Dining Around Town - by Gregg Pill
DECEMBER, 2016
After a flurry of restaurant openings and closings, things have settled down into a more reasonable pace…
Stepping Out
Urban Legend has changed its name to Myths and Legends. Seems a west coast winery had already taken the name some time ago. Everything else remains the same with the tap room open Tuesday through Sunday. Wednesday night features live entertainment and a food truck or two. Visit the only brewery in Westmont and try the sampler!
With the holidays coming, there are plenty of local options.
The Hilton at Oak Brook Hills will host Breakfast with Santa on Sunday, December 11th and Sunday, December 18th. Each breakfast will run from 10am to 1pm and includes a lavish buffet, photos with Santa, Christmas cookie decorating for the kids. Priced at $35 for adults and $14 for kids with under 5 free. Here’s all the info… http://www.oakbrookhillsresortchicago.com/dining/breakfast-with-santa.htm
Standard Market, Uncle Bub’s, Vincitori and J. Fleming’s Absolutely Delicious will all have their holiday catering menus ready to go. Contact them directly to place your orders and coordinate pick-up times.
The Hilton at Oak Brook Hills is setting the new standard for New Year’s Eve. The Las Vegas Rat Pack is Back Show will debut in the Hilton ballroom this coming New Year’s Eve. The couples’ package includes dinner, 4 hours of premium open bar, all the hats, horns and a champagne toast, the entire show and dancing plus overnight accommodations. Wake-up the next morning to the Hilton’s famous brunch. Couples package is priced at $495 and a VIP package is also available. Rumor has it ABC Channel 7 may do their live broadcast from here! Here’s the full info… http://www.oakbrookhillsresortchicago.com/new-year-s-eve/rat-pack-is-back.htm
Chef Bob Allerdo of Vincitori brings back the Dueling Pianos New Year’s Eve. Cover charge is $10 and most of the menu plus some great specials will be available. This one always sells out so reservations are a must! http://www.vincitori.com/entertainment.html
Grill 89 will be open Christmas Eve ‘til 9pm and host their full menu on New Year’s Eve beginning with brunch at 10am and ending with a champagne toast at midnight. They will also be open all day on New Year’s beginning with brunch at 10am!
Want something a bit quieter, try Amber Café. A special Chef’s menu will be unveiled in early December and reservations will be available for this fine dining and quieter option.
On New Year’s Day, Citrus Diner will open at 8am for those beginning their day, or finishing their night. Breakfast and lunch ‘til 1:30pm.
Up and Coming:
Pizza Bacci – A Taylor Street mainstay, Bacci will open up in the location formerly held by Pompei. Bacci will offer pizza and additional items still being decided. An end of the year opening is forecasted.
Anna’s Place has received the necessary approvals and has begun build out for a new restaurant and video gaming establishment on Ogden Ave, in the Pizza Hut strip mall just west of Cass Ave. While most video gaming places have no real kitchen and minimal menus, Anna’s, with an established location in Westchester, will have a full kitchen build out. Plans call for an opening prior to receiving the video license which will clearly emphasize the food.
Johnny’s Blitz – A new sports themed restaurant will open in downtown Westmont in the space formerly occupied by LaLaLi Patisserie. Menu plans call for gourmet burgers as well as several other options. With construction, expect an opening in late Spring.
Up and Running (last six months):
The B. – The more formal Windows restaurant at Oak Brook Hills (Hilton) has been tastefully redone, relocated and redecorated to more fully capture the panoramic views of the south facing multi floor windows. The views are spectacular and the restaurant features a lively cocktail area, coffee bar, Neapolitan style pizza oven and completely remastered menu by Executive Chef Sean Patrick Curry. Many of you tried their food at the Taste of Westmont and were rewarded with certificates for free pizzas or appetizers…great marketing move!
Partners in the Ditka Restaurant group opened two restaurants at 800 East Ogden Avenue in the St. James Crossing shopping center on Monday, May 23rd. Splitting the site of the former Jimmy’s Island Grill are two new concepts. Route 89 (Da Coaches old playing number) opened with a downsized Ditka’s themed menu with Da Coach adding his touches. Small plates for sharing (think appetizers) range from dips to deviled eggs to Da Coaches Pot Roast Nachos. Sandwiches, burgers and a Smokehouse section featuring meat products from Linz Heritage Angus. There will even be a few brunch items served from 10am on Saturdays and Sundays. The bar menu reflects the same level of creativity.
Separately, Cucinova features individually constructed pizza, pasta and salads. All are prepared with the freshest of ingredients, adding each as you walk down the line (similar to Chipotle). After finishing off your custom order, it’s brought to your table. Simple, quick and efficient!
Gone But Not Forgotten:
Pompei – With inconsistent service and food, Pompei closed their Westmont doors for good in late July. I’ll leave the questions and rumors regarding this property jinx to others….but I’ll always miss the Herb Chicken Ravioli and gelato!
Recently Reviewed (last six months):
Uncle Bub’s
Fall Beverages
Hanbun
B. at the Hilton Oak Brook Hills
Westmont Ice Cream Trail
Sushi House
J Fleming’s Absolutely Delicious
Taste of Westmont 2016
Citrus Diner
Taco Grill
Saffron Restaurant & Banquet
Amber Café
Yu’s Mandarin
Looking for more restaurant ideas, follow the #chitowndiner on Instagram.
