The Metro East Messenger 8.21.20 Issue

In This Issue

ISSUE

Local Events

3-6

Farmer’s Markets

7-8

Local Business Directory

9-11

Stuffed Cherry Tomato Recipe

12

Local Business Spotlight: Plan Shop Live Kitchen

13

“Prairie State Stew” Recipe

15

Is Your Garden…

Page 13

We Have 2 Recipes To Make Use Of Those Fresh Veggies!

Special Thank You To…

See Coupon On Page 3

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Local Events

NOTE: Events are subject to change due to Covid 19. Please make sure events have not been rescheduled or cancelled before attending.

Live Stand Up Comedy, August 29th, 2020 8-10pm @ The Command Post at the American Legion, 104 N. Main St, Troy, IL. The perfect date night or night out with friends, LIVE STAND UP COMEDY! We've got the NUMBER ONE COMEDIAN FROM BRANSON, Derik Zoo, coming to Troy, IL! Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. For more info, go to https://bit.ly/30A9B7a.

Concert In The Park-Abbey Road Warriors, Aug. 29th, 7-8:30pm @Firemen’s Park, 300 Donk Ave, Maryville, IL. Bring a snack and your lawn chairs for an evening down memory lane with Abbey Road Warriors, a Beatles tribute band. Masks and social distancing required. For more info, go to www.vil.maryville.il.us.

Kentucky Derby Watch Party, Sept. 5th, 2020, 2:30-7pm @Bella Vista Winery, 6633 E. Main St. Maryville, IL. Calling all big hats and dapper duds- join us for "The Greatest Two-Minutes in Sports!" Your ticket includes a $5.00 donation to the Happy Hooves Equine Rescue in Edwardsville, IL. You will also receive a complimentary Mint Julep, Glass of Wine, or Beer and a Southern-Inspired hors d'oeuvres buffet.

Weather permitting, the event will be held outside with a live viewing of the race at approximately 6:00PM. Every guest will also receive 3, 1oz. tastings of high-end Bourbons.

(Continued on page 5)

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Local Events (Cont. from page 3) There will be live music for you to enjoy throughout the event. The Jazz Troubadours will

be playing from 3PM-7PM and Hunter Peebles from 7PM-11PM. Come decked out in your biggest hat or best vest/bowtie combo for a chance to win a wine basket or a free stay at the Hidden Lake Winery cabins in Aviston, IL! You can purchase your ticket at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/108036867178.

Bradley R. Smith Memorial Scholarship Virtual 5K Run/Walk, Sept. 11th -13th, Hosted by Bradley R. Smith Memorial Scholarship Virtual 5K Run/Walk. Virtual 5K run/walk to honor SrA Bradley R. Smith and raise funds for his Memorial Scholarship Fund. For more info, go to https://bit.ly/34jdLT6.

Collinsville City-Wide Garage Sales, Sept. 12th, 7am-3pm, sponsored by City of Collinsville Parks and Recreation. On September 9th, a guide of all addresses participating in the City Wide Garage Sale will be printed and available at City Call and the Activity Center and posted on the City of Collinsville's website. Last day to register is September 4. For more info, go to https://apm.activecommunities.com/collinsvilleparkandrec/Home.

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Local Events Autumn in the Vines Fall Festival, Sept. 19th at 11am- Sept. 20th at 12am @ Bella Vista Winery, 6633 E. Main St. Maryville, IL. Join us for a Fall Festival at Bella Vista Winery! We will be having fun Fall drinks & a special food menu! From 12-5:00PM, we will be hosting a Vendor Fair in our Grand Ball Room and Lawn Games out in our back lawn! Live music from 1-5 by Raquel Rae and 7-11 by Hunter Peebles! For more info, go to https://bit.ly/2PuHmk6.

Makers Market Maryville, Sept. 19th, 9am-4pm @Makers Market, 2929 N. Center St. Maryville, IL. Outdoor. Open-Air Market: crafters, antiques, woodworkers, collectables, up cyclers, furniture refinishers jewelry, vendors and many more. We will have a 2 food trucks, Kettle Corn, Pork Rinds and an Italian ice truck here for the day. We will not be able to offer seating due to restrictions for sit down eating. The event will be located behind our shop and there will be plenty of parking. For updates, go to https://www.facebook.com/events/851748995228883.

