Flavor Fare

Eeach month eGeneva Magazine reviews a different Geneva restaurant and touts their wares. Last month with the Flavor Fare right across the street from our offices, we couldn’t help but be reminded what a truly diverse menu of restaurants we have.

The four of us here at the magazine had no problem making the personal sacrifice to attend each day to sample these favorites on your behalf. It was a tough job, but someone had to do it!

The Flavor Fare featured appetizers, entrées and desserts from 18 of the area’s restaurants. Chianti’s
had their garlic crab pasta available for all to indulge, Moveable Feast had Oprah’s Favorite Brownies,
Atwater’s at The Herrington Inn offered their sautéed forest mushrooms in a puff pastry and Urban Grille shared their banana cream pie. And that’s just to name a few. Yes, I know we could have done it in one day; but we felt we owed it to you to try everything on the menu at least once. Okay, maybe twice.

And our reason for sharing with you our three-day food binge? To remind you of the varied and unique culinary experiences that exist in your own backyard. Next time you celebrate a special occasion or just want to try a new restaurant, you won’t have to travel far to find how our restaurants are another reason Geneva is unique.

This article first appeared in the October 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.

Geneva: A Dining Destination

Ask a Tri-City resident what their favorite restaurant is, and you will get a variety of answers. But, it is likely that many of their favorites will be in Geneva. It was not so long ago the answer to that question would be a “downtown” restaurant–meaning Chicago. It was assumed that for special occasions or good meals residents would have to travel. That is definitely not the case today. Geneva’s restaurant scene has never been more vibrant and alive. The variety of foods and restaurant styles makes Geneva a dining destination.

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.