The REAL Peoria

Wow!
Graze Party Trays is at it again with these amazing new offerings that put any chain restaurant to shame!

Check them out here: Graze Party Trays

And as always, keep it REAL hungry and REAL LOCAL, Peoria!

Graze Party Trays Standard pricing list!
Check their page out today for more details!

𝐕𝐞𝐠𝐠𝐢𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐬:
𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝟏𝟎-𝟏𝟓

Very Veggie:
𝐴 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑡𝑙𝑒 𝑔𝑎𝑟𝑑𝑒𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑖𝑔 𝑚𝑢𝑛𝑐ℎ𝑖𝑒𝑠.
Sliced cucumbers, Carrot sticks or chips, Green Bell Pepper strips, Red OR yellow Bell Pepper strips, Radish chips with choice of homemade ranch dip or homemade garlic hummus.
$60.00***

Very Veggie Deluxe:
𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝑔𝑎𝑟𝑑𝑒𝑛!
Sliced cucumbers, Carrot sticks or chips, Red and yellow bell pepper strips, Radish chips, Cauliflower florets, Broccoli florets, and black olives with choice of homemade ranch dip or homemade garlic hummus.
$65.00

Orchard and patch:
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒓𝒖𝒊𝒕𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒍𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒓.
Fresh whole strawberries, Cantaloupe rounds, honeydew melon rounds, red seedless grapes, Gala apple slices, and Granny Smith apple slices served with fluff dip.
$65.00

Island Girl:
𝑺𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒊𝒏’ 𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒇𝒓𝒖𝒊𝒕𝒔.
Fresh Pineapple, Passion Fruit, Kiwi fruit, and mango served with Mama T’s fresh coconut fluff dip.
$55.00

Berry Nuts:
𝑨𝒔𝒔𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒆𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔- 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂 𝒇𝒆𝒘 𝒏𝒖𝒕𝒔 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈!
Fresh blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, salted almonds, Macadamia nuts, honey roasted peanuts, and granola clusters. Served with freshly whipped cream and a honey cup for drizzle.
$60.00

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞, 𝐒𝐧𝐚𝐜𝐤, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬:
𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝟏𝟎

Cheese snob:
𝑨 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒉, 𝒈𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒎𝒆𝒕 𝑪𝒉𝒆𝒆𝒔𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒙𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒔!
French garlic baguette crisps, Fresh Brie wheel (baking directions included) OR herbed goat cheese, Extra sharp Vermont cheddar, smoked Gouda, honey cup, sliced granny smith apples, fresh seedless red grapes, dried dates or apricots, and unsalted almonds- all served over a drizzle of fresh balsamic reduction. Beautifully presented food art.
$75.00

Mama Mia:
𝑨 𝒅𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓-𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝑴𝒂𝒎𝒂 𝑻 𝒖𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆.
Smoked ham, Prosciutto, Hard salami, your choice of either sliced parmesan-romano cheese, OR fresh burrata, homemade Pinzimonio vegetable blend** basil and garlic marinated olives, french loaf bread crisps.
**Assorted sliced veggies-carrots, celery, pepperoncini, and red bell peppers bathed in olive oil and oregano.
$85.00

Grazing on the green picnic basket:
𝑨 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒖𝒎 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒃𝒂𝒔𝒌𝒆𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒘𝒐.
Freshly baked French baguette, your choice of either-salami and pepperoni wrapped cheeses, OR smoked salmon slices with cream cheese, red onion and capers. Two hard boiled eggs coated in Mama’s special homemade bagel seasoning, red grapes, fresh berries, prosciutto wrapped cantaloupe, smoked almonds, cashews, fig or fresh blackberry preserves, Queen garlic stuffed olives, and dark chocolate accompanied with a bottle of sparkling grape cider. (wine pairing suggestion available upon request) Plastic cutlery, plates, paper napkins, and plastic wine glasses included.
$135.00

Grown up lunchables:
𝑭𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒌𝒊𝒅𝒔 𝑶𝑹 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒌𝒊𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒐𝒇 𝒖𝒔.
Custom made-choices below
These grown up lunchables are perfect for busy adults who want to eat healthy, but struggle to meal plan-or busy parents who have pickier kids, or just struggle to find time to pack healthy lunches for school or for day camps through the summer.

