Marines Host Toys for Tots at Tom & Eddie’s One Year Birthday Party

Tom & Eddie’s Geneva location opened a year ago, and to celebrate the one-year milestone, there will be an all-day party from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at the restaurant, 1042 Commons Drive, Geneva, IL. The day includes free birthday cake for customers, and face painting for children. Also, a basket of Tom & Eddie’s items will be raffled.

The United States Marine Corps is hosting Toys for Tots at Tom & Eddie’s. Anyone who brings in a new, unwrapped toy for a boy or girl will receive a free mini milkshake.

Toys for tots began in 1947, when Major Bill Hendricks, USMCR, and a group of Marine Reservists in Los Angeles collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy children. To date, more than 400 million toys have been distributed to more than 188 million needy children. This charitable endeavor has made U. S. Marines the unchallenged leader in looking after less fortunate children at Christmas.

“Tom & Eddie’s has had a great first year in Geneva,” said Ed Rensi, co-founder of Tom & Eddie’s, “so we feel privileged to participate in Toys for Tots as a way to help Fox Valley families who may be struggling financially this year.”

Tom & Ed’s top priority was, and remains, taste and flavor from wholesome ingredients with a concentration on fresh and local. They have always committed themselves to working with as many local vendors as possible such as Chicago-based Turano Baking Co., Two Brothers Beer, Puckered Pickles, and Mustard Girl All Natural Mustard.

Tom & Ed’s priorities seem to be successful if judged by awards and recognition. In the last year Tom & Eddie’s has been voted Number One Burger in the Fox Valley by the readers of the Kane County Chronicle. The Blue Chip burger won Best Entrée at the Geneva Chamber of Commerce fundraiser titled “60 Men Who Cook.”

In addition, the Yin & Yang edamame burger was named one of Chicago Tribune’s favorite new veggie burgers by dining critics Phil Vettel and Lauren Viera. And most recently, Tom & Eddie’s was voted Best Fast Food Restaurant by readers of the Republican newspapers.

“Two things differentiate us,” Rensi said. “We focus on high quality ingredients with a strong emphasis on fresh and local. That’s one. The other is our hospitality. Frankly, the entire organization powers us up, and it’s energizing. It’s like having a party every day. I am reminded of the phrase: ‘The work of children is play; the play of adults is work.’”

Everyone is invited to share the celebration on Dec. 17. For more information, call 630-208-1351 or visit http://www.tomandeddies.com or http://www.facebook.com/TomandEddies.

Tom & Eddie’s donates to local educational charities

Tom & Eddie’s Geneva is pleased to announce it will donate $4,000 to two local organizations – the Geneva Academic Foundation (GAF) and the Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence (BFEE). The funds were raised during the nine day grand opening celebration of the restaurant which is located at the Shops at Geneva Commons, 1042 Commons Dr., Geneva.

“It is a pleasure to support these two important not-for-profit organizations,” said Ed Rensi, co-founder of Tom & Eddie’s. “We are 100 percent behind them and their missions to raise funds that benefit students in the Geneva and Batavia school districts.”

“We are committed to giving back to the communities in which we do business,” said Tom Dentice, co-founder. “As a result, we have chosen to support organizations that focus on youth and education. We are proud to do so.”

Each year, GAF provides grants to pay for supplemental programs, equipment, and educational resources to benefit the students at each school in Geneva. The programs funded are based upon requests by teachers. Also GAF is committed to the long-term success of the Geneva schools.  Each year, a portion of the funds collected are allocated to an Endowment Fund that will continue enhancing educational opportunities well into the future.

“We are so pleased at this news,” said Deborah Brown, president of the GAF. “The donation will go into a fund for next year’s grants, and we are most grateful. Tom and Ed can be very proud of everything they do, and their commitment to the community shows. Plus, we’re enjoying their food!”

The Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence has been established to provide a long term, self-sustaining financial program to enhance the Batavia Public School system beyond the limits of normal tax support. The foundation provides support for the development of enrichment programs and services which make the critical difference between a very good education and an excellent education.

“It was a total pleasure working with Tom & Eddie’s,” said Joanne Spitz from the BFEE. “We so appreciate the donation. We are working toward a $1 million endowment, and every dollar helps.”

Tom & Eddie’s is a family-friendly, gourmet burger restaurant focused on giving its customers delicious food made from natural products, personal customer service, and a relaxed and happy dining experience. Beyond the ambiance and food, the two things that Tom and Ed believe in are integrity and commitment to community.

For more information, call 630-208-1351 or visit http://www.tomandeddies.com or http://www.facebook.com/TomandEddies.

