Dining Around Town - by Gregg Pill
AUGUST, 2016
After a flurry of restaurant openings and closings, things have settled down into a more reasonable pace…after Da Coach came to Westmont to officially open his new restaurants (see Up and Running).
Stepping Out
The expanded Westmont Street Fair & Car Show will close the season on Cass Avenue on Thursday, August 25th from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. Due to rain on the night of July 28th, Fire Truck night has been moved to this last evening. A highlight evening, Firetruck Night features new and vintage firetrucks from many surrounding communities and a great light and siren parade at dusk! With 3 blocks of activities to check out, it’s a great way to get in a little walking, listen to the live music, patronize our downtown restaurants or just enjoy a beer, soft drink or frozen yogurt as you view more than 200 vintage autos. Held every Thursday through August, a full schedule of exhibit themes is available at www.westmontevents.com.
First Annual Summer Games will take place at Urban Legend Brewing Company on Saturday and Sunday, August 27th and 28th. Designed for two-person teams, refer to http://www.urbanlegendbrewing.com/upcoming-events/ for further details.
The Westmont Chamber will host an Open House at the Urban Legend Brewing Company at 5:00pm on Wednesday, September 21st. All are invited with full information at http://www.westmontchamber.com/ . No charge and great networking!
The Chamber will also be hosting a Fall Progressive Dinner with dates and restaurant selections still to be determined. These are typically limited to 50 patrons with the event selling out.
The State of the Village address will be given by Mayor Gunter and his staff on Wednesday, October 12th. This behind the scenes look features updates from all major Village Departments and is open to all residents. It will convene at 8:00am with a continental breakfast the Hilton Oak Brook Hills.
Saturday, October 22nd is the date to put on the calendar for the Westmont Chamber’s Halloween Trick or Treat Trail in downtown Westmont on Cass Avenue. Along with the Trail will be the return of the Pumpkin Smashing Contest, the Stuff A Truck for People’s Resource Center and the newly created, Caskets on Cass coffin races!
Enjoy a bit of entertainment with your dinner, Vincitori Italian Restaurant features live entertainment on most Fridays and Saturdays and J. Flemings Absolutely Delicious does the same on most Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
The B. at the Hilton will have a large scale Thanksgiving special with details to be released around the end of September.
Up and Coming:
Anna’s Place has received the necessary approvals and has begun build out for a new restaurant and video gaming establishment on Ogden Ave, in the Pizza Hut strip mall just west of Cass Ave. While most video gaming places have no real kitchen and minimal menus, Anna’s with an established location in Westchester will have a full kitchen build out. Plans call for opening prior to receiving the video license which will clearly emphasize the food.
Up and Running (last six months):
The B. – The more formal Windows restaurant at Oak Brook Hills (Hilton) has been tastefully redone, relocated and redecorated to more fully capture the panoramic views of the south facing multi floor windows. The views are spectacular and the restaurant features a lively cocktail area, coffee bar, Neapolitan style pizza oven and completely remastered menu by Executive Chef Sean Patrick Curry. Many of you tried their food at the Taste of Westmont and were rewarded with certificates for free pizzas or appetizers…great marketing move!
Partners in the Ditka Restaurant group opened two restaurants at 800 East Ogden Avenue in the St. James Crossing shopping center on Monday, May 23rd. Splitting the site of the former Jimmy’s Island Grill are two new concepts. Route 89 (Da Coaches old playing number) opened with a downsized Ditka’s themed menu with Da Coach adding his touches. Small plates for sharing, think appetizers, range from dips to deviled eggs to Da Coaches Pot Roast Nachos. Sandwiches, burgers and a Smokehouse section featuring meat products from Linz Heritage Angus. There will even be a few brunch items served from 10am on Saturdays and Sundays. The bar menu reflects the same level of creativity.
Separately, Cucinova features individually constructed pizza, pasta and salads. All are prepared with the freshest of ingredients, adding each as you walk down the line (similar to Chipotle). After finishing off your custom order, it’s brought to your table. Simple, quick and efficient!
Maura’s Mediterranean Restaurant – Filling the void created by the closing of Sweet and Savory Spot in downtown Westmont, Maura’s Mediterranean Restaurant opened May 17th 31 N. Cass Ave. One of the partners is the owner of the Emergency Care and Coco Froyo located in the same building. With a good looking menu featuring hummus, baba ghanouj, shawarma, falafel, kabobs and all kinds of combinations, I will look forward to trying one of our new additions to the Westmont restaurant scene.