Large lunchable (choose five) $12.00 each or Five lunchables for $60.00
Small lunchable (choose four) $10.00 each or Five lunchables for $50.00
V=vegetarian
v=vegan

Fresh ham discs
Fresh turkey discs
Fresh hard salami discs
Homemade chicken or tuna salad
3 turkey lavash pinwheels
Boiled egg (V)
Fresh white cheddar cheese
Fresh gouda cheese
Fresh Provolone cheese
Mini naan or pita chips
Round butter crackers
Triscuit thin crisps
Flax and grain tortilla chips
Pretzel thins
Fresh berries
Fresh grapes
Homemade Italian rotini pasta salad (V)
Homemade ranch and bacon macaroni salad (V)
Tossed veggie salad (v)
Pinzimonio olive salad (V)
Hummus (v)
Buffalo Cauliflower dip (V)
Guacamole
Salsa
Mini carrots with Bolthouse Farms yogurt ranch dressing
Cucumber sticks
Olives
Mini Oreo’s
Mini Chips Ahoy
Dark chocolate squares
Blueberry and Acai dark chocolate bites
Sammies and small bites:
Most serves 10

The Farm:
𝑩𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒄 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒅𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒍𝒅-𝒄𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒚.
Deli sliced roasted turkey, Deli sliced Peppered turkey, Deli sliced Brown sugar ham, Deli sliced mild cheddar cheese, Deli sliced Provolone cheese served with mini slider buns, kettle cooked chips and dijon mustard.
$70.00

Lavish Lavash:
𝑷𝒊𝒏𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒘𝒓𝒂𝒑𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒊𝒛𝒛𝒚!
Peppered deli sliced turkey and deli sliced Virginia ham with sliced provolone and cheddar cheese with veggies. Served with kettle chips and roasted red pepper aioli dip.
$60.00

The Farm and the Field:
𝑩𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒄 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒅𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒍𝒅-𝒄𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒘!
Deli sliced roasted turkey, Deli sliced Peppered turkey, Deli sliced Brown sugar ham, Deli shaved roast beef, Deli sliced mild cheddar cheese, Deli sliced baby swiss cheese served mini sesame seeded buns-served with kettle chips and roasted red pepper aioli dip/spread.
$70.00

Muffaletta Bruschetta:
𝑰𝒕’𝒔 𝑰𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒂𝒏!
French Crostini toasts topped with hard salami, smoked ham, handmade red wine and garlic olive salad, oregano, and thinly sliced fresh smoked provolone cheese-finished with a fresh basil leaf.
Small tray: (Serves 8-10 people)
$60.00

Veggie spinners:
𝑽𝒆𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒏, 𝑨𝑳𝑳 𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒄, 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒉𝒚, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒆!
Fresh peeled zucchini OR cucumber strips coated in herbed cream cheese, sun dried tomatoes, fresh baby spinach, basil and garlic and rolled up for the party-pleasing light bite appetizer. Small tray: (Serves 8-10 people)
$50.00

𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐬:

Small bite dessert tray:
Serves 10-15
Assorted cookies, pirouettes, brownies, petit fours, chocolates and assorted berries.
$65.00

Wonderland:
𝑨 𝒕𝒆𝒂 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒆𝒏 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆.
Savory cucumber sandwiches on toasted rye or wheat toasts with herbed dill cream cheese, egg salad sandwiches OR cold smoked salmon with cream cheese and capers on toasted baguette. Blueberry or cinnamon chip scones, Lemon curd OR blackberry jam, orange blossom bread, sugar cookies, dark chocolate squares. Fresh lemon and orange wedges.
Assorted hot tea bag options-fruit flavored, herbal, and plain.
Fine china not included.
**Vegetarian options available-which include veggie only or hummus tea sandwiches in place of the meat protein.
For four: $125.00
For six: $160.00
For eight: $185.00
For ten: $225.00

𝐂𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦 𝐜𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐦𝐢𝐱𝐞𝐫𝐬:
(50 oz-serves ten)
𝐍𝐎 𝐀𝐋𝐂𝐎𝐇𝐎𝐋 𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐃𝐄𝐃 Just add the accompanying alcohol for the traditional cocktail and enjoy.

