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

"Dine With D.C." Week 4 Menu

Monday, May 11, 2009

The fourth and final "Dine With D.C." series is this Wednesday May 13th. Guests have been been floored by the culinary creations of Chef Jordan Sprtiz of Jordan's Food of Distinction. Please join us at the JFOFD for an intimate private dinner in Jordan's kitchen studio (1551 W. Thomas St). Only 20 guests allowed for the $65 per person dinner. The menu is below and includes unlimited cocktails and wine. Please RSVP to dc@efete.net to reserve a seat at the table. Please inform us if you have any food or allergy restrictions at the time of your RSVP.

Amuse
Butter Milk Poached White Asparagus with Aged Bresola and
Warm Organic B.B Santé Extra Virgin Olive Oil


1st Course
Creamy Velvet Heirloom Tomato – Fennel Bisque with
Marinated Grilled Romaine Hearts and Chive Scented Humboldt Fog Goats Cheese

2nd
Organic “Farmer Joe” Baby Watercress with Shallot Scented Roasted Garlic Cream and Slow Braised Easter Egg Radish – Soy Bean Sprout Salad

3rd
Shallow White Peach Cider Poahed European Turbot with
s & s Caramelized Bartle Pear Puree and Asiago “ Consommé”

4th
Handmade Hon ji Minji Ravioli with
Truffle Scented Wild Blue Trumpet - Oyster Mushroom Ragout and
Organic Caper – Citrus Raisin – Brown Butter Emulsion

5th
Assorted Tropical Fruit Gelato with
Organic Citrus - Blackberry Glee and Sweet Basil “Cappuccino”

Labels: chicago dining, chicago restaurants, dine with d.c., dinner parties, jordan spritz, jordan's food of distinction, pam spritz, private dining, upscale cuisine