grey heading 3
August 26, 2009
Greetings!
 
Playlist Theater
Amy LaVere Makes Chicago Sun Times "Don't Miss" List
by Ray

A couple of notes about our upcoming show this Friday.  sun times amy lavere
It is always nice to see your selections affirmed in the media. The Chicago Suntimes has great entertainment section on Fridays where I learn what is happening for the week coming up. They have a section that I always check that lists what they perceive to be the 5 best shows coming up in the next week, the "Don't Miss" section. We were thrilled to see that  Amy Laver,e who plays here on Friday this week, made the list out several hundred possible shows. This is the 6th time we have had one of our acts make the list. It is also interesting because she does not play in Chicago until Thursday, 6 days after the section printed. While most of their picks will play on Friday or Saturday. 

While it might not be Pearl Jam (one of the other picks on list) you will have about 19,900 less people to deal with, no parking fees, less expensive drinks served to you in real glass, no bathroom lines and a ton more intimacy. Bottom line it is fun to think that one of the best 5 shows in Chicago last week will playing in LaSalle.

stand up bass2Stand Up Bass Returns to Popular Music
Last  week our show announcer Tom Ptak and I went to see two shows on back to back evenings. These shows, G Love with Special Sauce and The Wood Brothers, as well as the Amy Lavere show  that is here this Friday night, all feature a prominent stand up bass. stand up bass1



amy lavere with bass, pigtails

I remember reading Levon Helm's (The Band) book where he reminisces about the day when you would strap the stand up bass to the top of the car, however, when the electric bass became popular it was the end of an era as well as a sound. It seems like that sound is back in full force so please come and see the show. 



Amy will be performing with her band, three pieces total. It is on a Friday so that weeknight excuse is not going to work this time. I promise you this will be a very good show. Please join us.
To Your Health
Stuffed Roasted Poblano Pepper
by Kris
On special this week we have a roasted poblano pepper stuffed with black beans and habanero chicken, topped with roasted del caribe cheese, avocado and pico de gallo.   Served with tri color tortilla chips and tomatillo salsa.  This is a very healthy dish, mostly due to the black beans.  The health benefits of this little  "turtle" bean are amazing so for those who may not be aware, I thought that I would share some information with you. stuffed poblano

Black beans could not be more succinctly and descriptively named. They are commonly referred to as turtle beans, probably in reference to their shiny, dark, shell-like appearance. With a rich flavor that has been compared to mushrooms, black beans have a velvety texture while holding their shape well during cooking.

  • They are a very good source of cholesterol-lowering fiber.
  • In addition to lowering cholesterol, black beans' high fiber content prevents blood sugar levels from rising.
  • They provide virtually fat-free high quality protein.
  • The level of antioxidants found in black beans is approximately 10 times that found in an equivalent amount of oranges, and comparable to that found in an equivalent amount of grapes or cranberries. Both of these fruits are considered antioxidant superstars.
  • They have a significant amounts of folate which helps lower levels of an amino acid.
  • They have a significant amount of magnesium which is nature's own calcium channel blocker. When enough magnesium is around, veins and arteries breathe a sigh of relief and relax, which lessens resistance and improves the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.
  • Black beans also contain small amounts of omega 3-fatty acids. An amount that is about three times that available from many other beans, including kidney beans.

It's easy to incorporate black beans into your meal plans. Not only are they a versatile food, but they also make a great addition to many dishes.  Click the link below for cooking information and recipes for black beans.
World's Healthiest Foods Recipe File
Behind the Bar
Wine-A-Rita
by Jimmy
wine a ritaLegend has it that the margarita was created by a bartender named "Willie" of Mexico City in 1934. Willie created a special drink for a woman in the bar where he worked.  She tasted it and said; "That's really wonderful!  What's it called?"  The bartender asked her what her name was and she said, "Marguerite."  He then said, "This drink then will be called 'Marguerita' The margarita is the most common tequila based cocktail . Just last week while I was experimenting with new drink recipes for our drink menu, I replaced pinot noir wine for the tequila in a margarita. Rita Anderes, our owner and a wine drinker, was here that day and tried it, she asked what the name of the drink was. I replied with, it is now called a Wine- a Rita!  Try this wine margarita now on special from the bar.
Around the Business
Economy Takes A Bite Out of Tips for Wait Staff
by Kris
tipperThe restaurants industry is experiencing a slowdown just as many other industries are. The first thing that happens is that they usually cut back on hours for the service staff, this at least allows those who are working to make money. Luckily, we have not had to experience this yet.  However, in any down economy, the "luxuries" are the first to go.  For those who do continue to go out to restaurants, they are spending less. Instead of ordering the steak, it may be a chicken or pasta dish. They will also forgo the appetizer or the dessert course.  The lower check totals have a direct impact on the servers tip that is based on a percentage of the guest check.  This has a huge impact and their take home income. Some reports say that servers income is down as much as 50%, especially during high summer tourist season. For more insight check the link below from an article in the Miami Herald.  Although some of it's content does not apply to us locally, it is interesting reading.
Miami Herald

On Our Specials
Salvation Cove Oysters
Stuffed Roasted Poblano Pepper
Shrooms 
Green Goddess Chicken Salad
Caprese Salad
Pan seared Hawaiian Striped Marlin
Fusilli Pasta with Baby Squash, Fresh Herbs and Goat Cheese
Smoked Baby Back Ribs with Rootbeer BBQ Sauce
Miso Glazed Sugar Snap Peas
Chocolate Lovin' Spoonful Torte
Triple Layered Irish Cream Mousse Cake
Playlist Theater
                                                                    amy with band
Amy LaVere and Band
Friday 
August 28th






                                                                           paul cebar and band
Paul Cebar and Tomorrow Sound
Friday
September 18th





                                                                 

Romi Mayes with shot glass
Romi Mayes
Wednesday                                                                                                                  November 4th





steve forbert 2 Steve Forbert
Friday
November 20th      









                                                                                                         
willie nile
Willie Nile
Friday
January 29th


Serving Labor Day
  labor day
We will be serving Labor Day Monday, September 7th
4pm to 10pm
Unadvertised Special -
  For your eyes only!  In appreciation to you, our customers who subscribe to our rantings each week, we are offering unadvertised specials.  Only those who receive the UPtown UPdates will be aware of these special offerings. Each week we will offer at least one unadvertised special. There is some "fine print" and they will only be available at certain times. So don't miss out, treat yourself, you deserve it. Our way of saying "Thanks for Subscribing."

Surf our Turf
We will add half of a 10 oz lobster tail to any steak ordered, for our cost!  That's right, you pay what we pay.
uas half lobster

Available all day, every day from Sunday, August 30th through Friday September 4th.
With Steaks only!
Not available for carry out.
Uptown Grill
601 First St.
La Salle, Il 61301
815-224-4545
Mon - Thur 11 am to 10pm  - Fri & Sat 11 am to 11 pm
Sun Noon to 10 pm
 
Uptowngrill.com
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