A serviceable salad bar, some soups (didn't try), fried potato wedges (at a pizza place??), and about six different kinds of pizza, not including the cheezy bread and the dessert pizza. I didn't have anything I didn't like. It's comparable to that Cici's place in Evergreen Square, but I think that Pizza Inn does a better pie overall. The waitress knocked a few bucks off the bill, and that made the dinner even better!

While I may not be eating at anywhere new and/or exciting, I'll get to the places that are familiar and talk a bit about what I know. I won't make everyone happy, but remember--you're reading this of your own free will, and I'm not making any money off it. If you want to bash a restaurant, feel free. If you try and bash me and my writings, I'll delete your comment and curse your name (which is almost always "Anonymous").

The reason that this has to be said is that every so often, a troll comes along, crawls out from under his bridge, and snarks a bit. Snark is fine, but back it up. Statements along the lines of "Your food posts aren't great, but you should stick with them instead of talking political" is just silly, especially when nothing else is offered in the way of a friendly debate.

That having been said, on to a very quick political statement. I am supporting Senator Clinton at this point in the race. WHEN Senator Obama wins the nomination, I will be behind him 100%. Any Democrat who says, "if Senator (fill-in-the-blank) doesn't win the nomination, I will vote for Senator McCain," is a silly ass. Discuss.

Sky Harbor, Peoria

A couple of Saturdays ago we had an opportunity to visit an old favorite, Sky Harbor, just off Farmington Road by the Bradley Park lower entrance. A classic steakhouse, complete with bar in the middle of the room and corner band playing, Sky Harbor hasn't really changed since moving into this location some number of years ago.

The wife and I were graciously relieved of baby duty (heehee) for the evening and took in a movie before meeting our friends Russ and Jen at the restaurant. We looked forward to having some adult conversation amidst yummy steaks.

That little band in the corner, however, kept things up just loud enough that I was, for the most part, rendered useless in any chitchat. I caught bits and parts of what was being talked about, but ended up staring around the room. Too bad.

The food-the most important part-was pretty decent. I had a large ribeye, which was cooked to my specifications, but was a bit simple on the seasoning side. Russ enjoyed his steak sandwich, the wife liked her tenderloin, and for the life of me, I cannot remember what Jen had. Potato skins! And something else, but damn, I can't remember.

Sky Harbor is a fine place to visit for an evening, but ask for a table away, far, far away, from the band.

I done ate lots of places...

...since I finally got a job!!

I've been to the new BBQ place out on 150 three times now. Hickory River, a chain that boasts about its Texas-style barbecue, was good the first two times, but merely mediocre the last time, which was a very cold night with little business. The pulled pork tasted like it had been sitting for a while. I mentioned that to the guy, and he gave us a $5 gift card for next time, of which there will be many next times.

Went back to the Burger Barge for the first time in quite a while. The last time I went there, it was so smoky that I immediately got a headache and when the food arrived, I asked for a box to take it home (full disclosure: I'm a smoker). This time, due to the new law forcing the likes of us outside for our carcinogenic pleasures, the visit was very pleasant. Busy night, with only one six-top table available. Me and the wife took it, and then when a young couple came in looking around for a place to sit, I waved them over to share our table. As far as food goes, the wife had a tenderloin (at the Burger Barge? That's kwazy!!!) and I had the Coney Burger. We split the frips (fries and chips) and walked out happy and full. The menu is so big, well, I just quiver thinking about all the possibilities. They even do breakfast!!

I plan on doing some more dining out, so keep up with stuff.

Another War Story

End our involvement in the Iraqi civil war. Now.

A War Story

I came across this post yesterday. It is a post by a fellow blogger who was serving in Iraq. He left a blog post with his friend to put up in the event of death. That day came, I am sad to say. I didn't know the guy, but the post is worth reading, and no one will fault you when a tear drop or two hits your keyboard.

Follow the link: Andrew Olmsted

A Fun Picture, For Old Times' Sake

Good old Joe. Would make a fine Secretary of State.

