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<\/div>\n<\/div>\nMeet Journal Star food and dining reporter Cas Waigand<\/p>\n
Journal Star reporter Cas Waigand covers food and restaurant news throughout the Peoria area.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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PEORIA \u2013 The star of a beloved children’s TV show made an appearance at multiple local businesses recently.<\/p>\n Need a clue? He starred alongside a dog who was blue\u2026<\/p>\n Steve Burns, known for his role in \u201cBlue\u2019s Clues,\u201d was in town for the 2025 Illinois Comic Con<\/a> at the Peoria Civic Center in November. During his stay, he stopped by The Bar at BLACK BAND, the bar above Ardor Breads and Provisions, and Matilda\u2019s Cocktail Lounge.<\/p>\n See the photos: <\/strong>Costumed fans and pop culture collectors flock to Illinois Comic Con<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Andrew Justus, general manager of The Bar at BLACK BAND<\/a>, said it was an exciting surprise when Burns visited the restaurant Nov. 22.<\/p>\n \u201cI have nieces and nephews, and I remember watching the show back in the day and yeah, it was a very, very important show for a lot of people,\u201d he said. \u201cSo, that was really exciting.\u201d<\/p>\n While it was a nice surprise, Justus said the staff worked to not draw too much attention to their guest.<\/p>\n Burns enjoyed a smashburger and a drink while there. Justus said Burns joked about needing a nap after the food and described the smashburger, a staple at the restaurant, as the \u201cbest burger\u201d he\u2019d ever had.<\/p>\n After dining, Justus gave Burns a tour of the space, which houses a restaurant and distillery. He said Burns loved the aesthetic and said it was \u201cone of the coolest places\u201d he dined at.<\/p>\n \u201cThat was a huge compliment,\u201d Justus said. \u201cWe were extremely happy to get it.\u201d<\/p>\n More: <\/strong>These Peoria County businesses had perfect October food inspections<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n As Burns left, Justus said the staff told him about Matilda\u2019s Cocktail Lounge. The \u201870s themed bar opened just over one year ago<\/a>, and Justus said the \u201cBlue\u2019s Clues\u201d star \u201csounded super excited\u201d about the concept.<\/p>\n Burns did, indeed, make an appearance at Matilda\u2019s<\/a>. Owner Whitney Calvert told the Journal Star a \u201csweet regular recommended that he come and we were so glad he did!\u201d<\/p>\n While there, he enjoyed a spicy watermelon margarita \u2013 an off-menu drink concocted by Ayana Moss.<\/p>\n \u201cAngelica and Ayana said he was as wonderful and kind as you would hope he would be!\u201d Calvert said in a text message.<\/p>\n Less than a half mile down the road, Burns also stopped by the bar atop Ardor Breads and Provisions<\/a> on Saturday. He enjoyed an apple galette and a few of the Peggy & The Three Amigos cocktail.<\/p>\n Staff tried to not draw too much attention to him, according to Ardor Hospitality beverage director Billy Gilomen. Yet, he added \u201ceveryone was pretty excited that he was in here.\u201d<\/p>\n As part of his childhood, Gilomen said he was excited to meet the \u201cBlue\u2019s Clues\u201d star. Burns acted like any other customer, Gilomen said, and was friendly and polite to customers and staff members alike.<\/p>\n \u201cHe was really very, very friendly \u2013 thanked us many times,\u201d Gilomen said. \u201cEvery time (he\u2019d thank us) I’d be like, \u2018no, thank you.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n Love food? Get the latest food news sent directly to your inbox with our\u00a0<\/em>free PJStar Dining newsletter<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n