Final bells

This year, like those before, saw the rise and fall of many unique local businesses in central Illinois.

2012 also saw us move out of Illinois, several months ago. Due to this, I find it difficult at this time to keep up with all the local developments, being a couple hundred miles away. We do visit fairly often, but when we do we tend to revisit old favorite dining establishments, or gravitate toward places where family and friends like to go more often than trying the new guy in town.

At this time, I’m going to hang up my blogging hat for a while, but no matter where I am I still seek out unique local shops and restaurants, and hope you will too. Keep living the local and have a great 2013!

Noted

Off The Bone Smokehouse Restaurant & Bar at 3127 Prospect in Peoria has closed and El Nopal Authentic Mexican Restaurant is opening soon in its place.

Noted

Kuchie's on the Water took over Captain Ron's at 579 Wesley Road in Creve Coeur this August.

Double D Diner in Washington has closed.

Noted

Madison's on the Square, a bakery and café, will open later this year in Washington in the former BBQ spot on Walnut Street.

Lop Ears Poochy Playground

A few weeks ago we dropped off our dog at Lop Ears Poochy Playground, 10000 North Galena Road in Peoria, for an afternoon of play.
We weren't quite sure what to expect. We walked in to the concrete-floored Morton style building and saw a large open room, but no people or dogs.
After about a minute, a happy dog came running out of a room to the right and I joked that this must be our greeter. The dog ran over to us and soaked up all the attention we gave.
Soon another dog ran out of the room to the right, and before we knew it, a whole stream of dogs poured out of the room to check out who was there, followed by a gentleman who was holding down the fort for the day.
He took plenty of time to ask questions, walk our dog around the site and learn about how she would react to the group.
We soon left to get on with our day and a few hours later I received a text message, apparently from our dog, letting us know that even though she is shy she was having fun.
Lop Ears offers boarding, stay and play and dog daycare.
When we arrived a few hours later, there were a few more people there and we met the wife of the husband/wife team.
I can honestly say I don't think I've ever met people who love dogs more. They were so friendly and very caring about the dogs, and welcomed us to bring our dog back any time.
I certainly will!

Noted

Panaderia Ortiz Bakery is now open at 1404 NE Monroe in Peoria. Oh how I miss my lunches at the Goodness Café!
Sazani's Steak & Pasta House is now open at 7327 N Galena Road, also in Peoria.

Noted

Junction City's 309 restaurant closed this month. Also in Junction City, Natural Balance Wellness Center is now open.

Taber Lacie Photography and Brienzo's Wood Fired Pizza (with a mobile brick oven!) opened earlier this year.

A new restaurant, Lee's Chinese Garden, has opened at 1221 W. Glen in Peoria next to Mediterranean Mart.