I recently returned from a second trip to the Quad Cities, the only area along the Mississippi River where the water flows East-West, basically consisting of two cities in Iowa (Bettendorf, Davenport) and Illinois (Moline, Rock Island).
Aside from exploring any of the attractions and restaurants that I had not done on my prior trip in 2007, I was looking to see how Iowa was doing in regards to having passed the same sex marriage law. I couldn't believe that it was legal in Iowa and not in New York. Go figure!
Boarding Air Tran Esther, Eunice and I were invited into the cockpit for a photo op with the pilot and co-pilot.
Lunch at Cafe Fresh, in Moline, was the first stop on my itinerary. Basic bistro with soups, sandwiches, salads and dessert. One of their signature foods is a kosher pickle spear rolled up with cream cheese and ham. I had a chicken salad half of a veggie sandwich.
The rest of the afternoon was spent getting info on ceremonies and receptions. I went to Davenport to meet with Pastor Rich Hendricks of the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC)in Davenport. Having had a Gay Pride event in the area, I was also looking to get in touch with some hotels that listed themselves as being "gay friendly". With Illinois so near, I was interested in hearing about those residents coming into Iowa to tie the knot. Rich said that they needed to know that when Illinois passes the law and couple later found themselves filing for divorce that would first have to take up residence in Iowa for a year.
The Clarion Hotel in Davenport and the Holiday Inn in Rock Island were the two hotels that I checked out. Given the short distance between the two cities, couples had the option for holding the reception in either state. With the two hotels giving the "gay friendly" listing, it has boosted their economy even with small receptions.
Dinner was at Johnny's Italian Steakhouse in Moline located near the John Deere Pavilion. Dining with friends allowed me to sample more items on the menu which began with the Bette Bruschetta, focaccia topped with fresh tomatoes, chevre goat cheese and shrimp.
We did a family style salad with spinach and bacon.
When it Rome...I had what was the most tender piece of steak going, Johnny's Bone-in Rib Eye. It was dressed Oscar Style with crabmeat, asparagus and bearnaise sauce. We all saved room to share a dessert of chocolate mousse.
Johnny's is reminiscent of a traditional 40's style nightclub, which may explain the poster of Dean, Sammy and Frank.
As for the hotel, I stayed at the Residence Inn in Moline. The studio is complete with a full kitchen which at times housed my leftovers. There is a fitness center located across a courtyard which has a pit for those cooler nights...the courtyard, not the fitness center.
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