Fall Vintage Market-Belle-Clair Fairgrounds 2020 Powered by Fall Vintage Market, Sept. 25- 27th, 200 S. Belt E, Belleville, IL. Forever Vintage Market is an event for collectors, treasure seekers and hunters of one of a kind vintage finds. We are a destination for decorators, designers, boutique owners, families, and weekend fun seekers of all ages. No matter if your interest lies in Vintage, Antiques, Handmade, Furniture, Boutique, A Variety of Tasty Foods, Live Music, Handcrafted Cocktails or just spending the afternoon hunting for the perfect find, we look forward to seeing you! Tickets can be purchased at the door. 12 and under are free. For more info, go to http://www.forevervintagemarket.com/.

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Farmer’s Markets Below is a list of several farmer’s markets in Madison and St. Clair counties. Each market has worked hard to create safe ordering and pick up procedures to maintain social distancing. Please follow each guideline carefully. Get your orders in before the season is over!

Alton Farmers & Artisans Market, 8am-12pm, Saturdays. Parking lot at the corner of Landmarks Blvd. and Henry St., Alton. Fresh produce, plants, meat, cheese, eggs, honey, baked goods and other edible products will be available. Social distancing measures will be in place. Pre-ordering is encouraged.

Electronic payment preferred. Cash accepted; bring small bills. Vendors advised not to give change. To order, go to facebook.com/AltonFarmersMarket Land of Goshen Community Market, 8am-12pm, Saturdays. Downtown Edwardsville, St. Louis Street, Edwardsville. Open rain or shine. Social distancing measures will be in place. The Market will only include sales of food and hygiene items to limit the number of vendors and allow for at least 10 feet of space between all stalls. The Market asks customers to send only one shopper per family/household. Customers are asked to wear masks. To order, go to facebook.com/goshenmarket Land of Goshen Online Market, The Goshen Market Online Shop is open for orders Friday through Monday. On Wednesdays from 5pm-7pm all ordered items will be delivered or available for pick up at 222 Artisan Bakery, 222 Main St., Edwardsville. Call (618) 659-1122 for curbside pick-up. To order, go to goshenmarket.org/shop.

Maryville Drive-Thru Farmers Market, 5-6pm Thursdays. Maryville Village Hall, 2520 N. Center St., Maryville. Pre-orders and pre-pay. Customers place orders through on Facebook or on the website before noon on Thursday and pay online. When arriving for pick-up, give your name, remain in your vehicle, then drive up to each farm. Your order will be placed in your trunk/vehicle. Select items available for lastminute, onsite purchase when picking up orders. To order, go to: https://www.facebook.com/MaryvilleILFarmersMarket or maryvilleilfarmersmarket.org Vine Street Market, 8 a.m. to 12pm, Saturdays. O’Fallon Station 212 E. First St., O’Fallon. Online preorders and pre-pay still available. Orders can be placed with individual vendors online. Vendor availability and order deadlines vary. Market guidelines for onsite shopping include masks, social distancing, not touching products at vendor stands. For details and information: ofallonstation.com/vine-streetmarket or facebook.com/vinestreetmarketofallon Drive-Thru Vine Street Market, 5:30-6 pm, Tuesdays. O’Fallon Station 212 E. First St., O’Fallon. Online pre-orders and pre-pay only, no walk-ups. Orders can be placed with individual vendors on their Facebook page. Vendor availability and order deadlines vary. For details and information: facebook.com/vinestreetmarketofallon www.metroeastmessenger.com

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Farmer’s Markets Swansea Farmers Market, 10am- 2pm, Thursdays. Rural King parking lot, 2801 N. Illinois St., Swansea. Behind Burger King. Fresh local produce, baked goods, jams, jellies, honey and more. Social distancing guidelines will be in place. Signs will be posted. Have monetary denominations of $10s, $5s and $1s available; no change will be given. Wear masks and keep your distance. facebook.com/SwanseaFarmersMarketInc Millstadt Farmers Market, 3-6pm, Fridays. Millstadt VFW Post 7980, 200 S. Veterans Drive, Millstadt. Featuring produce, plants, baked goods, kettle corn, jam, jewelry, honey, Avon and much more. Directed by St. Clair County Health guidelines. 618-476-3037 or facebook.com/MillstadtFarmersMarket Belleville’s Old Town Farmers Market, 7:30am-12pm, Saturdays. First block of S. Charles St., between E. Main and E. Washington streets, Belleville. Food and agricultural products only at this point.

Do not attend if sick. Only one family member should attend. Let vendors select and bag goods. Masks and six feet of social distancing required by all. Exact change requested; no change will be offered.

