Z-Oak Brook
Brightly Shining: Diwali reminds us to be a light to darkness
By Maureen Callahan As the leaves turn, thousands of families in the western suburbs celebrate a five-day festival every fall. Diwali, the festival of lights, may encompass diverse traditions and customs by celebrants, but there are a few common themes. Curious about this festival? Read on for some answers to some common questions about this…
Read MoreSnapshot: Vasili’s
VASILISMEDITERRANEAN.COM 135 WATER STREET DOWNTOWN NAPERVILLE Authentic. This word aptly describes Scott Harris Hospitality’s Vasili’s Mediterranean restaurant, nestled in Naperville’s downtown riverwalk. Named after the father-in-law of the renowned restauranteur Scott Harris (Papou is Greek for grandfather), the restaurant pays homage to the warmth and charm of Papou, whose legacy inspires Vasili’s hearth-fired Mediterranean fare.…
Read MoreNeat Kitchen and Bar
neatkitchenandbar.com 246 North Cass Avenue downtown Westmont Lifelong friends John Taylor and Matt Verde, owners of Neat Kitchen and Bar in Westmont, met in sixth grade at Immaculate Conception Grade School in Elmhurst. After graduating together from high school, their careers took them separate ways, but both pursued careers in the restaurant industry. Between John’s…
Read MoreTaurasi
taurasirestaurant.com 14 North Cass Avenue downtown Westmont Raffaele Cirillo, the owner of Taurasi, was born in Gragnano, Italy – two miles from the Sorrento coast – into an entrepreneurial family with a passion for hospitality and cooking. Born into the hospitality business, his father began Raffaele’s cooking lessons at the age of nine and declared,…
Read MoreFood & Wine: The Perfect Pair
BY VALERIE HARDY Spring is in the air, and it is time to shift from comfort foods to lighter fare. Give this guide a glance to find the best fork + cork combos. Scott Harris Hospitality’s Davanti Enoteca’s Wine Expert, Kristen Jackson, shares the best wines to pair with some favorite dishes.
Read MoreDishing Out
Inside Chef Beau’s Klean Kitchen By Abbey Hayes Chef Beau’s Klean Kitchen offers a weekly meal service unlike any other. The emphasis isn’t solely on convenience, it’s also about how the food makes you feel. Chef Beau prepares meals with, allergy-friendly ingredients. Meals are also prepared without wheat (gluten) and American cow’s milk (lactose). Chef…
Read MoreBorn To Cook
Hyatt Lodge, Oak Brook Executive Chef, Joshua Karther By Larry Atseff The Hyatt Lodge, Oak Brook, is known for its beautiful setting. Now you are about to learn a little about Joshua Karther, Executive Chef. In his position, in a typical day, he has to make sure the cooks in the kitchen are efficiently, and…
Read MoreBon’ Appetit!
Celebrate Oak Brook as a dining mecca with ‘Restaurant Week’ April 22-30 By Larry Atseff For a town of less than 10,000 residents, Oak Brook has become very well known for its restaurants, even restaurant chain headquarters. And, we want to celebrate Restaurant Week, April 22-30, with you. How Oak Brook Became A Dining Mecca…
Read MoreHail to the Chef
Drake Oak Brook Hotel’s Executive Chef, Ezequiel Dominguez By Larry Atseff Some of the biggest names in dining are located in Oak Brook. Yet, one of the biggest, busiest, and best kitchens in Oak Brook isn’t even associated with those big names. The chef that runs the whole operation is very quiet and unassuming but…
Read MorePremium Cocktails Ready to Drink!
Community Rallies Behind Local Foundation By Emma Wolf Bar2Table Co-founders, Scott Allen and Charlton Gronlund, share their story of starting their own premium canned cocktail business and expanding it to be sold in stores and gaining a loyal following along the way. In 2017, Scott Allen and Charlton Gronlund set out to create the perfect…
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