Peoria Theater

The movie we chose to see on our first visit may not have lived up to my expectations, but the Peoria Theater was a nice change from the same old.

The theater, which uses a couple of the screens in Peoria's Landmark cinema building, shows some different and independent films compared to what the megaplex theaters showcase.

You have the option of enjoying beer, wine or even Jager bombs during your movie, and if you're lucky you might score a seat on one of the plush couches located behind the traditional theater seating.

Peoria Theater also hosts events in conjunction with some of their showings, and will host private parties.

Sitting waiting for our feature to start, I couldn't help but think what a neat thing the Peoria Theater is and was a bit sorry that I hadn't thought of it first and had the entrepreneurial spirit to see it through.

Noted

This week I noticed that a olive oil/vinegar/wine sampling shop will soon be open on Prospect in Peoria Heights. We have visited stores like this on our travels and are looking forward to checking it out.

I also spotted a new sign at the former Velvet Freeze in East Peoria. The sign said simply "The Original" Wonderdog, and there was also a grand opening banner on one of the windows. People were already inside enjoying the fare.

We were on our way to lunch somewhere, but will keep this in mind.

Bullpen Sports Bar & Grill

After the closure of the off track betting parlor at Landmark in Peoria, the Bullpen Sports Bar & Grill took over the space.

I met my husband for lunch there a couple of weeks ago, and found a few of the tall tables in the dining area were already occupied.

Looking over the menu our waitress promptly delivered, I noticed they had a hand battered Buffalo chicken sandwich ($6.25), so I decided to try that.

Besides chicken the sandwich selections also include a hand cut tenderloin, a fish sandwich, a turkey wrap, a hot dog and a sub, an Italian beef, a prime rib and Philly beef steak. They serve wings, some nice sounding salads including a Caribbean version, pizza and 1/3 pound burgers. All sandwiches come with home made chips.

After ordering, I took notice of all the 50" flat screen TVs lining the room near the ceiling. All the better for those sports fans.

Video games were scattered throughout the sports bar.

There was also a second room with more intimately arranged tables and smaller TV screens that may become an Internet café in the future.

Our food arrived in good time. My chicken breast was juicy, and rather than being doused in the standard tabasco sauce, this bird was packing some heat! The sauce had quite a kick to it, and I noticed some pepper flakes on it as well. The sandwich left a satisfying burn on my tongue long after it was gone.

The home made chips were an nice accompaniment to my meal.

The Bullpen serves lunch seven days a week, is open until 2 a.m. Thursday-Saturday and features food specials several days a week.