Dining Around Town - by Gregg Pill
JUNE, 2017
With summer weather fully in focus, it’s time to uncover the grills, get the picnic baskets ready or visit one of 34 Westmont Eateries that have outdoor seating available. Follow this link to check out all the patio dining locations in Westmont and add in Uncle Bub’s, which just placed a few tables and umbrellas under the sign.
Westmont also hosted its first ever Restaurant Week which ran from March 9th to the 19th. With 23 Westmont restaurants participating, there was something for everyone. We had a lot of fun getting the word out as evidenced by our live interview with Judy Hsu on ABC 7 - https://www.facebook.com/JudyHsuABC7 - and a fun video with our Mayor Gunter - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U87g9wTfpPw. Plans are already underway for an even bigger Westmont Restaurant Week in 2018!
Village residents also were asked to participate in the 2nd Annual Reader’s Choice Restaurant Awards. Our 2017 voting had 28 categories and over 350 voting choices. The 2017 Reader’s Choice was open to all Westmont residents and surrounding community members and was sponsored jointly by Shaw Media (publisher of the Westmont Suburban Life newspaper) and the Westmont Chamber of Commerce.
The three week voting period ran from March 9th to 29th and the awards were presented at the annual Westmont Awards Banquet at the Hilton Oak Brook Hills. The banquet took place on Thursday, April 20th,…and the Awards go to…
Best Asian – Hanbun
Best Italian – Vincitori
Best Bakery – Standard Market Bakery
Best Mexican - Taco Grill & Salsa Bar
Best Fine Dining – Bakersfield *
Best Salad – Standard Market Grill *
Best Fast Food – Chipotle *
Best Indian – Saffron *
Best Holiday Brunch – Hilton/Chicago Oak Brook Hills *
Best Banquet Space – Hilton/Chicago Oak Brook Hills *
Best Catering – Uncle Bub’s BBQ *
Best BBQ – Uncle Bub’s BBQ *
Best Family Friendly – Uncle Bub’s BBQ
Best Drinking Establishment - DJ’s Sports Bar & Grill
Best Burger – DJ’s Sports Bar & Grill *
Best Video Gaming – DJ’s Sports Bar & Grill *
Best Fast Casual – Woodgrain Neapolitan Pizzeria
Best Pizza – Woodgrain Neapolitan Pizzeria
Best Coffee Shop – Brewed Awakening *
Best Sushi – Sushi House *
Best Seafood – Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen *
Best Ice Cream – Tasty Treat *
Best for Outdoor Dining – J. Fleming’s Absolutely Delicious *
Best Sandwich – J. Fleming’s Absolutely Delicious *
Best for Live Entertainment – J. Flemings Absolutely Delicious
Best Full Service – J. Fleming’s Absolutely Delicious
Best Breakfast – Citrus Diner
Best Lunch – Citrus Diner
* - winners of the award for the 2nd year in a row
Congratulations to all of our winners and please remember to support our local restaurants and pass on your congratulations. Look for the 3rd annual Reader’s Choice 2018 voting next March!
Stepping Out
Lion’s Club Pancake Breakfast – How often can you walk to a pancake breakfast in a beautiful park setting? At least once a year if you partake in the Westmont Lion’s Club All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast as part of the Race to the Flag 5K Walk/Run benefitting People’s Resource Center. Held Memorial Sunday as not only part of the race but also part of the Red, White & BBQ 3-day festival. This year, it will be on Sunday, May 28th. You don’t have to be a race attendee although race participants receive a free ticket as part of their entrance fee.
The Red, White & BBQ event will be held at Ty Warner Park on Memorial weekend (Friday – Sunday). There will be a full carnival, commercial booths and an expanded food vendor selection. Free entertainment each day plus the smell of world champion pit masters creating their bbq magic.
The expanded Westmont Street Fair & Car Show will open the season on Cass Avenue on Thursday, June 1nd at 6:00pm. 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 or soft drink 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 .
Unlock The Legend at Myths and Legends Brewing Company as they celebrate their 4th Annual Summer Party! Live music, food trucks and great Westmont brewed craft beer from 4pm to midnight on Saturday, June 17th. Tickets are $10.00 and available at http://www.urbanlegendbrewing.com/summer-party-tickets/ .
Father’s Day is Sunday, June 18th and the Hilton at Oak Brook Hills will be hosting a Bimmers, BBQ & Bow Ties Event for all dads. The 2nd year event will include World-Class BMW Leisure Drives, BBQ Lunch, Bourbon Education, Bow Tie Styling by Trunk Club and lots more!
From the press release: On Father's Day, June 18th, Hilton Oak Brook Hills Resort will host a day for "dapper dads" and their families called Bimmers, BBQ and Bow Ties (tickets on sale at EventBrite). This thrilling testosterone-fueled event will feature complimentary leisure drives of BMW's highest end vehicles, a chef-driven BBQ lunch and bourbon education, and men's styling and bow tie demos from Trunk Club. Other event elements include live Dixieland music, a luxury car show, cigar rolling, local craft beer, yoga golf demos, a kids arts & craft tent, and pony rides, with partial proceeds benefiting the Lemons of Love charity.
