Northbrook Star

Table Hopping: Family traditions add spice at Addis Abeba

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 04:37:11 -0500

There is an old Ethiopian saying: “Those who eat from the same plate will not betray each other.” As an immigrant from Addis Abeba, Ethiopia, Endal Hailemariam knows something about this notion.

Table Hopping: Dining as you like it at City Park Grill

Thu, 30 May 2013 04:28:50 -0500

Ted Holleb is the right man in the right place. “I love what I do and I love the people who come here,” said Holleb, owner of City Park Grill in Highland Park. “It’s a party every night. They come here to relax, have a good time and I’m very lucky to be part of that.”

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

Thu, 23 May 2013 04:33:43 -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

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 06:15:28 -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

Tue, 28 May 2013 17:56:05 -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.

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.

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.

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: A taste of the tropics in Lincolnwood

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 11:02:01 -0500

“By putting in the hard work and being present you will succeed.” That’s the mantra of Jaime Alvarez, the 29-year-old co-owner of Taste of Cuba.

Table Hopping: Exotic flavors of India in Long Grove

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 14:26:03 -0500

“Our dream was to start a ‘fine-dine,’” said Nidhi Trikha. Trikha, along with her husband Miki opened Urban Tandoor Indian Grill & Bar in Long Grove last April. “We want this to be a destination restaurant,” she added.