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.

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

Make Reservations Online

Website: http://www.wildwoodsteak.com

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.

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.

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.

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.

As you look around, you can enjoy casual places such as Old Towne Pub & Eatery or Claddagh Irish Pub, where friends get together–settings usually filled with laughter and a hometown feel. The reopening of Chianti’s, a long time Italian favorite, had been one of our city’s treasures for over a decade. Many former patrons applauded the reopening and enjoy their twist on classic Italian dishes.

In the fine dining category, towns would be happy to have one destination; Geneva has many. Isabella’s Estiatorio has received critical acclaim. Their bold Mediterranean flavors and sleek interior are all the rage in popular restaurants today. Niche is another excellent fine dining restaurant, contemporary in its approach with great plating and service. Niche would be among the best wherever it was. Wildwood has delivered with its wonderful setting and straightforward menus. “Bold American Cuisine” is often the way this upscale restaurant is described.

Villa Verone, with its wonderful sauces and delicious Italian food, combines a great setting and lively attitude. There is great attention to detail and guest experience. Foxfire is a classic steakhouse in a rustic setting. If a great steak and a good bottle of wine sound tempting, Foxfire delivers.

All our restaurants have reshaped dining in Geneva. We have a tremendous variety that enriches our community. So whether you are a frequent diner or it has been a while since you have visited some of these, try Geneva restaurants. They have much to offer.

Mike Riley is an Instructor at the Chicago Institute of Culinary Arts and the Cooking Hospitality Institute of Chicago. Mike and his wife, Barb, along with their family, are life-long Geneva residents.

This article first appeared in the December 2008 issue of eGeneva Magazine.

Villa Verone is this kind of place. While the food and atmosphere alone are an attraction, it is Owner Pietro Verone’s presence and customer interaction that set Villa Verone apart. Dining should be an experience, an art; and he paints a beautiful picture. The quaint Italian restaurant occupies an historic home, with outdoor patio, fountain and statues that welcome you to a little bit of Italy. Upstairs is the Upper Club, a martini bar, where you’ll enjoy dancing and live entertainment while sipping your favorite libation.

We were pleasantly greeted on a busy Thursday and were soon benefiting from our server’s knowledge of the menu. We enjoyed a generous caprese, which was fresh and aromatic. Next we were treated to the Asparagi, fresh asparagus wrapped in bacon and grilled with a Gorgonzola cheese sauce. Pietro suggested the house signature entrée, Vitello alla Vincenzo Verone, a dish Pietro’s father made at home in Italy. Tender veal sat on a bed of fresh spinach with Portobello mushrooms and pearl onions, in a Marsala wine sauce. We also enjoyed my personal favorite, Mamma Carmela’s Rotolo, a tri colored pasta, filled with ricotta, spinach and prosciutto in a light cream sauce. House wine is by the glass with no specific label. You pick the grape; they pick the wine–a great concept and excellent quality. It was a romantic evening in an historic home where the staff would break into an Italian song without notice.

The Italian trattoria atmosphere has lent itself to many marriage proposals and date nights; and by the end of just your first visit, Pietro treats you like family. I know times are tough, but forget the stock market for a moment and declare it DATE NIGHT! You won’t be disappointed.

Maureen lives in Geneva with her husband and three children.

This article first appeared in the November 2008 issue of eGeneva Magazine.

“When I walked in, I immediately was taken aback by the fabulous view.”

The Mill Race Inn’s menu is classic American fare with a distinct Mediterranean flair. We started our dinner visit with Grecian Calamari followed by Chicken Oscar and Pecan Encrusted Walleye Pike. The Grecian Calamari was unlike any other calamari I’ve ever had. I was tempted to order seconds! Both entrées, served with homemade sauces and sides of asparagus spears were everything you would expect and more. I’d tell you about their homemade desserts, but I can’t. Both of us were way to full to fit in another bite.

I could go on and on about the delicious food and the great service because that is what you expect at the Mill Race Inn, and it’s certainly what you get. But reviewing a restaurant is so much more than just the food. When I walked in, I immediately was taken aback by the fabulous view. Where have I been?!? My mind went back to all the change of seasons I experienced looking out over the magnificent Fox River from the Mill Race Inn. We spend thousands of dollars on vacations for a view that exists in our own backyard.

Within the next couple of months, we’ll be seeing the seasons change first from summer to fall and then to winter. This is truly the perfect time to visit, or in my case revisit the restaurant. No matter where you sit, you will be treated to the beauty of the Fox River and its shores. And each time you go, be sure to sit in a different location because the view is so expansive you’ll be able to enjoy a new perspective each time.

This article first appeared in the October 2008 issue of eGeneva Magazine.