Link/SNAP/EBT accepted. facebook.com/Belleville-Old-Town-Farmers-Market-930383016993451

4-Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon

$8.99 per lb Limit one per customer.

Must present coupon.

Expires 9/11/20

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Restaurant Directory Restaurant Name

Address

Other Features

Website

American/Bar & Grill 1) 27 Jct Dr W, Glen Carbon, IL 62034, (618)659-1922 Classic American comfort food, Open 24 Denny's 2) 522 Ramada Blvd, Collinsville, IL 62234, www.dennys.com Hours (618) 345-8995 3) 737 W Hwy 50, O'Fallon, IL 62269, (618) 622-0471 Cajun Comfort Food/Fresh Gulf Shores Restaurant www.gulfshoresrestaura 215 Harvard Drive, Edwardsville, IL, (618) 650-9109 Seafood/Daily Specials/Weekly Live & Grill ntandgrill.com Music (see website for dates and times) IHOP

Kool Beanz Café

Lottie's Café

1028 W Hwy 50, O'Fallon, IL 62269, (618)632-5400

212 E State St, O Fallon, IL 62269, (618) 589-3843

Wide variety of pancakes, American breakfast and diner fare.

www.ihop.com

Specialty Coffee, Gourmet Tea, Handcrafted Smoothies, Breakfast and https://koolbeanzlife.co Lunch Served, Vegan/Vegetarian m/ Options Available. Baked Goods

1099 Belt Line Road, Suite D, Collinsville, IL 62234, Carryout/Catering/Daily www.facebook.com/Lotti (618) 223-8253 Specials/Gaming/Occasional Live Music es-Cafe

Mady's

623 Edwardsville Road, Troy, Illinois (618) 505-7188

Bar/Casino

Mady's Facebook Page

McDill's Irish Pub

334 Saint Louis Rd Collinsville, IL, 62234 (618) 344-9875

Daily Food Specials/Dine in or Carry Out/Pool Table/Gaming/UFC Fight Viewing

https://www.facebook.c om/McDills

Peel Wood Fired Pizza

The Command Post Bar and Grill The Wooden Nickel Pub & Grill

1) 921 S. Arbor Vitae, Edwardsville, IL 62025 Order (618)659-856 Online/Carryout/Patio/Brewery/Seasona www.peelpizza.com 2) 1104 S. Cherry St., O'Fallon, IL 62269, (618)726l Specials 2244 Video Gaming/Pool/Dart Leagues/Draft https://www.facebook.c and Craft Beer Selections/Daily 104 N Main St, Troy, IL 62294(618) 667-9892 om/TheCommandPost70 Specials/Children welcome with an 8/ adult. 18+ https://www.facebook.c 171 S. Main St, Glen Carbon, IL Patio/Carryout/Happy Hour/Daily om/WoodenNickelGlenC (618) 288-2141 Specials/Occasional Live Music arbon/

Time Out Sports Bar & Grill

111 W Market St, Troy, IL 62294 (618) 667-2221

Carryout/Daily Specials/Happy Hour/Gaming/Occasional Live Music

China King (Edwardsville)

1063 S State Rt. 157, Edwardsville, IL 62025, (618) 692-1888

Dine in/Carry Out/Order Online/Delivery

www.edwardsvillechinaki ng.com

China King (Troy)

535 Troy Ave #537, Troy, IL 62294, (618) 667-8886

Dine in/Carry Out

See Menu

www.timeoutsportsbargr ill.com

Asian

Mariachi's Mexican Restaurant

Zapata's Mexican Restaurant

Mexican 1) 400 S Illinois St, Belleville, IL 62220, (618) 236-9492 2) 2922 N Center St, Maryville, IL 62062, (618) 288-6300 3) 717 W Washington St, Millstadt, IL 62260, (618) 476-6223 1) 8 Eastport Plaza Drive, Collinsville, IL, (618) 343-1337 2) 4660 N Illinois Street, Fairview Heights, IL, (618) 277-5474

Carryout/Order Online/Catering/Daily www.mariachismexfood.

