summer header
August 13, 2010
Playlist Theater
Roy Davis, Tonight!
 
roy davis
Last Call for tickets!  Call now! A few tickets left for the first show since early June.  Vacation time is over, it's time to relax with some great music in an intimate, close to home venue.
Tickets are only $15 in advance/$18 at the door.




Ray's Soap Box
Health Care Reform
by Ray

I would really much rather write about food, service, drink and hospitality. However, it seems that my focus these days in elsewhere.  Being a Cub fan, there is obviously nothing there to hold my attention which means that the only sport that consumes me these days is the political one.

This is mainly because there is an assault on business that I have not seen since my political awakenings in the late 70s. If this makes some people uncomfortable please don't hate me for my views as I don't hate you for yours. Please just scroll down and move on to the next article. I happen to feel that it is important that our customers and the general public know what all these changes are doing to businesses like mine and how it will ultimately effect you. You won't find this stuff anywhere else. I do try to leave my opinions out and just give you the facts.

Just to add some credibility to my reports,  a few months back I wrote an article on why businesses are sitting on so much cash and at the same time not hiring. Here is a link to that article.   Link to what I wrote last February.  -

This week in the Wall Street Journal a business owner like myself wrote a very good opinion reinforcing my assessment.    Why I'm Not Hiring - When you add it all up, it costs $74,000 to put $44,000 in Sally's pocket and to give her $12,000 in benefits.  Wall Street Journal Article

A few weeks ago I wrote an article on what has happened to the price of our health insurance. After almost 10 years of pretty stable prices and last year a 9% decrease. We received a whopping 59% increase. Link to my health insurance newsletter.

There is a firestorm brewing as one out of every 12 health insurance policies will be repricing every month. I will let you know what the end result of our increase will be, it's effects to my business and my employees in a future newsletter. Already close to a third of the 20 people I insured in July are no longer insured. I noticed that this week a couple of our elected federal representatives were in town to find out a little more about our jumping fish. I wish they would have stopped by and inquired about jumping health insurance rates. That invitation is always open to any representative of the government, those already elected and those trying to get elected.
Health Care Reform, Continued
A Small Business Persons Solution
by Ray


One of the things that I despise in politics is how politicians criticize others ideas without coming up with ideas of their own. This is especially true in the way in which it effects those of us in business.  The Democrat's idea of health care just will not work and the Republicans are doing a terrible job of presenting their ideas, if they have any at all.  For the record, I consider myself neither of the above.

I have thought long and hard about what my plan would be if I were given that responsibility. At the risk of upsetting lawyers, health care professionals, and the insurance industry here is what one small business owner would do with the health care bill. It's not too late. Something needs to be done and quick. My bill would be 12 and half pages long, not the 2600 pages long.

Of the industrialized world we spend the highest percentage of GDP by a mile. Currently, the U.S. spends 16 cents out of each dollar we produce on health care. The next closest is Switzerland at 10 cents. In reading up on this topic I found an article that predicts we are going to be spending 20 percent by the end of the decade.

Take the employer and the government out of the equation!  - As this mess has unfolded at my business I started to wonder how did businesses get involved in this anyway.  I'm sure that long ago when insurance was done on paper and you could get better rates as a group, it was offered as a convenience and a perk of employment. Somehow, now our government expects it of employers.

Many small businesses like myself do not have the ability to taylor health plans to the individual. It is one size fits all. Your health and your health care are your personal responsibility. Going through 4 different layers from the employee to employer, then the government and then the insurance company just does not work. Every citizen needs the pick the plan and the price that fits them best. I have many employees that work part-time or work 2 or 3 different jobs. They don't qualify for insurance at any of their jobs even though they might work 70 hours a week. If you were to take a poll and ask business owners; "If you could take what you pay for your employees health insurance and add that onto their paycheck and be done with it forever, would you?"  I bet the response would be an overwhelming "yes!"

