Satisfy your sweet tooth with a decadent chocolate experience! Indulge yourself at the Chocolate Experience on Saturday Apr 6 at the QC Botanical Center (2525 4th Ave Rock Island). Head to the warm and inviting Botanical Center for a day of delights and relaxation. Local chocolatiers and bakeries will be offering samples galore and selling products to take home to enjoy and share. Learn about chocolate and other wonders that come from the tropics on a free sun garden tour. There is something for all ages to enjoy. Three time slots for visiting are offered and tickets are only good for a single... Read More

The Big Swing is stepping to the tee in downtown Rock Island, opening its doors at noon today at the location of the old Blue Cat Brew Pub, 113 18th St., with a limited menu for Friday and Saturday before closing Sunday and Monday and re-opening with its full menu Tuesday, March 19. QuadCities.com was invited for a sneak preview of the venue to check out the menu and decor prior to the opening, and while it was still a work in progress when we saw it, its look was very much in line with the Blue Cat, albeit with a different color scheme and some refurbished seats, tables and hardware. The walls... Read More

We at QuadCities.com are as excited as you are for the big grand opening of the Big Swing. The new restaurant and brew pub, located in the old Blue Cat Brew Pub in downtown Rock Island, opens Friday at noon. However, QuadCities.com was given an exclusive sneak preview of the hot spot. We were stoked to see the new menu and we’re here to share it with you. Check out your site for fun, free, local entertainment later tonight for more pictures of the interior and more news on the Big Swing grand opening. And don’t forget to like and check out our Facebook page for an exclusive video preview of... Read More

The scotch egg is staying. So is the meatloaf. So is the catfish, and many other menu items, almost all of the décor and a good portion of the staff, when The Big Swing opens next Friday in the former Blue Cat Brew Pub. The spot will have a limited menu opening Friday and Saturday, March 15-16, then will be closed Sunday and Monday, before having its full opening and menu March 19. “We’re excited and we’re looking forward to opening and welcoming the community,” said John Timmer, a co-owner of the Swing, as well as Milan’s Backyard Bowl and Abides Bar and Grill, with Shane Scott and... Read More

It’s no secret that the Quad Cities is home to a wide selection of impressive breweries. So many, in fact, that you might find it difficult to try all of them at once, right? Well not anymore! Brewed Live returns to the QCCA Expo Center (2621 4th Avenue Rock Island) on Saturday March 9 with dozens of new and limited-edition releases! This event showcases over 35 local, regional and national breweries. Enjoy samples of tasty beverages will receiving an educational experience on beer brewing! There will even be a food truck on site, if you’re looking for a bite to eat. In addition to the massive... Read More

The moment we have all been waiting for has finally arrived! The chance to win FREE TACOS FOR AN ENTIRE YEAR! Start preparing now for Azteca 1 Mexican Restaurant’s (4811 N Brady Davenport) Taco Eating Contest, which will take place this Wednesday Feb 13 from 7 – 8 p.m. Registration is only $20. Each participant will receive 14 soft shell tacos. The first to finish all of the tacos wins tacos for an entire year! Must be 18 and over to participate. Friends and family are encouraged to come and watch the contest! Participation is limited, so stop by Azteca 1 today and get registered! For more... Read More

Start this Saturday morning out right with a delicious Belgian Waffle Breakfast! On the first Saturday of every month, The Center for Belgian Culture hosts a magnificent Belgian Waffle Breakfast at the Friend Circle Club (701 18th Avenue Moline). This month’s breakfast takes place this Saturday Feb 2 from 7:30 – 11 a.m. (or until the batter runs out). For only $7 you will receive one large malty Belgian Waffle (Catherine Van Hecke’s secret recipe), two massive juicy sausages and your choice of orange juice or coffee. Take advantage of the amazing toppings, as well. Whether you’re feeling... Read More

The moment we have all been waiting for is almost upon us. Who will be the victor? LOCK 14 Dam Good Salsa or Lobo’s Salsa? Either way, it’s going to get real tasty in the Quad Cities this weekend! Join LOCK 14 Dam Good Salsa and Lobo’s Salsa this Sunday Jan 27 at Hey Bryan’s (1140 15th Avenue East Moline) as they go to head-to-head in the Pro Bowl 2019 Salsa-Off! Both locally owned, two of the best salsa creators in the Quad Cities will come together for a trifecta of chips and salsa, football and FUN! Beginning at 1 p.m., Quad Citians are invited to sample a few of both LOCK 14 Dam Good... Read More

Nothing warms you up faster on a cold winter day than a steaming bowl of chili. Except for over 20 chili recipes to choose from! The 10th Annual Hand-in-Hand Chili Cook-Off is happening this Saturday Jan 26 from 2:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the New Fair Center (Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds 2815 W Locust St. Davenport)! Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for kids (6-12 years) and free for 5 years and under. New this year, you can now purchase your tickets in advance by going to https://www.classy.org/event/2019-chili-cook-off/e206912. Over 20 chili recipes will be available to taste, along with a kids’... Read More

It’s no secret that a trip to LeClaire can be a very tasty experience. Here is your chance to sample it all! Taste of LeClaire returns to Cody Road this Saturday Jan 19! From 1 – 4 p.m. enjoy tasting all that LeClaire has to offer! Receive a free sample of food and/or beverages from various shops, restaurants and bars. Discover the many great taste of LeClaire at this FREE event! Here are just a few of the participating businesses at this year’s event: The Artswork – LeClaire – homemade cracker sample from The Crane & Pelican Cafe Aunt Hatties – What BBQ & Bar Bamboobabyboutique... Read More