Silver Spoon Gets Mural By Joliet Artist Ruben Calderon

JOLIET, IL - If you haven't eaten at the Silver Spoon restaurant lately, then you haven't seen a magnificent piece of artwork now on permanent display. Downtown Joliet artist Ruben Calderon was recently commissioned by the owners of Silver Spoon to create a large mural inside the restaurant which is located on West Jefferson Street inside the Jefferson Centre.

Calderon's mural pays tribute to U.S. military veterans and to one of Silver Spoon's regular customers, who is a World War II veteran.

Back in May, Ruben Calderon, 30, was profiled in a human interest article by the Joliet Patch. He is a two-time cancer survivor who now operates an art studio in downtown Joliet across from the Joliet Public Library. The Joliet Chamber of Commerce has utilized Calderon's skills with the paint brush to produce artwork for the city's popular New Orleans North Festival. His studio is called Art of Breath Galeria. Calderon's business also offers art therapy.

"The owner allowed me to use my creative license and paint what I thought would go with his concept," Calderon told Patch. "We're also planning on doing another piece on a different wall."

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Meanwhile, Silver Spoon has been owned by Joliet brothers Juan and Leo Rodriguez during the past two years. On Monday, Juan Rodriguez told Joliet Patch how his customers are so appreciative of Calderon's new mural.

"Ruben did a great job. The customers like it," he said. "It's something different. I just told him, 'Show yourself.'"

The mural contains a message proclaiming "Bless Our World." There's also a silhouette honoring one of the Silver Spoon's regular customers, Mead Clarks.

An engraved message below the mural reads, "Thank You For Your Service Mead Clarks."

Clarks remains a faithful customer, who visits practically every day. The employees said he likes to order a cup of coffee, a cup of soup and ice cream.

Rodriguez told Patch that Calderon's mural paying tribute to our military veterans has a wonderful message.

"Thanks to them, that's why we're here, right?" he said. "We are in beautiful freedom land."

If you haven't been to Silver Spoon lately, the west-side restaurant at 1601 West Jefferson St. remains open seven days a week, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Rodriguez said the omelets remain one of the most popular items on the menu.

The Mexican omelet, Popeye omelet and Denver omelet are favorites. Silver Spoon also has discounts for senior citizens and military veterans, the owner said.

There's also plenty of options on the breakfast menu.

Images via John Ferak/Joliet Patch Editor