Z-Downers Grove

By Larry Atseff We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Phil Vettel, who recently retired after writing dining reviews for the Chicago Tribune for 31 years. Naturally, we picked out a comfortable neighborhood spot, known for its food, Sam Vlahos’ Pierce Tavern in Downers Grove. Phil started out covering general news topics for…

By Larry Atseff When talking with Phil Vettel about his experience as a restaurant critic, we chose Sam Vlahos’ Pierce Tavern in downtown Downers Grove to sit down and talk. Sam joined us and we got some perspective from him about running a successful restaurant, as an owner of three different neighborhood operations. Restaurants have…

Local Restauranteur Reintroduces Vistro Prime By Kerrie Kennedy It’s been a long year of home cooking and takeout food, but as vaccine rollouts give Americans the confidence they need to return to in person dining this spring, restaurant owners are hoping for a robust recovery. For local restaurateur Paul Virant, who owns Vie in Western…

The Freshest coffee aroma brings you to Café La Fortuna When you are walking through the Courtyard at Village Place, between Hinsdale Ave. and First Street, you can’t help but be drawn to the fresh coffee aroma that takes you right to Angela Lavelli’s Café La Fortuna. It really is a bit of good fortune.…