I laughed a lot during the wonderfully cast “Grumpy Old Men,” running through May 6 at Rock Island’s Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse, and I would bet you will too. Much like the movie it’s based upon, its charm is heavily dependent upon its cast. And much like the film starring Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon as the battlin’ oldsters duking it out over Ann Margret, Circa brings out the comedy heavy hitters with Brad Hauskins, Tom Walljasper and, particularly, Kim Vanderginst, in those three roles. That trio is likewise surrounded by a terrific comedic ensemble (most... 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

I get lost sometimes in my reviews. One can only describe how a food tastes so many times without repeating themselves. It was great, amazing, flavorful, perfect, the best I’ve ever had, omg Becki so good, LIT AF. I am sure I could continue on. This weekend, I had the chance to sit down at California Pho , invited by Binh Nguyen Van. Joined by Cook and Cuffs by Chef Keys . What I was in store for was more than any of the words above. Normally I try to order 4 to 5 things off the menu to give everyone a spread of foods to ogle over. However today we are keeping it simple. 3 items... Read More

If you love the music of Queen (as I do), and you love creative and original visual spectacles on stage (I do), and you love so-dumb-it’s-funny humor (ditto), then you’ll love “We Will Rock You,” the Queen jukebox musical playing at Rock Island’s Circa ’21 through March 11. (Call (309) 786-7733, ext. 2 for tickets and showtimes.) I’ve honestly never seen a show quite like this at Circa before, and I mean that as a compliment. It’s just so different looking and feeling from most of the stuff that hits their stage that it’s both exhilarating and... Read More

Un-ironically, I spent a Taco Tuesday at Verde a contemporary Mexican restaurant located off the foot of the Iowa side of the New 74 bridge. Verde opened close enough to 2 years 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 question my use of the word here, customer. No I’m not breaking a... Read More

This is a grown man burger. This burger isn’t for you youngsters. This burger takes years of experience to really appreciate. This baby is thicccck. This burger has taste and hits all the notes those youthful burgers just can’t reach. The cheese, smelty and perfect. The bun, it’s like biting into a pillow of heaven or kissing that girl at the end of the bar with a few extra curves. The meat, smashed, juicy and delicious, those ironically are the same words typed on the butt of that girl at the end of the bar. Man the late 90s were different. Where can you get this magical... Read More

As restaurants struggle to reinvent themselves, The Half Nelson reimagines the world around it. Walking in you’ll see a world transformed to a time when things bamboozled you. I feel completely underdressed! Maybe I should be wearing a nice suit and slick my hair back with some Dapper Dan. Whatever the case, the Half Nelson is bringing the 1920’s to the 2020’s with a little style and panache. I wish I could say that I found this time machine located in Downtown Davenport towards the end of 2nd Street. Instead, I was invited and treated by Chef Philip Pridemore. This Chef... Read More

Today I’m reviewing Home Run Inn Pizza, typically I’m an Totinos Party man, or even a Tombstone’r. However a few articles gave this brand an honorable mention in their rankings. So here we are. Price: These can be found right here locally in the QC, I picked these up at Jewel on Avenue of the Cities for 3 for $10. These are the personal size. While yes you could say all pizzas are personal pizzas if you try hard enough. They do carry the standard 12 inch oven pizza and more flavors for $7.99. Ease of baking: 15 minutes at 425 produced an almost perfect bake to my liking.... Read More

Last night was inspirational. I’ve never been more impressed with a Bartender/Server/Jack of all trades. A late meeting ended our night at Macstavern Davenport in downtown Davenport. I’ve heard rumors of them having some of the best wings in the Quad Cities, so I may or may not have slipped this casually into conversation. First and foremost, this isnt your typical bar. A wide open setting lets you find a booth or a table to sit, or you can cozy up to the bar. A few families are sitting at the tables tonight so we choose the bar. Peter promptly takes are drink orders and hands us... Read More

If you’re looking for a delightful holiday treat of a show this season, treat yourself to Circa ’21’s “White Christmas.” The Rock Island dinner theater’s latest is a warm, inviting holiday classic with fantastic wardrobe, wonderful choreography, and a big hearted, fun cast of characters reminiscent of a Bing Crosby/Bob Hope vintage tale. There’s a reason Irving Berlin’s standby has lasted this long, and that’s because it’s right down the middle in pretty much all ways. It’s just a fun, fluffy show for a season of levity and cheer,... Read More