It’s a little hard not to be sentimental when one of your favorite restaurants closes down. Sterling Family Restaurant was a small slice of what made Peoria home to me, and now, it’s gone forever, reduced to a pile of rubble.

Thanks to Louie Trilikis for his many years of service to the community.

Sterling hosted both President Bush and Obama while on the campaign trail. And it also hosted my friends and family several times, serving up the best patty melts and sweet potato pecan waffles around, by my favorite wait staff in town.

I never got the shots I really wanted here, because when I was there, I just wanted to relax and have a good conversation. It’s important to put the camera down and focus on the people you’re with and connect.

So long, Sterling, and thanks for all the caffeine.

Leica IIIc, Super Angulon 21mm, Ultrafine Xtreme 400, 800 ISO

Leicaflex Standard, 35mm Elmarit, Ultrafine Xtreme 400, 800 ISO

Leicaflex Standard, 35mm Elmarit, Ultrafine Xtreme 400, 800 ISO

Leicaflex Standard, 35mm Elmarit, Ultrafine Xtreme 400, 800 ISO