No, this isn’t (necessarily) about pizza.
Welcome to Deep Dish North Shore, a new biweekly food and restaurant gossip column with all the latest openings, closings and special events on Chicago’s North Shore. There’s so much timely information and news out there to share, so now you can find it all in one easy-to-digest place!
Big news in Evanston: Oceanique, celebrating its 25th year, closed for its annual summer holiday, but this year, owners Renee and Mark Grosz have a surprise up their sleeves. When they re-open this week, it will be with a brand new interior, “from floor to ceiling,” as Renee told me this week. There will be a great new bar menu, expanded seating area, and a more relaxed feel. I plan to stop by for a glass of bubbly and a Lobster Sandwich on Brioche ASAP!
It’s a crowded restaurant scene in Wilmette, where newcomers The Avenue (1146 Wilmette Ave., 847-920-5962), Nick’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill (1168 Wilmette Ave., 847-251-3262), The Noodle Small Plates & Market (1156 Central Ave., 847-251-1133) and The Big Black Dog Tavern(1141 Central Ave., 847-920-5681) are slugging it out with neighborhood stalwarts The Noodle, Gilson’s and Depot Nuevo. It’s an embarrassment of riches for the tiny suburb, which now finds itself in the enviable position of dining destination!
How did I miss Once Upon a Bagel opening a new location in Winnetka (1050 Gage St., 847-784-1411)? It snuck into Hubbard Woods when I was in a food coma after overloading at one review or another. So excited not to have to drive ALL the way up to Highland Park to get my fix of their delicious egg-white salad, grilled tuna salad boat in a bialy with hot melty cheese, or an enormous NY–style hot corned beef, not to mention their tasty bagels. I’m a happy camper.
Taste of the Nation Chicago 2013 is happening August 14 at The Navy Pier Ballroom (600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago) and it’s one of the year’s biggest culinary events of the year. This year, it’s chaired by the North Shore’s own Richard Melman, CEO of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises; he will preside more than 100 of Chicago’s most famous chefs and mixologists as they work to eradicate childhood hunger in Illinois. It’s a sell-out crowd every year. Live DJ entertainment, a killer silent auction featuring special restaurant experiences and hospitality packages, and great food and drink? Count me in.
Had a super-tasty tapas meal at Highland Park’s Benjamin Tapas with a few young friends last week and we all really enjoyed it. They opened at the beginning of the summer, and it’s just the right food for the season. Some of my favorite dishes included: Patatas Bravas, Tilapia Romesco, Vegetarian Paella, and Skirt Steak.
Have you made it up to Jolly Good Fellows sweet shop/bakery in Lake Forest? Aside from their delicious cupcakes, they have a vet-approved frozen yogurt just for dogs, and it’s topped with a dog biscuit. The best part is that the purchase of your doggy’s sweet treat has a higher purpose, with 20 percent of profits going directly to a local, humane, no-kill shelter that finds loving homes for man’s best friend. Their froyo for humans is pretty delish, too!
Meatheads has opened its newest location in Barrington (500 N. Hough St., 847-637-0040). Now there’s another place to grab their yummy NY Reuben Burger (with Swiss cheese, 1000 Island dressing, grilled onions and sauerkraut on marble rye bread) with a side of Cajun-spiced fries and a Mocha Shake. You can read more about the local chain’s philanthropic bent here.
Vampires beware! Highwood’s 3rd Annual Garlic Fest is happening Wednesday, Aug. 14 from 4-9 p.m. in conjunction with the Evening Gourmet Farmers Market at Everts Park (130 Highwood Ave.) Will you be this year’s Garlic Queen?
If you’ve got some Deep Dish news for me, email me at jchernoff@makeitbetter.net and be sure to follow me on Twitter @JulieChernoff.
