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05/06/2012 - Toppling Goliath

Sun, 06 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

I have had the pleasure to have a couple of beers from Toppling Goliath and have been very impressed with them. For those of you that are unfamiliar with Toppling Goliath http://www.tgbrews.com/site/ I will help you become a bit more familiar with them. It is a microbrewery in Decorah, IA with a tap room, so you can go to the source and try their beers. Their motto seems to be "Big Beers Brewed in Small Batches". They distribute their beer in North East Iowa predominately with a handle full of locations in the LA Crosse, WI area. From the website it looks as if they currently only distribute by the keg, they are hoping to be bottling sometime this summer. They have 5 core beers with many seasonals, a Hop Patrol Series and a few barrel aged beers. So I am sure that they produce a beer that will meet everyone's likes.

I came across Toppling Goliath's beers at Bodega Brewpub http://www.bodegabrewpublax.com/ in La Crosse, WI. John, the manager of Bodega, a few months ago mentioned that Toppling Goliath would be doing a tap take over at Bodega. Unfortunately for me I was not in town when that happened, but fortunately for me the tap take over was a success and since then Bodega has had beers on tap from Toppling Goliath (TG).

The first TG beer I had was Golden Nugget, an IPA 6% ABV 56 IBUs. It poured golden yellow with a dense white head. The aroma was of floral and citrus hops and the taste added a good malt backbone to offset the floral and citrus hop flavors. It is medium bodied with a good amount of carbonation. Overall it was a very good and lively IPA.

The second TG beer I had was Biter Double IPA, they do not list ABV, but say it has 154 IBUs. With six different hops used int this beer it is a hop heads dream, I know I sure liked it. It poured a deep gold with a dense with head. They aroma is of hops and more hops. This beer bucks the trend of having pronounced garlic or catty hop aroma in DIPAs. A strong malt backbone equals out the hops in the flavor. Medium bodied with a good amount of carbonation. The beer became better as it warmed and I greatly enjoyed the beer.

Needless to say that after enjoying two of TG's beers I look forward to trying more beers from Toppling Goliath. Maybe even some day I can find my way to Decorah to tapping room to try even more of their beers. Hopefully as they grow they will find their way to some of the beer fests in Iowa and Wisconsin so more people can enjoy their beers. I suggest that if you have a chance to try a Toppling Goliath beer give it a chance.

QC Beerguy

05/05/2012 - This Week's VIP Deals...

Sat, 05 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Get your yearly VIP Membership Today!!!

Just get your New VIP Card?
Click Here to Register Your Card

We have listed the current VIP deals below and where you can buy your cards! Check back regularly for updates and new businesses. Click on the link below each business for complete details! The cost is only $20 for one year.

VIP DEAL: 3 games for $5

VIP DEAL: 15% Off All Food
VIP DEAL: 15% Off All Retail Merchandise

VIP DEAL: $5.00 Club Box Seat for Thirsty Thursday Games (normally $10)

VIP DEAL: $5 off $25 order

VIP DEAL: $4 sqft. Banners

NEED A VIP CARD? GET YOURS TODAY!

Just get your New VIP Card?
Click Here to Register Your Card

VIP DEAL: 10% off Entire Bill

Cards Sold Here

VIP DEAL: Free Pulled Pork Sandwich

Cards Sold Here
VIP DEAL: $2 off any pizza or $1 off Homemade Tenderloin

VIP DEAL: Buy 1 entree, get 1 entree 1/2 price

VIP DEAL: 1/2 Priced Appetizers

VIP DEAL: $10 off Lobster Dinner

VIP DEAL: Buy 1 entree, get 1 entree 1/2 price

VIP DEAL: $5 off a $25 purchase

Cards Sold Here

VIP DEAL: $50 off full service catering

Cards Sold Here

VIP DEAL: Buy One Tenderloin, get second Half Price or an 8 pc. Bucket of Chicken for only $7.99

Cards Sold Here
Everyday
VIP DEAL: 10% Off One Lunch Entree

Monday - Thursday
VIP DEAL: 1/2 Price Appetizers

Both Locations
VIP DEAL: 1/2 Price Pizza Every Day

Cards Sold Here
VIP DEAL: One 1/2 Priced Appetizer or 10% off purchase

Cards Sold Here

VIP DEAL: $5 Off $20 purchase

Cards Sold Here
VIP DEAL: $15 for a Large Pizza, 1 lb of wings and an hour of pool

VIP DEAL: Buy a $10 Game Card, get a $10 Game Card Free

NEED A VIP CARD? GET YOURS TODAY!

Just get your New VIP Card?
Click Here to Register Your Card

Cards Sold Here

VIP DEAL: $2 off any pizza

Cards Sold Here
VIP DEAL: $2 off any pizza or $1 off Homemade Tenderloin

Cards Sold Here
VIP DEAL: 1/ 2 Price Appetizers

Cards Coming Soon
VIP DEAL: 15% off Entire Food Bill

Cards Sold Here
Everyday
VIP DEAL: 10% Off One Lunch Entree
Friday & Saturday
VIP DEAL: Free Cover with VIP Card

Monday - Thursday
VIP DEAL: 1/2 Price Appetizers
Friday and Saturday
VIP DEAL: Free Cover before 11

Both Locations
VIP DEAL: 1/2 Price Pizza Every Day

Cards Sold Here
VIP DEAL: One 1/2 Priced Appetizer or 10% off purchase

VIP DEAL: 1/2 price Appetizers

Cards Sold Here

VIP DEAL: Get 1 Free VIP Booth Rental ($30 Value)

VIP DEAL: One Free Cover per week

Cards Sold Here

VIP DEAL: Free Shisha Refill

Cards Sold Here

VIP DEAL: $5 Off $20 purchase

NEED A VIP CARD? GET YOURS TODAY!

