EATS 2024

EATS 2024

A GUIDE TO LOCAL DINING Sponsored by

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‘American food with a Mexican twist’ Chef Armando Gonzalez creates flavors across cultures at Amerikas

By ELIZABETH SHORT

“W

Contributing Reporter

hen you mix things, it’s beautiful,” says Chef Armando Gonzalez, who owns and runs Amerikas Restaurant in Oak Park. The nuevo Latino restaurant, which will celebrate seven years this December, is inspired by cultures around the world while remaining rooted in Gonzalez’s upbringing in Mexico.

“I want to create food in my own style,” he said. “Amerikas, to me, is diversity.

I’m able to use all types of vegetables, seeds, meats. So they’re not necessarily from Mexico. America, for me, is the melting pot you can create all together, mixing flavors and becoming very unique. I try and create. I don’t follow the rules. I have my own rules.”

From growing up in Oaxaca, Mexico to running Amerikas in Oak Park, food has guided Gonzalez’s life. When Gonzalez was a child, his mother ran a small restaurant where he and his brothers would help cook.

When Gonzalez was 17, he came to the United States with just one dollar in quarters and began working in restaurants. He worked for French,

Japanese, and Italian kitchens, absorbing the diverse foods and cultures.

By 2011, Gonzalez had co-founded Mexican fusion restaurant Libertad in Skokie. In 2017, he opened Amerikas at 734 Lake St. in Oak Park. It was the people in Oak Park who inspired Gonzalez to open a restaurant in the area, he said. “What I do for the restaurant, it’s for Oak Park.”

Amerikas’s philosophy of creating flavors across cultures is reflected in the restaurant’s dishes.

While the breakfast and lunch menu offers more traditional Mexican food, Gonzalez showcases his creativity through the dinner menu. “It’s what a Oaxacan can do in America,” he says.

America has been coined “the melting pot,” and in terms of its foods, it’s literally that. People from around the world came to make America to make it their home, bringing and sharing their native cultures, flavors and foods.

American cuisine is hard to define for that very reason.

Amerikas represents that very essence of American cuisine.

Our concept is dedicated to blending Latin roots with flavors from around the world to create that unique taste.

At Amerikas restaurant our mission is all about embracing all the flavors of our very melting pot called America. As we continue to incorporate cultures into our own, the tastes we love will evolve to reflect the changing world.

Amerikas

734 Lake St, Oak Park (708) 613-4254 • amerikasrestaurant.com

Gonzalez’s bestselling cauliflower dish, which he created in just 10 minutes, incorporates farro from Italy, manchego from Spain, and hibiscus from Mexico.

The restaurant serves fish on Mexican fried rice, incorporating a Chinese fried rice technique. Instead of serving dishes with rice and beans, Gonzalez serves fresh vegetables from local farms.

At Amerikas, Gonzalez strives to provide guests with an “experience.”

The restaurant has no televisions. The layout and environment encourage intimate conversations. The food is made to share. During the summer, guests can enjoy meals outdoors on the vibrant Lake Street restaurant row.

When the weather is nice, Amerikas keeps its doors open.

“For me, the money is not what I work for,” said Gonzalez. “I work because I love this: the hospitality, good food, cocktails, with no pressure, with no rush. People come in here and forget about everything.”

Amerikas Restaurant 734 Lake St., Oak Park (708) 613-4254 • amerikasrestaurant.com

Eat with your heart, mind and taste buds

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here are so many factors on my mind these days when it comes to food. Cost is number one. Quickly after that come questions, such as is it sustainably caught/grown, humanely produced, locally or regionally sourced and so many more details that threaten to overwhelm the enjoyment of a perfect bite.

I love to eat. I love to cook. I think you probably love one or both of those if you are reading our annual Eats special section from Growing Community Media.

Our region is blessed with more high-quality restaurants than I’ll ever get around to eating at. But not for lack of trying! As I have interviewed owners and chefs over the past year, I’ve witnessed the passion that goes into these locally run establishments. Their dedication to doing the right thing by their ingredients and their diners is staggeringly beautiful.

As you peruse these pages, I feel confident that your mouth will start watering. While I hope you will be inspired to revisit old favorites, I also challenge you to venture to new ones. Not just for the culinary adventure, but to support the vibrant dining scene that we are so lucky to have and to have sustained thus far.

To paraphrase the bible (is that a wise thing to do?) where your money is, there also is your heart. We have been a community that has very consciously preserved our restaurants through the trauma of the pandemic, let’s keep it going. I say, put your mouth where your mind, heart and wallet are. Eat local!

Risé covers food and restaurants for Wednesday Journal, Austin Weekly News, Forest Park Review and RiversideBrookfield Landmark.

RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR

Contributing Reporter

What is a Green Dining Hub? A GROUP OF RESTAURANTS THAT:

OFFER LOCAL TAKEOUT 25WAYS IS TOILLINOIS’ FIRST THEIR OWN TAKE GREEN DINING IMPACT ON ENVIRONMENTAL EXPERIENCES OUR CLIMATE ACTION GREEN DINING HUB REDUCE

FIND COLLECTIVE

Takeout 25 Green Dining Hub Sustainability Champions

“[Takeout 25] worked to have our Addis Café Fritzi’s Delicatessen community certified a Illinois Anfora Wine Merchants as Happy Apple Piefirst ShopGreen Autre Monde Café Kettlestrings Grove Dining Hub in partnership with Illinois Betty’s Pizza Kettlestrings Tavern Green Business Program Big Shrimpin’ Khyberand Pass decided to Blackout Baking Kribi Coffee use that platform to address the commercial Brewpoint Coffee Media Noche Café composting challenge...To encourage Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor Mora Asian Kitchen local restaurants to compost, Takeout 25 Buzz Café One Lake Brewing Candycopia Poke Burrito has partnered with WasteNot to make that Carnivore Starship service available and isSugar offering $500 Chicago Waffles Beet Food Co-opgrants Chubby’s Hot Chicken Tacocomposting.”

Mucho toward the cost of The Daly Bagel

Wise Cup

- Risé Sanders-Weir, Wednesday Journal

Each participant is on a unique journey to be more sustainable.

Your support helps them go further.

A CO L L AB O R ATIO N B ETWEEN

Support Your Favorite Green Restaurants!

smartenergy.illinois.edu

takeout25.org 090923

2024 EATS • A LOCAL DINING GUIDE | 1

Mama De Luca

◆ Celebrating our 19th year on Madison Street

◆ Direct online ordering is available ◆ Sunday brunch (10am-2pm) ◆ Catering (please give 48 hours notice) ◆ Private parties on our 2nd floor

(bridal, wedding, and baby showers, birthdays, meetings)

◆ 2nd floor outdoor patio dining

(subject to private party schedule)

7427 Madison Street www.caffedeluca.com 708-366-9200 2 | 2024 EATS • A LOCAL DINING GUIDE

CONTENTS

TODD BANNOR

Lead Reporter Risé Sanders-Weir Contributing Reporter Sam Tucker Contributing Photographers Todd Bannor, Risé Sanders-Weir

FAVORITE MEAL ........................................5 LOCAL CHEFS ............................................8 LOCALLY PACKAGED ............................. 11 SUGAR FIXÉ ............................................ 14 BAKERIES ON THE RISE.......................... 17 CHEAP LUNCHES .................................... 23 BROOKFIELD/RIVERSIDE DINING .......... 26

Digital Manager Stacy Coleman Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea Designers Susan McKelvey, Vanessa Garza

Marketing and Advertising Representative Ben Stumpe Senior Media Strategist Lourdes Nicholls Business and Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Publisher Dan Haley Editor Erika Hobbs

EATS

A GUIDE TO LOCAL DINING Sponsored by

LA GRANGE DINING ............................... 29 COOL TREATS ......................................... 32

HOW TO REACH US

WEST SIDE DINING ................................ 36 MOBILE COFFEE .................................... 41 Q-BBQ .................................................... 46 ADVERTISER INDEX ................................ 47

On the Cover:

Get to know more about our local chefs. See page 8

141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 PHONE: (708) 524-8300 FAX: (708) 467-9066 www.oakpark.com ©2024 Growing Community Media, NFP

Photo by Todd Bannor

2024 EATS • A LOCAL DINING GUIDE | 3

sponsored content

An egg-celent new breakfast option: Egg Harbor Cafe opens on South Boulevard

E

By ELIZABETH SHORT

the entrance on South Boulevard.

Contributing Reporter

The cafe has a history of investing in local businesses and prides itself on providing high-quality meals for an affordable price (prices average $18.50 per customer). Egg Harbor buys its bread from Turano Bakery, pottery from Deneen Pottery based in St. Paul, gluten-free baked goods from Sweet Ali’s bakery in Hinsdale, and a proprietary roast created exclusively for Egg Harbor by Big Shoulders in Chicago.

gg Harbor Cafe celebrated its grand opening at 1111 South Blvd. in Oak Park on July 16.

Nestled between the bustling Downtown Oak Park and Pleasant District and right across from the busy Oak Park Metra station, Egg Harbor is a calm, family-friendly haven offering affordable and high-quality breakfast and lunch options.

Walking into Egg Harbor, guests will notice the smell of fresh coffee, bacon, and syrup, said Angel Gutierrez, who manages the Oak Park location.

“We want people to walk in and feel the good vibes,” he said. “We want to make sure that when you walk in you feel comfortable, you feel safe, and that you feel a home away from home.”

Founded in 1985 by college sweethearts Jack and Paula Wright, their daughter Aimee and her husband Mike Farrell in Hinsdale, Egg Harbor now has locations in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Georgia. The South Boulevard cafe is Egg Harbor’s 24th location. The company has grown significantly across its nearly 40-year history, yet it has maintained its family feel and commitment to support the local community. Today, the cafe remains family-owned across three generations.

Lynda Dautenhahn, who stopped by the cafe at the end of a visit to Oak Park before returning home to Springfield, said the cafe was “bright and clean.” The “environment felt welcoming to young families as well as to an older person who might come in by themselves and wish to quietly read a book or write a note while they had lunch or breakfast,” she said.

In the cafe’s dining room, booth and table seating are available under the glow of the cafe’s sky light. In warmer months, guests can choose to dine on the shaded patio located in front of

4 | 2024 EATS • A LOCAL DINING GUIDE

The menu features classic American breakfast options such as skillets, omelets, frittatas, pancakes, and breakfast bowls, as well as lunch options such as sandwiches and salads. Popular dishes include the Door County Chicken Salad (made with dried cranberries, apples, and pecans after a suggestion from a customer), Strawberry Crunch French Toast, Smoked Salmon Benedict, and Maple Bourbon Bacon. An alternative menu is also available for gluten-free guests.

Egg Harbor offers more in addition to these standards, such as the delicious Middle Eastern and North African favorite, Shakshuka. The cafe makes its own jam, made from blackberries, blueberries and strawberries, and banana bread. Egg Harbor also offers Natalie’s Orange Juice, espresso drinks, frozen espresso “Harborcci-

nos,” mimosas, and Bloody Mary’s.

For special occasions and events, the cafe offers a catering service.

The cafe is devoted to creating a family-oriented environment. Just inside of the Oak Park cafe is a “Kidz Korner” providing toys, books, and screen-free entertainment for younger guests. Egg Harbor also has a paper kid’s menu, offering $8 breakfast and lunch options. On the back of the kid’s menu is an egg coloring contest; every month, the staff chooses winners that will win a free kid’s meal and have their art displayed at the cafe.

