Thursday, October 22, 2009

Rouso to Appear on WGN-TV

Dean Rouso of Prime Property Partners will appear live on the 11:00 a.m. newscast of the WGN-TV Midday News on Monday, October 26. He will discuss the first time homebuyers federal tax incentive of $8,000 and upcoming deadline of December 1, 2009. Following the segment he will then be a part of an online web chat on wgntv.com for the full hour answering real estate questions.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

LIFE ABOVE LA GRANGE

Melissa Budak of Smothers Realty (324W.Burlington Ave.) had a colorful, playful display for children and families visiting the West End Art Festival.

In addition to promoting her business, she treated visitors all weekend to "Take a Shot at Life Above La Grange" -- which challenged children to match upper floor views of La Grange's downtown from various condo developments in and around the central business district.

The winner of the contest drawing at the festival was Annette Gablin of La Grange

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Rouso Named 2009 REALTOR of the Year

Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS, the tenth largest association of REALTORS in the United States, named Dean Rouso, REALTOR of the Year for 2009 at an industry reception August 28.

The designation is one of the highest honors in the real estate industry and recognizes one of the Chicago areas premiere up and coming REALTOR broker-owners. “Dean Rouso exemplifies what it means to be a REALTOR. He has contributed freely of himself and his talents and is committed to excellence in his profession,” said CEO Pam Krieter of Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS.

“This award would not be possible without the support and dedication of my family, staff and REALTORS at Prime Property Partners,” said Rouso upon accepting the award.

While the real estate market has been slow since 2008, Prime Property Partners has seen growth in its business to the tune of 90% in 2009. Rouso attributes this award in part to the cutting edge way he does business. “Real estate is market based, we provide our clients with the statistical data and out of the box thinking that will help them make the right decision about selling or buying a home,” said Rouso.

Rouso’s service at the Illinois REALTOR Association has been as a Director, member of the Finance Committee, Business Issues/License Law Working Group, Strategic Planning and Vice Chair of the Professional Development MIG. At the National Association he is a Director and a member of the Conventional Finance and Lending Committee.

Dean’s dedication and commitment goes beyond the real estate business. He has served as the president of the La Grange Business Association and was honored with its Business Leader of the Year award in 2008. He is also currently serving as chairman of the event committee for the H Foundation’s Goombay Bash fundraiser raising over $3 Million for basic cancer research at Northwestern University.

For more information about Dean Rouso and Prime Property Partners please check out the website www.primeanytime.com To schedule an interview with Dean Rouso, please contact Chris Comes at chris.comes@ripsoncommunications.com or 312-282-0539.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

LGBA LEADERSHIP CHANGES SEPT. 1

Downtown business owner Michael LaPidus spent his last day as president of the La Grange Business Association this past Monday.
Effective Sept. 1, he resigned after six years at the helm of the property and business owner's association, to spend more time getting prepared and running his new business, Q-BBQ, in place of his former Roly Poly Sandwiches franchise he closed last month at 70 S. La Grange Road.

He made his intentions known in a letter to all LGBA members Sept. 1, but only after meeting with his board last week, he said.

"It's bittersweet," he said. "I cannot believe I stayed as long as I did. I wanted to make sure the LGBA could move forward at a different level than it had in years past."

In his e-mailed letter also sent to OnLaGrange.com, LaPidus explained how there has been no other person whom he has relied on more heavily than the woman who will fill his shoes comfortably: Urban Sole proprietor and retail district neighbor Honor Lorenzini.

"Her vision, detailed execution and positive attitude are second to none," LaPidus wrote. They opened their respective businesses at roughly the same time some five years ago.

Lorenzini was unavailable for comment on her first day at the helm.

"Honor, she has a much different leadership style than I do," he said. "She is quiet in front of a microphone, but very forceful in doing things the right way."

He described himself as "very aggressive in trying to change things" and both straight-forward and upfront with colleagues, adding, "I don't back-door anything."

Cindy Lautner will continue as treasurer and filling the role of secretary and vice president will be Ryan Williamson, owner of Horizon Wealth Management on Calendar Court.