Strawberry, Raspberry, Peach, or Blackberry colada/margarita.
Just add white rum or tequila of your choice.
$45.00
Dark and Stormy mix
Just add dark or spiced rum.
$40.00
Mama’s Mule Mix
Just add vodka.
$40.00
Mama’s Mojito Mix
Just add white rum.
$50.00
Carrie’s Cosmo mix
Just add vodka and triple sec
$50.00
Mama's Old Fashioned love song
Just add bourbon/whiskey or rye
$65.00
Cherry Caipirinha
Just add white rum or Cachaca
$60.00
AWARD WINNING Bloody Mary mix
Just add vodka
Small: $45.00 (32 oz)
Large $60.00 (64 oz)

***ALL prices subject to change given market cost fluctuation.

Just in time for your summer soiree!
Graze Party Trays has your custom cold food catering needs-handled!

From sammies, to crudites, to small bites, to custom cocktail mixers, and even: cocktail, beer, and wine pairings accompaniments for each tray ordered!

Local, fresh, PCHD certified-meeting all safety and sanitation standards.

Free delivery to Peoria County and limited delivery charge for surrounding counties.

Check out their page and get your order in today!
Graze Party Trays

Happy ALMOST summer, Real ones!
Check this local business out and support!

Graze Party Trays does lovely cold food catering and custom cocktail mixers that are TO DIE for!

Contact them today at Graze Party Trays for more info and pricing!

As always, keep it REAL local, Peoria!

NEW cocktail mixers!

Summer is the perfect time for tropical/refreshing cocktails-and we are adding a new batch of freshly made mixers custom for you!
We'll unveil our first here-and the next three between now and Sunday! So be sure to check in daily.
We are also having a flash sale on Friday-that you do not want to miss.
Without further ado-our first new mixer for the summer is the
Cherry Caipirinha mixer!
Made with fresh, muddled ruby cherries and all of the ingredients that make up this beautiful summer sipper.
64 oz and 32 oz mixes available.
Handcrafted cocktail mixer-just add white rum or Cachaca and serve over crushed ice and enjoy!
This one is sure to be a party pleaser for all of your upcoming summer soirees!
Contact us here for pricing and details.

Hey real ones!

BIG announcement!

Reviews, recipes, technique, special guests-including local establishment owners and employees-with lively chit chat from two of Peoria's most legendary service industry professionals.

Coming-summer 2024.
Stay tuned for more info!

And as always, keep it tasty-Peoria!

Mother's Day is fast approaching?
How are you celebrating mom this year?
How about starting off right with a colorful, beautiful, and personally designed fruit or veggie tray!
25% off all of our basic trays through Mother's Day!
OR
Order one deluxe or sammy tray get a second basic veggie tray 50% off!

https://www.facebook.com/grazepartytrays

Contact us for details and to place your order today before time runs out!

Please do not batch tag TRP. It does not show up on our page- as the admins are the only ones who post here.
It does nothing but land on our notifications but will not appear on the page.
If you'd like to purchase advertising space here, please feel free to send us a request for info.
Thanks Real ones!

Have a great weekend.

Thanks.
-Admin

St. Patrick's Day Parade Route 2024.

See you there!

Keep It Real Lucky, Peoria!☘️💚🇨🇮

Hey real ones!
Anyone looking for a great summer job opportunity?!

