Long-awaited Kitchen Eatery is Open for Business at St. Charles and Route 83

Parking lot was bustling this week with diners eager to try comfort food "with a twist" in a modern, mid-century environment.

It took longer than expected, but Kitchen Eatery is now open for business. What started out as a cosmetic re-do of the old Kopper Kitchen restaurant at St. Charles and Route 83 became a major overhaul of the building, leaving it looking nothing like its predecessor.  Kitchen Eatery operating manager Chris Conglis and his partners, Tom Samatas and John Pappas, found out quickly that the old building would need a complete redesign to achieve the goals and standards they set for the place.   "All those things you hope don't happen, happened," Conglis said. The concrete floors were cracked, with air pockets, and they collapsed. That led to the need to pour new floors, and install all new electrical and plumbing fixtures. They had to add …

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Meatheads in Elmhurst is Opening March 11

They won't make you skinny, but they might make you rethink your burger.

You've heard the rumors, seen the sign. So what is this Meatheads place that's going in where Fresco's used to be at 143 N. York? We'll get to the menu in a minute, but for starters, Meatheads plays a big role in the communities it serves. They like helping to get kids off the couch. Meatheads of the Month recognizes exceptional local high school athletes who demonstrate determination, hustle and hard work. Every month, athletes from local high schools are selected as nominees, the public votes and the winning athlete's photo is displayed in the restaurant for the year. Then there's the Voracious Summer Reading Program, which encourages kids to read. More than 60,000 kids participated in 2012. You can read more about this in Crains. …

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Elmhurst Mariano's is Starting to Take Shape

What is the magic in the mix that has residents almost giddy over the new store opening?

From a quick glance at the comments on Mariano's Facebook page just in the past week, it's clear this grocer must be doing something right. Nearly 15,000 people follow Mariano's on Facebook, just eating up the many posts about new store openings, food and wine specialties, holiday delicacies and in-store classes and events. "I love your store!!! Have you looked at opening in Lindenhurst??? Would love, love it and I wouldn't have to drive to Vernon Hills," one commenter said on Monday. "Just discovered Mariano's—BEST STORE EVER," another said Sunday. Basically, "we need a Mariano's in _______, PLEASE," is the theme. Most Elmhurst residents also feel they have struck gold, with a store scheduled to open here this spring. Even when Patch …

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Ercie Berwick

11:16 pm on Wednesday, April 17, 2013

It depends on when you go, just like any other supermarket. The only difference is that at Aldi's they don't make you wait and wait and wait an eternity with dozens of people waiting to get checked out and only a couple of checkouts available, as is often the case at Jewel. Aldi's checkers are very highly trained, and they also have to check out the items of each customer in record time; I have …   more ›

Pinstripes Opens Just a Stone's Throw Away

The 40,000 square foot venue offers bowling, bocce courts, outdoor fire pits, bistro and bar.

Pinstripes new Oak Brook location held its grand opening Sept. 22. The two-level, indoor-outdoor entertainment and dining venue features 16 bowling lanes, six indoor and four outdoor bocce courts, two outdoor fire pits as well as a bistro and bar. The bistro features American and Italian-inspired cuisine, from small plates to pizzas and flatbreads, homemade soups, salads, sandwiches, large plates and desserts. Guests can also enjoy a Pinstripes complete gluten free menu, kid’s menu and daily features, such as the $10 bottomless chopped salad and spaghetti on Mondays, or $4 burgers while bowling or playing bocce on Tuesdays.  Pinstripes is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week plus a Sunday brunch buffet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guests …

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Grand Opening of Elmhurst Farmers Market Draws a Crowd

Even the mayor stopped by to try some goodies.

