The Beer Report

Groucho took a trip… And all he brought back was this crappy story![http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/stanfords-pic-1024x768.jpg]http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/?attachment_id=1666 Well, it’s not a bad tale about a beer and a burger.  While we wait for a better mobile setup to magically appear…  Groucho tells the story of his Guaca-Guaca Burger in Cheyenne Wyoming at Stanfords Grub and Pub. Does anyone out there know Leo?  He was trying to show off his abs to the young man who took over bartending as I was leaving!  He gave that night a heck of a try!     [http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/IMG_3385-768x1024.jpg]http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/?attachment_id=1664 [http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/IMG_3389-1024x768.jpg]http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/?attachment_id=1667

https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thebeerreport/TBR_BNB02_FINAL_Final.mp3 [https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thebeerreport/TBR_BNB02_FINAL_Final.mp3] [http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Enlight2735-300x225.jpg]The dining tour of Tazewell County Illinois continues with a little gem sitting on the water. This episode focuses on a riverside bar that Groucho has known for over two decades.  Years ago we joked on the show that Groucho worked at “Riverside Motors”.  While that may have been a cover name to protect the innocent…  It was aptly named for its location near the Illinois River.  Riverside Motors is very near a small bar that used to be called “Fitzpatricks” and later called “Captain Ron’s” The newest iteration of this location along the Illinois River is called “Kutchies on the Water”.  Friend of the show, Mike Walters, recommended this location after Groucho reached out for an ideal location to meet up for a burger and beer.  You see, Mike works for Left Hand  Brewing[http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Enlight2732-225x300.jpg]http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/?attachment_id=1639 Company and it would not be fair to have Mike on the show without talking a little bit about his company and journey over the “Eons” we have known each other.   Left Hand beers are at Kutchies. Kutchies is unique in Central Illinois and certainly Tazewell County.  Very few restaurants can boast riverside dining or boat parking for those arriving on the water.  The atmosphere matches any seaside or lakeside restaurant you might remember from years ago.  A large wood deck sits near the water and a small inside dining area and bar are there just in case the weather is not ideal for sitting outside.  Just like Florida, Louisiana, or Lake of the Ozarks, you go to restaurants like this to enjoy the outside and socialize on the deck.   Food and drinks are secondary…  If they are “good”, or on the rare occasion “great”, that’s a bonus! [http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Enlight2733-768x1024.jpg]http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/?attachment_id=1640Fortunately, years of experience at Kutchies meant that there would be no surprises.  Usually, a trip to Kutchies for lunch is in order a few times during the summer.  Catch some sun rays and watch the folks off work boating, It’s a great way to spend a distract lunch hour before the second half of the day at work.  The food at Kutchies has always been solid.  While they have a full menu of your normal bar/pub offerings, they have become famous for their gigantic oversized bloody marys.  You know the ones with a fried chicken thigh sticking out of the drinking glass topped off with vegetables.  You will beat that hangover with more booze or brunch.  Pick your poison! Mike and I sat down and talked about being beer nerds back in the early 2000s and watching the members of the “cult of craft beer” come and go.  Are we old enough to be considered survivors?  We also talk about the origin of Left Hand Brewing Nitro Milk Stout while enjoying some Left Hand Beers offered at Kutchies. I ordered the Kutchie Burger… Because that is what I am going to do when you have a “house” burger.  True to the theme…  The Kutchie burger tastes like a trip to the tropics with teriyaki, pineapple, and swiss cheese served on a ciabatta roll.  I opted for the homemade coleslaw and was quite satisfied for 9 bucks.  Mike went with a straightforward cheeseburger with tots.  As usual, he’s like a giant kid! On your dining tour of Tazewell County…  Make sure Kutchies is on your list of places to stop.  Riverside dining near the[http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Enlight2739-225x300.jpg]http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/?attachment_id=1645 floodplain is shockingly rare in this day and age.  It’s a welcome change of pace from eateries inside strip malls or standalone fast-food joints shoved in a parking lot near a big box store.  (If that’s your jam…  It’s time to step up your game!) Dining Notes:  Lunch is usually pretty quick and easy for those on a time crunch.  Get there a little earlier than the lunch crowd who may not be in as big of a hurry as you.  Weekend dinner on a pretty midwestern night can leave you waiting for a table.  Be prepared to grab a beer at the bar and wait for a table. Sound Note:  Sorry, nerd alert.  Groucho is playing with some dual lapel microphones for the interview at the table.  It was going well until Margaret called in and tried to interrupt the show.  This MAY have upset the microphone plugged into the iPhone 11.  Next time… Airplane mode.  Groucho compensated Mike’s law audio after the interruption, so you might hear some ups and downs in the production. Feedback or ideas?  