Archived Posts from January 2007

Best Song From A Movie Ever!!

Written on January 26th in Uncategorized

Because we’ve all been singing the Superbowl Shuffle a little to much this week, I give to you another great song-ahead of its time.

Clap your hands, everybody
and everybody clap your hands!
We’re Lambda, Lambda, Lambda and…
Omega Mu
and we’ve come here on stage tonight
to do a show for you!

We’ve got a rockin’ rhythm and a hi-tech sound
that’ll make you move your body down to the ground!
We got Poindexter on the violin,
and Louis and Gilbert will be joinin’ in
We got Booger Presley on the lead guitar
and a rap by lil’ ol’ me Lamar!
We got Takeshi beating on his gong
The boys and the Mus are clappin’ along

And just when you thought you’ve seen it all
Along comes a Lambda 4 foot tall
So get out here Wormser, on the floor
and let’s move our bodies lie never before!

Breeeaaak…

1 Response

One More Chance

Written on January 24th in Uncategorized

We were at a local bar this weekend with Rob’s two best friends from college. “The Boys” are always up for anything so we just drag them around with us. Due to a prior committment, we went to a place that we usually try to avoid if we can. The particular bar in question has crappy accoustics so trying to have a conversation when they have a band is virtually impossible. The bartenders tend to act as if they’re doing you a favor by actually tending bar. They’re not the kind that talk to patrons, they just pour the drinks. And boy, if you order a mixed drink, one shot of alcohol is what you get. Maybe less but defintely not more. We actually got there before the place got crowded and started charging a cover fee. A little while later, we watched as the girl sitting next to me virtually destroyed the bar stool by sitting on the back of the chair instead of the seat. I know bar stools aren’t cheap. Especially when you’re talking about chrome and leather. So, after the Bradley game, Rob’s dad popped in. We’re talking about a mid-60’sh fella that has never been in the place except for the occassional lunch. He came right over to us and Rob bought him a beer while Brent intercepted the door guy who was looking for the cover charge. I just think it’s comical that the door guy was extremely worried about the cover charge but looked on with little interest as the girl next to me destroyed a chair because she was more comfortable that way. And that’s why I avoid the place like the plague. This time, I swear I will.

1 Response

Guess What I Did This Weekend?

Written on January 22nd in Uncategorized

I woke up early on Saturday, grabbed some books that I knew I would never, ever read again and headed over to the used book store on Prospect. I’ve been in the mood for more of Rick Baker’s essays lately. I guess I’ve been feeling sentimental or something. Anyway, I didn’t have to present an I.D. or anything. The only thing that has changed since the last time I traded books in (probably over 15 years ago) is that you can use only up to half of your credit and the rest has to be in cash. So, now I have $5.00 in credit.

Reading one essay, I realized he actually made mention of Rob’s grandmother’s petunias. She happened to live next door to Bob Michael and Rob got to water those flowers all the time. It’s hysterical to remeber some of the retail, bars and restaurants that used to be around. One of my favorite essays was about Rib Haven-I can’t remember where that was. A woman payed over $3 for a rib sandwich (apparently pretty pricey back in the day) and could think of nothing else on the ride home. She ran into the house, poured a glass of milk, unwrapped the sandwich and realized it was two pieces of white bread with 3 bone-in ribs. They later found out that the cook had made a mistake because it was supposed to be 4 ribs.
Love It!!

1 Response

Happy Birthday Rob!

Written on January 22nd in Uncategorized

Love,
Your Much Younger Wife

No Responses

bang…bang…

Written on January 18th in Uncategorized

According to the Journal Star, Chuck Grayeb is pushing for an even wider smoking ban than he originally conceived. Why is there always one person who has to “go out with a bang?” The idea of the city telling a restaurant owner that it’s illegal for them to allow smoking is absolutely ridiculous. Here’s a list of restaurants in Peoria County that are already smoke free. If it’s SUCH a big deal, these establishments should see a huge upswing in sales.

