Lake Forester

Table Hopping: Norton’s secret for success? Simply good food

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:08:01 -0500

“Give people what they want,” is the no-nonsense motto of Richard Holleb, owner of Norton’s restaurant in Highland Park. The casual and friendly atmosphere he and partner, Jeffrey Mages, have created over the last 14 years in their “Cheer’s”-worthy haunt is a direct result of that credo.

Table Hopping: Feast on chocolate at Long Grove fest

Thu, 02 May 2013 15:22:01 -0500

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream… s’mores, bonbons, cake — anything chocolate! No need for any more screaming, however. Long Grove’s annual Chocolate Fest is May 3-5 so chocoholics of every ilk can satisfy their cravings for the rich, dark, aromatic treat in sweet, savory and even plastic varieties.

Table Hopping: Serving Bubbie’s best at Silverberg’s Deli

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:18:02 -0500

At first glance, Phil Silverberg, bald, blue jean-clad, earring glittering one ear, seems a bit tough. But when the owner of Silverberg’s Deli in Vernon Hills starts talking about his ‘Bubbie,’ it becomes clear that family is everything to him.

Table Hopping: Closer to home style at Merlo’s

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 09:36:01 -0500

They say if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans. Restaurateur John Merlo can likely empathize. His own goals to become a lawyer, like his father and older brother, got sidetracked while managing a little wine bar in Chicago during college.

Table Hopping: Raise a glass to good health at Peeled

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:56:01 -0500

Juicing is no longer just what you do to lemons to get lemonade. It’s a movement among a segment of the health-conscious. It’s proponents say drinking juices of fruits and vegetables is better, healthwise, than eating those fruits and vegetables whole.

Festive brunches for celebrating Easter

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 07:50:01 -0500

The eggs are all hunted down, the family is gathered. It’s Easter, and it’s time to eat. A sumptuous brunch at a favorite restaurant is in order. We’ve collected a number of festive Easter Sunday brunches that would make fitting meal to crown the holiday.

Table Hopping: Restaurateurs are head over wheels in the business

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 12:28:01 -0500

“Two restaurants and a food truck” — sounds like the title for a sitcom. But with three enthusiastic partners running this Evanston restaurant business, one can see how such a mix works.

Table Hopping: Oktoberfest, Munich-style, any time at Hofbräuhaus Chicago

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 09:20:01 -0500

Oktoberfest is such fun; too bad it’s only once a year. Or is it? With January’s opening of Hofbräuhaus Chicago in Rosemont, a full-blown celebration is only one hefty beer stein away.

Table Hopping: Longitud315 brings South American flavors close to home

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 14:03:26 -0500

If jetting down to the equator to sample gastronomy from a variety of South American cultures is not in the cards for you this weekend, just head over to Longitud315 in Highwood.

Baking business is sweet for siblings

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 11:27:56 -0500

EVANSTON — Brother and sister, Greg and Gretchen Vetter have both been baking since they were kids, and today, the two are still baking. Now co-owners and managers of Tags, both Greg and Gretchen realize their shop is one of just a few independent bakeries left.

Edzo’s declared Best Burger in Chicago by Zagat

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 12:48:08 -0500

It wasn’t a burger found in Chicago that was named one of the Best Burgers in 25 Cities according to Zagat. The best burger can actually be found in the suburbs.

New Glenview restaurant known for authentic tacos

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 11:36:56 -0500

GLENVIEW — Fanny Sampson-Cohen is originally from Mexico, and said the tacos at Glenview’s new El Mexican Restaurant are similar to those she ate growing up.

Table Hopping: Spicy Bites bursts with exotic flavors of India

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 14:42:01 -0500

“Traditionally when people talk about spices they just mention black pepper, salt and sometimes chile powder,” says Miki Trikha owner of two successful businesses geared at upending that notion.

Table Hopping: After 30 years, Chinn’s still serves pick of the catch

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 16:00:00 -0500

It’s hard to believe today, but when Bob Chinn founded his Wheeling restaurant more than 30 years ago, he had a hard time getting people to try crab.

Table Hopping: Food and mood for thought at Found

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 19:08:01 -0500

If you’ve been searching for place to call your neighborhood hangout, look no further, it’s Found. That is, Found is the name of this the low-key, three-month-old bohemian haunt recently settled on a corner in Evanston by restaurateur Amy Morton.

Table Hopping: Seafood is fresh today at MH Fish House

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 11:28:00 -0500

“We are sea-to-table,” said Larry Flam, general manager of MH Fish House in Lake Forest making a play on the current trend in the farm-to-table movement.