PETA's 'Feathered' Friends Show Davenport

How to Avoid Salmonella

What: Following the recall of half a billion eggs during a salmonella outbreak that has sickened at least 2,000 people, PETA's scantily-clad "chicks" in tall "feather" headdresses and strategically placed "feathered" bikinis will hand out egg-free recipes and eggless treats in Davenport on Tuesday.

"Eggs carry not only the risk of salmonella contamination but also more fat and cholesterol than you can shake an artery at," says PETA Vice President Bruce Friedrich. "It's easy to make delicious cakes, cookies, and other foods without eggs, so safeguard your family's health."

Hens used for egg production have the ends of their sensitive beaks cut off with a hot blade. They spend their entire short lives (one to two years) living in cramped and filthy cages, unable to spread their wings. Disease is rampant because of severe crowding and fecal buildup in the sheds. Many birds suffer injuries to their legs, feet, and wings before they are slaughtered.

Where: Intersection of Second and Main streets, Davenport

When: Tuesday, August 31, 11:30 a.m.

For more information, please visit PETA's website PETA.org.

Wiener dog racing, polka dancing will highlight this German celebration

GALENA, Ill. - Prepare to have one of the best days of your life, by attending the 4th Annual Galena Oktoberfest, Saturday, October 2, in Galena, Illinois! The day begins with a cannon blast and the ceremonial tapping of the keg. Activities will take place throughout the day, including wiener dog races and events, a bean bag tournament, polka dancing and lessons, beer stein endurance contest, raffle drawings for cash and prizes, plus a bounce house and games for the kids.

Galena Oktoberfest will take place at the Eastside Riverfront in Galena from noon to 11 p.m. There will be live music continuously throughout the entire day. This year polka music aficionados will be entertained by the Jim Busta Band from Spring Grove, Minnesota and The Goodtime Dutchman from Kewaskum, Wisconsin, both of which are very talented polka bands, well-known locally and nationally. A favorite local band, Sunshine, will play out the night with popular music. Galena's own Jennifer Mulcahey, of Ballroom by Jennifer, will provide free polka dancing lessons, having taught a variety of dance styles for 20 years. Food will be offered by Galena favorites Benjamin's Restaurant, the Elks Club, and Extra Batch Bakery. A wide variety of German beers and soda will be available for purchase too.

Gate tickets to Galena Oktoberfest are $5 for adults and teens, children 12 and under are admitted free. Proceeds from Galena Oktoberfest will go to the Galena Lions Club, which serves the community by helping those with sight and hearing needs.

For more information, go to www.galenaoktoberfest.com. The website provides complete, up-to-date information on the schedule of events, registration forms for the races and events, and much more. For those without internet access, call (815) 331-0180 and leave a message to receive more information. Additional area offerings and visitor information may be found at the Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.galena.org or by calling (877) Go-Galena. While in town, visit the CVB's Old Train Depot Visitor Information Center at 101 Bouthillier St. (corner of Park Avenue) for on-site assistance and countywide information.

###

 

DES MOINES, IA (08/23/2010)(readMedia)-- Bettendorf's Norita Solt took top honors in The Flying Mangos contest judged Saturday at the 2010 Iowa State Fair. Solt's Mango Mojo-Grillled Shrimp Wrap earned first place and a $100 gift certificate to The Flying Mango restaurant in Des Moines.

Second place was awarded to Diane Rauh, and Rebbecca Howe took second. Both competitors are from Des Moines.

Entries were judged on use of mangos, appearance, taste and adaptability to a restaurant menu.

The Iowa State Fair Food Department is the largest of any state fair in the country. Food Department judging is held in the recently-renovated Elwell Family Food Center sponsored by Blue Bunny.

Since 1940, ROSS' Restaurant has been serving home style, 24 hour, diner loving goodness to the Quad Cities. Known nationally for their famous Magic Mountain, ROSS' has been a staple in many Quad City family's memories for over 3 generations. Still run by the family of founder, Harold Ross, the restaurant has evolved from the diner of yesteryear, into a locally committed partner in today's quest for more conscious food sources.  Ross' has always featured local produce seasonally, even back in the day when farmer's would bring fresh tomatoes, etc. right to the back door.

