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There has been activity at the former Jill's restaurant site at 7327 N. Galena Road in Peoria. A sign on the property reads Sazanis Steak & Pasta opening soon.

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The former Firehouse Bar & Grill is now open as No Wake Zone Bar & Grill, 4925 N. Galena Road in Peoria. They are serving pizzas, sandwiches and salads, burgers, hot dogs and more for both lunch and dinner.

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New businesses debuting on the east side of the river this spring include The 5th Quarter Sports Bar & Pizzeria at 1110 N Main in East Peoria (formerly Vertucci's) and Le Fleur florist on the square in Washington.

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blu, an accessory store, is now open in Peoria's Junction City.

The Beanhive

Over the weekend we found ourselves in Galesburg and I was looking for Kaldi's Coffeehouse on East Simmons Street, but instead I found The Beanhive, which used to be called Kaldi's.
The coffee shop had several customers sitting at tables or in comfy chairs visiting and enjoying coffee and the shelves were lined with Leaves N Beans coffee beans, roasted in Peoria Heights.
In addition to coffee The Bean Hive offers sandwiches including a vegetarian option, cookies and smoothies. They also host live music events.
My husband ordered a latte with an extra shot of espresso and was informed that for the same price he could have a triple shot, which he was all over.

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This weekend we were in Monmouth and saw the new Petey's Pub & Grill, which has been open several months now, located at 2 American Way. Apparently the owner of Cerar's Barnstormer, where we've enjoyed several family dinners, is the owner of Petey's.

Bernardi's Pub and Italian Eatery

For Mother's Day we met the moms (and a dad) at the newly dubbed and revamped Bernardi's Pub and Italian Eatery in Dunlap's Lake of the Woods Plaza.
Waiting for some of our party to arrive, we enjoyed their outdoor seating for a bit since the weather was so beautiful.
Once we headed inside, I loved the large vintage prints of Mona's and various family shots throughout the dining room.
The menu featured some of the more traditional Bernardi's family classics such as tortellini, but also salads, beer battered asparagus, Cajun salmon, pulled pork, grilled tuna, a Reuben, and even a mac n cheese melt complete with Italian beef, BBQ sauce and green onion.
However, once I saw the garlic parmesan flatbread on the menu, I was sunk.

Described as fire roasted flatbread brushed in Bernardi oil, parmesan, and fresh parsley served with homemade roasted garlic paste with chopped tomatoes and slightly drizzled with Olio & Vino’s black truffle oil, I was surprised at the simplicity of the flatbread when it arrived, accompanied by a dish of garlic paste. However, this was a dish after my own heart, with true, hearty roasted garlic I could spread all over the soft pita-like bread.
I had the fortune of sampling my husband's little "hush puppies", which were dusted with powdered sugar, and my mom's side of mac and cheese, which was delicious. I have always liked the idea of mac and cheese at a restaurant, but have always been disappointed after trying it. This version topped the charts.
My dad had a nice looking piece of salmon that I believe featured a pesto-based sauce and my mom had some BBQ pork sliders.
I did notice fried chicken being served up in galvanized "buckets" and I remembered my dining companion talking about a customer who was taken aback by the change. Hey, if the food is good, it's all good with me!
We were able to supplement our meal with margaritas, red wine and iced tea, and service was good.
I'll be sure to keep Bernardi's Pub on my list for future family gatherings!

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Soul Food Catering is now open in the former Rosie's BBQ & Grill at 2626 N. Sheridan Road in Peoria.

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Granny Goodwitch Bakery opened a storefront at 1104 Main Street in East Peoria this winter.

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A karaoke bar named Pitch will open at 631 Main Street in Peoria next month.

Mother's Day is rapidly nearing. I'll be on the prowl for a gift from a great local shop and am trying to think of someplace we can sneak in for breakfast without all the chaos or portable brunch items to take over to Mom's. As much as I would like it, I don't think a Cracked Pepper bacon log will work!

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Lil' Mak's is opening soon on Route 116 in Metamora.

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Shifter's Pub has opened at 500 Main Street in Peoria, which was home to the Whammy Bar, Euro Jack's and Babe's, just to name a few.

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A reader sent me a review of his visit to the updated Bernardi's Pub and Italian Eatery in Dunlap. Looks like they have a brand new menu with less emphasis on Italian food and a pulled pork sandwich I think I need to check out!

Recently we stopped in Eureka for a tasty locally-brewed coffee at Mika's and noticed their neighbors The Skirt Outlet and Objects.

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Bernardi's North in Dunlap's Lake of the Woods Plaza is changing their name to Bernardi's Pub and Italian Eatery.

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I received a tip from a reader that Retro American Tap on Peoria's riverfront was closed as of yesterday, and confirmed this tonight. The location formerly housed Old Chicago.

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Yesterday while we were in downtown Peoria for the St. Patrick's Day parade, we noticed that The Nut House on Main Street is for sale.

Luck o' the Irish

We're going to take in the St. Patrick's Day parade in Peoria on Saturday.
I'm sure there are no shortage of places that will be serving up corned beef and cabbage for the occasion. I saw that Jimmy's Bar on Farmington Road will be featuring the meal for $8, along with Guinness beef stew and other special menu items.
Do you have a favorite haunt for St. Pat's themed food?

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The Butcher Block Steakhouse, located in Peoria's Junction City, is now known as Magnolia's on Propsect.

Maxine's on Main

Recently a friend and I headed out to Morton to try the new Maxine's on Main, located at 208 N. Main Street.
We walked in to the cozy bungalow and were recognized by our reservation and arrival time and were seated on the front porch area at a tall table.
Both being fans of cheese, we decided to partake of the cheese plate, which our server told us consisted of goudas, one goat cheese and three cow cheeses. The cheeses were accompanied by a delicious cherry mustard, some nuts and savory caramelized onions.
For dinner I went with the wheat crusted salmon on a bed of red pepper couscous.
We finished our meal with a chocolate flight for dessert. We got to sample a Cabernet brownie; cayenne, hazelnut and bacon truffles; Pot de Creme and chocolate bark. My favorites were the spicy cayenne truffle and the bark.
Service was great and all of the food was nicely presented and well-prepared.
Maxine's also features a nice wine and beer selection, and currently only serves dinner Tuesday through Saturday.

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I heard that Salt on Prospect in Peoria Heights is planning to expand into the vacant space next to them and is considering offering brunch on Sundays.