Above all, the company strives to “support the communities and the employees,” said Gutierrez, who started working at Egg Harbor as a server over 20 years ago. Egg Harbor is committed to developing leaders and helping employees to grow careers. Beyond its staff, the company has established a reputation for community involvement. At previous locations, Egg Harbor has invited school groups to visit the kitchen and hosted winter clothing drives.

Egg Harbor Cafe 1111 South Blvd., Oak Park Open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day • eggharborcafe.com

CATERS f 6 -100+ MAYA CATERS AYA CATERS

Taco Bar, Taco Bar, Taco Ba Cocktails Cocktails Cocktai To Go + More To Go + More To Go + M

parties of 6 -100+ parties offor 6 -100+

Scan for Scan catering menu + for catering menu + online ordering online ordering

144 s oak park ave 144 s oak park ave 708.358.9800 708.358.9800 Scan for www.mayadelsol.com

cateringwww.mayadelsol.com menu + online ordering

144 s oak park ave 708.358.9800 www.mayadelsol.com

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4) Hibiscus agave Old Fashioned from NRebozo, Forest Park: There are so many worthy cocktails at NRebozo, but this Old Fashioned stole my heart.

Ingredients Casa Amigos Añejo, Banhez Espadín Joven Mezcal, Hibiscus nectar and Angostura are sipped from a rim dusted with Tajin.

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5) Zucchini blossoms from Piacere Mio, Forest Park: This seasonal appetizer appears only when zucchinis are in bloom. Fried and filled with pecorino cheese mousse, these delicacies are served with sundried tomato coulis.

They are worth the wait!

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6) Ham and brie sandwich from Sawmilly, Riverside: I love a ham and brie sandwich almost as much as I love ham and butter on a baguette. This rendition from Sawmilly includes thin apple slices and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar syrup.

7 7) Waffles from Addis Cafe, Oak Park: Waffles at Addis Café come in a variety of ways – with salted caramel and whipped cream, savory, Nutella and banana – but my favorite is the classic with maple syrup. A hint of cornmeal in the batter assists the crisp crunch in each bite.

8) Fried dill pickles from Irish Times, Brookfield: Are these an Irish staple? No. But I’m not going to hold that against them. Ever since I first had this appetizer decades ago at Cock of the Walk in Hot Springs, Arkansas, I seek them out as a guilty pleasure.

Risé’s d e delight dozen

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Celebrate 21 years of business with us!

OOppeenn EEvveerryy DDaayy aatt 1111aam m FFoooodd & & DDrriinnkk SSppeecciiaallss ddaaiillyy 77224444 MMaaddiissoonn SSttrreeeett ~ ~ 770088--336666--66666677 oossuulllliivvaannssFFPP..ccoom m 6 | 2024 EATS • A LOCAL DINING GUIDE

9 9) Coffee float from Spoke Cafe, Oak Park: It was the summer drink that I didn’t know I needed. I’m not the biggest coffee fan, but for some reason I adore coffee ice cream. This elixir performs that same alchemy for me.

10) Italian ice from Johnnie’s, Elmwood Park: This is the ultimate in Italian ice in my humble opinion.

Is it a dessert or a drink?

Depends on how fast you slurp the frosty mountain delivered in a cup. I was wary of the lemon peel bits mixed in at first but came to treasure them.

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11) Apple Slice from Oak Park Bakery, Oak Park: If you know, you know. This is a slab pie sold by the square. It is a regional treasure. According to the Sun-Times it’s getting harder and harder to find this treat these days, but Oak Park Bakery makes it daily.

12) Turtle sundae from

Polar Bear Ice Cream, North Riverside: You can get a comparable soft-serve turtle sundae many places, but this was my nostalgia trip.

As a tween, I once stole 75 cents from my grandmother’s purse to get one (I’ve since knelt at her grave and apologized).

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Risé’s d e delight dozen

weekly specials Sunday Homemade Lasagna Dinner

Monday Happy Hour Select Appetizers at the Bar Detroit Style Pizza! Dine-in only

Tuesday

Wednesday Half Off Wine Bottles with Dinner

Thursday 15% Off Take Out (Excludes Online Orders) *Specials not valid on holidays, subject to change without notice.

Prix Fixe for $36 (excludes seafood)

814 North Boulevard • 708-848-3434 • www.cucinaoakpark.com 2024 EATS • A LOCAL DINING GUIDE | 7

A small bite from our chefs

By RISE SANDERS-WEIR

Armando Gonzalez Amerikas

734 Lake St., Oak Park | amerikasrestaurant.com

Chef and owner Armando Gonzalez worked in Japanese, Italian and other specialty restaurants as a young man. Those flavors excited him, so when it came time to imagine his own place, he wanted to keep his Mexican heritage in the forefront but inform his dishes with the best the world has to offer. He named it Amerikas to honor that mix. He chose a location in Oak Park for a similar reason: the diversity of people and the openness to tasting new dishes. His unique dishes combine the American melting pot tradition without losing his roots.

A

Ciro Parlato Ciro o

1048 Pleasant St., Oak Park | cirooakpark.com

Ciro restaurant is a concept born out of Chef Ciro Parlato’s grandmother’s salumeria (Italian for “deli”) where he spent his childhood years. It was a community hub, restaurant and store all rolled into one. The restaurant celebrates its first year in September.

There are eight bar-style seats along the kitchen counter for dining in but take-and-bake is the heart of the concept. All dishes are prepped and ready to go. Specialties from all 20 regions of Italy appear on the menu, with key ingredients imported from the source.

The curated list of offering changes each month h.

Johnny Mei and Jinny Zhao New Star

7444 W. North Ave., Elmwood Park | newstarrestaurant.com

Chef Johnny Mei worked for New Star’s owner Jinny Zhao long before joining her at the Elmwood Park restaurant. Zhao’s reputation for quality ingredients and attention to detail earned this level of loyalty from her staff.

When Zhao decided to convert a dining room at the back of the restaurant into a hibachi-style dining experience, Mei was more than ready to sign on as head cook. Diners sit around teppanyaki grills, while Mei and staff deliver dinner and a show. Yelp rates New Star in the top three for Japanese grill d restaurant in the Chicago area, well above name-brand chains. res 8 | 2024 EATS • A LOCAL DINING GUIDE

Paco Lopez NRebozo N

7403 Madison St., Forest Park | newrebozos.com

How did “Oh My God” become Chef Paco’s signature exclamation? When he bought the restaurant and renamed it New Rebozo, Lopez didn’t speak much English, but he was confident in his menu, especially his Fiesta Moles. His son helped by creating a phrase book that included things like, “Hi, how are you?” and “Are you ready to order?” After that Paco would say, mostly to himself, “Oh my God!” This was an expression of both his nervousness of navigating in a language he didn’t speak and his h excitement of owning his own place. Eventually Chef Paco got better ex English, but the catch phrase stuck. at En

Shivangi Khetarpal Wise Cup p

1018 Lake St., Oak Park | facebook.com/wisecupoakpark

When Shivangi Khetarpal opened Wise Cup with her husband Naveen, they imagined a continuation of the neighborhood coffee shop that had been in the location before. For Shivangi, it was an opportunity to bring her marketing and finance skills to a more personal project. They continued to offer coffee drinks, loose-leaf tea and a selection of pastries. But when they added Indian spice flare to the drink menu, customers clamored for food too. Now you can order samosas and other small bites daily, then on the first Saturday of each month the options expand d with a pop-up menu that is a full meal. eal.

William Beau Blackburn Chef Beau’s Kitchen

26 Calendar Ave., La Grange | chefbeauskleankitchen.com

Food is fuel, but it is also what we are made of. What goes into our bodies can determine a lot about our overall health. Blackburn is an anti-inflammatory, autoimmune chef. His weekly meal service caters both to clients who have health issues and to those who don’t want to develop them. The location is delivery and take-away only, providing meals that are gluten free, mostly organic, grass-fed meats and wild caught seafood. It’s as clean as he can make it. Menus cchange weekly and are intended to feed clients day in and day out.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks all roll out of Chef Beau’s Kitchen.

Bre

2024 EATS • A LOCAL DINING GUIDE | 9

PICK UP•DELIVERY•DINE IN•BANQUETS•CATERING

7128 Roosevelt Rd, Oak Park • 708-383-1500 • salernospizza.com/oak-park 10 | 2024 EATS • A LOCAL DINING GUIDE

SWEET, SAVORY AND LOCAL PACKAGED GOODS These are made locally but enjoyed far and wide

By RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR Contributing Reporter

W

hile our area isn’t a powerhouse of manufacturing, food entrepreneurship is strong. Several businesses, both large and small, ply their trade locally. This is a roundup of just a few of them.

Pickle power! Opportunity Knocks is a local organization created to support people with intellectual and developmental

Pickles from Opportunity Knocks

JILLY'S JERKY

Beef Jerky from Jilly's Jerky. disabilities. Their marquee jobs program is Knockout Pickles – available in classic, deli-style, spicy and bread & butter varieties. This artisanal business manufactures 10 five-gallon buckets and 120 jars of pucker-worthy slices each month.

The pickles are used at nine local restaurants and on the shelves of several local grocery stores, including The Sugar Beet, Alpine Food Shop and coming soon to Jewel in River Forest.

Meat joy! Jilly’s Jerky started with a desire to recreate the meat-based magic that Jill Evans LaPenna’s dad made. Through trial and error, she recreated the recipe which now comes in four flavors: original, Cayenne Tang, Chipotle Crush and Habanero Heat.

LaPenna and her husband Anthony still cook jerky locally for direct-toconsumer trade, but when demand ratchetted up, accelerating to retail speed was trickier than they had anticipated. Meat products OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS sold at that level must be manufac-

KINSLAGHER BREWING COMPANY

Chicago Common beer from Kinslagher. tured in a USDA-approved facility. Luckily, they found a Michigan partner who is carefully crafting their retail line.

Beer here! Kinslagher Brewing Company’s owner Keith Huizinga keeps two of their brews on local retail shelves: Chicago Common and Prohibition Pilsner.

Chicago Common is Kinslagher’s own creation, an ode to a brick. The red hue references the red, orange and cream colors of that icon of construction. The flavor is a rye lager, with hops giving it an earthy and piney twist. Prohibition Pilsner is an American-style pilsner from back when Continued on page 13

2024 EATS • A LOCAL DINING GUIDE | 11

sponsored content

Victory Italian: ‘We are not new anymore’

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elieve it or not Victory Italian has been open in Oak Park for almost 4 years. We started the project pre covid but slowed our construction during the pandemic. Luckily, we purchased the property and were able to do our remodel slowly as things improved and opened at the right time.

Owner Tony Gambino said, “Oak Park has always been like a second home to me. I grew up in Melrose Park, but I opened my first full service restaurant in Oak Park in 2001, Fuego Loco on Lake Street, which was a block from my house on South and Euclid.

I loved the area and it was a great place to raise my kids. When we sold Fuego Loco in 2008, I always wanted to get back to Oak Park. I looked at a number of locations over the years but never found the right space. When I saw the closed restaurant on the corner of South and Marion it seemed

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perfect to me. I was a big fan of the Marion Cheese Market and loved the space. It had a look that was similar to what I like to design, lots of windows and light and a great deal of outdoor space.”

Oak Park has been great to be a part of, the rich history and culture of Oak Park work well with our traditional old school Italian menu and vibe. In Oak Park you can feel the history and when you walk into Victory Italian the feel is that this restaurant may have been here for 40 years.

Our food is traditional Chicago Italian, great pasta, sauces and Italian entrees with the addition of some exciting chef driven specialties. Our fabulous Brick chicken is an Oak Park favorite, as is the OPRF Chopped salad. Lamb chops Oreganata or Steak Gambino style.

