Buy One Entrée, Get One Half Off Must Present Coupon Expires 4/24/22
Upcoming Local Events
NOTE: Events are subject to change, cancel or be rescheduled due to Covid.
Breakfast with the Bunny, April 9th, 8am at Edison’s Entertainment Complex, Edwardsville. Breakfast with the Bunny, sponsored by Busey Bank, returns for a morning of fun, delicious breakfast, and a free photo! All-Access passes are for play from 8am-11am, and they include the breakfast buffet. $18 in advance, $20 at door. The breakfast buffet - pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, and beverages - is served from 8-10am. Buffet only - $10 in advance/$12 at door. Kids 3 and under eat free! Prices do not include tax or gratuity. Please call (618)307- 9020 for reservations. Breakfast with the Easter Bunny 2022, April 9th, 8-11am, Evangelical United Church of Christ, Highland. Sponsored by the Highland Civic Woman’s Club. Enjoy a fun “Eastery” breakfast with crafts, raffles, face painting and an opportunity for a photo with the Easter Bunny. All you can eat pancake and sausage breakfast featuring Chris Cakes. Tickets are $10 at the door. Edwardsville Paws in the Park, April 9th, 11am, Edwardsville City Park. Why should kids have all the Easter fun? Our inaugural event was so much fun in 2021 that we decided to bring it back bigger and better. Over five times as many eggs! More Prizes! Vendors. Registration goes towards cost of event. ALL profits will be donated to Metro East Humane Society. $5 per dog if pre-registered ($8 day of event). Register at cityofedwardsville.com/188/Parks-Recreation. Adult Easter Egg Hunt, April 9th, 4pm at Collinsville VFW. The Collinsville Post 5691 Auxiliary is hosting our 1st Adult Easter Egg hunt, Deal or No Deal Style! Registration begins at 4 and the hunt starts at 5. Lots of prizes, cash and fun! $20 for eggs and must be 21 and over. All proceeds to benefit local veterans' organizations!
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Upcoming Local Events MEHS Music Trivia, April 9th, 6pm at Edwardsville Moose Lodge, 7371 Marine Rd, Edwardsville. Join MEHS for a night of music trivia with Trivia Riot! Rounds will cover multiple genres and decades of music, so there's something for everyone! Cash bar. Outside food and nonalcoholic beverages are welcome. Reserve your spot at mehs.org/events/music-trivia. 7th Annual Maryville Fire Depart. Mouse Races, April 9th. Tickets are $20 a ticket or $35 a couple. Beer, soda & water included. Silent auction, 50/50 and cash bar. A Night in Paris • A Valen’tails Gala Benefit for Partners 4 Pets, April 9th, 5-11pm, Leclaire Room@ Lewis & Clark N.O. Nelson Campus. Please join us for an evening of fine Bella Milano dining, open cocktail bar, live music, dancing, and silent & live auctions. This special gala is our largest fundraiser to benefit homeless pets in our community, your support saves lives. For tickets, go to partnersforpetsil.org/events. 4 Legs & Eggs, April 16th, 10am at Belleville Dog Park-Rotary Park. Join us for a Doggie Easter Egg Hunt at "4 Legs & Eggs" at Belleville's Rotary Dog Park. Eggs filled with dog friendly treats will be hidden and scattered around the park for fido to find. Be sure to bring your fur baby in their best clothes, there will be a prize for best dressed pup! Egg My House, April 16th. The Metro East Community Rotary will hide candy and toy-filled eggs in your front yard on the evening before Easter day. Deliveries will take place between 6 and 9 pm. All orders and payments must be received by Wednesday, April 13th. We will be serving residents in the Edwardsville school district. To order, go to forms.gle/m8ph3hPKzZnAferC8 or find us on Facebook: Metro East Community Rotary Club. www.metroeastmessenger.com
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To support small local businesses, we like to do a Local Business Spotlight on places we think you should know about. Lottie’s Café, also known as Collinsville’s Hidden Gem, is the focus of this week’s Local Business Spotlight. We talked to the owner and Metro East native, Rick Frey, to get the behind the scenes story about this one-of-a-kind café, how it started, and what makes it different than any other restaurant in the area. Prior to opening the cafe, Rick had been real estate broker and owned a vending business. Although Rick had cooked and bartended at a younger age, he had been out of the restaurant business for over 25 years and had limited knowledge about the video gaming market in Illinois. But he had a vision to open a business that had a warm, friendly, café atmosphere. He wanted to serve fresh soups, salads, and panini sandwiches at 25% less than the national chains. He also wanted to open a place where people could have a glass of wine or cocktail and have an opportunity to video game in a clean and safe atmosphere. And on October 23rd, 2016, Rick brought his vision to life and opened Lottie’s Cafe on 1099 Beltline Rd next to the Walmart Neighborhood Market in Collinsville. As in any new business, the first two years were very challenging for Rick due to personnel that had turned over several times. The quality of the food quality was still very high, but the business was growing at a snails’ pace. Eventually, through the help of a mutual friend, he hired Brandi Hankins, the General Manager. Soon after that, with more help from mutual friends, he brought on Lisa Cramer and Rachel Johnson. This is the team he needed for the business to take off and grow. Rick says his team are deeply committed, dedicated and they feel like family. They always go above and beyond to keep the values that they started the business with. Rick said, “We don’t cut corners.If the produce doesn’t meet our standards, we don’t buy it. If it’s not perfect, we don’t serve it. Every fruit and vegetable we buy goes through and antibacterial and microbial bath when it enters our kitchen. We use no preservatives. Our staff cares!” That’s why Lottie’s Café continues to receive high reviews and customers keep coming back. Rick also mentioned new locations may be coming within the next year!