Look no further!

Please follow the guidelines on the infographic below-do not message TRL for information.

Thanks!

:)

Hey real ones!
Just a heads up...

For those of you unfamiliar or possibly new to the page-
We do have a pretty specific set of rules we follow to keep things professional, civil, and dare we say: fair and balanced.

So-here's the list for everyone's consideration and as a reminder for those who have been with us for awhile:

1. No trolling. Stay on point in the comments. You don't have to agree with everything, but-a long string of back and forth bickering strays from the intent-and the admins/mods reserve the right to remove any comments that seem to be heading in that direction.
Saying your piece is fine-but, perpetuating arguments may be removed at the admins discretion.

2. Keep it civil. No insults, no name-calling, no hate speech of ANY kind. No bullying. These comments will be removed immediately and you will be permanently blocked.

3. No self-sales-spam-or promotion of any kind. We have advertising platforms that we are always willing to share and will work with any small business on cost-feel free to DM us for any info!

4. No politics-local or otherwise. Political bashing or electioneering is never allowed here. These things have a time and place-and TRP is not the place for it.

5. No crowdsourcing/or cash app requests-EVER.

6. No local band advertisements in the comments or links. Again, we have advertising platforms specifically designed with musicians in mind-and are happy to share on request. We are fair and affordable for everyone.
We also do barter and trade to offset cost. Please-send us a message if you are interested.

7. DM's will be answered within 24 hours. Please do not send repeat messages.

And that's about it.

Please feel free to message us with any feedback or questions!

We'll always keep it real and transparent with you!

Have a great week!

Another admin review. What can I say, we are on a roll. ;)

You win some, you lose some.
Last week we wrote a glowing review of a fine local eatery.

But, today-we won't be glowing as much as we'd like.
Today we are going to review a Peoria legacy chain restaurant which considers itself a landmark of sorts.

Avanti's

Last week, a few secretaries at my current "day job" ordered from Avanti's for pick up.
It was hot food-mostly. A few pizza breads, a small pizza, and some spaghetti.
I wasn't personally involved in the order-but was asked to taste the spaghetti and give an honest opinion-because most of the ladies know my service industry background.

Well...
It was terrible. Hands down.

The pasta was so overcooked that it was falling apart in the container-as if it were second day rewarmed. The sauce itself was so oily that it broke in the aluminum container and wouldn't even re-combine with warming it in a separate dish.
Everything they ordered was cold-with the exception of the salad-which was WARM. It literally seemed as if it had sat under a heat lamp before delivery. The lettuce was completely wilted.

The half loaf of bread was rock hard, as well.

I told the ladies that they should call and complain and ask for a complete refund because this was fully unacceptable.
Nothing here was forgivable, and the broken pasta sauce could very easily make someone ill.

Then yesterday I, myself, was treated to lunch from a family member.
The grub?
Avanti's gondolas.

WHAT is happening to your bread, first and foremost, Avanti's?
You know, the thing you are actually FAMOUS for?
Hard, not very sweet, and has completely lost its normal great flavor.
Also-too thick. It overruled the entire sandwich completely with the exception of the lettuce-which they have now changed to shredded rather than the normal leaves. As soon as the deli paper was opened-the shredded lettuce wilted, and some of it was brown.
It was obviously old.
The salami they once used was different-and as bland as bologna.
The ham slices were extremely gristly and hard to chew.
And lastly-the original order was three gondolas sub the yellow cheese for mozzarella. Only two had mozzarella-and one sandwich had no cheese at all.
The last straw was that the mozzarella had no flavor and resembled a white American cheese-not mozzarella at all.

So, what is happening Avanti's?

We'd really like to know.

While it could never be considered real "Italian" food-as the company has always advertised...it has always been a great comfort food for the Peoria area. In fact, people who have moved from here-always make it a priority to stop in to Avanti's when visiting-or go so far as to order the bread and have it shipped.
But now, the consistency is lacking and the quality has gone downhill.

