Waterleaf is a beautiful setting for an elegant Mother's Day Brunch in Glen Ellyn

               

 

 

 
Waterleaf
At College of DuPage
425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
(630) 942-6881www.waterleafrestaurant.com
 

Waterleaf Restaurant, the fine dining gem of Chicago's southwest suburbs, is one of the most beautiful settings to enjoy Mother's Day brunch. The elegant, contemporary restaurant is situated on a scenic lake and the floor to ceiling windows bring the outdoors in. If weather permits, outdoor patio seating also will be available.



For Mother's Day brunch, Waterleaf will be featuring a delightful three-course prix fixe menu that includes choice of starters, entrées and desserts.

Brunch will be served from 11 a.m. to
4 p.m. the menu is priced at $38 for adults and $16 for children aged 12 and under. Reservations are required; please call (630) 942-6881. The menu is a celebration of contemporary American cuisine with French influences:

Starters
Croque Madame  |  Ham and Cheese, Fried Egg
Chicken Liver Terrine  |  Cornichons, Niçoise Olive, Dijon, Toast Points
Smoked Salmon  |  Grated Egg, Red Onion, Capers, Dill Crème Fraîche, Toast Points
Roasted Corn Soup
Bacon and Egg Casserole  |  Petit Salad
Frittata  |  Potatoes, Roasted Bell Peppers, Kalamata Olives, Caramelized Onions
Grand Marnier French Toast  |  Berry Compote
Beet Salad  |  Upland Cress, Pleasant Ridge Reserve, Hazelnuts, Lemon Crème Fraîche

 Entrées
Roasted Pork Tenderloin  |  Sweet Potato, Roasted Apricots
Roasted Duck Breast  |  Potato Puree, Beets, Blackberry Sauce
Petit Filet  |  Dauphinoise  Potato, Asparagus, Champignon Sauce
Pan Roasted Salmon   |  Baby Vegetable, Caviar, Champagne Sauce
Halibut  |  Warm Fingerling Potato-Fennel Salad, Tomato Beurre Blanc
Amish Chicken Breast  |  Scented with Lemongrass and Honey, Fava Beans, Potato Puree, Ginger Sauce


Desserts
Crème Brulée  |  Fresh Berries
Chocolate Pave  |  Caramel Corn, Salted Caramel Ice Cream
Sorbets  |  Cookie, Berry Coulis, Fresh Berries
Lemon Mousse  |  Blueberries, Candied Almond
Strawberry Shortcake  |  Sweet Cream, Crème Anglaise

Waterleaf Restaurant Brings Modern Casualness to Fine Dining

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.

Waterleaf: An Ideal Private Event Venue for Business or Social Occasions

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.

"Waterleaf's spacious, natural ambiance, with a view overlooking a scenic lake, creates a comfortable, relaxed mood," says General Manager Jean-Pierre Leroux. "Business groups enjoy the space because it is perfect for meetings and celebrations. Social hosts like the fact that there are several different areas in the restaurant that can be used to orchestrate a milestone event such as a rehearsal dinner, wedding, baby shower or anniversary party."

Understanding that flexibility is key to providing a great event

Waterleaf goes to great lengths to accommodate each individual client. "No matter the style of the event, our staff takes the stress out of event planning and offers a memorable experience," says Leroux.

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.

Waterleaf's exceptional standards of food and service are a key reason why the restaurant has earned the praise of event planners. "We give our event guests the full Waterleaf culinary experience," says Leroux. "We offer them the same outstanding food and service our personal diners expect. For event planners, that means we will accommodate virtually all of their needs and create a comfortable yet professional atmosphere that acknowledges the importance of the event but doesn't feel stuffy or contrived."

Highest standards of food preparation and presentation

"When we host private events we maintain our highest standards of food preparation and presentation," says Executive Chef Nadia Tilkian. "Everything is prepared from scratch, using the freshest, best quality seasonal ingredients we can source. We do not take shortcuts for the sake of efficiency in serving a large group."

