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Wednesday, July 20th

"Burger Me Thursday"   

New Weekly Special 

By Ryan


 

 

The idea behind our weekly specials is to offer our customers something new and interesting  

that you can't already have anywhere else. In addition to our weekly specials, we have added "Burger Me Thursday." Our current list of weekly specials are geared a bit more towards the evening crowd so we wanted to come up with something that could be enjoyed all day. Starting this Thursday, we will be offering an enticing and different burger along with any microbrew for $10, available all day every Thursday.

This is correct, any beer, including our selection of 10 microbrews! Each week we will select a different and enticing combination for that weeks burger. Some weeks we may even ask our readers to "name" the burger. Some burgers, we may even name after one of our readers, as your suggestions are welcome. Our first combination will be offered this Thursday, all day. It will be the "Et Tu Brute" burger, topped with a housemade asiago crisp, anchovy and caesar salad. 

 

If the "Et Tu Brute" burger is not enticing enough, next weeks burger will be the "Italian" burger. Topped with fresh mozzarella cheese, tomato, basil, cracked black pepper and balsamic vinaigrette. See you on Thursday and spread the word! 

 

Around the Area 

LaSalle Gets a Ghost Gallery 

By Jim 

 

Artists rendition of what the building will look like when it's completed

The history of the city of LaSalle dates back to the mid 1830's which was in large part due to the construction of the Illinois Michigan
Canal. As people purchased land, they had hopes of setting up shops to sell to the canal workers. Over time, downtown LaSalle had become an extravagant area bustling with growth of buildings and people. By 1912, our area was becoming a world-class manufacturing center, a tourist and entertainment destination, and local hotels were regularly filled with guests. During the two decades following the end of Prohibition in 1933, many people would come to visit the many gambling and dance houses in LaSalle, where it was claimed to be known as "Little Reno." As culture changed and other major cities evolved along the Illinois River, we have found many of our downtown buildings empty. It would be a shame to tear down these historical buildings. Being a part of the downtown community, we are extremely pleased when we are able to welcome a new tenant to one of these buildings. We are very proud of the efforts by our city to bring back the luster of the days when the streets were lined with cars and shops were bustling with people.

North Central Illinois ARTworks, a group of about 50 artists from the LaSalle County area, is working to establish a "phantom" gallery in the two-story Blakely Building located just one block east of the Uptown Grill. A phantom gallery is one in which art work is displayed behind glass windows without staff on duty. Throughout history, this building has housed everything from a department store to a restaurant so why not throw some artwork in there as well. It is just great to see something being done downtown. The whole area inside and outside has been getting a facelift in recent weeks. It is also nice to see our local artist's talents. In the future, the group hopes to hold events with famous artists and vendors.

Grand opening will be Friday, July 29th so come welcome the new business to our downtown and walk over and enjoy a nice meal at the Uptown. All of us here downtown welcome you and hope for success.

Ghost Gallery: Unstaffed displays going up in LaSalle

Downtown LaSalle 

Welcome Little Fashion Avenue! 

By Aly  

 


headbands/accessories We are happy to announce and welcome another new addition to downtown LaSalle!  Little Fashion Avenue caters to you and your childrens needs. They have childrens clothing ranging from newborn to size 14, and an array of gifts and accessories. Not only are they a boutique, but a salon as well (walk in's are welcome!) Little Fashion Avenue has a party room too! You can have a birthday party that your little one will never forget. They offer manicures, pedicures and hair up-dos for all the young ladies. Little Fashion Avenue is located on 141 Gooding Street and their hours of business are Monday-Tuesday 10-6, Wednesday-Friday 10-7, and Saturday 10-3. Their grand opening will be sometime in September so keep your ears and eyes open for the date. Welcome to the neighborhood!


Around the Area 

Spring Valley's 125th Anniversary 

By Nikki


barto's landing in Spring Valley

Barto's Landing in Spring Valley

With me living in Spring Valley my entire life, I wanted to share with you that 2011 marks the 125th anniversary of the city of Spring Valley! There will be a Home Town Pride Parade on July 24th at 1:00 p.m. This quasquicentennial celebration recognizes the many business families who have remained in Spring Valley. The Uptown's pride and joy, Jim Barto, was chosen to be one of the grand marshals along with the Barto, Thompson, Mautino, Sitterly, Cosgrove, Verucchi, Wimbiscus, Alfano, Mercier, Malooley, Brasher/Teele families. Spring Valley is not only just hosting this parade. Starting today and going on through Saturday the 23rd, there will be a carnival going on downtown. Sunday the 24th at Hall High School, fireworks will be displayed at dusk. So to give a special thanks to all of the families that have made Spring Valley the wonderful place it is, please join the parade and celebrate. Viva la Spring Valley!


 

Three Things to Try 

 

arnold palmer By Aly - Arnold Palmer - This week I would like to recommend you try an  Arnold Palmer. Our Arnold Palmer stands above the rest because we use our in-house brewed iced tea and freshly squeezed lemon juice. We use the freshest ingredients making this summer  favorite truly exceptional. Arnold Palmer, the name itself, is that of a golfer who I have heard of but prior to this knew little about. It got me thinking who is this guy and more importantly why does he have a drink named after him? Arnold Palmer was a professional golfer in the late 1950s and early 1960s and was highly recognized in the golf community for his outstanding achievements. The drink itself came to be after a long day of golf in Palm Springs sometime in the 1960s. The story goes that Arnold Palmer approached the bar and asked the bartender for half lemonade and half iced tea. A lady sitting next to him overheard his order and then went on with her order saying "I'll have that Palmer drink". From that moment on, half lemonade and half iced tea would be known as the "Arnold Palmer". Come in and try it with our flavored iced tea, which at the moment is watermelon (it changes periodically) or spice it up by adding some vodka (also known as the John Daly). Hmmm, why the John Daly?