Just get your New VIP Card?
Click Here to Register Your Card

Cards Sold Here

VIP DEAL: Buy 1 Movie Ticket, get 1 Free

Cards Coming Soon
VIP DEAL: $2.50 off Cosmic Bowl
VIP DEAL: Buy One Game of Bowling, Get One Free
VIP DEAL: $1 off Mini Golf

VIP DEAL: $200 off DJ services

VIP DEAL: $1000 off full wedding services

VIP DEAL: Buy Any Two Pieces, Get Two 1/2 Price

Galena, IL/Dubuque, IA

VIP DEAL: $5 Off Wine Tour

VIP DEAL: 10% Off Window Tinting

VIP DEAL: Buy 1, Get 1 Free Game of Rocky Top Mini-Golf
(Monday - Friday 9am-5pm only)
VIP DEAL: Buy 1 Large bucket of Balls, Get 1 Free
(Anytime)

VIP DEAL: 1 Free Game of Mini-Golf

Cards Sold Here
VIP DEAL: $15 for a Large Pizza, 1 lb of wings and an hour of pool

VIP DEAL: Buy a $10 Game Card and get a $10 Game Card Free

Cards Sold Here

VIP DEALS: Buy 1 Game, Get 1 Free

Cards Sold Here

VIP DEAL: One Free Month

Cards Sold Here

VIP DEAL: $5 off any service

More Deals are being added weekly. Check back often!

NEED A VIP CARD? GET YOURS TODAY!

Just get your New VIP Card?

(Click Here to Register Your New VIP Card)

05/02/2012 - Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Macomb

Wed, 02 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

news release

Contact: Jodi Pospeschil – publicity committee
309) 331-4149
jk-pospeschil@wiu.edu

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY WALK IS ANOTHER STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION IN FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER

MACOMB, IL – Hundreds of women and men across Macomb will unite in their fight against breast cancer during the American Cancer Society’s first local Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk on Saturday, May 5 in Macomb’s Chandler Park.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. in the park and is $25 per person. Nearly 100 walkers have already signed up individually and in teams for Saturday’s event. Anyone is invited to attend the 5K walk and can just show up Saturday morning to register. Registration can also be done online at www.makingstridesmacomb.com.

There will be a brief warm-up period before Saturday’s walk, which will wind through residential sections of Macomb. There will also be a special portion of the event to honor breast cancer survivors.

Money raised through the event will help local fund ACS programs, which are provided to local cancer patients. A group of Macomb volunteers has organized the first-ever local event with the help of the ACS.

Since 1993, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer has been the American Cancer Society’s rallying cry to raise awareness and money to fight breast cancer. In that time, 8 million walkers have raised more than $400 million through Making Strides. Last year, 25,000 walkers in Illinois raised more than $2.3 million.

This community-based fundraiser also serves as a way for the community to be aware of ways they can play a role in making cancer a number one priority with lawmakers. As the country wrestles with how to improve health care in America, the American Cancer Society’s aggressive public awareness campaign, Access to Care, seeks to provide access to health care for all Americans, including those who are uninsured and underinsured.

Making Strides is a noncompetitive walk supporting the American Cancer Society’s unique mission to help people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; help people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight.

The American Cancer Society uses the dollars raised through Making Strides events to fund cutting-edge research leading to the discovery of lifesaving treatments, advocate for all women to have access to mammograms and treatments – regardless of income – and to provide free programs and services that
improve the quality of life for cancer patients and their families.

About the American Cancer Society

   The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. As the nation’s largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing about $3.4 billion, we turn what we know about cancer into what we do. As a result, more than 11 million people in America who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will be celebrating birthdays this year. To learn more about us or to get help, call us any time, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

04/25/2012 - QC Beerguy - It's about more than just the beer

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

If you are like me you pick a brewery, brewpub or beer bar based on the beer that is available and give it a shot. Either it can be a good experience or a bad experience and usually the beer has little to do with your experience. Beer is very important but the service and ambiance have a great deal to do with your experience as well. When either one of these is less than desirable it may doom your visit.

I know when I find a place that I enjoy, it usually combines all three. If one is lacking I begrudgingly over look it, but if two or all three are lacking that spells doom for that place and next time I will try somewhere else. I do not want to waste my time or money on somewhere that does not really care about the customer.

Since I am the QC Beerguy, I always try to choose a place on its beer first. Usually that will work well for me but not always. Sometimes the beer is not as good as advertised and leaves me wanting. In most cases though there is more than enough good beer to save the day.

If the beer meets my demands the service and ambiance either seal the deal or leave me disappointed. There are times when places I am a regular at leave me disappointed and angry. This causes me to take a hiatus from that place. This happened at a couple places locally about a month ago and I have not gone back since. I know I will go back eventually, but I guess to me it is some sort of principal to not go there for a while.