PEORIA COUNTY

2 Chez 7815 N. Knoxville Ave. Peoria 309-691-2224
Abe’s Deli 124 SW Adams St. Peoria 309-671-0286
Adams Street Café 107 SW Adams St. Peoria 309-637-0022
Angela’s Candy & Nuts 456 Fulton St. Peoria 309-676-1952
Apple’s Bakery Northside Market 8412 N. Knoxvillle Ave. Peoria 309-693-3522
Arby’s 3402 N. University St. Peoria 309-692-0205
Arby’s 6819 N. War Memorial Drive Peoria 309-692-0205
Ashby’s Sterling Ice Cream 305 N. Western Ave. Peoria 309-637-1660
Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels 4501 War Memorial Peoria 309-688-3983
Avanti’s 4711 N. Rockwood Road Peoria 309-688-6565
Avanti’s Ristorante 1301 W. Main St. Peoria 309-674-4923
Barnes & Noble 5001 N. Big Hollow Road Peoria 309-693-9408
Baskin Robbins 4125 N. Sheridan Road Peoria 309-685-1632
Bellacino’s Pizza & Grinders 1200 W. Main St. #10 & 11 Peoria 309-671-0544
Best Chicken & Fish 1810 S. Griswold Peoria 309-453-1415
Big Apple Bagels 5009 W. American Prairie Dr. Peoria 309-691-3890
Big JJ Fish & Chicken 913 S. Western Ave. Peoria 309-497-0000
Bistro 320 320 Liberty St. Peoria 309-497-3300
Blimpie Subs & Salads 3125 N. University St. Peoria 309-688-9020
Blimpie Subs & Salads 7817 N. Knoxville Ave. Peoria 309-691-8950
Bob Evans 8821 N. Allen Rd. Peoria 309-691-1463
Burger King 8209 N. Knoxville Ave. Peoria 309-692-3952
Café 401 401 SW Water St. Peoria 309-673-2233
Cafeteria Alternatives/OSF Saint Francis 530 NE Glen Oak Ave. Peoria 309-674-5670
Lovett’s 117 W. Main Elmwood 309-742-3278
C’est Si Bon! 300 Hamilton Blvd. Peoria 309-676-7017
Childer’s Eatery 3312N. University Peoria 309-688-1332
China Express 1905 N. Knoxville Ave. Peoria 309-681-1888
Christian Center Grille 4100 N. War Memorial Drive Peoria 309-685-4217
Chuck E Cheese’s 2601 W. Lake St. Peoria 309-688-2873
Cici’s Pizza 801 W. Lake Ave. Peoria 309-686-1201
Cinco De Mayo 1112 Pioneer Pkwy. Peoria 309-689-9014
Cookie Shack 3034 N. Wisconsin St. Peoria 309-682-8171
Cookies By Design 1200 W. Main St. Peoria 309-673-2606
Culver’s 4612 N. University Peoria 309-693-3579
Cyd’s Sensationals Inc. 4607 N. Prospect Road Peoria Heights 309-685-1100
Dairy Queen 1206 N. Fourth St. Chillicothe 309-274-2070
Dairy Queen 8530 N. Knoxville Ave. Peoria 309-693-8194
Dairy Queen 4204 N. Sheridan Road Peoria 309-685-2706
Detweiller Golf Course Snack Shop 8412 N. Galena Road Peoria
Dobie’s 9927 U.S. Route 150 Kickapoo 309-691-1933
Domino’s Pizza 5040 N. Big Hollow Road Peoria 309-692-9292
Domino’s Pizza 3320 N. Prospect Road Peoria 309-686-1676
Domino’s Pizza 425 N. Western Ave. Peoria 309-673-3315
Donovan Golf Course Snack Shop 5805 N. Knoxville Ave. Peoria
Dunkin’ Donuts 4525 N. Sterling Ave. Peoria 309-682-0272
Egg Roll Express 3634 N. Gale Ave. Peoria 309-688-5544
El Mexicano Restaurant 1520 NE Jefferson Ave. Peoria 309-636-8858
Elmwood Tastee Freez 608 W. Main St. Elmwood 309-742-2306
Express Wok 7815 N. Knoxville Ave. Peoria 309-691-8818
Fahey’s Downtown, Ltd. 416 Main LL100 Peoria 309-497-1100
Fairview Farms Restaurant 5911 Heuermann Peoria 309-697-4111
Fazoli’s 4810 N. University St. Peoria 309-691-7671
Firehouse Pizza 814 W. Pioneer Parkway Peoria 309-689-3400
Gloria Jean’s Coffee 5201 W. War Memorial Peoria 309-689-9885
Gloria Jean’s Coffee 4501 N. War Memorial Drive Peoria 309-682-9810
Godfather’s Pizza 618 W. Glen Ave. Peoria 309-688-5007
Grandpa John’s Rib Shack 3300 W. Willow Knolls Drive Peoria 309-692-4820