Menu planning is straightforward. Waterleaf uses several sample menus as starting points and then Chef Tilkian adapts the menu to meet the needs of the guests. "Some hosts want to serve special dishes or desserts, which we are more than happy to prepare," she says. "We also bend over backwards to meet the needs of people with dietary restrictions or food allergies." Events include full table service.

Waterleaf is a perfect setting for a wide range of occasions: meetings, corporate parties, new product launches, birthday parties, holiday parties, anniversary parties, engagement parties, bridal and baby showers, weddings and private wine dinners.

For more information about private dining at Waterleaf, please contact Corporate, Social Sales Manager Aaron Heitmann at Waterleaf by calling (630) 942-6881.

Waterleaf's Wine Program Offers Excellence at Moderate Price Points

Waterleaf restaurant's excellent wine service, coupled with globally-influenced contemporary American cuisine, is rapidly cementing the fine dining restaurant's reputation as a top DuPage County dining destination.    

Recipient of Wine Spectator magazine's prestigious Award of Excellence in both 2012 and 2013, Waterleaf's wine program features extensive offerings that express the restaurant's philosophy and cuisine. "Our wine selections offer a wide variety of choices, both domestic and international, that are excellent accompaniments to our food and offer real value for our guests," said Jean-Pierre Leroux, Waterleaf's general manager.    

Updated regularly, Waterleaf's wine list features exceptional, yet reasonably priced wines from around the globe. International offerings include: Varichon & Clerc Brut NV, Rhone Valley, France; Prendo (Pino Grigio) from Vigneti Delle Dolomiti, Italy; 2010 Steenberg, South Africa and 2009 F. Weins-Prum (Reisling), Wehlener Sonnenuhr Kabinett, Mosel Valley, Germany.    

Domestic favorites include: 2009 Darioush, Russian River Valley, California; 2009 Chappellet, Pritchard Hill, Napa Valley, California; 2007 Miner Family Winery, The Oracle, Napa Valley, California; and the 2009 Sequoia Grove Winery, Napa Valley, California.    

The collection also includes a global collection of after dinner dessert wines and Portos. While the collection will certainly grow over time, Leroux stressed that the emphasis remains on moderate pricing. "So far, we have succeeded in keeping wine prices down, but the wine quality very high," he said. "We want ensure an excellent wine can be enjoyed by everyone who desires the Waterleaf experience."  

Waterleaf to host Beckmen Wine Dinner on November 14

 

Waterleaf Restaurant, 425 Fawell Boulevard in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, will host a special wine dinner featuring the Beckmen Vineyards of Santa Barbara County at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, November 14. The evening begins with a Champagne Reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by an exclusive four-course prix fixe dinner complete with Beckman wine pairings beginning at 7 p.m. The exclusive Beckman Vineyards wine dinner is offered at a price of $75 per guest plus taxes/gratuities. Limited spots are available. To make reservations, call  (630) 942-6881.

Executive Chef Nadia Tilkian works closely with General Manager Jean-Pierre Leroux to expertly pair her menu with Beckmen wines. The first course of Ceviche of Laughing Shrimp is paired with 2012 Beckmen Sauvignon Blanc Purisima Mountain; followed by the second course, Kaboucha Squash Soup, paired with 2011 Beckmen Cuvee Le Bec Blanc Purisima Mountain. The third course, Roasted Sirloin of Beef, is paired with 2011 Beckmen Cabernet Sauvignon Purisima Mountain. The dessert course features Pumpkin-Caramel Mousse Cake paired with 2011 Beckmen Syrah Purisima Mountain.