Service to me is a big key. If I am greeted with a "Hello", a smile or at least a tip of the head when I sit down at a bar that is a big step on the way to good service. If instead I am ignored or even worse greeted by a look that tells me "You are not welcome here" it can be bad for a visit. So needless to say like a first date the first 30 seconds spell success or failure for the place I visit. Since I work in sales I understand what good service is and do not accept poor service. I guess that is why I enjoy being a "regular" at the places I frequent, because it usually means good service is on the way.

If the beer and service meet my acceptance it comes down to the ambiance or feel of the place. There is one place I go to on a regular basis that is in a strip mall and from the outside looks rather disappointing, but once inside the place I feel very comfortable. If the feel is there as well with the other two keys this is a worthy place. One such place we were just at this past weekend after our niece's concert in Normal, IL. Probably my wife and I would of never found this place but it succeeded in all three phases. The only negative was that my wife's beer was bad, probably the beer sat in the line to long or some other cleaning issue caused the beer to go bad. Once my wife brought it to our waiter's attention he apologized and than thanked her for telling him about the beer. He said that they want to k now when a beer is bad so they can address it.

I look forward to exploring places on my travels and when I find a gem I am very excited. Conversely if I find a dud I am also in a way excited, this means next time I am in the same city I have a new adventure ahead of me. The beer brings me in, but it is not the be all end all to my decision. The service and the feel of the place are important as well. So to repeat "It's about more than just the beer"

QC Beerguy

04/18/2012 - 10 Ways to Use Beer That Don’t Involve Drinking It

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

10 Ways to Use Beer That Don’t Involve Drinking It - BestOnlineColleges.com

One of the preferred ways to quench your thirst, after drinking water of course, is beer. It's so good that you should be able to do more with it than just gulp it and then flush it away — even worse is when a bottle or can of brew sits out partially full and is eventually poured down the drain, completely wasted. The good news is that, when this does occur, you can put the leftover beer to good use in a variety of ways. Beer has extraordinary household and even personal care uses that many people don't realize. Here are 10 ways that beer can be used resourcefully in its afterlife.

For the top 10 ways, click here!

03/07/2012 - QC Beerguy - Beer North of Chicago

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

On February 24th my wife, another couple, and myself did a beer tour of the Northern Suburbs of Chicago, prior to judging at a Homebrew Competition on Saturday. We started off at Geneva Ale House. When you first pull up you see the old marque from days gone by and when entering the place it is updated with lots of exposed wood and bricks. I felt at home almost instantly, even before we sat down at the bar. At the bar we were quickly greeted by the bartender, while we perused the beer menu. They advertise over 140 beers, which includes 12 tap beers. After looking at the menu the men ordered a pint each and the ladies ordered a sampler of three beers. We wound up staying for a couple beers both drafts and bottles.

A few of the standouts included Trumer Pils, a wonderful German style Pils. It poured light yellow with a dense white head, crystal clear and it was nice and crisp from hops and had a wonderful malty taste. Another standout was Founders All Day IPA as the name implies this is not your average IPA. It checks in at 4.7% ABV with 42 IBUs, so it is an IPA that could be a session beer that could be enjoyed all day. The last standout was Three Floyds Behemoth Barleywine, a wonderful American Barleywine. It checks in at 10.5% ABV and 80 IBUs, and it is rich and malty with caramel notes. The high hopping rate offsets the malty sweetness and high alcohol making this a really good drinking barleywine. Just make sure to share the beer, this is not a beer to have all to yourself particularly if you are driving or planning to have more beers later on in the day.

Next stop was the Firkin in Libertyville, IL , which has around 30 draft beers and at least another 50 in bottles. This is a must stop for all beer lovers in the northern suburbs. Walking into this bar has the feel along the lines of an English pub; I am sure that is why the name. It is dark wood with a wonderful old bar back that just says home.

With that many taps there is always a beer on tap for your particular taste. Some fine examples were Stiegl Brau, Kasteel Rouge and Mongo IPA. Stiegl is a wonderful malty Austrian Lager, Kasteel is a great Belgian Brown ale aged with cherries and Mongo IPA is a big IPA with lots of hops. On the weekend if you want a seat come early.

Next on our tour was Tighthead Brewing Company in Mundelein, IL; this is a brewery started by a homebrewer. Located in a warehouse area it is a bit difficult to get to if you do not know the way. It is a combination of a brewery and a tasting room. Since it is located near a train stop this could be a great place for the commuter to enjoy a beer or two to relax after work. They have six tap beers: Comfortably Blonde, Scarlet Fire, IRIE IPA, Boxcar Porter, Hat Trick Tripel and Upright Extra Pale Ale. All are good solid beers, but a couple I could pass on were the blonde and the tripel. A couple growlers were filled to be taken back to the QC and shared at the MUGZ meeting on Sunday, Scarlet Fire and IRIE IPA made it home unopened. Since this is a homebrewer that went pro I really liked this place and suggest any one giving it a try when in the area.

Lake Bluff Brewing Company in Lake Bluff, IL is a place my wife and I have previously been to when visiting the Northern Suburbs. It is still as quaint as my wife and I remembered.