We don't know the answer.
But, we TRULY hope that the family goes in and revamps some things and improves upon what this admin has seen as of recent.

I have always loved Avanti's. I even used to be a general manager in training there-years ago. I believed in it and appreciated the food as fast, filling, and usually delicious-even as an employee.
But over the past few years, almost every visit there has been a huge disappointment-whether it be carry out or dine in.

We know that many restaurants are facing issues with staffing, food suppliers, and infrastructure. But we feel like after being given so many chances-it was time to say something, in the hope that Avanti's or someone close to the chain might say something and DO something to finally fix these issues so they can return to the quality family dining establishment that they once were.

So, as of now-skip it and spend your money at a spin-off place like Michael's Italian Feast, or Leonardo's/La Gondola.

1 out of 5 stars.
You get one star for speed and quality of service in your carryout-your carryout girl was very polite and efficient. But other than that-not much else positive to say, at this point.

Sorry Avanti's-but you have to do better.

Don't forget!
This little slice of culinary awesomeness is happening tonight at Yesterday's Bar and Grill in Pekin!

Call now for your tickets!

Hey Real ones!

Just a little heads up.
We review restaurants independently. Sometimes we send out reviewers, and other times-the mods/admins do it on our own.
When we do this-we are giving a fair and honest review...and sometimes the reviews are not as flattering.
Most, we have done have been positive-so that's a bonus.

That being said, we don't do it as a competition thing-or to dispute what you feel might be a better place than the one reviewed.
That's not the point of the thing.

So, in an effort to shine the spotlight on that reviewed restaurant alone-and no others, if you post something that disputes the review, tries to promote another restaurant in the comments, or even-well-meaning-make suggestions, the comment will be taken down. Not out of spite, or anger. You are entitled to your opinion 100%. But, we won't distract from the original intent of the post by naming others or making a point to disagree-

Our independent reviewers all have service industry backgrounds, or are culinary artists. We have a little knowledge-that's why we consider ourselves qualified to review/critique.
You may not agree...and that's fine.
But be forewarned that we reserve the right to remove ANY content to the page that we deem distracting to the original content.

Feel free to dine at any of the places mentioned in comments and send us your opinions-which we will compile with our yearly reviews and make recommendations-absolutely.
We love ALL local business.

But, until we are able to review these places on our own-we won't be able to allow anyone to hijack the posts that were meant to give kudos to original venue.

Thanks for your understanding, folks!

We will post more reviews as we can. :)

Have a great week!

Hello Real Foodies!
Hope you had a great weekend and HAPPY Monday!
We know you are looking forward to the weekend ahead-especially today. :)

The culinary delights of Chef Kevin and Chef Ian are heading to Pekin-at Yesterday's Bar and Grill- this Saturday!

Tickets are going VERY fast-so get your reservation in TODAY.
You won't regret it-this is going to be an awesome evening!

Admin review time!

My husband and I were lucky enough to enjoy dinner and cocktails at a special five-course gathering last night, and I really wanted to share.

Enjoy!
-Teresa

Five Course Feast-Haynes on Main in Mackinaw

Carol Haynes did a smashing job last night and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, first and foremost.

The menu was beautifully chosen, well presented, and gave life to some usually "standard" dishes.
This WAS elevated comfort food-done right, without all of the pretentiousness. You'd pay closer to 1k for a dinner like this in Chicago-and chances are-a Chicago restaurant would overthink and overcomplicate the entire flavor profile.
Whereas, Carol-and her kitchen staff-didn't- and left the tasting to us.

In a word...the entire meal was lovely.

This just goes to show you, while location is usually the better part of a restaurant's success, in this case-people come for the food and return-because Haynes on Main is doing mostly everything right.

Have YUM WILL travel.

