The bartender`s dad wants a dish named after him. The chef`s 11-year-old son designed the kids` menu. The pianist performed in a ”Phantom of the Opera” disguise around Halloween. The chef sings in the lounge on Sundays. And Jane Bianco, owner with husband Phil of Hobknobs in the Park, Palos Park, has been spotted after-hours in grubbies. . .scrubbing!
Not exactly what you might expect within a suave and swank, newly-remodeled restaurant that offers fine dining amid the hushed candlelight, clinking crystal, and lush upholstered seating.
Jane said, ”We want to be special; we don`t want to be stuffy.”
Special aptly describes the menu, which is as unique as its creator, chef Kevin Kincaid, who credits two other chefs who work with him with ”blending cuisines that create excitement.”
Appetizer and main course offerings are rousing, often unexpected meetings between Southwestern, Northern Italian, Cajun and French
preparations that produce happy marriages like Rockefeller of Crabby Tomato Bread ($8), an Italian staple that adds king crab, spinach, lobster cream, tomato and Asiago cheese; Roast Duckling Quesadillas ($7), Cajun-blackened duck with roasted peppers and cream cheese.
Entrees range from the simple, such as 14 ounces of Porterhouse steak
($23) or slow-roasted boneless prime rib ($15), to outright adventurous selections like Wellington of chicken and prosciutto ham ($18) baked with Asiago cheese and served over creamed spinach.
Among the details that have diners lingering here are a no-charge, supervised children`s playroom; a wine suggestion listed along with each entre and desserts such as deep-dish apple caramel pie with cinnamon ice cream.
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Hobknobs in the Park, 8101 W. 123d St., Palos Park, is open 5 to 10 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday; 5 to 11 p.m Thursday, Friday and Saturday; and 3 to 9 p.m. Sunday. High tea (buffet) is served noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Dinner reservations recommended. 923-1218.