Williamson, he stated, "is the future of the LGBA" and is both talented and committed to La Grange.

"I see this new leadership as really going back to the basics with the organization," he said, noting it is tapped out with volunteers. He said it is time to "rethink" the way in which the LGBA is operated.

"We still have to maintain the high-level events we put on," he said, referring to such popular events as the annual Christmas Walk, the Ahhh! La Grange Carnival, the upcoming Halloween Walk and the summer art projects such as this year's Big Picture exhibit.

In addition to its role of advocacy for the business community like endorsing the proposal for the village to financially assist the La Grange Theater owners in a massive renovation project and lobbying against a recent pawn shop proposal, he said the LGBA under his leadership raised more than $90,000 for local charities.

Although some business owners quietly protested his stance against the pawn shop, questioning the fate of other small businesses others may find offensive in the future, he said that issue had nothing at all to do with his departure. He reiterated his leaving is solely to devote time to his new eatery, set to open in mid-September.

"The number one challenge for me stepping aside is the overwhelming experience of opening a new restaurant," he said. "I have to focus all of my time on that for now."

In his letter, he also outlined accomplishments over the years.

"We accomplished a working and expanded relationship with the village on various issues (such as) the discussion on restoring the La Grange Theatre, the new Library building, the YMCA land planning phases, the Park District expansion and many other community centered projects. These developments are critical to the success of our downtown and I am confident that the strength and value of our organization remains vibrant as we head into 2010."

LaPidus "extensively" attributed among the reasons for the success of downtown in recent years to the LGBA board and volunteers .

"We've taken a leadership role in changing some of the marketing initiatives ... and in starting new events n town" that helped raise awareness of La Grange's vibrancy. That work, he said, contrbuted greatly to the Chicago magazine's recent recognition of La Grange as having the "Best Downtown" in the metropolitan area.

"We've dealt with some pretty controversial issues when other people stayed quiet," he said.

The next public meeting of the LGBA is at 8 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at Palmer Place.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

AURELIO'S STEPS BACK IN TIME

The last thing a business owner wants to do in a down economy is lose money, but the owners of Aurelio's pizzeria in downtown La Grange did just that last week.
Although nobody was seen in hoop skirts or bobby socks on Calendar Court on the night of Aug. 20, new and (15-month) old customers filled the sit-down restaurant and bar to the gills that evening to enjoy circa-1959 menu prices.

The event, held throughout the 43-store chain, was celebrating founder Joe Aurelio's first restaurant in the south suburbs, which remains in business today. The La Grange store, which opened in the middle of a deteriorating economy in the summer of 2008, still packs the place regularly -- leaving its competitors in the dust.

And though the owner admitted to taking a bit of a financial hit to carry out the promotion, it seemed to prove at least one good thing: that customers know a good thing when they see it and take on a certain loyalty to that business. Some newcomers, we believe, just don't seem to understand.

In our own informal poll of waitstaff that evening, we found out the loyal customer base ponied up reasonable and realistic tips based on the fact their biggest thin crust, for example, cost them about one-fifth of what it usually does (say five or six bucks for a minimum $25 pie).

But many of those who heard about the promotion and appeared to be first-time customers
especially enjoyed leaving 1950's style gratuities (say a buck-80 for a $12 pizza order that would normally run them about 40 bucks). Go figure.

But that's business and life goes on. Hope for the best, but expect the worst, I always say.

Every member of the waitstaff I have met there seems to understand tips are a treat and vary from person to person. They even act like they don't care what people leave. Some businesses boldly stick the tip jar in your face as you order or even include it on the bill. Not here.

Aurelio's staff is courteous, friendly and really gets to know their customers. In the spirit of full disclosure, I am among them. This is no endorsement based on a favor to advertisers (of which they are not), but when an owner delivers orders to the table, and frequently also cleans the table when you leave, that puts a smile on your face.

And in a down economy, that's just what people need: a much-deserved pick-me-up. Ross and Co. provide just that.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

PIZZA IN LA GRANGE AT 1950'S PRICES?!?