Great Wall 1219 W. Main St. Peoria 309-637-1104
Happy Thought Coffee 953 N. Second St. Chillicothe 309-274-6623
Hardee’s 5515 SW Adams St. Bartonville 309-697-0500
Hardee’s 108 N. Fourth St. Chillicothe 309-274-2747
Hardee’s 4100 W. Willow Knolls Peoria 309-692-9571
Hardee’s 8887 N. Knoxville Ave. Peoria 309-692-1338
Hardee’s 6824 N. War Memorial Drive Peoria 309-692-9571
Hardee’s 1344 N. Knoxville Ave. Peoria 309-686-4448
Hardee’s 4419 N. Prospect Road Peoria Heights 309-682-0122
Hardee’s 3505 N.E. Adams Peoria 309-682-7003
Her Majesty’s English Tea Room 211 N. 2nd Dunlap 309-243-8322
Hickory Stick Shops: Bittersweet Café 419 W. Beech St. Chillicothe 309-274-6078
Hometown Buffet 5001 Big Hollow Road Peoria 309-689-0120
Human Service Center - Food Server 228 NE Jefferson Peoria 309-671-2390
Ing’s Chinese Express 4125 N. Sheridan Rd. Peoria 309-682-3388
Island Blend Coffee & Smoothies 2535 W. War Memorial Dr. Peoria 309-689-3333
J&D Snax 6616 N. Montello Drive Peoria 309-691-3756
Jester’s Coffee House 1222 W. Bradley Ave. Peoria 309-676-5474
Jimmy John’s 4700 N. University St. #44 Peoria 309-692-2222
Jimmy John’s 1121 W. Main St. Peoria 309-673-9999
Jimmy John’s 208 SW Adams St. Peoria 309-637-4444
Kade’s 5117 W. Holiday Drive Peoria 309-691-0995
Jubilee Café Interstate 74 Exit 82 Kickapoo 309-691-7778
K Café 901 W. Lake St. Peoria 309-682-0350
Kellogg Golf Course Snack Shop 7716 Radnor Road Peoria 309-679-6636
Kentucky Fried Chicken 5601 S.W. Washington Bartonville 309-697-1300
KFC 602 N. Western Peoria 309-637-8431
Khoury’s Cuisine 3326 N. University St. Peoria 309-685-3000
Kitchens 4501 N. War Memorial Drive Peoria 309-685-2081
LaGondola Spaghetti House 8807 N. Knoxville Ave. Peoria 309-691-0788
Laverne’s Coffee & Sandwiches 2201 S.W. Adams Suite 22 Peoria 309-676-1180
Le Bakery & Café 4700 N. University St. Peoria 309-693-9190
LePeep Restaurant 7501 N. University St., Suite 130 Peoria 309-692-5512
Lester’s Tasty Donuts 420 N. Fourth St. Chillicothe 309-274-5757
Lester’s Tasty Donuts 4408 N. Prospect Road Peoria Heights 309-682-3214
Lester’s Tasty Donuts 7326 N. University St. Peoria 309-691-5914
Lester’s Tasty Donuts & Café 1401 W. Glen Ave. Peoria 309-282-0237
Lindsay’s on Liberty 330 Liberty St. Peoria 309-497-3300
Little Caesar’s 4325 N. Sheridan Road Peoria 309-685-0049
Little Caesar’s 3023 N. Sterling Road Peoria 309-688-0235
Long John Silver’s 2505 W. Lake Ave. Peoria 309-688-7511
Long John Silver’s 1801 N. Knoxville Ave. Peoria 309-682-5978
Long John Silver’s 7810 N. University St. Peoria 309-691-9581
Madison Golf Course Snack Shop 2735 Martin Luther King Drive Peoria
Maid - Rite Restaurant 4700 N. University St. Peoria 309-692-6300
Mark’s Market 2705 W. Farmington Road Peoria 309-673-2590
McDonald’s 5600 S. Washington Bartonville 309-633-5600
McDonald’s 1205 W. Garfield Ave. Bartonville 309-697-9594
McDonald’s 2920 NE Adams St. Peoria 309-686-0317
McDonald’s 3600 N. University St. Peoria 309-685-9397
McDonald’s 1017 W. Main St. Peoria 309-671-1017
McDonald’s 2205 N. Knoxville Ave. Peoria 309-685-4759
McDonald’s 4007 Baring Trace Peoria 309-693-3540
McDonald’s 7720 N. University St. Peoria 309-692-0712
McDonald’s 4605 N. War Memorial Drive Peoria 309-679-9703
McDonald’s 627 N. Western Ave. Peoria 309-676-1633
McDonald’s 3717 N. Prospect Road Peoria Heights 309-686-1337
McDonald’s 106 Plaza Drive Chillicothe 309-274-4070
Ming Shee 2 915 W. Garfield Ave. Bartonville 309-633-9929