Tom & Eddie’s hosts a grand opening celebration

Tom & Eddie’s Geneva location will have its grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, at the Shops at Geneva Commons, 1042 Commons Dr., Geneva, IL. Tom & Eddie’s is a family-friendly, gourmet burger restaurant focused on giving its customers delicious food made from natural products, personal customer service, and a relaxed and happy dining experience.

In celebration of the grand opening, guests will receive more than a week’s worth of special promotions. It’s Tom & Eddie’s way of welcoming the public and saying, “See if you agree with us. We serve a terrific burger.”

The theme of the grand opening is “Dressed to the Nines.” Why nine? There are nine signature burgers on the menu. Just for fun and to go along with the theme, any guest who is “dressed to the nines” in formal wear (a tuxedo or evening gown) will receive a free meal (entree, side and soft drink). Business wear is not eligible. This “formal wear freebie” is for the first nine days of celebration – from Saturday, Jan. 29 through Sunday, Feb.6.

Co-founders, Tom Dentice and Ed Rensi, believe in commitment to the community, so 10 percent of net sales from the grand opening nine days will go to support education in the tri-cities area. Specifically, the not-for-profit beneficiaries are the Geneva Academic Foundation and the Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence.

In addition, 81 lucky people will win a weekly burger meal (entrée, side and soft drink) for one year. Every day of “Dressed to the Nines”, nine names will be drawn to win a free weekly burger meal for one year.

But back to burgers…Tom and Ed agree that a world-class burger starts with the meat: hand-formed patties of Fresh 100% Natural Angus. “Natural” means the cattle were raised without growth hormones or antibiotics and fed a vegetarian diet. Very important, the beef is “Certified Humane,” by the Humane Farm Animal Care, a national non-profit 501(c)3 organization created to improve the lives of farm animals by setting rigorous standards, conducting annual inspections, and certifying their humane treatment.

Tom & Eddie’s buys from very select companies, many of which use organic and natural ingredients: Boylan’s all natural sodas, Turano Bread Company, Puckered Pickles, Heinz organic ketchup, Mustard Girl Mustards, and Redmond Natural Sea Salt.

The restaurant has a warm and inviting look and feel. Orders are placed at the counter, cooked in an open view kitchen and delivered with a smile to the table. Other features include a customer loyalty club, a kids’ menu, free Wi-Fi, carry-out with biodegradable packaging, and online ordering.

Both Tom and Ed have a ton of energy and an equal amount of food creativity. They spent more than a year developing recipes and searching for organic and natural ingredients. Cheeseburgers and sandwiches are paired perfectly with many choices of freshly-made sides. The menu also features a line-up of chicken sandwiches, soups, crisp salads and a bountiful selection of beer and wine.

Beyond the ambiance and food, the two things that Tom and Ed believe in are integrity and commitment to community.

“You can have the best food in the world,” Ed said, “but if you don’t have happy, satisfied customers, you can’t have a successful business. We welcome any and all feedback and suggestions from our guests.”

For more information, call 630-208-1351 or visit http://www.tomandeddies.com.

Gen Hoe Restaurant Review

Gen Hoe is an iconic restaurant in Geneva that specializes in authentic Chinese food. This year Gen Hoe celebrates its 40th anniversary. How has it been successful for 40 years? It all starts with lifetime owners, Tony and Jenny Lee.

Anyone that comes into the restaurant will surely recognize Mrs. Lee. She has been serving customers from the beginning when Gen Hoe was a takeout only shop across the street from their current restaurant. Today she can be seen talking to customers in the dining room or helping them with their takeout orders.

Mr. Lee continues to be the head cook enjoying every minute in the kitchen preparing his customers’ favorite dishes. He prides himself on cooking authentic Chinese cuisine with the freshest ingredients.

Gen Hoe and Mr. and Mrs. Lee have many loyal customers that turn into friends. Recently they held an anniversary party to celebrate their forty years in business.
The dining room was overflowing with happy guests as they were treated to some of Gen Hoe’s most popular dishes. There were trays of Sweet and Sour Chicken, Egg
Foo Yung, Chicken Fried Rice and everyone’s favorite, Egg Rolls. Other favorites served were Lemon Chicken, Gen Hoe Delight and Crab Rangoons. The buffet provided a chance to find a new favorite.

You can enjoy Gen Hoe’s hospitality too: inside or out. If you are dining in you will be treated to dinner in abeautiful dining room with great service. The waiters have all been at Gen Hoe for years. They can suggest a dish or drink that would compliment your meal. The service is wonderful and the portions are generous. Gen Hoe also offers takeout service with the same food quality as served in the dining room. And it is quick!