ROSS' is very proud to announce our new partnership with Local Harvest and Farmer's Hen House, a small, locally owned egg company that produces some of the freshest, most responsibly produced, and humane cage free eggs available. Not only are Farmers' Hen House eggs responsibly produced, taste great and are healthier for you, but they also provide local Iowa farmers with a way to keep their small farms sustainable.  It is our greatest desire that by investing in Iowa's economy, we are investing in the customer's that have stood by us and made us the longest running restaurant in the Quad Cities. 

Ross' is also featuring local, organic produce in our summer specials and menu items.

(Milan, IL) - Mulligan's Valley Pub, located at 310 West 1st Avenue in Coal Valley, will host a fundraiser for the Quad City Animal Welfare Center (QCAWC) on Tuesday, July 27th, 2010, beginning at 5:00 pm.  Enjoy tacos with a $5.00 donation.  There will also be raffle items and a 50/50 drawing.  Proceeds from this event will benefit the homeless animals at the QCAWC.

The QCAWC is the only full service, no-kill animal shelter located in the Quad Cities.  Our mission is a shelter for homeless animals, to support a spay and neuter program, and to provide humane education.  Please cal 309-787-6830, ext 10, for more information.

July is the month of celebrations for Tastee-Freez! In addition to kicking off its 60th anniversary this month, Tastee-Freez will also be celebrating National Ice Cream Day on Sunday, July 18In 1984, dessert-lover President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day.


Tastee-Freez commemorates this special day and its 60th anniversary with two delectable Celebration Sundaes - the "Chocolate Oreo Blast Sundae" and the "Strawberry Cheesecake Sundae" - available at all Tastee-Freez LLC locations now!

The delectable dessert chain kicks off its anniversary this July with

Chocolate Oreo Blast and Strawberry Cheesecake Celebration Sundaes

IRVINE, Calif. - Tastee-Freez, America's favorite establishment for soft-serve treats and high-quality quick service food, kicks off its 60th anniversary in July 2010, which is fittingly also National Ice Cream Month. One of the longest-lived franchise operations in the United States, there are currently 54 Tastee-Freez LLC restaurants located in 18 states across the country. Tastee-Freez will celebrate its anniversary with two delectable Celebration Sundaes - the "Chocolate Oreo Blast Sundae" and the "Strawberry Cheesecake Sundae" - available at all Tastee-Freez LLC locations until August 31, 2010.

"For 60 years, Tastee-Freez has been providing frozen treats that bring back fond memories of cool, creamy soft-serve and an era gone by," said Tim Mulks, general manager of Tastee-Freez. "The Chocolate Oreo Blast and Strawberry Cheesecake Celebration Sundaes are some of the most popular flavors in our delicious dessert lineup, and mark the beginning of another All-American summer at Tastee-Freez."

The "Chocolate Oreo Blast Sundae" is a combination of Oreo chunks, vanilla soft-serve, chocolate syrup and a cherry, and the "Strawberry Cheesecake Sundae" is a mixture of cheesecake chunks, strawberry topping, vanilla soft-serve and a cherry. Each sundae is available at $2.99 each (prices may vary by location).

In 1950, Leo Moranz, an inventor, and Harry Axene, an entrepreneur, came together to create what would later become one of America's favorite establishments for delicious soft-serve treats and high-quality quick service food. The two men formed a partnership to market a revolutionary new soft-serve pump and freezer which far exceeded the technology of any existing equipment, allowing for faster service and a higher quality, great-tasting product.  Within five years after the first freezer was sold, walk-up stands bearing the Tastee-Freez name opened across the country to sell cones and sundaes to an eager public.  Moranz and Axene allowed stands to use the Tastee-Freez name in exchange for rent paid on the ice cream pump needed to operate each freezer.

Since franchising first gained popularity in the early 1950s, the food service industry has seen many chains come and go.  Tastee-Freez has strived to meet the ever-changing needs of its franchisees and their customers, and has increased its menu offerings over the years to include a wide variety of options.  The majority of Tastee-Freez locations have evolved to become full quick service operations, offering a variety of lunch and dinner options in addition to the famous soft-serve treats. The signature restaurants are located in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Ohio, South Carolina, Vermont and Virginia.