Specials/Gaming/Party Room com

Lunch Buffet/Carry Out/Catering/Daily www.zapatasmexican.co Specials/Party Room/Karaoke Every m Other Friday

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Business Directory Gas & Convenience 7900 N Illinois St, Caseyville, IL 62232

(618) 344-1286

2233 Vandalia St, Collinsville, IL 62234

(618) 344-1352

301 Salem Pl, Fairview Heights, IL 62208

(618) 624-6013

6559 IL-162, Maryville, IL 62062 826 W Hwy 50, O'Fallon, IL 62269 1242 Thouvenot Ln, Shiloh, IL 62269 536 Edwardsville Rd, Troy, IL 62294

(618) 288-7920 (618) 632-2177 (618) 622-2220 (618) 667-4581

Handee Mart

411 N Main St, Caseyville, IL 62232

(618) 344-3667

https://www.facebook.com/ handeemartcaseyville/

Huck's Convenient Food Store

1029 Lincoln Hwy, Fairview Heights, IL 62208

(618) 632-4807

www.hucks.com

702 Vandalia St, Collinsville, IL 62234

(618) 345-9777

Pilot Travel Center Shell

970 US-50, O'Fallon, IL 62269 820 Edwardsville Rd, Troy, IL 62294 1011 W US-50, O'Fallon, IL 62269

(618) 622-0630 (618) 667-0946 (618) 632-2787

pilotflyingj.com https://find.shell.com

TA

819 Edwardsville Rd, Troy, IL 62294

(618) 667-9931

www.ta-petro.com

Circle K

Moto Mart

www.circlek.com

www.shell.com

Retail & Services Bike Surgeon

201 E State St, O'Fallon, IL 62269

(618) 622-1693

https://bikesurgeon.com/

Chelsey Reed-Hair Designer & Makeup Artist

2400 N Center St Maryville, IL, 62062

(618) 410-0882

www.facebook.com/chereed hairstylist

Chiropractic Works

410 Regency Ctr, Collinsville, IL 62234

(618) 477-8364

www.chiropracticworkscollin sville.com

Code 3 Spices

302 E. Main St. Collinsville, IL 62234

(618) 855-8855

https://code3spices.com/

DogWatch Hidden Fences

Email: Alan@dogwatchofillinois.com

(618) 692-9131

www.dogwatchofillinois.com

Edward Jones-Financial Advisor: Denise Arendell

303 Fountains Parkway, Suite 210 Fairview Heights, Il 62208 denise.arendell@edwardjones.com

(618) 622-4977

www.edwardjones.com/deni se-arendell

Kelly's Butcher Shop & Deli

804 South Main St., Troy, IL 62294

(618) 667-6268

https://www.facebook.com/ KellysButcherShopDeli/

Lonnie's Liquors

2004 Vandalia St, Collinsville, IL 62234

(618) 344-3430

1150 St. Louis Road, Collinsville, IL 62234

(618) 345-0611

25 Commercial St, Millstadt, IL 62260

(618) 476-7490

7835 Ivory Ave. St. Louis, MO 63111

(314) 638-2710

Email: Alan@xgreensynthetic.com

(314) 241-8873

Mike's Automotive

Xtreme Green Synthetic Turf

www.mikesautomotive.net

www.xgreensynthetic.com 10

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Hotels Comfort Inn Collinsville

8 Commerce Dr, Collinsville, IL 62234

(480) 725-1637

www.wyndhamhotels.com

Days Inn Collinsville

12 Commerce Dr, Collinsville, IL 62234

(618) 803-4032

www.wyndhamhotels.com

4 Gateway Dr, Collinsville, IL 62234

(618) 346-0607

www.marriott.com

Fairfield Inn by Marriott St. LouisCollinsville La Quinta Inn & Suites Collinsville

6 Gateway Dr, Collinsville, IL 62234

(618) 855-8400

www.laquintacollinsville.com

(618) 223-5383

www.wyndhamhotels.com

(618) 624-3636

www.choicehotels.com

(618) 212-1300

www.ihg.com

(618) 688-2526

www.wyndhamhotels.com

(618) 398-7124

www.radisonhotels.com

Best Western- Troy

2 Gateway Drive, Collinsville, IL 62234 305 Salem Pl, Fairview Heights, IL 62208 313 Salem Pl, Fairview Heights, IL 62208 45 Ludwig Dr, Fairview Heights, IL 62208 140 Ludwig Dr, Fairview Heights, IL 62208 2020 Formosa Rd, Troy, IL 62294

(618) 667-9200

www.bestwestern.com

Red Roof Inn

2030 Formosa Rd, Troy, IL 62294

(618) 667-2222

www.redroof.com

Super 8-Troy

910 Edwardsville Rd, Troy, IL 62294

(618) 505-1189

www.wyndhamhotels.com

Super 8-Collinsville Econo Lodge Holiday Inn Super 8 by Wyndham Country Inn & Suites by Radisson

