Food
There is a new dining experience in Downtown Peoria that Spice Hospitality Group identifies as it’s “upscale dining concept”. In September 2023, Saffron Social joined the area’s dining stage serving prime steaks, fresh seafood and pastas, but the menu is not comprised of simple classics. Stepping off the street into Saffron Social, you become lost in …
This is an update to my May 12, 2023 Post below. Café Santa Rosa has relocated to the Betty Jane Brimmer Center for the Performing Arts in Peoria Heights, IL. The Grand Opening event took place on September 9, 2023. This new location provides much more space to hang out and enjoy your coffee or …
What goes great with wine? Cheese of course! While visiting the wineries in Southwest Michigan with several friends, we had to make a stop at Evergreen Lane Farm & Creamery. Patrons to the farm can visit with the kid goats and Falyn, their resident retiree goat. For fifteen years they have been crafting cheese at the on-farm …
The visit to Crane’s Pie, Pantry, Restaurant, and Winery with friends did not begin with a discussion of a wine tasting, but instead a “pie flight”! Yes, a sample of four of their pies. The Crane family purchased the farm in 1916 and in 1967 started promoting Crane Orchards with fruit baskets and then producing …
My wife and I love to try new and unique restaurants whenever possible, especially when we travel. During a recent stop in Louisville KY, Sarah found Grassa Gramma online, and even though it looked pretty amazing, we had no idea what to expect until we arrived. Grassa Gramma loosely translated means “plump grandmother”. The front …
For some time now my wife has purchased olive oil from Grovestone in Champaign, IL. Recently we took advantage of an opportunity to attend a cooking class and wine tasting there with a group of wonderful friends. The event was led by Owner, Loui Liagridonis, who was an excellent and enthusiastic host. He educated us …
I’ve had the opportunity to taste a few Cooper’s Hawk wines at various events in the past , but on a recent trip through Springfield IL my wife and I took time to visit and have an early dinner at Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant. The location itself is very classy with separate entrances directly …
A while back while searching for a new restaurant to try in Peoria, I ran across The Fox Pub & Cafe. Described as an English pub atmosphere with a large selection of beers and authentic food, I knew this was a place I wanted to visit. A few weeks ago, my wife and I were …
When searching online for new wine experiences to check out, the word “Stave” immediately pops off the screen. Fortunately, such a search recently led me to Stave Wine Bar & Market. When you step off the street into Stave, you are walking into a casual yet classy environment that instantly says “wine bar”. The market …
UPDATE – As of Early May 2023, Michael Vandy announced the closure pf Waters Edge Winery & Bistro! If you are looking for a unique wine and fine dining experience, Waters Edge Winery & Bistro in Peoria Heights IL is for you. Opening just a little more than a year ago, this establishment is one …