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Around the Uptown
What's New? - Signs
By Ray
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Banners before they went up.
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We are having a bit of a facade lift this week. Our newly redesigned signs and refurbished banners are being installed. We hope it will add a bit of coloure to our exterior.  | |
Banners half way up.
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The signs were redesigned by Designs and Signs by Anderson to better match our logos and other interstate signage. After 16 years the old ones had faded and were due to be updated  | |
Banners finished on outside of the building.
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The banners were painted by the now deceased artist Don Harl of Peru back in 1996. Shortly after opening in this location, Don spent a few days in the trenches with us and this is what he came up with.  | |
New sign getting put up on the building.
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Several years ago they were starting to deteriorate and being afraid of them falling down, we had them removed. Anderson's clear coated them and sealed them with a top and bottom channel to keep the moisture out and are reattaching them to our facade. With new awnings, the sidewalk cafe and signage our outside is almost completely redone. Now on to the interior.........
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Behind the Bar
Additions to our Cabernet Sauvignon Selection
By Jim
A few months back I wrote an article about what makes a wine age worthy. I found an interesting article in a trade magazine that helped explain it all. The perfect balance of tannins, acidity and fruit will make a wine evolve into something amazing. When looking at what varietals contain "this" best combination, Cabernet Sauvignon always comes to mind. It is probably the most popular red varietal made and drank. Reviewing our list recently, we felt we needed to bring in a few more of these wines to add more of a selection to choose from. We now have cabs from all parts of the world. South Africa, Argentina, Washington and California including Napa, which has always been known to produce a great Cabernet Sauvignon wine. Next time you are in, give these wines a try. Also, please check us out next week. Along with these recent Cabernet additions, we will be introducing some more outstanding wines we are bringing in. There are soon to be some interesting changes to our current wines by the glass list.
 Truchard Caberent Sauvignon, 08
 Substance Cabernet Sauvignon, 09The Wines of Subtance is a collective grape effort from Waters Winery and Gramercy Cellars out of Walla Walla, Washington. It has recently been named one of the years top 10 "Hot Small Brands" and Subtance marketing is quite unique. It uses the "Periodic Table of Elements" as its basis for its wine theme. Just like the tables chemical symbols, two letters signify a certain varietal. The winery is located in the Columbia Valley and it offers many different wine varietals. Substance Cabernet Sauvignon or Cs is stored in 75% seasoned french oak barrels. The nose is strong, the fruit is powerful, the tannins are bold and the finish is long and smooth.
 Ministry of the Vinterior, The Messenger, Cabernet Sauvignon, 09
This cabernet is from the Oakville district of Napa Valley. It is claimed to be one of the first to be officially recognized when granted the American Virticultural Area status. AVA is termed as a designated wine growing region distinguished by geographical features. This district is the home of some of the most preeminent wine producers and some of the most diverse soils to grow cabernet sauvignon. A deep complex red with the perfect acidity and tannins will preserve this wine for a long time.
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Coming Next Week
Lent Specials
By Ryan
There are certain things we do here that I always look forward to. Perhaps, the time of year that I look more forward to than any other is Lent. I believe we offer the best Lent specials in the area, not to mention, the numerous other meatless options on our every day menu.
One could eat lunch and dinner here every Friday during Lent and never have the same meal twice. But, these specials are so good, I'm willing to bet that you will. Below I've highlighted the specials we will be having every Friday during this lent season. All Lent specials are available all day for dine-in or carry-out! Also available on Ash Wednesday as well. Remember, if these options don't appease to your taste buds, check out our seafood menu, you won't find a menu with more seafood options than ours.
 Southern California, San Diego in particular, may be the most popular place to find fish tacos in the United States. They became popular in 1983 after Ralph Rubio, who tried them on spring break in Mexico, brought the idea back to his hometown, San Diego. He had tried to coax a Mexican vendor, Carlos, to move to the U.S to start a business with him. Carlos declined the invitation but did give Rubio a recipe. Rubio's current chain of 35 stores makes him king of the fish taco world. After having ours, I think Rubio might have some competition!
Three soft flour tortillas filled with panko crusted tilapia, red cabbage, chipotle mayonnaise and mango pineapple black bean salsa. Come in and try for yourself.
 Every year when Lent rolls around I always look forward to this dish the most, "Fish 'n' Chips." Harp battered and served with malt vinegar, coleslaw, tartar sauce, lemon and "chips". I think we offer one of the more authentic "Fish 'n' Chips" around. Where did the concept of "Fish 'n' Chips" originate? If you guessed Britain, you would be correct. Originated around 1860 in the United Kingdom, the British brought this dish with them to every area they would colonize in the future. They even brought it to the Faroe Islands during World War II, where it is still a popular dish today.  None of our lent specials have more of a local tie than the spinach filled tortellacci. With the large number of Roman Catholics in the area, it just stands to reason that a meatless Italian pasta would come to the forefront during this holiday season. Our tortellacci are very light because they are made from very thin hand rolled dough, unlike some of the store bought products that are very heavy and have very little filling.
We prepare them with a white wine cream sauce and top the dish with fresh Reggianno parmesan. We started this dish a few years ago and by popular demand, it is now one of our annual Lenten specials.  No story here, just a great deal. Every Friday, not just during lent either, we offer our version of a Seafood Trio. We serve a 4oz portion of grilled tuna with tomato caper relish, a 4oz portion of our whitefish parmesan with lemon caper butter and a 4oz lobster tail with drawn butter. All for under $20.
