Bistro One West now serving lunch

The highly anticipated opening of restaurant veteran George Guggeis’ west suburban venture, Bistro One West, happened last week when the contemporary American restaurant opened for dinner. The restaurant, which sits on the shores of the Fox River in St. Charles, Ill. launches its lunch menu today with lighter fare prepared by Bistro One West’s executive chef, Doug D’Avico.

Appetizers include Cow’s Milk Burrata, with roasted tomatoes, EVOO and sea salt ($10); Shaved Roasted Beets, with Nopales salad, pickled jalapeno and feta cheese ($8); Bibb Leaf Salad, roasted tomatoes, herb dressing and fried parsnip; Ancient Sweet Pepper, Dunbarton bleu cheese and applewood smoked bacon ($8); and Grilled Marinated Steak Skewers, roasted onion and bleu cheese dressing ($9).

Lunch salad selections feature Fingerling Potatoes, farm egg, roasted asparagus and house greens ($8); Roasted Winter Vegetables, tomatoes, house greens and garlic herb dressing ($8); Sautéed Shrimp, green beans, house greens and lemon olive oil dressing ($10); and Grilled Chicken, oven roasted pears, spinach, red grapes and sherry dressing ($9).

Bistro One West lunch entrées include Half-Pound Grilled Burger, ciabatta bread, Hook’s Creamery aged cheddar ($12); BLT, with natural fruit-wood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomatoes and maple-orange aioli ($9); Open-faced Skirt Steak Sandwich, with caramelized onions, roasted garlic and herb cheese ($12); Herb Roasted Seasonal Vegetables, cole slaw, feta, lime cilantro and dressing ($9); and Miller Farms Chicken Salad, arugula, cucumber herbed yogurt and dressing ($9).

About Bistro One West

Bistro One West is a contemporary fresh American Restaurant located at 1 W. Illinois St. in St. Charles, Ill. The restaurant is open for lunch Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dinner hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The dining room bar is open from 11 a.m. to close. The restaurant is closed Sunday and Monday. For more information, contact Bistro One West at (630) 444-0600 or visit http://www.bistro1west.com/. Follow Bistro One West on Twitter at @Bistro1West, and “Like” them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BistroOneWest.

Newly Renovated Max's on the Green opens on Chicago's North Shore

There's a little known hidden restaurant gem nestled on the grounds of the Glencoe Golf Club at 621 Westley Road 847-835-0250: Max’s on the Green. Last year, Catering by Max's, the well-established company owned by Larry and Randee Estes, who also own and operate Chicago's popular Max's Italian Beef, took over the concession and private dining operation, upping the food offering to include their famous Italian beef sandwich combos and a variety of more upscale fare. As of June 15, what used to be typical golf course food concession with hot dogs, burgers and beer is now a casual full-service restaurant that pleases golfers and non-golfers alike.

Max’s on the Green, which seats 75 people, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. The historic, 75-year-old facility has been totally renovated. "Max's on the Green is a great spot for individuals, families and business or group dining. The screened in patio overlooking the golf course is a spectacular respite. In fact, the whole experience is relaxing: the restaurant is tucked away in a residential tree-lined neighborhood so it’s quiet and peaceful. We aren't difficult to find but if you didn't know that we were here, and that we are open to the public, we could easily be missed," said Estes.

Chef Ed Baboorian, who brought his culinary talents to Max’s food operations more than 16 years ago, has created a menu that offers a family-friendly dining experience for all to enjoy.

Breakfast Selections
Start your day with a satisfying breakfast at Max’s on the Green. Specialties include French Toast dipped in vanilla royal and served with maple syrup ($4.75); Omelets with a choice of veggie, meat or cheese with toast ($6.50); Lox Platter, a fresh bagel, cream cheese, 3 ounces of sliced lox, red onion and cucumber slices ($7.50); and the Egg Platter, eggs any way, toast and choice of bacon or sausage ($6.50).

Lunch Selections
Guests can enjoy a lunch salad or sandwich in the dining room or screened outdoor patio including Max’s Italian Beef Sandwich, Max’s famous thinly sliced roast beef in Italian gravy served with hot and sweet peppers on French bread ($6.59); Tuna Salad, simple and delicious made with tuna, hard boiled eggs, onions, celery and mayonnaise served on whole grain bread with lettuce and tomato ($5.75); or the Trail Mix Salad with Romaine lettuce, dried fruits, nuts, bleu cheese and raspberry vinaigrette ($6.50).

New lunch selections include Light Pita Wraps like the Turkey, Apple, Cheddar, a warm, fresh pocket pita filled with sliced turkey, crisp apple and sharp cheddar cheese ($6.75); and Chicken Club, grilled chicken, crisp bacon, lettuce, tomato and ranch dressing rolled in a fresh pita ($6.75).