Cocktail hour was nice. We were seated on the patio side of the pub, which is one of my only criticisms of the entire experience. Don't get me wrong-it's beautifully decorated and the open bar area works well on efficiency factor.
However, because it has a metal roof and walls-the acoustics are a bit tinny and it becomes very loud-very fast with the sold-out crowd enjoying lively cocktail conversation.
(This is less of a complaint and more of a personal preference, mind you. Just a small observation.)

Husband had the smoked Old Fashioned-which I observed being prepared. It looked like they use a cork-style smoker, which I hadn't seen before. The smoke infused well into the bourbon-which was surprising considering my personal favorite instrument for smoked cocktails is a cloche-style.
But this one worked very well, and my husband said the drink was fabulous.
I had a glass of Barnard Griffin Riesling-which had notes of granny smith apple and sweet red grapefruit. Very tasty with my entree selection-which we'll get to in just a bit.
My husband paired each course with a separate wine-and long story short-they were all very complimentary and upgraded wines. Sterling Cab Sav, Decoy Red Blend, Freixnet Pinot Grigio and The Pinot project Pinot Noir.
The cocktails were on point-and everything melded well with the meal.
The service was timely, friendly, and professional- and the staff announced and explained each course before service.

Course #1 (amuse bouche)
Crostini Wild Mushroom with whipped ricotta cheese and honey lemon golden balsamic.
I have to admit, I would have never gone with lemon and mushrooms paired together-but this was delicious. VERY complex profile but, so unexpectedly great together.
The plate was finished with a wild orchid and micro greens.
Heavenly small bite. I could have eaten three more of these.

Course #2 (appetizer)
Shrimp cocktail foursome with-homemade remoulade, Cajun spices, and red cocktail sauce.
A standard appetizer-upgraded and done well. The remoulade sauce was delicious-I found myself swiping my finger on the plate to savor every bite. The Cajun broiled shrimp was done well, and the cocktail sauce had a great balance of spicy and sweet.

Course #3 (salad)
Arugula vinaigrette salad with pickled beet supreme, red onion, burrata dollop, and candied walnuts.
Truth time-I'm usually not a fan of Arugula. It's too peppery and a bit overly bitter for me on the greens scale. But this was delightful.
The vinaigrette really masked the bitterness when coupled with the perfect bite of all of the components. The vinaigrette was light-not overly oily (which some have the tendency to lean towards) And had great balance. My husband-(ever and always the chef)- thought that maybe the candied walnuts should have been diced up. But again-just a personal preference.
I thought the salad was perfect just the way it was.

Course #4 (The main event)
Husband had the braised short rib with whipped potatoes and pomegranate. I had a small bite of his and it was-DELICIOUS. The sear on the rib really captured the flavors well, it was fork tender, and the potatoes were whipped into a perfect submission and seasoned perfectly.
I had the crispy panko coated roasted halibut with rice pilaf served over a very well prepared beurre blanc sauce.
Perfectly cooked, flaky, seasoned perfectly, and bite to bite buttery and delicious paired with my winter Riesling. The rice had great texture but was not sticky.
This was a wonderful dish through and through.

Course #5-Dessert.
Lemon olive oil cake with raspberry reduction.
Every bite was moist, delicious, and rich. The reduction paired well with the texture of the cake and the zest. The fresh raspberry and little dip of whip on top even tasted complimentary. This was a well-planned and executed-simple dessert. I loved every part of it.

The long and short of the review is this: K.I.S.S.
(Keep it simple, stupid)

We talk a lot about not having many actual "fine" dining restaurants around Central Illinois. Troy Ummel's Connected and Kemp 208 in Morton might be as close as we come to it. But, Haynes on Main is changing our minds about this-at every coursed dinner we have visited there.
She understands that menus don't have to be tinged with bubbles of candy-vicious rumors of carrots, or vegetable-infused foam on a plate to be FINE.
The best food is simple-but done RIGHT.
And most people I know would agree with me.

