In This Issue Dear Metro East Messenger Readers, As we continue to shelter-in-place, we are doing our best at The Metro East Messenger to provide you with helpful resources to get you through this difficult time. We look forward to the future when things are back to normal and we can give you info about the fun and exciting local events. In the meantime, be well and thank you for supporting and reading our publication!
Learn About The New Drive Thru Farmers’ Market System!
Order online and pick up curbside! www.code3bbqsupply.com
How To Help Small Businesses Right Now
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Drive Thru Farmers’ Market System
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How To Shop Safely During COVID-19
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Local Business Directory
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Cook Once – Eat Twice Recipes
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How You Can Help Small Businesses Right Now Buy Gift Cards, Shop Later- This dramatic drop in business can be devastating for small businesses especially. Think of a few of your favorite places, especially ones that you probably would have visited during this time anyway, like restaurants, nail and hair salons, etc, and purchase gift cards. The business will get the financial boost now, and you’ll have something to look forward to when activities resume. Order Takeout or Delivery- Restaurants are closed for dine-in services, but quite a few local spots are offering take-out and delivery options. Challenge your self to ordering take out or delivery at least once a week. You could even turn it into a fun activity with the kids (or a home date night) by making tweaks in your house to feel more restaurant-like. Change up your dinner routine by getting out the fancy dishes, playing background music, setting out coloring pages for the kids during appetizers, or getting dressed up for the meal. Make it a fun experience! Leave a Review- Show your favorite local spots some love with a positive review! This doesn’t cost you anything, is sure to make them smile, and it helps other people know of your great experience when things are open again. Here are a few places to leave reviews/comments: Facebook, Angie’s List, Foursquare, OpenTable and Yelp.
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Drive Thru Farmers’ Market System Wondering how to get fresh, farmers’ market items during lockdown? Local communities have recently created a whole new drive thru market system! The new system allows customers to place their orders and prepay online. Then on pick up days, customers drive to the designated pick up area, remain in their vehicles and their orders are placed inside their car. For the most up to date drive thru procedures, be sure to check each market’s Facebook page or website. Maryville Farmer’s Market (Maryville) Drive-thru market customers can place orders through the Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/MaryvilleILFarmersMarket/) before noon on Thursday and pay online. Pickups are on Thursdays, from 5 pm to 6 pm in the parking lot of the Maryville Village Hall, 2520 N Center Street. The Land of Goshen Community Market (Edwardsville) The Land of Goshen Community Market is running an online market for the next few weeks to support local farmers, bakers and vendors. Place orders online at https://www.goshenmarket.org/shop/. Pick up orders curbside at 222 Artisan Bakery (222 N Main St, Edwardsville) on Thursdays between 11am and 3pm. Vine Street Drive Thru Market (O’Fallon) Place orders at https://ofallonstation.com/vendors-vine-street-market-drive-thru/. Drive Thru Market pick ups are held at the Vine Street Station on Tuesday's from 5-6pm in the O'Fallon Station parking lot (behind the building, 105-111 S Vine St, O'Fallon). www.metroeastmessenger.com
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We Are Open For Curbside Carry Out Orders! Call Ahead At (618)344-9875 McDill’s Irish Pub 334 Saint Louis Rd Collinsville, IL Follow Us On Facebook For Updates and Specials!
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How To Shop Safely During COVID-19 Wondering what is the safest way to grocery shop during uncertain times? Here are some expert tips to keep you and your family safe. Before You Go: Making less frequent and larger shopping trips (but not hoarding) is ideal. If you’re shopping for groceries, create a menu for the next 2 weeks. See what items you already have and make a list for what you will need. Shopping off a list will make your trip more efficient and get you out of the store quicker. Do your shopping alone, if possible. Bringing other family members in with you will likely increase your time in the store and possibly increase your household’s risk of infection. The most ideal shopping time is early in the morning when the stores are likely to be less crowded. While You’re In The Store: Staying safe starts before you even enter the store. Take some disinfectant wipes from home with you—your store may be out—and use them on the cart or basket while shopping. Many stores do this for customers now, but it doesn't hurt to bring your own hand sanitizer or disinfecting wipes if you have them. Be sure to avoid touching your face while you are there, until you can sanitize your hands again. Don't use your cellphone while you're in the store, because a phone is a great way to get your hands right up next to your face.