cookies By Nikki - Quarter Pound Cookies - Being I work at the front desk, I notice many people on their way out checking out our dessert case. I hear many comments like "ooh this looks good but I am so full from dinner." Well next time you come in, take some to-go so you can enjoy a little bit of Uptown when you are at home. We keep our quarter pound cookies in a refrigerated atmosphere to ensure their freshness.  Warm them up, share them, or hog them to yourself. If you don't already know, you can purchase six of our cookies or brownies and get the seventh one for free! Next time you're in, don't pass that dessert case up and take something home or to work and enjoy later.


just peachy


By Kim
- Just Peachy Martini  - July is coming to an end, but the hot weather is not letting up. With the heat wave we're in right now, liquid consumption is important. When I think of summer, something peachy always crosses my mind in order to quench my thirst. With this in mind, I came up with the Just Peachy martini. This refreshing martini is made with Malibu Rum, Stoli Peach Vodka, and fresh pomegranate juice. Served in a frosted martini glass, this drink would be perfect to start a meal with or even enjoy with our housemade pie of the day for dessert. Either way, I highly recommend trying this drink special!

"Not Your Everyday Specials"

 

steak diane 

Monday Nights, Steak Diane

 

Every Monday after 4 pm, we will be serving Steak Diane for $14.75. This will be just like the Red Door Inn. With Victor's stamp of approval.

 

 

 

 

weinerschnitzel

Wienerschnitzel Wednesday

 

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

 

 

 

seafood trio 

Friday Nights, Seafood Mixed Grill

 

4 oz broiled lobster tail with drawn butter, 4 oz cod filet

with basil cream, and 4 oz whitefish parmesan with lemon caper butter. All for only $19.75

 

 

 

Prime Rib, Friday and Saturday Evening

 

Available after 4pm every Friday and Saturday night is our herb crusted prime rib of beef. Our prime rib is slow roasted for several hours in our 1980 alto shaam. It is served with au jus, mushrooms and your choice of side dish. Available in 12oz $19.75 or 16oz $22.75

 

 

 

 

Sunday, All Day, Sizzling Fajita and Margaritas

 

You get a chicken fajita with a 64 ounce pitcher of margaritas, perfect for a relaxing Sunday! Serves 2 for $20!



On Special This Week

 

appetizers

 

all american artisanal cheese sampler

1. Crave Les Freres Farmstead Cheese(USA) 2. Reny Picot Mantoro Michigan Manchego(USA) 3. Satori Bellavitano Gold (USA) 4. Widmer Cheddar(USA) 5. Roth Buttermilk Blue Affinee(USA) 6. Sap Sago, Switzerland. serves 2 to 4 people 19.75

  

oysters on the half shell
lady chatterley oysters from nova scotia, canada. very deep-cupped. medium size salty and rich. this season runs from late may thru the winter months. served with a mignonette 11.75

salad

lump crab and fruit salad
real lump crab meat salad on a bed of lettuce with cottage cheese, orange sorbet, tomato, cucumber, hearts of palm, kiwi, grapes, strawberry, pineapple and a trio of melon. 13.75

sandwich

mesculyn salad & panini sandwich combo
cuban marinated beef, smoked gouda cheese, tomatoes, dill pickles and a black bean aioli. served with a mesculyn, walnut and gorgonzola salad. balsamic vinaigrette dressing 10.75 with cup of soup of the day 12.25

entrees

infused chicken
two six ounce butter garlic infused chicken breasts served with a white wine cream sauce and our seasoned rice blend 13.75

mustard and fennel crusted sockeye salmon filet
10 oz. sockeye salmon filet crusted with stone ground mustard and fennel. served with fresh sugar snap peas sauteed with sesame oil and miso soy glaze and black pepper cous cous. 19.75

lemon pepper red snapper
broiled lemon pepper red snapper filet. served with sauteed spinach and roasted red pepper butter. 17.25

crab ravioli pan roast
lump crab stuffed ravioli served in a light white wine cream sauce and topped with corn and bell pepper confetti. 15.75

side

miso glazed sugar snap peas
fresh sugar snap peas sauteed with sesame seed oil and miso soy glaze. 5.75

dessert

chocolate flourless torte
housemade. served with melba sauce. 5.75

custard pie with caramel sauce
house made custard pie and caramel sauce. topped with crushed sugared walnuts. 5.75   

 

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Foodie Fight

 

 

Each week in the newsletter, we will ask three 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 lunch. The winner has to have the exact answer for all three questions, no exceptions! The following week we will publish the correct answers and the winner of the previous week. So come in and have a drink, study the cards, test each other and have fun. Good Luck! 



 

1. How many large whole eggs yield 1 cup? 

  

2. What two elements must be kept away from leftover wine if it's to keep its flavor for a day or two? 

  

3. What is served "hot," "cold," or "in the pot nine days old" in a British nursery rhyme?  

  

  

Email your answers to foodiefight@uptowngrill.com 

  

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 weeks questions and answers...

  

1. What food is sometimes called a health food due to studies suggesting that it may help regulate blood sugar and its fragrance may enhance brain activity?  CINNAMON

  

2. What plant, once considered poisonous, is Sir Walter Raleigh thought to have first brought to Ireland?   POTATO PLANT 

  

3. What is exposed on a "frenched" rack of lamb?   THE RIB BONES 

  

Last weeks winner of the free lunch ....... Rick Urbin 

 

Uptown Grill

601 First St.

La Salle, IL 61301

815-224-4545

 

Monday - Thursday

11AM -10PM

Friday - Saturday

11 AM - 11PM

Sunday

12PM - 10PM

 

uptowngrill.com 

 

Uptown respects your privacy and will not sell or distribute your personal information.

 

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