Send your emails to groucho@thebeerreport.com or @thebeerreport on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok  (I don’t follow the Tiktok, so don’t leave a message there unless you don’t want to get a response for months!) Thanks for listening! Groucho [http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Enlight2732-768x1024.jpg]http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/?attachment_id=1639[http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Enlight2737-1024x768.jpg]http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/?attachment_id=1643[http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Enlight2733-768x1024.jpg]http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/?attachment_id=1640[http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Enlight2736-1024x768.jpg]http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/?attachment_id=1642[http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Enlight2735-1024x768.jpg]http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/?attachment_id=1641[http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Enlight2738-1024x768.jpg]http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/?attachment_id=1644[http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Enlight2730-1024x768.jpg]http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/?attachment_id=1638

[http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Enlight2628-ep-1-1024x758.jpg]http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/?attachment_id=1590 Welcome to Episode one of the Tazewell County Beer and Burgers Podcast with Groucho.  We take our movable feast to Mackinaw Illinois for episode one.  Haynes’ on Main has been a benchmark for quality pub fare with great craft beer since they opened.  It was an easy decision to start with Haynes. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thebeerreport/BNB_01_-_Haynes.mp3 [https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thebeerreport/BNB_01_-_Haynes.mp3] First off… thanks for tuning in.  This is a huge departure from a normal TBR show.  We hope you enjoy this project and if you have any thoughts or want to make some recommendations.  By all means…  Email us at groucho@thebeerreport.com or hit me on most socials @thebeerreport The last episode and introduction podcast had me sitting with a friend of the show, Kevin, at the Blacktop Tavern.  We still have Blacktop on our list as a show destination.  Don’t think I have forgotten.  Also…  I was reminded today that the Burger Barge in East Peoria has amazing burgers and it is definitely in Tazewell County.   So, we will probably fit them into a show as well.  ---------------------------------------- Today was a cool, Fall “feeling” day.  It felt appropriate to head out to the eastern edge of the county for a scenic drive.  It was easy weather to have the windows down and take a breath of country air.  All the while, driving roads that dissect nearly mature corn and bean fields add to the feeling that I am getting a little remote.  Every field looks like it’s just days away from turning brown for harvest.  We are close for Fall. Mackinaw Illinois sits on Route 9 between Bloomington and Pekin.  It’s just 10 minutes away from Interstate 155 and is a fairly easy drive for most.    12 minutes from Pekin.  Probably 20 minutes from Bloomington/Normal.  These are the kind of roads that you can travel 7 miles in 7 minutes.  Straight lines that have 2 directions…  North to South or East to West.  It’s “grid life” before the kids came up with their version of “grid life”.   Mackinaw is one of the few communities in Tazewell county that could be called a river town.  Because of this, its become synonymous with local river culture.  The Mackinaw River State Fish and Wildlife Area is nearby and allows for easy access to the recreational waterway for thousands of rabid canoe and kayaking fans.  There is even canoe rental available in the area for those wanting to check it out without the ownership commitment. ---------------------------------------- The main street is small, even by small-town standards.  You could call it petite.  Nicely maintained space and all buildings appear to be occupied.  A rarity in this day and age of rural flight.  The Library, Post Office, and professional services are located in the heart of the town, along with an IGA grocery.  There is something funny about seeing buildings with the year 1869 stamped on their crown with a Yoga studio located at the street level.  Makes you wonder what the founders of the town would think if they could stroll down this street today.   Haynes’, sitting smack dab in the middle of town, is part of that downtown space.  Haynes’ adds to the clean and appealing look of the downtown with its nicely renovated exterior.   The menu is full of fresh-made food…  But we don’t have time for that.  We are here for a burger and beer.  What’s the burger menu like? [http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Enlight2627-300x225.jpg]http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/?attachment_id=1594Classic Burger The options: * Single Smash ¼ lb with cheese for 9.5 * Double 11.50 * Turkey Burger * Western with bbq and onion rings * Big Cheif (named after the high school mascot) jalapenos, pepper, and onions * Caprese burger with fresh moz, Roma tomatoes, and basil I ordered the Classic burger  Single with American cheese, lettuce, pickle, tomato, and 1000 island dressing.  I am not a 1000 island fan…  But in lieu of a “house burger,” I went with the classic. While I was waiting for my food, I ordered up a Destihl Hazy IPA.  Haynes’ has 4 drafts at the bar and two of them are from a[http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Enlight2628-300x225.jpg]http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/?attachment_id=1597 local brewery in Bloomington/Normal, Destihl.  