What’s Brewing

Local Oktoberfest celebrations have fun for the whole family on tap this fall   When September hits, Oktoberfest isn’t far behind. The famed fall festival originated in Munich, Germany, in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Ludwig, the Crown Prince of Bavaria, to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. The celebration, open to the entire city, included…

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Snapshot: Dolce Restaurant & Wine Bar

13 North Cass Avenue Downtown Westmont DolceWestmont.com Carrie Fleck had a longtime desire to open a small wine bar offering an intimate atmosphere with good food and wine.  In 2018, she and her husband, Stephen, were presented with an opportunity to co-own an existing spot focused on rustic, refined food and an exquisite wine selection.…

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Snapshot: The foxtail

5237 Main Street Downtown Downers Grove TheFoxtailDG.com The Foxtail is a contemporary restaurant that draws inspiration from the Mediterranean, offering something for all tastes. Operating from Tuesday to Sunday for both lunch and dinner, the restaurant is conveniently situated in downtown Downers Grove, making it the perfect stop before or after exploring the shopping scene.…

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Neat Kitchen + Bar

246 North Cass Avenue Downtown Westmont NeatKitchenandBar.com Matt Verde and John Taylor met in the sixth grade at Immaculate Conception Grade School in Elmhurst. These lifelong friends grew up to pursue restaurant careers that led them down different paths, but they ultimately reunited in 2018 to open Neat Kitchen + Bar. After hearing the previous…

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Labriola Restaurant An Elevated Dining Experience

By Hinsdale Magazine Group Staff| Photo by Laura Meyers In an exciting move that promises to elevate the culinary scene, Rich Labriola, the visionary behind Labriola Café and LaBarra, is merging his eateries to create a new, enhanced Labriola experience. Facing an expiring lease on his Labriola Bakery Café, located next to his LaBarra Ristorante…

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The Perfect Taste of Summer

A hot summer day, time by the pool or beach, or an evening at home means you need something to sip on. Try out one of these drink recipes for the summertime. By Mia Jones The Salty Dog Cocktail A zesty and refreshing summer drink Ingredients: 1 ½ ounces of gin or vodka 3 ounces…

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Oak Brook: A True Dining Mecca

Oak Brook offers residents and visitors an array of nearly 80 dining destinations, from fine dining to quick-serve restaurants. It has evolved into a dining mecca over several decades. According to former Chicago Tribune Dining Critic Phil Vettel, a major reason is the proximity to downtown Chicago. “I had a ringside seat over 30 years…

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Feeding His Passion: Newly appointed Chef Stephen takes the helm at The Westin Chicago Lombard

What is your background? Before joining Westin Chicago Lombard, I was the Chicago Bears’ Executive Chef at the Chicago Bears Halas Hall training facility in Lake Forest. I prepared daily food for football players, coaches, scouts, and front office staff. I used my culinary skills and hospitality experience uniquely. Before my current position, I was…

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Snapshot: Vasili’s

VASILISMEDITERRANEAN.COM 135 WATER STREET DOWNTOWN NAPERVILLE Authentic. This word aptly describes Scott Harris Hospitality’s Vasili’s Mediterranean restaurant, nestled in Naperville’s downtown riverwalk. Named after the father-in-law of the renowned restauranteur Scott Harris (Papou is Greek for grandfather), the restaurant pays homage to the warmth and charm of Papou, whose legacy inspires Vasili’s hearth-fired Mediterranean fare.…

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