Today, unfortunately my review is for a corporate monster, a big business if you will. Starbucks. Specifically, the Starbucks inside Moline’s Hyvee on the Avenue. Why do I say “unfortunately”? Well because this is more about the barista than it is about the coffee. I love coffee, I love local coffee, I love Colombian coffee, I love Ethiopian Coffee, hell I even love elephant poop coffee. Trust me its insane, I’ve had it once. But what I love more than coffee is the folks that serve the coffee. That is what brings me back. That is what brings me in for the next high... Read More

  The Pub in Milan is to family reunions, what the cool Aunt is for family reunions. Let me explain… Yesterday, I had the pleasure of sitting down to a lunch at The Pub. A medium size bar that should be serving greasy wings and warm beer, has transformed itself into a lunch and dinner time staple for those of you seeking out the hidden gems. Cold tap beer flows and offers local favorites. In fact that’s what I love the most, a local shop who strives to support local as well. You’ll find Boetjes mustard table top, and homemade favorites instead of frozen bag food ready for the... Read More

If you blink, you’ll miss this stop, and that is kind of unfortunate. Today, we are talking about Rocks Rocks Anchor Grill. I am going to start this one out a little rough, but stick with me. I promise it gets better. Typically, my reviews end with a score on a scale from 1 to 10. So maybe we Tarantino this one a little bit. My score for Rocks Anchor Grill is 6.2 Of course this is a lower than average score, and some of you may be upset with my opinion but let me explain before you come with the pitchforks. Let me preface this by saying I am not a professional food critic. I am just... Read More

Un-ironically, I’m spending a Taco Tuesday at Verde, 1507 State St., Bettendorf, a contemporary Mexican restaurant located off the foot of the Iowa side of the New 74 bridge, for my 1st of 52 reviews this year. Verde opened close enough to one year ago. The dream child of Chef Connor Larson, has been growing legs and learning how to not crawl but run in this shaky economy. While other restaurants have been forced to shutter doors, take days off, and change business models. Verde seems right at home, offering a smaller more intimate relationship with its customers; seriously customers? I... Read More

Diablo “Effin Hot” Carnasada Tacos from Tacobar .The taste outweighed the perfect amount of heat. I’d go to hell for these tacos if they were always on the menu. Toby also lemme try his new to the menu chimichanga’s. Pictured is the pulled pork the taste on these is stupid good. 100% honesty I’ve never finished a meal from Tacobar? The portions are ridiculously big, insanely tasty, and I haven’t partaken in the Devils lettuce pre-feasting. If you tried Tacobar in the past, and weren’t impressed. Give them another shot. Toby Christianson is one of... Read More

Over the last year I’ve learned a few tricks when going out to eat. Let me share the best one. City workers and garbage men know the best spots. Pulling into the parking lot of the World Market located just off the Avenue of the Cities in East Moline, if you venture inside you’ll find a little spot called Indian Cafe. On the day I went it was Diwali, the Indian festival of lights. The beginning of a new year and a celebration of new beginnings for many that follow the Hindu faith. So, I did what any red blooded American country boy would do. I ordered a cheeseburger. Okay that... Read More

I roll over and stare at my alarm clock. It displays 4am, I smile to myself and roll back over, flip my pillow to the cool side and drift back to sleep. Miles away from me, Barista Jeremy Hull is up and moving. In one short hour coffee will be brewed, drinks will be made, a flavoring of non-alcoholic mixed energy drinks will find there way into the hands of Nurses, Teachers, Factory Workers, and everyday folks that line up at Constellation Coffee via Bowlyou’s Ice Cream and Grill . Drinks named from the farthest reaches of space, with flavors out of this world. All of it the love child... Read More

Get you a man that looks at you like I looked at this Key Lime Pie by Cook and Cuffs by Chef Keys. First off that’s get rid of the sticker shock. A whole key lime pie is 40$ from Chef Keys. For all the haters in the comments, shush your mouth. Guaranteed your happy to pay for that 2020 Chevy sitting in your driveway compared to the 86 Plymouth Horizon sitting that could get you from point A to B the same way. I’ve tasted the best Key Lime Pie in the country. I’ve walked out of a restuarant after one bite in . This Pie is on par with the best. Where’s the best?... Read More

I did something terrible last night. Once my wife finds out, I don’t know what happens to my marriage. I’m sorry Mimi’s Tres Leches Cakes, people need to know. There you were though. Sitting behind that glass door. You were looking like more than a snack, maybe not the whole cake just a piece. My God, it’s been so long since I’ve had a piece though. I know I’m a sick man, and you’re nothing but trouble for me. That look you gave me though, those dinner table eyes I had to have you. Those sitting in the parking lot, in a dark area with some Careless Whisper... Read More

Twenty-four years ago I stood at the entrance of Bent River Brewing Company , with my old man’s ID in my hand. My thumb covering the photo. I wasn’t wise to the world, that world including bartenders being able to tell I wasn’t a 72 year old man. But, this week I made my triumphant return to sit down, enjoy a flight of some incredible brews and even better some amazing food. BRBC has been host to folks not only from around the country, but around the world in search of the signature beers brewed in house such as Undercurrent IPA, Mississippi Blonde, Jingle Java and my personal favorite, Uncommon... Read More