dining
Hidden Highland Park gem
The 100-person restaurant may be a bit off the beaten path inside a strip mall, but the quality of the cuisine does speak for itself, helped along not only by Skaff’s gift for self-promotion but the man himself. An immigrant out of Lebanon, the gregarious Skaff says he speaks, “A little Greek, a little Italian, Lebanese, Hebrew, French, Armenian and Spanish. Not fluent but I get by.”
Eat out al fresco dining spots
Bannockburn San Gabriel Mexican Café and Il Postino Wine Bar – 48 seats 2535 Waukegan Road (847) 940-0200 www.sangabcafe.com Deerfield Rosebud of Deerfield – set to open in July/August 2011 with 400 seats 560 Waukegan Road www.rosebudrestaurants.com Trax Tavern & Grill – 250 seats 833 …
Lake Forest’s Grille on Laurel offers elegance, comfort
When James “Dimitry” Govas, owner of The Grille on Laurel in Lake Forest, came to this country from Athens, Greece, as a strapping young lad in the late 1960s, he had every intention of going to college. Having two uncles who were also executive chefs …
Tablehopping: Good food, good attitude with a fresh, bistro flair
"It's all about the guests," said general manager of Cafe Central in Highland Park, Adam Nieto, of the colorful French bistro that his family has owned for 15 years. Parents Carlos and Debbie Nieto also own Carlos' restaurant in Highland Park, The Happ Inn Bar & Grill in Northfield and operate the Freehling Room, a private dining room, at Ravinia.
