EM Food + Drink
What’s Brewing
Local Oktoberfest celebrations have fun for the whole family on tap this fall When September hits, Oktoberfest isn’t far behind. The famed fall festival originated in Munich, Germany, in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Ludwig, the Crown Prince of Bavaria, to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. The celebration, open to the entire city, included…
Read MoreLabriola Restaurant An Elevated Dining Experience
By Hinsdale Magazine Group Staff| Photo by Laura Meyers In an exciting move that promises to elevate the culinary scene, Rich Labriola, the visionary behind Labriola Café and LaBarra, is merging his eateries to create a new, enhanced Labriola experience. Facing an expiring lease on his Labriola Bakery Café, located next to his LaBarra Ristorante…
Read MoreThe Perfect Taste of Summer
A hot summer day, time by the pool or beach, or an evening at home means you need something to sip on. Try out one of these drink recipes for the summertime. By Mia Jones The Salty Dog Cocktail A zesty and refreshing summer drink Ingredients: 1 ½ ounces of gin or vodka 3 ounces…
Read MoreOak Brook: A True Dining Mecca
Oak Brook offers residents and visitors an array of nearly 80 dining destinations, from fine dining to quick-serve restaurants. It has evolved into a dining mecca over several decades. According to former Chicago Tribune Dining Critic Phil Vettel, a major reason is the proximity to downtown Chicago. “I had a ringside seat over 30 years…
Read MoreAWE Autumn
Oktoberfest Sponsored by the Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58 Friday, September 15 from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Saturday, September 16 from 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Oktoberfest, held in downtown Downers Grove on Burlington Avenue between Main Street and Forest Avenue, is a two-day German themed celebration with live music, entertainment Kids…
Read MoreMaking It Better Every Day: The leader who sets the pace
By Dave Noble Shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic began, Kristi Blessing was attending a leadership seminar at a catering convention in Colorado. The local resident and owner of Pints Elmhurst (112 S. York St.) and 151 Kitchen | Bar (151 N. York St.) was so enthralled with the speaker and his message that she decided…
Read MoreFeeding His Passion: Newly appointed Chef Stephen takes the helm at The Westin Chicago Lombard
What is your background? Before joining Westin Chicago Lombard, I was the Chicago Bears’ Executive Chef at the Chicago Bears Halas Hall training facility in Lake Forest. I prepared daily food for football players, coaches, scouts, and front office staff. I used my culinary skills and hospitality experience uniquely. Before my current position, I was…
Read MoreNeat Kitchen and Bar
neatkitchenandbar.com 246 North Cass Avenue downtown Westmont Lifelong friends John Taylor and Matt Verde, owners of Neat Kitchen and Bar in Westmont, met in sixth grade at Immaculate Conception Grade School in Elmhurst. After graduating together from high school, their careers took them separate ways, but both pursued careers in the restaurant industry. Between John’s…
Read MoreLinks & Drinks – plus post-round cuisine
BY VALERIE HARDY You don’t have to join a country club to enjoy a round of golf on a beautifully manicured course followed by beverages and bites at a quality clubhouse or onsite restaurant. Whether you’re a scratch golfer or still growing your game, this list of local courses is sure to provide a pick…
Read MoreThe Spring Inn: The oldest bar in Elmhurst
by Larry Atseff | Photos by Laura Meyer Pete Harmon, and his wife, Becky, are the current proprietors of the Spring Inn. Pete recently sat down with Elmhurst Magazine to recount some of its colorful 90-year-old history on Spring Road in Elmhurst and how it is evolving. A Little History “The Spring Inn, at 552…
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