Menu offerings in all Tastee-Freez LLC locations include Old Fashioned Sundaes available in hot fudge, chocolate, strawberry and caramel; Shakes and Floats, including chocolate, vanilla and strawberry; Oreo, Butterfinger, Reese's Peanut Butter Cup and M&M Freezees; and the traditional vanilla soft-serve cone, which can be dipped in the signature Tastee-Freez chocolate. Tastee-Freez LLC locations also offer a wide variety of food. Menu options vary, with many locations serving regional favorites, but typical offerings include signature hamburgers and hot dogs, a variety of sandwiches, fries and onion rings.

About Tastee-Freez LLC

With 54 units located throughout the United States, Tastee-Freez LLC is a chain of quick-service restaurants specializing in soft-serve dessert treats. Celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2010, Tastee-Freez LLC was acquired by Galardi Group, Inc., based in Irvine, Calif., in June, 2003. For more information, visit www.tastee-freez.com.

# # #

Secrets of a Johnny's Chef with Chef Steve Hall

Culinary Class Tuesday July 13th at 6:30

Johnny's Italian Steakhouse in Moline will host a culinary class, Secrets of a Johnny's Chef, on Tuesday July 13th at 6:30pm.

Whether you're a beginner or an expert, Chef Steve Hall will reveal concise, easy to master techniques in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. By showcasing professional secrets to preparing full flavor food, Chef Steve Hall translates your favorite Johnny's foods into amazing at-home meals.

The culinary class is $40 per participant and the fee is all inclusive: two glasses of wine or 2 infused vodka martinis, generous samples of each course, recipe cards, class fee, tax and gratuity. Space is limited; for more information or to sign up, please call Johnny's Italian Steakhouse at 309.736.0100.

 

Everyday Italian with Local Produce

July 13 at 6:30

Betta Bruschetta

Warm Goat Cheese Salad

Chicken Piccata

 

VIP Access - Johnny's Signatures

Aug 10 at 6:30

Supperclub Spinach Salad

Steak DeBurgo

Tiramisu

 

Ace Autumn Harvest

Sept 14 at 6:30

Zucchini Fries

Tortellini Portabella

Turtle Cheesecake

 

Hollywood at Home

Oct 12 at 6:30

Lobster Frangelico Salad

Chanel No. 5

Gran Marnier Mousse

 

Dinner Party 101

Nov 9 at 6:30

Crab Stuffed Shrimp

Sausage Bread

Steak Toppers

Healthiest schools, organizations, leaders to be honored

DES MOINES, IA (06/14/2010)(readMedia)-- Nominations are sought for the healthiest schools, organizations and individuals in Iowa. Last year was the inaugural Healthy Iowa Awards event. This year's banquet will be September 23, 5-9 p.m., at the Hy-Vee Conference Center in West Des Moines, Iowa.

"Everyone wants to be the best and this is the true designation for Iowans and their schools and communities for the overall healthiest," explained Jenny Weber, executive director of the Wellness Council of Iowa (WCI).

The Healthy Iowa Awards are presented by the Academy for a Healthy Iowa, a collaboration between the Iowa Department of Public Health, Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Nutrition and WCI. Award winners are selected based on providing access to wellness, programming, financial commitment, measurability and sustainability. Winners retain the "Healthy Iowa" designation for three years at which point they must reapply.

The healthiest K-12 school, college or university, community and visionary leader will be honored. This year, two new categories are open: the emerging community award will celebrate small, grass-roots groups or communities and the emerging leader award will recognize youth leaders.

Application forms are available at www.wellnessiowa.org (click the top banner) and must be received by June 30.

The annual WCI Well Workplace award will also be presented at the Healthy Iowa event.

Cooking Class Wednesday, May 26th at 6PM

The Machine Shed in Davenport will be hosting a kids cooking class at the restaurant on Wednesday, May 26th from 6PM to 7PM.  Chef Bryan Tyler will lead a cooking class in which the parents/guardians and the children will be making kid friendly recipes. This class is a fun opportunity for kids to learn how to measure and mix ingredients, use kitchen gadgets, follow recipes, learn etiquette, kitchen safety, and nutrition!  Each participant receives a certificate of excellence at the end of class.  This is a great idea for play groups, scouts, and church activities.

The cooking class is free to the public and an adult must attend with their child. This class will be offered monthly, the last Wednesday of each month at 6pm. The next class will be offered June 23rd. For more information or to sign up, please stop in The Machine Shed located at 7250 Northwest Blvd (I-80 - Exit 292) or call 563-391-2427 for more information.

# # #

Pages