To know Tacobar is to know Chef Toby. To know Chef Toby is to know the deranged, angry, passionate, frustrated, loving man. Who refuses to give up, give in, or go “mainstream.” He pushes the boundaries of what most Chef’s will do, then he breaks those boundaries, and smashes through the walls of your expectations like a drunken Kool-Aid man high fiving everyone in the room screaming “Ohhhh Yeah” while pelvic thrusting inappropriately to 90s alt rock. Our dinner tonight felt like a celebration of not only us, but a celebration of knowing and befriending Toby almost one year... Read More

The 50s and 60s gave way to the age of the diners. Small greasy spoon stops where you could get eggs and bacon, maybe some buttered toast and a strong cup of coffee that’d wake you up and send you on your way. Mornings and lunch belonged to the working class, and the night time gave way to a jukebox in the corner and kids cutting a rug. Depressingly, those days gave way, to drive thru’s and over priced coffee. In 2018, a little stop on the river gave birth to unique take on that classic experience. The Diner opened its doors at 421 W. River Drive, Davenport. Through flood waters, pandemics,... Read More

To know Tacobar is to know Chef Toby. To know Chef Toby is to know the deranged, angry, passionate, frustrated, loving man. Who refuses to give up, give in, or go “mainstream.” He pushes the boundaries of what most Chef’s will do, then he breaks those boundaries, and smashes through the walls of your expectations like a drunken Kool-Aid man high fiving everyone in the room screaming “Ohhhh Yeah” while pelvic thrusting inappropriately to 90s alt rock. Our dinner tonight felt like a celebration of not only us, but a celebration of knowing and befriending Toby... Read More

In 1888 Vincent Van Gogh painted quite possibly my favorite work of art. Cafe De Terrace. It was part one in a series of three. Fast forward to 2021, and Chef Keys from Cooks and Cuffs has cooked for me her Cafe De Keys. This New York born and raised Chef found her way here, to our bustling little metropolitan area, looking to start a new life with her husband. What’s she brought with her is a style of cooking all her own. To call what Chef Keys does in the kitchen is cook, is an insult. If Pavarotti hummed a diddy next to you, would you call it humming or listening to a musical master?... Read More

As I smash my face between these tasty juicy breasts, I realize why I love Double Ds. Sorry, that is a little vague. I realize why I love the Buffalo Chicken breast sandwich from the Double D Diner and why I order two at a time. With all of our differences between us cant we all agree that Double Ds is what this country needs to heal? Even my wife agrees with me though her lower back hurts, and she hasn’t really enjoyed them since she was in college. She does loves a good pair though. Sorry, Buffalo chicken breast sandwiches, got distracted again which is easy to do with Double Ds…Diner.... Read More

No fancy plates here just damn good pizza. It’s so freaking good. Why doesn’t it look like your average slice? Because it’s cauliflower crust. And I can assure you it’s packed full of flavor. I don’t understand it either. But that’s why it’s a company secret. The Quad City Pizza Company secret. Maybe it isn’t a secret, I don’t ask a lot of questions. What I do ask is for my kids to leave this alone and eat their regular human pizza. This is first time in a week I haven’t cried over my “healthy diabetic friendly” meal.... Read More

For three hours on a Sunday afternoon, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Stevieseatz to chew the fat. (Pun intended). Across the nation there is a movement known in some circles as the “Ghost Kitchen.” A Ghost Kitchen, for those of you not in the know, is a professional kitchen with a time share where several businesses or chefs stir up their creativity and desperately try to fill your plates. Stephen Dearborn is one of these up and coming Ghost Chefs if you will, providing tasty dishes on a time share and sharing them with appreciative diners. The dream is lofty, the goal... Read More

Today’s breakfast was an impromptu stop at Meli’s Pancake House, 1320 5th Ave., Moline. I didn’t expect to find a classic diner when I went in, however I’m always up for surprises. This isn’t your usual Mom and Pop breakfast place, it’s something more. While the menu is full of the regular staple items, it offers a comfort in knowing anything you choose will be amazing and fit for your needs. Whether a giant stack of fluffier than life pancakes or a perfectly cooked steak and eggs, the staff is there to make sure you’re happy. The decor and feel gives tribute... Read More

Pulling upto COYA’S CAFE , I see a grown man in the parking lot sitting quietly in his work truck. He catches my attention because I see him with a half unwrapped burrito in his hand, and tears streaming down his face. I’m genuinely concerned, but I’ve yet to eat today and he looks like he wants to be left alone. Inside Coyas it’s like part candy store part kitchen of magical offerings. I ordered the Carne Asada Burrito and Carne Asada Tostadas. Monday’s for meat eaters. A glass bottle of Mexican Coke, and an order up later I’m back in the parking... Read More

I apologize for the late review. After picking up a couple of gummy bear edibles from Nature’s Treatment of Illinois, I made a mistake. After listening to many of my friends, especially the shady ones I was told to eat only a 1/2 or even a 1/4 of one to start. Being a big guy, whose in a quite a bit of pain i said hell with it and popped a handful. What could it hurt? LEARN FROM ME!. One hour after I said this isn’t “shiznit” I was sitting in the passenger side of my van talking to myself, who was in the driver’s seat about not driving while high. This conversation... Read More