Gayle Sparks said, “The unknown has made it really tough to operate on a day-to-day basis…We are survivors, though. One thing that my grandmother taught us was that hard times are just a part of life, so adjust.”
Posts by Rebecca Wells:
A heartfelt interview with Caribbean Grill owner Mike Harden
![A heartfelt interview with Caribbean Grill owner Mike Harden](https://s51dev.smilepolitely.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/image_15.jpeg)
Rebecca interviewed Caribbean Grill owner and executive chef Mike Harden to hear more about their restaurant and how he was inspired by food.
Talking barbecue deliciousness with Wood N’ Hog’s Michael McDonald
Rebecca had the chance to catch up with barbecue expert and business owner, Chef Michael McDonald.
Chef Shawnea talks about what makes Pan & Cake so sweet
![Chef Shawnea talks about what makes Pan & Cake so sweet](https://s51dev.smilepolitely.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/image_9.jpeg)
Rebecca caught up with local chef and business owner Chef Shawnae Bleichner-Cook to learn more about Pan & Cake Catering Co.
A taste of Italy at Grovestone
![A taste of Italy at Grovestone](https://s51dev.smilepolitely.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/img_e1844-1.jpg)
Rebecca visited Grovestone for an Italian cooking class.
Satisfying sushi and Thai at Sushi Siam
Rebecca dined at the newly opened Sushi Siam.
Fast and fresh Chinese food at Ming Garden
![Fast and fresh Chinese food at Ming Garden](https://s51dev.smilepolitely.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/img_8211.jpg)
Rebecca took advantage of a snowy weekend and ordered in some hot and delicious delivery from Ming Garden.
A celebration at Neil St. Blues
![A celebration at Neil St. Blues](https://s51dev.smilepolitely.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/www.smilepolitely-5-1.jpg)
Rebecca rounds up a group to check out Downtown Champaign's newest restaurant, Neil St. Blues.
Taste of C-U 2018, in review
![Taste of C-U 2018, in review](https://s51dev.smilepolitely.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_8098.jpg)
Rebecca headed out to West Side Park on Saturday to sample tastes from the Taste of C-U 2018.
Women Who Farm: Big Thorn Farm and Brewery Tour
![Women Who Farm: Big Thorn Farm and Brewery Tour](https://s51dev.smilepolitely.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/img_8198.jpg)
Rebecca took a road trip to check out The Land Connection's Women Who Farm Series at Big Thorn Farm.