Pubs to visit while exploring Ireland

(IRELAND) — In April 2023, I had the trip of a lifetime. Since I was a young kid, my dad would talk about his lifelong goal of getting to Ireland. With a gift from my mom and travel agent-esque planning on my part, we made it happen. My Sheehan Irish lineage runs through County Limerick.Continue reading “Pubs to visit while exploring Ireland”

Sizzlin’ Steaks, cozy yet exquisite atmosphere: Pickled Radish Provision Co.

(EUREKA, Ill.) — No matter the occasion, add Pickled Radish Provision Co. to your list for restaurants to visit. Sitting along Main St. in Eureka, Illinois, the cozy yet exquisite atmosphere welcomes you in with arms wide and delicious food. At Pickled Radish, you are the champion of your destiny for the meal you wantContinue reading “Sizzlin’ Steaks, cozy yet exquisite atmosphere: Pickled Radish Provision Co.”

Why 2023 was the best year of my life

(PEORIA, Ill.) — There’s no better feeling than equilibrium. Life flows up and down, in and out, but when you are fully aware of who you are and are joyful with how your life is going, you retain a sense of peace. The constant joy in my life is my wife and my son, handsContinue reading “Why 2023 was the best year of my life”

7 BBQ restaurants to visit in Illinois!

(ILLINOIS, USA) — When thinking about barbecue, your mind might go right to Texas, St. Louis, Kansas City, or Memphis. While all of these places have AMAZING BBQ to enjoy, let’s go through six BBQ restaurants in Illinois I visited this year that you should try, too! Most are located in Central Illinois, but oneContinue reading “7 BBQ restaurants to visit in Illinois!”

Guinness Open Gate Brewery Shines in Chicago

(CHICAGO, Ill.) — The worldwide brand of Guinness has expanded even more in the United States. Back in April, I visited the Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Dublin, Ireland. It was a classic, rainy day in Dublin, and the perfect opportunity to stay inside for hours on end and walk around the immense brewery thatContinue reading “Guinness Open Gate Brewery Shines in Chicago”

8 Illinois wineries to visit in 2024

(ILLINOIS, UNITED STATES) — Every year I do an evaluation of life. What’s going well? What goals do I have for the next year? What needs to be left in the past? Well, today, we’re not going to worry about those questions. We’re going to talk about good wine, and where you can go toContinue reading “8 Illinois wineries to visit in 2024”

Illinois Rib Report: Edley’s Bar-B-Que

(GLEN CARBON, Ill.) — Back when I was on TV, we’d have a joke term we’d use ever now and then: “Smellivision.” This was normally during our cooking segments where we either had some DELICIOUS food and it smelled wonderful in the kitch, OR some horrendous prank food that stunk up the place. We’d tellContinue reading “Illinois Rib Report: Edley’s Bar-B-Que”

Central Illinois Rib Report: Smokin’ Notes BBQ

(EAST PEORIA, Ill.) — If you’re driving around the Peoria area, you’ve probably seen ads for Smokin’ Notes BBQ in East Peoria. I’ve been wanting to get here since they opened about a year ago, and I’m glad I finally did. It’s a quaint, country vibe restaurant near a lot of the East Peoria shoppingContinue reading “Central Illinois Rib Report: Smokin’ Notes BBQ”

Sunlight of Sonoma: Meet Sean Minor Wines

(SONOMA, CA.) — As snow laid across the fields behind our home, I received a package full of California sunshine at my front porch. After writing 10 Illinois Winery Tour articles in 2023, I decided it was time to spread my wings a bit and expand the tour. I was thrilled when I connected withContinue reading “Sunlight of Sonoma: Meet Sean Minor Wines”

Illinois Winery Tour: August Hill Tasting Room & Lounge

(UTICA, Ill.) — One of my favorite places to get away for a day trip is Utica, Illinois. Located in LaSalle County, just less than 10 minutes away from Starved Rock State Park, sits a beautiful town bustling with shops, restaurants, tourist activities and more. That leads us to our next Illinois Winery tour, atContinue reading “Illinois Winery Tour: August Hill Tasting Room & Lounge”