Victory is open Tuesday thru Sunday

4 p.m. till 9 p.m. with the bar staying open later.

Victory has a full catering menu with its traditional offerings as well as specialty seafood items available during the holidays if you want to do the 7 fishes.

Victory is also a great place to have a family party of up to 60 people.

Victory Italian 100 S. Marion St., Oak Park 708-434-5766 • victoryitalian.com

Continued from page 11

recent European immigrant brewers started to adapt to fermentables available in the U.S. It’s drier and a touch hoppy-er than nationally marketed pilsners.

Hot or mild? Hank’s Giardiniera takes this local treat “from the Windy City to the world” according to creator Hank Tibensky. After closing his Italian Beef stand in New York City, due to Covid-borne complications. He pivoted to retailing his signature recipe.

The garden-in-a-bottle mix is whipped up in Cicero, but the retail footprint is national. Two heat options are available in Sprouts groceries stores in 24 states and locally at Carnivore.

Raising the bar! Silverland Bakery ships brownies, bars, and cookies nationwide. It started from a combination of owner Athena Uslander’s desire to work for herself and her, then partner, Lisa Silverman’s family brownie recipe. The company has expanded, adding vegan, gluten free, keto and sugar free options.

All are preservative free.

More Info opportunityknocksnow.org jillysjerky.com kinslahger.com hanksgiardiniera.com silverlandbakery.com turano.com ferrara.com

HANK'S GIARDINIERA

Mild and hot Giardiniera from Hank's.

They’ve been the private label supplier to restaurant chains such as Olive Garden.

But their storefront location in Forest Park was a life saver during the pandemic. Now the 41-year-old business is back to thriving.

What packaged food survey would be complete without two local heavyweights.

Turano Bread has been making Roosevelt

Road smell heavenly for almost 60 years.

It all started with Mariano Turano’s classic recipes from Italy. Now it bakes in four states, but locals can visit Mamma Susi’s Bake Shop on Roosevelt Road.

Ferrara is seen by all who pass by their plant along the Eisenhower expressway near Harlem. The company is more than 115 years old and now encompasses brands such as Jelly Belly, Nerds, SweetTARTS and Trolli. The Ferrara Pan Factory Outlet Store in Forest Park is a real treat.

Kinslahger is a community gathering place designed for conversation (no TV’s) with friends new and old.

We offer not only the beer we make on site but also a selection of wine, cider, cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. Feeling hungry? We have fresh pretzels from Daly Bagel, cheese & charcuterie plates and some curated snacks. Want something more substantial, you can order delivery from one of the many great local restaurants right to your seat at the bar.

Kinslahger Taproom 6806 Roosevelt Road Oak Park, IL 60304 (844) 552-4437 x0 www.kinslahger.com Hours: Th & Fri 5-10pm | Sa 2-10pm | Su 2-6pm 2024 EATS • A LOCAL DINING GUIDE | 13

How Sugar Fixé makes a six layered French pastry First of all, it takes three days.

So be patient

By SAM TUCKER

Contributing Reporter

W 1

Rachel Rogak, head pastry chef, places the first layer of sponge cake in the baking pan after layering the bottom of the pan with buttercream. A layer of chocolate follows and the second sponge cake layer is then placed.

PHOTOS BY SAM TUCKER

14 | 2024 EATS • A LOCAL DINING GUIDE

hat goes into making a six-layer entremet? Sugar Fixé Patisserie’s head pastry chef gives a window into the process of making this rich tasting and visually appealing French pastry.

Sugar Fixé Patisserie has been in business in downtown Oak Park since 2011. The pastry shop, 119 N. Marion St., offers a range of familiar and unique pastry items, all proudly made from scratch.

Rachel Rogak, the head pastry chef, started working at the patisserie as a pastry cook three years ago. Now, she is head chef and maintains Sugar Fixé Patisserie’s high-quality attitude towards bakery and pastry foods.

“What I always loved about this place is that it’s not just a bakery, it’s a patisserie. It has some more of those interesting, higher-end kinds of items where you’re putting different interesting flavors and textures together … that’s something I think that we do differently,” said Rogak.

The “opera entremet” is a six layered coffee-flavored pastry that is created by layering buttercream and chocolate between thin layers of sponge cake. It is one of the many pastries they make that

Another layer of buttercream is carefully spread, with high attention paid to keeping a flat and even surface. Any inconsistencies will show along the side-profile of the finished entremet.

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Once pulled from the cooler, the pan is flipped upside down so the first layer of buttercream that lined the pan is now on top. Rogak said that working top to bottom and flipping the pan at this point in the process makes it easier to create the nearly perfect flat-layer on top of the pastry.

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require time and patience, said Rogak.

The process, usually done over three days, starts with baking three thin layers of almond sponge cake and soaking them in coffee. The roughly half-inch layers of cake need to be refrigerated overnight so they maintain a structure.

On the second day, the layering begins. Two layers of coffee buttercream and a single layer of chocolate ganache are spread between the thin sponge cakes, building the pastry up layer by layer. Throughout the entire process, Rogak said paying close attention to keeping things flat is a necessity. Afterwards, the pan spends another night in the fridge to solidify.

On the third day, the final touches to the top and final surface are finished. The final chocolate glaze is spread and heated with a blowtorch to create a near-perfect flat surface. Then, the pastries are scored and cut to shape. A small chocolate emblem is carefully placed in the icing, finishing off the French dessert pastry.

Problem solving in the kitchen and bringing different flavors to the plates of Oak Park patrons is what makes her job enjoyable, said Rogak.

“We try to do interesting things with food. I mean, why not?

There’s so much that you can do. Might as well try to put things together and expose people to different flavor combinations and things. That’s what makes this field so fun,” said Rogak.

The third and final layer of the sponge cake is placed. After making all the edges of the layers square and even to the pan, it is covered and placed in a cooler overnight so the layers can solidify.

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A scoring tool is then used to equally separate the individual pieces for cutting.

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Once cut to the final shape, icing and a chocolate emblem are carefully placed atop.

Making the “opera entremet” ready for serving.

Sugar Fixé Patisserie

sugarFixe.com 119 N Marion St., Oak Park Hours: Thursday: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m Friday/Saturday: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Monday through Wed.: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

2024 EATS • A LOCAL DINING GUIDE | 15

G eorge’s

“The Best French Food Outside of France” “First-rate dining destination” Pat Bruno, Chicago Sun-T

“The Best French Food Outside“The of Best France” French Food Outside of France” “First-rate dining destination” Pat Bruno, Chicago Sun-Times “First-rate dining destination” Pat Bruno, Chicago Sun-Times Serving Lunch and Dinner daily, 11am - 9pm

Serving LunchSunday and DinnerBrunch daily, 11am - 9pmLive Jazz, 11am Champagne with Sunday Brunch with Live Jazz, 11am - 3pm Serving Lunch and DinnerChampagne daily, 11am - 9pm “The Best French Food Outside of France” dining destination” Pat3pm Bruno,ofChicago Sun-Times Champagne Sunday Brunch “First-rate with Live 11am Restaurant “TheJazz, Best French Food-Outside France”

& Pancake House

“First-rate dining destination” Pat Bruno, Chicago Sun-Times

Serving Lunch and Dinner daily, 11am - 9pm Serving Lunch and Dinner daily, 11am - 9pm Champagne Sunday Brunch with Live Jazz, 11am - 3pm 211 N. OakBrunch Park Ave., OakLive Park, IL 11am - 3pm Champagne Sunday with Jazz, (located in The Write Inn, steps away from Hemingway’s birthplace & museum)

211 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL

708.524.0806 (located in The Write Inn, steps away from Hemingway’s birthplace & museu www.hemmingwaysbistro.com

708.524.0806

www.hemmingwaysbistro.com • Live Jazz and discounted Martins every Wednesday

1 1/2 lb IL 211 N. Oak Park Ave., OakMAINE Park, • HAPPY HOUR 2:30 - 5:30!!

211 N.N.Oak OakPark, Park, 211 OakPark Park Ave., Ave., Oak IL IL LOBSTER

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MAINE LOBSTER $5 OFF Cocktails, Martinis, Wine and $2 Oy • Valet service available ing Monday & Tuesday

George & John

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www.hemmingwaysbistro.com

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Valet service available $39.95 Friday & Saturday evenEvery ing Monday & Tuesday

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www.hemmingwaysbistro.com

Amazing Mexican at NRebozo

ey there! At NRebozo we offer a variety of unique moles featured in our Fiesta Mole, which includes six enchiladas two classic moles and four that rotate throughout the year. Our fish tacos change with the seasons, such as featuring fruit salsas like Cantaloupe or Mango in the summer, Chicharron Mole in the fall, White Habanero sauce tacos in the winter, and Tamarind fish tacos in the spring. And you can’t have a great dinner without great drinks, right? We’ve got you covered there too, from traditional Margaritas to a Prickly Pear Margarita topped with Burt Rose. We also offer a delightful Hibiscus Guava Margarita made with Ritual

Zero-proof Tequila for those who prefer mocktails.

And if you’re thinking of having a special event, we’ve got you covered there too!

Chef Paco and you can sit together and design a menu that best suits your event and any dietary restrictions you have. You can also rent out the full restaurant for your event and we offer private event packages that include a full bar of all our margaritas, beers, wines, Tequila, and

16 | 2024 EATS • A LOCAL DINING GUIDE

Mezcal. It’s a perfect place for family events, birthday parties, work parties, or just any celebration in general!!!

7403 Madison St, Forest Park, IL 60130 (708) 445-0370 newrebozos.com

An uprising of bakeries So many wonderful treats. So little time

By RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR

T

Sugar Fixe

Contributing Reporter

119 N. Marion St., Oak Park: Macarons are a splash of color in cases filled with tarts, pastries, cookies. Custom cakes and bake-at-home options round out the offerings.

here is a bakery goods surge happening in our area. Surely this is a good thing. Explore our sweet/dulce/dolce abundance!

Mamma Susi’s Bake Shop 6501 W. Roosevelt Rd., Berwyn: Assunta ‘Susi’ Turano was the family matriarch. The store serves up a wide variety Turano breads and an assortment of Italian style pastries, donuts and cookies.

Twisted Cookie 7401 Madison, Forest Park: Cookies, cookie pies, cookie cupcakes, cheesecake cookies, cookie bark, gluten free, dipped and stuffed brownies – so many flavors and varieties it’s hard to choose.

Publican Quality Bread 211 Harrison St., Oak Park: Baked on premises, this location is bread forward, but includes pastries sweet and savory many of which follow seasonal flavor peaks.

Continued on page 18

2024 EATS • A LOCAL DINING GUIDE | 17

Continued from page 17

Vesuvio Bakery

Laury’s Bakery & Cake

8717 Cermak Rd., North Riverside: “Cannoli” is on the awning, so you know they aren’t playing. There are many flavors to choose from as well as breads, cookies and other pastries.

12 Madison St., Oak Park: Jawdropping custom cakes. Sweet potato pie by the square and caramel cupcakes take the lead here. Red velvet cupcakes are not far behind!

Oak Park Bakery 904 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park: For more than 100 years the pies, pastries, breads, cupcakes, cookies and cakes have filled the cases here. They still make apple slices every day!

Silverland Bakery 439 Des Plaines Ave., Forest Park: It started with a dream and a brownie recipe, now their many varieties of bars (including keto, vegan and gluten-free) are shipped nationwide.

Forest Park Bakery

Panaderia Puebla

7332 Madison St., Forest Park: Donuts, cakes, pastries, pies, muffins, macaroons, breads, oh my! This long-time family operation knows their dough.