We wanted to introduce our friends to this little place. They enjoyed it as well. They have seven beers currently on tap: Udderly Oatmeal Stout, Autumn Rye, Bohemian Blonde, Inspiration Pale Ale, Black Squirrel Bourbon Stout, Hard Tail Imperial IPA and Weeee!! Heavy Scotch Ale. A couple standouts were the Black Squirrel and the Weeee!! Heavy. Both are big beers in flavor and alcohol. Located in the downtown area of Lake Bluff this seems to be a gathering place for the locals. Stop in when you are in the area.

Last stop on the beer tour was Mickey Finn's in Libertyville, IL. A brewpub we have been to a few times now and it is always crowded. They have eight beers on tap and a full food menu. This is a good brewpub, but not a must hit every time in the area. There are also numerous other bars and brewpubs we did not have time to hit, so I believe another trip is in order.

QC Beerguy

03/01/2012 - Butcher Block changes name to Magnolia's on Prospect!

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Although the name Butcher Block Steakhouse has served our business well over the last three years, it has always been a struggle for Peorians to make the mental leap that Butcher Block Steakhouse is no longer a meat & deli shop or a quick lunch stop to the fact that we are a very successful dinner restaurant that serves outstanding steaks with our own take on Modern American cuisine.

So, we have eagerly taken the occasion to rename our restaurant with a name that gives us a broader range of opportunity to showcase the cuisine, bar drinks, service and atmosphere we want to offer our guests. We excitedly begin doing business as Magnolia's On Prospect March 1 2012. We have taken the best things Butcher Block Steakhouse offered and have added many enhancements for Magnolia's On Prospect. I want to assure you, that what you like about Butcher Block Steakhouse, you will LOVE about Magnolia's On Prospect.

You will not be disappointedâ�¦we still offer the best steaks in town, we have added more fresh seafood, several pasta dishes, updated our appetizer list, added a bar food menu, and added a signature drink menu like no other just to name a few of the improvements. All with an eye to using the freshest ingredients prepared in such a way that the flavors burst in your mouth with every bite. We still have the same very dedicated staff that has grown us to where we are today. The second thing you will notice is our interior renovations. We have made our dining areas much cozier with defined dining rooms, a bar area and a private room that seats up to fifty guests. It is a must see! We will still honor Butcher Block Steakhouse gift cards. Your Butcher Block Steakhouse reservations are not affected; they are now with Magnolia's On Prospect. All you have to do is
come in and see what Lagniappe is all about and enjoy all that Magnolia's On Prospect has to offer you.

Please stay tuned for more exciting news & pictures from Magnolia's On Prospect very soon! And rememberâ�¦ In The South They Call It Lagniappeâ�¦we call it Magnolia's On Prospect. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Owner Kelly Mohr says she is changing things "to match who we are."

She appreciates the service she gets from her regular customers and wants to explain the change : The Butcher Block opened about 15 years ago as a meat and deli shop and even though the restaurant has been open for several years, people / customers still see us as a meat and deli place. We want to be seen as a restaurant that serves some of the best steaks and seafood in town, with fresh homemade bread and salad dressings. We'll have a set menu with lots of rotating entress. Whatever is fresh will be on the menu.

Mohr chose the name "Magnolia's on Prospect" because the chef, her son, has a southern style to his cooking.

There will be 3 dining rooms. A front room will seat 50 guests. A second room will be a bar area. A third area will seat 50-70 and can be specically for parties. Mohr would like you to come in and see what Lagniappe is all about and enjoy all that Magnolia's On Prospect has to offer you.

Magnolia's on Prospect

5901 N. Prospect Rd.

Peoria, Il 61614-42511

309-683-8747

Only open for dinner

Daily 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm or (close)
Sunday 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

02/20/2012 - QC Beerguy - If Everyone Else Likes It

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

When discussing and tasting beer from many different breweries, it seems like I am the only person not wild about Brewery X or Y. I know I am not the only person that thinks that but I might be in the minority when it comes to my thoughts on the brewery. No, I am not saying that the beer from the brewery is bad, but there are better beers out there. Liking beer from a brewery or not is a personal opinion, but when the brewery in question garners rave reviews in print, online and from your friends, you may begin to wonder if you are crazy. Do not worry you may be crazy, but probably not from disliking a brewery or a beer from a certain brewery.

For myself I have a few breweries that come right to mind: Brewdog from Scotland http://www.brewdog.com/, Mikkeller from Denmark http://www.mikkeller.dk/ and Nogne from Norway http://www.nogne-o.com/. All have received rave reviews and much print about their beers. I have tried numerous beers from each of these breweries and all of the beers were good, but none I would say outstanding. They have made numerous out of the ordinary beers as well as beers to style. Some of their beers include single hop IPAs, a coffee stout using coffee that was eaten by a civet, a 41% ABV quadruple IPA and numerous beers using herbs, spices and twigs. Of the beers I tried all were good but none were awesome; however they are all sold at a premium price. With that said to me it makes no sense to pay more for a good beer than an outstanding beer I all ready buy.