Wear a face covering. Don’t have one? Make one! Here’s a video to show you how to make a no sew cloth or coffee filter mask: https://bit.ly/3biN2XH. While You’re Checking Out: As for whether to use self-checkout or a cashier, look for the option that allows you the most room to maintain social distance. While grocery shopping may stress you out, it's the workers at the grocery store who are more at risk, because they interact with many customers daily. Protect them by making sure you stand 6 feet away, or as far as you can, while checking out. Also remember to be kind! While paying, if you've got a no-touch option like Apple Pay or Google Pay, use it. If that's not an option, a credit/debit card machine with a chip reader can be no-touch. Try to avoid cash if possible because it can harbor lots of microorganisms. Be sure to disinfect/wash hands after leaving the checkout counter. 6 www.metroeastmessenger.com
How To Shop Safely During COVID-19 When You Get Home: After you bring groceries home. Place all your groceries in a central location in your kitchen. Throw away outer bags and extra packaging that the groceries came in. The Food and Drug Administration says there's no current evidence to support the idea that the virus can be spread by handling food packaging. But if you're concerned, it can't hurt to wipe down nonporous containers like jars or cans with disinfectant wipes. You can also wash produce under cold running water. After unpacking groceries, wash down surfaces that you’ve touched and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. Make it a practice to regularly clean and sanitize kitchen counters using a commercially available disinfectant product or a DIY sanitizing solution with 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) unscented liquid chlorine bleach to 1 gallon of water or 4 teaspoons of bleach per quart of water. WARNING: Do not use this solution or other disinfecting products on food.
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Restaurant Directory Restaurant Name
Address
Other Features
Website
American/Bar & Grill 1) 27 Jct Dr W, Glen Carbon, IL 62034, (618)659-1922 Classic American comfort food, Open 24 Denny's 2) 522 Ramada Blvd, Collinsville, IL 62234, www.dennys.com Hours (618) 345-8995 3) 737 W Hwy 50, O'Fallon, IL 62269, (618) 622-0471 Cajun Comfort Food/Fresh Gulf Shores Restaurant www.gulfshoresrestaura 215 Harvard Drive, Edwardsville, IL, (618) 650-9109 Seafood/Daily Specials/Weekly Live & Grill ntandgrill.com Music (see website for dates and times) IHOP
Kool Beanz Café
Lottie's Café
1028 W Hwy 50, O'Fallon, IL 62269, (618)632-5400
212 E State St, O Fallon, IL 62269, (618) 589-3843
Wide variety of pancakes, American breakfast and diner fare.
www.ihop.com
Specialty Coffee, Gourmet Tea, Handcrafted Smoothies, Breakfast and https://koolbeanzlife.co Lunch Served, Vegan/Vegetarian m/ Options Available. Baked Goods
1099 Belt Line Road, Suite D, Collinsville, IL 62234, Carryout/Catering/Daily www.facebook.com/Lotti (618) 223-8253 Specials/Gaming/Occasional Live Music es-Cafe
Mady's
623 Edwardsville Road, Troy, Illinois (618) 505-7188
Bar/Casino
Mady's Facebook Page
McDill's Irish Pub
334 Saint Louis Rd Collinsville, IL, 62234 (618) 344-9875
Daily Food Specials/Dine in or Carry Out/Pool Table/Gaming/UFC Fight Viewing
https://www.facebook.c om/McDills
Peel Wood Fired Pizza
The Command Post Bar and Grill The Wooden Nickel Pub & Grill
1) 921 S. Arbor Vitae, Edwardsville, IL 62025 Order (618)659-856 Online/Carryout/Patio/Brewery/Seasona www.peelpizza.com 2) 1104 S. Cherry St., O'Fallon, IL 62269, (618)726l Specials 2244 Video Gaming/Pool/Dart Leagues/Draft https://www.facebook.c and Craft Beer Selections/Daily 104 N Main St, Troy, IL 62294(618) 667-9892 om/TheCommandPost70 Specials/Children welcome with an 8/ adult. 18+ https://www.facebook.c 171 S. Main St, Glen Carbon, IL Patio/Carryout/Happy Hour/Daily om/WoodenNickelGlenC (618) 288-2141 Specials/Occasional Live Music arbon/
Time Out Sports Bar & Grill
111 W Market St, Troy, IL 62294 (618) 667-2221
Carryout/Daily Specials/Happy Hour/Gaming/Occasional Live Music
China King (Edwardsville)
1063 S State Rt. 157, Edwardsville, IL 62025, (618) 692-1888
Dine in/Carry Out/Order Online/Delivery
www.edwardsvillechinaki ng.com
China King (Troy)
