The Blinds

On the mullions between the windows in the Oyster Bar, the keen observer will see placards that indicate, in no uncertain terms, expectations with regard to conduct surrounding the raising and lowering of the blinds.

Sunsets are beautiful in the Oyster Bar. Peoria has a beautiful skyline and seeing it framed between the deep blues and browns of the river and the sherbet pinks and oranges of the typical sunset is definitely worth the trip to this side of the river.

But those damn blinds.

In the early afternoon, the sun is high enough that they are unnecessary. Turned horizontal, they reveal the waterline, back lawn, and park with barely any interference. As the evening crawls along and the sun descends, the combination of direct sunlight and reflection off the water’s surface combine for an optical assault on the entire dining room. When the attack begins, blind control experts (i.e. servers) hurry to turn the blinds vertical, offering some relief from the daily flare.

This is very upsetting to some people. Sensing that they are being robbed of the very view they travelled to see, they wait furtively, looking for a chance to twist their small section of the blinds open. The stealth rarely lasts, as the giant beam of sunlight they’ve let in is a clear indicator of guilt.

I sympathize with these individuals. It really is not that big of a deal. Except that it kind of is. We go through painstaking amounts of cleaning, preparing, re-cleaning, situating, straightening, and double-checking to make sure that the dining room (and rest of the building) are an ideal setting for everyone who chooses to dine with us during the evening. Rogue actors ruin that by blinding others with open blinds.

My heartfelt request - trust us. The typical timeline that the blinds need to be closed is fairly short. We do our best to constantly monitor the view and to reveal the scene as soon as it is possible. We built this restaurant where it is specifically for the view. We want you to see it as much as you want you to see it!

In the meantime, PLEASE Do Not Adjust, Raise, or Lower Blinds. Ask Wait Staff.