Also I find I have the same feelings about some flagship beers produced by some really good breweries. A couple quick ones are Spotted Cow by New Glarus http://www.newglarusbrewing.com/index.cfm/beers/OurBeers/Beer/spotted-cow and Fat Tire by New Belgium http://www.newbelgium.com/beer/detail.aspx?id=7c5b394b-d7b7-486a-ac9a-316256a7b0ee. Thankfully there are a whole bunch of people that love these beers, so that enables each brewery to produce all of the beers that I do like.

I am not saying that only my opinion counts, since I have friends that disagree with me on some of my favorite breweries. One big one that comes to mind is Stone Brewing Company http://www.stonebrew.com/ and their flagship Arrogant Bastard. To one friend the beer and brewery are good but nothing outstanding. Needless to say each beer drinkers tastes are different and no one beer is better than any other.

That is pretty much my point that every beer drinker has their favorite beer or brewery and there is no right or wrong. Another point is do not like a beer or brewery just because it seems like every other beer drinker loves a specific beer or brewery. Believe it or not not every well reviewed beer or brewery is as outstanding as advertised. Needless to say, like what you like and if you feel you are the only one that is not blown away by the beer, just remember more than likely you are not.

QC Beerguy

01/25/2012 - QC Beerguy - Help Wanted

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Help Wanted (You too can work for your local brewery)

This past week and weekend our friends at a local brewery were busy canning beer they made on contract for a brewery that is starting out. Since the new brewery does not have their equipment operational they had to contract the beer they needed the beer for a festival starting later this week. A call went out asking for help in finishing the canning process. I have no clue as to the exact number of cans produced, but from what I saw on Sunday there were multiple pallets of beer. Many of my friends were able to work more than I was but I know any help was much appreciated. Also everyone was "paid" well and did not go home thirsty. True I was not paid any money, nor were any of the other volunteers, but still I felt like I was working for the brewery.
Anyone can "work" for your favorite brewery or brewpub. They love having free volunteer labor and greatly appreciate you giving up some of your free time to assist them around the brewery. For the most part they will not give you the jobs that require the most grunt work, unless you are willing to do it. The jobs you can do vary from cleaning, scrubbing, hauling spent grain, carrying bags of grain or even helping to brew a batch of beer. As many of you probably know brewing is probably at least 90% cleaning and maintenance and actually less than 10% brewing. So helping at a brewery may not be all that glamorous, but it is hard work and very rewarding when the work is done.
I have had the good luck to help brew a batch of beer at two of the four local brewpubs/breweries in the Quad Cities. I believe a few friends of mine have been able to help brew a batch at all four. To me this is great fun and well worth the hard work I had to put into it. Most brewers really love having assistants when it comes to moving spent grain, since it is dirty, hot and wet work. They do not mind sharing this job with eager helpers.
Also depending on the brewery/brewpub you can be up and working in the early hours of the morning. One local brewpub starts to brew at 2 or 3 a.m. since the brewhouse is located right behind the bar they serve the beer. Other breweries have the serving area and brewing area separated and start at a more reasonable hour like 6 or 7 a.m. I have found out especially in the summer it is best to brew earlier in the day since the brew process does create a lot of heat.
Brewers will gladly accept help at any time and to do just about anything in the brewery. Do not be afraid the next time you go in and have a seat at the bar ask the brewer if there is anything you can do to assist him or her. They may not have something for you that day, but be persistent and open with your availability and they will take you up on your offer.
Volunteering to work is a great way to get your foot in the door and sometimes even leads to a volunteer becoming an actual paid employee. So if you are thinking about working at a brewery or even starting your own brewery, volunteer at a local brewery/brewpub. Even better if you are in an area with multiple breweries/brewpubs, volunteer to work at as many as you can. That way you gain experience on different brewing systems and with different brewers, since no two systems are the same and no two brewers are the same either. I know a couple people locally that started out working for free and then they became paid employees. Also there are numerous examples around the United States of volunteers become paid employees. So if this is something you want to do, go for it.

Some people may be thinking I want to help my local brewery but really do not want help brew beer. Well there are other things you can do as well. Many breweries/brewpubs are willing to do in kind exchange with skill laborers such as electricians, carpenters, pipe fitters or other skill trades. They will "pay" you in product for your trade skill on a project that they do not fill comfortable doing. So if you are a skilled laborer check with your local brewery/brewpub if they have any such projects.
Other ways to help are low skill like what I did on Sunday within a matter of seconds I was able to man my position in the canning process. Some of the positions required a bit more training but none of them were rocket science.
Another way is to volunteer to assist at a beer festival the brewery/ brewpub is attending. This is a very fun experience, plus it is not overly difficult. Each festival has their own set of ground rules so pay attention to those, but overall it is a matter of pouring beer for the fest goers. The brewery/brewpub staff at the event will gladly accept the extra hands, that way they have an opportunity to wander the festival grounds and experience the various beers offered by other brewers. One thing I enjoy is being able to help spread knowledge and understanding of the beer you are helping serve. Needless to say it helps to have some knowledge of the beer you are pouring, but the more important thing is to be a willing server.
I know this is not a complete list of ways someone can "work" for their local brewery/brewpub, but it should give you a good idea of the many ways you too can work for your local brewery. Some require hard physical work some do not. The main idea is to get in there and do some work. The "pay" will be well worth it!

