The Ultimate Curveball
Elmhurst vintage baseball game uses historic rules in annual city vs. university matchup By Anna Hughes | Photos Courtesy of Elmhurst History Museum At its founding, America’s favorite pastime looked quite different from the modern game fans know and love today. Baseball has captivated audiences since the 1840s—even though its early iterations followed a very…
Read MoreThe Community’s Cornerstone
Stone, storms, and the family legacy that shaped Elmhurst By Anna Hughes The 8,300-acre quarry that sits just south of North Ave. on Route 83 stands out against the surrounding suburban landscape. Although rarely open to the public, the historic Elmhurst Quarry has served the area for decades as the largest flood control facility in…
Read MoreCafé La Fortuna
At Café La Fortuna, every cup of coffee tells a story—one rooted in family, tradition, and a deep love for the craft. Owner Angela Lavelli has built more than a coffee shop in downtown Hinsdale; she’s created a space where generations of heritage and community come together over a shared love of exceptional coffee. Café…
Read MoreCOA
At COA, the food speaks first—bold, vibrant, and steeped in the flavors of Spain and Latin America. With every dish, Executive Chef Ezequiel Dominguez invites guests to explore rich culinary traditions reimagined through contemporary techniques. Day-to-day operations are expertly led by Chef de Cuisine Felipe De Santiago, ensuring a consistently elevated dining experience. While tapas…
Read MoreDavanti Enoteca
Scott Harris is a celebrated figure in the culinary world, known for his instinct-driven approach and deep passion for food and hospitality. His journey began in 1992 with the opening of Mia Francesca, a modest Italian trattoria in Chicago’s Lake View neighborhood. Built on a foundation of authentic cuisine, a welcoming atmosphere, and accessible pricing,…
Read MoreThe Foxtail
For Todd Davies and Tim Canning, owners of The Foxtail in Downers Grove, opening a restaurant was never just about food — it was about creating joy. “For us, it’s always been the passion for making people happy,” Davies says. “We love the immediate feedback we get when we put a meal in front of…
Read MoreLucca Osteria & Bar
Lucca Osteria & Bar, in the heart of Oak Brook, offers more than just a meal—it delivers a heartfelt Italian experience shaped by tradition, flavor, and genuine hospitality. With a spacious dining room, vibrant bar, and welcoming lounge, Lucca Osteria has quickly become a neighborhood favorite for rustic Northern Italian cuisine and elevated, yet approachable,…
Read MoreMinnie Bird
Minnie Bird—the crave-worthy chicken concept known for its playful throwback vibe and indulgent fast-casual food—is coming to Oak Brook. The expansion marks the brand’s second location, following its debut in Schaumburg in 2024, where it quickly earned a devoted following for its golden fried chicken tenders, saucy sandwiches, and nostalgic menu offerings that include free…
Read MorePage’s Restaurant
Page’s Restaurant in Hinsdale has long been a neighborhood favorite, but it entered a new era in 2014 when Cissy Rallo stepped in as owner. Originally purchased with her mother, the restaurant gradually became Cissy’s solo venture. Over the years, she’s brought her own warmth, style, and vision to the business—transforming it into something both…
Read MoreVistro Prime & Petite Vie
Hinsdale Magazine (HM): What inspired you to expand into catering, and how does it reflect your culinary philosophy? Paul Virant (Virant): I’ve always believed in celebrating the seasons, supporting local purveyors, and letting ingredients shine. Catering gives us the opportunity to bring that philosophy—developed through years at Vistro Prime and Vie—directly to guests in their…
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