614 Lake St., Maywood: Traditional Mexican pandulces, breads, cakes and pastries fill this shop. Their conchas get accolades online. Seasonal specialties.

18 | 2024 EATS • A LOCAL DINING GUIDE

Broken Tart 1108 Chicago Ave., Oak Park: This home of the “life-changing” kale scone also serves a curated selection of sweet and savory delicacies. Their olive oil cake is out of this world.

Courageous Bakery 736 Lake St., Oak Park: Started in the cupcake craze of the early 2010s, but has expanded to pies, cakes and savory options. And now with ice cream – Courageous Cones!

Spilt Milk 811 South Blvd., Oak Park: Biscuits are the bomb. Artisan pies, cookies and pastries are baked with locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. Black cherry almond cake ice cream!

S

“M

RibFest Every Day!

Vision-impaired baker loves selling sweets

is notothers just an conquer y uga goalBakers is to help the kitchen with My poise, patience ordinary bakery. mission far and perseverance, said Keelie Banks, transcends”the butter, 35, flour owner ofsugar Suga that Bakers, and goestalking about her blog and her love into making the good old for inspiring others. fashionthat desserts that I am But statement known for. Mymeaning goal is takes on extra to bring happiness when you joy, learn about andBanks connection what refers to as “a unique of chalfamilies, set friends and lenges. ” communities-one Eight ago, she sweetyears treat at a time. was diagnosed with Most of all, I want to retinal pigmentosa, showgenetic everyone that a rare disease is possible thatanything causes vision loss.when you believe.

“With the help of God My baking journey began and my amazing support system, remainago. commitover aIdecade What started tedout to as making dreamsand a family bakingmy for friends reality, ” said Banks. turned into much, much more. Now, it Banks started baking 14 years is also my business as well as my joy. ago. “What started out as a way to make I wasmy hit college hard eleven extraUnfortunately, money during years years ago. diagnosed a rare ” turned into I was a full-fl edgedwith passion, genetic eye disease called Retinitis Pigmentosa. As my love for

baking said. began,But my she’s eyesight started Banks always enjoyed creative and to declineendeavors which caused mehobbies, to put like sewing, decorating and my dreams on hold forentertaining. a while. I, She lives nearby in stop Bellwood, however, didn't let that so Ishe’s familiar withfor Forest me. regained the vision Park, where she ago frequents my future four years in including therestaurants, midst of the pandemic.

Shanahan’s and Scratch If the pandemic taught me Kitchen. Creativita is ananything, taught me to otheritfavorite: “Painting embrace change, have and wine have become courage, that new I was birthone and of my stronger I had ever traditions, ” Banks day than realized. said.

Now, I In feel likeblog it’s my her The Sweet at sugabakers.com, missionLife, to get back to the she we talks aboutspecial her love root of how created baking and we shares memoriesofwith the ones love,recipes, fun likeand Ultimate Pumpkin with food, family, delicious nstreats! and Pumpkin Praline homemadeMuffi sweet Pie. Suga Bakers. Baking you happy one Decadent desserts, including Gersweet treat at a time! man chocolate cake, red velvet cake, Suga Bakers bakery, located and a variety of cookies are infor sale at Bellwood Illinois. sugabakers.com • 630-886-2525 • sugabakers.com

Mickey’s is the place!

Mickey’s Rib Special

B.B.Q. RIBS & CHICKEN BURGERS & HOT DOGS

1/2 Slab Dinner

$15.49

Full Slab Dinner

$22.99

includes fries or baked potato, coleslaw and garlic bread

525 N Harlem Ave, Oak Park (708) 848-3333 11am - 9pm Daily 3 Vienna

Hot Dogs w/ Fries

10.99

$

Italian Beef Sandwich w/ Fries .99 $

10

Wednesday

Gyros Plate Dinner 1 lb meat, 2 pita breads, fries & 3 cups sauce $14.99

Every day Special!

Gyros with fries $9.99

1/4 Lb Double Cheeseburger

Big Mickey! $ .99

3

Catering Available The Big Sandwich Roman-Style Pizza La Colombe Coffee & Pastries 211 Harrison St. Oak Park, IL 60304 312 - 736 - 1981 publicanqualitybread.com

Order Here 2024 EATS • A LOCAL DINING GUIDE | 19

SPONSORED CONTENT

Taste the world on Elmwood Park’s Restaurant Row

“I

By Risé Sanders-Weir

nstagram-worthy” is easily the adjective for food served up on Elmwood Park’s Restaurant

Massa Café Italiano 7434 W. North Ave

#MassaCafe Italy is a little closer than you think. Massa Cafe Italiano has been serving up authentic Italian fare since 1968. Close your eyes as you bite into their menu, sip a house-roasted coffee, or delight in specialty frozen desserts and you will swear you’ve been transported abroad. Try an affogato – five flavor options all combine espresso, gelato and toppings to make you swoon.

Row. If you ate on North Avenue every day for a week, none of your social media followers would believe this much variety, paired with consistent quality, is packed into such a few New Star 7444 W. North Ave

Spizzico 7446 W. North Ave

#newstarrestaurant

#spizzicopizzapasta

This mainstay of Restaurant Row was reinvented by Jinny Zhao. Nothing from a can is her watchword. When Zhao took over the restaurant she added pan-Asian flavors to the mix. Can’t decide whether to eat Thai, Chinese, sushi, hibachi grill or just drink tiki cocktails? You don’t have to choose, because all are on the menu at New Star.

Inari Sushi 7428 W. North Ave

#inarisushi

blocks. It’s the reason Elmwood Park has been a dining destination for decades. Free parking at 7420 W. North Ave. is a bonus too!

The traditional thin crust cheese pizza at Spizzico is the measure all other pizzas should be judged against. The ‘Spizzico Special’ pizza has been called a love triangle, topped with sausage, mushroom, onion, and green pepper. A full selection of Italian dishes fills out the menu. And delivery and catering are available too.

Taco Town

7446 W. North Ave (enter on 75th Ave) Dine in or carry out, Inari is here to deliver sushi to your tastebuds. Lunch specials bring down the cost of your cravings and weekday specials give you permission to try something outside of your got-to order. Ramen and poke bowls remix the sushi menu into new delights. And a selection of entrees sure to please nonraw eaters.

2024EATS EATS• •AALOCAL LOCALDINING DININGGUIDE GUIDE 2020 | | 2024

There’s a new taco in town. They even serve up breakfast, a rarity in the arena of Mexican food locations.

For later in the day, you choose your base (burrito, bowl, taco, tostada, etc.) then agonize over which filling – there are 17 options from chicken to tongue.

Wash these treats down with horchata and agua de piña. #tacotownmexicangrill

SPONSORED CONTENT

Alpine Food Shop 7538 W. North Ave

#alpinefoodshop Other sandwiches try to reach this height, but an Alpine is an experience unto itself.

Made to order when you order – meats, cheeses and other ingredients rest in cracklingly fresh Italian filone (of course you could also choose rye or multigrain bread).

As a bonus, you can pick up many Italian treasures while you get your meal: pastas, sauces, spreads, and cookies.

Johnnie’s Beef 7500 W. North Ave

Gringo and Blondie 7514 W. North Ave

#johnniesbeef

#grindoandblondie

World-renown for a reason! Have you ever seen the building without a line out the door. Me neither. The menu is short and to the point. Italian beef wet or dry. Italian peppers sweet or spicy. Fries with just the right amount of crisp. You can get a hot dog and a polish sausage here too. Don’t forget the Italian ice!

Burger MOOvment 7512 W. North Ave

Mexican street food is their claim to fame.

All the classics are waiting on the menu.

Try a cemita on fresh sesame seed rolls with your choice of toppings and Oaxacan cheese. You can knock back mimosas and micheladas with brunch on the weekends featuring chilaquiles, Mexican French toast (cinnamon, caramel and pecans) among other delicacies.

Armand’s 7650 W. North Ave Russell’s Barbecue 1621 N. Thatcher Ave

#burgermoovment Signature burgers for each season of the year (and a shake that coordinates) keeps the menu fresh at Burger MOOvment. All year round, you can choose what to slip between the buns: beef patties stacked 1, 2 or even 3 high; chicken breast – grilled or crispy; or black bean veggie burger. There are toppings galore and bite-sized options for the small fry.

#armands.ep #russellsbarbecueEP Does the thought of BBQ sauce on your fingers in all its cinnamon-scented glory send you reeling back to a first date, an outing with grandparents or just the good old days? Since 1930 this temple of meats has been providing finger-licking good meals and is likely the oldest continually operating BBQ joint in the Chicago area.

Pizza is at the forefront, but don’t forget about signature items, like, stuffed artichokes, baked clams and antipasto salad.

Over the years Armand’s has expanded to locations beyond Elmwood Park, but this location is home. Need to feed a troop, order a yard long pizza. Need to feed yourself? Stop in for a lunch deal – personal pan pizza special.

2024 EATS EATS •• A A LOCAL LOCAL DINING DINING GUIDE GUIDE || 21 21 2024

SPONSORED CONTENT

Jim & Pete’s 7806 W. North Ave

Elmwood Park has a long standing reputation for being home to outstanding restaurants. As a Village we are proud to share this reputation and work hard to promote it.

#jimandpetes

RESTAURANTS

Alpine

7538 W North Ave

Great American Bagel

Russell's Barbecue

Gringo & Blondie

Spizzico

Armand's Pizzeria

7230 W North Ave

Ashleys Café & Tap

7514 W North Ave

Happy Wok

Sports Nook

Burger King

Inari

Subway

Burger Moovement

Jim & Pete's

2836 N Harlem Ave 7230 W North Ave

Jimmy John's

7530 W Grand Ave

Johnnie's

7746 W North Ave

7650 W North Ave

7500 W Grand Ave 1750 Harlem Ave

7512 W North Ave

Caputo's Fresh Markets

2400 N Harlem Ave

Circle Tavern 18 Conti Pkwy

Culvers

7542 W Grand Ave

Donny G's

7308 W North Ave

Dunkin Donuts 7201 W Grand Ave

Eggsperience 16 Conti Pkwy

1742 N Harlem Ave 7428 W North Ave 7806 W North Ave 1702 N Harlem Ave

1621 Thatcher Ave 7446 W North Ave 7841 Grand Ave

Tacos 2 Go

The Barre Studio & Café

7434 W North Ave

12 W Conti Parkway

McDonalds

Tony D's

7217 W Grand Ave

7725 W Belmont Ave

New Star Restaurant

Trattoria Peppino's

7444 W North Ave

7440 W North Ave

Old World

Union Tap

7230 W North Ave

7707 Westwood #1A

Panera

Wing Stop

7400 North Ave

1740 N Harlem Ave

BARS

Celtic Corner

George’s

Phil’s Sports Bar

Circle Tavern

Green Star

Tiny Tap

Dugout

Hunters

Union Tap

On The Rocks

22 | 2024 EATS • A LOCAL DINING GUIDE

Trattoria Peppino 7440 W. North Ave

Taco Town

Massa Café

7500 W North Ave

Jim and Pete are no longer with us, rest their souls, but the quality of Italian food they envisioned serving when they opened in 1941 is still going strong. Owner Michael Bucchianeri says, “There’s simply too much tradition and history. Great people, great customers and friends that will keep Jim & Pete’s alive forever.”

#trattoria_peppino

“Down-to-earth,” and “neighborhood favorite” are the words you want to hear when you are hankering for a big, satisfying plate of pasta.

Pizzas don’t skimp on the toppings either.

