Tuesday, September 6th  

Around the Area  

Vintage Illinois Wine Festival  

By Aly 

It's that time of year again, the Vintage Illinois Wine Festival is coming up soon. Mark your calendars, the festival will take place the weekend of September 17-18th at Matthiessen State Park, Vermillion River Entrance. The festival will open to the public on Saturday from 11 to 6pm and Sunday from 12 to 5pm. There will be 28 winery participants at this event from all over Illinois. You can expect a wide range of selected red and white wines for you to sample or purchase by the glass or by the bottle. Local participants include the following: August Hill Winery, Illinois River Winery, and Starved Rock Market Place. The entry fee will be $15.00 in which you will be given a complementary "Vintage Illinois at Starved Rock" wine glass and 5 tasting tickets. Purchasing additional tasting tickets will be available to you for a $1.00 each. Designated drivers will receive a special wrist band and 2 complementary drink tickets for Coca-Cola products. There will also be musical entertainment provided to you with local artists such as: Road Angel, Cassandra & The Gravel Road Band, Steve Sharpe & Wake the Sheep, Kevin Lucas Orchestra, PLUSH, and Howard and the White Boys. The Vintage Illinois Wine Festival is a great event where you can enjoy and support Illinois wineries and businesses. I encourage you to ask questions about the wine making process to any of the vendors. I'm sure they will be happy to oblige.

Click here to learn more about the Vintage Illinois Wine Festival 

  

Around the Area  

Unchain Yourself

By Jim 

Whenever my wife and I decide to go out for dinner, it seems to always take forever to finally narrow down the place we want to go. There are a ton of great restaurants in our area to choose from. Although my wife usually wants to come to the Uptown, she can easily understand that I was just here all day and would like to try something different. It is hard to relax and enjoy yourself as a patron when as a manager during a shift, you are always watching what is going on everywhere throughout the restaurant. However, when it comes to finally deciding where we want to go, we always choose an independent restaurant over chains. Now, I am not saying that I have never been to a Subway, Applebee's or a Red Lobster, but running a restaurant is not an easy thing to do. It takes a special person to start with an idea from
scratch, target what they want to bring to the table and
consistently bring people in.

Don't get me wrong, running a chain is not an easy task either; however, statistics show that independents have about a 50-50 chance of surviving their first year. They just don't get the financial, managerial or marketing backing affiliated with the brand. It is already presumed to succeed. For independents, it is a fight to reach every new potential customer they can bring in the door to check them out. We all just heard that we will be getting an Olive Garden sometime around the first of next year. Working for an independent, do I cringe that they are coming to this area? No, there are different ways to look at this. For one, yes, I do think it will hurt our local restaurant business. I mean, it is Olive Garden and the nearest one is over 60 miles away. It is a national chain with a somewhat diverse menu. It is not a pizza pub or a place for wings or ribs bringing in those looking for a particular item. Everyone is going to check it out when they open, it is something new. However, the flip side of the coin is that our area is finally getting the recognition that we can be a shopping destination. Through research, these chains always need to have a minimum amount of traffic through stores, hotels, etc. in order for them to make the decision to open up in a new area. This is a good sign! We must finally be recognized as a community that has this potential. We should see it as more and more new customers to reach and get them to try us. People driving through a thriving community will often get off the beaten path and check out our downtowns and drive the extra mile to see what independents we have to offer. They will get to see all of our local hardworking independent businesses and give us a try. Word of mouth is the best advertising out there and more people we have to get to find us.

 

So like I said, when choosing a place to get out and dine, I choose local to support our great independents. There is nothing like food you know is made from scratch. Steaks, sauces, soups made fresh that day, not from a 5 gallon bucket. It is nice to try a dish that has that personal touch from the creativity of our local chefs. Just this past year, Subway surpassed McDonald's to become the world's largest restaurant chain in terms of units. 33,749 units across the world! That is a tremendous feat, kudos to them but we have some local restaurants that have fought 25, 50, 75 years to become what they are today. Long live the independents and un-chain yourself! 

  

Restaurant Trends  

Get Out!   

Everyone understands that the American economy is going through hard times. Anymore you can't open a newspaper or even your homepage without reading of more poor economic numbers or forecasts. During these hard times, some businesses have to make harsh decisions.  