Customers of Aurelio's Pizza, 11 Calendar Court, in La Grange's downtown business district will likely be shocked when they visit the popular Italian eatery on Thursday, Aug. 20 -- or so we hear.

Seems that is the very day chain owner Joe Aurelio opened up his first restaurant in south suburban Homewood, way back in 1959.

It was a big secret until today, when we heard the La Grange Aurelio's will be scaling back prices to the way they were in '59. On what and by how much, we don't know yet. C'mon Ross, spill the beans!

We'll have to see what kind of crowds will show up at the already frequently packed pizzeria Thursday ... and what kind of deals are in store.

Talk about an economic stimulus package.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Fifth Annual Fudge for Soldiers

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factorys of LaGrange and Orland Park, IL, LOVES our soldiers. We love the freedom the soldiers provide, and we appreciate their efforts.

Starting July 1, 2009, when a customer buys one pound of our hand-made creamy fudge that we make fresh in our store, we will be sending ONE POUND overseas to our soldiers starting in November. When asked why are you waiting so long to ship the fudge, store owner, Jean Kuhn, replied, “We could ship it now because fudge doesn’t melt, however we wanted to ship it closer to the holidays. We are running this promotion in July only. This will give us hundreds of pounds of fudge to ship. We will be shipping the fudge through Operation Support Our Troops Illinois.” www.osotil.com.

The two RMCF stores are keeping a tally board in the store so customers can see how much fudge we will be sending.

“This is the fifth year that we have been running this promotion,” said Kuhn. “We have sent over 1300 pounds of fudge so far. Our goal is to send 300 pounds this year.”

The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is a retail chocolate store that specializes in hand-made fudge that we make right in the store, along with 20 varieties of caramel apples, and fine chocolates. We are located in downtown LaGrange, and inside the Orland Square Mall, upstairs entrance, by Macy’s. Both Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory stores offer chocolate fundraising programs, as well as corporate gift baskets.

For more information please contact the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory of LaGrange: 708-352-6487 and Orland Park: 708-349-2063

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

PAWN SHOP IN LAGRANGE? 'NO WAY' SAYS DOWNTOWN BUSINESS GROUP

Downtown La Grange business owners are up in arms over the proposed location of a pawn shop in the former Hollywood Video store on La Grange Road -- which has been vacant for more than a year.
Although ordinances currently permit such a use in the central business district, word has it the Village Board is planning on addressing the issue at an upcoming meeting by proposing to eliminate the existence of a pawn shop category in the village code.

But first, the Planning & Zoning Commission must hold a public hearing on the issue,. and that has already been scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Monday, June 29 at Village Hall.

Community Development Director Patrick Benjamin said the type of business the proposed All Star Jewelry & Loan is planning on opening at 71 S. La Grange Road in mid-July is among those uses -- so-called "used merchandise sales" -- that's permitted in the section of the village zoning code last updated in 1991 referring to businesses in the C-1 central business retail district.

Those uses being eyed by the commission, which may include title loan and payday loan stores as well, will be among the certain uses considered later this month. Whether the village's ultimate actions would result in barring the business from opening is "a legal question," he added. And village attorney Mark Burkland has not yet been reached for comment.

Plus, while the business -- which has promised lots of fine jewelry and brand new goods in boxes which were gifts customers did not care for -- has applied for a license, it still must seek building and certificate of occupancy permits, he said.

And while there are other current and former uses in the downtown, such as The Carousel Shop, Jackson Square Mall and zoe's that sell and have sold used , donated and/or consignment merchandise, the village has changed in the past couple decades and no longer would consider a pawn shop a desired use.

"He did his research and found that section of the code was left open," said Benjamin, "but we thought that probably our business owners would entertain (better) tenants."

The movement to fight the pawn shop is being led by La Grange Business Association President Michael LaPidus, who e-mailed a letter late Tuesday to all of the LGBA's member business and property owners and others urging them to get involved.

"We are in the middle of a pretty big fight ... for a whole barrage of reasons," said LaPidus. "A pawn shop brings in a different crowd of people who do their business and leave. These just aren't the right mix of people we want hanging out in our business district."

