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
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
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.
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.
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/.
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. .
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.
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).
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).
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