After a flurry of restaurant openings and closings, things have settled down into a more reasonable pace…
Stepping Out
Urban Legend has changed its name to Myths and Legends. Seems a west coast winery had already taken the name some time ago. Everything else remains the same with the tap room open Tuesday through Sunday. Wednesday night features live entertainment and a food truck or two. Visit the only brewery in Westmont and try the sampler!
With the holidays coming, there are plenty of local options.
The Hilton at Oak Brook Hills will host Breakfast with Santa on Sunday, December 11th and Sunday, December 18th. Each breakfast will run from 10am to 1pm and includes a lavish buffet, photos with Santa, Christmas cookie decorating for the kids. Priced at $35 for adults and $14 for kids with under 5 free. Here’s all the info… http://www.oakbrookhillsresortchicago.com/dining/breakfast-with-santa.htm
Standard Market, Uncle Bub’s, Vincitori and J. Fleming’s Absolutely Delicious will all have their holiday catering menus ready to go. Contact them directly to place your orders and coordinate pick-up times.
The Hilton at Oak Brook Hills is setting the new standard for New Year’s Eve. The Las Vegas Rat Pack is Back Show will debut in the Hilton ballroom this coming New Year’s Eve. The couples’ package includes dinner, 4 hours of premium open bar, all the hats, horns and a champagne toast, the entire show and dancing plus overnight accommodations. Wake-up the next morning to the Hilton’s famous brunch. Couples package is priced at $495 and a VIP package is also available. Rumor has it ABC Channel 7 may do their live broadcast from here! Here’s the full info… http://www.oakbrookhillsresortchicago.com/new-year-s-eve/rat-pack-is-back.htm
Chef Bob Allerdo of Vincitori brings back the Dueling Pianos New Year’s Eve. Cover charge is $10 and most of the menu plus some great specials will be available. This one always sells out so reservations are a must! http://www.vincitori.com/entertainment.html
Grill 89 will be open Christmas Eve ‘til 9pm and host their full menu on New Year’s Eve beginning with brunch at 10am and ending with a champagne toast at midnight. They will also be open all day on New Year’s beginning with brunch at 10am!
Want something a bit quieter, try Amber Café. A special Chef’s menu will be unveiled in early December and reservations will be available for this fine dining and quieter option.
On New Year’s Day, Citrus Diner will open at 8am for those beginning their day, or finishing their night. Breakfast and lunch ‘til 1:30pm.
Up and Coming:
Pizza Bacci – A Taylor Street mainstay, Bacci will open up in the location formerly held by Pompei. Bacci will offer pizza and additional items still being decided. An end of the year opening is forecasted.
Anna’s Place has received the necessary approvals and has begun build out for a new restaurant and video gaming establishment on Ogden Ave, in the Pizza Hut strip mall just west of Cass Ave. While most video gaming places have no real kitchen and minimal menus, Anna’s, with an established location in Westchester, will have a full kitchen build out. Plans call for an opening prior to receiving the video license which will clearly emphasize the food.
Johnny’s Blitz – A new sports themed restaurant will open in downtown Westmont in the space formerly occupied by LaLaLi Patisserie. Menu plans call for gourmet burgers as well as several other options. With construction, expect an opening in late Spring.
Up and Running (last six months):
The B. – The more formal Windows restaurant at Oak Brook Hills (Hilton) has been tastefully redone, relocated and redecorated to more fully capture the panoramic views of the south facing multi floor windows. The views are spectacular and the restaurant features a lively cocktail area, coffee bar, Neapolitan style pizza oven and completely remastered menu by Executive Chef Sean Patrick Curry. Many of you tried their food at the Taste of Westmont and were rewarded with certificates for free pizzas or appetizers…great marketing move!
Partners in the Ditka Restaurant group opened two restaurants at 800 East Ogden Avenue in the St. James Crossing shopping center on Monday, May 23rd. Splitting the site of the former Jimmy’s Island Grill are two new concepts. Route 89 (Da Coaches old playing number) opened with a downsized Ditka’s themed menu with Da Coach adding his touches. Small plates for sharing (think appetizers) range from dips to deviled eggs to Da Coaches Pot Roast Nachos. Sandwiches, burgers and a Smokehouse section featuring meat products from Linz Heritage Angus. There will even be a few brunch items served from 10am on Saturdays and Sundays. The bar menu reflects the same level of creativity.
Separately, Cucinova features individually constructed pizza, pasta and salads. All are prepared with the freshest of ingredients, adding each as you walk down the line (similar to Chipotle). After finishing off your custom order, it’s brought to your table. Simple, quick and efficient!
Gone But Not Forgotten:
Pompei – With inconsistent service and food, Pompei closed their Westmont doors for good in late July. I’ll leave the questions and rumors regarding this property jinx to others….but I’ll always miss the Herb Chicken Ravioli and gelato!
Recently Reviewed (last six months):
Uncle Bub’s
Fall Beverages
Hanbun
B. at the Hilton Oak Brook Hills
Westmont Ice Cream Trail
Sushi House
J Fleming’s Absolutely Delicious
Taste of Westmont 2016
Citrus Diner
Taco Grill
Saffron Restaurant & Banquet
Amber Café
Yu’s Mandarin
Looking for more restaurant ideas, follow the #chitowndiner on Instagram.