PEORIA, Ill. -- Last week, after eating at Jane's Ice Box, I got to thinking more about dropping in at some diners...little eateries that cater to a local clientele.
Which is how we ended up at 'The Hungry Moose.'
The Hungry Moose is located on Farmington Road in Peoria County. It's a little place that serves breakfast and lunch six days a week during the winter and is home to all things moose-like.
More on that in a minute.
The Moose is home--as diners tend to be--to a regular crew of eaters. Lots of conversation--in my case, about cars and motorcycles. Eventually, staff and customers turn into a kind of extended family.
That's Mrs. Moose--AKA Sharon Ives--tending to the cooking in the kitchen.
I ordered the Swiss and mushroom burger with onion rings. Yes, I was told this is the normal amount of onion rings. Doug went with the rib-eye sandwich and fries. Which he added catsup to. Not a criticism--just saying.
The burger was very good, tender juicy. The onion rings sweet. Doug gave his approval to the rib-eye. It was good diner food. Comfort food. We decided to top off lunch with a little dessert. I had ice cream and Doug the homemade bread pudding. Both came with "moose droppings," which are, in fact donut holes.
Now, why the name Hungry Moose? Well, it started with a trip north for Sharon Ives and her husband.
"Well, it's a love story," said Ives. "My husband and I went up north, and we loved the atmosphere, and I collected moose things. So when we opened a restaurant, we decided it had to be a moose".
And yes, Sharon is wearing moose earrings. A gift from a customer.
Our bill with drinks, came to $26.52. The hungry moose is open 6 a.m. til 2 p.m. daily--closed on Tuesday's during the winter months.
CINewsNow Notifier
Twitter
Connect With Us