Celebrating its second anniversary, Waterleaf restaurant (425
Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn, IL 60137; telephone 630-942-6881), is a dream
come to fruition for College of DuPage. "What we've been able to do, in
two short years, is to establish Waterleaf as a stellar example of
modern fine dining," says Jean-Pierre Leroux, general manager. "It is
truly a wonderful restaurant. I am proud it has become not only a
favored dining spot for food lovers in our area, but also an example of
how excellent a restaurant can be when given proper attention and a
focus on detail throughout."
Waterleaf is the brainchild of COD President Dr. Robert
L. Breuder and Leroux, the longtime owner-operator of the celebrated
Barrington Country Bistro in Barrington, Ill. While some may question
why a community college would build such a modern restaurant, the answer
is apparent for those who know Dr. Breuder and College of DuPage. "We
wanted to set the stage for our students, their parents, guests and the
community," Dr. Breuder said. "Having a professionally run, modern
restaurant on campus is a bold statement. We want Waterleaf to reflect
today's fine dining style, which is more casual and relaxed in tone, but
still high in quality. We are serious about our academic programs
and strive to convey that in every aspect of our campus life."
Waterleaf's
mission is to be an inspiration to the culinary students in the
College's growing Culinary and Hospitality Management program. Unlike
other culinary schools, however, Waterleaf is run by professional chefs
with opportunities for student engagement. The Waterleaf team includes
Executive Chef Nadia Tilkian, whose professional experience includes
stints at Barrington Country Bistro and the highly regarded Maijean,
which she owned in Clarendon Hills. Leroux's résumé includes a stellar
career in some of the finest restaurants and hotels in Europe and the
United States.
"We are
committed to offering our guests the most hospitable and delicious
dining adventure possible," Leroux emphasizes. "Waterleaf continues to
evolve. Not willing to rest on our laurels, we are mindful of the need
to set even higher standards while remaining in step with the desires of
our guests." Since its opening in 2011, Waterleaf has received a
three-star review by Crain's Chicago Business and a Readers' Choice Award for Best Restaurant for Dinner from Glancer Magazine. Waterleaf also is recognized for its stellar wine list, receiving Wine Spectator's
coveted Award of Excellence for 2012 and 2013. This award, given
annually to restaurants in the United States and 65 countries worldwide,
acknowledges that Waterleaf's wine program is consistent with its
dining concept, style and price point. Waterleaf is also a recipient of
the Diner's Choice Awards for Best Ambience, Best Overall, Best Service,
Fit for Foodies and Special Occasion on OpenTable.com, where it
maintains a 4.8/5.0 rating.
Contemporary, relaxed décor
Overlooking a scenic lake, the restaurant's floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor
seating area provide a naturally beautiful ambiance.
"We've been blessed with a wonderful location and a mission to be one of
the Chicago area's best contemporary restaurants," said Leroux.
"Waterleaf strives to be sophisticated yet relaxed. We think of it as
modern fine dining, where the focus is on great food and service offered
with a down-to-earth, informal vibe - the way people like to eat
today."
With
comfortable seating and a natural color scheme, this "hidden gem's" warm
atmosphere lends itself to dinnertime respites, business lunches and
everything in between. Waterleaf's semi-private room is perfect for
social occasions or business events. Outside the main dining room, the
patio features outdoor seating and propane heaters to keep guests warm
and comfortable in the autumn and early spring.
Seasonal Contemporary American Cuisine with international influences
Executive
Chef Nadia Tilkian, who joined the staff in February, has recently
introduced new menus for this fall, keeping with the more casual dining
mood of today's guests. These offerings embody modern contemporary
American cuisine at its finest.
Tilkian astutely combines her beloved French technique
with modern American food sensibility, offering guests rich flavors and
textures from around the globe. She is passionate about using top
quality, locally sourced ingredients. "Those familiar with my cooking
style understand my love of country French cuisine. While I do
incorporate those ideas into the Waterleaf menu, here I am focused more
on American cuisine and the many ways American chefs are bringing great
ideas from many food cultures into their dishes," Tilkian said. "As a
role model for culinary students, Waterleaf has a responsibility to
showcase culinary ideas that expand students' creativity while giving
them an
appreciation for great technique."