Restaurants in New York are doing just that. A recent article in the New York Post discusses the table time limit policy that some restaurants are enforcing. Basically restaurants are giving customers 90 or 120 minutes to eat their dinner, get up and leave their table. The policy is shocking enough, but according to a recent Zagat (the original user generated restaurant survey, research and review website) survey, 60% of diners support these table time limits during peak hours. Zagat CEO and co-founder Tim Zagat, said the survey was surprising, "But it really shows people understand that when there's a line of people backed up against the door, at the very least you ought to be aware and thoughtful of them, because you may be in line the next time."

My initial thought with this policy was, wow, it must be nice to be so busy that you have to kick people out! We fill up our entire restaurant with a waiting list every Saturday night, but we'd be lucky to have such a problem the other 6 nights of the week. Furthermore, that got me thinking to Saturday night when we do have the problem of turning tables. While we will most likely never visit such a policy, I thought it was a good chance to explain a restaurants position on this issue. 

To begin, we never want to make anyone feel uncomfortable and making you feel like you need to leave is an uncomfortable feeling for both you and the restaurant. Some evenings are meant to be celebrated such as engagements, birthdays or anniversaries and when you head out, you plan on heading out for the night. Who are we to ruin your evening?  

With that said, when a restaurant fills it's bar and people are starting to line-up out the front door, there may be circumstances where diners may need to use their discretion. If you have been at your table for 2 and a half or 3 hours, common courtesy could be exercised. If you have a smaller party and the restaurant has pushed two, three or four of it's tables together for you, we don't want to ask you to leave, but after a certain period of time, that is three or four tables we could be using to seat our waiting list that is probably approaching 45 minutes to an hour. Every table we turn away is literally a financial loss and that's why you see restaurants incorporating a table time limit. Also, there's a reason 60% of diners support the table time limit..........they want to eat too!

Restaurant time limits spark citywide food fight!

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!  

"Black and Blue Burger"  

Three Things to Try 

By Ryan - Nocello - This week I want to suggest a recent addition to our liqueur list. The spirit is an Italian walnut and hazelnut flavored liqueur called Nocello. For me it was the first time trying this liqueur. One of our long time customers has been asking us to get it forever and I now know why. I really enjoyed the sweet taste with a walnut flavor and hints of vanilla. To me, it tasted different, but similar to Frangelico. This liqueur, served up or on the rocks, is the perfect drink to end any meal.



By Andrew - Pimm's Cup - Although it's not well known in the States, Pimm's Cup is a very refreshing, classic drink created back in the 1840's by Londoner James Pimm. It's made with Pimm's No. 1, a gin based drink that is flavored with fruit liqueurs and herbs and was originally offered as an aid to digestion. To the Pimm's No. 1, add either ginger ale, ginger beer, club soda, or sparkling lemonade. The drink is typically served with some sort of "unusual" garnish to compliment the flavors. Here, we make ours with ginger ale and we garnish it with a big cucumber spear and sprig of mint to add a refreshing aroma to the herbal notes of the drink. All I can think about while writing this is having a Pimm's Cup of my own out on our patio... and that would be my recommendation to you!


By Nikki - Peach and Brie Quesadillas with Honey Lime Sauce - On special as an appetizer this week, we have peach and brie cheese quesadillas. Ever since I started working here, I have learned so much about food and been introduced to so many different ideas I never thought imaginable. As soon as I tried this appetizer, I fell in love with the fruity flavor mixed with the quesadilla. The honey lime sauce adds a sweet delicious flavor to the fresh fruit taste. Have this on your next stop in before it's too late.

"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- "Black and Blue 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 "Black and Blue Burger".  In order to recognize the first Bears game coming up, this week we are offering the "Black and Blue" burger. This burger is going to be pan fried and blackened with Uptown's cajun seasoning, topped with salemville blue cheese, fried leeks, romaine lettuce, and fresh garden tomato. Go Bears! 

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

"Like" our Facebook and be the first to know about food specials, drinks, and MORE!

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 Middle Eastern dish is named for the Turkish words meaning "sword" or "skewer" and "roasted meat"? 

2.  What agriculture-related disease swept the Roman Empire in 80 B.C., killing thousands of humans and animals? 

3.  What is the most common variety of Chinese white cabbage, traditionally used in stir-fry dishes? 

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

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

3.  What is the term for a bundle of mixed herbs used to flavor soups and stews?   BOUQUET GARNI  (MOST COMMONLY A MIX OF PARSLEY, THYME, AND BAY LEAF) 

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

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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