The owner of the retail space, which sits on land directly south of Village Hall and west of the new downtown parking deck -- John Brannen -- has only been successful in leasing out the former Via Bella space to Francesca's. All of the retail spaces in the adjoining La Grange Pointe senior housing complex also have remained vacant since it opened last summer.

And while a sign in the shop window between the restaurant and the proposed pawn shop space has been clearly marketing the middle store for a bakery, the only new bakery coming to town will be on Calendar Court instead.

LaPidus, who has already taken his case to the village and who intends on making it the main topic of the monthly LGBA meeting at 8 a.m. Thursday, June 11 at Palmer Place Restaurant & Bier Garten, said the owner of the space has indicated a willingness to release the pawn shop owner of his 1-year contract.

But while the owner could not immediately be reached for comment, LaPidus says the man "is not budging" and claims "La Grange is in need" of a pawn shop if for no other reason than to dispel misnomers about that line of business.

"He says he's worked at a pawn shop and he's going to open up a pawn shop," LaPidus related, adding the man claims La Grange will be impressed with his many jewelry display cases. Brannen, who owns other downtown properties, also has plans to rent the middle shop to a mattress store, said LaPidus.

He said this is not a matter of La Grange being too good for such a business, but that it has been very selective of the kinds of shops the downtown area has attracted over the past 10 to 15 years and wants to keep improving on that record.

"We're not elitist ... but the mere definition of (the term) pawn shop suggests a place where destitute, desperate people go to cash in their belongings for money," he said. "That kind of thing has a very negative revolt on property taxes and when other new businesses who may want to move into town see we have a pawn shop might be turned away."

In his letter to the LGBA, LaPidus refers this to one of a "few defining moments" in the history of the business community "worthy of a vigorous fight" from the organization and community.

"Over my dead body will this happen," said LaPidus, who also owns Roly Poly Sandwiches just north of the La Grange Theatre. "I will make sure we don't start reversing all the good we've done down here."

Rumors about the new business quickly made rounds around the community ever since it was first revealed by someone on Pet Parade weekend a little over a week ago.

The letter specifically addresses the LGBA's resolve.

"We have been extremely fortunate in the past to have building owners be diligent about what tenants they rent to and commit their leasing practices to the spirit of what has made La Grange's business district extremely successful;" he wrote, "the right mix of unique, practical, eclectic and exciting businesses that fit our community and compliment our existing shops and restaurants."

LaPidus said he hopes the Village Board actions on this matter -- not expected for another month or so -- "will basically put (the shop owner) on notice he won't be able to open his doors."

Brannen could not be reached for comment, nor could Mayor Liz Asperger. A call to Village Manager Robert Pilipiszyn was answered by Benjamin.

About the only times in recent history village officials actively spoke out about a business' actions it considered of a negative nature were a failed move by the downtown cigar shop to allow its patrons to sit on leather chairs outside the front door to smoke cigars and attempts by a former ice cream parlor on Catherine Avenue near the tracks to allow its customers to dance along to swing music on select nights -- which at the time was in violation of village code.

Interestingly enough, neighboring Countryside has long banned strictly used car dealerships from operating in city limits, but just last week granted the former Continental Chrysler Jeep new car dealership a conditional OK to operate beyond its forced June 9 corporate shutdown date. Now, the business is trying for a business license and zoning change to stay open as the Continental Auto Center selling used cars, and parts and service to Chrysler owners.

The closest pawn shop to La Grange is two towns east on Ogden in Lyons, Classic Jewelers & Pawn Brokers, a longtime staple in the town's eccentrically diverse business district that includes such variety as a concrete products plant, a 24-hour diner, a mosquito abatement headquarters, a video poker distributor, a motel, taverns and liquor stores, auto and lawnmower repair shops, single-room-occupancy buildings. a palm and Tarot card reader between a church and a coin laundry, gas stations, tan spas and a new shop that sells caskets direct from the manufacturer.

Watch this space for more updates in the coming days.

Friday, June 5, 2009

COMED HELPS RESIDENTS, BUSINESSES

ComEd has improved electric service to dozens if not hundreds of business and residential customers in La Grange Park.