Selections
from the current fall dinner menu (the menu will change throughout the
season) include appetizers such as Tempura Shrimp with coconut rice
spring roll and spiced butternut squash broth ($12); Sweetbreads with
persimmon-Meyer lemon chutney and petit herb salad ($14); and Crab
Ragout with
Alaskan king crab, leeks, radish and mirin broth (photo left; $15).
Signature soups and salads on the dinner menu include Chef Tilkian's
French Onion Soup with garlic crouton and Gruyère cheese ($8),
and
a delicious Lyonnaise Salad with baby frisée, potatoes, poached egg,
crouton, bacon and sherry vinaigrette (photo right; $9).
Fall
entrées include Bass with frog leg-white bean fricassee and kale ($28);
Filet with purple fingerlings, bone marrow and mustard sauce (photo
below left; $36); Porchetta with Brussels sprouts leaves, preserved
apples and pork glace (photo below right; $26); and Duck Leg Confit with
kumquat tart and cocoa nib reduction ($28).
Desserts
for fall include the luscious Pumpkin-Caramel Mousse Cake with ginger
snaps ($9); Opera Cake with espresso buttercream and white pepper ice
cream (photo below left; $9); and Coffee Panna Cotta with chocolate
gelée, malted crunch and cocoa nib tuile ($8). 
"We're not
trying to be kitschy or avant garde about our menu," Tilkian said.
"We're simply offering guests the opportunity to enjoy well prepared and
handsomely presented dishes in an accessible, relaxed manner. We think
we've succeeded in making it easy to have a very comfortable experience
at Waterleaf. We try to be surprising in an understated way by offering
guests a high level of culinary creativity accompanied with excellent
service. We give our guests very pleasant, eye opening experiences that
keep them coming back."
Waterleaf is becoming a favorite spot for lunch
Area
business people often seek out a quieter and more refined restaurant at
lunch time for discussing business matters or holding celebrations.
Waterleaf, with its lake view, does a splendid job of filling this
niche. Lunchtime menu items offer elegantly prepared dishes starting
with appetizers, soups and salads and continue with sandwiches, entrees,
vegetarian options and desserts. Lunch is served Wednesday through
Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30
p.m.
Weekend
brunch service offers a tranquil, comforting break and Waterleaf's many
fans realize brunch is a perfect way to unwind while savoring
excellently prepared food and the gorgeous view. With a full a la carte
brunch menu, guests can select from traditional breakfast favorites or
lunch inspired entrées. Brunch is served Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2:30
p.m.
Throughout its two-year history,
Waterleaf restaurant on the campus of College of DuPage has become a
sought-after venue for private events. Its exceptional food and service
provided by a professional staff, paired with its beautiful flexible
space, makes it an ideal spot for both corporate and social occasions. 
In
a location that whisks you away from the hustle and bustle, Waterleaf's
functional, intimate spaces create the perfect locale for daytime
luncheons or evening gatherings. The physical space includes a
bar/lounge area which can accommodate 20 people. The
private/semi-private dining room
accommodates 20-65 seated guests. The main dining room accommodates 120
people seated. Silverleaf, the corporate meeting room is a beautiful
space for groups of 12 to 100 people. A state of the art audiovisual
system is also available. All dining areas feature floor to ceiling
windows that overlook a beautiful lake. An outdoor patio, available with
propane heaters, and the lakefront grounds outside the restaurant are
also available for private events.
Oceanique Restaurant (505 Main Street, Evanston, Ill.;
The release of Beaujolais Nouveau is an annual milestone for those wine lovers who look forward to their first taste of these young, fruity Beaujolais wines that are perfect accompaniments to the foods of autumn. "We like to have fun with the Beaujolais Nouveau wines each year," said Chef Mark Grosz. "Our Beaujolais Nouveau wine dinner is meant to be amusing and relaxed, reflecting the joyous character of these wines. It's always a hit with our guests and this year, we again expect a fun-loving crowd of food lovers." 
