On this episode of What's Happenin' QC, we welcome guest Leo Kaalberg from the popular Facebook page "Out to Eat with Leo". Leo is celebrating the 4-year anniversary of his page, which has gained a lot of momentum over the years.
The discussion kicks off with Leo sharing his top food picks for spring 2024. He starts with Floyd's Burgers, a food truck known for its unique and adventurous burger creations. Leo highlights the "Bad Medicine Burger" as a standout, featuring a full-size Twinkie, raspberry chipotle sauce, and potentially peanut butter this year. Despite the long wait in line, Leo assures listeners that the quality of the burgers at Floyd's makes it worth it.
Next on Leo's list is Taste of Ethiopia in Davenport, a vegetarian-friendly Ethiopian restaurant. Leo draws parallels between the flavors and dishes at this restaurant and his experiences during tribal meetings in the military. He particularly praises the injera bread and lentil dishes.
Leo also mentions the Grilled Cheese Bar in Davenport's East Village, commending the owners' resilience in overcoming setbacks. He highlights the consistency and quality of their food, specifically mentioning their delicious potato salad.
Moving on, Leo shares his appreciation for The Atlas Collective, a coffee shop and bookstore in downtown Moline. He admires the inclusive and welcoming environment they have created, as well as their popular book clubs that always sell out quickly. Leo applauds the business for bringing back the tradition of in-person book discussions.
Bone Collector Barbecue in Viola receives high praise from Leo for its award-winning barbecue. He raves about the incredible brisket, pulled pork, and even the sweet potato fries.
Mac's Tavern in Davenport is another one of Leo's favorites, with him describing the food as "on the next level". He highlights that the pub fare they serve goes beyond typical bar food and is hearty and of high-quality. Leo particularly enjoys the spicy wings made with a secret rub by one of the bartenders.
Leo then discusses Antonella's, a mainstay Italian restaurant in Davenport. He loves the family-owned atmosphere and the way they treat their customers like family.
QC Fuel, a smoothie and tea shop in Bettendorf, also receives Leo's praise for its high-quality and delicious offerings. He specifically mentions his favorite, the Orange Dream Sickle smoothie.
The conversation takes a turn as Leo shares his advocacy work for veterans. He talks about being invited to attend the State of the Union address as a guest, where he had the opportunity to meet senators and gain insights into the political process. Leo emphasizes the importance of veterans advocating for their own issues, particularly in the area of mental health care. He suggests creating programs to help veterans transition into mental health care roles.
Towards the end of the episode, Leo shares his plans for the upcoming summer, which include more travel and outdoor activities with his family, as well as continuing to explore the Quad Cities' food scene.