Mariano’s – With great fanfare and expectation Mariano’s opened on 63rd Street just west of Cass. Lines of shoppers waited eagerly for the 6am opening on March 15th creating record volume and sales during the first week. This newly constructed 70,000+ sq. ft. grocery store features a dozen food stands – think pizza, candy, bbq, bakery, sushi, crepes, raw bar, gelato, smoothie, coffee, sandwich, etc. – a beautiful glass enclosed dining area, a trail mix bar and extensive areas devoted to produce, fresh fish and meat. An outdoor patio is now open also.
Fish and meat selections can be grilled on the spot at no additional charge making take home dining even easier. There’s even a wine and beer bar to “taste test” various beverages to accompany your store cooked meal. This will be a wonderful addition to our south side redevelopment plan and will provide substantial sales tax for our entire community.
Pompei – 200 W. Ogden Ave. – New ownership and a return to good food and service. Most Taylor Street specialties are available including the Herb Chicken Ravioli. Pompei is open for lunch and Sunday brunch… and the best gelato for miles!
Gone But Not Forgotten:
The Sweet & Savory Spot – Due to a partner split, the last meal was served on Friday, April 29th. Temporary plans call for space for dessert catering in a commercial kitchen and perhaps a downsized location in the future.
Yokohama Sushi - Retirement and illness is the cause for this long-standing 30-year Westmont Japanese restaurant to close. The final meal was served on Saturday, April 30th. The two remaining partners are looking at options after the massive display of emotions from the public during the last few days.
The property of the potential Hardees franchise on Ogden Ave. has an been acquired by Ultimo Motors, the business to the immediate east for future expansion.
Recently Reviewed (last six months):
Sushi House – online and in print August 3rd
J Fleming’s Absolutely Delicious
Taste of Westmont 2016
Citrus Diner
Taco Grill
Saffron Restaurant & Banquet
Amber Café
Yu’s Mandarin
Looking for more restaurant ideas, follow the #chitowndiner on Instagram.
After a flurry of restaurant openings and closings, things have settled down into a more reasonable pace…after Da Coach came to Westmont to officially open his new restaurants (see Up and Running).
Stepping Out
The expanded Westmont Street Fair & Car Show will close the season on Cass Avenue on Thursday, August 25th from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. Due to rain on the night of July 28th, Fire Truck night has been moved to this last evening. A highlight evening, Firetruck Night features new and vintage firetrucks from many surrounding communities and a great light and siren parade at dusk! With 3 blocks of activities to check out, it’s a great way to get in a little walking, listen to the live music, patronize our downtown restaurants or just enjoy a beer, soft drink or frozen yogurt as you view more than 200 vintage autos. Held every Thursday through August, a full schedule of exhibit themes is available at www.westmontevents.com.
First Annual Summer Games will take place at Urban Legend Brewing Company on Saturday and Sunday, August 27th and 28th. Designed for two-person teams, refer to http://www.urbanlegendbrewing.com/upcoming-events/ for further details.
The Westmont Chamber will host an Open House at the Urban Legend Brewing Company at 5:00pm on Wednesday, September 21st. All are invited with full information at http://www.westmontchamber.com/ . No charge and great networking!
The Chamber will also be hosting a Fall Progressive Dinner with dates and restaurant selections still to be determined. These are typically limited to 50 patrons with the event selling out.
The State of the Village address will be given by Mayor Gunter and his staff on Wednesday, October 12th. This behind the scenes look features updates from all major Village Departments and is open to all residents. It will convene at 8:00am with a continental breakfast the Hilton Oak Brook Hills.
Saturday, October 22nd is the date to put on the calendar for the Westmont Chamber’s Halloween Trick or Treat Trail in downtown Westmont on Cass Avenue. Along with the Trail will be the return of the Pumpkin Smashing Contest, the Stuff A Truck for People’s Resource Center and the newly created, Caskets on Cass coffin races!
Enjoy a bit of entertainment with your dinner, Vincitori Italian Restaurant features live entertainment on most Fridays and Saturdays and J. Flemings Absolutely Delicious does the same on most Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
The B. at the Hilton will have a large scale Thanksgiving special with details to be released around the end of September.