The electrical utility completed work earlier this year along 31st Street by investing $2 million to upgrade distribution lines.

The work will benefit most area residents by providing additional backup options when electrical loads must be shifted to quickly restore customers during storms and other outages.

Since 2001, ComEd has invested more than $5 billion to expand and upgrade its transmission and distribution systems, according to the company.

This has resulted in a 39 percent reduction in the frequency of customer interruptions.

The company performs regular maintenance work to ensure reliable delivery such as vegetation maintenance to free electrical lines from interference.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

JOB SEARCH HELP OFFERED AT CHURCH

A job support group and a six-week series of workshops to assist and support people facing a difficult employment marketplace will be offered by First Presbyterian Church of La Grange from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays beginning June 16.

The workshops at the church, 150 S.Ashland Ave., are free and open to all. They will cover such topics as resume writing, networking and interviewing techniques.

Further information is available by calling (708) 354-0771 or visiting http://www.fpclg.org/.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

MAMBO ROOM COMES TO TOWN JUNE 8

For those who follow the local restaurant scene, take a peek inside the former La Pinta, 25 Calendar, for new things to come. We interviewed co-owner Trini Soto as he monitored kitchen upgrades this week inside downtown La Grange's latest epicurean delight: the newly renovated upscale Mambo Room Bar & Grill, scheduled to open at 4 p.m. Monday, June 8.

The Latin-inspired tapas restaurant, owned by Trini, Rafael, Tony and Thipi Soto, has changed its interior design and colors to red and grey and the entire bar area dining room where the live bands used to play.

Though the former name will soon be replaced on the outdoor sign, the wooden overhang above the sidewalk patio will remain. But passersby can now see in the new main glass doors, which replaced heavy wooden doors that adorned the last place.

"We're bringing back all the tapas," said Trini, a response to the queries of so many customers who so often asked what happened to the signature appetizers menu they first introduced to La Grange about five years ago. "It's Latin-American, but still our own way: a 'fusion' of flavors."

He admits local foodies did not really "get" the concept -- popularized over the years by Emilio's in Hillside and Meson Sabika in Naperville -- when it first came on the scene, which is part of the reason why La Pinta later changed to a full menu before it closed its doors May 4.

But, he said, the owners believe La Grange is now ready to please its collective palate with such tapas as guacamole, scalloped-wrapped bacon, stuffed red pepper and boneless duck dishes -- and the idea of ordering several items and sharing it with a large group of people.

In addition to the 33 tapas dishes, what's also new on the expansive menu is some salads and sandwiches -- including our favorites: Tango Salad comprised of grilled steak, roasted red onion, tomatoes and a Dijon-Aioli sauce and a tilapia sandwich with tartar. Entrees include a baby lamp chop served with tequila mango salsa, in addition to steak, shrimp, chicken and tilapia specialties.

Mambo Room, owned by the same family as the popular Thipi Thai around the corner on La Grange Road in La Grange and in far west suburban Glen Ellyn, will be open 7 days a week, at 4 p.m. each day, and its bar will stay open later. Bands will still perform monthly for starters, but in the great room amongst four-top tables and chairs with a perfect view of the open kitchen.

The dining room will be until 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 9 p.m. Sunday.

As Trini looked out at his future "new" neighbors, one particular entity caught his eye, making him wince at the thought of the temptation it, too, will be to him. The banner inside the window at 26 West, where zoe's resale shop once was, screams out in big red script "Bakery Coming Soon."

Besides Knead, the former Great Harvest and Corner Bakery, La Grange hasn't had a traditional bakery in nearly a decade. .

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

DOWNTOWN RESTAURANT UPDATE: CAFE 36, LA PINTA OUT; MAMBO ROOM IN

Looking into the dining room at Cafe 36, 22 Calendar Ave., in downtown La Grange did not provide very good views in recent months, as the economy turned on its ear and owner Terry Gilmer struggled to keep the American bistro afloat following its apparently ill-fated appearance on "Kitchen Nightmares" -- internationally known chef Gordon Ramsay's cable television program targeting restaurants in need of drastic change.