So Exciting!!

I just love the electoral process. Even though we've been hearing about the 2008 Presidential election for over a year now (or darn close), now that the people are finally standing up to be counted, it is non-stop entertainment for me.

Joe Biden was my guy. I had the chance to see him over in Iowa a few times, and I have been a fan of his for some years now. Most folks will agree that his personality, his in-your-face attitude backed up by his intellectual capabilities, are perhaps not the greatest example of a President, though I think it would be a refreshing change. Additionally, his political solution to the Iraq war, and more specifically our involvement in the situation, is the only solution out there. No other Democrat has come up with so comprehensive a plan, a plan that is already laid out in the Iraqi constitution adopted in 2005. What I can hope now is that whichever candidate wins the Democratic nomination, they will take another look at the Biden-Gelb plan.

I don't want to jump on the Obama bandwagon, really I don't. I have been saying for a number of months now that no matter how intriguing and exciting he is, he's not ready for the job.

Now here comes the fun part--I do like Clinton as our next President. She does indeed have the tools that are needed to actually get things done.

Buuutt....the more I hear Obama, the more convinced I am that he could really take us places as a country, as a nation in this world. His speeches, whether he writes them or someone else does (or a nice mix) have captivated me. It reminds me of watching old film of Kennedy's speeches during the 1960 campaign and his inaugural. I don't get that excitable feeling when I hear Clinton talk, though I know for absolute certain that she does indeed know what she is talking about.

So I'm torn. I like 'em both. And I don't like Edwards, so he's easy for me to dismiss.

But I think I'm probably going to hop on the Obama bandwagon. But whichever of these two are the candidate, it is my feeling that we can hardly go wrong.

And if folks have comments about how I am wrong/dumb/moronic/mislead/ignorant about liking Clinton, save it. Get your own blog and write your lost little neocon missives in long form and save me the trouble from deleting your comment. But then come back and check for more restaurant reviews!!

Wow. Some review site.

Yeah, slacking here a bit. Got all graduated from college, and still waiting to hear back on a job. So, no money for dining out, though my Dad picked up a Monical's Pizza, large with sausage. Just dreamy!

Sooo... until someone comes along and decides to job me, probably won't be too much of the review kind of thing!

Old Chicago, Peoria (the one out by the new mall)

When someone says to me, “Let’s go to Old Chicago,” I am just old enough to think that they are talking about the indoor amusement park that used to be in the Chicago suburb of Bolingbrook back in the late 1970’s. It was one of the places we visited during one of our family vacations when I was a kid.
Nowadays, few people remember the defunct park, but they recognize the name of a pizza restaurant that has locations throughout the United States, including two in Peoria. The first restaurant opened on the riverfront platform, located with Joe’s Crab Shack and the now defunct (that word again!) Damon’s Grill.
Old Chicago prides itself on the sporting teams of the Windy City, with décor and televisions advertising the Cubs and Bears, for the most part. Street signs, cityscape pictures, and pride in serving Old Style all contribute to the ambience. If people are not there for the World Beer Tour, which offers fabulous cash and prizes for drinking 100 different beers, they are there for the Chicago cuisine, especially the pizza.
On this night I was joined by my wife, Jenny, and our two friends, Ron and Katie, for an early Saturday evening dinner. Upon entering we could see open booths, but were told we would have to wait about 10 to 15 minutes. Turns out it was time for the shift change, so there must have been some issues presenting themselves. It was no big deal, as we were not in a great hurry.
We were sat in a booth with a high chair at the end for the lovely one year-old Chloe, and immediately our server was there to take our drink and appetizer orders. Our group chose to share Pepperoni Rolls, which, as it may sound, were pieces of dough rolled up with pepperoni inside, along with some mozzarella cheese. We also ordered “Italian Nachos”, which tasted just wonderful. These consisted of fried pieces of pasta, topped with slices of Italian sausage, pepperoni, pepperoncini peppers and some mozzarella cheese, with a side of marinara to dip. All of the flavors worked fabulously together.
Our dinners arrived shortly after we had completed our first course. Ron and I both ordered the Southwestern Fajita calzone, which contained chicken, salsa, cheese, onions and bell peppers, and came with a side of green chili ranch dressing for dipping. We both enjoyed our dishes, though Ron stated that his was a bit liquidy, probably from the salsa.
My wife ordered the classic club sandwich, which she liked. It was nothing out of the ordinary, and she reported that her fries were a bit overdone. Katie thoroughly enjoyed her calzone with pepperoni, extra cheese and green olives. I heard nary a complaint from that end of the table.
This visit to Old Chicago was a wonderful time, with a very attentive waitress who looked to the needs of the talkative Chloe, bringing applesauce and crackers for her to munch on.
The kicker for me and any restaurant is the timely and efficient manner in which I am brought many soda refills. I am happy to report that I floated right out of the restaurant.
After a visit like this, the next time I hear the name “Old Chicago,” my mind will be focused on something other than a crappy indoor amusement park. I will instead be thinking about the good times to be had, especially during baseball season when the Old Style is flowing and the Cubs are winning (or at least playing on television—can’t ask for much).

