11 February 2022
Since I moved to Peoria back in October, I don’t remember a week being as shitty as this past week — especially today. For the first time, I seriously started to think it’s time to consider moving on again sooner than later. There is only so much passive agressive stuff one can swallow before it becomes too much to keep down. No wonder this place has been a revolving door of people. Sigh…
I needed to unwind, even if it is that annoying eVil Day weekend most people are celebrating. Although it is one of the top “date night” destinations in town, I imagine that could also mean the bar at Connected won’t be too busy. I got there straight from the office, couldn’t wait to get that first martini down after this absolutely stupid afternoon…
Connected is one of the best places to eat in the region, as I’ve experienced many times but have rarely written about. Ah, and as my friend Simon Majumdar would always say, and relax…
If not “relax” per se, at least it’s a temporary respite from my increasingly frustrating situation. My two favourite bartenders were on duty, so it’s always a pleasure to have these two lovely ladies to chat with throughout the evening. I didn’t want to think too much today, so I ordered my favourite items on the menu and kept sipping at that martini.
I think I’m far more stressed than I thought I was, because I was actually drinking that martini far slower than I would usually… My head was just not in the right place. Ah, well, this may help…
The calamari is done well here, a little less seasoned than usual, but there’s that awesome San Marzano sauce (not pictured, sorry) on the side that more than helped it along. A hefty portion, so I took my time to enjoy it.
And once again I saw a few people stare when I started to eat the parsley like how a bunny would…oops…
A little break between courses, where I switched to a nice cab for the main course. What else?
They do a fantastic lamb here, so it’s always my go-to dish when I need something I’m sure would make me happy. Lovely flavours, when lamb tastes like lamb. Unapologetically rich, this was definitely something that helped me forget this shit of a day.
When Chef Troy Ummel walked by, I thanked him again as this dish has never been anything but spectacular each time I’ve visited; I remember having this lamb even before I properly moved to town. Just excellent.
I was full with all that food, so just eased into the night with a quick house-made limoncello and a nice whisky to close the night. A wonderful night of excellent food and friendly faces helped keep me sane, which is something that’s worth far more than what I paid. Connected isn’t inexpensive by any means, but it was therapeutic — and exactly what I needed on this evening.
As always, very recommended! One of the very best Central Illinois has to offer!
Connected
3218 North Dries Lane
Peoria, Illinois
* I ended up decanting at a new cocktail bar very close to where I live — The Missing Zither — and it’s good to have a proper cocktail place to frequent again…
melhuang1972 