"The Balcony" Opens in Hinsdale

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Some business people have the ingredients for success. They find something that works and try to duplicate it. Restaurateur Jerry Kleiner is a perfect example of opening several restaurants very similar in style and experiencing a level of success. His restaurants include Red Light, Carnival, Giocco, Marche and most recently 33 Club. Those venues are located in the city, but Kleiner has ventured out to Hinsdale to open Il Poggiolo and is making his mark in the burbs.

Il Poggiolo is located on the site of Hinsdale's first silent movie theater and means "The Balcony". The interior is typcial "Kleineresque", rich in colors including vibrant red upholstery. The atmosphere is warm, classy, casual and elegant. Big picture windows allow for a nice view of the outside. Like a lot Kleiner restaurants the food is solid. Nothing will really blow you away here, but dishes are nice, savory, and satisfying. Favorites to consider are the Arancini (rice balls filled with mushrooms and taleggio) and the Pesce Spada con Caponata (sword fish, vegetables, raisins, pine nuts, capers). The Lamb Shank special was good, but could have been a little more tender and their Risotto del Giorno with corn, leaks and mushrooms met, but didn't exceed expectations. The Pan Roasted Halibut and Pan Roasted Seabass rounded out other solid dishes. The Fig Tart dessert was something special and comes highly recommended by yours truly.

Il Poggiolo is a nice addition to downtown Hinsdale and should continue to provide Kleiner with a string of successful hot spots. The vibe and location could make it a fan favorite for the locals. Il Poggiolo is located at 8 East First Street in the historic Harold R Zook building. Log onto www.ilpoggiolohinsdale.com for more information. Check out Fete Select TV for more reviews on the newest and best restaurants in Chicago.

Labels: chicago dining, chicago restaurants, dc crenshaw, efete.net, fete select tv, hinsdale, il poggiolo, italian cuisine, jerry kleiner, suburbs

Yes...The Burbs Have Skills Too!

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Many city dwellers perceive Chicago's suburbs as being foreign, out of touch and not very cosmopolitan. The thought of driving 20 to 30 minutes to enjoy an evening out with friends or just a fabulous dinner is not the norm, since the city has so much of that kind of stuff to offer. Of course suburbanites beg the differ and their dining options continue to increase to include fabulous local restaurants with big city appeal. Glen Ellyn's Glen Prairie restaurant is one of those new upscale places that has both city folks and suburbanites raving.

Glen Prairie offers casual sophistication in a warm and comfortable atmosphere. The menu is contemporary American cuisine and their ingredients come from local contemporary American farmers. Starter dishes like "Grilled Sweet Corn and Tomato Bruschetta" and "Buttermilk Fried, Herb Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms" are straightforward and very tasty. The "Wisconsin Pike" and "Bison Ribeye" are entrees that were well prepared and very memorable. Other signature must haves are the "Miller Farms Seared Chicken" and the "Parpadelle Carbonara" served with "Caw Caw Creek proscuitto, slow roasted tomatoes and fresh herbs. Their side dishes are the perfect complement to any meal, but the "Mac N Local Farmed Cheese" is what foodies dream about. A variety of desserts plaster the menu, but their "mini" order option satisfies the sweet tooth with smaller tastings of at least six of their offerings, including the "Bing Cherry, Brioche Bread Pudding", "Strawberry, Peaches & Cream Trifle", and "Heavenly Brownie Sundae". The cocktail menu boasts a plethora of signature martinis and their wine list is solid and affordable. In-fact, expect to enjoy a very pleasant dinner in an upscale environment without breaking the bank.

Glen Prairie is connected to the Crowne Plaza Hotel at 1250 Roosevelt Rd, but this restaurant could just as well be connected to a Four Seasons. The service was great and the surroundings were elegant. It's about a 30-40 minute drive from the city, but the trip was well worth the trip. Glen Prairie serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers a gluten free menu. Click here for more information www.cpglenellyn.com.

Labels: chicago dining, chicago restaurants, crowne plaza hotel, dc crenshaw, fete select tv, fine dining, glen ellyn, glen prairie, local farmers, suburbs, upscale cuisine

Going Gourmet in the Burbs is AOK

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

There’s nothing like taking to the streets to find a new place that can tempt my taste buds with incredible food. Chicago offers a lot of hidden gems that don’t necessiarly make the popularity dining circuit, mostly due to location. I love to share my hidden gems with everyone, especially when it comes to food done right, regardless of location. Recently, I made a trek away from my normal dining circuit in the city and headed to the burbs to try a new food concept created by another foodie. I didn’t really know what to expect, but after I took my first bite I knew that the thirty minute Sunday ride was worth it.

The concept is prepared gourmet foods. The place is AOK Gourmet, a new caterer and gourmet food shop in Skokie, IL. Owner Andrew Kalish prides himself in providing the finest homemade foods using only the freshest ingredients. From gourmet sandwiches to herb marinated whole beef tenderloin, everything is made fresh right from their kitchen. I had the pleasure of establishing some of my favorites during my outing. The BBQ Chicken Panini and Mediterranean Chicken sandwiches were ridiculously good. I also enjoyed their Chicken Florentine wrap with a side of Cavatappi Pasta Salad. Some of the more popular side items are their Herb Garden Tuna Salad, Classic Chicken Salad and Rustic Roasted Sweet Potato Salad. For you vegetarians the homemade Veggie Burger and Israeli Couscous w/Veggies are very tasty as well.

AOK Gourmet prepared foods change daily for optimal freshness and they have quickly become the caterer of choice on the North Shore. However, corporations and and other folks in the city are calling on them more these days. AOK Gourmet caters breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner or simply call for take out or delivery. Not a bad idea for the upcoming holidays.

Visit AOK Gourmet at 4950 Dempster Street, Skokie, IL. (847) 329-3800. www.aokgourmet.com. For more info on the hottest new restaurants in the city check out Fete Select TV at www.efete.net.

Labels: andrew kalish, aok gourmet, brunch, catering, chicago dining, delivery, dinner, gourmet food, lunch, sandwiches, skokie il, suburbs