Although the production kept a handful of regulars streaming through the doors from time to time, most typically busy nights saw more traffic across the street at Aurelio's, a tasty pizza restaurant and bar that has generated more business of late than, say, Blueberry Hill pancake house on weekend mornings.

It seems Cafe 36 -- which closed its doors after its licenses were suspiciously not renewed at Village Hall a few weeks ago -- never regained the reputation it held from upscale foodies once attracted to former owner Reinhard Barthel's more gamey and exotic cuisine.

But nearby La Pinta (25 Calendar) is also closed and under reconstruction, in a move to change its colors again -- to the Mambo Room Bar & Grill and NOT the popular River North eatery Mambo Grill & Lounge as has been rumored.

Not that would be delectable, to say the least, but with its world renowned selection of rums and tequilas and festive Latino-flavored fare -- and the fact it's been Zagat-rated (just as Cafe 36 once was on a routine basis) from years 2002 through 2006.

But nothing could be further from the truth and, it seems, the rumor mill is just that -- and that comes right from the horse's mouth, so to speak.

In a May 20 interview, Chicago's Mambo owner Susan Frasca said it's not her restaurant that's coming to La Grange.

Frasca, who has owned Mambo Grill for the past 11 years and is in the process of relocating it from 412 N. Clark St., where the lease ran out after it outgrew its digs, to 410 N. Wells, called it
"very complimentary," however, that people might think it's her place.

Rather, the Mambo ROOM is opening in place of La Pinta -- as soon as the end of May -- and will be offering some of the same fare as the original tapas restaurant that opened there a couple years ago -- once dubbed "a fusion of continents and colors," a blend of Spanish and Latin American cuisine traced to a region of the world that once existed on a diet of corn, tropical fruit and seafood.

We can't wait to see how things have changed.

No word specifically why Cafe 36 closed, but finding a replacement may be difficult as the space is owned and not rented by its owners. Attempts to reach the place fell on deaf ears; the contact number was disconnected.

One good thing is that the authentic Thai cuisine restaurant Thipi Thai remains strong and is not leaving -- and we like that. (Thipi Thai is owned by the same family as the Mambo Room)

Meanwhile, business appears to be booming at Francesca's, which just opened in the former Via Bella space next to the La Grange Pointe senior living development -- which, by the way, has still yet to attract any shops to its long-vacant new retail space.

Marconi's Ristorante on Calendar also is finding popularity with its price fixe menu: offering patrons any appetizer, entree and dessert of their choice for just 25 bucks apiece.

However, people also seem to be enjoying the new Applewood Smokehouse on Burlington as well, as well as one of our favorites (the longest existing Italian restaurant near downtown), Antonino's on West Hillgrove Avenue near the Stone Avenue station.

For those unfamiliar with the terrain in La Grange, here's a quick primer: for Italian, there's also Lucca on Burlington; for Mexican, there's Santiago's on La Grange; for British, there's Chequers on Burlington and for Asian, there's Sushi House on Calendar.

Coffee? We recommend Caribou, but there's also Starbucks and Seattle's Best (inside Borders) on La Grange, as well as a cheaper cup at Cafe Calbay on Burlington. Although Kilwin's has left the scene, there's still Cold Stone next to the revamped La Grange Theatre and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory (between Thipi Thai and another outdoor summer favorite, Palmer Place Restaurant & Bier Garten) also on La Grange.

Stay tuned for more.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

GETTING YOUR IRISH UP

When it's tough to navigate through a standing-room-only crowd in the back tent of Palmer Place Restaurant & Bier Garten in downtown La Grange three days before St. Patrick's Day, you know the owners are having another good go at it.

Although the bands had stopped playing for the night when we arrived on opening night --March 14 -- the beer was still flowing and the outdoor crowd was estimated at about 200.

Not much different than previous years, but it's still hard to believe the Palmer Family: Mom Ruth and sons Steve and Phil have been going strong for the past 26 years. Heck, I wasn't even drinking age yet.

Although the Shannon Rovers Bagpipe Band kicked off the festivities this evening, we're predicting the real fun will happen the next two days.

