The Watseka Area Chamber of Commerce’s  2nd annual wine tasting “Fun” Raiser will be Friday, Oct. 9, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Watseka Elks Lodge (111 North Third Street).

Cost is $20 per person, which includes nine wine samplings and hors d’ oeuvres.

Proceeds from the event, which is sponsored by the Economic Revitalization Committee, will be used to purchase seasonal decorations for the downtown area and flowers for the planters.

Only 70 tickets will be sold. To purchase tickets, or for more information, call the Chamber office at (815) 432-2416.

A reader named Ken emailed me recently to tell me about the Watseka Theatre. Here’s what he said:

“It is newly restored and a terrific nostalgic experience. On Friday nights, they serve a high-end menu (prime rib, steaks, etc.) and have live entertainment. On Saturday nights, they offer dinner and a movie for $10.”

When Ken went on a recent Saturday with his wife and another couple, the dinner “was a pork loin sandwich (very tasty), potato salad, and homemade dessert, and … (the) movie was a 1937 Cary Grant comedy.”

I didn’t realize the theater offered dining, so I did a little research, and here’s what I learned:

The dining area inside the theater is called The Club Café, and it celebrated its grand opening on May 22.

On Fridays, there’s happy hour from 5 to 6 p.m., with dinner served from 5:30 p.m. until midnight or until the last guests have left, whichever comes first. There’s also live music every Friday, ranging in style from jazz to pop to folk.

The menu changes from week to week, and you’re encouraged to “just show up and see what we have in store for you to please your taste buds,” according to the theater’s Web site. Sample entrees include lamb chops, rock cornish game hen with apricot brown sugar sauce, Tuscan chicken with white wine cream sauce, or stuffed pork chops. Most of the meats are grilled, and the vegetables are organic.

Debra Liddell, of Watseka, does all the cooking and baking with her husband, Charles Gomez. It’s “cooking from our heart,” she said.

Debra has a few staples on the menu, including a lasagna that she makes out of homemade crepes. She also makes all the desserts from scratch, including a triple chocolate molten lava cake.

On Saturday evenings, when the theater isn’t booked for a special event, there’s “food and a flick” for $10. These dinners are much more casual, and the movie is an old one that’s not copyrighted.

If you are planning a visit to the Watseka Theatre and The Club Café, you are encouraged to confirm the schedule. Their number is (815) 993-6585, their email is info@watsekatheatre.com, and they’re on the Web at watsekatheatre.com

In April I wrote about The Daily Grill in Watseka. Unfortunately, I’m told the restaurant closed shortly thereafter and their phone (815-432-FOOD) has been disconnected.

I tried to call Boomer’s bar, which is located next door, to see if they have plans to serve food in the space, but the phone number number I found online for Boomer’s (815-432-9871) is also not in service. If anyone knows how I can reach someone there, please leave a comment below, email me or call me at 815.937.3374.

If you’re in the Watseka area and are looking for a new place to eat, try The Daily Grill. The restaurant, owned by Amber Daily and run with the help of some of her family, opened three months ago at 200 W. Walnut St., next to Boomer’s bar.

The Daily Grill is family-friendly, so feel free to bring the kids. They might enjoy JR’s Grilled Cheese or Shorty’s Nachos and Cheese, two menu items that are named after Amber’s children. Also on the menu are several burgers, including a 1-pound monster called the Big Boy Double Stack. It’s two half-pound patties topped with American cheese and served on a grilled bun.

The menu also features sandwiches, hot dogs, wings, salads, sides (including a wonderful homemade potato salad) and munchies. There are also daily specials, including comfort-food favorites like homemade sloppy Joes, and tacos every Monday.

The Daily Grill opens at 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and closes at 9 p.m. on weeknights. They stay open later on Friday and Saturday nights, and are closed on Sunday. Carryout and delivery are available. Call (815) 432-FOOD to order.

The slaw burger at The Daily Grill in Watseka.

The Daily Grill is at 200 W. Walnut in Watseka.