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When we asked what his favorite item is on the menu, he said, “I love the shrimp and brisket street tacos.” A popular option with customers is the “Pick Two” with the Italian Roast Beef Sandwich and their “Sonny & Char” salad. They also serve amazing house made soups. The Lottie’s French Onion Soup is Rick’s version of the legendary Famous-Barr French Onion soup. And Rick’s Chili is a 38-year-old recipe that has won 2 Chili Cook-Off Championships in 2019 and 2022. If you’re craving a pizza, Lottie’s has you covered there, also. The dough and sauce recipe for their pizza took over 12 months to finalize because they wanted it to be perfect (and it’s very close!). Lottie’s Cafe also has a full bar including beer, house wine list, and liquor. They also do carryout. Be sure to follow their Facebook page for their daily Blue Plate Specials and other featured menu items.
Starting a new restaurant and pulling through the recent pandemic is no easy task. Rick believes Lottie’s Café would not be in business today without the help of the Collinsville Chamber of Commerce, Facebook and the community. Because of this he is a strong believer of giving back. Lottie’s has done many fundraisers for causes and individuals that have been sick or needed a little boost. They are also generous supporters to Collinsville Highschool Sports teams. Rick also said, “We have been a sponsor for the Collinsville Charity for Children’s golf tournament the last few years. This charity is one of our favorites.” In his free time, he has also caddied for the Special Olympics golf tournament, and he also loves to participate in Chili Cookoffs events for Shriner’s hospital, the Ma Cli Bo Shriners and the American Legion. If you’re looking for a place with a cozy atmosphere, friendly staff and quality food, we highly recommend you head over to Lottie’s Café. Whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, dinner or even happy hour, this “hidden gem” is sure to exceed your expectations! Lottie’s Café 1099 Belt Line Rd #D, Collinsville, IL Next to Walmart Neighborhood Market (618) 223-8256 Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:00am-11:00pm Friday & Saturday 8:00am-12:00am Sunday 9:00am-10:00pm www.metroeastmessenger.com
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Upcoming Local Events Outdoor Goshen Winter Market, April 18th, 10am-12pm. Downtown Edwardsville. Join us, and some of your favorite vendors, the third Saturday of each month through April from 10-12 in the expansion parking lot downtown. Maryville Village Wide Yard Sales, April 22nd & 23rd, 7am-3pm. Brought to you by the Troy/Maryville/St.Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce. To register your yard sale and/or see the interactive map of yard sales throughout Maryville, go to https://www.troymaryvillecoc.com/. 2nd Annual Kids & Cops Doughnut Run – 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk, April 23rd, 8am at Wilson Park, Granite City. Hosted by Children’s Home & Aid and Granite City Police Department. For more info and registration, go to childrenshomeandaid.org/event/kids-cops-5k-doughnut-run/. 21st Annual Maryville Fishing Derby, April 23rd, 10am-2pm, Drost Park in Maryville. Sponsored by the Maryville Parks & Rec. and Steel City Bassmasters. Free event, 15 years and under, no fishing license require. Box lunch, awards, and prizes!
Spring Beer Fest, April 23rd, 11am-9pm, Edwardsville City Park. Sponsored by Global Brew Tap House. Mark your calendars because Spring Beer Fest is on the way! Saturday, April 23 at City Park in Edwardsville. Music lineup includes Gavin M., Mike Sonderegger and Destroy The Future. Follow their Facebook page for more information.
