Elm Leaves

The Local Dish: Golden Steer scores with retro fare

Thu, 23 May 2013 04:17:12 -0500

In 1997, Charlie Tzouras interviewed for a kitchen position at the Golden Steer Steakhouse and ended up buying the popular restaurant with his late cousin, Kiriakos Tzouras.

Festive brunches for celebrating Easter

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 07:50:01 -0500

The eggs are all hunted down, the family is gathered. It’s Easter, and it’s time to eat. A sumptuous brunch at a favorite restaurant is in order. We’ve collected a number of festive Easter Sunday brunches that would make fitting meal to crown the holiday.

The Local Dish: You won’t miss meat at Munch

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 11:02:00 -0500

Nothing breaks up a busy week better than sneaking off with a friend for a leisurely lunch in a comfortable restaurant. Last week, my friend suggested we catch up over lunch at Munch. Located in the heart of Oak Park, Munch celebrates all things vegan, vegetarian and gluten free.

Harwood Heights restaurant features home-cooked Polish food

Sun, 24 Feb 2013 20:45:42 -0500

HARWOOD HEIGHTS — Izabella Narlock would like those not familiar with Polish food to enjoy some home cooking. Narlock has owned Baltic Good Polish Food at 7352 W. Lawrence Ave. for three years.

Edzo’s declared Best Burger in Chicago by Zagat

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 12:48:08 -0500

It wasn’t a burger found in Chicago that was named one of the Best Burgers in 25 Cities according to Zagat. The best burger can actually be found in the suburbs.

The Local Dish: The Skrine family’s chops are tops

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 14:46:00 -0500

A self-described risk taker, Steve Skrine pulled up stakes at the Chicago Board of Trade after 22 years and invested in the power of pork. “My recipes usually start with me squatting in front of my refrigerator,” chuckles Skrine.

The Local Dish: Sunnyside up, Autre Monde now serving brunch

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 08:45:13 -0500

Berwyn’s culinary hot spot, Autre Monde, has been lauded with considerable accolades since opening in 2010, including three 2012 Jean Banchet Award nominations.

La Majada brand comes to River Forest

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 01:57:38 -0500

RIVER FOREST — When brothers Hector and Jesse Haggar opened their first Mexican restaurant in Oak Park 36 years ago, they started small. They took over a former hole-in-the wall, greasy spoon on Harrison Street at Harvey Avenue, with just six tables, Jesse Haggar said.

Allegretti’s serving four generations and counting

Sun, 16 Dec 2012 06:11:35 -0500

NORRIDGE — Allegretti’s Bakery still serves as a local hangout, even if those milling about sport a little gray in their hair. In addition to a half dozen people coming to pick up orders one weekday were a few people standing around drinking coffee and sharing stories.

A month-long party at Edelweiss

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 09:26:01 -0500

What began as a local wedding celebration for King Ludwig I in Bavaria in 1810, is today one of Germany’s — and the world’s — most famous events. Oktoberfest, which actually starts in September, is one of the world’s largest festivals, with more than 6 million people from around the world attending the 16-day event in Munich.

Jay’s Italian Beef keeps with tradition

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 06:59:10 -0500

HARWOOD HEIGHTS — Italian beef sandwiches reign supreme at one of Harwood Heights’ well-know haunts. Jay’s Italian Beef and Sausage has served its specialty for nearly 40 years, co-owner Jay Fortuna said.

Corgan’s Madame ZuZu’s makes long-awaited debut

Sun, 10 Feb 2013 09:35:49 -0500

HIGHLAND PARK — Ordinarily, the opening of a new teahouse wouldn’t generate much buzz beyond the proprietor’s friends, family and the local chamber. But as alt-rock fans across Chicagoland know by now, Madame ZuZu’s in Highland Park’s Ravinia business district is not a typical teahouse.

Billy Corgan wants his tea house steeped in the aura of salons past

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 07:56:00 -0500

THOMAS CONNER: Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan opens his Highland Park Madame Zuzu’s Tea House Thursday. It’s an idea he said he’s had for a decade, one that’s finally budding with the venture housed in a former post office storefront at 582 Roger Williams Ave. “I’ve never had coffee,” the rocker says. “I’ve always hated the smell,”

Meez Meals: Some assembly required

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 15:26:01 -0500

It’s always better to cook for yourself, said Jen Moore, a Chicago mom, wife and businesswoman. “When people cook for themselves at home, they know exactly how much oil or cheese they’re putting in, etc., and they can make adjustments and customize on the fly,” she said. That’s exactly what Moore sought to do with her Meez Meals, launched two years ago. A play on the French phrase “mise en place,” meaning “everything in place” (i.e., pre-cut and ready to use), Meez meals are reviewed by a recipe consultant, who is also a registered dietitian. Meals are all meatless, but …

Gaetano’s one of the area’s best Italian restaurants

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 15:28:00 -0500

Never trust an Italian restaurant with an autographed Frank Sinatra photo on the wall. Exhibit A: Forest Park’s Gaetano’s, a Sinatra-less, glossy picture-free dining room, and one of the best Italian restaurants at which I’ve ever eaten. I’m sure there’s a fairly good Sinatra photo-clad Italian dining room somewhere. But for most places, especially a red sauce joint built after, say, 1995, the presence of an Ol’ Blue Eyes photo probably only means the owner was crafty at swooping in with a last minute bid on eBay. And if the place is one of those historic joints with the dusty …

Off the vine and into the fry pan — fried green tomatoes

Wed, 15 Aug 2012 14:19:50 -0500

We all know a few green-thumbed folks —overall-clad bearers of hyper-local produce. These urban farmers will call you up begging to unload an overabundance of green beans flourishing in their vegetable patch. Or, they sheepishly deliver an armload of pristine baby beets they’ve grown themselves on their postage-stamp-sized lots. I relish in these personal produce deliveries. They can change a dinner menu in an instant. And what meal isn’t improved by a little decidedly local flavor? Last week my neighbor and reluctant, but undeniably successful, vegetable gardener gifted me several green tomatoes. I always try to bring out the best …