Up and Coming:
Anna’s Place has received the necessary approvals and has begun build out for a new restaurant and video gaming establishment on Ogden Ave, in the Pizza Hut strip mall just west of Cass Ave. While most video gaming places have no real kitchen and minimal menus, Anna’s with an established location in Westchester will have a full kitchen build out. Plans call for opening prior to receiving the video license which will clearly emphasize the food.
Up and Running (last six months):
The B. – The more formal Windows restaurant at Oak Brook Hills (Hilton) has been tastefully redone, relocated and redecorated to more fully capture the panoramic views of the south facing multi floor windows. The views are spectacular and the restaurant features a lively cocktail area, coffee bar, Neapolitan style pizza oven and completely remastered menu by Executive Chef Sean Patrick Curry. Many of you tried their food at the Taste of Westmont and were rewarded with certificates for free pizzas or appetizers…great marketing move!
Partners in the Ditka Restaurant group opened two restaurants at 800 East Ogden Avenue in the St. James Crossing shopping center on Monday, May 23rd. Splitting the site of the former Jimmy’s Island Grill are two new concepts. Route 89 (Da Coaches old playing number) opened with a downsized Ditka’s themed menu with Da Coach adding his touches. Small plates for sharing, think appetizers, range from dips to deviled eggs to Da Coaches Pot Roast Nachos. Sandwiches, burgers and a Smokehouse section featuring meat products from Linz Heritage Angus. There will even be a few brunch items served from 10am on Saturdays and Sundays. The bar menu reflects the same level of creativity.
Separately, Cucinova features individually constructed pizza, pasta and salads. All are prepared with the freshest of ingredients, adding each as you walk down the line (similar to Chipotle). After finishing off your custom order, it’s brought to your table. Simple, quick and efficient!
Maura’s Mediterranean Restaurant – Filling the void created by the closing of Sweet and Savory Spot in downtown Westmont, Maura’s Mediterranean Restaurant opened May 17th 31 N. Cass Ave. One of the partners is the owner of the Emergency Care and Coco Froyo located in the same building. With a good looking menu featuring hummus, baba ghanouj, shawarma, falafel, kabobs and all kinds of combinations, I will look forward to trying one of our new additions to the Westmont restaurant scene.
Mariano’s – With great fanfare and expectation Mariano’s opened on 63rd Street just west of Cass. Lines of shoppers waited eagerly for the 6am opening on March 15th creating record volume and sales during the first week. This newly constructed 70,000+ sq. ft. grocery store features a dozen food stands – think pizza, candy, bbq, bakery, sushi, crepes, raw bar, gelato, smoothie, coffee, sandwich, etc. – a beautiful glass enclosed dining area, a trail mix bar and extensive areas devoted to produce, fresh fish and meat. An outdoor patio is now open also.
Fish and meat selections can be grilled on the spot at no additional charge making take home dining even easier. There’s even a wine and beer bar to “taste test” various beverages to accompany your store cooked meal. This will be a wonderful addition to our south side redevelopment plan and will provide substantial sales tax for our entire community.
Pompei – 200 W. Ogden Ave. – New ownership and a return to good food and service. Most Taylor Street specialties are available including the Herb Chicken Ravioli. Pompei is open for lunch and Sunday brunch… and the best gelato for miles!
Gone But Not Forgotten:
The Sweet & Savory Spot – Due to a partner split, the last meal was served on Friday, April 29th. Temporary plans call for space for dessert catering in a commercial kitchen and perhaps a downsized location in the future.
Yokohama Sushi - Retirement and illness is the cause for this long-standing 30-year Westmont Japanese restaurant to close. The final meal was served on Saturday, April 30th. The two remaining partners are looking at options after the massive display of emotions from the public during the last few days.
The property of the potential Hardees franchise on Ogden Ave. has an been acquired by Ultimo Motors, the business to the immediate east for future expansion.
Recently Reviewed (last six months):
Sushi House – online and in print August 3rd
J Fleming’s Absolutely Delicious
Taste of Westmont 2016
Citrus Diner
Taco Grill
Saffron Restaurant & Banquet
Amber Café
Yu’s Mandarin
Looking for more restaurant ideas, follow the #chitowndiner on Instagram.