Dinner Selections
Appetizer selections include Shrimp in red pepper sauce ($5.50); Crab Cakes ($7.50); Chicken & vegetable pot stickers ($4.95); or Flat Bread Pizza ($5.95).

Max’s on the Green has delicious burgers like the Greg Norman Kobe Burger, the Greg “Shark” Norman’s 8-ounce beef burger grilled to perfection and served on a pretzel bun with lettuce and tomato, complimented with a choice of tobacco onion strings or crispy fries ($13.95). Add cheddar, American, bleu or Swiss cheese for an additional charge.

Entrées include Salmon Filet, pan seared with Chef’s special spice rub ($15.95); Tilapia, dredged in corn flour and lightly fried to golden brown ($13.95); 8-ounce Skirt Steak, seasoned and grilled, finished with compound butter ($16.95); or Ravioli, delicate pasta squares filled with spinach served with marinara sauce, ($12.95), or filled with lobster and served with a brown butter sauce ($16.95). All entrées are served with a starch and vegetables that change daily based on market fresh availability and Chef Ed’s preference. Entrées can be served with a choice of garden or Caesar salad for an additional charge.

Dessert Selections
Complete your meal with a treat for your sweet tooth. Indulge in a slice of Eli’s Cheese Cake ($3.50); Grandma Ruth’s Homemade Chocolate Chip Mondel Bread ($4.95); or Fresh Fruit ($3.50).

About Glencoe Golf Club
The Glencoe Golf Club was established in 1921 by a group of Glencoe residents in search of an alternative to private country club membership. Since its inception as one of the first public golf courses, the Glencoe Golf Club has grown to become one of the finest public golf facilities on the North Shore and is now open and ready to take a tee time reservations. Book a tee time online eight days in advance via the reservation system, in person at the golf shop seven days in advance, or call the golf shop at (847) 835-0250 to make reservations six days in advance. For more information, please visit www.glencoegolfclub.com.

About Max’s on the Green
Max’s on the Green is located 621 Westley Rd., Glencoe, Ill. and open for spring and summer, seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. through October 31. Reservations are not required, but are recommended for large parties and can be made at (847) 835-0250. For more information, please visit www.cateringbymaxs.com.

Wally and Agador's Gourmet Cafe Grand Opening Tomorrow, May 8

Acclaimed chef/owner Michael Lachowicz will bring his classic French techniques to the city with Wally & Agador’s Gourmet Café (3310 N. Halsted St., 773-325-9664), a gourmet sandwich shop and cafe celebrating its grand opening Friday, May 8.

Lachowicz, who owns the highly regarded Restaurant Michael in Winnetka, Ill., is taking his fine dining entrees, and creating their gourmet sandwich counterparts which range in price $7-$12 each. “It doesn’t have to be fine dining to be great food,” he says. “All of the gourmet sandwiches at Wally & Agador’s are made with the same classic French techniques that are used in a restaurant, but without the fuss and expense.”

Wally & Agador’s, named after Lachowicz’s two “diva” dogs, serves a variety of diva-inspired housemade sandwiches such as The Judy Garland, Grilled Portabella Mushroom, Robiola Cheese and Sliced Artichoke Hearts on Multi-Grain Ciabatta with Green and Black Olive Tapanade ($8); Rosie’s Mambo Italiano, Thinly-Shaved Proscuitto, Taleggio Cheese, Grilled Scallions, Roasted Peppers, Fresh Basil and a Drizzle of Truffle Oil on Toasted Rosemary Flatbread ($10); Wham Sammich, Slow-Cooked “Sous Vide” Leg of Lamb, Thyme, Garlic and Black Pepper Mayo Served in a Warm Baguette with Fresh Laura Chenel Goat’s Cheese and Eggplant “Caviar” ($10); and The Elton John, Chicken Sausage Studded with Dried Huckleberries on Brioche with Truffle Sauce Shallot Jam and Pommes Frites ($11), pictured.

The namesake, sweeter sandwiches include The Wally, Peanut Butter, Marshmallow Fluff and Sliced Bananas on a Batter-Dipped Croissant ($7); and The Agador, Nutella, Marshmallow Fluff and Sliced Bananas on a Batter-Dipped Croissant ($7), both served warm. All sandwiches include a complimentary small side salad with a choice of housemade salad dressing, or homemade chips.

Wally & Agador’s also features several pre-made take away items supplied by Restaurant Michael. Composed salad creations served by the pound include “Mr. Gee’s” Creamy Potato Salad, Michael’s grandfather’s recipe ($5); Roasted Yukon Gold, Italian Sausage and Spring Pea Salad ($7); Truffle-Scented Albacore Tuna salad with Grilled Red Onion ($11); and Lightly Cured Grilled Chicken, Pine Nut and Currant Salad ($12). Gourmet deli selections served by the pound include Restaurant Michael’s House-Curried and Smoked Salmon ($18); Classic Duck Confit ($14); and “Le Français” Chicken Liver Mousse ($10). Wally & Agador’s will also feature three extraordinary entrée selections from Restaurant Michael which will rotate each week.