Everyone has to be insured - Like it or not, when you pay for heath care or insurance you are paying for the people that don't pay. Some estimates say that is as much as 30% of your bill. The current health bill mandates that everyone must have coverage just for living and breathing. Constitutionally, many pundits are saying this will never be upheld in court. The government can not make you buy something just for "being".

Almost all states require auto liability insurance in order to obtain the "privilege" to drive. It is not a right. On the same hand I feel it should be a condition of the "privilege" of employment in the United States. I am not a legal scholar but I think this has a better chance of being deemed constitutional. All that would be required is a certificate of insurance to be employed. It could even be checked and notifications received electronically. This would be easy to phase in over time and could start in very a very short period of time.

Competition - The myriad of health care laws that vary from state to state inhibit competition and in most cases it is set up with that intention. Most states only have a handful of companies that are licensed to offer health insurance within that state. Companies should be licensed to offer insurance nationwide. You see all the car insurance companies duking it out now. It would be interesting to see what has happened to the cost of auto insurance over the last 10 years since this competition started.

Using the internet levels the playing field. Our nation excels at competition and the beauty of this is that it costs taxpayers absolutely nothing. One good thing that I have seen out of the current law is the standardized application for health insurance. Granted it is 6 or 8 pages where most old ones were 2 or 3. However. once it is filled out you can quote your insurance with many companies at the same time. Do you mean to tell me that we would not have a company like an Orbitz or Hotels.com scooping up quotes from all over the country?

Torte Reform - I knew we were in trouble late last spring when the president, kicking off his health care campaign, was speaking to the American Medical Association and said that torte reform was not in the equation. You could hear a cumulative sigh from all the doctors in the room. It is not so much the cost of malpractice insurance and the cost of being sued that is eroding our health care dollar, it is the "cover your butt" medicine.  If doctors could go back to prescribing the tests that they think you really need, instead of a resulting law suit being their primary concern, they could practice their trade. California and Texas have had limits on pain and suffering for years with great results. You are responsible in some part for the doctor you pick and following his advice properly.

I remember Christmas day 1984. My only daughter was 4 months old. It was very early in the morning and we were cooking a holiday meal for our family. I set her down in her car seat on the kitchen table. I heard a thud and looked over to find her on the floor. Horrified and scared to death, I rushed her to the emergency room where our family doctor of many years looked into her eyes and felt around a bit.  He then sent us home with instructions of what to watch for, but no tests or x-rays. It was our doctor's decision.  Can you imagine that happening today?

Complexity - As an employer, you would not believe how difficult it is to navigate the current health care laws, let alone what is coming down the pike. My recent experiences in dealing with the laws as they pertain to different employees and situations has been a night mare. I think my agent and myself have spent at least one hour every day for the last month in relation to the changes we have had to make to our plan. There have been several situations where or insurance company flat out refused to answer a question as it pertained to the law and our situation. We have had attorneys look at the questions. They have to read it 5 or 6 times and still can not give us a definitive answer. AFLAC!

Regulation - The government could initiate 10, 20, or 50 plans and keep them as simple as possible. All insurers and insured would have to follow the rules of the plan that they pick. There has to be a minimum amount of coverage. The only responsibility of the government would be setting up the plans.

Flexibility - Being responsible for yourself, you pick the plan that fits you and your family the best. The federal government could define many plans ranging from the bare minimum that one must carry, to a plan including full eye care and dental. Insurance companies would not be allowed to alter plans.

The Healthy vs The Sick - The one thing that really bothers me about health insurance is that if you get sick while you are insured they can continue to raise your rates until you can no longer afford it. Isn't this what you buy insurance for?

It is simple economics that allowing some consideration of pre-existing conditions raises the price for everyone. There has to be a limit to how much more an unhealthy individual could be charged than a healthy individual. Sometimes it is just the luck of the draw. It is unfair not to reward someone that exercises regularly, watches what they eat and maintains a healthy life style.  The limit would be a hard percentage across the board negotiated over time.