Dawn Vogelsberg is married to a lifelong Gen Hoe fan and former employee and is raising three children that either work at Gen Hoe or hope to.

This article first appeared in the January 2010 issue of eGeneva Magazine.

Le Berry Bistro Restaurant Review

Perched atop the second floor of the Berry House in our historic downtown, Le Berry Bistro is yet another example of a long-established Geneva restaurant. Dining al-fresco with a view of Franklin and Third Streets has been a traditional treat for local restaurant goers for years.

With “Mom” out of town, my daughter Kate and I enjoyed dinner on an evening out. We began with appetizers of white bean and rosemary bruschetta and a seasoned olive oil goat cheese accompanied by a toasted baguette.

The entrée menu consists of the restaurant’s staples such as a pork tenderloin and a varied seafood selection as well as specials such as the Kobe burger. Kate chose the grilled shrimp and polenta with seasonal vegetables; and I had the swordfish with a roasted tomato basil viniagrette topping, roasted herb potatoes and seasonal vegetables. An appropriate wine selection complemented the meal. As we expected from a restaurant in Geneva, the food was creative and exceptional.

Whether you’re looking for a break in shopping in Geneva or an evening out, Le Berry Bistro offers good food, comfortable surroundings and a friendly staff.

Stephen Burnham is a Geneva resident and owner of the Paper Merchant in downtown Geneva.

This article first appeared in the November 2009 issue of eGeneva Magazine.

Wildwood Restaurant

Wildwood Restaurant in Geneva offers upscale American cuisine including oak-grilled steaks, fresh seafood, poultry, pasta and vegetarian dishes. Dine in the warm ambiance of our dining room, upscale lounge or our spacious courtyard. Extensive wine, specialty beer and martini offerings complement Executive Chef Corby’s dinner, lunch and ala carte Sunday brunch menus.

Wildwood Restaurant
477 S 3rd St
Geneva, IL
(630) 377-8325

Make Reservations Online

Website: http://www.wildwoodsteak.com

Restaurant Review: Claddagh Irish Pub

The Claddagh Irish Pub restaurant in Geneva Commons is just what it claims to be: a recreated Irish public house. The interior is warm and inviting. Varied stylized rooms give it charm and a unique feel. My wife, Lisa, and I sat in the Lower Cottage Room with its timbered ceiling and warm, inviting fireplace burning on a cool night.

Our appetizer of Loaded Pub Chips with bacon, tomato, green onions and ale cheese sauce served with a tangy but not overpowering sour cream and horseradish sauce got our taste buds started. Since it was cold we both opted for soup. Lisa’s Guinness onion soup, a classic onion soup with rich overtones of Guinness stout, delighted us both. I ordered the Claddagh chowder, a meaty, thick clam chowder whose richness we enjoyed.

The entrées were both excellent. Lisa enjoyed a Jameson Drunken Steak, a sirloin grilled perfectly, topped with a Jameson Irish whiskey glaze, sautéed mushroom, white cheddar cheese and crisp onions carried delicate flavors in each bite. Champ potatoes (Irish mashed potato prepared with scallions) and steamed vegetables accompanied. I enjoyed traditional Irish bacon and cabbage, the Irish predecessor of corned beef and cabbage. Irish bacon, similar to Canadian bacon, is saltier with a bit of fat for flavor. It came plated over a bed of champ potatoes and cabbage cooked al dente, with a little snap to each bite, unlike so much soggy cabbage served on St. Patrick’s Day. A mustard sauce topped the dish, adding excellent flavor. Portions are abundant.

Dessert was the decadent St. Patrick’s frozen mud pie: mocha ice cream, chocolate cookie crust with a chocolate and caramel drizzled. It pleasantly concluded a wonderful dining experience.

The Claddagh staff is warm and friendly and really cares about you enjoying a wonderful dining experience.

T. J. and Lisa, owners of Spring Clean, Ltd., and their three children, Jack, Liam and Gretchen, are long time Geneva residents.

This article first appeared in the April 2009 issue of eGeneva Magazine.

Restaurant Review: Urban Grille

Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner, a great place to meet with friends or a yummy family meal, Urban Grille is the place to go. With an extensive menu featuring everything from the best burgers and flatbread pizzas to salads, steaks and seafood, you’ll find something to please even the pickiest eater. The service at Urban Grille is friendly but unobtrusive. Seating is comfortable, and the atmosphere in the restaurant is warm and inviting.