QC Beerguy

01/09/2012 - Sales Help Wanted

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Are you looking to change careers in 2012? Are you tired of the 9-5 lifestyle? Do you want to be your own boss and make up to $50k in your first year? If you answered yes to any of these questions, we are looking for you!

Who are we? We're Central Illinois' fastest-growing website for nightlife and entertainment and we're looking for area sales reps to start immediately. PeoriaNightOut.com is an online entertainment & nightlife guide featuring daily events, dining and drink specials, live music venues, and a comprehensive directory of bars, restaurants, bands, entertainment and accommodations.

Some of our products and services include online advertising, VIP cards, "Once in a Blue Moon" Daily Deals and Mobile web app solutions just to name a few. As a sales professional, you will be selling the most up-to-date online technology and marketing strategies in the area! Being ahead of the curve has it's advantages!

The ideal candidate will have prior sales experience (advertising sales preferred), a passion for the Peoria area and be willing to work as an independent contractor, however, we are willing to train the right person

A dependable vehicle, phone and laptop, tablet or smartphone w/mobile wifi is required.
If you have a desire to change your future in 2012, send us an email with an attached resume and/or references, and please put "Sales Rep Position" in the subject line. We look forward to hearing from you! ~ PeoriaNightOut.com

11/09/2011 - QC Beerguy - Gateway Beer

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

I know when I was in college and at my fraternity I drank pretty much AB products, Bud, Bud Light and Busch, with the occasional Miller or Miller Lite. I had a friend that was a Phi Sig and their house beer was Old Style, since they were mainly from Chicagoland and that was a nasty hangover the next day after the uptown party. So as you can see in college I drank mainly mass produced beer. Until the import craze finally hit Macomb, IL in my senior year. I found the exotic taste of Corona with a lime stuffed in it; yes this was my gateway beer.
What exactly is a gateway beer you may be asking? Well a gateway beer is the beer that made the connection for you to good craft or import beer. It can be as complacent as Corona or something as exciting as Pliny the Elder. The gateway beer is the beer that opened the door to enjoying good beer. It may or may not be a good beer itself; it just leads you to find good beer. So don't worry that beer is not something you may be proud of, just look at mine. Corona, really?
Everyone probably has that beer that made the connection for them. Some people are still waiting to find their gateway beer. I have friends that probably will never find a gateway beer and will continue to drink their Busch Light. As I grow in my beerself, I have learned not to judge them. It has become a bit of a challenge to find a gateway beer for them. Like my neighbor across the street. My wife and I found out that he loves a good Kolsch, even though by choice he does buy Busch Light.
If you have or have not found your gateway beer, as Charlie says "Relax and have a homebrew", or in other words it is all good. There is no need to hurry and find that beer to be your gateway beer. If you are still drinking one of the mass produced beers you still have time to find your gateway beer.
It is no big deal if you are still drinking one of the mass produced beers. I know there are many craft or import beers that will give you the taste of your mass produced beers. The best way to find a gateway beer is just try a beer that is outside of your ordinary repertoire!

QC Beerguy

11/08/2011 - QC Beerguy - How to Find Beer Places

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Those of you that have read my blog may have wondered a time or two how I find the breweries and beer places I go to. Well here is the low down. I use two main sources Beer Advocate http://beeradvocate.com/ and the Beer Mapping Project http://beermapping.com/. Both are a valuable source to my beer travels. They provide me with great information on finding somewhere to go when I am not overly familiar with the place I am staying. Each on has it's strong points, which I will cover in individual detail.

Beer Advocate, as the name proclaims, this website is pro beer. This website was started by two brothers that really love beer and anything related to the beer industry. For locating a brewery or beer place I look down the left hand column under the heading Travel and Events, then click on Directory. This will lead you through a few levels to find where you maybe. First is country, click on United States, then you can click on the state you are in. It then leads you to choose the city your are currently in, when you select the city you are presented with a list of breweries, beer bars, beer stores and homebrew stores. The cool thing about this list is that each place listed is usually reviewed by other Beer Advocate users, so there is an opinion that you can base your choice off of. Also if possible they have a link to the establishments web site and a map showing the location of the establishment. This is valuable especially if you have not been to a place before. I have yet to really find a set of reviews that have lead me astray.

Also Beer Advocate has many other uses they have reviews of beers, an event calendar, a forum and an educational area. I use the beer reviews to see how my thoughts correspond or not with other people on the beers I am tasting. Also the event calendar is useful to find events in areas where you maybe in or soon to be going to. This is a cool website that has many uses besides locating a place to go have dinner and a beer at.

The Beer Mapping Project is predominately a website that lets the user search a region or country for breweries and brewpubs. On the left hand side under Map Selector there are two areas to make a selection in the first is Brewery Maps and the second is City Beer Maps. The Brewery Map allows you to select maps of 12 countries. If you choose the American Map it is further broken down into regions of the United States, so you can pin point the city you are in. If you choose one of the other 11 countries it provides a map overview of the entire country.

The City Beer Maps are a collection of the larger metro areas within the United States. Needless to say you can get a very good idea of the relation of establishments to each other, so it makes your adventure easy to plan out. Also there is a forum on the website and the user can review the places they go to. So this is another valuable tool to my arsenal in searching for great places to have beer.