There is NOTHING overcomplicated about GREAT food-and Carol Haynes is rebranding the idea of that.
Cheers and bravo Haynes-Keep up the great work!
And staying true to you.

Do yourselves a favor, and make the drive the Mackinaw. You will not be disappointed.

4.75 out of 5 stars.
Our highest rating of the year.

Thank you, Haynes. We'll be back.

https://www.facebook.com/thymetoparty

Upcoming holidays got you scrambling for menu plans, and worrying about HOW you will get everything done?
Looking at a table of 20 or more hungry family members to feed?
We bet you'd like to lighten your load, right?
If that's the case...The Real Peoria has the locally owned and operated business for you to contact immediately!
Graze Party Trays and cold food catering has your back!
Free delivery in limited area-free delivery outside of minimum area with an order over $100.00 or more.
Door pick-up available as well.
Professional, experienced, (cold food) caterers for your party or event.
30+ years food service, banquet, catering, and food preparation experience.
Peoria County Health Department licensed and certified.
Get your orders in fast-the calendar for the holidays is filling up fast!
Winter special: Buy one sammy or deluxe tray-get one half off!

Click the link for more information. DM the page for a super quick response. Inquires and price sheets available by request.
Keep it real, TASTY-Peoria!

Make sure you get over to Bust'd Brewing this Sunday-bring along some snacks, or carry out, sample some of Peoria's finest home-brews and kick back to listen to the amazing musical stylings of DelMar and Reid!

A great way to start the holiday season! And a fantastic way to end your weekend before a long week!

Hope we see you there!

As always, keep it real COZY, Peoria!

Unplug and unwind with the soulful sounds of an acoustic evening.

Join us on Sunday, December 3 at 5pm for an intimate musical experience that pairs perfectly with your favorite brew.

Save the date and prepare for a night with Del Mar and Reid!

It's going to be a great night before the big Turkey Holiday!

Come on out and support the local, live, music scene!

As always, Keep it real musical-Peoria. ;)

The holidays are fast approaching!
Big groups? Huge family? Work event?

We have you covered-delivered direct to your door!
Get your custom cold food catering order in fast-holiday pricing and specials are limited!

Graze Party Trays-Custom cold Food Catering for Peoria and beyond.

Keep it real and always support local first!

https://www.facebook.com/thymetoparty

https://www.facebook.com/thymetoparty

Upcoming holidays got you scrambling for menu plans, and worrying about HOW you will get everything done?
Looking at a table of 20 or more hungry family members to feed?

We bet you'd like to lighten your load, right?
If that's the case...The Real Peoria has the locally owned and operated business for you to contact immediately!

Graze Party Trays and cold food catering has your back!

Free delivery in limited area-free delivery outside of minimum area with an order over $100.00 or more.
Door pick-up available as well.

Professional, experienced, (cold food) caterers for your party or event.
30+ years food service, banquet, catering, and food preparation experience.
Peoria County Health Department licensed and certified.

Get your orders in fast-the calendar for the holidays is filling up fast!

Autumn special: Buy one sammy or deluxe tray-get one half off!

Click the link for more information. DM the page for a super quick response. Inquires and price sheets available by request.

Keep it real, TASTY-Peoria!

This news means:
More non-local news a DAY late.
No morning papers-since most mail carriers do not come until the late morning or early afternoon.
No updated prep sports news.
Delivery of a wet, unreadable, soggy newsprint pile of mush to dig from your porch mailbox after being carried in a bag all day during a snowstorm or rainy day.

Oh, and there's the whole...NO Sunday paper anymore, also.

The reason that most people subscribe at all.

Another bad decision from a less than adequate media outlet.
Sad for the mail carriers, and sad for our local paper.

Be sure to reach out to PJ Star and share your dislike if you choose, however....commenting will be turned off here.

Peoria Journal Star to transition to postal delivery The change is expected to improve delivery consistency for readers in Peoria and throughout central Illinois.