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Unadvertised Special -
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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."
 Fajita Fridays
For the next few weeks we will serve Chicken Fajitas for two with a pitcher of traditional margaritas. All of this for only $20.00.
This special will be served after 4pm on Friday only.
This special is not available for carry out. |
| Around the World |
Remember the Veterans
By Kris
 As you have seen in past editions of our newsletter, our veterans are highly regarded within our "comfortable and safe four walls". In honor of Veterans day, I would like to ask every one of you who also sits inside your "comfortable and safe four walls" to take just a moment to thank those that are sacrificing life and limb so that you have the comforts of home that they do not.
You can do it right now, while you sit at your computer reading this. It takes no time at all to let them know that we support them. It doesn't matter what your personal or political view on war is, we need to support those men and women who choose to serve their country whether they believe in the issue at hand or not. The fact remains that they are there because they love and believe in this country.
Below are several links that give you information on email, snail mail, care packages etc.
You cannot email them directly, however you can post your comments on message boards that the troops can read. There are also ways that you can get your email address to one of the soldiers if you care for a one on one letter writing experience.
Even the kids are saying thanks. Xerox has set up a web site that allows them to pick out a thank you card that Xerox will print and send to a
soldier that is currently serving in Iraq . You can't pick out who gets
it, but it will go to some member of the armed services.
How to write and support our troops.
Thank The Troops Message board
Support Your Troops Message board
Free Cards from Xerox
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Around the Valley
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100 Year Anniversary, Cherry Mine Disaster
by Crystal
 A few months back I wrote an article on the Cherry Mine Disaster of
1909. The 100 year anniversary of that terrible day is to be celebrated with the dedication of a monument, an event you will not want to miss. A full 2 days
of ceremonies is planned for November 14 and 15 which include the Chicago Fire Fighters Local 2 color guard.
November
13, 1909 began like most days in the St. Paul Mine as approximately 481
men and boys climbed into the wooden cage that carried them down into
the mine. The electrical system which lighted the tunnels was out of
order, as it had been the past few weeks, so they were lit by kerosene
torches that hung from the walls. There were about 40 mules working in
the mine that day and after the workers finished lunch, around 12:30,
the mine manager order six bundles of hay to be sent down to the mule
stables. The car containing the hay was sent down to the second level
and from there it was pushed toward the stables by Robert Deans and
15-year-old Matt Francesco. As they gave the car a final push toward
the stables it rolled to a stop near the downward shaft. What they did
not see, as they walked back to the main cage, was that the hay stacked
high in the car was directly under one of the kerosene torches and soon
caught on fire.
So began one of the worst coal mining disasters in U. S. history. In
the end 259 men and boys perished, in spite of heroic rescue attempts.
Only 20 men were rescued. They had walled themselves off (to avoid the
"black damp" , the mixture of unbreathable gases that form when oxygen
is removed from an enclosed atmosphere) 500 feet underground. They
spent eight harrowing days in complete darkness with only a pool of
water that trickled from a coal seam to drink.
On November 14-15, 2009 the Village of Cherry will commemorate the
100th anniversary of this tragic event. On their website about the
disaster, The Illinois Labor History Society has provided information about the commemoration: Schedule of Events |
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| Things to do in the Valley |
| Take up curling & Join the Oldest Curling Club in Illinois
by Ray
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 Looking forward to winter? I am. The last few years I have been a
"curler" and winter is curling season. We are so lucky to have the
oldest curling club in Illinois, 125 years, so close to us. I thought I
would share my experience about how I learned the game and how someone
else could take up this amazing ancient sport. If you have an
interest in curling this is the time of year to pick it up, join a
league or maybe even get a group together to try it out. After my first
session, my lasting impression was that curlers love to teach
and share their game with prospective curlers. Do not be intimidated by
the rules, traditions or idiosyncrasies of this game. Curlers are
patient. It is game you can play until late in life and it is a game
that you will never quit learning. I have never played anything as
competitive and with as much strategy. I am a fourth year curler and in a
competitive match many times I am still not sure what the strategy
might be. There are 4 different positions or "roles" on every
team. The least experienced will usually shoot first. Your
responsibilities are limited while you learn and get the feel of the
game. Joining
is easy. First year curlers are 100$ for the entire season which starts
in December and lasts through early March. This grants you access to club
most anytime to practice or participate in a league. There are leagues
for men, women, mixed couples, novices, and competitive veterans. There
is no equipment you need to start. The club has "sliders" and brooms
that you can use. The only other thing I would recommend is something
some what loose fitting and slightly warm. Non-members may arrange ice
time for an introduction to curling and
instructional curling. A nominal fee to cover expenses is charged.
Curling, ice and group outings are available December through March most
Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons. A group outing with our club
typically consists of two hours on ice
with instruction and play, with optional additional time for food
and/or refreshments. The club will tailor your event to meet your
organizations needs. They will supply all necessary curling equipment.
