Wednesday, August 31st 

On Special 

Mussels   

By Jim      

Humans have been using mussels as food for thousands of years and there are about 17 species that are edible. They can be steamed, smoked, boiled, roasted, barbecued or fried. Each country has their most popular way of cooking them it seems. There is no right or wrong way, every nationality will tell you different. The #1 rule though is that they are still alive just before they are cooked. A mussel that does not open, is a dead mussel and should not be eaten. Not only are mussels tasty, they are also good for you. The are an excellent source of protein, vitamin B12, zinc and selenium.    

Lemongrass is a stalky plant with lemon scent that grows in tropical climates, most notable the Phillipines. It is often used in Thai cooking and provides a zesty lemon flavor and aroma. It too has several health benefits. It helps in relieving cold and flu symptoms, fevers, headaches, arthritis and abdominal pain.  

This week on special, we are featuring steamed mussels with lemon grass. A full pound of mussels cooked in a basil, shallot and white wine lemon grass broth served over linguini. Every ingredient in this dish compliments each other so well. The citrus herb broth is perfect for this hot late August weather.  

Around the Area  

Fun Things to do Outside 

By Aly 

Hopefully all of you have been enjoying and taking advantage of this fantastic weather we have been blessed to have lately. I know I have been because you never know when good ole' mother nature will decide to change things up on us. I love this kind of weather because it is neither too hot, nor too cold. It is simply perfect in my eyes, you can get away with wearing a comfy light knit sweater or t-shirt. With that said, I decided it would be beneficial for myself and all of you to come up with some ideas and events that will keep you outside instead of inside.

For starters, you can always refer back to Jimmy's article last week, in which he provided information on bicycling and all of the bike trails this area has to offer. Riding your bike is a great way to familiarize you and your family with this area's scenery (for example the I&M Canal towpath, Bakers Lake, etc.) as well as historical landmarks like Hegeler Carus Mansion or Maude Powell Statue just to name a few. Bike riding is fun in itself as well as being a great cardio workout as long as you stretch, watch for potholes and of course hydrate. If biking is not your cup of tea you can always walk, jog and/or run, or even rollerblade!  Whoever said rollerblading was "out" was terribly wrong because it is going to make its come back soon enough just wait and see. Not to sound like a broken record but watch out for potholes, I cannot emphasis this enough when engaging in any of these activities.

I know that for many of you, time is a constant issue when deciding what activities you can do on any given day. In consideration of your time and/or possible schedule conflicts, I have come up with ideas for you in these types of circumstances. It was important to find activities that involve little time, little travel, and quite possibly things you can do alone. If you don't mind getting your hands dirty, I'm sure many of you can find something to do within your own yard. You can do minor improvements like picking weeds or rotating your potted plants. For those of you who don't have a garden, it's never to late to give gardening a try and put your thumb to the test. You may find out that you have a green thumb you never knew you had in the process. I am a newbie in the gardening world and this summer for the first time ever, I've had a garden of my very own. Here is some useful advice some wise experienced gardeners gave me when I was planning out my garden. First and foremost, take in to consideration the actual amount of time you can dedicate to your garden. Also, don't be over ambitious on what plants you would like to have because you must have the time needed to cater to the needs of your potential plants. Start small and don't over do it or you might find that having a garden can be overwhelming and not an enjoyable experience. The key is to be realistic and have fun!

We are fortunate to live in an area with two state parks, Starved Rock and Matthiessen. The close  proximity of these parks I feel hinders us at times in which we take them for granted by rarely visiting them. Sadly I know I am guilty of this at times, but I encourage you to visit these natural wonders that are just minutes away. Spend an afternoon walking through the scenic trails and breathe taking canyons. Check out the Starved Rock Marina and even go fishing there. There are endless possibilities if you look for them. Any of these activities you could incorporate into a picnic which is always fun. Playing sports is another great activity that can be enjoyed outside. I love playing Frisbee and bocce ball with my friends. Fishing is another relaxing activity that you can enjoy with a group or by yourself.

