Publications & Sites 
dining
Table Hopping: Feast on chocolate at Long Grove fest
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream… s’mores, bonbons, cake — anything chocolate! No need for any more screaming, however. Long Grove’s annual Chocolate Fest is May 3-5 so chocoholics of every ilk can satisfy their cravings for the rich, dark, aromatic treat in sweet, savory and even plastic varieties.
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Table Hopping: Serving Bubbie’s best at Silverberg’s Deli
At first glance, Phil Silverberg, bald, blue jean-clad, earring glittering one ear, seems a bit tough. But when the owner of Silverberg’s Deli in Vernon Hills starts talking about his ‘Bubbie,’ it becomes clear that family is everything to him.
Table Hopping: Closer to home style at Merlo’s
They say if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans. Restaurateur John Merlo can likely empathize. His own goals to become a lawyer, like his father and older brother, got sidetracked while managing a little wine bar in Chicago during college.
Table Hopping: Raise a glass to good health at Peeled
Juicing is no longer just what you do to lemons to get lemonade. It’s a movement among a segment of the health-conscious. It’s proponents say drinking juices of fruits and vegetables is better, healthwise, than eating those fruits and vegetables whole.
Festive brunches for celebrating Easter
The eggs are all hunted down, the family is gathered. It’s Easter, and it’s time to eat. A sumptuous brunch at a favorite restaurant is in order. We’ve collected a number of festive Easter Sunday brunches that would make fitting meal to crown the holiday.
Table Hopping: Restaurateurs are head over wheels in the business
“Two restaurants and a food truck” — sounds like the title for a sitcom. But with three enthusiastic partners running this Evanston restaurant business, one can see how such a mix works.
Table Hopping: Oktoberfest, Munich-style, any time at Hofbräuhaus Chicago
Oktoberfest is such fun; too bad it’s only once a year. Or is it? With January’s opening of Hofbräuhaus Chicago in Rosemont, a full-blown celebration is only one hefty beer stein away.
Baking business is sweet for siblings
EVANSTON — Brother and sister, Greg and Gretchen Vetter have both been baking since they were kids, and today, the two are still baking. Now co-owners and managers of Tags, both Greg and Gretchen realize their shop is one of just a few independent bakeries left.
Edzo’s declared Best Burger in Chicago by Zagat
It wasn’t a burger found in Chicago that was named one of the Best Burgers in 25 Cities according to Zagat. The best burger can actually be found in the suburbs.
New Glenview restaurant known for authentic tacos
GLENVIEW — Fanny Sampson-Cohen is originally from Mexico, and said the tacos at Glenview’s new El Mexican Restaurant are similar to those she ate growing up.
Harwood Heights restaurant features home-cooked Polish food
HARWOOD HEIGHTS — Izabella Narlock would like those not familiar with Polish food to enjoy some home cooking. Narlock has owned Baltic Good Polish Food at 7352 W. Lawrence Ave. for three years.
Table Hopping: Spicy Bites bursts with exotic flavors of India
“Traditionally when people talk about spices they just mention black pepper, salt and sometimes chile powder,” says Miki Trikha owner of two successful businesses geared at upending that notion.
Table Hopping: After 30 years, Chinn’s still serves pick of the catch
It’s hard to believe today, but when Bob Chinn founded his Wheeling restaurant more than 30 years ago, he had a hard time getting people to try crab.
Table Hopping: A taste of the tropics in Lincolnwood
“By putting in the hard work and being present you will succeed.” That’s the mantra of Jaime Alvarez, the 29-year-old co-owner of Taste of Cuba.
Table Hopping: Exotic flavors of India in Long Grove
“Our dream was to start a ‘fine-dine,’” said Nidhi Trikha. Trikha, along with her husband Miki opened Urban Tandoor Indian Grill & Bar in Long Grove last April. “We want this to be a destination restaurant,” she added.
Quality, freshness rule at Café Lucci
“It was a big leap of faith,” said chef/owner Augie Arifi of the decision to open Café Lucci with his family 17 years ago. To succeed, creative financing had to include leveraging home and auto titles by all Arifi family members.