Elmhurst Farmers Market celebrated its official grand opening Wednesday morning.  Mayor Pete DiCianni stopped by and took a look at the variety of fresh vegetables, fruits and breads, as Elmhurst resident Kevin Connell handed him a sample of fresh-frozen berries from Roedger Brothers Blueberries. This was the first time DiCianni had visited this summer, but he said his wife, Rose, is a regular at the market, held each Wednesday during the summer just east of York and Vallette streets.  “In fact,” said the mayor, “Rose was here earlier [this morning].” It will be Mrs. DiCianni cooking up the ingredients, too, he said. “My wife does the cooking,” he said, laughing. “Absolutely. I cook on Sundays. But I’ve got about two dishes down, so I can’…

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Viewfinder

More Than 10,000 Turn Out to Get a First Glimpse of the New Elmhurst Memorial Hospital Sunday

Elmhurst Memorial Healthcare unveils a new approach to wellness with its new, 866,000-square-foot facility.

We’ve driven past the monolithic building on Brush Hill Road for many months. We've heard the hype, watched the construction, and on Sunday, the community got a first glimpse inside the new Elmhurst Memorial Hospital. A comment repeated by visitors walking through the hallways was, “It almost makes me want to get sick so I can stay here.” Of course no one looks forward to a hospital stay, but this new facility is sure to make that stay more bearable for patients and their families. The hospital incorporates the Planetree model of health care: a mind-body-spirit approach to healing. Evidence of this is seen throughout the 866,000-square-foot facility. Artwork, waterfalls, and courtyard waiting areas with statues and gardens provide a …

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Elmhurst Memorial Hospital Ribbon Cutting Signals the Beginning of Grand Opening Festivities

Community Festival open house is this Sunday.

More than 500 people attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of the new Elmhurst Memorial Hospital June 11. Joining Elmhurst Memorial Healthcare President W. Peter Daniels and other hospital officials were Elmhurst Mayor Peter DiCianni and former Mayor Thomas Marcucci. “We have an important responsibility to the communities we serve to carry out our mission of providing efficient, high-quality and compassionate care, and this new facility enables us to do that,” Daniels said. “The future of healthcare is here in Elmhurst today.” DiCianni said some 600 physicians are based at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital, and the facility provides more than 3,000 jobs. “I could not be more proud to have a brand new, state-of-the-art …

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Get Out

Elmhurst Hospital Opening, Music and BMX Tricks Headline a Busy Weekend

And don't miss out on the huge garage sale!

Here are just a few of the fun summer events happening this weekend. There is so much more in our calendar of events, like the Naperville Jazz Festival featuring Spyro Gyra, if you don't mind the drive. And as always, tell us what we missed in the comments. 1. VERY FUNNY MAGIC Where/When: 10:30-11:15 a.m. Saturday at Elmhurst Public Library, 125 S. Prospect Ave. Why Go: At 6’7”, Dennis DeBondt is the “Sears Tower” of magic. His performance is fun, interactive, and fast-paced, and all of his tricks were learned from books at the library. Pick up tickets at the Help Desk starting at 9 a.m. on the day of the performance. Cost: Free 2. MORE AT THE LIBRARY: BMX TRICKS Where/When: 1-2 p.m. Friday at Elmhurst Public Library, 125 S. Prospect Ave…

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Forever Fit

Amano Boucherie and Local CSA Entice Elmhurst to Eat Local and Organic

So much to see, learn and taste at Amano Boucherie's grand opening Feb. 19; and Elmhurst resident Bob Vierow more than happy to share recipes with membership to his CSA.

Imagine biting into a ripe, juicy, luscious tomato picked fresh from the garden in August.  Your tastebuds explode with goodness as the sweet yet tangy juice runs down your chin.  Pair that with a fresh leaf of basil, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and homemade, creamy fior di latte (mozzarella), and there’s no beating this simple combination of fresh foods. Now taste a tomato from the grocery store today–it’s likely a sickly red inside and tastes like plastic.  While it’s convenient to have access to tomatoes year-round, the flavor of produce in season just can’t be beat.  It’s no wonder we mask many foods with salt and heavy sauces. The local food movement continues to grow in popularity as people increasingly turn to home gardens, …

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Tina Tuszynski

10:00 am on Friday, February 11, 2011

Silly! It's okay to eat desserts in moderation - especially if they are made from scratch. Have you ever tasted Marco's creme brulees? To die for!   more ›