The Poor vs The Rich - There would have to be subsides for the poor and the unemployed. They would still be responsible for obtaining their own coverage. Payments would go directly to the companies from the government. The incomes of these recipients would be subject to reporting, so that the government can adjust the subsidy as their income levels change. There would be a cap on what your out of pocket medical cost should be as a percentage of income.

Cost Control- In order to cut down on needless and frivolous medical care and drugs, it needs to cost you something every time you seek care. If you go to the emergency room, you should expect to pay more out of pocket.  You expect to pay more at a 24 hour convenience store, why would you not expect the same at the emergency room?

All applications should be able to be submitted electronically. We have to finally get something done about a secure national system for keeping electronic medical records but not let the government do it. This is not that hard. Very hard limits need to be placed on things that are not essential to your health. I do not want to pay for someone's Viagra. 

I am not running for office. Just trying to make a living!
Around the Industry
Food Lover Links
by Ray

food loversWe get a ton of food and restaurant newsletters and magazines each week . We are going to post links to the best and most interesting articles that we find each week. For you foodies that really like to dig in here are some articles with an edge.

Terrorist joke costs eatery manager $75
Is this really what things are coming to. Speach tickets issued.
Terrorists Eat at Subway

Guiness rolls out "Pub Finder App"
It's already on my iphone and the Uptown is on there. Free!
Guiness Website



Coffee shops pull the plug on free Wi-Fi
Some California coffee shops are cutting Wi-Fi services to please more of their patrons and discourage computer-toting customers from setting up shop for the day after purchasing one cup of coffee. Wireless is always off the menu at Four Barrel Coffee, while Coupa Cafe in the heart of Silicon Valley has banned the legions of laptop users only on weekends. Los Angeles - you knew this had to start happening sometime
Pulling the Plug on Free WiFi

Gourmet ice cream brings summer sticker shock
Ice cream shops boasting organic whipped cream, local fruits and handmade gelato are popping up in towns across the country, bringing higher prices with them, The New York Times reports. Customer reaction to the higher prices is mixed, and shops including two Grom gelaterias in New York City say they must charge more to cover the costs of the pricey ingredients that make their treats taste better
Pricey Gourmet Ice Cream

Alderman calls for rolling restaurants-COUNCIL | Mobile food trucks would create 'whole new industry'
If I owned a restaurant and someone was able to set up shop right outside my front door with very little investment this would really tick me off
Mobil Food Trucks

The National Restaurant Association is concerned that new regulation to expand Form 1099 information reporting will impose huge paperwork burdens on businesses.
New Form 1099 Regulations
On the Menu
It's Fresh Garden Tomato Time
By Jimmy

Fresh Garden TomatoIt's that time of year. Gardens are overflowing with ripe red tomatoes. There is nothing better than a nice, juicy, home grown garden tomato.

It's too bad, we have to wait until the end of summer to get  these great tasting versions of the white tasteless items that we find the rest of the year.

The problem is that they all come at once and we are stuck with an abundance of them. I guess "get them while you can" is the mantra for this time of year.

But did you know, for many years tomatoes were considered poisonous and were grown solely for their ornamental value? After further research, they have found they are rich in vitamins A and C, low in calories, and have been linked to the prevention of many forms of cancer. 

The tomato is America's most popular home garden crop. Every garden needs to have a tomato plant or 2, 5, or 10 of them. I remember helping my grandpa with his garden every year and I think he had over 20 plants each year. The thing is, he never ate a single one. They are just so easy to grow he said and many people love them. "I plant them for everyone else".  
 
In the coming weeks, you will find the garden tomato as a featured item on our menu. Many thanks to Jim Barto Sr. and Dale Olson for sharing their crop with us. They are both avid gardeners and bring in many different items for us to use. We can't wait for the big tomato shipment. 