Lastly, here are some upcoming events that you don't want to miss. The Mendota Tri-County Fair will be going on from September 2nd to the 5th. There will be exhibits, food, entertainment and a carnival to keep you busy. September 3rd marks the Sweet Autumn Clematis festivals at the Weber House and Garden in Streator. This festival will be going on from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Here you can see and smell hundreds of walls covered with Autumn Clematis. I hope some of these things helped give ideas to get you outside and to keep you busy!

Check out the websites below that are catered to events in this area.

enjoylasallecounty.com

heritagecorridorcvb.com 

  

New Weekly Special   

Taco Tuesdays   

The idea behind our weekly specials is to offer our customers something new and interesting that you can't already have anywhere else. To round out our list of weekly specials, we have added "Fish Taco Tuesday." The addition of this special allows us to offer an affordable and interesting special every day of the week.

"Taco Tuesday" will be available all day every Tuesday for dine-in or carry-out. The offer will be for our version of a fish taco which will include panko breaded tilapia, red cabbage and chipotle mayo with a mango salsa. They will be served with corn chips and adobo sauce.

We will offer 3 tacos for $6.75 or for $2.50 each,  no limit.

"Burger Me" Thursday 

Burger and a Beer for only 10 Bucks!  

"Crunch Burger"  

Labor Day Weekend Hours    

Friday ~ 11am-11pm

Saturday ~ 11am-11pm

Sunday ~ 12pm-10pm

Monday Labor Day ~ 4pm-10pm 

Three Things to Try 

By Nikki - Mediterranean Bowtie Pasta Salad - On special right now, we have a bowtie pasta salad. Included in this salad is spinach, caper, tomato, kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Let me tell you that the feta cheese makes this salad delicious! The cheese has a very full flavor that isn't too salty or too overpowering. Topped with our divine balsamic vinaigrette dressing, this is better than your every day "pasta salad."




By Andrew - Cosmo Blossom - New on our martini menu this week, we have the cosmo blossom. We make it with skyy vodka, fresh lime juice, cranberry juice and St. Germain liqueur. The citrus from both the lime and the St. Germain give it a great, almost grapefruit flavor and it is followed closely by the taste of fresh picked elderflowers from the St. Germain. It is crisp and fruity, a great twist on a cosmo. If you are a cosmo drinker already or if you're just tired of ordering the same drink wherever you go, come give this one a try. I think you will be pleasantly surprised. 



By Jen - Turtle Cheesecake - Uptown's featured dessert this week is a delicious turtle cheesecake. Let go of your inhibitions and dive into two of my loves swirled right on top, chocolate and caramel. With a pounded oreo crust to cap off the bite, this is one of our desserts you dont want to miss. Topped with fresh pecans, our housemade cheesecake will melt in your mouth, believe me.

"Not Your Everyday Specials"

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.

Fish Taco Tuesdays

Every Tuesday, we will be serving fish tacos. The taco includes panko breaded tilapia, red cabbage, chipotle mayonnaise, and a mango salsa. They will be served with corn chips and adobo sauce. Available for dine in and carryout. 3 for $6.75 or 2.50 each. 

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.

Burger Me Thursday- "Crunch Burger"

Each week we change our bizarre burger and serve it all day with any beer in house for only $10.00! This week we are doing the "Crunch Burger". This burger is going to be topped with romaine lettuce, fresh garden tomato, red onion, pepperjack cheese, horseradish and our housemade potato chips. Available ALL DAY Thursday, September 1st. 

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 or 16oz   

Boneless Pork Loin, Saturday Nights

Saturday night after 4pm we will be serving a slow roasted boneless pork loin. It will be served with our mashed potato of the day, our special vegetable of the week and a bourbon demi glaze. All for $16.75  

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

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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.  What custard dessert is likely to appear on most Latin American or Spanish menus? 

2.  What woodworking tool did Lorraine Lee substitute for her grater in 1994, leading it to become a hit kitchen tool? 

3.  What is the term for a bundle of mixed herbs used to flavor soups and stews? 

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. Whose kitchen was donated to the Smithsonian's National Museum of American HIstory in Washington, DC?   JULIA CHILD'S

2. What style of restaurant made its United States debut in 1905 in New York City?  PIZZERIA (LOMBARDI'S)

3. What country was Wolfgang Puck born in?   AUSTRIA

Last weeks winner of the free lunch .......  Liz Brudnak 

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 

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