Hopefully you will find these websites as useful as I do and you may have your own favorite site you use. I am not saying these are the only or even the best websites, but they work for me. If you do not like them no biggie, I hope you have your own way to find good beer and good food.

QC Beerguy

10/11/2011 - QC Beerguy - Enjoy the Head

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

I know I was one of those people that were never properly educated about the positive benefits of having the proper amount of head on the beer I was drinking. I used to feel cheated even if there was the slightest amount of head on the beer. I thought the bartender was trying to rip me off. Then as my knowledge of beer grew I began to understand that the head was actually beneficial to my enjoyment of the beer I was drinking.

Beer head is actually formed by CO2 bubbles being released from the beer itself, mostly being formed during pouring of the beer into the glass. When the beer is poured with care, the proper amount of beer head will usually form, if the beer is properly carbonated. Depending on the beer the proper amount varies from a finger width to an inch and a half. Also beer head can be affected by various other variables including: alcohol content, ingredients, adjuncts and the cleanliness of the glass.

Usually the higher the alcohol the less head retention there is, because alcohol has a detrimental effect on beer head. Certain malts are known to help in head retention, one especially known is wheat malt, and because of its higher protein it helps the structure of the head. Adjuncts are in most cases detrimental or at least neutral since they are usually a sugar or starch with little to no protein. Lastly if a glass has any soil or soap residue head retention will suffer, because these are organic compounds that attack beer head.

As I had said earlier beer head helps the beer drinker enjoy the beer. As the CO2 is released from the beer it forms the head and does a couple of other things at the same time. First the CO2 carries with it aromas and flavors that may not otherwise escape the beer. Secondly the CO2 helps with the mouth feel and complexity of the beer.

Within the last ten years several English beers have begun using Nitrogen widgets in their cans. The widget releases the Nitrogen gas when the can is opened and as the beer is poured into the glass it mimics the beer as if it would have been poured on nitrogen gas. Guinness was more than likely the originator of this method and used it to give the impression of a beer that was actually poured from the tap. Nitrogen adds a distinctive creaminess to the beer, as well giving the impression that the beer is flatter than a CO2 poured beer.

So next time you are at your local watering hole observe how your bartender and wait-staff serve the beer. A properly trained bar staff will know how to pour a beer and serve it with the proper amount of head. If you have questions on the proper amount of head on your beer, do not be afraid to ask your server. Also if you feel you are being shorted on your beer speak up; a reputable establishment will not mind being kept honest.

Just remember beer head is important to your enjoyment. Think of it this way a beer without a head is like a human without a head, dead and lifeless!

QC Beerguy

10/08/2011 - Best/Worst Pick Up Lines

Sat, 08 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Going along with the Video of the Day we want to see what some of the best/worst pick-up lines you've heard or have used yourself.

Write your best/worst pick-up line in the comment box below and be sure to add your name for a chance to win a prize.

08/25/2011 - Foodie Files - Best Salads

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT

ALEXANDER'S STEAKHOUSE- SALAD BAR UPSTAIRS AND DOWNSTAIRS

It's the best salad bar in town! Locally owned restaurant that is a favorite for handpicked steaks and, surprisingly, their salad bar, which is unknown to many but may be the best salad bar in town! Each level of the restaurant has an extensive salad bar with fresh chopped veggies and an assortment of other ingredients such as fresh grated cheeses, cottage cheese, olives, and sunflower seeds among the many, along with a large variety of dressings, can be ordered as a buffet. There is no service required as it is self-serve and is located on each level of the restaurant for convenience. The salad bar offers well over 25 fresh tasting ingredients of your choice to add to any salad, and all are fresh and completely appetizing. Don't miss this salad bar the next time you're out be sure to stop at Peoria's best locally-owned steakhouse for a nice juicy salad! Alexander's Steakhouse, Peoria, IL- 100 Alexander Ave, Peoria,IL61603 (309) 688-0404

309 RESTAURANT - CAESAR SALAD- This salad is huge and easy to get the bang for your buck! With fast service and all the little extras that make your meal better, like fresh grated cheese and fresh pepper which are served to your taste by your server at your table, you can't go wrong going for a salad at lunch at 309. Most of the salads, which include a wonderful Tuna Salad, are under $10. The best thing about the Caesar is that it is tasty and it is a steal because it is filling as a whole meal. It is great with the tomato soup they offer at lunch, which is sure to fill you up even more. The salad is best with simply a glass of water with a slice of lemon. Restaurant 309- 5832 N Knoxville Ave # D, Peoria,IL61614 (309) 692-0309

08/10/2011 - NEW Foodie Files

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Welcome to the PeoriaNightOut.com Foodie Files! We like to provide you with food and restaurant reviews to help you find the perfect meals around town! To us, dining is supposed to be an experience and that is what we hope to offer you with our Foodie Files! Bon' Appetite!

BOB EVANS- FLOUNDER MEAL- Fluffy white flounder, breaded and seared, served with fluffy mashed potatoes is a great meal to get at Bob Evans if youâ��re looking for something filling but not too heavy. Flounder is not as heavy as other meats, but it can make you feel full for an entire afternoon, I have found. It was not my favorite food, but it was very good and I appreciated trying a more uncommon fish.