The Shannon Rovers return for a repeat performance at 5:30 p.m. Monday, March 16, to be followed a half hour later with the sounds of The Spirits featuring none other than Father Mike Shanahan, former associate pastor from La Grange's own St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. He and his band will be joined by Father John Hoffman and other clergy at the church -- who will be on hand all evening serving as food servers and bus runners, reports Steve Palmer.

"We're doing a (fund-raiser) thing with St. Francis Xavier in which 20 percent of our food sales will go toward the St. Vincent de Paul Society -- a Catholic service organization near and dear to our hearts because our the late mother of our News Editor, Jim Pluta, was orphaned at a young age when her parents died within three months of each other in the winter of '43 and lived in an orphanage in Fort Wayne, Indiana operated by the St. Vincent de Paul order.

With a motto that suggests "no act of charity is foreign to the Society, St. Vincent de Paul is a nonprofit organization that provides direct assistance to anyone suffering or in need. It offers a lifeline to those in want of food and clothing, rent assistance, medical aid, help with addiction or incarceration, employment and shelter.

Besides offering more than 35 beers on tap and a couple hundred foreign and domestic bottled beer, wine and mixed drinks and a complete menu fit for the whole family, the restaurant has a few specialties this time of year.

Try their signature corned beef and cabbage dinner with a pint of bottle of Irish beer and you can't go wrong. There's also a kid's menu and wonderful milk shakes. And yes, there's green beer.

"We serve a good pint of Guiness," says Steve, who estimates the well-known establishment sells some 1,000 pounds of corned beef on St. Patrick's Day alone.

Entertainment on Tuesday, March 17 includes The Plough Boys at noon and who could forget Those Funny Little People at 4 p.m., followed by David Scott Crawford on piano and a sing-along at 6 p.m. The 'world famous' Shannon Rovers return at 6:30 p.m. and the band South of 80 concludes the night with a concert that kicks off at 7:30 p.m.

There is no cover, prizes will be awarded, families are welcome all day long (the place stays open 'til midnight Monday and Tuesday) and both outdoor tents are heated.

If you're lucky, you might meet a new Irish lass or laddie to spend future St. Paddy's Days with and/or to take to this season's Cubs games with a night cap at Palmers on your way home.

Either way, you will be back (even if just to meet Jimmy at the bar, usually donning an Irish cap and sweater, spinning yarns about the lore of St. Patrick -- whom many do not know was born a Scot).

Thursday, February 12, 2009

CAFE 36 HOSTS VALENTINE'S DAY DINNER

Hearts melt over Café 36
Valentine’s Day Dinner

Classic oysters Rockefeller,
Coconut shrimp trio with
tangy chipotle mayonnaise
and mango salsa ...
'And that's just the appetizer'

Jorge Flores
executive chef

By Deanna C. White

Looking for a truly, swoon-worthy dining experience this Valentine’s Day?

The newly revitalized Café 36 in downtown La Grange will offer a feast to tantalize all senses Saturday, February 14, when it pairs a menu of rich culinary delights made famous by internationally-renowned chef Gordon Ramsay with the lush, jazz tones of legendary saxophonist David Schumacher.

“Valentine’s Day is a day when people truly want to go out and celebrate,” said Café 36 owner Terry Gilmer. “So we picked a menu featuring some classic dishes like oysters and surf-and- turf, and will serve them in an intimate atmosphere with candlelight and soft jazz music.”

The contemporary American bistro has been packing in huge crowds since it made its national television debut this January when multi-Star Michelin Chef Ramsay transformed the restaurant, and the menu, on his culinary makeover show “Kitchen Nightmares.”

New Executive Chef Jorge Flores will present dishes designed by Ramsay for the special Valentine’s Day menu.

Appetizers include the classic oysters Rockefeller, and a coconut shrimp trio with tangy chipotle mayonnaise and mango salsa.

Some of the amour- inspiring entrees include twin lobster tails, slow-roasted prime rib of beef, shrimp linguini and filet mignon, while the luxurious dessert menu showcases chocolate mousse, chocolate covered strawberries, New York style cheesecake, and a tribute to old-school romance: a sundae built for two.

