Melt - San Francisco, CA

Savory - Uptown: turkey, pesto, jack cheese with a hint of lemon juice

(ordered without avocado or tomato) & salad

Sweet - Strawberry Royale: fresh strawberries, bananas, chocolate (or nutella), whipped cream

An upscale food court is located in the basement of the Westfield San Francisco Centre. (Not your usual mall food court since food is served on real plates and no plastic forks or paper cups are to be found here!) Melt Gelato & Crepe Cafe is one of the several food stands. On a business trip to SF several months ago I had to make two trips to Melt - once for savory and once for sweet crepes. I never tried the gelato so I can't make a recommendation. I can say, however, that the sweet crepes were something I'd get again. It is also fun to watch the chef make the crepes while you wait.

Sarah Hogan

I heard this song performed by Growling Old Men - a Montana-based acoustic bluegrass duo - on Prairie Home Companion. A youtube search offered the song performed by Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike. As someone commented on youtube: "A mournful song that doesn't sound like one. Poor Sarah..."

Brasa - Minneapolis, MN

Who knew dining in a converted gas station could taste good? Brasa: Premium Rotisserie (600 E. Hennepin Ave.) serves "comfort food inspired by the Creole cooking traditions of the Americas & Caribbean." Although prices may be a little more than you would expect given the relaxed atmosphere, the food I've ordered there is exceptional. If you have the inkling to eat pulled pork or chicken, braised beef, cornbread, collards, grits, beans, or plantains, this is the place to be!

Pulled Pork Sandwich with Yams & Andouille

Peoria, IL

The Peoria area is the third largest metropolitan area in the state of Illinois (nearly 400,000 residents). The city of Peoria itself (pop. 114,000) is Illinois' sixth largest city. Peoria is home to the Caterpillar corporation world headquarters, Bradley University, and minor league teams for baseball and hockey.

Downtown Peoria is located along the Illinois River. A mix of residential, business, retail, and education buildings rise from the city streets. It feels like a downtown from the history books that continues to struggle to find its niche in the 21st century.

The 14-story Pere Marquette Hotel was built in 1926.

Lobby of the Pere Marquette