Currently, we are featuring Fussilli Pasta with Fresh Mozzarella and Garden Fresh Tomatoes mixed with fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, and cracked pepper.  Along with the Fussillli Pasta we also have a Caprese Salad with our fresh pulled mozzarella, (yes we pull the mozzarella from the curd here in house). You may even see our version of the BLT sandwich on the menu.
Around the Valley
Hegeler Carus Foundation's Music at the Mansion
By Ray

carus mansionBluegrass and Gospel Music will be presented by The Grand Ridge 5 + 1 at the Hegeler Carus Mansion, 1307 Seventh Street, La Salle.  Band members include Mary Lou Boyd on the concert bass, Jeff Gleim on the guitar, Marese Gleim on the mandolin, Terry Feldott on the banjo, Jan Sly on the guitar, and Bill Boyd on the fiddle.  This event is free to the public. Please join us for an evening of great music and fun.  Weather permitting, this concert will be held outdoors so bring your lawnchairs!  Friday, 20 August, 5:45 pm
Hegeler Carus Foundation
Not Your "Everyday" Specials

seafood trio newFriday Nights, Seafood Mixed Grill
It includes a  4 oz lobster tail with drawn butter, 4 oz salmon filet with basil cream and 4 oz whitefish parmesan with lemon caper butter.  All for only $19.75








steak diane
Monday Nights, Steak Diane
Every Monday after 4 pm, we will be serving Steak Diane for $13.75.  This will be just like the Red Door Inn.  With Victor's stamp of approval.










weinerstzleWienerschnitzel
Every Wednesday after 4pm, we will be serving authentic German Wienerschnitzel.  Served with roasted asparagus, speatzle and veal demi glaze it is only $11.75.







fajitasSunday, All Day, 
Sizzling Sunday Fajita and Margaritas

You get a chicken fajita for two with a 64 ounce pitcher of margaritas for only $20! Imagine this on a Sunday afternoon on the patio or at a sidewalk table with the sunshine and a nice breeze!  No, your not in Cabo, but it sure feels like it! 



On Our Special
Peach, mango and brie Quesadillas with Honey Lime Dipping Sauce
Rocky Bay Oysters on the Half Shell
Caprese Salad
Steak and Asian Pear Salad
Panini Sandwich with Raisin River Ham, White Cheddar Cheese and Caramelized Onions
Open Face Steak Sandwich
Grilled Mako Shark with Pineapple Shutney,
Grilled Balsamic Glazed Pork Porterhouse
Stuffed Chicken Breast
Breaded Boneless Chicken Breast Stuffed with Broccoli and Manchengo Cheese
Fussili Pasta with fresh Mozzarella Pearls and Garden Fresh Tomatoes
Roasted Baby Patty Pan Squash
Sweet Corn Sautee
Chocolate Flourless Mousse Torte
Win a Free Lunch


Foodie Fight Free Lunch Contest
by Kris

foodie fightEach week in the newsletter we will ask 3 questions from the Foodie Fight cards.  The first person to email us (see link below) the correct answers to all three questions will receive a complimentary free lunch.  The winner has to have the correct answer for all three questions, no exceptions.  The following week we will publish the correct answers and the winner from the previous week.  So come on in and have a drink, study the cards, test each other and have fun.    Good Luck!




1. What is the boiling point of water at sea level?
 
2. What upside down apple tart was named for the French sisters who created the confection.

3. What would Champagne, Dubonnet, Lillet or vermouth be called when served as an opening to a meal?
 
[email protected]

Fine Print...
You must be the first person to respond with all three correct answers.
The response must go to the email address in the above link.
You must reply within 24 hours from the time the newsletter is published.
Participants are eligible to win a limit of 3 times a year.

Last Week questions and answers....

1. What is the name of the Swedish buffet tradition that translates to "buttered-bread table"?   Smorgasbord
 
2. What food editor traveled the United States studying home cooks for her 1960 cookbook, "How American Eats"?Clementine Paddleford

3. What should a butter knife not be used for?  Cutting


Last weeks winner of the free lunch ...  No Winner!
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
Join Our Mailing List
You can read all of our past UPtown UPdates by clicking the link below.
UPtown UPdate Archives
Email Policy
Uptown respects your privacy and will not sell or distribute your personal information.