Formerly operated as a food truck, Marichuy’s Taqueria in Spring Valley stands out for homemade Mexican favorites at reasonable prices.

Where pizza is concerned, Illinois Valley residents don’t have to travel far. The region abounds with great options close to home. But sometimes it’s worth traveling for a different kind of slice.

When going out to eat, I don’t expect to taste mom’s home cooking, but a recent visit to Softails Bar and Grill in Ladd delivered an unexpected flavor of childhood.

The reopening comes just three days after the organization’s July 16 production was cancelled due to set and lighting tower vandalism that occurred on July 15.

The fourth offering in Festival 56′s summer season, “Footloose,” will host performances starting at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 14, and run through Saturday, July 22, at the Grace Theater, 316 S. Main St., Princeton.

The Putnam County Community Theatre, with special arrangement from Music Theatre International, will present “Seussical” at 7 p.m. on July 14, 15, 21, 22 and at 2 p.m. on July 23 at Putnam County High School, 402 E. Silverspoon Ave. in Granville.

Blue Margaritas, which opened recently in Oglesby where the KFC/Taco Bell had long resided, offers Mexican favorites but also more exotic dishes that show a little creativity in the kitchen.

Imagine opening a plain cardboard box and finding a 2-carat diamond inside. That’s how I describe my first experience with Ryan’s Eatery in Marseilles.

Festival 56′s summer 2023 season will open with a eight performances of the jukebox musical “Million Dollar Quartet” beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 24 at the Grace Theater, 316 S. Main St. in Princeton.