Hi again!

I had a few moments break between my various studies to update this thang. The review below (Kobe) was actually an assignment for my review and criticism class at WIU. Bill Knight is my professor-think he knows a thing or two about reviews?

I'm looking forward to getting back to Peoria here in a few weeks. Probably be too poor to go out and eat much for the first month or so, but you all can look forward to some new stuff.

I wanted to give a shoutout to jeep2000 and her blog. She has all sorts of good reviews on her blog, too. And she seems to get out more!!

Kobe Steakhouse of Japan

“Let’s go somewhere different tonight. I’m getting tired of the same thing.” Father-in-law had a good plan, and he pursued it. With his family in tow, he took us to the Kobe Steakhouse of Japan, the newest restaurant in the Willow Knolls Shopping Center. What was expected was a culinary acrobatic show performed by gentlemen who knew their way around a set of utensils and a lot of banging and slamming on the griddle top. We did indeed receive all of this, but sadly, it was in an absolutely frigid room.

Featuring steak, chicken, and fish, along with a rather short sushi menu and the typical appetizer accompaniments, the menu gives the diner a good summation of the types of dishes and the way they are prepared before your very eyes, and only a few entrees were priced above $20.

It was obvious that throughout the day the room in which we were seated went unused until the dinner rush began, because the large room that we passed through was comfortably warm and cozy… and full. We reluctantly removed our outerwear and hoped that the grill would get us warm. Starting us off with a round of drinks, our orders were quickly placed and the salad and soup arrived. The small garden salad was topped with a dressing that we could only describe as some sort of creamy Italian taste with a splash of soy sauce, and it was very tasty despite its simplicity. The onion soup, garnered with two large mushroom slices, was not overbearing in taste and was quickly chilled, another victim of the room temperature.

Our chef arrived with a cartload of squeeze bottles filled with sauces, plates with meat and vegetables, and a large platter of rice to go along with the rest of his tools of the trade. He began by firing up the grill, during which time we leaned closer in anticipation of gathering some of the warmth. The chef started squirting various liquids on the grill and, upon whipping out a lighter, set fire to said liquids, pushing us right back into our chairs.

He prepared our orders with great skill and flamboyance, even delving one more time into his pyromaniacal side by creating a volcano-like structure with three rings of onion, dumping his magic liquids in the middle, and watching the flame spew forth once again. Various combinations of steak (including filet mignon, which was described as “very nice and tender”), chicken, halibut, and shrimp were cooked up and served before us fresh from the griddle. A large serving of fried rice was prepared and dished out before the meats were prepared, and it had to be eaten quickly before it went cold.