Study the cocktail and a wine list until you find just what you are looking for. Peppino has an extensive menu that perks up your interest yet feels comfortable and filling.

FILE

Sandwich from Lea French.

Filling lunches that don’t empty your wallet Our readers suggest options under $10

COURTESY OF ALPINE FOOD SHOP

By Risé Sanders-Weir | Contributing Reporter

Sub at Alpine Food Shop.

F

inding a good, cheap lunch has never been harder. Restaurants face the same inflation pressures as the rest of us.

Luckily, our brain trust of people on social media helped us find some of the best deals in the area. Here are some ideas for the next time your stomach grumbles at noontime.

All clock in under $10.

SANDWICHES

Sandwiches are a reliable option. Alpine Food Shop, 7538 W. North Ave. in Elmwood Park, has a variety made to order.

Jerusalem Café, 1030 W. Lake St. in Oak Park, has both sandwiches and platters that limbo under $10. Sawmilly, 35 E. Burlington St. in Riverside, can fill you up on a budget too. You can imagine you are in Paris at Lea French Street Food, 106 N. Marion St. in Oak Park.

Continued on page 24

2024 EATS • A LOCAL DINING GUIDE | 23

Continued from page 23

BURGER AND FRIES

COURTESY OF MICKEY’S RIBS & GYROS

For some a burger and fries hits the spot for a cheap and filling midday meal. Mickey’s Ribs & Gyros, 525 N. Harlem Ave. in Oak Park, has got you covered. Michael’s Beef House, 6747 W. North Ave. in Oak Park, and Parky’s (with windows now fixed), 329 S. Harlem Ave. in Forest Park, are worthy options as well.

PIZZA

If a slice of pizza and a soda is a dream lunch for you, check out DiNico’s, 6627 W. Roosevelt Rd. in Berwyn or Cuzzo’s, 330 Madison St. in Oak Park. Both serve up large slices, ready to fold and go.

Mickey's burger and fries

COURTESY OF NORTH AVENUE FALAFEL

FALAFEL

If you are hankering for falafel and in Forest Park, Petra Falafel, 7314 Madison St., has got you covered.

So does North Avenue Falafel, 6814 W. North Ave. in Elmwood Park.

SALAD

How about a salad to keep you in trim? Maya Del Sol, 144 S. Oak Park Ave. in Oak Park, has got one that fits the bill. And Café Cubano, 113 N. Oak Park Ave. in Oak Park, has two. Hemmingway’s Bistro, 211 N. Oak Park Ave. in Oak Park, has a “petite” version that is on budget.

North Avenue Falafel

OTHER BITES

There are many other lunch specials around the area that tip the scale just above $10 but are still very good deals (I’m looking at you Sen Sushi, 814 S. Oak Park Ave. in Oak Park).

There are also many “bites” that might not tide you over until supper but deserve a mention. Two empanadas at Mulata, 136 N. Oak Park Ave. in Oak Park, stay under our budget. And a couple of sides from Passion Eats Express, 7103 W. North Ave. in Oak Park, will satisfy a soul food craving.

Enjoy!

COURTESY OF MULATA

Empanadas at Mulata 24 | 2024 EATS • A LOCAL DINING GUIDE

It’s always a party with S. Rosen’s Cocktail Breads!

Based here in Chicagoland, S. Rosen’s has been serving the area since 1909! Our selection of traditional rye breads, buns, and rolls have maintained the same great quality for over a century.

Our latest addition is our Tuscan Cocktail Bread, perfect for party fare and appetizers!

Look for it in your local grocery store.

Italian Mini Beefs on Tuscan Cocktail Ingredients Per App: ½ Slice of Deli Roast Beef (Italian seasoned is best) ½ Slice of Mozzarella cheese 3 Strips of roasted red peppers 1 Slice S.Rosen’s Tuscan cocktail bread Directions: Place ½ a slice of the roast beef on the Tuscan cocktail bread, top with the mozzarella cheese and roasted red peppers. Bake in the oven at 375 for 7-8 minutes, until the cheese is melty.

Serve immediately.

Find more recipes at SRosens.com

Buy one Cookie and a Milkshake and get a second milkshake and cookie for 1/2 off when you bring a friend (also applies if you bring more than 1 friend).

Friends must be present and must show coupon.

Valid starting Sept. 1 - October 31, 2024

7401 Madison St. • Forest Park • (708) 689-8029 www.twistedcookie.com

We solve the dreaded “What’s for dinner?” question

Let New Rose cook for you, with free delivery!

Every week, we make two soups (serves 2) and two entrees (serves 2, 4, or 6). Free delivery to Oak Park, River Forest, and Forest Park. Dietary restrictions welcome.

Chef/Owner Su Jang newrosecatering@gmail.com 708.261.6908 See our weekly menus, order, or cater your event at

newrosecatering.com

2024 EATS • A LOCAL DINING GUIDE | 25

IRISH TIMES

RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR

Irish Times in Brookfield

Dining Plan: Riverside and Brookfield Iconic spots with a modern twist

By RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR

C

Contributing Reporter

ome for the zoo, stay for the food in Brookfield.

In the cheeky words of “The Irish Pub Song” by The High Kings every town has (or deserves) an Irish pub. Well, Brookfield has a wonderful one, Irish Times at 8869 Burlington Ave. From the moment you lay eyes on the exterior you feel transported into a cozier, friendlier, more relaxing mindset. Inside there’s a bar

and menu to match. Fish and chips, corned beef in various forms and Shepherd’s pie come to the table to meet the cocktail, cider, beer or whiskey that you already have in hand. But you don’t have to stay in the traditional lane, there’s tacos, buffalo wings, fried pickles, and even a salad, if you insist.

Handcrafted barbeque is just down the street at Beach Ave BBQ, 3453 Grand Blvd.

Beef, pork and chicken get in-house treatment – dry rubbed and smoked for more than 12 hours over oak logs. Meats platter up beautifully on the combo BBQ meat

sampler. There are sandwiches, ribs, rib tips, sausage, and even BBQ nachos. And do your kids like ribs, but you don’t want to share your slab? There are kid-sized meals for them.

Over in Riverside, downtown is popping with new options and long-time favorites.

The Chew Chew, established in 1996, has become an icon at 33 E. Burlington St. In the evenings, this regular award winner is great for a date night, a celebratory moment, or just about anytime delicious food is on your mind. The menu

RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR

Beach Ave BBQ in Brookfield BEACH AVE BBQ

26 | 2024 EATS • A LOCAL DINING GUIDE

Ending Hunger THE CHEW CHEW

Thank you for remembering to donate...

RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR R

The Chew Chew in Riverside rotates to face each season’s freshest flavors. A featured appetizer is oysters, shucked to order. House specialty entrees include a smoked gouda alfredo pasta, steaks, and a variety of flatbreads.

La Barra, 2 E. Burlington St., covers a lot of bases. They have a patio, live music and a dedication to fresh ingredients with a modern take on Italian classics. Open in the evenings and also for lunch on the weekends, the menu spans pastas, salads, soups and many styles of pizzas. Crisp crusted ciabatta-dough pizzas are available in new and familiar flavors, such as cupping pepperoni with hot honey and margherita. Deep dish pizza comes in regular

More Info

Brookfield: irishtimespub.com beachavebbq.com

sharefoodsharelove.com

Riverside: thechewchew.com labarrariverside.com or “skinny” varieties. There’s even a Chicago-style thin crust like the tavern style that Pizza Hut just introduced to a national audience.

Leave room for a sweet treat while you are in downtown Riverside at London Ice Cream, La Ofrenda Market, Sawmilly or Aunt Diana’s Old Fashioned Fudge.

SWANSON’S IS A ONE-OF-A-KIND DELI, LUNCH SPOT, CATERER, AND CARRYOUT STORE SINCE 1965.

OUR SECOND LOCATION OPENED IN DOWNTOWN LA GRANGE AT 74 S. LA GRANGE ROAD IN JUNE 2023

OPEN MON - FRI 10:30 - 5:30 AND SAT 10-4

RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR

La Barra in Riverside

LA BARRA

WWW.SWANSONSDELI.COM FACEBOOK - SWANSON'S DELI LA GRANGE 708-497-3676 SWANSONSLAGRANGE@GMAIL.COM

2024 EATS • A LOCAL DINING GUIDE | 27

COME HOME TO DINNER

Chicagoland’s KLEANEST Weekly Meal Service Located right next door in La Grange

ONLINE ORDERING • PICK-UP • DELIVERY chefbeauskleankitchen.com

708.354.4844

Our meals are made from the highest quality ingredients, with no added preservatives. We use many organic ingredients & we never use modern American wheat or dairy from a bovine animal. We offer breakfast, snacks, soups, salads, entrees and of course our delicious gluten-free baked goods and pastas, in fact our lasagnas are legendary! Our menus change weekly, and we include many plant-based and vegetarian options along with pasture raised, 100% grassfed beef and wild-caught animal proteins. All meals are made fresh by Chef Beau and his professionally trained and educated chefs, catering to everyone who wants or needs to eat KLEAN!

28 | 2024 EATS • A LOCAL DINING GUIDE

MARCO’S KITCHEN

MARCO’S KITCHEN

Duck Breast

Marco's Kitchen

Range to La Grange for a change Many choices in a diverse dining scene RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR

French onion soup at Milkstop

By RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR

L RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR

Lilett Candies

Contributing Reporter

a Grange is a town that punches well above its weight in the sheer number of restaurants, as well as the variety and quality of those establishments. For a town of 16,000 it is remarkable that more than 50 restaurants can be found within its borders.

“We are centrally located with accessibility to the western suburbs,” said Cathy Domanico, executive director of the La Grange Business Association. “We have a very vibrant downtown with a lot of retail and it is very walkable.”

There are several dining districts. In the Westend you find treasures such as Milkstop Cafe, where a bowl of French onion soup is almost a meal unto itself.

Downtown proper is filled with boutiques, necessities (lawyers, accountants, fitness, etc.) and flavors. An afternoon affogato and a bite of famous toffee from Lilett Candies doesn’t disappoint. But nighttime is primetime for La Grange’s award-winning restaurants.

Marco’s Kitchen opened in March 2020. Grit and community support pulled them through the darkest days of the pandemic. Now, they are back to their original fine dining plan.

“We’re French, Italian, little bit of Asian, Middle Eastern, Spanish and Mexican. So all of those flavors go on to Continued on page 30

2024 EATS • A LOCAL DINING GUIDE | 29

RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR

GP ITALIANO

Neapolitan pizza

FOURTEENSIXTEEN

Alaskan Halibut GP ITALIANO

Continued from page 29

our menu to create our dishes,” said Marco Conte, chef and owner.

A crowd pleaser is roasted New Zealand lamb chops, encrusted with pistachios, served with a black garlic molasses. Another popular dish is duck breast and blackberry, sage reduction over pappardelle pasta.

In 2024 Marco’s Kitchen earned a DiRōNA award, given to exceptional restaurants in North and Central America and the Caribbean.

Patrons are front and center for another restaurant called fourteensixteen. This American “craft” restaurant relies on freedom for the staff to try new things, reinvent old dishes and strive for the out of the ordinary.

“We are blessed that diners are willing to come out and experiment,” said Bret

30 | 2024 EATS • A LOCAL DINING GUIDE

Bohning, chef and partner. “They are also honest when things don’t work. Customers feel ownership of the restaurant too. It’s a lovely back and forth.”

Each season drives the menu. This summer pan-seared gnocchi graces the menu with a supporting case of vegetables: broccolini and romanesco. All top a bed of cauliflower puree. Watermelon gazpacho is poured tableside, sparkling with ginger, cilantro and lime facets.