Ming Shee Restaurant 3510 N. University St. Peoria 309-688-0418
Mocha Joe’s Beanery 4700 N. University St. Peoria 309-689-9800
Monical’s Pizza 4408 N. Knoxville Road Peoria 309-688-0747
Mr. G’s 601 W. Main St. Peoria 309-676-0676
Naturally Yours 4700 N. University Peoria 309-692-4448
Ned Kelly’s Steakhouse 4114 N. Brandywine Peoria 309-685-1033
Newman Golf Course Snack Shop 2021 W. Nebraska Peoria
Nick & Willy’s 4700 N. University St. Peoria 309-691-2345
Nick’s Deli 416 St. Mark Peoria 309-672-1530
Original Cookie Co. 4501 N. War Memorial Drive Peoria 309-682-4901
Panache 4611 N. Sheridan Road Peoria 309-589-1844
Panda House 1200 W. Main St. Peoria 309-637-9388
Panera Bread 2601 W. Lake Ave. Peoria 309-682-3300
Papa John’s 4307 N. Sheridan Road Peoria 309-682-7272
Papa John’s 930 Bourland Peoria 309-673-7272
Papa Murphy’s Pizza 3125 N. University St. Peoria 309-686-3700
Paparazzi Restaurant 4315 Voss St. Peoria Heights 309-682-5205
Peking Restaurant 430 W. Main St. Peoria 309-676-0282
Peoria Carmelcorn 4501 N. War Memorial Drive Peoria 309-688-6180
Popeye’s Chicken 1800 N. Knoxville Peoria 309-494-3094
Prairie Sky Room 240 SW Jefferson St. Peoria 309-479-3300
Princeville Pride Inc. 105 E. Main St. Princeville 309-385-4308
Quizno’s Classic Subs 319 Main St. Peoria 309-672-1461
Quiznos Subs 4100 Willow Knolls Peoria 309-693-2055
Rhythm Kitchen Music Cafe 305 S. W. Water St. Peoria 309-676-9668
River City Café 425 Hamilton Blvd. Peoria 309-637-3354
Roly Poly Sandwiches 315 Main Peoria 309-676-7042
Sander’s/CEFCU 5401 W. Dirksen Parkway Peoria 309-697-1303
Schlotzsky’s Deli 9126 N. Lindbergh Peoria 309-692-6544
Schlotzsky’s Deli 4616 N. Sterling Ave. Peoria 309-686-8153
Senior Congregate Meals Program 926 Main St. Peoria 309-673-202
Shanghai Express 3311 N. Sterling Ave. Peoria 309-686-0721
Smoothie King 4203 N. Sheridan Peoria 309-686-1500
Spotted Cow 800 NE Glen Oak Ave. Peoria 309-673-6780
Subway 915 Garfield Ave. Bartonville 309-633-1440
Subway 142 N. Fourth St. Chillicothe 309-274-3010
Subway 1200 W. Main St. Peoria 309-673-3505
Subway 4325 N. Sheridan Road Peoria 309-688-0818
Subway 8713 N. Knoxville Ave. Peoria 309-693-7827
Subway 4410 N. Prospect Road Peoria Heights 309-688-7280
Subway 1307 W. Glen Ave. Peoria 309-691-7999
Subway Sandwiches 1800 N. Knoxville Ave. Peoria 309-688-0700
Szechwan Gardens 816 W. Pioneer Parkway Peoria 309-692-0900
Taco Bell 3108 N. Sterling Ave. Peoria 309-688-8152
Taco Bell 8711 N. Knoxville Ave. Peoria 309-691-6686
Taco Bell 1811 N. Knoxville Ave. Peoria 309-688-3799
Target 5001 N. Big Hollow Road Peoria 309-691-9030
Thanh Linh Vietnamese Rest. 1223 W. Main St. Peoria
The Butcher Block 4700 N. University Ave. Peoria 309-683-8747
The Waterhouse 619 Water St. Suite B Peoria 309-494-9100
Tower Park Café 4801 N. Prospect Road Peoria Heights 309-688-2233
Tucker’s Express 12200 Brentfield Drive Dunlap 309-243-9624
Udder’s Ice Creamery 5201 N. War Memorial Drive Peoria 309-688-2423
Velvet Freeze 1200 W. Main St. Peoria 309-655-0513
Village Bake Shop 119 E. Main St. Princeville 309-385-4596
Wal-Mart Snack Shop 3315 N. University St. Peoria 309-682-0055
Weaver Ridge 5100 Weaver Ridge Peoria 309-691-3344
Wendy’s 5001 N. Big Hollow Road Peoria 309-693-2560
Wildlife Banquet Halls 3826 N. Taylor Road Peoria 309-676-0998
Wildlife Snack Bar 3826 N. Taylor Road Peoria 309-676-0998
Wine Country’s French Toast 4600 N. Prospect Road Peoria Heights 309-686-0234