Towards the end of our meals many looks of satisfaction were exchanged and promises to return to this restaurant were exchanged. The sounds of our party blowing on their hands to regain warmth signaled our exit from the restaurant.
Kobe Steakhouse of Japan is well worth the visit, but make sure you get there early, lest you be seated in the walk-in freezer.

So what AM I doing right now?

Well, Henny Penny, there really isn't anything new to report right now, unfortunately. The few times I've been back in Peoria recently have not netted anything worth writing about, because my visits have been quick, like hours long. Way too busy down here in Macomb.

Doing what, you say?

Well, lemme tell ya. Between school (right now I'm down to 44 papers I have to write before the end of the semester), raising up the baby, and other extracurricular activities, the weekends are filled with the wife working, thus keeping me mostly here.

What extracurricular activities, you say?

Well, lemme tell ya. Down here at WIU, we are having an absolute grandiose Mock Presidential Election. We're talking candidates showing up on campus, local and national news coverage, and some high profile keynote speakers (I know who they are, but I can't say anything yet). I have no less than three positions in this event--part of the Pi Sigma Alpha (political science honor society) coordination staff which essentially runs the guts of the event; as a peer mentor who has to make sure my group of freshmen get their butts over to the event, and most importantly to me, I am the Campaign Director of the Biden for President campaign for the election. I have made many contacts with Senator Biden's election staff, and due to the fact that we are so close to Iowa here, and this school has plenty of Iowan students, I am receiving many offers of help and support, from giving my campaign staff signage and literature to having some Iowa state senators or congresspersons come over and talk or participate in debates.

So, all this leads to me not having a great deal of time back home in Peoria. Of course I can blame it all on the wife and her goofy work schedule, but it's my goofy school schedule that is really the problem. God bless her and her schedule maker at work for working around MY schedule!!

Additionally, I have a career fair on campus next Tuesday (the 2nd). Wish me luck, hopefully I can catch the eye of some lucky employer who sees just what a wonderful asset I would be to their company!! Come on, employers!! 3.714 GPA here!! Management and organizational experience!! Not just a good, but a s00per-d00per writer!!!

Restaurant-wise, one notable place I checked out on one of my minutes in Peoria was the Irish place over there in Morton. O'Flahertys? That the name? Good food, slowish service. It riled up the womenfolk I was with, but I'm pretty laid back, and I was absolutely bone-tired, so it didn't get to me as much. I am definitely going to go back there and try it again.

I'm not sure if Peoria gets any commercials for the burger place called Red Robin, of which there is one in Davenport. I see the ads down here all the time, and when I learned that they were as close as the QC, we stopped by there last Friday when me and the family did some shopping and visited the Biden field office. What a cool place! Very franchisey-decor style, but cool menus, fun burgers, and bottomless steak fries! I want to see Red Robin come to Peoria.

I'm not anti-franchise. I know there are some people who would rather go with the local product, and I would too, if I got right down to it. But there are franchises that are worth the while to visit, and I wouldn't write off a place just because they open a restaurant in Peoria that looks exactly like the one in Alberquerque, NM. Someone worked hard to begin that chain, and sometimes a franchise restaurant is the product of a person who worked hard to save up for the franchise and got it up and running. Human agency went into it, and I will be happy to reward whoever gives me what I want.

But for all intents and purposes, give me the family restaurant owned by the guy who has been a Peoria resident for most of his life and actually has HIS family working for it!!

For whoever still visits here looking for new posts, thanks a lot. Once everything slows down a bit, I will begin to eat at places again. Plus, I only have less than three months until we move back to Peoria, and by then I'll have a s00per-d00per job that will allow me to afford to dine out!!

River Station, Peoria

For my father-in-law's 60th birthday, myself and the wife, along with her brother and his wife, planned a nice outing with the help of said father-in-law's wife. We figured that a nice day would be to go to the River Station Sunday Brunch and then take a boat ride on the Spirit of Peoria. Two things stood out about our day:

1) It was the last cruise of the season, save for a few oddwad special cruises.

2) What! A! Beautiful! Day!!!!

