A New Rose Blooms in Peoria -- Connected Restaurant by Troy Ummel

by Bill More-- Your Secret Chef
(Peoria, IL )

What a delicious find we uncovered the other night in the heart of Peoria:
Connected Restaurant at 3218 N Dries Lane, just across the street from the Landmark Recreation Center. This spot was formerly Po' Boys Restaurant which closed recently.

Troy Ummel is the owner/chef and master restauranteur of the place.
It is warm, intimate, the entire waitstaff is dressed in tuxedos and while Ummel calls the place "A Classic American Restaurant with a lot of Italian flare" it is all that and more. The entire menu is infused with a solid Italian influence. Here are but a few examples. Chef Ummel has had extensive background in the restaurant and hospitality businss for years and has brought the expertise gained back to his Peoria roots.

Appetizer:
Carpaccio Di Manzo--Thinly sliced prime filet mignon with flakes of Parmesigiano Reggiano cheese, lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil.
or
Calamretti Fritti-- Squid lightly coated with seasoned breadcrumbs, fried to a golden brown, served with marinara sauce

Pasta:
Rigatoni Alla Zozzona -- Ritatoni served in a light cream sauce with shredded Italian sausage.
or
Spaghetti Al Pomodoro -- This dish reflects the freshness of ripe San Marzano tomatoes with fine herbs and virgin olive oil.

Protein Entrees:
Il Branzino -- Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass served over shrimp risotto with lobster tarragon sauce and crispy parsnips.

Vitello Con Funghi Morel -- Veal scallopine sauteed with morel mushrooms, julienne of prosciutto, a touch of cream, Brandy and Marsala.

Pollo Al Quattro Fromaggi -- Boneless breast of chicken dipped in flour, egg and breadcrumbs, pan fried, topped with fresh tomato sauce, fine herbs and four types of imported cheese.

Are you getting the idea you went to sleep in Peoria and awakened in Napoli? Many of these are tried and true Italian classic dishes but Ummel brings a freshness to the table that the area has not seen in a while.

There are also a number of dessert options that are available, a more than adequate wine list that will help provide a more than memorable evening for the Peoria dining scene.

I would urge a visit. Locally owned and operated restaurants need to be supported locally, and Connected deserves more than a chance. It deserves a visit for introduction, then many visits after, like you are at the home of a friend who wishes to pamper you.
Connected Restaurant -- Passion for Exceptional Dining.

Give it a try!!