At first I was going to mirror what I did last Memorial Day, which was nothing because today is a holiday and hey, even bloggers should get a day off now and again, right? Well this year I was going to do the same until I got a message from Kenny’s Westside Pub owner, MBIP pal and a proud member of the MBIP Bucket List Brigade, Sean Kenny. He told me that he and Cam’s Place owner Clay have partnered up and are running a grill out of the parking lot of Cam’s Place. I thought that a grilling post would be perfect for the holiday and so it’s off we go. To the MBIP Mobile!
It's another bright, sunny day out here as I head towards Farmington Road, I really need to get some prescription sunglasses. Anybody out there know of any local eyeglass places to make that happen?
Hellooo, I think I see our destination just over there in the parking lot. Let's park and check it out.
I have to say, the thought of a jalapeño cheddar brat is making my mouth water, let's go see what's happening in the grilling tent.
Here's the two grillers and entrepreneurs responsible for this roadside eatery, Sean and Clay. As I mentioned in the introduction, Sean owns Kenny's Westside Pub and Clay owns Cam's Place, both of them are located here on Farmington Road, deep in the heart of the Fred District.
If you're not sure where to go, just head to Cam's Place here on Farmington Road, park and then turn around...
And there it is, Peoria's newest spot for a picnic-like grilled lunch.
I got there just at the opening bell at 11AM and they were talking with the first customer of the day.
Clay and Sean perform some synchronized order taking and bag up the first meal of the day.
You can eat in the parking lot or get it bagged up to go, as this satisfied customer has done.
As the crowds start to gather, meat is cooking on the grill. It smells fantastic around here!
All the buns are buttered and grilled. Love the grill marks on them, I could eat them plain...but I won't!
Ethan is part of the construction crew working nearby and he got two sandwiches, smart man!
More of the construction workers in the area are starting to line up as the lunch bell has been officially rung for them.
Here's Paola, who was definitely the prettiest of the construction crew that day!
Okay, enough of watching other people get their lunches, time for me to place my order!
I ordered the jalapeño cheddar brat and it's already looking amazing on the grill. All the meat comes from Raber Packing Company, which has been in business here in Peoria since 1954. I need to do a post on them sometime soon.
Clay is watching the cheddar brat...
As Sean butters the bun, this is real teamwork going on here, ladies and gentlemen!
Clay adds some grilled onions and our lunchtime is just about to begin.
Here's the condiment corner and sadly there's only generic yellow mustard on display. I'm bringing some better mustard choices on my next trip, stay tuned for that.
Here's my lunch and I have to say, it looks and smells pretty fantastic!
These are the drinks that are available, but I'm in the mood for a beer, sadly the bar isn't open yet.
There's a spot here at the picnic table, but I'd rather be...
Over here at the beer garden in the back. It's not officially open, but...
After a little whining on my part, Clay opened it up just for me. Check it out, I've got the whole bar to myself! Clay said that down the roda they may move the grilling tent closer to the beer garden and open it up during the day. Once again, stay tuned for that.
Here I am attacking the jalapeño cheddar brat at the bar.
Wow, this is one amazing sandwich, cheddar is oozing out of it and the jalapeño gives it a nice kick. What a wonderful lunch!
There's a full stage area back here behind the beer garden and there's going to be live music happening here all summer. Follow the Cam's Place facecrack page for details on upcoming shows.
Meanwhile, back at the grill, Clay dives into one of his own grilled delights.
And here's Sean with his father, Tim! I turns out that Tim and I went to high school at the same time and have many friends in common. We had a great chat and this was a fun afternoon. Check out the grill at Cam's Place which is open every day from 11AM to 1PM (it's closed today for the holiday) for a fun picnic afternoon of grilling goodness and hospitality! We'll see you all tomorrow, have a fabulous Memorial Day!
The Grill @ Cam’s Place
2510 W. Farmington Road
West Peoria
309-966-3767
Hours: (Closed today, Memorial Day) Monday through Friday, 11AM to 1PM.
Related Posts: Happy Memorial Day, The MBIP Year Of Pizza—Week Number Five @ Kenny’s Westside Pub and Two Beers @ Cams Place.
Surprise link, click on it...I dare you!
------------------
Today’s post was brought to you by Moxie's ReSale Boutique. Check them and all the other fine businesses helping to support this blog over at the MBIP Bucket List Page. Your Daily Random Linkage awaits you at the bottom of the that page as well!