Peoria Dinner Recommendation?

[sitcovitsky]

My daughter and I will be visiting Bradley University on Wednesday & Thursday. Any fabulous dinner recommendations for two foodies? (We'll have a car)

[Anne]

It really depends on what you consider "fabulous" and where you are coming from. There are a few high-end restaurants in Peoria, mostly specializing in steaks. Jim's Steakhouse comes to mind. You'll have a delicious meal in beautiful surroundings with expert servers there---but it isn't cheap.
However, two of our favorite restaurants are closer to Bradley, and, shall we say, more affordable. They are both on Main Street, near Campustown Shopping Center. The first is Sizzling India. Wonderfully spicy Indian food. If you don't get there for dinner, I highly recommend you try their luch buffet. It changes daily, but you'll find a wide array of dishes---dosas, sambar, chaat, various meat and vegetable curries, tandoori chicken, even dessert, such as carrot halwa, mango ice cream, or Indian-style custard. Under $10 per person.
My second recommendation would be Haddad's. FABULOUS Lebanese food. But, be advised, you're here for the FOOD. Atmosphere and decor leave something to be desired. The "view" is of the traffic on Main Street. You'll be served by one of the family members. Service is cordial, but hardly professional. But the food is AWESOME!!! We love it all---the gyros platter, tabbouleh, hummus, baba ghanoush---and more. Portions are large and flavors are bold---skip this place if you don't love garlic.
Finally, if you're coming from the north, you might want to try Tequila's in Chillicothe, about 15 miles north of Peoria. It's right on Route 29 (it's called 4th Street when in Chillicothe). Wonderful, authentic Mexican food. While they've got the usual suspects (tacos, burritos, etc), they really shine on their more unusual offerings. Try the mocajete (we like the chicken/green sauce combination best), or the tacos adobados (similiar to pork carnitas, but in a chipotle sauce). Also, when they bring your chips and salsa, ask for some of their hot salsa. And try the beans charros style , rather than refried. It's a friendly, informal place in a non-descript strip center. But the food is GREAT!
Have fun.

[sitcovitsky]

thanks! Those are some great recommendations. Indian & Lebanese food are both favorites of ours, and sounds like right up our alley in terms of our definition of fabulous. :) Perhaps we can hit Tequilas on our way down from O'Hare on Wednesday evening. Do you happen to know how late they serve?