"We've built on last year's triumph, and plan to deliver an even more incredible Father's Day experience that can't be found anywhere else," said the General Manager of Hilton Oak Brook Hills Resort, Steven Ellingsen. "Bimmers, BBQ & Bow Ties pairs dad's favorite items together on one day, in one location, for one ticket price!" For more information, see their web site at http://www.oakbrookhillsresortchicago.com/upcoming-events/calendar-of-events.htm
The Taste of Westmont will take place in downtown Westmont on July 14, 15 and 16th with updated information available at www.westmontevents.com .
Up and Coming:
Johnny’s Blitz – A new sports themed restaurant will open in downtown Westmont in the space formerly occupied by LaLaLi Patisserie. Menu plans call for gourmet burgers as well as several other options. With a slower than average construction schedule, expect an opening in late Summer.
The former site of Pompei and numerous other dining establishments continues on the market as the deal for Pizza Bacci fell through.
Up and Running (last six months):
Big Boss Westmont – has opened at 677 North Cass Avenue in the shopping center north of Jewel. Featuring a large menu of trans-Pacific dining options, this is a 2nd location with the original being in Forest Park.
Dolce’s Restaurant has changed ownership hands and is now known as Dolce’s Restaurant & Wine Bar. Located at 15 West Quincy, across from the train station. An expanded menu will be available under the guidance of partners from Neat Kitchen + bar. Hours are expanded to Tuesday – Sunday.
Dulce David Bakery – has opened at 321 West 63rd Street. Specialty cakes and pastry are available.
Gone But Not Forgotten:
Cucinova – The pizza, pasta and salad side of the Grill 89 / Cucinova combo has closed it’s doors for lack of business. No word on a replacement.
Maxwell’s Red Hots – Landlord issues closed this restaurant as a main water line broke and repairs will not be made. It’s never good when outside and beyond your control issues force your business to close.
Recently Reviewed (last six months):
Golden Basket
Patio Dining in Westmont
Ruta Café & Restaurant
Standard Market Grill
Westmont Restaurant Week
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
New Korea Garden
Holiday Dining, Dancing and Drinking in Westmont
Vincitori
Uncle Bub’s
Fall Beverages
Hanbun
B. at the Hilton Oak Brook Hills
Westmont Ice Cream Trail
Sushi House
J Fleming’s Absolutely Delicious
Looking for more restaurant ideas, follow the #chitowndiner on Instagram.
With summer weather fully in focus, it’s time to uncover the grills, get the picnic baskets ready or visit one of 34 Westmont Eateries that have outdoor seating available. Follow this link to check out all the patio dining locations in Westmont and add in Uncle Bub’s, which just placed a few tables and umbrellas under the sign.
Westmont also hosted its first ever Restaurant Week which ran from March 9th to the 19th. With 23 Westmont restaurants participating, there was something for everyone. We had a lot of fun getting the word out as evidenced by our live interview with Judy Hsu on ABC 7 - https://www.facebook.com/JudyHsuABC7 - and a fun video with our Mayor Gunter - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U87g9wTfpPw. Plans are already underway for an even bigger Westmont Restaurant Week in 2018!
Village residents also were asked to participate in the 2nd Annual Reader’s Choice Restaurant Awards. Our 2017 voting had 28 categories and over 350 voting choices. The 2017 Reader’s Choice was open to all Westmont residents and surrounding community members and was sponsored jointly by Shaw Media (publisher of the Westmont Suburban Life newspaper) and the Westmont Chamber of Commerce.
The three week voting period ran from March 9th to 29th and the awards were presented at the annual Westmont Awards Banquet at the Hilton Oak Brook Hills. The banquet took place on Thursday, April 20th,…and the Awards go to…
Best Asian – Hanbun
Best Italian – Vincitori
Best Bakery – Standard Market Bakery
Best Mexican - Taco Grill & Salsa Bar
Best Fine Dining – Bakersfield *
Best Salad – Standard Market Grill *
Best Fast Food – Chipotle *
Best Indian – Saffron *
Best Holiday Brunch – Hilton/Chicago Oak Brook Hills *
Best Banquet Space – Hilton/Chicago Oak Brook Hills *
Best Catering – Uncle Bub’s BBQ *
Best BBQ – Uncle Bub’s BBQ *
Best Family Friendly – Uncle Bub’s BBQ
Best Drinking Establishment - DJ’s Sports Bar & Grill
Best Burger – DJ’s Sports Bar & Grill *
Best Video Gaming – DJ’s Sports Bar & Grill *
Best Fast Casual – Woodgrain Neapolitan Pizzeria
Best Pizza – Woodgrain Neapolitan Pizzeria
Best Coffee Shop – Brewed Awakening *
Best Sushi – Sushi House *
Best Seafood – Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen *
Best Ice Cream – Tasty Treat *
Best for Outdoor Dining – J. Fleming’s Absolutely Delicious *
Best Sandwich – J. Fleming’s Absolutely Delicious *
Best for Live Entertainment – J. Flemings Absolutely Delicious
Best Full Service – J. Fleming’s Absolutely Delicious
Best Breakfast – Citrus Diner
Best Lunch – Citrus Diner
* - winners of the award for the 2nd year in a row
Congratulations to all of our winners and please remember to support our local restaurants and pass on your congratulations. Look for the 3rd annual Reader’s Choice 2018 voting next March!
