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| PlanIt Life |
26
MYSTERY DINER
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Restaurant reviews
Elmhurst’s Café Amano is comfortably elegant ELMHURST – The concept of a “downtown cafe” can range from rickety outfit with a counter and a couple chairs all the way to a gourmet dining experience that features cozy outdoor seating. Fortunately for Elmhurst, Café Amano falls into the latter category. During a recent visit, I was inclined to sit outdoors and get a true cafe experience, but it was just a touch chilly that evening, and my dining companion and I reluctantly opted to eat inside. But while we missed out on the ambience of Elmhurst’s thriving open-air experience, we were more than compensated by the exquisitely designed decor indoors. Everything about the restaurant says, “casual, but elegant,” from the tasteful logo on one wall, to the display of wines as you first enter, to the abundant dark wood trim and dramatic ceiling-hung light fixtures. It’s an environment where you easily could have a business meeting, take your visiting family, or just grab lunch one day when you’re in the mood for something far better than a homemade sandwich. We started out with the shrimp and artichoke saute from the small plates menu. The artichoke hearts and gigantic Gulf shrimp were sauteed in butter, garlic, white wine and lemon, which made for an incredibly flavorful beginning. Choosing an entree was tough with all the appealing options. I went for the chicken dijonnaise, and my companion selected the filet mignon. There also are plenty of salads, pastas and seafood options that will have to wait for another day. My chicken was topped with a generous helping of prosciutto and Gruyere cheese, then smothered with a “whole grain mustard shiitake mushroom cream sauce.” The meat was perfectly tender and juicy, and the cavalcade of savory
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Café Amano in Elmhurst is at the corner of York Street and Park Avenue.
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The filet mignon is tender and juicy. The grilled onions were added by request.
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The chicken dijonnaise at Café Amano: “Pan-seared boneless free- you’re out and about. range breast of chicken layered with prosciutto di Parma, Gruyere I still want to try the outcheese served with whole grain mustard Shiitake mushroom cream door seating, though. That’ll sauce.” It’s as delectable as it sounds. have to wait for another visit.
flavors gave me something different to detect in every bite. My companion was just as pleased with the beef, served with a “shiitake mushroom port wine reduction sauce.” The verdict? “Tender and juicy, it cut like butter, and
tasted phenomenal.” After such a satisfying, rich meal, some folks might be tempted to stop there, but we pressed on – the dessert menu beckoned. We placed orders for the crème brûlée and the deep-dish apple tart, and we were soon greeted by
generous helpings of each. Café Amano also has an extensive wine list, easily more than 70 varieties, and most available by the glass or bottle. And with its terrific location downtown, it’s a great option if you also plan to do some window shop-
The Mystery Diner is a newsroom employee at Suburban Life Media. The diner’s identity is not revealed to the restaurant staff before or during the meal. Only positive dining experiences will result in published reviews.