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Saturday, April 9th Granite City
Emmanuel Free Methodist Church, 10am
Wood River
Central Park, 10am
Belleville
Bellevue Park, 10am-12pm
Alton
Emmanuel Free Methodist Church, 10am
Sunday, April 10th
Roxana
Wanda United Methodist Church, 11am-1pm
St. Jacob
O'Fallon
Victory Church, 11am-12pm
Marine
Bethalto
Troy
Tri-Township Park, 1-3pm
Alton
Beltline Christian Center, 2pm
Highland
Downtown Square, 2-2:30pm
Godfrey
Glazebrook Park Ball Fields, 2:15pm Bethalto Public Library, 3pm and 4pm *must register on library website
Bethalto
St. Jacob Activity Center, 1-2pm Marine Fireman's Park, 1pm Bethalto Public Library, 3:30 and 4:30 *must register on library website
Saturday, April 16th Sauget
Gateway Grizzlies/GCS Credit Union Ballpark, 9am
Bethalto
Bethalto Central Park, 10:30am
Belleville
Redemption Community Church, 10am
Belleville
Belleville Main Library, 10:30am
Glen Carbon Ray M. Schon Park, 11am, 12:15pm and 1:30pm Collinsville
Woodland Park, 11am-2pm
Belleville
Faith Family Church, 11am-12pm
Troy
Bethel Church, 11am-12pm
Roxana
Roxana Public Library, 11am-12pm
Granite City
Sykes Field, 9:30am
Alhambra
Alhambra Fireman & Legion Park, 1pm
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Upcoming Local Events Earth Day Celebration 2022, April 23rd, 7:30am-1pm, Watershed Nature Center, 1591 Tower Ave, Edwardsville. Events include 5k & fun run, native plant sale, and educational activities for children. Participants and visitors will enjoy music, refreshments, and an opportunity to spend time at one of Edwardsville’s natural gems!watershednaturecenter.org. Spring Fling Brunch & Auction, April 23rd, 9am-12pm at Doubletree Hilton by Hilton Hotel, 100 Eastport Plaza, Collinsville. Hosted by Delta Epsilon Collinsville Educators. Come join us for a delicious brunch served with Bananas Foster, bacon, fruit, cash bar, 50/50 drawing, silent auction, oral auction, $5 grab bag, wine raffle, and a raffle drawing for a $300 Buckley Moss framed print, $200 Cardinal Promotional Basket. $100 Southwest Gift Card, and $75 Bello Milano Gift Card. Contact Patsy at pwconway@yahoo.com or Jan at jmattea2@gmail.com to make your reservations by April 12.
Spring Fling Barn Dance, April 29th, 7-10pm, Willoughby Heritage Farm and Conservation Reserve. Come enjoy a bonfire, have a few brews and dance to your country favorites. Instructional dance 6:30-7pm. Cash bar provided, and A Fine Swine BBQ truck will be there. Pre-register-$8, at the door $10. Register now at www.willoughbyfarm.org. Collinsville City-Wide Garage Sale, April 29th & 30th, 7am-3pm, rain or shine. City residents can register by calling the City of Collinsville's Parks & Recreation department at 618-346-7529 by April 22nd to be listed in a Garage Sale Guide that will be posted on the City's website and Facebook Page. Touch A Truck, April 30th, 10am-2pm, 305 Jacob St, St. Jacob. Come join us at St. Jacob Elementary School for our Touch A - Truck event! Let the kids explore fire trucks, police cars, and even a Rescue Helicopter along with other various vehicles. We hope to see you there- rain or shine.