7 Responses

Songs That Make You Think You Can Sing

Written on January 18th in Uncategorized

All the ballyhoo over American Idol got me thinking. Has anyone ever given me the impression that I was a good singer? No. Has anyone ever given me the impression that I should keep my mouth shut and never carry a tune? No. Unless you count Rob grimmacing after a particularly horrible attempt at My Boyfriend’s Back with Colleen at a karoke fest. Why do I only karoke with a partner? I know I can’t carry a tune and would rather have someone with me to deflect the off-keyness of my voice. Anywho, that being said, I have no grand illusions that I will be America’s Next Idol. None. I don’t even want to watch this season because I sincerely feel that the harshness of the critiques is getting out of hand. I understand the entertainment value, however, some people have extremely frail images of self worth.

There are, however, a few songs that immediately upon me hearing, I must start singing out loud. This then encourages me that my voice is not so god-awful and I could possibly sing a solo karoke song. All of which is just plain wrong. The top three songs that convince me that I don’t suck too badly:

1. You’re So Vain-Carly Simon
2. Picture-Sheryl Crowe and Kid Rock
3. Nobody Knows it But Me-The Tony Rich Project

What songs make you think you can sing?

1 Response

Rob’s Reply

Written on January 17th in Uncategorized

I can think of a few reasons the waiter did this and all of them point to him being a shitty little rodent of a person.
1.He never gets good tips; ie. You Suck! Get out of the service industry and apply at IDOT. Have you ever seen anyone holding a SLOW sign that you would want serving you food?
2.He’s a thief. He is adding 18% and hoping the customer doesn’t look, and tips on top of it. Cavat Emptor does not apply here. This is P Town and this resturant has been around for decades, no amount of chain-store thinking would justify this on a party under 8.
3.He’s a product of chain resturant training. If that’s the case he should pack up his apron and all of his “flair” and head back to whatever whole-fried-onion serving coperate shithole he came from.

Whatever the reason, this POS would have had a much more eventfull night if I were in on that dinner. Good thing for him, I was five states away.
I’m a big fan of this place and an even bigger fan of their bartender, who in my humble opinon is one of the three best in town. But I’m going to find out who this person is and give my tips to anyone but him. Nothing tells an owner that a waiter needs to go like a request of “anyone but him” when you’re being seated.