Modern, authentic Italian is the flavorprofile of the menu at GP Italiano.

“We say that everything goes on our plates would be something you’d find in Italy today. We’ve done our research,” according to chef and owner Joe Dellacroce.

His flour-covered apron attests to the hundreds of pounds of pasta he makes regularly. And speaking of flour, it is sourced from Italy, as well as the buffalo mozza-

More Info

milkstopcafe.com lilett.com

marcoskitchen.com 1416lagrange.com gpitaliano.com

rella which is flown in from there too. Even the cows are Italian, sort of. Beef comes from Piedmontese cattle (an Italian breed) raised in North Dakota.

All dishes are cooked in the restaurant’s wood-burning pizza oven. Even pasta dishes, such as chicken parmesan is nestled in cast iron and finished there. Their Neapolitanstyle pizza took some getting used to for patrons, but now it is a fan favorite.

La Grange dining scene is a knockout!

LA GRANGE Dining Guide

With over 30 restaurants, visit La Grange for a vibrant and diverse dining experience!

RESTAURANTS

Antonino’s Ristorante 701 W. Hillgrove Ave. Aodake Ramen 21 W. Calendar Ave. Barrel House Social 100 W. Burlington Ave. Billy Bricks 18 W. Harris Ave. Blackberry Market 36 S. La Grange Rd. Blueberry Hill 49 S. La Grange Rd. Casa Margarita 32 S. La Grange Rd. fourteensixteen 14 W. Calendar Ave. GP Italiano 1 S. La Grange Rd. Kama Bistro 9 S. La Grange Rd. La Grange Breakfast Cafe 24 W. Burlington Ave. Lucca’s Pizzeria & Ristorante 108 W. Burlington Ave. MAK’S House 46 S. La Grange Rd. mána 88 S. La Grange Rd. Marco’s Kitchen 26 S. La Grange Rd. Milk Money Brewing 75 S. La Grange Rd. Milkstop 700 W. Burlington Ave.

Nonna’s Good Life Pizza 40 S. La Grange Rd. The Original Pancake House 942 S. La Grange Rd. Palmer Place 56 S. La Grange Rd. Prasino 93 S. La Grange Rd. Q-BBQ 70 S. La Grange Rd. Santiago’s Mexican Restaurant 24 W. Calendar Ave. Shang Noodle 19 W. Calendar Ave. Steak + Vine 37 S. La Grange Rd. Sushi Ukai 120 W. Calendar Ave.

BAKERY / DELI

“The reason for writing the book is Parakkat’s belief that good ideas can go farther with a map to follow...Throughout the book, Parakkat explains how anyone can start a movement with no capital investment, using tools freely available to most people on the planet.”

- Risé Sanders-Weir, Wednesday Journal

The Takeout 25 Effect is an inspiring account of a community-driven initiative, with lasting impact. Formed in Chicago’s western suburbs during the global pandemic, Takeout 25 aimed to save local restaurants while maintaining public health. It demonstrates the power of community-centric movements

Balkan Bakery 541 S. La Grange Rd. Crumbl Cookies 1 N. La Grange Rd. Swanson’s Deli 74 S. La Grange Rd.

by illustrating the journey of Takeout 25

TREATS / TEAS & SMOOTHIES

difference in their community and beyond. In

TATES Old Fashioned Ice Cream Shop 25 S. Ashland Ave. The Upbeet Life 18 E. Burlington Ave. Uni Uni Bubble Tea 15 W. Harris Ave.

lgba.com/dining

through compelling personal narratives, expert insights, and actionable strategies. This book is not just a recounting of events; it is a call to action for anyone motivated to make a fact, it is a toolkit for social change.

The TAKEOUT 25 Effect

By Ravi Parakkat Available in print, e-book, and audiobook Locally: thepilebookstore.com Online: bookshop.org, Amazon, Barnes & Noble 2024 EATS • A LOCAL DINING GUIDE | 31

32 | 2024 EATS • A LOCAL DINING GUIDE

W

hen the thermometer rises ses you just gotta g is nice. The pool is a cool off. Air conditioning good option. But nothing g tastes better than e still plenty of warm a hand-held blast of cold. There are days ahead to enjoy what the area has to offer.

From tried-and-true to newcomers, rs, you don’t need to e. Let the pros reach travel far to discover a new favorite. into their freezers and pull out just the right amount of winter to caress your tongue and cool ool your core.

Use this map to locate them all. Then ride your bike awl! to a few of them. Make it a chill crawl!

By Risé Sanders-Weir Weir

4 10 9

ELMWOOD PARK 1

31

24

FOREST PARK

17

28

6 35

18

3022

8

13

12

27

26

15

7

OAK PARK

R RIVER 23 FO OREST

COOL TREAT

Navigating the heat with a

201 1 2 4

11

AUSTIN

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 5706 Cermak Rd., Cicero

Los Mangos

6808 W. North Ave, Chicago

Linda Michoacana

810 S Beloit Ave, Forest Park

Lil' Red Wagon Delicious Edibles

5 E. Burlington St., Riverside

La ofrenda market

6224 Cermak Rd., Berwyn

La Michoacana Prime

3748 Grand Boulevard, Brookfield

Daisy's Treats & Bakery

Sawmilly Sandwich Shoppe 35 E. Burlington St., Riverside

1111 Lake St., Oak Park

Tre Sorelle Ristorante by Mancini

133 N. Ridgeland Ave., Oak Park

Three Spoons Ice Cream

1600 S 61st Ave., Cicero

The Freeze

7347 Madison St, Forest Park

The Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor

6604 Roosevelt Rd., Oak Park

Sweet Monster

308 Madison St., Oak Park

Paletas/popsicle

26 27 28 29 30 31 32

Italian ice

Soft serve ice cream

Sticks and Cones

Smoothies/ sweet drinks

Shakes/sundaes

7901 Cermak Rd., North Riverside

Polar Bear

1100 Chicago Ave., Oak Park

Petersen's Ice Cream

259 Lake St., Oak Park

Pete's Fresh Market

5639 W Cermak Rd, Cicero

29

BERWYN

Scooped ice cream/ sorbet/nieves

16 2 19 25

RIVERSIDE

Paleteria Las Delicias De Michoacán

19 20 21 22 23 24 25 38 East Ave., Riverside

London Ice Cream Shop

BROOKFIELD

32

NORTH RIVERSIDE

5737 W Cermak Rd., Cicero

La Michoacana Original

6533 Cermak Rd., Berwyn

La Michoacana Classic

1600 Scoville Ave., Berwyn

La Michoacana Clasica

1600 S. 57th Ave, Cicero

La Michoacana 16

7500 W. North Ave., Elmwood Park

Johnnie's Beef

7361 W. North Ave., River Forest

Ice Ice Baby Cafe

901 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park

Hole In the Wall Custard & Yogurt Shoppe

1600 S. 61st Ave., Cicero

Freddy's Pizza

736 Lake St., Oak Park

Courageous Cones

717 Lake St., Oak Park

Candycopia

7512 W. North Ave., Elmwood Park

Burger MOOvment

128 N Oak Park Ave, Oak Park

Bricks Wood Fired Pizza - Oak Park

29 E. Burlington St, Riverside

Aunt Diana's Old Fashioned Fudge

2400 N. Harlem Ave, Elmwood Park

Angelo Caputo's Fresh Markets

CICERO

2024 EATS • A LOCAL DINING GUIDE | 33

La Parra Restaurant & Bar Amerikas Amerikas represents the very essence of American cuisine, a concept dedicated to blending its Latin roots with flavors from around the world creating uniques dishes

Enjoy our Filet Mignon served with grilled asparagus, mashed potatoes, finished with a red wine garlic sauce and our Frida cocktails

6710 Cermak Rd, Berwyn • laparrachicago.com

34 Lake St, Oak Park • amerikasrestaurant.com

The Coffee Shop We offer an inviting space for people to connect or disconnect over a good cup of coffee and a fresh, made-toorder Walking Waffle. We are The Coffee Shop Oak Park!

163 S Oak Park Ave, Oak Park • thecoffeeshopoakpark.com

Cordial Inn Cordial Inn Cheeseburgers go great with beer, seltzers, sodas, and all types of Mixed drinks. Tito’s cocktails are only $5 every Thursday!

9207 31st St, Brookfield • 708-485-9753

Blackout Baking Co. Sweet, salty, rich, and smooth. Indulge in the perfect bite from this woman-owned Oak Park bakery. Baked fresh using highquality ingredients and shipping nationwide.

210 S Marion Street, Oak Park • blackoutbakingco.com 34 | 2024 EATS • A LOCAL DINING GUIDE

ually as needed.

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Getting to know Jinny and New Star New Star Restaurant started over 60 year ago by the well-known Moy family. The Zhao family has been carrying the torch since 2014 with 2 the same honest and delicious Chinese food every day. They added Thai, sushi and gluten free 2 options always using the freshest ingredients!

e should always use proportions and be occupied by us elements.

What is your specialty?

We cover so many Asian dishes but our hibachi and sushi dishes are excellent! Our Thai noodles, Orange Chicken, Fried Rice and Eggrolls are dishes that our customers come back for.

OPEN

What inspired you to be an owner?

I was a waitress on a student visa and after years of working the owner offered me the opportunity to buy the business. In 2011 I sold Chitung in Evergreen Park. I stayed home but was bored. When I heard about the Moy family selling New Star I was intrigued. New Star turned out to be a great opportunity for me and now my son Frank and daughter CChinese hines • Thai • Japanese Cuisine• ThaiJane Chinese • Japanese Cuisine help me with the business so it’s been an e • Tha i incredible journey for all of us. I look forward • J apaSteak • Hibachi • Hibachi Steak House nese House to the future!

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bachi isine D AY S FREE S A7W t e PARKOPEN a DAYS A WEEK k Hou E E K OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK is your most popular dish?

ING ALL M se What AJOR• FREE PARKING Our Maki Sushi! We always use fresh salmon • FREE PARKING CRED in our dishes.

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7

708-4 708-453-8242 53-82708-453-8242 42 Hours:

There are several things! We always keep our place very clean. Our employees have worked here forever so they know our customers very Hours: well. We always get compliments on our take Mon.–Thurs. 11:30am–9:30pm, Mon.–Thurs.

11:30am–9:30pm, out&packaging as well as the toys we give out Fri. & Sat. 11:30am–10:30pm Fri. Sat. 11:30am–10:30pm Mon.– to children who visit and the umbrellas we ThuSunday 12:30pm - 9:30pm Sunday 12:30pm - 9:30pm Fri. & rs. 11:30am pass out when people are waiting outside.

Sat. 1 –9:30p 7444 1 :3 m These gestures go a long way. Hospitality is 0 S a , unda• Elmwood m–10:3 North7444 North Avenue Park y 12:3North 7444 Avenue • Elmwood 0pm everything. Park We aim to please our customers!

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08-45 FAX 708-453-3044 enue - 9:30 • NewStarRestaurant.com p•m • Elm 3-304 FAX 708-453-3044 NewStarRestaurant.com wood 4 • Ne Park wStar Resta 2024 EATS • A LOCAL DINING GUIDE | 35 urant .com

Cajun pasta with salmon at Shake A Leg.

By RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR

T TNT ROOFTOP

Signature drink at TNT Rooftop.

36 | 2024 EATS • A LOCAL DINING GUIDE

Contributing Reporter

here are many kitchen gems around the West Side of Chicago. The restaurant scene has many old faithfuls and some new entries.

TNT Rooftop at 5405 W. Madison St. opened less than a year ago. Owners Anthony and Taneka Anderson are bringing fine dining to the area.

