Gifford
FOOD & DRINK
WATCH: Champaign firefighters rescue ducklings from storm drain
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — The Champaign Fire Department came to the rescue on Monday after a passerby discovered baby ducks trapped in a storm drain. Urbana local Abbie Irwin noticed the feathered family while she was out making DoorDash deliveries. A distressed mother duck was circling a storm drain with her ducklings stuck inside. Firefighters […]
The Main Scoop in Rantoul is open
The Main Scoop, the local ice cream parlor with locations on Main Street in Mahomet, Monticello, and Urbana, has added a fourth location. The Main Scoop’s newest location is on Broadmeadow Road in Rantoul and offers the same delicious ice cream cups, bowls, flights, cakes, and pints. The Main...
Susuru Ramen for ramen bowls and beautiful bento
Craving a tasty ramen bowl, brimming with interesting ingredients? Maybe something fried Japanese-style? Then head down to the heart of Campustown (for those who like a little less chaos, maybe during break times) and have a meal at Susuru Ramen. The food was excellent, and the menu diverse enough that a variety of people can enjoy something — whether it be ramen, fried rice, or a bento box.
Thirsty Thursday: Chocolate malt at Jarling’s Custard Cup
These hot temps feel like summer, don’t it? I want to scream for ice cream. This week, order a chocolate malt milkshake at Jarling’s Custard Cup. With whipped cream and a cherry on top, this milkshake ($7.50) was a delightful summer drink. I’m a sucker for a good malt. I want that unmistakable hit of sweet, almost chalky but not quite, caramel-y deliciousness layered into my chocolate milkshake — and Jarling’s packs the malt in their malt milkshakes, which I love. At first, the milkshake was so thick I needed a spoon, but within minutes, the melty milkshake pooled along the sides of the cup for satisfying slurp-worthy sips. I added Heath bar mix-in at no charge (wow), and those candy crumbles brought a yummy crunch and delicious chocolate-toffee flavor.
Aroma Garden serves wonderful Chinese cuisine
Our family has been taking our Christmas Eve playbook from The Christmas Story for probably twenty years, eating dinner at Chinese restaurants in between the family service and the “midnight” mass. For most of that time, Chinese restaurants have been quiet places on Christmas Eve night. And then...
Weekender: June 13-16
Learn ikebana, CU Flower House, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., $50. Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement, is really beautiful. In this beginner class, you’ll learn the basics (duh) and hopefully spark an interest in continuing the practice. Jeanne Holy, who has been practicing ikebana for decades, will lead this class. Also, the class is BYOB, so feel free to bring a beverage to enjoy (or share). Tickets available online. (JH)
Rodney Atkins, Chris Cagle to perform at the Ford County Fair
MELVIN, Ill. (WCIA) — Country music stars Rodney Atkins and Chris Cagle will be hitting the Ford County Fair stage in a couple of weeks. The fair runs from June 23-29. The duo will perform on Friday, June 28 at 7:30 p.m. Gates open at 6 p.m. Country Aircheck named Atkins the second most-played male […]
Solidarity Gardens help Urbana teens bloom where they’re planted
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Urbana’s Solidarity Gardens Teen Nature Program is blooming, empowering teenagers to plant — not only produce and flowers — but community relationships. Those in the program learn about nature, meet new people, and gain service hours — all while helping those in need. This program requires no tools or experience and […]
Three questions with Karl Kuehn of Gay Meat
Gay Meat is an indie rock band from Chicago, IL, led by Karl Kuehn, who is also known for his work with Museum Mouth and his stint as drummer/vocalist for Say Anything. The band blends DIY indie rock and emo influences, creating a sound that is both personal and adventurous. Gay Meat will be opening the show at The Space in downtown Champaign on Sunday, June 16th in support of Minneapolis band, Dingus, along with indie rockers True Combo. It’s an early show, with Gay Meat going on at 6 p.m., so get there early and order a Smashy Mc Smashface or something else just as tasty. Thanks to Karl for fielding our questions!
Family roots turn barley to beer in Champaign County
SIDNEY, Ill. (WCIA) — Locally-grown products can have a lot of benefits for the surrounding economy, and can also keep the quality high. In Sidney lies 1874 Maple Lawn Farm. They grow barley for a local brewery in Urbana. Dennis Riggs has been farming for more than half his life, and this endeavor with barley […]
Barry Houser keeps the Illini marching
Barry Houser is the Director of the Marching Illini, Associate Director of Bands, Conductor of the Wind Orchestra, Director of the Fighting Illini Athletic Bands, Clinical Associate Professor, and Chair of the Conducting Area in the School of Music at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He conducts concert ensembles, and athletic bands, and directs the 400-member Marching Illini, as well as teaching courses in the School of Music. Wind bands are an institution at the University of Illinois, and the bands department has a long history of excellence in the world of college bands. I caught up with Professor Houser to hear about what the program has planned during the summer and fall music seasons.
Monthly independent films continue with the Chambana Film Festival
SAVOY, Ill. (WCIA) — The Chambana Film Festival is continuing its monthly independent film screenings at the Savoy 16 + IMAX. The series kicked off in March as a trial run preceding a possible full-fledged festival in 2025. Films were initially scheduled through May, with titles like romantic dramedy “QWERTY,” Japanese drama “Trapped Balloon,” and “Bike […]
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