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Upcoming Local Events Community Block Party, April 30th, 11am-3pm, MML Insurance, 2166 Pontoon Rd., Granite City. Come have fun at the annual Community Block Party! We’ll have a DJ, food, Classic Car Exposition, antique firetruck, bounce house for the kids, a variety of vendors, prizes drawn throughout the event, and more! For more info visit facebook.com/MMLinsurance. Granite City Senior Social Club Bingo, May 1st, Granite City Township Hall, 2060 Delmar. Doors open at 12:30pm and Bingo starts at 1:30pm. $1 for admission and $1 for 4 cards. Masks recommended! Must be 50 or older or disabled to play. Questions call 618-444-6771. School of Rock The Musical, May 12-15th, at SIUE Dunham Hall Theater. School of Rock is a rock musical with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Glenn Slater and a book by Julian Fellowes. Based on the 2003 film of the same name, written by Mike White, the musical follows Dewey Finn, an out-of-work rock singer and guitarist who pretends to be a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. Presented by Curtains Up Theater Company. Tickets can be purchased at schoolofrocktickets.com or curtainsuptheater.com (Do Not Contact SIUE Box Office). Founders' Day, May 14th, 8am-12pm, Vine Street Market at O’Fallon Station. Celebrate O'Fallon and its history through the first annual Founders' Day event! 168 years ago, almost to the day, a parcel auction was held very near the current O'Fallon Station. The town lots auctioned helped create our current downtown O'Fallon. In honor of that, we are recreating the auction and selling O'Fallon experiences, proceeds to benefit the O'Fallon Historical Society. Additional activities include horse and trolley rides, a championship pie bake off contest and historic kids' games like hoop and stick and sack races. www.metroeastmessenger.com
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Jumbo Whole Wings
$2.79per lb. Limit 10 lbs. 804 S. Main St. Troy, IL (618) 667-6268
Must present coupon. Expires 4/24/22
Get Noticed! Advertise With Us! www.metroeastmessenger.com CHELSEY REED
Save 10% On Grooming, 1 Day of Lodging Or Day Camp !
Hair Designer & Makeup Artist
2400 N. Center St, Maryville, IL (618) 410-0882
25% Off New Client Cut & Color Service
www.bennysbnb.com
*Must mention ad when booking
(618) 344-4096
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2330 South Center St. Maryville, IL
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Upcoming Local Events St Jacob UCC Strawberry Fest, May 15th, 11am-4pm, St. Jacob Township Park. Strawberry desserts, grilled brats, hotdogs, and pork burgers. Homemade German potato salad and baked beans. Get your lunch/food at church 207 W Main St. Then eat at the park with live entertainment, crafts, and rides/jump houses. Lots of good food and family fun. City of Troy and Village of Marine Garage Sales, May 20th & 21st, 7am-3pm. Brought to you by the Troy/Maryville/St.Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce. To register your yard sale and/or see the interactive map of yard sales throughout the town, go to https://www.troymaryvillecoc.com/. Spring Craft Fair, May 21st, 9am-4pm, at the grounds of Anderson Hospital, Maryville. Over 40 crafters, food, raffle, kettle corn. Benefitting Anderson Hospital Auxiliary. International Horseradish Festival, June 4th, 11am-10pm, W. Main St, Collinsville. Come to Collinsville, Illinois to be a part of the fest devoted to all things horseradish celebrated. Admission, musical entertainment, and parking are free. Follow their Facebook page for more details. Back on the Farm, June 5th, 1-4pm, Granite City Township Hall. Hosted by the Granite City Seniors Social Club. Doors open at Noon. Enjoy a catered meal, comedy show, 50/50, prizes, raffle, and vendors. Performance and dancing with instruction to follow. Everyone is welcome! Members $13, nonmembers $15. For tickets, call Diana (618)444-6771 or stop by the Granite City Senior Club, bingos, or township office.
Edwardsville Route 66 Festival, June 11th, 10am-11:30pm, Edwardsville City Park. Edwardsville 24th Annual Route 66 Festival on June 11th for all to enjoy. Between the food, drinks, music, shopping, and family zone, you will not want to miss it! Mark your calendars! www.metroeastmessenger.com
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An Easter Dessert Surprise your family with an easy crowd-pleasing dessert fit for the Easter season. This Carrot Cake recipe is a traditional take on the timeless treat and created using everyday ingredients. Find more dessert inspiration at Culinary.net.
Carrot Cake Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1 cup vegetable oil 1 1/4 cups sugar 3 eggs 1 1/2 cups carrots, shredded 1 cup crushed pineapple with juice 2/3 cup walnuts Frosting: 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese 3/4 cup butter, softened 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 5 1/2 cups powdered sugar Heat oven to 350 F. In large bowl, sift flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and baking powder. In mixing bowl, cream together oil and sugar. Add eggs one at a time. Gradually add in carrots and crushed pineapple. Add dry mixture to wet ingredients and beat until smooth. Fold in walnuts. Pour batter into two lightly greased 8-inch round cake pans and bake 25-30 minutes, or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool completely. Remove cakes from pans and slice off tops to level cakes.
To make frosting: In mixing bowl, cream together cream cheese, butter and vanilla. Gradually add in powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Spread two large spoonfuls frosting over top of one cake and stack second cake on top. Frost entire cake with remaining frosting. Enjoy!
Did you try this recipe? Share your pics on our Facebook or Instagram page!
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