We could not have asked for better weather today. The cruise was just wonderful, very crowded. Our strategic positioning of the chairs got us a shady spot up the river, and then by the time the boat turned around to head back, we were the shady side once again!!

On to the restaurant, which was actually before the cruise.

I reviewed the River Station some time ago, and gave it a wonderful review. That was a Saturday night dinner with the wife. The Sunday Brunch, I understand, was a carry-over from the previous incarnation of the restaurant. I can't judge from back then, but today, I can come here and tell you that the food was wonderful!!! They had an omelet station and a meat carving station. The prime rib was my only complaint. I got a very rare piece of meat, and I suppose it's my fault for not requesting something in the medium range. So, my bad. But this meat just looked red, and it wasn't real great.

Buuuuttt.... the rest of the meal? Wonderful. I'm going to run down what I had-scrambled eggs (okay, nothing special), bacon (!!!!!!!11!!! awesome!!!!111!!one!!), some kind of burrito thing with eggs, cheese and chile peppers (yummy), turkey and dressing (turkey nothing big, but good tasting dressing), cranberry-banana bread (I think it was banana, but it was definitely cranberry, and it was definitely good), and some kind of trifle with strawberries, mandarin oranges, and pineapple. That was actually my favorite part of the meal (besides the bacon!!!!!!!11!!!one!!!). I didn't get a chance to get up to the omelet bar, because it seemed crowded every time I tried.

So, all good stuff. My fellow diners raved about the waffles, another thing I just didn't get around to (too much trifle and bacon!). It was pricey. The total bill was around $135 for six of us. The food met the price, but it is a bit spendy for breakfast. I can get a better deal over at the Golden Corral on their breakfast bar. Sure I sacrifice quality, but how bad can you mess up breakfast?

River Station once again gets a thumbs up, and they remain on the HIT LIST!!

What made the day was my wonderful dining company, Jenny and Chloe, Paul and Stefanie from Michigan, Julie and, of course, the birthday boy Robbie. Happy 60th, and many, many more to my favorite father-in-law!!

Leonardo's, Peoria

Just kidding. They closed, very secretively, as discussed on the Peoria Pundit (and in the Journal Star).

Bunch of crap. I hope the employees get their paychecks, and I hope the owner, Michael LaHood, brother of representative Ray LaHood, finds a way to pay his workers. It is just the most careless thing to do. I hope it gets worked out.

And it's too bad for Leonardo's. Their pizza was, to me, at the very top of Peoria area pizzas, especially their deep-dish. Damn shame.

I am unclear about the ownership situation, as far as how long LaHood has owned it, or if he owned the one down on War Memorial and Wisconsin, as well.

Kinda weird, though. Good business in the original location, they open up a new location out at the Grand Prairie, the old business catches fire, rebuilds, and then closes. Now the new place closes.

And I also noticed a sign over in Washington. They have a LaGondola that offers (offered?) Leonardo's pizza.

WTF? Any answers out there?

Milford, Michigan

Yes, Katie, I am still alive. Don't you know that I am a world traveler? Always out and about, gallavanting around the globe?

The truth of it is, me and the family just got back from Michigan, up to visit her brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Stefanie. They got themselves a house in Milford, which is about the cutest little town ever. Nice little house, too. Wonderful hosts, didn't complain once with the crying kid or me trodding heavily up and down the stairs with the cell phone low-battery beep going off every minute while they try to sleep.

Not that I expect anyone to rush off in search of this wonderful cuisine, but we had some nice meals up there. Paul made us a couple of homemade pizzas that just rocked. We lunched at a little deli up on the main drag where I had pineapple salsa for the first time, on a "caribbean Philly" sandwich. Dinner at the Milford House, where I enjoyed a nice salad with oranges, dried cherries, and other stuff with a house dressing that was sort of sweet and sour. Big ole burger, too. Good stuff.