 

Beckmen Wine Dinner, November 14

Champagne reception

 

First Course
Ceviche of Laughing Shrimp
Basil, lime and pear
2012 Beckmen Sauvignon Blanc Purisima Mountain, Santa Barbara County

 

Second CourseKaboucha Squash Soup 
Scented with orange blossom
2011 Beckmen Cuvee Le Bec Blanc Purisima Mountain, Santa Barbara County

 

Third CourseRoasted Sirloin of Beef
Potato Colcannon, Asparagus, Roasted Marrow, Sauce Bordelaise
2011 Beckmen Cabernet Sauvignon Purisima Mountain, Santa Barbara County
2011 Beckmen Syrah Purisima Mountain, Santa Barbara County

 

Fourth Course
Pumpkin-Caramel Mousse Cake 
Caramel Glaze, Ginger Snaps

$75 per guest plus tax and gratuity

 

 

About Beckman WineryFounded in 1994 by Tom and Steve Beckmen, Beckmen Vineyards is a family-run, estate winery located in Santa Barbara County's Santa Ynez Valley. Since its founding, Beckmen Vineyards has emerged as one of North America's premier producers of Rhone varietal wines, while also helping to establish Santa Barbara County as one of California's most highly regarded winegrowing regions.

 

Eager to return to his farming roots, and convinced of the Santa Ynez Valley's vast potential to produce world-class wines, Tom Beckmen began searching for promising vineyard property in the early '90s. He found what he was looking for on a 40-acre parcel of land with an existing small winery. There he established Beckmen Vineyards. Working together, Tom and Steve began revitalizing the site. Convinced that the vineyard had been planted incorrectly, they painstakingly removed the 16 original acres of vines, and replanted the vineyard with carefully selected varietals, clones and rootstocks.

 

Committed to building a world-class estate-vineyard program, the Beckmens also purchased a spectacular, unplanted 365-acre Santa Ynez Valley ranch in 1996. Naming it Purisima Mountain Vineyard, Tom and Steve began a meticulous planting process designed to maintain the natural diversity of the site. With an ideal climate and rare limestone subsoils similar to those found in Cote Rotie and Chateauneuf du Pape, the vineyard has proven perfect for producing a range of stunning Rhone varietals, especially Syrah and Grenache.

Under the care and guidance of Tom and Steve, Purisima Mountain Vineyard has earned acclaim as one of California's great Rhone-varietal vineyards. Adding to its reputation as one of the most meticulously cultivated winegrowing sites in all of Santa Barbara County, the vineyard has been farmed 100 percent biodynamically since 2006. Reflecting a passion for quality and a belief in the natural character of the land, the adoption of biodynamic farming practices has only reinforced Steve's vineyard-focused style of winemaking. Believing that the wine in the bottle begins in the soil, Steve and the winemaking team craft wines that capture the unique terroir of Purisima Mountain.

 

Beckmen Vineyards produces a full line of exceptional estate-grown Rhone varietals including Syrah, Grenache, Grenache Blanc, Grenache Rose, Marsanne, and the Cuvee Le Bec blend. It also produces small quantities of exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. Hailed for the excellence of its portfolio, Beckmen Vineyards was named Food & Wine's "Most Promising Winery" in the magazine's 2000 American Wine Awards. Since then, Beckmen Vineyards has lived up to that promise. In 2007, it was selected as one of the "Top 100 Wineries" in the world by Wine & Spirits magazine.