Custom cocktails from the full bar kick off a meal seated either inside or on the Miami-style rooftop. A wide menu fires up a fine-dining experience with the addition of lamb, seafood and many vegan options. And to make a night out even more relaxing the restaurant offers car service to and from your location for an additional fee.

The Black Foodies, Dino and

Coretta Dean, are on a mission to support and amplify Black-owned businesses. Their social media posts span the globe, but one of their most recent finds is a new spot along Division Street called Shake A Leg. If jerk chicken, shrimp or lamb sound good, Shake A Leg at 5512 W. Division St. is for you. The restaurant recently celebrated its one-year anniversary. Order at the counter for eat-in or takeaway. The dining room has a classy, yet comfortable feel and there’s also seating at the fully stocked bar.

Cajun flavors and traditional soul food sides round out the menu and can be paired with catfish, pasta and salmon entrée options. Weekly specials come with their own signature cocktails.

An Obama Philly Cheesesteak (chicken and steak) and jerk chicken eggrolls

RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR

Flavors of the West Side

RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR

Jay’s Backyard BBQ eggrolls.

are specialties at Jay’s Backyard BBQ, 5604 W. Division St. Jerk spices also flavor tacos, gyros, Philly sandwiches and even salads and fries. Owner Jay Young opened the place in 2015 and it is still going strong. The restaurant takes orders at the inside window and is takeout only.

Uncle Remus’s saucy fried chicken has stood the test of time. The restaurant at 5611 W. Madison St. is one of several Chicago locations. Established by Gus and Mary Rickette as G & G Chicken Shack, they later expanded and changed the name to Royal Chicken. During the 1968 riots along Madison Street two of their three stores burned down. As the Rickettes rebuilt, they wanted a new sign.

As the story goes, the sign shop had one that hadn’t been picked up. It said, “Uncle Remus” and the rest is history… delicious chicken history.

No overview of dining on the West Side would be complete without mentioning a mainstay at 5412 W. Madison St., MacArthur’s Restaurant. It’s been serving up soul and comfort food since 1997 and has become a hot spot for political and community activity. And speaking of Obama, in his book The Audacity of Hope he gives this endorsement, “One of my favorite restaurants in Chicago is a place called MacArthur’s … plates filled with fried chicken, catfish, hoppin’ John, collard greens, meatloaf, cornbread, and other soul-food standards.”

Venture out! And bite into flavors served up by your neighbors.

Serving the community for 29 years!

More Info

instagram.com/tnt_rooftopchgo

facebook.com/SHAKEALEG5512 facebook.com/jaysbackyardbbq uncleremususa.com

macarthursrestaurant.com

1031 Lake Street, Oak Park (708) 445-9032 | khyberpassrestaurant.com 2024 EATS • A LOCAL DINING GUIDE | 37

Donny G’s Ristorante At Donny G’s Ristorante and Bar we refuse to compromise on quality. From appetizers to pasta and desserts we are your source for the best Italian food!

7308 W North Ave, Elmwood Park • donnygs.com

Jerusalem Cafe Our combination feast includes two pieces of beef shish kabob, two pieces of kifta which is ground beef and lamb patties, a portion of chicken shawarma, a scoop of sautéed vegetable, rice, one falafel, pita bread and a 2 oz cup of hummus for only $14.99.

1030 Lake St, Oak Park • jerusalemcafe-oakpark.com

Silverland Bakery Since 1983 baking decadent brownies, bars and cookies.

Order a custom party platter for all your special occasions.

Vegan and gluten free options also.

439 Des Plaines Ave, Forest Park • silverlandbakery.com

Takeout 25 Ask for Takeout 25 boxed water at your local grocery stores, gyms and restaurants. Replace Plastic water. Scan the QR code on the box using your phone camera to access local dining specials. Promote your favorite restaurants.

Cafe Cubano Join Cafe Cubano for authentic Cuban food.

113 N Oak Park Ave, Oak Park • cafecubanochicago.com

38 | 2024 EATS • A LOCAL DINING GUIDE

takeout25.org

sponsored content

Culture, taste blend at Anfora Wine Merchants

A

nfora Wine Merchants, 128 S. Marion St., is a combination retail shop enoteca (wine library), named after a two handled terracotta vessel used in Ancient Rome to store or transport wine.

more indigenous grape varieties spanning well beyond the more wellknown international varietals.

A welcoming retail space engages customers upon entry, floral murals cover walls and terracotta pendant fixtures hang from the ceiling.

Since opening three years ago, the Pleasant District storefront Wooden shelves house has become a regional bottles of wine and a wine destination and ANFORA WINE MERCHANTS set of double doors give captured national way to a cozy room with attention because of a counter suitable for press received from the James Beard hosting small classes and enjoying a award winning drinks publication, glass with friends.

Punch. In 2024, Anfora was nominated Anfora’s knowledgeable staff strive

by USA Today 10Best Reader’s Choice to make the shop a festive gathering Awards in the Best Wine Shop Catespace where people come to select a gory and placed third in the national bottle to open at home or enjoy a botline-up. tle of wine onsite with friends.

“Our approach to wine at Anfora is Anfora has a dynamic wine by the not how a standard sommelier would glass list, but Weisell is quick to point approach it,” said Adrian Weisell, out the entire shop is available to be co-owner of Anfora Wine Merchants enjoyed for a modest corkage.

“Wine is about more than taste to us.

We look at wine drinking through a cultural and historical lens.”

The Marion Street shop honors and celebrates, particularly, but not exclusively, Italian wines; a country with

The shelves are a retail wine list filled with unique offerings, where you’ll find bottles for the everyday, celebration, or collection.

Anfora is building a deeper sense of community through its wine club, annual store membership, and Sunday tastings.

Between their monthly wine club, and the annual store membership, the shop welcomes hundreds of local wine-lovers each month to pick up their curated collections, or to an exclusive monthly wine tasting for annual store members. Approximately twice a month Anfora hosts $5 Sunday afternoon casual tastings, which are open to the public to taste through five wines the proprietors love right now.

The best way to learn about Anfora’s events is to sign up for its email list (anforawinemerchants.com), or to stop into the shop and check out the monthly calendar.

Anfora Wine Merchants is a social destination where people embrace the thoughtful approach the entire staff takes to curate a wine tasting experience no matter if it is a private event or casual outing with friends.

Anfora Wine Merchants Anforawinemerchants.com 128 S. Marion St., Oak Park 708-613-5388

2024 EATS • A LOCAL DINING GUIDE | 39

DINE

American •BIZZY BEES CATERING •CHARLIE’S RESTAURANT

F O R E S T P A R K •CHUBBY’S HOT CHICKEN

•ELBA’S GOLDEN STEER STEAKHOUSE •FATDUCK TAVERN & GRILL •GOLDYBURGERS

40+ DINING OPTIONS AT THESE & MORE RESTAURANTS! EXPLOREFORESTPARK.COM

•HARVEST 365 FRESH GRILL •JUNCTION DINER •LOUIE’S GRILL •MADISON PARK KITCHEN •MCGAFFER’S •OLD SCHOOL TAVERN & GRILL •O’SULLIVAN’S PUBLIC HOUSE •PARKY’S HOT DOGS •RHYTHM & BLUES CAFE •SCRATCH PUBLIC HOUSE •SHANAHAN’S •STARSHIP RESTAURANT & CATERING •SUB TENDER

Chinese/Med/Thai

•CHINA DRAGON 2 •HABRAE THAI CAFE •PETRA FALAFEL •YUM THAI •WHITE CRANE CREATIVE THAI & SUSHI

Italian

•CAFFE DELUCA •JIMMY’S PLACE •PIACERE MIO

Mexican

•CASA HUMILDE CERVECERIA •CACTUS GRILL •CHIRRION MEXICAN GRILL •DI’VINO •MACHO’S MEXICAN GRILL •MEXICAN REPUBLIC •NREBOZO •TACABRON

Coffee&Sweets

•FOREST PARK BAKERY

•KRIBI COFFEE •SILVERLAND BAKERY •THE BROWN COW ICE CREAM PARLOR •TWISTED COOKIE

40 | 2024 EATS • A LOCAL DINING GUIDE

Encore!

by Liile Gem

Zemi Coffee Cart owner Dominique Betancourt serving a customer.

Redefining

COFFEE TO GO

PHOTOS BY RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR

By Risé Sanders-Weir

Contributing Reporter

C

affeine was never so convenient.

Three mobile coffee vendors ply the area’s sidewalks, parks, parking spaces and block parties.

Spoke Cafe was a step up from the lemonade stands of Alec Olson’s youth.

Four years ago, he noticed the popularity of nitro cold brew coffee at his dad’s office. His parents are his partners, but he does the brewing and selling. The OPRF high school junior often gets up at 4:30 a.m. to prep.

The beans for his exclusive Bicycle Blend Coffee are roasted at Whirlwind Coffee on Madison Street. And Olson sells bean subscriptions, donating 20% from each bag sold to Beyond Hunger.

The pedal-powered cart was crafted by the Oregon-based Icicle Tricycle company. It has two taps: one for coffee and the other for root beer. In the warmer months, Olson brings ice cream along to make coffee and root beer floats.

Olson will ride the bike up to 15 miles on weekends moving from block party to block party. He also stops at Dominican University’s Wednesday concert series.

For booked events further away, Olson wheels the cart into his family’s van for quicker transit.

“I am not going to college on Spoke money,” Olson said, “As an employee I do pretty well. As an investor, we’re almost there. We should get the cart paid off this summer. But I am for sure having a lot of fun.”

Zemi Coffee Cart is owned and operated by Dominique Betancourt. In 2023 she started making coffee in her garage for neighbors. Her idea was to bring the culture and coffee of Puerto Rico to the area. With a generational connection to the island, Betancourt searched for her ideal coffee bean sourced on the island.

She taste-tested 25 farms before she found the one she wanted.

Her next step was to invest in a cart that could move the coffee around. She

Spoke Cafe-owner Alec Olson

Continued on page 42

2024 EATS • A LOCAL DINING GUIDE | 41

The 22 Coffee Buggy...bringing Italian coffee to Oak Park!

My specialty is Italian Coffee Lavazza - Oak Park’s favorite coffee!

The Buggy is now going into its second year! It became a staple at the farmer’s market, Ridgeland L stop, and Lake Street at the Library. The ‘Cafe Bliss’ is the signature drink, made of whipped espresso over ice cold whole milk.

I personally have lived in Oak Park for 25 years, with 3 kids, one left at the high school. Love this little town!

-Belinda Carucci, owner

Keep up with The 22 Coffee Buggy! @the22coffeebuggy the22coffeebuzz@gmail.com the22coffeebuggy.com

News you can SCOOP! Scoop more EATS at OakPark.com

Support EATS! with a gift to Growing Community Media Partner with us.

Give at GrowingCommunityMedia.org

Growing Community Media NFP is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization

42 | 2024 EATS • A LOCAL DINING GUIDE

RISÉ SANDERS-WEIR

22 Coffee Buggy owner Belinda Carucci (right) Continued from page 41

sourced the electric assisted bike-cart combo from a company in California called Ferla.

Zemi’s specialty is, “a Latin cafe con leche. So, basically steamed milk and I put a little different spin on it with the skadoosh of vanilla,” Betancourt said. She also serves a range of drip and espresso drinks, as well as coco rico (hot chocolate) for the kids and kids-atheart. A range of milk options and other cold drinks are on the cart as well.

Zemi Coffee Cart can be found Monday-Friday on East Avenue

by Rehm Park and on the weekends at block parties and other events. The cart can be booked for events on her website.

