Lying Liars and the suckers who give em money

I received an e-mail today that included the following:

"BTW, does it annoy anyone else how many restaurants, mainly the chains (Appleby’s, Chili’s) don’t include their alcoholic drink prices on their menu? I find that terribly insulting. They seem to want to intimidate or embarrass you against asking. And when you do ask how much the top shelf margarita is, the wait person often doesn’t know (or acts like they don’t know) and have to go ask. All part of the strategy to get you to order overpriced drinks."

I don't eat at Applebee's or Chili's or chain restaurants much, so I don't know if this is true. Can anyone else comment on this?

I don't know why exactly I avoid chains. It isn't snobbery or a personal policy. I'm a big fan of Krispy Kreme. Hey! Bill Spears! Any word on when they are going to resume construction on their Peoria store!? I like Lester's too. But watching the donuts being made is neat and yes, fine entertainment.

This drink scheme, if it is real, wouldn't surprise me. I have found that most big chain restaurants tend to be less clean, with longer waits, huge portions of food that really amount to nothing more than a hulking plate of salt and lard. Not that Polly is above a good dose of lard and salt, but I go to Hardee's for that if I'm in the mood for it.

Another scheme I've been subjected to -and would really like to know if anyone else has experienced this- is telemarketers who solicit for charities by saying,

"Ms. Peoria? Hello. I'm Golly Goody from Widows and Orphans of Whale Hunters of Alabama. I want to thank you so much for your generous support of our organization in the past. I see that you gave $40.00 last year during our annual begathon. Can we can count on you for another $40.00 this year?"

Essentially Ms Goody is implying that I've been a good soul in the past, they love me. I've supported them before, so how can I slam the door on them now? Here's the thing. I have never ever given to any of these charities. I know, because I never, ever pledge money over the phone. EVER. These charities are trying to raise money with an out and out bald faced LIE, which makes me wonder if these aren't just boiler room scam artists.

LATELY, IT SEEMS EVERY CHARITY TELEMARKETER SEEMS TO THINK I'VE GIVEN MONEY TO THEM IN THE PAST. Polly is good. Polly is kind. Polly is neither that good, kind, or rich.

Any one else out there experience any of the above? I say we start cracking down!

Best. Eyecandy. Ever.

Like every intelligent being on the planet, I have serious concerns about the war in Iraq. Or, as, my president calls it, "The War on Terror." I would just really like some confirmation that the majority of Iraqi citizens want us there.

Have no doubt. I adore our troops and they have my undying appreciation and respect. This was just sent to me. Actually, I've received it three times today. Polly loves a man in uniform. Especially this one. (Look closely at the badges under the American flag.)

Copperworks. Yummy goodness.

It was almost too pretty to eat. For a second I forgot I was in Peoria. Tavern on the Green in Central Park, or some haute cafe in Paris, but no, I was at Copperworks located in the stripmall on the corner of Pioneer Parkway and Knoxville. The presentation of my sea bass marinated in miso accompanied by garlic mashed potatoes looked like something that required a structural engineer to create. I hated to mess it up by diving my fork into it, but sometimes beauty and art must be sacrificed for appetite.

Yummy. Yummy. Over twenty four hours ago and I'm still gushing. Copperworks isn't cheap, but not overpriced. I ordered the sea bass, my friend ordered the bacon wrapped beef filet with garlic mashed potatoes. Between us we also consumed the artichoke dip appetizer, a beer, two glasses of wine, and one apple dumpling dessert. Salads were included with the entrees and came with an age balsamic vinaigrette. The bill was $88.00 plus tip. Well spent moola. Can't wait to go again.

They had a live band in the bar area, jazz, very sultry female singer. Good atmosphere. The walnut covered, stuffy country club motif of the former Jim's Steakhouse is gone. No noticeable ruminants remain. The walls are dark navy blue. My only gripe is the furniture, which had a decidedly conference room feel. Black tables, metal legs, and chairs which were comfy enough, but looked like they were better suited for the CAT cafeteria. However, with food so tasty, such a critique is petty.

I'm going back... and soon. They offered a pork and polenta dish I just gotta try. Seven and French Toast have some serious competition.

I might have to rename my blog PiggyPolly.

To DeWayne Bartels, With Deep Sympathy

I read in the PJ Star Obituaries this past week that DeWayne Bartels' mother recently passed away. For those of you who don't know him, DeWayne is a reporter for the Peoria Times Observer and an occasional PollyPeoria commenter.

Sometimes I get the Times Observer, sometimes I don't. Apparently I live on the border of what is considered "North Peoria." Although I don't always agree with Bartels, I always find his articles stimulating. I get really cranky when I have to walk a few blocks in order to steal someone else's Observer.

Take care DeWayne. I will be thinking of you and your family during this sad time.

Love,

Polly