Review: Hearth

18 November 2021

Had an absolutely terrible day at work on what was already a poor week. My mind needed to unwind even though it is a Thursday. I decided to check out nearby Peoria Heights, where some of the area’s best eateries and boozers are located. Not great for a Thursday, but had to be done.

A quick pick-me-up at a local tavern, then I wandered down the street to Hearth. Unlike that wonderful restaurant of the same name I used to love in NYC, this place takes its influence from New Orleans. Interesting menu with lots of attention grabbers, so I ordered quickly as I enjoyed sitting at the bar with a nice drink.

It’s quieted down a little as it’s not as early as I usually eat these days, so it was nice to chat with the bartender and others through the evening. Soon my starter arrived, the grilled oysters.

Quite nice. Not quite as awesome as at Drago’s in New Orleans, but it certainly does its job. And to continue on my recent lamb streak, here’s more…

Again, done quite nicely, perhaps not as excellent as at Connected across town, but far better than many of the East Coast places that serve “lamb” that has been neutralised to the point of death by blandness. So a good dinner over all!

I think Hearth is a place I can return to many times, as there are so many dishes that appealed to me, so I’m glad to find a good eatery just minutes from my place. I just wish there was a proper bus line (and sidewalks!) so I don’t need to drive and can let loose a little — on a weekend!

Recommended!

Hearth
4604 North Prospect Road
Peoria Heights, Illinois

PS: I’m rather glad I had to drive which meant I kept the booze limited — which also ensured I could function on a busy Friday at work!

Review: Jim’s Steak House

29 October 2021

It’s been a long week, and I decided I needed to treat myself. It’s been awhile since I’ve been in an office all week, so I was tired but hungry — having skipped lunch (like I always do when I worked in an office). I hopped on a city bus downtown and soon arrived at my dinner destination quite early — Jim’s Steak House.

A venerable Peoria institution, I was told it was the best steak in town. We shall see, but the Midwest does now how to do their steaks — except Rockford, Illinois, that is… As it was a busy Friday night, I decided to camp out at the bar and enjoy my feast there.

Very quickly a much-needed martini was in hand and I relaxed… I also snacked on some garlic bread as I was hungry, and drinking on a totally empty stomach isn’t always a good idea.

I eventually looked over the menu, and went with the large rib-eye. There was a larger one that’s bone-in, but I decided against it. I also ordered a nice but simple bottle of chianti. I have noticed that the wine mark-up is remarkably low in this town…

I enjoyed some banter with fellow guests at the bar before my simple salad arrived, and I took care of it before my main course arrived…

Quite excellent cooking, the temperature was perfect. The “cajun” spice also worked very well tonight, giving the quality meat just one touch better. Delicious, and the herby rice worked wonders soaking up the jus from the rich steak. Job well done!

No dessert, nice and full, so I eventually drained the rest of my chianti and had a liquid dessert. In fact that turned into a few, as I enjoyed the excellent musicians performing at the piano for the rest of the night and continued the excellent conversations with other patrons.

I headed out just after midnight and caught the bus (!!) back to my temporary lodgings, having very much enjoyed this much-needed evening. Much have changed in my life, but some things have not, and I’m always glad for a good night out with excellent food in a convivial environment. Perhaps this relocation won’t be so challenging after all…

And now I know where to find a reliably excellent steak — and fun people to enjoy it with.

Jim’s Steak House
110 Southwest Jefferson Avenue
Peoria, Illnois