While I’d love to get under the hood here and unscrew all the bolts, this Philly Steak and Cheese offering from Grease Monkeys Sports Bar and Grill is quite possibly my Eleanor of sandwiches. Tonight I sat down at the bar and fell in love with this juicy, tasty, drool inducing Shelby GT 500 of a sandwich. I honestly tried to stop myself , but like a high school boy on his third date I didn’t even have a chance to unbuckle before I finished. Even the seasoned fries had me hollering for more. Don’t tell my wife, she was at home cooking meatloaf for everyone else. Your friend in... Read More

With the show nominated for three Tony Awards including Best Musical and described by Broadway World as “a twinkling Christmas delight,” Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse will bring loads of holiday cheer to area audiences in the yuletide treat A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE MUSICAL. Running through December 30, this sensational opener to the dinner theatre’s 2023-24 season inspired the New York Times to rave, “You’d have to have a Grinch-sized heart not to feel a smile spreading across your face,” and its Rock Island production boasts a top team of professional talents. A CHRISTMAS... Read More

Coincidentally I spent October 26th, dining at The Crane & Pelican Cafe . You’re probably wondering what’s so important about October 26th? Was it the famed gun fight at the OK Corral? George Foreman winning the gold medal in Mexico City? The Village Voice publishing the first alternative news magazine, then going on to launch the careers of some of my favorite writers who would win three Pulitzer Prizes? All of these incredible historical events are worthy of celebrating at The Crane & Pelican. However, the most important date is October 26th 1985… The date that... Read More

I’ve been to Mexico, I’ve lived in Texas, I’ve saved 15% by switching my car insurance. This bean tostada served up MI Oaxaca is the most amazing thing I’ve tasted this week. You still have time to catch them at Marketplace at 2500 $4 and if you don’t love this, I’ll buy it off you (Minus 25 cents per bite taken.) seriously I’m for cereal. Welcome to the 10 out of 10 Club MI Oaxaca, so awesome. Your friend in food, Out to eat with Leo  Read More

It’s October 16th, 1972. I am a few years from conception. Although my favorite band CCR just broke up. We won’t get into that history, but little did the rocking world know something magical was brewing up. Two guys named Kurt and Krist come up with the incredible idea to start a CCR tribute band. Fortunately It tanks. Although incredibly talented the two just can’t find the magic to pull it off. Today, I sat down at Mio Russo Sicilian Bar + Table at 2561 53rd Ave, Bettendorf. You’ll have to bear with me as I learn how to write these reviews again. Its been a minute.... Read More

Roughly 89 years ago Macstavern Davenport , opened in the heart of Downtown Davenport. What’s amazing is that minus the 30 cent dinner plates not much has changed. The tile floors, the vaulted ceilings the beautiful bar, and the warm invite is still there. On any given day you can stop in for a bite to eat, a pint to drink, or just a spot to sit down and rest your weary soul. I promise you, that you won’t leave thirsty, hungry or sad. Owners Gary and Sasha Rowland took on the task of care taking Mac’s Tavern almost 30 years now. I say that with endearment, something as... Read More

I didn’t know much and didn’t really know what to expect going into Circa ’21’s latest show, the political comedy, “The Outsider.” The cast looked good, with Brad Hauskins, Bobby Becher, and a few others I enjoy. And director Dennis Hitchcock has helmed some great shows in the past. But I was unfamiliar with the script or the show. To be honest, the first few minutes didn’t do much to interest me. They were largely perfunctory plot points, where a charisma-free policy wonk, Ned (Hauskins), is reeling from a horrible public appearance after he’s unexpectedly... Read More

The first iteration of Igor graced the silver screens in 1933. Today Igor has been in some variation of different personas in many different classic horror movies as a bumbling and loyal assistant to mad scientist and evil monsters. However, Igor’s Bistro offers up something different, than a campy horror movie. You could say its less B-Movie and more Blockbuster hit. Although I wasn’t invited into the kitchen I’m sure that they aren’t cooking up meals in a bubbling cauldron, and Chef Rick, isn’t a mad scientist, but more a Chef of 40+ years. Most of the menu... Read More

My mother is a beautiful singer and musician. I wish I was half as good as her. Unfortunately my hands don’t work quite as well when trying to form the grip to strum a chord. My daughter is an amazing artist. I strive to be a good as her with any art I create.My son can skateboard down the street with ease. I can barely walk some days. All of them continually strive for perfection, and in my eyes they are there. I will never find anything that I can perfect. I’ll never perfect a review. I’ll never write anything worthy of more than “good”. So tonight, as we... Read More

One of the most requested spots I’ve had here, Van’s Pizza, Pub & Grill had some hidden treats to offer. While the Taco Pizza didn’t score high, I’m giving this place some respect and high praise. The staff was in a upbeat mood and that energy transfers over to the overall feel of the business right now that means a lot in the food industry. Chips: 13 Points. Not as crispy as I’d like, kind of a bland taste. Sauce: 10 Points Refried bean sauce here, just missing the flavor I look for. Toppings: 12 points Chips were a little large for the offering here, very... Read More