We enjoyed a quiet dinner for two (a rare event with three busy kids in the house). The wine list was the first thing that grabbed our attention. It was hard to choose; Urban Grille features a wide variety of wines at all price points.

Our dinner was just as good as our wine. Scott began with the Seafood Bisque, a delicate buttery comfort food that was rich with chunks of whitefish and shrimp. I opted for the Shrimp Alyx, which was crispy and buttery with a mild lemony sauce that brought out the best in the shrimp. I chose the small appetizer portion, which was still large enough to share. But if you’re a shrimp lover, it comes in two appetizer sizes and also can be ordered as an entrée.

Next, it was on to the main course. We each chose a different steak. I selected the Flat Iron Steak, which was grilled to smoky, tender, flavorful perfection! Scott had the Strip Steak, which was very juicy with a fire-grilled flavor. The steaks were served with crisp-tender asparagus and perfectly seasoned fingerling potatoes tossed in a blend of butter and herbs.
For dessert, Scott selected the Chocolate Melting Cake. The cake was very chocolaty and did not depend on the melted center for flavor. He said it was one of the best he’d ever had. I chose the Crème Brûlée, which was crunchy on top with an intense vanilla flavor. It was served with Blackberries and whipped the perfect end to a rare and wonderful night out.

Jennifer Roy along with her husband Scott and daughters, Brittany, Rebecca and Elizabeth are long-time Geneva residents.

This article first appeared in the March 2009 issue of eGeneva Magazine.

Restaurant Review: Chianti’s

Great family dining has returned to Geneva. Chianti’s is back with all the favorite entrées from the former Ristorante Chianti. Jeff Woods, the former general manager, along with his wife Sherry, also a former employee, have brought back 20 years of nostalgic Geneva history and tradition.

The new, two dining room restaurant has a very warm and inviting ambience. One room completes its cozy environment with the original Chianti fireplace while the front room provides great décor with a spectacular view of Third Street activity. Both rooms furnish a very relaxing and comfortable dining experience. And for those who remember, yes, the train is back!

We have missed the great food and the personal touch since their departure five years ago. This is especially exciting for my wife, daughter and granddaughter, since we all have our favorite Chianti dish. Garlic Crab, Cajun Tortellini, Sante Fe Pasta and Cheese Mushrooms–we missed them all! So much so that on our last visit we ordered all our favorites and exchange bites to recapture the many tasteful varieties from the menu.

Many of Chianti’s former staff are back, too. Knowing the menu and having the ability to assist and recommend specials or wine is important so bringing back the old staff is a great asset.

The former Chianti’s had always been one of our regular and favorite dining pleasures, and this has only improved with the new restaurant. With Valentine’s Day coming up, maybe it’s the perfect time to reacquaint yourself with an old Geneva favorite.

Pat and his wife are long time Geneva residents.

This article first appeared in the February 2009 issue of eGeneva Magazine.

Restaurant Review: Wildwood

Nancy and I were thrilled to do the restaurant review for this month’s eGeneva. Geneva is filled with wonderful restaurants, and Wildwood is a family favorite. The food is phenomenal, the dining room warm and cozy; and owner, Patrick Neary, must live there because he never fails to stop by to say hi.

Our server, David Heidorn, who has waited on us on numerous occasions, convinced us to start with the oyster bar, available every Thursday, offering a variety of fresh oysters from both coasts. In the past we’ve started with Seafood Fondue for two, a warm bread bowl filled with shrimp, crabmeat and scallops in a rich cheese and white wine sauce. It’s tough to say which we like better.

Nancy’s entrée was Steak Diane. A lot of restaurants offer this dish, but Wildwood is the only place Nancy will order it. She’s not sure why, but it’s just better. My entrée was the Barramundi, an Australian fish, roasted and topped with toasted macadamia nuts, served on a cedar plank with mango salsa. There is something for everyone on the menu; and over the last couple of years, Nancy and I have tried to sample it all!

Plan to spend some time in Wildwood’s lounge. The entertainment alone is reason to go. And on our last visit Patrick gave us a tour of their newly opened private dining room. We’ll definitely use it for our next party.

Not only is Wildwood an excellent choice for dinner, but it is also a great destination for lunch or Sunday brunch. Believe me, you’re cheating yourself by not going.

Call Wildwood at 630-377-8325 for reservations or information.

Tom and Nancy Cantwell reside in Geneva with their two sons, Tommy and Brandon. Tom is also the drummer for the Geneva based band, Gallery.

This article first appeared in the January 2009 issue of eGeneva Magazine.

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