Wow, we’ve hit the 36th week of chicken which means we’re at the nine month mark! Three clucking months to go and this tour is toast…well, it’s chicken…uh, oh never mind, it’ll just be all over.

Today we’re taking a mini road trip to Pekin…uh, oh, there’s a. knock on the door, let’s go check it out…

Ivanka Trump…okay, I just wanted to join in on the #Unwantedivanka movement.

Alright, I’ve done my part, now let’s try this again!

Okay, that’s more like it, it’s Scott Turley, the official MBIP pal and Wheelman and he’s bearing a gift with him, let’s check it out!

Ha ha ha! He brought me a bottle of Funks Grove Syrup. This comes from a facebook post where I was complaining about how they spell syrup. And yes, I refuse to spell it their way! But thanks, Scott, I’ll try it out soon, maybe I’ll work it into this week’s Thursday Minute Marty Meal.

Since Scott was nice enough to bring me that, I gave him one of the Marty Monologues stickers that Chelsie from Lettering Works sent to me.

Okay, enough gifting, time to hit the road!

This will be a quick road trip as we’re just heading to Pekin.

Whoops, here we are already at Venezia Italian Bistro. This was formerly the Chateau on the Lake here in Pekin. The Elecci family took it over and opened up the Venezia Italian Bistro last December. You can read all about it right here.

I love the unique building, let’s go inside and start this 36th clucking week of chicken!

That’s Savannah at the host station and she guided us into the bar area. What a nice bar and as you can see, Scott quickly settled in.

Justin was doing duty behind the bar and was quick with a bottle of ice-cold Peroni beer. Cathy and Taylor were also on duty and they posed for the MBIP Camera. This is quite the friendly place!

They have a large selection of chicken entrees on the menu and if you keep scrolling, you’ll see what I chose!

I love the lit-up bar in here, it’s traditional with lots of wood and old school vibes. There’s the quartet of beers on tap.

Tables line the wall behind and to the side of the bar. Scott said the place has a “supper club” feel to it and I agree.

Once you start walking around in here it’s like being in a maze! There’s rooms and dining areas all over the place! The atmosphere is elegant yet somewhat rustic.

You can dine out here on the patio that has a fantastic view of the lake.

But we’re seated at the bar and when I return there’s homemade bread, a house-made Italian dipping sauce and Taylor made us complimentary Limoncello shake-ups. I love it in here! Thanks Taylor!

We started off with an appetizer of crab stuffed mushrooms which come in a combination marinara and Alfredo sauce. Justin told us that everything in here is made from scratch back in the kitchen.

Scott strayed from the chicken theme and got a traditional spaghetti dinner. As you can see, the portions are huge in here and he said it was delicious!

Now on to the chicken dish of the week!

As I mentioned earlier, they have a large selection of chicken entrees on the menu and I went with one called, “Lucky Guess.” Justin said that it’s a special recipe developed by the chef that’s unique to Venezia, you won’t find this chicken dish anywhere else.

The entree is large chunks of chicken with Italian sausage, sautéed tomatoes, onions and basil covered in a creamy brandy sauce. It’s served over ziti pasta.

It looks and smells fabulous, let’s dig in!

Wow, it’s amazing! The chicken is plump and juicy and there’s so much flavor happening here with the Italian sausage, onions and that creamy and rich brandy sauce! Fantastico!

Thanks to everyone at Venezia for a wonderful afternoon, friendly hospitality and the fabulous Italian food and drink! And thanks to Scott for driving and hanging out for the afternoon!

Fino alla prossima Volta!