Stepping Out
Lion’s Club Pancake Breakfast – How often can you walk to a pancake breakfast in a beautiful park setting? At least once a year if you partake in the Westmont Lion’s Club All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast as part of the Race to the Flag 5K Walk/Run benefitting People’s Resource Center. Held Memorial Sunday as not only part of the race but also part of the Red, White & BBQ 3-day festival. This year, it will be on Sunday, May 28th. You don’t have to be a race attendee although race participants receive a free ticket as part of their entrance fee.
The Red, White & BBQ event will be held at Ty Warner Park on Memorial weekend (Friday – Sunday). There will be a full carnival, commercial booths and an expanded food vendor selection. Free entertainment each day plus the smell of world champion pit masters creating their bbq magic.
The expanded Westmont Street Fair & Car Show will open the season on Cass Avenue on Thursday, June 1nd at 6:00pm. 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 or soft drink 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 .
Unlock The Legend at Myths and Legends Brewing Company as they celebrate their 4th Annual Summer Party! Live music, food trucks and great Westmont brewed craft beer from 4pm to midnight on Saturday, June 17th. Tickets are $10.00 and available at http://www.urbanlegendbrewing.com/summer-party-tickets/ .
Father’s Day is Sunday, June 18th and the Hilton at Oak Brook Hills will be hosting a Bimmers, BBQ & Bow Ties Event for all dads. The 2nd year event will include World-Class BMW Leisure Drives, BBQ Lunch, Bourbon Education, Bow Tie Styling by Trunk Club and lots more!
From the press release: On Father's Day, June 18th, Hilton Oak Brook Hills Resort will host a day for "dapper dads" and their families called Bimmers, BBQ and Bow Ties (tickets on sale at EventBrite). This thrilling testosterone-fueled event will feature complimentary leisure drives of BMW's highest end vehicles, a chef-driven BBQ lunch and bourbon education, and men's styling and bow tie demos from Trunk Club. Other event elements include live Dixieland music, a luxury car show, cigar rolling, local craft beer, yoga golf demos, a kids arts & craft tent, and pony rides, with partial proceeds benefiting the Lemons of Love charity.
"We've built on last year's triumph, and plan to deliver an even more incredible Father's Day experience that can't be found anywhere else," said the General Manager of Hilton Oak Brook Hills Resort, Steven Ellingsen. "Bimmers, BBQ & Bow Ties pairs dad's favorite items together on one day, in one location, for one ticket price!" For more information, see their web site at http://www.oakbrookhillsresortchicago.com/upcoming-events/calendar-of-events.htm
The Taste of Westmont will take place in downtown Westmont on July 14, 15 and 16th with updated information available at www.westmontevents.com .
Up and Coming:
Johnny’s Blitz – A new sports themed restaurant will open in downtown Westmont in the space formerly occupied by LaLaLi Patisserie. Menu plans call for gourmet burgers as well as several other options. With a slower than average construction schedule, expect an opening in late Summer.
The former site of Pompei and numerous other dining establishments continues on the market as the deal for Pizza Bacci fell through.
Up and Running (last six months):
Big Boss Westmont – has opened at 677 North Cass Avenue in the shopping center north of Jewel. Featuring a large menu of trans-Pacific dining options, this is a 2nd location with the original being in Forest Park.
Dolce’s Restaurant has changed ownership hands and is now known as Dolce’s Restaurant & Wine Bar. Located at 15 West Quincy, across from the train station. An expanded menu will be available under the guidance of partners from Neat Kitchen + bar. Hours are expanded to Tuesday – Sunday.
Dulce David Bakery – has opened at 321 West 63rd Street. Specialty cakes and pastry are available.
Gone But Not Forgotten:
Cucinova – The pizza, pasta and salad side of the Grill 89 / Cucinova combo has closed it’s doors for lack of business. No word on a replacement.
Maxwell’s Red Hots – Landlord issues closed this restaurant as a main water line broke and repairs will not be made. It’s never good when outside and beyond your control issues force your business to close.
Recently Reviewed (last six months):
Golden Basket
Patio Dining in Westmont
Ruta Café & Restaurant
Standard Market Grill
Westmont Restaurant Week
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
New Korea Garden
Holiday Dining, Dancing and Drinking in Westmont
Vincitori
Uncle Bub’s
Fall Beverages
Hanbun
B. at the Hilton Oak Brook Hills
Westmont Ice Cream Trail
Sushi House
J Fleming’s Absolutely Delicious
Looking for more restaurant ideas, follow the #chitowndiner on Instagram.