Best Western

116 Regency Park, O'Fallon, IL 62269

(618) 622-8600

www.bestwestern.com

Extended Stay America

154 Regency Park, O'Fallon, IL 62269

(618) 624-1757

www.extendedstayamerica.com

La Quinta Inn & Suites

136 Regency Park, O'Fallon, IL 62269

(618) 726-2323

www.wyndhamhotels.com

Sleep Inn

140 Venita Dr, O'Fallon, IL 62269

(618) 589-3999

www.choicehotels.com

TownePlace Suites by Marriott

445 Regency Park Drive, O'Fallon, IL 62269

(618) 624-4900

www.marriott.com

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Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes Whether you need a quick appetizer or something to snack on, these Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes are a great way to make use of those cherry tomatoes from your garden.

Ingredients: 24-48 cherry tomatoes 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 1 medium cucumber, peeled and diced 3 green onion stalks, diced 2 teaspoons minced dill fresh dill, for garnish (optional) Directions: Cut thin slice off top of each tomato. Scoop out pulp. Invert tomatoes on paper towel to drain.

In medium bowl, combine cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth. Stir in cucumber, green onion and dill. Spoon mixture into tomatoes. Top with fresh dill (optional). Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Find more snack recipes at Culinary.net.

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Local Business Spotlight Eating out and eating healthy don’t always go together.

But Susan Smith has solved this problem for people in the Metro East. Her brand new restaurant, Plan Shop Live Kitchen, in Maryville, IL, has been getting rave reviews since it recently opened in July. Plan Shop Live Kitchen serves gourmet breakfast and lunch, made to order, and uses the freshest ingredients from local businesses.

I finally checked it out last week and now I see what all the buzz is about. I ordered the Southwest Chicken Salad (pictured below) and was surprised how much fresh flavor was packed inside. This is not your average, boring salad. It was delicious! Susan has also included WW points for each meal to make eating healthy even easier. The restaurant is beautiful with a clean, modern design. There’s also some outside seating. You can even call ahead for pick up. Be sure to follow their Facebook page for daily specials!

Plan Shop Live Kitchen 2719 N. Center St, Maryville, IL (Just north of Bobby’s Frozen Custard)

(618)223-8330 www.planshoplive.com Open M-F, 7am-3pm

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“ODE TO SUMMER” WORD SEARCH

August Barbecue Baseball Boating Camping Canoeing Flower

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Gardening Grass Hiking Holiday July June Outdoors

Picnic Play Summer Sunshine Swimming Travel Watermelon

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“Prairie State Stew” Like many Midwestern households, recipes like these often get handed down from one generation to the next. Sometimes they are just taught without ever being written down with ingredients and proper measurements, or even given a name. This is one such recipe. I’ve asked several people what this is called, and no one knows. I did some research online and couldn’t find anything there, either. I did, however, find a similar recipe from a home cook in Indiana and she called it “Hoosier State Stew.” It’s for that reason, I’m now calling this “Prairie State Stew.” (If someone knows the proper name of this dish, please let me know.)

I have lots of fond memories of my parents picking fresh green beans from their garden around this time of year and we would all sit around the back deck “snapping beans” until our fingers were sore. Great conversation always made the chore go quickly, of course. If you don’t have a back deck with family to help you do this, just use a knife and cutting board. And if you don’t have a garden full of green beans, you can just use fresh ones from the grocery store. (I’ve even heard you can make this with canned green beans, also. Just add the green beans, potatoes and sausage together at the same time and simmer until the potatoes are softened.) Either way, I hope you enjoy this recipe from our family!

Ingredients: 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut 3 cups potatoes (any kind), cut into 1 ½” pieces 1 pound smoked sausage (any kind), cut into ½” discs ½ small onion, diced 2 tablespoons butter 1 teaspoon salt (or more to taste) 1 teaspoon ground black pepper (or more to taste)

Directions: In a large pot, add butter and onions. Cook the onions until translucent. Add green beans and salt and pepper to the pot, then add enough water to cover the green beans. Cook for about 20 mins or until they begin to soften.

Add the potatoes (you may need to add more water) and cook another 10 mins.

Finally add the smoked sausage and cook another 10 mins.

Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. Serve in a bowl like a stew or use a slotted spoon to serve as a side dish. Enjoy! (Note: leftovers make a fantastic lunch!)

If you tried this recipe, let us know! Share a picture on our Facebook page! www.metroeastmessenger.com

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