NYTimes writes a series of columns called "36-Hours" in which they visit, cities, towns, villages and neighborhoods all over the world sharing their personal 36-hour experiences and reccomendations.
Well NYTimes, I'll do you one better, 72-hours in LeClaire, IA.
Our journey begins with an indirect flight to Moline, IL, including a stop over in Chicago for breakfast beers.
Blue Iguana was our first meal, and a strong start to our culinary experiences ahead.
Boasting about their taco pizza the establishment was peppered with photos, promos, and the following description of what was to be part of our first dinner in Iowa.
Our famous Taco Joe pizza is loaded with refried beans, taco-seasoned beef, and sausage, topped with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and Happy Joe's own taco chips. Served with our Spicey Joe's taco sauce.
Let's be honest. How can you say no?!
We should have said no.
Sneaky Petes has been a favorite for years, and we have the shirts to prove it.
As kids we loved their Mississippi view and kitchy dining room with ties hanging from the ceiling, but now that we're older we love Sneaky Petes for their kareoke, cheep beers, and eclectic clientel.
6 Bud Light bottles
+ 5 shots of Jameson
_________________
$35.00
After a night at Sneaky Petes, it's time to head to the Mississippi River Distilling Company
for a tour and some sampling.
At this time of year we were able to sample their Vodka and Gin liquors - come fall they will offer a bourbon as well.
MR Distilling Company offers free tours, and only recently opened in 2010. Their collection of spirits were delicious, and we made sure to purchase a few bottles, and finish a few bottles.
Next stop on Iowa's food tour was Big Dave and Holly's
My Uncle and Dad used to frequent the joint as children and remember their fried pork tenderloin sandwich to be something special.
And it was, special and ginormous!
With a fried cutlet nearly 3x the size of the bun it was a challenge to eat, but totally worth it!
Dinner was a buffet of pasta, veggies and beef tenderloin. Our pre dinner salads were however served by table, and contained a salad first for me.
Goldfish.
An interesting choice one might think, but to be honest, they served as the perfect substituion for croutons, crunchy, salty, and totally played with the riverboat theme.
Well done Celebration Belle.
A trip to Iowa is never complete without a trip to Whitey's Ice Cream.
The place is prestine, the staff is friendly, and the ice cream is hands down phenominal.
At this point we were all painfully full, but just couldn't say no.
Here are some of my favorite flavors:
GRAHAM CENTRAL STATION - Graham cracker flavored ice cream with caramel swirled thoughout.
MISSISSIPPI MUD REVEL - KONA coffee flavored ice cream with fudge swirled throughout and mixed with OREO cookie bits.
STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE - Cream cheese flavored ice cream with strawberries swirled throughout and mixed with candy-coated graham cracker bits.
And the reason for our trip to Iowa?
My Grandma Jesse's 90th Birthday.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA!
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