A Publication of WTVP

Peoria Magazine is no longer in production. Publication ended with the November 2023 issue.

Entertainment

Dish & Drink

All four owners of the Coal Creek Brewing Company — Mike Grieve, Trevin Kenedy, Justin Stange and Danielle Bender — have ties to farming

Farm to Tap

Phil Luciano October 24, 2023

The new Coal Creek Brewing Company in Princeton credits a fast start to deep roots in farming.The business’ four owners...

Hugh Higgins is the owner of Hearth restaurant in Peoria Heights

Hearth and Home

Nick Vlahos October 24, 2023

According to various sources, about 60% of new restaurants fail within a year of their grand openings. Almost 80% close...

An old-fashioned Old Fashioned

Phil Culbertson September 27, 2023

The Pendennis Club, a gentlemen's club founded in 1881 in Louisville, Kentucky, claims the Old Fashioned cocktail was invented there....

Apple Cider Chicken with Apples and Butternut Squash

Mary DiSomma September 27, 2023

I love a good, cast-iron skillet dinner, everything cooking in one pan with all those flavors intermingling. My apple...

‘A church for good times and good food’

Lisa Coon September 27, 2023

Karen and Court Conn were on what they call a “recon mission” in the late summer of 2015 when they...

Maple Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

Mary DiSomma August 25, 2023

Although I love all the seasons, when autumn rolls around, I really get excited. In addition to the brightly colored...

‘Just games and beer’

Phil Luciano August 25, 2023

Jason Pacey navigates the road to success with a gaming joystick.Several years ago, he quit his job managing a drugstore....

Farmstand Peach Ice Cream

Mary DiSomma August 1, 2023

There’s nothing better on a hot August day than a scoop (or two!) of homemade ice cream. For me, you can’t...

Bob and Amy Eid, owners of One World Cafe

Rolling With the Lunches

Steve Tarter August 1, 2023

One World Café, 1245 W. Main St., has stayed with a good thing even as changes have been made along...

Two for One: Spicy Margarita, Paloma

Hugh Higgins August 1, 2023

Back in the day, tequila was slugged back as a shot after a beer. Once you grew up a bit,...

Blueberry Dutch Baby Pancake

Mary DiSomma June 25, 2023

I love a good farmers market. Luckily, there are lots to choose from when I’m at our farm in Cuba,...

The quintessential central Illinois sandwich

Phil Luciano June 24, 2023

Ah, the deep-fried pork tenderloin sandwich — or, as it’s simply known among fans, the tenderloin. It’s the quintessential central...

Jesus Valdez and his mother Maria Valdez are owners of Coney Island with son Manny and daughter Mariah

102 and still going strong

Phil Luciano June 24, 2023

When Jesus Valdez took over Coney Island two decades ago, he knew the recipe for success. Well, make that two...

Passionate Cruise

Peoria Magazine May 21, 2023

The longest days of the year bring relaxing evenings outdoors, and the perfect way to enjoy the rays of sunshine is...

Cast-Iron Roasted Caprese Sandwich

Mary DiSomma May 21, 2023

The French call them pomme d’amour, or “love apples.” In Italy, you’ll enjoy pomi d’oro. or “apples of gold.”...

At Gator’z, customers gobble up the fare

Phil Luciano May 21, 2023

In opening Gator’z Pub & Grill, Deb and Curt Walin didn’t just start a business.They started a business district.Welcome to...

Hawaiian Reprieve

Dustin Crawford April 27, 2023

May is upon us with new growth and bright colors, so to that we will bring some refreshing and bright...

Beer-Marinated Steak with Chimichurri Sauce

Mary DiSomma April 27, 2023

Chimichurri is my favorite condiment when I am serving steak. I first experienced chimichurri when I spent a year abroad...

The Gluttony Games

Phil Luciano April 27, 2023

For years, Tony’s Butt Shack BBQ & Catering in Hollowayville made a solid name for itself throughout the Illinois valley.Satisfied...

Scott Chockley, left, and Denise Flynn, both of Peoria, partake in a flight and pint of beer at Analytical Brewing

Sipping the suds throughout central Illinois

Nick Vlahos April 27, 2023

The craft-beer craze that’s been underway so far this century shows no signs of abating around central Illinois.From Macomb to...

Noma, as I knew it

Joshua Lanning March 31, 2023

People often ask me, “How did you get started in cooking?” Unlike other questions I sometimes get — like “what’s...

The Murders in the Rue Barb

Dustin Crawford March 31, 2023

We’ve had a wild winter and it is time to bring in spring with a strong drink! The world of...

Carrot Feta Tart

Mary DiSomma March 31, 2023

Just like Peter Rabbit, I haven’t met a carrot I didn’t love! Carrots are one of the first...

Come for the ‘damn good beer,’ stay for the conversation

Pam Tomka February 28, 2023

On Downtown Peoria’s riverfront, nestled into a building constructed in 1928, sits the oldest operating brewery in central Illinois. John...

The spice is right

Lisa Coon February 28, 2023

If Travis Mohlenbrink had a dream job, it would be as a full-time restaurant cook. As the owner of Spice...

Cultivating a Coffee Experience

Laurie Pillman February 22, 2023

Asked to describe Zion Coffee Bar, employee Kaitlyn Lucas didn’t hesitate. “It’s a modern minimalist space with craft coffee, homemade...