If you didn't own a restaurant what would you do?: The Food Industry runs in my blood, my parents have owned and operated grocery stores my entire life, so I grew up with food being part of our everyday conversations; it's difficult to imagine being in another field. I love being involved in the community and also enjoy live entertainment, so I'd have to say either public service or concert promotion. Do you have a secret menu?: I wouldn't necessarily say it is a secret item (we like to share our creations with the world), but our "Pickle Juice" chicken wings started out as a staff member's creation and our regulars fell in love with it. Though the name is deceiving, there is no pickles or pickle juice used in the sauce, it was named after the staff member who created them; our buddy Dylan Booth was referred to as Mr. Pickles by the team and regularly mixed our Strawberry Jalapeno BBQ sauce with Cajun Dry Rub to create a delicious, sweet and spicy sauce that thousands of people have tried over the years. The "Pickle Juice" wings were so popular as an off-menu item that we added them to the core menu so new diners would be made aware of them. How did you decide on your menu?: Our menu is a combination of dishes that we enjoy personally and the rest is built off the input of our team and customers. Our kitchen is a collaborative environment, so our chefs have free reign to explore different dishes and flavors, most of the specials and limited time features are items that the team developed. What's your why?: I've been a foodie for a long time, when I travel I look for independently owned establishments that offer quality food and some of the best meals have come from small gastropubs, so I wanted to bring that model to our community. I also enjoy the opportunities that are presented by being in a smaller community, getting to know customers and organizations on personal level is very rewarding. Every month we partner with a different organization to help raise funds for various causes, we are proud that our "Good Eats!" program has raised roughly $40,000 since it's inception; our customers have really bought into the mission and love to see their money going to work locally for school programs, non-profit causes and other community based needs. If you are interested in sponsoring a Restaurant of the Month, click here to learn more! 
What is your favorite Menu Item? Matt- Yuca with Mojo. Lizi made it for me one night. I was initially confused because I thought they were weird mashed potatoes. When I realized that it was something completely different, I wanted to eat Yuca every night! Lizi- Latin Fest We also love our empanadas. They are not sweet and do not use flour. They are unique and delicious! If you didn't own a restaurant, what would you do? We were both working for a logistics company for Honda. We would be doing that now if we didn't open the restaurant. Secret Menu? Cachapa, Loaded Nachos, Pork Tostadas How did you decide on your menu? Family Recipes What's your why? Before we met, I (Matt) gained a passion for watching cooking shows and cooked for everyone around me. Once I met Lizi, we cooked together all the time! Now we are living our dream, owning our own restaurant and sharing our delicious food with Champaign County! If you are interested in sponsoring a Restaurant of the Month, click here to learn more!  |
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