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Music at the Mansion
2012 Young Performers Honors Recital
By Nikki
Tomorrow - Friday, February 17th, The Hegeler Carus mansion in LaSalle will be putting on an evening of music starting at 5:45pm. The Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra will be honoring winners from the Annual Young Performers Competition that went on in January of this year. There were five students selected from two divisions. Congratulations!
Seating will be limited, and they ask of you to arrive 10 minutes prior to the performance. You can call 815-224-5895 to order tickets and for more information about this event. Admission to the concert is $3 for members and $5 for non-members. Don't miss the young talent our area has to offer!
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Uptown Playlist Theater - Upcoming Shows
 Griffin House
Friday, February 24th
Tickets SOLD OUT!
Doors open at 6:30 - Show begins at 7:30
Sunday, February 26th
Tickets SOLD OUT!
Doors open at 6:30 - Show begins at 7:00
Willie Nile
Opening Act- Nicholas Tremulis
Wednesday, April 25th.
Tickets on sale now! $22 in advance/$25 at door!
Doors open at 6:30 - Show begins at 7:30
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"Burger Me" Thursday
Burger and a Beer for ONLY 10 Bucks!
The Greek Burger
This week we are putting an Uptown twist into a "Greek Burger." We are going to top our gourmet half pound burger with fresh tomato and onion, delicious feta cheese and kalamata olives, covered in housemade tzatziki sauce.
Available all day today Thursday, February 16th
Next week on Facebook, we will be starting a little something called "Battle of the Burgers." We are going to unveil two different burgers and have YOU pick which one we will serve for the next "Burger Me Thursday!"
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"Not Your Everyday Specials"
Monday Nights, Steak Diane
Every Monday after 4 pm, we will be serving Steak Diane for $15.75. 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 pineapple black bean 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
The Greek 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 going to top our gourmet half pound burger with fresh tomato and onion, delicious feta cheese and kalamata olives, covered in housemade tzatziki sauce.
Friday Nights, Seafood Mixed Grill
4 oz. grilled lobster tail with drawn butter, 4 oz. grilled tuna with tomato caper relish, and 4 oz. whitefish parmesan with lemon caper butter. All for only $19.75
Friday Nights, Surf Your Turf
Friday nights we offer a 4oz lobster tail that you can add to any steak on our menu at our cost! This means that you will pay what we pay for the lobster and not a penny more!
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.
 Slow Roasted Boneless Pork Loin,
Saturday Evenings
Available after 4pm every Saturday night we have slow roasted boneless pork loin with a bourbon demi glaze. 10oz sliced pork loin served with our daily mashed potato and vegetable side
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!
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Specials This Week
appetizer
oysters on the half shell
blackberry point oysters from northwest coast of prince
edward island, canada. clean, crisp medium to large size.
initial mild sweetness with medium to high salty finish. served
with a mignonette 11.75
housemade jalapeno poppers
five housemade lightly hand battered jalapeno poppers
stuffed with crab meat and cream cheese. served with
uptown salsa 6.75
artisanal cheese sampler
1. Port Salut (France)
2. Life Prov Fontagne (France)
3. Clarissa Sardinian Goat (Italy)
4. Queso a La Sidra (Spain)
5. Shaft's Aged Bleu Vein (USA)
6. Sap Sago, Switzerland.
serves 2 to 4 people 19.75
salad
shrimp cobb salad
shrimp, applewood smoked bacon, salemville bleu cheese,
avocado, tomatoes, roasted red peppers, cucumber and egg
served on a bed of romaine lettuce. served with green
goddess dressing 13.50
sandwich
mesculyn salad & panini sandwich combo
rosemary ham and emmentaler cheese. served with a
mesculyn, walnut and gorgonzola salad. balsamic vinaigrette
dressing 10.75 with cup of soup of the day 12.25
entrees
grilled swordfish
10 oz. swordfish filet with a blood orange butter. served with
horseradish mashed potatoes and roasted cauliflower with
roasted garlic and parmesan cheese 18.75
filet rene
steamed fresh artichoke with an 8 ounce center cut beef
tenderloin surrounded by fresh vegetables and topped with a
bearnaise sauce. 28.50
pasta primavera with garlic chicken
asparagus, broccoli, sundried tomatoes, bell peppers,
mushrooms, zucchini, squash and garlic buttered chicken
served in a white wine cream sauce over linguini 15.50
infused chicken
two six ounce butter garlic infused chicken breasts served with
white wine cream sauce and our seasoned rice blend 13.75
side
roasted cauliflower
oven roasted cauliflower with roasted garlic and parmesan
cheese 5.75
dessert
chocolate cream pear crostata
pear cream tart layered with chocolate and served with dulce
de leche and sisler's french vanilla ice cream 6.75
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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. What vegetable was reintroduced in a 1945 marketing campaign presenting it as a new fruit called the "jamberry"? 2. What is the generic name for a fruit with flesh that freely releases from its pit? 3. What animal feed is made from crop material that is harvested green, chopped, and fermented in pits, silos, and plastic wrap? E-mail your answers to foodiefight@uptowngrill.comFine 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 term describes historic and often endangered breeds of livestock and poultry? HERITAGE BREEDS 2. Who takes her blog followers on the road into her New York, Connecticut, and Paris kitchens white writing award-winning cookbooks "from my home to yours"? DORIE GREENSPAN 3. What word describes foods that are made by hand, in small batches, using time-honored methods of production? ARTISANALLast weeks winner of the free lunch... Jim Quesse |
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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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