Friday, September 30, 2011

Sicily Pizza

My husband spent many years eating Sicily Pizza in Washburn and raves about it to this day.
Several weeks ago we made the drive out and sampled a fresh, hot pie for dinner.
The restaurant has expanded a few times over the years, and we took a seat in the dining room to the left of the counter, where we found a couple and two children chatting while waiting for their pizza.
We ordered a five cheese pizza from the young gentleman who waited on us, a pleasant chap who kept the iced tea refills coming.
The pizza had a simple quality, tasting of tomato and cheese, without a lot else to stand in the way of a homemade Italian-style pizza.
If you decide to go, be aware that they did not accept credit cards as of the time of our visit.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Noted

I stopped by Olio & Vino in Peoria Heights to stock up on some olive oil and noticed that Salt has hung their sign for their new restaurant. I'm really interested to try the food.

Monday, September 26, 2011

Noted

I just found out that the former Gene's Dairy Dream building in Peoria has been torn down. Gene's was nostalgic to me because I used to live in the Oberlander building off of University Street, and Gene's was in the parking lot. They had lots of wonderful treats available.
Most recently the building housed America's Best Food & Ice Cream.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Round up

Recently I enjoyed a delicious lunch at Beignet's On the Corner in Peoria and shared a very tasty portabella appetizer at Basta O'Neills in Washington.
I also made it to The Spotted Cow in Peoria for lunch. I swear they have the best Italian beef meat I've ever found in the area, and I also had the bonus of trying their delectable pumpkin ice cream for the first time. I had a hard time choosing between that flavor and the one with sweet corn in it.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Famous City Bistro

We visited the newly-opened Famous City Bistro in Peoria for a quick dinner one weeknight.
Pulling in to the parking lot from northbound University Street, I saw a yellow arrow painted on the pavement pointing toward me, so I turned to the right and had a bit of difficulty maneuvering into a parking space, but several spaces were open so it was not a big deal.
We noticed their digital sign said they were looking for bartenders, and we were surprised to learn that the restaurant served alcohol. I had expected that it was more of a sandwich shop.
We headed toward a nice outdoor dining area and into the first dining room, which featured a bar along the back wall.
The decor was modern with black leather look chairs flanking the tables and bar. I liked the fluffy looking white clouds painted on the sky blue ceiling, and if I was decorating a condo, I would have to know where they got the beautiful pendant lights over the bar.
We were greeted and taken to a table by the window. We were both pleased with the drink specials for the night, a $4 margarita for me and some sort of beer for StfRon.
The margarita was quite good, better than one I had recently at a Mexican restaurant actually, and came with extra 'rita in a shaker so I could top it off as I enjoyed it.
The menu featured a large selection of sandwiches U.S. cities are famous for, such as a New Orleans po boy, Cape Cod fish and the like.
Noticing that they had hickory smoked selections on the menu, my husband had to know what kind of smoker they used. We found out that the smoker is an Old Hickory and that there was an experienced BBQ competitor on staff manning the ship.
After reading about the Santa Fe grilled chicken sandwich, billed as a grilled chicken breast seasoned with special chili-lime seasoning, served with fresh Pico de Gallo, a cheddar jack blend and topped with sweet chili sauce on a ciabatta roll, I had to give that a try. Nothing on the sandwich overpowered the chicken breast, which was juicy and hot, tucked into the soft Ciabatta roll.
I also tried their smoked baked beans, which were indeed smoky and savory.
My husband enjoyed the Dallas brisket and tried the selection of sauces offered. This sandwich made up for a disappointing BBQ experience he had at a food truck on the riverfront recently.
Our waitress was attentive, making sure we had everything we needed and offered water when my husband declined another beer.
In addition to all of the sandwiches, Famous City also offers salads, burgers and wraps and plan to start serving breakfast soon. They also feature live music some nights.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Noted

Panache in Peoria's Sheridan Village is now closed.

If you stopped by River Beach Pub along River Beach Drive in Rome recently and found them closed, they are back from vacation and open as of Tuesday and will feature live music this Saturday night.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Noted

Kaydee Kats is now open in the former Pizza Hut on Prospect Avenue in Peoria Heights.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Noted

Maurie's Candies in Pekin is making their well-known caramel apples now. If you love a good caramel apple and haven't tried theirs, I would recommend it. The apples they use compliment their divine caramel wonderfully. It is a good idea to call ahead and make sure they have some if you are making a trek over there.

Speaking of things that remind me of fall, I can't believe this weekend is Peoria Oktoberfest weekend. The celebration will run Friday-Sunday on the Peoria riverfront featuring German music, food and beer.

Friday, September 09, 2011

Noted

Sunday, September 11, Bernardi's family of restaurants will donate $1 of each guest check to local fire and rescue organizations. Visit Mona's or Capponi's in Toluca, Bernardi's in Washington, Bernardi's North in Dunlap or Bernardi's II in Pontiac.

Sunday, September 04, 2011

Noted

Leaves-n-Beans has opened a new coffee shop in Morton at 213 S. Main Street. In addition to their fresh roasted coffee, sandwiches, salads and more are available.

Friday, September 02, 2011

Noted

I heard a few weeks ago that Panache in Peoria was for sale. Today on peoria.com I read that they will be closing next Friday. I will miss their gelato and wish the owner well.