“I guarantee every customer will leave with a smile on their face and a song in their heart,” Flores said.

An acclaimed jazz saxophonist, Schumacher will provide the perfect accompaniment to Flores’ dishes.

A Chicago native who has been active in the New York music scene for more than 25 years, Schumacher is an original member of the Harry Connick Jr. orchestra.

He has also recorded with such jazz greats as Lionel Hampton, Mel Torme, Scott Whitfield and Ben Wolfe.

Schumacher will perform from 6 to 9 p.m.

Reservations for the Café 36 Valentine’s Day dinner are still available, and strongly recommended. To make a reservation call 708.354.5722.

For more information, and a complete menu listing, visit http://www.cafe36.com/ or log on to Facebook under Café 36.

Upcoming special events at Café 36 include a Fat Tuesday celebration on Tuesday, February 24, and a St. Patrick’s Day party Saturday, March 14, with live music and a traditional Irish menu featuring corned beef and cabbage, stew and salmon.

Café 36 is located in downtown La Grange (just south of Ogden Avenue and just west of La Grange Road/Route 45) at 22 Calendar Avenue.

The bistro features, steaks, chops, pastas and fresh fish and is open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

REVAMPED CAFE 36 SPORTS MAKEOVER

About 40 longtime friends and colleagues, members of the news media and neighboring business owners braved the frigid temps Thursday night to attend a viewing party of Fox-TV's popular "Kitchen Nightmares" restaurant makeover show starring renowned chef Gordon Ramsay -- and featuring last year's revitalization of Terry and Carol Gilmer's French/American bistro, Cafe 36.

As the Gilmers intently watched the constructively critical show that caused a self-proclaimed welcome turnaround to the dream they made into reality by taking over the place just over three years ago, their kitchen and floor staff, best friends and colleagues enjoyed wine and appetizers as they anxiously awaited how the program would be received.

"The phones were ringing off the hook," said nearby family restaurateur Steve Palmer of Palmer Place Restaurant and Bier Garten on La Grange Road, immediately following the show, from his seat closest to the kitchen. "Way to go, Terry!"

During the show, the Gilmers were more than frank with Ramsay about their relative lack of experience in dealing with kitchen staff, food preparation, even marketing themselves and attracting new customers to the already established business formerly owned and operated for more than a decade by Reinhard Barthel Sr.

"We went from not knowing our --- from a hole in the ground from knowing our --- from a hole in the ground," said Carol after the show, who combined her experience in banking with her husband's career managing country clubs when they took over the place in late 2005.

Terry Gilmer, who fired a chef who was literally grilled by Ramsay during his fall 2008 visit to the restaurant (during which time the globally popular chef gave Cafe 36 an overnight makeover that brightened up the interior, redesigned the menu, the kitchen layout and the food handling and deployed a unique method of replacing all their dinnerware ... in the Police Department's gun range, no less), admitted if he were to do it all over again, he'd have changed the name.

(Oddly enough, while Cafe 36 sounds tony and a bit unique, the name actually was derived from the location at which Barthel's predecessor first opened: at 36 South La Grange Road, now the home of Bella Bacino's Trattoria-Pizzeria, where he also had an interest. That was before Barthel prior owner moved the place after buying into to a retail condo storefront on Calendar Court that was formerly housed by a locally popular clothing store.)

By this past weekend, restaurant spokesman Chris Comes of Chicago-based Ripson Communications said the national broadcast exposure spurred "a tremendous surge of customers" to pay a visit, call the staff and owners -- and/or log on to the company website, www.cafe36.com, which went into virtual overdrive.

"We had thousands of unique visitors on the website," said Comes, noting the response came from all over the United States and even Canada.

The Gilmers reported hearing from new and old friends and dozens of potential customers from as far away as Phoenix and Houston, from New York to Los Angeles -- urging them on and wishing them success -- some even promising to include the new and improved restaurant in the itinerary of their next trip to Chicago.

Watch this space Monday for a more comprehensive story about the attention showered on La Grange and one of its hot new eateries.