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 …
A visit to Hickory Creek Winery provided much more than just a tasting and some background on the wines and winery. It was so much more entertaining and educational because of Jamie DeVinney, our server, who is officially their Senior Tasting Consultant. It’s always a pleasure when staff take time to sit and visit with …
Recently while on my way home from a visit to Michigan, I had the chance to make a quick stop by the Lazy Ballerina Winery tasting room in Bridgman MI. I had the pleasure of meeting Lauren Kniebes, who is co-owner of the winery with Melanie Owen. Lazy Ballerina is the only woman owned winery …
Cogdal Vineyards is located a 1/2 mile off Lake Michigan off of the scenic Blue Star Highway, just north of South Haven MI. It was a beautiful drive in October at the time of this visit by me and my wife. The property has a rich history, from the early years of being farmed by …
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 …
While taking a tour to several wineries in southwest Michigan, I had the pleasure of visiting Modales Vineyards & Winery with several friends, and it was an exceptional experience. My most pleasurable wine experiences come from interacting with the owners and staff, and learning about the history and philosophies in winemaking and hospitality. During this …
Fall is a wonderful time to visit the Lake Michigan coast of Michigan. The southwest area of the state hosts two American Viticultural Areas (AVA) that produce amazing varieties of grapes, some of which grow better there than other Midwest regions. These include the Fennville and Lake Michigan Shore AVAs. Because of the climate and …
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 …