Waterleaf Wine Dinner on October 24 features Perrin Family Rhone Wines

Waterleaf Restaurant, 425 Fawell Boulevard in Glen Ellyn, Illinois (telephone 630-942-6881) will host a special wine dinner featuring Perrin Family (Famille Perrin) Rhone wines, including their Beaucastel, Famille Perrin and Tablas Creek wines, at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, October 24. The four-course dinner will include dishes from the new fall menu prepared by Executive Chef Nadia Tilkian. The price is $85 per person, plus tax and gratuities.   The Wine Dinner begins with a Champagne reception, followed by a first course of Warm Brie Flan with upland cress, poached pear, hazelnuts and Champagne vinaigrette paired with a 2012 Famille Perrin Reserve Blanc, Cotes du Rhone Valley. The second course features Petite Bouillabaisse with lobster, mussels, halibut, fennel saffron broth, crouton and rouille, paired with a 2010 Tablas Creek Vineyard, Esprit de Beaucastel, Paso Robles. The third course is Braised Beef Short Rib with crisp-potato galette, asparagus roulade and porcini jus, paired with a 2010 Coudoulet de Beaucastel, Cotes du Rhone Valley and 2010 Château de Beaucastel, Chateauneuf-du-Pape. The finale is a Chocolate-Espresso Cake, with chocolate ganache and shaved almond brickle. About Perrin Family WinesThe Perrin Family is the leading organic wine grower of the Southern Rhone Valley. With numerous vineyards in the Rhône region's finest wine growing lands including Cairanne, Jonquieres, Valreas, Vaison la Romaine, Gard, Gigondas, Clos du Chateau, Beaucastel, and Sarrians, Famille Perrin produces a wide-ranging collection of blends made from Grenache, Syrah, Marsanne, Roussanne, Bourboulene, Ugni Blanc, Vermentino, Viognier, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, Muscat, Rolle, Carignan and Clairette grapes. The result is a well-deserved worldwide reputation for excellence.

Waterleaf Restaurant Perrin Family Wine Dinner October 24, 2013 Menu Champagne Reception First Course Warm Brie Flan, upland cress, poached pear, hazelnuts, champagne vinaigrette Wine pairing: 2012 Famille Perrin Reserve Blanc, Cotes du Rhone Valley Second Course Petite Bouillabaisse Lobster, mussels, halibut, fennel saffron broth, crouton, rouille Wine pairing: 2010 Tablas Creek Vineyard, Esprit de Beaucastel, Paso Robles Third Course Braised Beef Short Rib Crisp-potato galette, asparagus roulade, porcini jus Wine pairings : 2010 Coudoulet de Beaucastel, Cotes du Rhone Valley and 2010 Château de Beaucastel, Chateauneuf-du-Pape Fourth Course Chocolate-Espresso Cake Chocolate ganache and shaved almond brickle $85 per guest plus tax and gratuity

Waterleaf in Glen Ellyn to Host Octoberfest Wednesday, Oct., 16 - Saturday, Oct. 19

Waterleaf restaurant (425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn, 630-942-6881) is offering a special three-course prix fixe dinner menu in celebration of Oktoberfest, Wednesday, October 16 through Saturday, October 19. The special Oktoberfest menu includes a first course of Gnocchi with Parmesan sauce and prosciutto paired with choice of Lagunitas PILS Czech Style Pilsner or Two Brothers Side Kick Extra Pale Ale; entrée of Braised Beef Short Rib in French country Ale paired with Lagunitas Little Sumpin "Sumpin" Ale or Two Brothers Domaine DuPage French Country Ale, and dessert, Peche Mel Belgium Ale with Peach Juice from Brasserie Dubuisson from Belgium & ice cream floater.  The cost is $38 plus tax and gratuity.

 

Waterleaf Fall Cooking Classes Scheduled

Waterleaf Executive Chef Nadia Tilkian is offering a series of fall cooking classes at Waterleaf (425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn, 630-942-6881) beginning with a class on braising, 10 a.m. to noon, October 26. Nadia will be teaching guests how to prepare Braised Beef Short Ribs and Pork Shoulder. The cost of $35 per person.

Additional cooking classes will be held throughout the fall including a Nov. 16 class on "How to Make the Most of Your Thanksgiving Leftovers" and one on December 14 on "Entertaining Made Easy".  All classes are held from 10 a.m. to noon. Details will be available on the Waterleaf website at http://www.waterleafrestaurant.com or by calling the restaurant at  630-942-6881.

KCI clients choose their best dishes for this Fall

The leaves are changing and fall is coming. Before we get to the Thanksgiving and holiday feasts, restaurants are gearing up for warm beverages, hearty dishes and the best comfort foods. Here's a roundup of what our clients have in store for you when it gets chilly outside.