A visit to the Big Boy in Chelsea, Michigan, and a quick stop at an Arby's in Ottawa, Illinois, and we were back home, ready to get back into the swing of things.

Highlights of this trip: Getting to see my sis-in-law's mom and sister, Sue and Kim. They are a treat!! Also, there's this big grocery that sells organic stuff and gourmet food. I just wanted to buy about everything!! I ended up buying orange juice made from "blood oranges", pomegranate soda, onion horseradish dip, horseradish pickles, Charles Chips (!!), and a piece of Wensleydale cheese (Cheese, Gromit!!).

Lowlights of this trip: I forgot our birth certificates, so we couldn't go across the river to Canada so I could buy contraband such as Players cigarettes and Cuban cigars. Dammit. Also, we were going to swing by Ypsilanti to hit the Bomber Restaurant. Traffic just got too thick in between Milford and there, so I decided, reluctantly, to save my arteries and head on down the road.

So, yes, Katie, I am still alive. Alive with pleasure!! The pleasure of having driven about 920 of the 1000 miles involved in this trip. But it was good to get away for a bit. I've saved you a horseradish pickle. You're welcome!!

Donnelly's, Peoria

Lots of talk about this place on the blogosphere in the past few days. Why? Because anyone who's anyone was there at the Blogger Bash. We enjoyed a nice evening of conversation, sometimes four or five at one time. It was a pleasure to meet some of you folks, and I am looking forward to the next Bash!! I was saddened when it was time for me to leave, and then I had to take the ever-bubbly Katie away from the party far too soon. It will be nice to get back to Peoria after my stint out here in Macomb. I like living here, but would rather be back among all my friends and fambly. But the new friends I made last night are just a keystroke away anyhoo!!!

So anyhoo, about Donnelly's. Little Irishy place over off Glen, kind of across from the Lariat Club. It's a dark little pub-like atmosphere with lots of wood walls. It's a bar, so it's smoky, but if you want to eat in a bar, you already know that you're going to have to deal with the smoke. So deal with it!!

Our waitress sure seemed on top of things, ready for refills and always checking up on us. There was a bit of an ordeal with silverware, but it was solved rather quickly. I had the catfish, which was just dandy. I'm used to the southern style of catfish frying, which is usually a cornmeal batter, but this wasn't like that. No matter-it was very tasty, and absolutely huge!! But the star of my dinner was the dill tartar sauce. Wow!! It's DILL-icious!! Hooooo-weeee!! Fries were okay, but they were better dipped in DILL!!!!

Katie had mini-tacos. Hard to screw them up. Dump 'em out of the bag and fry 'em. They did go the extra mile and sprinkle some cheddar cheese on it.

Looking around the table, I heard a bit about an overcooked ribeye steak sandwich, and saw a yummy looking chicken breast sandwich dipped in buffalo sauce (the chicken, not the whole sandwich). Chef Kevin had a "Waterford Chicken" sandwich and onion rings. He had no complaints about it-said it was his fallback meal when he went there.

One more comment-I'm not sure if Donnelly's is the kind of place that makes their own salad dressing, but their balsamic vinaigrette was (searching for another adjective besides tasty....) tasty!!!

Donnelly's-it's bar food that is well worth a visit!!! Donnelly's makes the HIT List!!

And again, to all who showed up for the party, it was a pleasure, and I look forward to future meetings!

Nothing to see here...

Sorry I haven't written much lately. I've been busy writing a paper for my independent study class at school. Thirty pages of Sino-Soviet relations tends to take up all my writing time. The only places of note I've been to in the Peoria area between last weekend and last night have been Red Lobster and Silver Bullet. Nothing of great note there, just decent food, no complaints.

Today we're lunching at Jimmy John's over in the Metro Centre, where they have just moved into their new, larger shop located two doors down from their previous location. My friend Greg, who is the manager over there, let me know last night that they are all moved in, so we're going to pay a visit.

Have a good weekend. Bloggers, hope to see you at Donnelly's Tuesday night for the Blogger Bash!