OK, that’s a little too much like one of my rants so I’ll stop now. I’d just like to take this chance to thank everyone who voted for me in the RCT Best of ‘06 readers poll. I’d also like to break the news to those who don’t know; F. Scotts will be closing its doors for good next month. I don’t know if I’m at liberty to discuss the details of that closing but I will when I can. I can say that everyone at F. Scotts from the owners to the dishwashers fought to keep the place open. This has nothing to do with the business or anything food related. We are loosing the best steakhouse in town and one of the single most sucessfull family-owned places in Peoria. As far as I know, this is because of ONE and only one person. I do know that I can say, Thank You from everyone at F. Scotts. It has been our pleasure bringing you the best food, the best way we know how.
Thank you, have a good evening and watch you step leaving the dining room.
R.

6 Responses

In My Humble Opinion…

Written on January 15th in Uncategorized

Over the weekend, we celebrated Colleen’s birthday at a pretty popular local restaurant. The average entree for dinner runs between $11 and $30. We had a party of seven and we were all on separate checks, except for Jim and Colleen. While the food was wonderful, as usual, the entrees were all brought out at separate times, with one person’s order a good ten to fifteen minutes behind the rest of our table. Still, no one really thought too much of it until the server brought our checks and had added gratuity to the bills. This seriously irked the hell out of me. I would expect that at a chain restaurant, but not this small, cozy comfy locally owned place. At any restaurant I’ve worked, it’s been the server’s choice to add gratuity. I’ve done it twice. Once, with a party of twenty two women with seperate checks, birthday gift bags and boxes of photos. It was a good five hours of re-filling ice waters with lemons. The second was after the Australian failed to tip me on a $250 check. I had to turn around and tip out the bartender for the bottles of wine he had bought out of my own money. The next time he came in with his business pals, I wasn’t taking any chances. That being said, I’ve had numerous opportunities to employ the old gratuity included bit, but I’ve always been confident of my ability to serve to the best of my ability and get more than the standard seventeen percent. It also irked me that I knew two of the servers there. One of them should have let him know he was probably better off not including the gratuity. It’s never a thing you just do on your own. You usually discuss it with one or more of your server friends to guage the situation. But, I wasn’t voted the Best Server in Peoria by the River City Times Reader Poll. I’ll let Rob chime in with his thoughts.

1 Response

“6 Weird Things About You�

Written on January 15th in Uncategorized

1. It’s EXTREMELY difficult for me to wink. Please don’t ask me to try.

2. Any recipe combining fruit and meat seriously freaks me out. Ham and pineapple pizza, no way. Sweet and sour anything, nope.

3. When I’m changing pillowcases, I still feel that BOZO the Clown is going to call me up on stage to compete with all the other kids to see who can change the most pillows. It’s a sickness.

4. I can pretty much tell you with certainty about any potato or potato dish (smashed, twice baked, au gratin, potatoe skins etc…) served in the area.

5. I’m jealous of people that can whistle loudly. I’m a low whistler-if you can even call it that.

6. I spend quite a bit of time researching unsolved criminal cases. I have over fifty books on the subject of serial killers and profiling.

1 Response

I Almost Forgot…

Written on January 12th in Uncategorized

What with feeling really lousy for a couple of weeks, I almost forgot how great Christmas was. We spent the morning at Chuck and Gwen’s with Donny, Julie, Joy, Weston and Gary. Weston was thrilled with his new work bench. You’re never to young to learn ‘righty tighty, lefty loosey’. Donny and Julie gave us the most awesome present-a white wine cooler. We put it on the counter next to the wine rack and it looks awesome. It’s perfect for bottles of water and liters of sparkling water. I love Pelligrino with lime but it takes up quite a bit of room in the fridge so this is perfect. Buying 1.5’s of wine is a hard habit to break, but for a perfectly chilled glass of pinot grigio, I’ll survive. The whole family came over in the early evening and by all accounts, I did a decent job with the food. No one got sick-so that’s a start. By far, Rob’s favorite gift was from Jim. A box of decoys goes along way with those two. Colleen got me my absolute favorite Isabell Bloom statue, the large Sisters piece. A couple people were kind enough to buy me Season One of Beverly Hills 90210 and Season Six of Gilmore Girls, both of which I’ve been wanting forever. Oh, and we got the title to the Avalon. Sweet…

2 Responses