Greetings!
Tin Roof, rusted!!It's not rusted, but that won't stop us from raising the roof for the B-52s! This legendary band will open the Effingham Performance Center (EPC) Friday, October 8 at 8 p.m. and the firefly is planning a special evening to celebrate the return of this gem to our community! We're thrilled to help kickoff what promises to be a great season at the EPC! The 1,500-seat Effingham Performance Center features performers from across the U.S. and even around the world. Featuring country, comedy, rock, folk, family, theater and nostalgia performances, the venue showcases a wide variety of arts and entertainment. Arguably one of the world's gre  atest party bands, the B-52's are known for their quirkiness and whimsical, upbeat style. Emerging in the 1960's as a rock n' roll band they landed on the music scene with their crusty "Rock Lobster," and have had people grooving on the dance floor for 30 years. They've moved through several genres, including post-punk and pop, eventually emerging into their own, unique style of funky, campy sound. Band front-man Fred Schneider recently said in an interview that "We do things our own little way - it works for us," - and we totally agree! And since we think that kindred spirits should celebrate their uniqueness, there's even more reason to party! So vamp it up! Girls get your beehives stable, guys, well, we'll pass on the bikinis... maybe just some 50-s retro will do. Dress in the mood and come prepared dine on some B-52 favorites, or at least, a firefly version of them. Maybe yams, perhaps collard greens, guess we'll have to fix butterbeans...or rock lobster, if we can figure out exactly what that is! After the show it's a party at the firefly! Mike is working on some psychedelic concoctions in honor of this legendary band, and of course, we'll have a squadron of B-52's at the bar. So come one, come all. Get your tickets today, and plan on stopping by the firefly before, and after, the show!  Upcoming Effingham Performance Center performances for 2010 include Amy Grant, The Last Comic Standing, 4 Troops, REO Speedwagon, Jingle Bell Rock and Sara Evans. Tickets for all performances can be purchased at the EPC or through Ticketmaster, see their website for box office hours. |
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Spotlight on a firefly...
We're always so impressed by the variety and depth of the people who walk through our doors. During the next few months, we'd like to share some of them with you.
For many, growing up on a farm means reaping what you sow and with it comes an understanding that the land must be nurtured and cared for in order to be fruitful. For Niall, farm-life instilled his belief in organic and sustainable foods and helped lead him to a career as a chef. As his culinary career blossomed, this belief was reinforced by the difference in taste, texture, smell - and ultimately the dining experienced - offered by fresh and in-season foods as opposed to pesticide-treated, trucked, and store-bought.
For Sara Holmes of Botanical Healing Arts, being surrounded  by plants and herbs influenced both her childhood and her career choice. Like Niall and Kristie she believes in the importance of organic produce and products for quality, sustainability and whole health. Influenced since early childhood by her Cherokee Indian Grandmother to look for healing from nature's bounty, Sara didn't realize at the time how profoundly this stewardship would affect her.
Her grandmother always knew which herb, plant or tea might ease a sore throat or settle an upset stomach, and it was this influence that ignited Sara's passion for herb gardening and eventually essential oils. This connection with nature continues to motivate Sara today. Sara has been an aromatherapist for many years and became a licensed massage therapist in 2007. The beauty of Lake Sara inspired her and her husband to become part-time residents of Lake Sara in 2000, finding it the perfect place to bring all of the elements of wellness together.
In June of 2010 she opened Sara's Sanctuary, a place where guests can experience the tranquility, peace and health benefits of a wellness retreat that includes therapeutic massage, meditation, aromatherapy, yoga and more. The sanctuary hosts a monthly women's wellness retreat, a couples retreat, and can design a retreat for small groups, organizations, or families. Other therapists can rent the house for their intensives and/or to connect with other like-minded health professionals, community groups, etc.
Sara considers it an honor to be a part of her guests' wellness journey, each of which add to her own personal journey which began with her grandmother's remedies. She and Niall are truly two people with passions driven by an appreciation and respect for nature, a legacy they will surely leave for future generations.
If you're interested in learning more, contact Sara at 217-621-9103 or 217-253-2468 or visit www.botanicalhealingarts.com or find her on facebook . |
What a beautiful beginning to fall! It's a great time of year to walk through the firefly garden, feed the fish, and experience some beautiful autumn weather out on the deck! We'd like to remind you all that as of October 11, the firefly switches to our winter hours: Monday thru Saturday Lunch from 11am - 4pm Monday thru Thursday dinner from 4pm to 9pm
Friday and Saturday dinner from 4pm to 10pm
Sunday Brunch from 11am - 3pm
Sunday dinner from 3pm to 8pm As usual, the bar is often open until 1 a.m.
Sincerely,
Kristie & Niall Campbell
firefly grill
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What's Happening
Friday Oct. 8th it's a B-52 celebration at the firefly before and after the show!
Joe is back! Thursday October 14 it's our fall mushroom dinner
Make your reservations today! 217-342-2002
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Return of the Mushroom Man...
We promised he'd be back, and he is! Joe McFarland, the fabulous mushroom man, will be hosting a fall mushroom tasting on Thursday, October 14.
An outdoor writer for nearly twenty years as well as a staff writer for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources magazine Outdoor Illinois, Joe, together with his partner, Gregory M. Mueller, recently published Edible Wild Mushrooms of Illinois and Surrounding States, a field-to-kitchen guide that covers everything from mushroom hunting to preparation, cooking and preserving. Joe's wealth of knowledge is limitless and his humor and enthusiasm is infectious.
Pair Joe's talents as an expert and presenter with creations by Niall and the rest of the talented firefly crew, and you would have an absolutely wonderful evening. Whether you're a mushroom lover, a wine lover, or just enjoy a great presentation, it's an evening you won't want to miss.
Please call to reserve your seat at 217-342-2002. The complete menu is on the website www.ffgrill.com. |
Drink of the Month
Apple Cider-tini!
It's back! It's time once again for that perennial favorite, the Apple Cider-tini!
With apple cider fresh from Okaw Valley Orchards in Sullivan, Illinois, it just doesn't get any better than this! Add in a little apple schnapps and apple vodka, rim with some sugar and spices, garnish with an apple slice, and you have the taste of fall!
We promise you'll love it! They're on special all month at the firefly grill!
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We're talkin' turkey!
Thanksgiving turkeys! And potatoes, stuffing and pies! It's Thanksgiving dinner, of course, and you can have yours with the firefly grill! And this year we have two ways to dine with us, eat in, or take-out!
Last year we had several customers ask us about large family dining at the firefly. We thought it was a great idea, so this year we're giving it a whirl. For parties of 12 or more, we'll host your family dinner. Turkey and all the fixings, and a dessert plate, with a full bar available. All for the great price of $28.50 for adults, $17.50 for children. No cleaning your house, no dishes to wash, it's a great way to share the family holiday. Seating is very limited for this special dinner, so please call Cara if your family is interested in sharing Thanksgiving at the firefly, 217-342-2002.
Even if you prefer Thanksgiving at home, the firefly can help! Whether you choose just the succulent organic turkey or the entire dinner of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy and dessert, the firefly gives you more time to spend with your family instead of in the kitchen! It's definitely the way to go!
Full menu and pricing is on the website, www.ffgrill.com. Call and order your turkey today! 217-342-2002.
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