The year is 1929. The Great Depression has started and folks are hungry. Chicagoans say “Hold my hot dog…I got you.” The origin of the Chicago Dog, is wrapped up in a time when folks were working hard and needed a nutrious yet delicious meal. The components of the Chicago Dog saved the working class and have stayed unchanged since the original rolled up and out of a hot dog stand. All Beef frank, not boiled but steam cooked and held in warm water for upto 20 to 30 minutes. Boiling makes your Frank’s tough. The steam and hold gives that perfect snap. Nathan’s... 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

Tried out a new coffee that’s ground and roasted right here in the QC area, not gonna lie this stuff is incredible. Shout out to Country Morning Coffee Cafe’ & Roasting Shop. I picked mine up at Moline Hyvee. They had a bunch of flavors but this one just kinda defined me right now, if you all need a mascot for this flavor I’m your man!  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

I get things wrong. Look it up. I graduated 2nd in my class, errr 2nd to last in my class. However, like you I have my opinions and I started writing these reviews as a way to share those with you. With that influence and reach, I have to accept I’ll have some that disagree with me. Some that don’t like me. Some that send me feet pics…(Please stop, feet gross me out), and some that listen to me and go find and patronize these businesses and products. So, I’m honest. If I want to keep growing, and keep you as followers, there is a trust that must be kept. That being said.... 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

My spotlight today is for my good friend Stephen. For three hours on a Sunday afternoon 2 years ago, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Stevies Eatz to chew the fat. (Pun intended). Tonight I will spend a few more hours hanging out with Stephen Dearborn, BBQ’er, Chef and most of all good friend. Stephen Dearborn, was one of those up and coming Ghost Chef’s, that took his game professional, if you will. His dream 2 years ago was a lofty one, attainable, but lofty. The tools he used to get to his level now a lot of love, dedication and imagination. The first question... Read More

The Ghost Pepper Burger. I was really really hoping this one was going to do it. Let’s dig in… Over the years Burger King has pushed the envelope, trying to ignite a new customer base with different takes on their Whoppers. The SteakHouse (Personal Favorite), The Black Bun( Only in Japan), The Angry Whopper, The Western BBQ, and of course the Impossible. This year for the Halloween season we were haunted with the Ghost Whopper.The limited-time burger features a classic flame-grilled beef patty topped with spicy queso, bacon, jalapeños, and ghost pepper cheese on a seasonally... Read More