The 22 Coffee Buggy can be found at the Oak Park Farmer’s Market on Saturdays and makes regular stops during the week at the main branch of the Oak Park Public Library and the Green Line stop at Ridgeland Avenue.

Owner Belinda Carucci had a shop in the city but shut it down during Covid. While visiting her son, who was studying abroad in Italy, inspiration struck. “Their coffee bars, I

loved the way they were doing it. It’s a culture.” she said.

Back in town she started planning. First was to be sure that the village would license a cart like hers. Then she found the trailer she wanted, which was built overseas though she did the interior design herself.

The business was ready to roll on Memorial Day 2023.

Stocked with Italian Lavazza brand coffee, Carucci serves a variety of espresso drinks, with decaf and milk options.

A specialty is the Sweet Mary: condensed milk, steamed milk and espresso. For non-coffee drinkers there is cioccolato (hot chocolate) and a select variety of canned beverages.

Carucci says the nicest thing is when, “a whole group of people are drinking coffee and chatting. It’s just the best. Coffee and community go together.”

More Info the22coffeebuggy.com spoke.cafe zemicoffeecart.com

Located in River Forest, IL, Hub Kitchen is a shared commercial kitchen that provides a professional and affordable space for food-based businesses.

Whether you are a caterer, baker, or packaged good provider, you can benefit from Hub Kitchen’s fully-equipped facilities, flexible rental plans, and free consultative services from seasoned business owners who are invested in helping you grow your business.

WE SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING BUSINESSES. PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THEIR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES:

New Rose Catering

Meal Delivery and Catering

Celebrations by Us Catering

Something’s Cooking Catering

Jilly’s Jerky

Gourmet Beef Jerky

Lil’ Greek Kitchen Catering

Corporate Catering

Spoke Cafe

Mobile Coffee and Root Beer Cart

Sweet D'Lush Crepe Cart

Good Omen Gyoza Fresh Dumplings

Rites of Wellness Herbal Remedies

HUB KITCHEN 7225 W NORTH AVENUE, RIVER FOREST, ILLINOIS 60305 IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO EXPAND YOU CULINARY BUSINESS, CONTACT US: 773) 818-1127 MISTY@HUBKITCHEN.COM

2024 EATS • A LOCAL DINING GUIDE | 43

Owner operators Francisco Perez and Chef Jose Marquez

Piacere Mio 7636 Madison Street Forest Park, IL 60130 (708) 366 4010 piaceremiorestaurant.com 44 | 2024 EATS • A LOCAL DINING GUIDE

Mention this ad and

receive 1 off $

our freshly roasted drip coffee or made to order walking waffle!

The Coffee Shop Oak Park 708-655-3878 • info@thecoffeeshopoakpark.com • thecoffeeshopoakpark.com

163 S. Oak Park Ave • Oak Park 2024 EATS • A LOCAL DINING GUIDE | 45

How Q makes its pulled pork sandwich 1

2

3

The pulled pork sandwich process begins with rubbing down the pork shoulder with Q-BBQ’s Memphis rub. It then marinades for five to eight hours.

Before marination, criss-cross cuts are made into the pork so flavors can be absorbed deep in the meat.

After smoking for about 16 hours in their in-house smoker, the pork is ready to be pulled apart.

During the “pulling” in the process of making pulled pork, the pork shoulder bone glides out of the smoked meat - a sign it’s been properly smoked. The meat is then mixed together by hand, combining the leaner and fattier portions into one mix of tender, shredded pork.

4

PHOTOS BY SAM TUCKER 46 | 2024 EATS • A LOCAL DINING GUIDE

The “Q-style” pulled pork sandwich, It takes time, that’s for sure emulating the South Carolina style, has

By SAM TUCKER

Contributing Reporter

Q

-BBQ serves up infamous American barbeque styles from Texas to South Carolina. One of their signature menu items, the pulled pork sandwich, is their take on the classic BBQ staple.

Q-BBQ is a small independent Chicagoland barbecue restaurant with three locations: La Grange, Naperville and Oak Park. Their Oak Park location, at 124 N. Marion St., has been in business since 2016.

On the menu, American barbeque styles like Memphis ribs, Texas brisket, and Carolina pulled pork are offered in all of their marinated and smoked styles.

Ian Thompson, regional operations manager, said Q-BBQ “mirrors the styles” of traditional barbecue.

“I would say when it comes to us, we do our best to stay ‘true and blue’ by the regions that we pull from,” Thompson said.

Thompson said since they are a Midwest-based restaurant, they try to give patrons options in the sauces and styles and educate them on what their menu entails. However, the root of their menu lies in popular traditional Southern barbeque.

a combination of coleslaw, pulled pork and smoked gouda cheese. It’s one of the restaurant’s personal and fan-favorites on the menu, Thompson said.

The pork is rubbed down with their Memphis rub and then marinades for five to eight hours. The pork, still on the shoulder bone, is then placed in their smoker, where it smokes overnight for usually 16 hours.

Once removed from the smoker, the morning after, the pork is “pulled”; sifted through for bones, and the lean and fattier pieces are mixed together by hand into a shredded, melt-in-yourmouth mix.

A toasted brioche bun, a slice of smoked gouda cheese, and a helping of coleslaw tops off the simple yet classic sandwich.

“You’re gonna get creamy from the gouda and the slaw. You get a little more sweet from the slaw, and a little acidity.

So it just adds more depth. If you’re going to add a barbecue sauce on it; for our patrons, Memphis is very popular,” said Thompson, “but for me, I’m all about the vinegar.”

Q-BBQ

q-bbq.com/story-charities/ 124 N. Marion St Hours: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Served in the “Q-style”, the pork is placed on a brioche bun with smoked gouda cheese and topped with coleslaw. Q-BBQ leaves the sauce selection for its customers’ taste buds to decide.

5

Advertiser & Restaurant Index Alpha Baking Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 8424 47th St, Lyons (773) 797-3355 alphabaking.com Amerikas Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . inside front cover, 34 734 Lake St, Oak Park (708) 613-4254 amerikasrestaurant.com Anfora Wine Merchants . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 128 S. Marion St, Oak Park (708) 613-5388 anforawinemerchants.com Blackout Baking Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 210 S. Marion St, Oak Park (708) 948-7405 blackoutbakingco.com Byline Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .back cover 1001 Lake St, Oak Park (708) 660-1000 bylinebank.com Cafe Cubano . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 113 N Oak Park Ave, Oak Park (708) 456-6100 cafecubanochicago.com Caffe De Luca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 7427 Madison St, Forest Park (708) 366-9200 caffedeluca.com Chef Beau’s Klean Kitchen . . . . . . . . . . . .28 26 Calendar Ave, La Grange (708) 354-4844 chefbeauskleankitchen.com Ciro Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 1048 Pleasant St, Oak Park (312) 899-6059 cirooakpark.com

Cordial Inn Bar & Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 9207 31st St, Brookfield (708) 485-9753

K’s Kreations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 (708) 217-3660 kkreationsfood@gmail.com

Cucina Paradiso . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 814 North Blvd, Oak Park (708) 848-3434 cucinaoakpark.com

Kettlestrings Tavern . . . .inside back cover 800 S. Oak Park, Oak Park (708) 613-5044 kettlestringstavern.com

Donny G’s Ristorante . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 7308 West North Ave, Elmwood Park (708) 456-3644 donnygs.com

Khyber Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 1031 Lake St, Oak Park (708) 445-9032 khyberpassrestaurant.com

Egg Harbor Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 1111 South Blvd, Oak Park (872) 215-3600 eggharborcafe.com

Kinslahger Brewing Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 6806 Roosevelt Road, Oak Park (844) 552-4437 kinslahger.com

Forest Park Chamber of Commerce . . . .40 PO Box 617, Forest Park (708) 366-2543 exploreforestpark.com

La Grange Business Association . . . . . . .31 26 S. La Grange Road, La Grange (708) 582-6510 lgba.com

George’s Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 145 S. Oak Park Ave, Oak Park (708) 848-4949

La Parra Restaurant & Bar . . . . . . . . . . . .34 6710 Cermak Road, Berwyn (708) 317-5339 laparrachicago.com

Hemmingway’s Bistro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 211 N Oak Park Ave, Oak Park (708) 524-0806 hemmingways-bistro.com Hub Kitchen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 7225 W North Ave, River Forest (773) 818-1127 hubkitchen.com Jerusalem Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 1030 Lake Street, Oak Park (708) 848-7734 jerusalemcafe-oakpark.com

Maya del Sol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 144 S Oak Park Ave, Oak Park (708) 358-9800 mayadelsol.com Mickey’s Gyros & Ribs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 525 N Harlem Ave, Oak Park (708) 848-3333 New Rose Catering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 7225 W. North Ave, River Forest (708) 261-6908 newrosecatering.com

2024 EATS • A LOCAL DINING GUIDE | 47

Advertiser & Restaurant Index New Star Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 7444 W. North Ave, Elmwood Park (708) 453-8242 newstarrestaurant.com

Share Food Share Love Food Pantry . . . .27 9030 Brookfield Ave, Brookfield (630) 347-5390 sharefoodsharelove.com

The Coffee Shop Oak Park . . . . . . . . . . . .45 163 S. Oak Park Ave, Oak Park (708) 665-3878 thecoffeeshopoakpark.com

N Rebozo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 7403 Madison St, Forest Park (708) 445-0370 newrebozos.com

Silverland Bakery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 439 Des Plaines Ave, Forest Park (708) 488-0800 silverlandbakery.com

The Little Gem Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 189 N. Marion St, Oak Park (708) 613-5491 thelittlegemcafe.com

O’Sullivan’s Public House . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 7244 Madison St, Forest Park (708) 366-6667 osullivansfp.com

Suga Bakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Bellwood, Illinois 630-886-2525 sugabakers.com

Twisted Cookie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 7401 Madison St, Forest Park (708) 689-8029 twistedcookie.com

Piacere Mio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 7636 Madison St, Forest Park (708) 366-4010 piaceremiorestaurant.com

Swanson’s Deli . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 74 S. La Grange Road, La Grange (708) 497-3676 swansonsdeli.com

Victory Italian Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . .12 100 S Marion St, Oak Park (708) 434-5766 victoryitalian.com

Publican Quality Bread . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 211 Harrison St, Oak Park (312) 736-1981 publicanqualitybread.com

Takeout 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 31, 38 takeout25.org

Village of Elmwood Park . . . . . . . . . .20-22 11 Conti Parkway, Elmwood Park elmwoodpark.org

Salerno’s Pizza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 7128 Roosevelt Rd, Oak Park (708) 383-1500 salernospizza.com

The 22 Coffee Buggy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 the22coffeebuzz@gmail.com the22coffeebuggy.com

2024

48 | 2024 EATS • A LOCAL DINING GUIDE

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kettlestringstavern.com kettlestringstavern.com

Kettlestrings Group Kettlestrings Restaurant Restaurant Group Keeping Local!

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Committed to Oak Park and River Forest.

Left to right: Denise Warren, Oak Park Branch Manager; Susie Goldschmidt, Oak Park River Forest Market President; Michael Starrick, River Forest Branch Manager

Whether you’re seeing a movie at the Lake Theatre or strolling through Austin Gardens, we think you should be able to get all of your banking done in your neighborhood… with people who love the area as much as you do. Byline is privileged to be a part of the Oak Park and River Forest community, and we are proud to partner with local nonprofits like Beyond Hunger and sponsor local events like Thursday Night Out in downtown Oak Park.

To learn more about our commitment to Oak Park and River Forest, visit bylinebank.com/oprf

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