535 Troy Ave #537, Troy, IL 62294, (618) 667-8886
Dine in/Carry Out
See Menu
www.timeoutsportsbargr ill.com
Asian
Mariachi's Mexican Restaurant
Zapata's Mexican Restaurant
Mexican 1) 400 S Illinois St, Belleville, IL 62220, (618) 236-9492 2) 2922 N Center St, Maryville, IL 62062, (618) 288-6300 3) 717 W Washington St, Millstadt, IL 62260, (618) 476-6223 1) 8 Eastport Plaza Drive, Collinsville, IL, (618) 343-1337 2) 4660 N Illinois Street, Fairview Heights, IL, (618) 277-5474
Carryout/Order Online/Catering/Daily www.mariachismexfood. Specials/Gaming/Party Room com
Lunch Buffet/Carry Out/Catering/Daily www.zapatasmexican.co Specials/Party Room/Karaoke Every m Other Friday
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Business Directory Gas & Convenience 7900 N Illinois St, Caseyville, IL 62232
(618) 344-1286
2233 Vandalia St, Collinsville, IL 62234
(618) 344-1352
301 Salem Pl, Fairview Heights, IL 62208
(618) 624-6013
6559 IL-162, Maryville, IL 62062 826 W Hwy 50, O'Fallon, IL 62269 1242 Thouvenot Ln, Shiloh, IL 62269 536 Edwardsville Rd, Troy, IL 62294
(618) 288-7920 (618) 632-2177 (618) 622-2220 (618) 667-4581
Handee Mart
411 N Main St, Caseyville, IL 62232
(618) 344-3667
https://www.facebook.com/ handeemartcaseyville/
Huck's Convenient Food Store
1029 Lincoln Hwy, Fairview Heights, IL 62208
(618) 632-4807
www.hucks.com
702 Vandalia St, Collinsville, IL 62234
(618) 345-9777
Pilot Travel Center Shell
970 US-50, O'Fallon, IL 62269 820 Edwardsville Rd, Troy, IL 62294 1011 W US-50, O'Fallon, IL 62269
(618) 622-0630 (618) 667-0946 (618) 632-2787
pilotflyingj.com https://find.shell.com
TA
819 Edwardsville Rd, Troy, IL 62294
(618) 667-9931
www.ta-petro.com
Circle K
Moto Mart
www.circlek.com
www.shell.com
Retail & Services Bike Surgeon
201 E State St, O'Fallon, IL 62269
(618) 622-1693
https://bikesurgeon.com/
Chelsey Reed-Hair Designer & Makeup Artist
2400 N Center St Maryville, IL, 62062
(618) 410-0882
www.facebook.com/chereed hairstylist
Chiropractic Works
410 Regency Ctr, Collinsville, IL 62234
(618) 477-8364
www.chiropracticworkscollin sville.com
Code 3 Spices
302 E. Main St. Collinsville, IL 62234
(618) 855-8855
https://code3spices.com/
DogWatch Hidden Fences
Email: Alan@dogwatchofillinois.com
(618) 692-9131
www.dogwatchofillinois.com
Edward Jones-Financial Advisor: Denise Arendell
303 Fountains Parkway, Suite 210 Fairview Heights, Il 62208 denise.arendell@edwardjones.com
(618) 622-4977
www.edwardjones.com/deni se-arendell
Kelly's Butcher Shop & Deli
804 South Main St., Troy, IL 62294
(618) 667-6268
https://www.facebook.com/ KellysButcherShopDeli/
Lonnie's Liquors
2004 Vandalia St, Collinsville, IL 62234
(618) 344-3430
1150 St. Louis Road, Collinsville, IL 62234
(618) 345-0611
25 Commercial St, Millstadt, IL 62260
(618) 476-7490
7835 Ivory Ave. St. Louis, MO 63111
(314) 638-2710
Email: Alan@xgreensynthetic.com
(314) 241-8873
Mike's Automotive
Xtreme Green Synthetic Turf
www.metroeastmessenger.com
www.mikesautomotive.net
www.xgreensynthetic.com 9
Hotels Comfort Inn Collinsville
8 Commerce Dr, Collinsville, IL 62234
(480) 725-1637
www.wyndhamhotels.com
Days Inn Collinsville
12 Commerce Dr, Collinsville, IL 62234
(618) 803-4032
www.wyndhamhotels.com
4 Gateway Dr, Collinsville, IL 62234
(618) 346-0607
www.marriott.com
Fairfield Inn by Marriott St. LouisCollinsville La Quinta Inn & Suites Collinsville
6 Gateway Dr, Collinsville, IL 62234
(618) 855-8400
www.laquintacollinsville.com
(618) 223-5383
www.wyndhamhotels.com
(618) 624-3636
www.choicehotels.com
(618) 212-1300
www.ihg.com
(618) 688-2526
www.wyndhamhotels.com
(618) 398-7124
www.radisonhotels.com
Best Western- Troy
2 Gateway Drive, Collinsville, IL 62234 305 Salem Pl, Fairview Heights, IL 62208 313 Salem Pl, Fairview Heights, IL 62208 45 Ludwig Dr, Fairview Heights, IL 62208 140 Ludwig Dr, Fairview Heights, IL 62208 2020 Formosa Rd, Troy, IL 62294
(618) 667-9200
www.bestwestern.com
Red Roof Inn
2030 Formosa Rd, Troy, IL 62294
(618) 667-2222
www.redroof.com
Super 8-Troy
910 Edwardsville Rd, Troy, IL 62294
(618) 505-1189
www.wyndhamhotels.com
Super 8-Collinsville Econo Lodge Holiday Inn Super 8 by Wyndham Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
Best Western
116 Regency Park, O'Fallon, IL 62269
(618) 622-8600
www.bestwestern.com
Extended Stay America
154 Regency Park, O'Fallon, IL 62269
(618) 624-1757