For the at home chefs, Wally & Agador’s offers a Veal Demi Glace (Gluten Free) ($12 per quart); and Classic Bordelaise, Port Wine or Truffle Lamb Jus ($14 per quart).

Pastry creations at Wally & Agador’s include Toasted Almond Biscotti ($1 for four); Tahitian Vanilla Panna Cotta ($2.50); Grand Marnier Valrhona Chocolate Truffles ($11 per half pound); Valrhona Chocolate Fallen Soufflés ($4); Valrhona Pot de Crème ($2.50); and Blueberry-Almond Financier ($4).

Beverages include a variety of Coca-Cola products, Izze beverages, gourmet bottled iced teas, Evian bottled water and San Pellegrino sparkling water.

The 16-seat space features vivid red walls decorated with black-and-white portraits of the divas after which the gourmet sandwiches are named. The opposing wall features photography for sale by local artist, Ron Reason.

“Wally & Agador’s offers a gourmet experience in a vibrant, yet casual atmosphere,” says Lachowicz. “We’re happy to bring this unique, casual concept to the city.”

Wally & Agador’s Gourmet Cafe, located at 3310 N. Halsted St. in Chicago’s Boystown neighborhood, is open Sunday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to midnight. Catering and office party delivery is available. Phone orders are accepted at (773) 325-9664. For more information visit http://www.wallyandagadorscafe.com/.

(Photos: Cindy Kurman)

Celebrate Valentine's Day this Friday at Maxwell's At the Club

Haven't made plans to celebrate V-day yet? The East Bank Club's recently opened restaurant, Maxwell's At the Club (500 N. Kingsbury St., Chicago) is offering an affordable option this Friday, Feb. 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. This four-course meal prepared by head chef Rick Hall, is just $45 per person.

First course options include Spicy Salmon Roll with wasabi, ginger and soy sauce; Grilled Chipotle Shrimp Skewer or Grilled Vegetable Tian. For the second course, choose from a Caesar Salad, Caprese Salad or Crab and Asapargus Bisque.

Entree selections include Petite Filet and Lobster Tail with roasted cauliflower; Veal Chop Milanese with creamy polenta; Grilled Kona Kampachi with lemon-ginger risotto; Noisettes of Lamb Loin with ratatouille and Rotisserie Organic Chicken with roasted root vegetables.

And for the finishing touch, dessert options include Chocolate Raspberry Decadent Cake; Mixed Berries with Zabaglione and Cookies; and Chocolate Fondue.

For reservations, contact Maxwell's at the Club at (312) 527-5800 ext. 301. Valet parking is available. For more information about the restaurant, please visit www.eastbankclub.com.

Eve Opens today for Lunch

Be the first to try Eve! Eve Restaurant opens today for lunch, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 840 N. Wabash. Eve, by the same team that brought you Tallulah (4539 N. Lincoln Ave.; 773-942-7585) last year, features a contemporary American menu with lunch options like Spicy Pomegranate Glazed Prawns with Pumkin Panna Cotta; Roasted Turnip Puree with Celery Root and Rosemary Creme Fraiche; Hoisin Glazed Pork Belly with Cucumber, Green Papaya, Butter Lettuce, Cashew Butter and Sesame Noodles and a Foie Gras Burger with Prime Angus Beef on a Bacon Cheddar Bun and Hand Cut French Fries.

Eve will also be open for dinner starting on Wednesday, November 5. Dinner entrees include Truffled Celery Root Ravioli with Sunchoke, Baby Carrots and Herb Brown Butter; Rack of Lamb with Sheep's Milk Ricotta Dumplings, Swiss Chard, Crispy Garlic and Lamb Ragout; and Pistachio Crusted Ahi Tuna with Brussels Sprouts, Lima Beans, Blackeyed Peas and Huckleberry Compote.

Still saving that favorite bottle of wine? Every Wednesday at Eve will be BYOB (with no corkage fee). To make a reservation at Eve, call (312) 266-3383 or click here.

(Photo Credit: Cindy Kurman)

Tallulah's team set to open second restaurant, Eve, in Gold Coast October 27

With superlative critical acclaim and a busy Lincoln Square restaurant under their belts, Tallulah's owner Matt Fisher and his executive chef Troy Graves are again teaming up, bringing their magical formula to the Gold Coast with their new restaurant, Eve , (840 N. Wabash) which will open October 27 for lunch, and a week later for both lunch and dinner. Three-star Tallulah, a romantically chic contemporary American restaurant that has received rave reviews, made it clear that the Fisher/Graves team have their pulse on what Chicagoans are seeking in an upscale, yet casual restaurant.

