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On Oct. 23, 2020, Centralia became the home of an establishment that has adopted a new take on dining. Rather than dishing a single style of food, the Varela family has made a remarkable stride in incorporating Mexican and Chinese cuisine into a single location. The reason for this was to create a friendly atmosphere in which families, couples, and friends could all dine together while enjoying the best of both worlds.
“Chelbran’s is the only place in which you don’t have to bicker with your family about eating Mexican or Chinese for dinner because you’ll find both here. Your cravings will be satisfied.” Varela said. “Families can come together and as simple as it might sound, they can enjoy great food and conversation.”
The Varela family prides themselves on serving fresh Mexican and Chinese dishes. Everything is prepared daily, either upon request or in the mornings as the front doors are opening to welcome customers.
When traveling through Centralia, also recognized as Orphan Nation for their school’s mascot, one may come across this family restaurant’s distinctive, attention-getting emblem planted to the left of its cozy white brick building. The emblem consists of a large shield with the restaurant’s name surrounded by flames placed before two strong centaurs. Although centaurs are often perceived as controversial creatures throughout Greek mythology, it is certain that they are warriors. Centaurs are idealists who fight for what they believe in even if it does not fit within Greek standards.
Overall, the restaurant’s emblem represents an underlying familial message. The Varela parents, Salvador and Maria L. Serrano, have always emphasized the importance of perseverance to their children. They believe that regardless of the difficulty level of the obstacles one must overcome, it is important to keep pushing forward.
“Somos luchadores (We are fighters),” Maria Serrano said. “We wanted to demonstrate our determination and ability to prevail by creating this place. It is intended to encourage our children to dream big but also other people who are in need of a reminder that they too are capable.”
There are over 40 options on Chelbran’s vast menu. Special requests can also be made to the food manager, such as egg drop soup or huevos con chorizo. The services provided are bilingual in English and Spanish.
Bring your family and check out this sensational Illinoisan family restaurant!
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Owners Doc and Susan Richardson opened their family restaurant in Edwardsville, Illinois, and served pork, steaks, ribs, burnt ends, burgers, and a selection of fine desserts all under one roof. It’s become a bit of a local legend, with over 300 awards in the barbecue circuit.
Doc’s has also been named among the Best of the Best Barbecue by National Barbecue News, an extremely prestigious title to hold. To be eligible for recognition, a restaurant must be taste-tested, without notice, by an affiliate of National Barbecue News multiple times throughout the year.
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Holy Pierogi food truck owner Gandi Falcon has lived in Aurora for 30 years, so he knows the great things his city has to offer. When the coronavirus pandemic broke out, Falcon’s business took a hit, but he knew he had to help the community in any way he could.
“Just like everyone else, our family has been affected by [the coronavirus],” Falcon said. “We realized early on that the need to help one [an]other was going to be critical, so I started thinking on ways we can be of service.”
On March 30, National Doctors’ Day, Falcon served more than 600 free lunches to staff at Aurora’s AMITA Health Mercy Medical Center.
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COVID-19 seldom gives frontline heroes time to eat a hot meal, which is why Kris Schoenberger’s BBQ-d Productions is giving free hot BBQ to many health-care workers, police officers and firefighters.