BOB EVANS- STEAK N EGGS- I have had this classic breakfast meal several times. It is delicious cooked medium because it is not too pink that way, early in the morning it might not be too pleasant to have a juicier steak which is better for dinnertime. Eggs are also cooked to order and I prefer mine sunny side up because the combination of the steak and dipping it in the egg is just delicious and I am not the only one who thinks this! It is served on a warmed plate with hash brown potatoes. This meal is under $10. 2 Locations in Peoria

Bob Evans Restaurant -304 North Main Street, East Peoria - (309) 694-4649

Bob Evans Restaurant - 8821 North Allen Road, Peoria - (309) 691-1463

Bob Evans Restaurant - 4915 North Big Hollow Road, Peoria - (309) 692-3600

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05/03/2011 - Register Your VIP Card Here!

Tue, 03 May 2011 08:00:00 GMT

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04/10/2011 - Thank you for purchasing a VIP Membership

Sun, 10 Apr 2011 08:00:00 GMT

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03/24/2011 - PNO Radio

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Hi Everyone! Exciting news here at PNO...We now have an Internet Radio Station that plays local bands ONLY!! We want all of our local bands to have an outlet for their music and we are letting all bands upload their songs for FREE!!

We have partnered with a national company that has over 600 outlets across the US and can serve as an outlet for local bands to have a national stage as well.

If you have a band or know of anyone who has a band, make sure to tell them to visit PeoriaNightOut.com/radio for all the details and upload their music today!

If you enjoy listening to great music that's not played every hour of the day, you will love listening to PeoriaNightOut.com/Radio!

Check us out!

~PNO

02/10/2011 - PeoriaNightOut VIP...A New Way to Play in Peoria!

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 08:00:00 GMT

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01/15/2011 - PeoriaNightOut Goes Mobile with Droid App

Sat, 15 Jan 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Not sure what to do tonight? Now you can use your Droid to find the best deals in Peoria! It's free to download and priceless to use. Find the best Dining, Drink and Entertainment specials in Peoria. Let PeoriaNightOut.com plan your adventure, Get the App Tonight!

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05/06/2012 - Toppling Goliath

05/05/2012 - This Week's VIP Deals...

Just get your New VIP Card?Click Here to Register Your Card

We have listed the current VIP deals below and where you can buy your cards! Check back regularly for updates and new businesses. Click on the link below each business for complete details! The cost is only $20 for one year.

NEED A VIP CARD? GET YOURS TODAY!

Just get your New VIP Card?Click Here to Register Your Card

NEED A VIP CARD? GET YOURS TODAY!

Just get your New VIP Card?Click Here to Register Your Card

NEED A VIP CARD? GET YOURS TODAY!

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More Deals are being added weekly. Check back often!

NEED A VIP CARD? GET YOURS TODAY!

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05/02/2012 - Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Macomb

04/25/2012 - QC Beerguy - It's about more than just the beer

04/18/2012 - 10 Ways to Use Beer That Don’t Involve Drinking It

03/07/2012 - QC Beerguy - Beer North of Chicago

03/01/2012 - Butcher Block changes name to Magnolia's on Prospect!

Mohr chose the name "Magnolia's on Prospect" because the chef, her son, has a southern style to his cooking.

There will be 3 dining rooms. A front room will seat 50 guests. A second room will be a bar area. A third area will seat 50-70 and can be specically for parties. Mohr would like you to come in and see what Lagniappe is all about and enjoy all that Magnolia's On Prospect has to offer you.

Magnolia's on Prospect5901 N. Prospect Rd.Peoria, Il 61614-42511309-683-8747Only open for dinnerDaily 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm or (close)Sunday 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

02/20/2012 - QC Beerguy - If Everyone Else Likes It

01/25/2012 - QC Beerguy - Help Wanted

Help Wanted (You too can work for your local brewery)

01/09/2012 - Sales Help Wanted

11/09/2011 - QC Beerguy - Gateway Beer

11/08/2011 - QC Beerguy - How to Find Beer Places

10/11/2011 - QC Beerguy - Enjoy the Head

10/08/2011 - Best/Worst Pick Up Lines

08/25/2011 - Foodie Files - Best Salads

08/10/2011 - **NEW** Foodie Files

05/03/2011 - Register Your VIP Card Here!

Congratulations on Purchasing your new VIP card!

Make sure to sign up for our Free weekly newsletter and Free text messages so you can stay in the VIP loop! Check out the website daily for new VIP deals and businesses!

04/10/2011 - Thank you for purchasing a VIP Membership

03/24/2011 - PNO Radio

02/10/2011 - PeoriaNightOut VIP...A New Way to Play in Peoria!

Support The Local Community...

Join the PeoriaNightOut VIP Business Network Today!

01/15/2011 - PeoriaNightOut Goes Mobile with Droid App

Just get your New VIP Card?
Click Here to Register Your Card

Just get your New VIP Card?
Click Here to Register Your Card

Just get your New VIP Card?
Click Here to Register Your Card

Just get your New VIP Card?
Click Here to Register Your Card

Magnolia's on Prospect

5901 N. Prospect Rd.

Peoria, Il 61614-42511

309-683-8747

Only open for dinner

Daily 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm or (close)
Sunday 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

08/10/2011 - NEW Foodie Files