www.extendedstayamerica.com
La Quinta Inn & Suites
136 Regency Park, O'Fallon, IL 62269
(618) 726-2323
www.wyndhamhotels.com
Sleep Inn
140 Venita Dr, O'Fallon, IL 62269
(618) 589-3999
www.choicehotels.com
TownePlace Suites by Marriott
445 Regency Park Drive, O'Fallon, IL 62269
(618) 624-4900
www.marriott.com
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Cook Once, Eat Twice With so many Americans preparing meals at home, the practice of cooking once and eating twice can extend your grocery budget while also making meal planning less stressful and more comforting. Cooking meals that feed the entire family is essential and even better if they give you a jump on a second meal. Whether your love for cooking runs deep or is being newly discovered, keep the following in mind when planning to cook once and eat twice: Stock up on staples. Before heading out to the store, develop a list of ingredients that can be used for multiple dishes. Canned goods, such as black beans and corn, are great items to store in the pantry and have on hand for a variety of favorite family recipes. Don’t forget produce. To increase flavor and nutrition, adding produce is key in your planning. Mushrooms are gaining traction among chefs and home cooks alike for many reasons. Traditionally known for their inherent umami flavor, mushrooms are filling, healthy and versatile. Cremini and portabella are excellent sources of selenium, an antioxidant that protects cells from damage that may lead to serious chronic diseases. For example, four cremini mushrooms provide 38% of your daily recommended value. Make meat go further. A three-step cooking technique called “The Blend” combines finely chopped mushrooms with ground meat to create dishes that are more nutritious while still tasting delicious. You can use the process to create multiple dishes such as tacos, pasta sauce and burgers. Mushrooms’ ability to mimic the texture of meat makes them easy to incorporate, and the addition of finely chopped mushrooms to meat dishes stretches portions, allowing the family to enjoy a meatmushroom base in dishes like Blended Tacos, which includes a Mexican-Mushroom Beef Blend. For more simple and delicious recipes, visit MushroomCouncil.com.
(Family Features)
Mexican Mushroom-Beef Blend Makes: 8 cups 1 medium yellow onion 8 ounces fresh button or cremini mushrooms 1 pound lean ground beef 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, drained 1 package (1 ounce) reduced-sodium taco seasoning mix 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes 1 can (11 ounces) yellow kernel corn, drained In food processor, pulse onion and mushrooms to coarse texture. Set aside. In large frying pan, brown ground beef. Drain fat. Set aside. In same frying pan, heat oil. Add mushroom mixture and sauté 3-4 minutes, or until most moisture has been released. Add black beans and mix. Add beef, taco seasoning, tomatoes and corn to black bean and mushroom blend. Mix and cook until heated through.
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Mexican Lasagna Servings: 6-8 Nonstick cooking spray 16 yellow corn tortillas 6 cups Mexican Mushroom-Beef Blend 1 cup shredded, low-fat Mexican cheese blend sour cream (optional) chopped cilantro (optional) salsa (optional) Heat oven to 350 F. Spray bottom of 9-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Place four corn tortillas on bottom of dish and layer 2 cups Mexican Mushroom-Beef Blend on top. Repeat layers, ending with tortillas as top layer. Top with cheese. Bake uncovered 25 minutes, or until cheese melts and lasagna is heated through. Top with dollops of sour cream, cilantro and salsa as desired.
Blended Tacos Makes: 8 tacos
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1 cup sour cream 6 tablespoons cilantro, chopped 2 tablespoons lime juice 8 yellow corn tortillas 2 cups Mexican Mushroom-Beef Blend diced avocado (optional) shredded lettuce (optional) shredded cheese (optional) salsa (optional) In small bowl, mix sour cream, cilantro and lime juice. Cover and refrigerate. Warm tortillas in microwave or on stovetop according to package directions. Spoon 1/4 cup Mexican Mushroom-Beef Blend into each tortilla. Top with sour cream mixture and avocado, lettuce and cheese as desired.
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