Barista Lucas Black
Ready Coffee
1562 N Milwaukee
Chicago, IL 60622
www.readycoffee.com
Phone: (773) 360-7041

Nutella latte with cinnamon $3 dinkels donuts pecan maple $2
“The sweet Nutella latte with hazelnut undertones will sooth and satisfy your taste buds on a cool day while the cinnamon provides an extra layer of spice to your palette. The pecan and maple donut is a delicious complement to a chocolatey coffee that will keep you warm from your fingers to your toes,” says Lucas Black, Barista.

“Cold and flu fighter” raw juice $8 (Emergen-c, celery, green apple, orange, lemon, ginger) with a Shot of wheatgrass $2.50. “Boost your energy and immune system with a combination of our Cold and Flue Fighter raw juice- filled with fruits and veggies to to keep you healthy, as well as a shot of wheatgrass on the side adding extra nutrients and vitamins to prepare your body for the upcoming winter! Cheers!,” says Lucas Black, Barista.

                          

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Dobra Bielinski
Delightful Pastries
5927 W Lawrence Ave
Chicago IL 60630
www.delightfulpastries.com
Phone: (773) 545-7215

Apple cinnamon bread
“What says fall like apples and cinnamon and in a bread format? You can toast it, make French toast out of it or add caramel sauce and a scoop of ice-cream.”






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Chef Nadia Tilkian
Waterleaf Restaurant
425 Fawell Blvd
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
www.waterleafrestaurant.com
Phone: (630) 942-6881

Crispy Pork Shank, Braised Red Cabbage and Grain Mustard Sauce
“Perfect for fall, the pork shank is hearty comfort food”









Oyster Mushroom Crusted Halibut, Savoy Cabbage, Potato Puree, Mustard Sauce
“The halibut is only available until November and it is such an elegant dish to enjoy with the changing of the season”
                       






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Chef Mark Grosz (Owner)
Oceanique
505 Main Street
Evanston, IL  60202
www.oceanique.com
Phone: (847) 864-3435

Duck Confit
“Our duck confit dish, with its spices of cloves and thyme, is comforting and screams fall”

Waterleaf Food and Wine Festival in Glen Ellyn Gears Up for Sept. 14

The Waterleaf Food and Wine Festival presented by the Daily Herald features 100-plus uncommon wines for this second annual event on Saturday, Sept. 14.

Watch a video about this event.

Scheduled from 3 to 6 p.m. in the patio and gardens areas adjacent to Waterleaf restaurant in Glen Ellyn, the festival will feature wines specifically selected by the small, family-owned distributor Heritage Wine Company.

"Attendees will discover unique wines from around the world they would probably not otherwise have the chance to sample," said Jean Pierre Leroux, General Manager of Waterleaf Restaurant. "Waterleaf is all about delicious food and great wine, and our festival is the perfect showcase to share our passion with our guests."

Guests will enjoy a wide range of food stations presented by Waterleaf Executive Chef Nadia Tilkian. College of DuPage Culinary students will provide pastries and specialty pizzas to round out the menu.Live jazz will be provided by the Shawn Maxwell Trio and Steve Ramsdell.

With a focus on smaller wineries from around the world,  guests will experience  unusual labels they may not find in area stores or restaurants. "This event will feature many wines that consumers haven't had a chance to sample. Our Festival is an opportunity to expose guest to, many varietals, blends and, regions they may not yet have explored, and a restaurant they may not yet have visited.

From the boutique wines to the culinary samplings, participants, will discover what

distinguishes Waterleaf from other restaurants in the DuPage area.

"This beautiful stage has been created for us to perform," said Leroux. "Come discover Waterleaf and you'll be delighted with the personal hospitality and focused cuisine that differentiates our restaurant from the crowd."

All wine selections from the Food & Wine Festival will be available for purchase for a limited time at Cabernet & Company in Glen Ellyn.

The Waterleaf Food and Wine Festival presented by the Daily Herald is for patrons 21 and older. Admission is $35 per person in advance (online fees apply) and $40 at the door. A $25 designated driver admission is also available. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to http://www.eventbee.com/v/waterleaffoodandwine2013.