We have been big proponents of Destihl over the years and were thrilled to be at the restaurant during its rollout.  We even had an exclusive tasting session with founder Matt Pott’s during those early days.  I digress. Destihl hazy IPA was a nice and crisp beer.  It was almost tangy like it had a hint of lemon.  This beer would be perfect outside on a hot day!  It was pretty good today as well.   [http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Enlight2631-2-300x300.jpg]http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/?attachment_id=1598The burger was assembled and cooked in front of me as I sat at the bar.  I like that.  The smash burger is a healthy portion.  The 1000 island dressing that keeps grabbing all my attention was applied liberally… But somehow stuck to the burger.  I didn’t leave any on my shorts or shirt when I left!  The burger was covered with fresh lettuce and tomatoes.  Everything about this burger was tasty and delicious.  The burger is from a farm in Springfield Illinois and it tasted fresh and crispy on the edges from the griddle. I could have picked a standard side like fries or something.  But the bartender said they had a fresh pea salad or watermelon salad with cucumber as two seasonal options.  I knew my friend Bryan Harland had a hand in these 2 offerings.  I was all over the Watermellon salad.  It was a good choice…  Like the Classic Burger… It was filled with freshness and tasted like I was eating out of the garden.   All and all…  Eating at Hayne’s was top notch and the food could not have been better.  Hayne’s is definitely a top 5 contender for best pub food in Tazewell County.  I may have to come up with a ranking system. for future episodes. ---------------------------------------- Oh, one thing I would say, and I said this to Bryan on my visit…  Bring back those specials!  We had some amazing burgers at Haynes years ago when they did a monthly burger special.  The PBJ BLT was pretty darn good.  My favorite was the Ghost Burger.  You guessed it…  Ghost pepper cheese with spicy mustard.  It was hot! ---------------------------------------- Want to be on a show?  I would love to have a convo about a local restaurant or bar with a fan of the establishment.  Email, or message us on the socials @thebeerreport [http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Enlight2627-1024x768.jpg]http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/?attachment_id=1594Classic Burger [http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Enlight2628-1024x768.jpg]http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/?attachment_id=1597           [http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Enlight2632-1-1024x768.jpg]http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/?attachment_id=1596

We consulted the focus groups and it’s hard to believe it, but people want another podcast!   Actually, that’s not true.  Nobody asked for a new show.  Especially a show about dining in Tazewell County. [http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Enlight2599-1024x768.jpg]Black Top Burger If finding a place to grab a bite from a small, locally owned business in Tazewell County Illinois is your thing…  You are in luck.  Groucho has you covered with this latest audio project.  The goal will be to visit 20 local restaurants in this downstate county holdings it own between Peoria and Blo-No. Today’s episode is an introduction that I hope gives you a feel for what the purpose and scope of the show will be.  Kudo’s to “friend of the show” Kevin for suggesting the name, “Burgers and Beer”.  How about The Beer Report – Burgers and Beer Podcast?  Same folks…  New subject with a goal of showing off some local cuisine and entrepreneurs? Tonight, Groucho and Kevin did a dry run at the Black Top Tavern near Manito Illinois.  We had a great experience and fleshed out some ideas.  Let’s go after those “house” burgers.  If you can name your burger after your business, then it better stand as one of the best items on your menu.  Also…  You have to make your food.  We arent stopping by and admiring the atmosphere if you only have Butch’s pizza and a rack of chips on the wall.  Sorry, that’s not gonna cut it.  Same for the great little family restaurants that make a crowd pleasing tenderloin, but do not have beer on the menu.  Again, sorry.  You are not qualifying for a visit.  We want local, fresh-made food, served with a cold beer.  It doesn’t have to be a craft beer (It would be nice and you get extra credit!), it just needs to be cold! Join us for the adventure and please…  send along any recommendations beyond the ones listed in this episode. https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thebeerreport/TBR_BnB_Pilot_Final.mp3 [https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thebeerreport/TBR_BnB_Pilot_Final.mp3] Thanks again for listening! G PS…  We are going back to Blacktop for a formal show in the next few weeks. [http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Enlight2598-1024x768.jpg]http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/?attachment_id=1302Oh yes he did… He put ketchup on that cheeseburger! [http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Enlight2597-1024x768.jpg]http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/?attachment_id=1301Little Tavern on the Corner [http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Enlight2596-1024x683.jpg]http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/?attachment_id=1300She broke my Black Top Cherry tonight! Her words… Not mine!!! [http://www.thebeerreport.com/mainblog/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/IMG_8684-1024x683.jpg]