Granny loves good food, wine and or beer depending on her mood. This summer I have been eating my way through the Midwest. I would like to share three of my favorite places one in Alton, Illinois, the other 2 in Chicago.

    The first place is the State Street market in Alton, Illinois. The outside looks unassuming, but we entered just as it was opening. Grandpa and I entered the back room climbing down a small step while watching my step.  We waited for our guest. After she arrived, we were greeted warmly by the wait staff. The greeter talked about all the specials. They all sounded wonderful. The food was excellent. We had grilled salmon and homemade barbecue chicken. The wine was superb. We had an excellent celebration for Grandpa’s birthday.

The 2nd Place I went for breakfast on Saturday morning Aug12 after an exciting evening. I went downstairs from my room at the Travelodge and had breakfast. As I walked into the Lasalle Café Luna, it looked crowded that morning. I was motioned to take a seat but then had to patiently wait my turn to get a menu and coffee. Fortunately, I had a good book. I just relaxed until it was my turn and my waited brought me a cup of coffee which was warm and steaming. I ordered waffles with corn beef hash. Everything was hot and delicious. I discovered I enjoy corn beef hash the salty plays off the sweet of the waffles. I enjoyed breakfast with several hot cups of coffee. When I was done, I took a short walk. Then I settled in for a nap and a relaxing afternoon.

The 3^rd place is the Duck Inn. I chose this place looking for a patio and served wine. The pictures of roast duck and pork belly options enticed me. As I took the Lyft out here, we drove past an industrial area and the entrances to I 55 and I 90/94. It was a small place. We almost drove past it. As I walked into the door there was velvet covering tacked around the door, inside was a bustling place with a bar on the right and tables leading out to the patio. I was asked if I had a reservation, I shook my head no. I was offered my choice of inside or patio. I said inside, as the waiter led me to my seat. I looked at the menu so many choices. It took me a while to decide. I started with crispy duck wings and stuffed Zucchini blossom with pickled zucchini. I accompanied that with a glass of Syrah, a deep rich red wine. I was still hungry, so I got a sweet corn gnocchi accompanied with a mescal cream corn. Yummy! For dessert I had a Strawberry cake with a Blueberry Carmel sauce. The meal was excellent. One of the best meals I have had in a while. I took my cab back to the hotel and settled in for the night.

Illinois is a great place for food. This summer Grandpa and I are taking a trip to Chicago, where we will see the Chicago White Sox and the Colorado Rockies at Guaranteed Rate Park. This is part one of our trip. We will also visit Kansas City and St Louis.  Of course, we will include good food, good wine, and friends.