tidee

rats! i missed the fair this year. my daughter's in ames attending iowa state. i should have combined events. i hope you had a great time. it was really hot here then.

i'm visiting columbia in two weeks. what 's a good ethnic place to eat on a budget?

one more for now. right across the river from bettendorf in Rock Island, Ill: Jim's Rib Haven. oh my! fresh in-house hickory smoked ribs, home-made fries, and coleslaw. not the high life, but definitely worth a trip to enjoy. Jim's Rib Haven 531 - 24th Ave. Rock Island, IL 61201 Tel: (309) 786-8606

i have a couple of favorites i want to mention. please post your favs. there are so many places to eat at, but not every place is as good as you hoped it would be. the first is 'Martini's Grille' in Burlington, Iowa. the dining room windows on three walls overlook the mississippi river. chef Peter Harman, at least when i am there. walks through the dining room and greets each table. the view is awesome, the food is excellent and the martinis are great. here is contact info: Martini's Grille 610 North 4th Street Burlington, IA 52601 Tel: 319.752.6262 http://www.martinisgrille.com/ the other is 'Revelations Cafe' in Fairfield, Iowa. it is a bookstore and cafe, and features gourmet pizzas, soups, and sandwiches made with organic ingredients. here is the contact info for them: Revelations Cafe 112 North Main Fairfield, IA 52556 Tel: 641-472-6733