There are all kinds of stories about these imperial cattle from Japan that are massaged, fed on beer and then sold at astronomical prices in Tokyo's top restaurants.  These are not just folklore. The Japanese have devoted  extraordinary care and attention to the rearing of this unusual breed of cattle, focusing on the quality rather than the quantity of their beef. The result is the 'caviar of beef'.

Wagyu meat has taken the US by storm, with New Yorkers begging for Wagyu burgers. New York's famous steak-house, Old Homestead in Manhattan now serves Wagyu burgers at a whopping price of  $41. (Not on our menu!)

Wagyu refers to several breeds of cattle genetically predisposed to intense marbling and to producing a high percentage of oleaginous unsaturated fat as well as more
omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids than typical beef.

Wagyu meat is striking because of its wonderful marbling which results in a never-before-experienced succulence that sends the taste buds reeling. The fat in the meat has more monounsaturated fats and melts at room temperature which makes Wagyu beef suitable as part of a lower-cholesterol diet.  Latest research from Pennsylvania State University shows that Wagyu beef can actually help to reduce cholesterol levels.

We are serving our Wagyu Burger on a Challa roll with Salemville Bleu cheese, caramelized onions, fresh fried sweet potato chips and spicy ketchup. 

I just wanted to take a moment to say "Thank You" to the LaSalle street crew.   Living  "across the pond" in Putnam County and driving into work every day I have the opportunity to see the condition of streets in several communities after a snow storm.  I have to say that LaSalle is the best at getting out quickly and keeping the streets the clearest.  I know that by saying this I have not made many friends in the "other" communities, however, it is a fact.  Many times this is a major factor in our decision making process on snow days.  As we stated in last weeks newsletter we make every effort to stay open no matter what the weather brings. 

The condition of our streets has a major impact on our business, if people cannot get to us it doesn't do us any good to open.  I am sure that I speak for all of the other merchants in downtown LaSalle when I say that we can always count on the LaSalle crew to take care of the situation.  Kudos guys, keep up the good work.

The Illinois River Valley has become home to numerous bald eagles during the cold winter months. Although on the endangered species list from 1967 until 1995, more and more of these birds seem to find their way every year to our area to build nests in the trees and prey on fish in the Illinois River near Starved Rock.  So much, that the Illinois Audobon Society hosts an annual Eagle Watch weekend on January 23rd and 24th from 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. It includes lectures and exhibits at the Starved Rock lodge on these and other birds of prey.

Guests are invited to view from the Veranda, the riverfront, Eagle Cliff and The Illinois Waterway visitor center to best catch a glimpse of our nations bird. Last year alone, more than 70 eagles were spotted on this weekend.

Plan a trip to the Starved Rock area to catch a glimpse of them in their winter retreat and then come join us for lunch or dinner.