Eve, which will be a bit more formal than Tallulah but still aimed at a casual-chic lunch and dinner crowd, will cater to the varied and sophisticated neighborhood population. "We love this area and jumped at the chance to open here," said Fisher. "The crowd is a wonderful blend of businesspeople, trendy shoppers and stylish residents, not to mention the large number of visitors who come here to be part of the scene."

"The menu at Eve will have many similarities to Tallulah, but will offer some unique, refined twists," says Chef Graves, who will oversee the kitchens at both Tallulah and Eve. "We will focus on fresh, seasonal flavors and interesting taste/texture combinations. We draw primarily from a modern American palate but we bring Asian, Indian and Continental elements into play in a fun way." Look for dishes such as grilled lobster sausage with chanterelles, applewood smoked bacon, pearl onions and maple béchamel. The restaurant will also feature many excellent, moderately priced wines by the glass.

Eve 's décor will be airy and contemporary-soft blue-gray tones, reflective glass mosaic wall adornments, light flowing drapery and dark wood floors which will be offset by large ceiling to floor windows and crisp, white table linens and contemporary table settings. Guests will delight in the shimmering light fixtures that represent modern takes on the chandelier. The space, which has a capacity of 120 people, features a main dining room, a bar area in the rear, and a semi-private dining area off to the side that can be curtained off for private celebrations. There's also an intimate private dining room for up to 18 people. Next spring, alfresco table service for 40 will be added.

Graves earned his culinary stripes as sous chef, then executive chef at Meritage before coming to Tallulah. He anticipates a strong lunch business, and is creating a lunch menu that will present many unique, quick-preparation dishes for people who enjoy excellent food, but have limited time.

Eve, located at 840 N. Wabash Avenue in Chicago, will open October 27. Lunch will be served 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Dinner will be served 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. beginning Wednesday, November 5. Dinner will be served until 11 p.m. on Saturdays and a limited menu will be served until midnight nightly. Eve will serve Sunday brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. beginning Sunday, November 9. Eve is closed on Sunday evenings.

Calling all night owls

Check out Shochu.

If you're like me and always looking for a place go get great food and drink after the typical restaurant closes, you'll be happy to know that Shochu (3313 N. Clark, 773-348-3313) is open everynight, seven days a week until 2 a.m. in the morning with food being served until 1 a.m.! Saturday night, it's open until 3 a.m. and you can get their tasty small plate menu until 2 a.m. So all of you night owls, head on over and tell them Cindy sent you!

Jacky Pluton returns to the Chicago dining arena

The long awaited opening of Haussmann Brasserie (305 N. Happ Rd., Northfield, IL; 847-446-1133) has finally arrived! The traditional American brasserie with a touch of Parisian flair will open Monday, May 19 in the former space of Brasserie T and MK North.

Accomplished chef/owner, Jacky Pluton is the master behind Haussmann Brasserie. He previously owned Chicago restaurants, Pluton and Jacky's Bistro, and has been anxious to get back in the restaurant business. He's nabbed talented up-and-comer Thomas Rice formerly of Gilt in New York City as chef de cuisine, and David Ligon, of Trio, as general manager.

Expect the menu to be light, lively and popularly priced. "I wanted a strong name that symbolizes French influence on Chicago, " says Pluton. "I've named it after Georges-Eugene Haussmann, a famous French planner, is who credited with the redevelopment of Paris under Napolean III."

Celebrate Mother's Day with Powerhouse Restaurant and Champagne Henriot

If you are anything like me and are scrambling for Mother’s Day plans, Powerhouse Restaurant & Bar (215 N. Clinton St., (312) 928-0800) is the answer as to where to take mom. Powerhouse has partnered with one of France’s renowned Champagne houses, Champagne Henriot, to give mom a complimentary glass of Henriot Blanc with her meal.

Powerhouse was just voted one of Chicago’s Best New Restaurants by Chicago Magazine, so you can’t go wrong with anything on this menu. While there, try some of Powerhouse’s signature menu items such as the Slow-Roasted Chicken Thigh with faro, braised artichokes, Swiss chard and sorrel sauce; Walleye Pike with English pea custard, black trumpet mushrooms, white corn and roasted red pepper nage, or Double-Cut Iowa Pork Chop with mustard spaetzle, red cabbage, poached pear and mustard jus.

Don’t forget to end the meal with Powerhouse’s signature dessert of Sweet Potato Doughnuts with brown butter, cinnamon sabayon, poached pear and pepitos, yum! And, if your family is big, check out their great private and semi-private dining spaces, they can handle all group sizes. If your mom is anything like mine, she will appreciate having someone else cook and clean up in the kitchen!