This year’s Restaurant Week in La Grange marks the 15th anniversary of what has become one of the village’s signature events.
La Grange Restaurant Week, actually 10 days, features 21 La Grange dining establishments offering special prices and menu items between Feb. 27 and March 8.
“With the culinary creativity that’s in the village, there’s a lot of new and different entrees and items coming out,” said Dan Mulka, CEO of the La Grange Business Association. “La Mom Kitchen (19 W. Calendar Ave.) for example, has three brand new items that are out there. There are some places that are doing discounts as well. Blackberry Market (36 S. La Grange Rd.) is doing their “pick two,” special where they have a sandwich and a salad for $10.”
Mulka said many participating restaurants were still formulating their special deals for the week.
“There’s different ways to experience the week,” he said. “Sometimes you’re going to find a brand-new item that’s your favorite and you’re going to ask them ‘hey, can you keep this on the regular menu?’”
La Grange has more than three dining establishments for every thousand residents and in the last few decades has grown into a vibrant dining destination — one of the biggest in the Cook County suburbs, Mulka said.
Among the participating eateries are fourteensixteen, 14 W. Calendar, which will feature a three course dinner; Santiago’s Mexican Restaurant, 24 Calendar, will offer various menu items at a special “two-for” price; and GP Italiano, 1S. La Grange Rd. A full list of participating restaurants is at the LGBA web page, lgba.com.
One of the new participants in Restaurant Week is The Wooden Paddle, 23 W. Calendar Ave., which is just finishing its first year in La Grange.
“We’re excited for that,” said Jonathan Cowan, co-owner with his wife, Brianna.
Cowan said that business in La Grange was good in the first year.
“We just had an amazing Valentine’s Day weekend, where we had 550 people come through on Saturday,” he said. “We’re really thankful for that. I think we’ve become a nice spot for the ladies to come out for date night. It’s a perfect place for Valentine’s Day.”
Cowan also serves on the LGBA Restaurant Committee, praising the group for its work promoting a traditionally slow period for the industry.
La Grange President Mark Kuchler pointed out the convenience of Restaurant Week.
“We have over 20 restaurants participating and they’re all within walking distance of each other,” he said. “They’re all individual, unique restaurants.”
In addition to all the specials restaurants will be offering during Restaurant Week, establishments will provide a QR code offering customers the chance to win a $50 gift certificate at participating eateries.
Dan Mulka stressed that coming out of the coldest season, with Spring right around the corner, it was a perfect time to experience the La Grange restaurant scene.
“It’s just a great time to come out and support the restaurants,” he said. “They’re kind of the heart of the village.”
Hank Beckman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