The curling
facility consists of an indoor sheet of ice on which 3 individual games
can be played at one time. Teams consist of four players but don't
worry if your group has more or less than a multiple of four, as our
instructors can fill in to round out the teams Curling can
really be a great workout for both the upper and lower body, when you are
shooting as well as when you are sweeping. When your skip is screaming
"HARD REALLY HARD" you really have to put everything you have into to
your sweeping. Most games last about about an hour and a half to 2
hours and I a usually get enough of a work out to wear short sleeves on
the ice.  Curling is a very communal game. From the traditional
opening handshake and wish of "good curling" to the after match round of
food and libation that is always with the 7 other people you just
played with. Talk will consist of missed and made shots, strategy and
comments about the ice. This is also an Olympic year. The last
few winter Olympics the curling events have garnered the greatest
increase in ratings and viewers interest. It can even more fun to watch
after experiencing it for yourself. To schedule an
event or sign up contact Rachel Puckett - rachelpuck@aim.com - 815.672.0467 Waltham Curling Club |
Around the Downtown
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| Girls Night Out, Dinner and Shopping
by Kris
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 Forget the dinner and a movie bit. In Downtown LaSalle you can do dinner and shopping. Yes, you can shop after 5pm in downtown LaSalle. The best part of it is that you will be shopping in private with wine and munchies provided. The Tri City Frock Shoppe is holding private, by appointment, "Girls night out" shopping nights for any group of girls that wish to participate. ( of course, I use the word "girls" loosely, even at my age, I consider myself a girl!) There are only a couple requirements, the size of the group has to be 8 or more and an appointment has to be made. From 5pm to 7pm, you get to shop the entire store all by yourselves. Especially convenient this time of year during "power shopping season". Get away from the kids and the hubby and shop to your hearts content. Of course, we all know how stressful shopping can be and that's where we come in. Tri City Frock Shoppe is just across the street making it perfect to stroll on over and have a calming martini before a great dinner enjoyed with just the "girls". Contact the shop to make an appointment and of course don't forget your dinner reservations with us. The best way to end a great "Girls Night Out." Tri City Frock Shoppe 559 1st St
LaSalle, IL 61301
815-223-0403 tricityfrockers@yahoo.com |
| Behind the Bar |
| Two Brothers Heavy-Handed India Pale Ale
by Kris
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 Heavy Handed IPA is brewed to celebrate the
harvesting of the hops every year. Within moments of harvest they add freshly picked "Wet Hops" to this IPA. Since the hops have not been dried before use, they add a wonderful character found in no other beer. A hop lovers dream. It is available September through December each year. There is much said about wine tasting, however it seems that it is just as much an art if you are "beer tasting". Beer is rated in 5 categories. Heavy Handed India Pale Ale comes out like this. Appearance-Coppery red with an off white one finger head with decent lacing. Smell- Caramel malt and zesty grapefruit/citrus with a bit of pine. Taste-Caramel upfront finishing with a citrusy, pine bitterness. Mouthfeel- Creamy and smooth for an IPA. Drinkability- Easy to drink. This beer is well balanced and that is a significant factor as to how easy it drinks. Below is the link to a great video that shows how this beer is tasted and rated. Two Guys on Beer Review |
On Special
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Flat Iron Steak
by Ryan |
 The Flat Iron steak was once, a cut of beef used for grinding to make
hamburger. Slowly gaining popularity
in the early part of this decade, it is now a popular cut of beef and can be found in restaurants and grocery stores. It is
not uncommon to hear this steak referred to as the 2nd most tender cut of beef. The cut comes from the shoulder of the cow. Every article I've
read on the flat iron steak advises you not to prepare the steak beyond medium,
although still edible, the best flavor and texture come
out on a cut prepared medium or less. The attached article discusses why, until
recently, the "top blade steak" was mostly used as scrap and how they found a
way to get around the tough tissue.
On our menu this week is a full
pound Flat Iron Steak, prepared with a porcini mushroom demi glaze and
fried shiitake and oyster mushrooms. Stop in and try the newest cut of beef
that is taking the industry by storm. Learn more about the Flat Iron |
| On Our Special |
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Chicken Caesar Flatbread Salad
Fried Veggies
Mole Chicken Quesadillas
BBQ Meatloaf Sandwich
Chargrilled Flat Iron Steak
Pan Fried Panko Crusted Escolar
Steamed Mussels in Vodka Tomato Sauce
Roasted Cauliflower
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| Playlist Theater
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Tickets on sale now for all future shows.
Next Show
 Steve Forbert
Friday
November 20th
Upcoming shows
Willie Nile
Friday
January 29th |
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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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You can read all of our past UPtown UPdates by clicking the link below.
UPtown UPdate Archives |
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Uptown respects your privacy and will not sell or distribute your personal information.
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