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On to the Velvet Creamery for Civiche, Crackers with Tuna and another with something fishy (pickled herring maybe?) on it. Very tasty. Some in our group were disappointed that we weren't served one of their famous ice creams, just a little cup would have been appreciated!

Now, feeling a teeny-weeny heavy, we trudged back onto the bus to Battaglia's where we served three varieties of over-cooked pasta. A tomato sauce was laden with garlic. Um-m-m. Italian music, checkered tablecloths and lattice with grapevines provided an aura of Italian authenticity in this deli. Libations stole the show. A Perroni, Italian beer, the house Merlot and an Italian Soda, were just what our somewhat full tummies needed. The bus favorite was the marinated mushroom!

On to Skippolini's Pizza where some of us were more interested in the Black and Tan Beer than the pizza. And a fine selection of Imported Beers they had! Others just didn't know when to stop. We sampled all the Pizzas and there was plenty. We all enjoyed the ample outdoor picnic-style tables after walking through the sawdust-on-the-floor ambience inside, especially those who wanted to smoke a cigar.

Then it was on to an incredibly festive banquet room (set up especially for the tour) at Little Manuel's. The room can accommodate 50 to 175 people. I wanted to remarry my husband! It was just about at this point that we'd all eaten way more than our bodies were accustomed to so we moved into cocktails. A shot of Tequila for some, a Beer for others and a Marguerita. The faint among us settled for ice water. I can't remember what we ate but the experience was delightful.

On to Celia's. I groaned. They served my personal favorite. Chile Rellenos. Full or not, I had to try it. They were perfect. Not the usual over-cooked peppers and trying to find the cheese, but perfect bite-tender chilis with lots of queso, Mi Amigo. I was told by others in our group that the Enchiladas were to die for and the Quesadillas unusually cheesy. Our personal tour-guide (the cigar-smoking guy) planned our trip well. He was served a "Cadillac Marguerita". Obviously, he'd been here before. Four of us shared it. It was definitely the hit of the day!

With the Riverview Lodge yet to go, I was hoping the bus would arrive with rolling cots. We were all hoping ANY bus would arrive 20 minutes later,. Finally, it did and we arrived at the Riverview at 4:50 p.m., just as they were whisking away the last remnants of food. We were quite disappointed, to say the least, since our "guide" had saved the best for last. We ate a wonderful Shrimp Cocktail and cold, and a little chewy, Calamari. We waddled onto our last bus of the day, returning to Kelly's where owner, Al Cianfichi, sat waiting to hear our reviews. We were just in time for the Giants game on the television in the bar. A couple of drinks later, we contemplated trying our hand in the gaming room. Save that for another day we decided. The group's vote hands-down: KELLY's! They had it all! Personal attention, a gaming room, the sports bar and an elegant, romantic dining room in the back. What a dichotomy! And, all in Antioch for just $10. Who knew? The tour was sponsored by KIWANIS CLUB of the DELTA. The proceeds will be used to provide local scholarships and other good deeds. Looking forward to next year. We hope to see you there.

By Jacquelyn A. Estrella
Pittsburg Courier

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