RECENTLY OPENED RESTAURANTS
The following is a sampling of some of the new restaurants
that have opened in the last few months in the western suburbs.

By T.R. Witom

Gaetano Di Benedetto closed La Piazza, where he was owner and executive chef for four years, and moved a half-mile west to open Gaetano’s (7636 W. Madison St., Forest Park,
708 366-4010) in late March.

“The rustic space, seating about 60, is smaller and more intimate than our previous location, which accommodated about 150," says manager Angie Elazier. Seating is at booths and tables, and contemporary paintings by Jordi Pedrola, an artist who hails from Barcelona, enhance the remodeled space.

The amiable, Italian-born Di Benedetto has brought to the new location many popular standbys for which he is known, including Involtini di Melanzane (spinach and ricotta-stuffed eggplant baked in a tomato sauce). Veal, fresh fish and gelato made in-house also await diners. Entrees average $20 to $25 and appetizers, $10 to $13.

Gaetano’s, open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday, accepts reservations and has full bar service.

By Debbie Piatek

Naperville can add another notch to its restaurant belt with the opening of the White Chocolate Grill, a contemporary American establishment at 1803 Freedom Dr. in
Naperville (630 505-8300). 

The White Chocolate Grill’s signature house-made white chocolate is the draw on the dessert menu, which complements the restaurant’s wide array of entrée selections — from parmesan crusted filet and rotisserie chicken to tomato gin soup.    

Fish and meats are cooked over a live-oak grill. Wood-fired specialities range from $16 to $30, with sandwiches and salads in the $6 to $15 range and desserts averaging $8.
   
The Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired decor includes leather booth seating, wood finishes, a fireplace and European stone. An exhibitor kitchen allows diners a peek behind the scenes. The White Chocolate Grill seats 200, with an additional 50 on an outdoor patio. The restaurant is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Topaz
Burr Ridge Village Center grows with a second dining option

By T.R. Witom

Contemporary American fare, from steaks and chops to seafood, takes center stage at the new Topaz Cafe, 780 Village Center Dr., Burr Ridge (630 654-1616), says general manager Paul Devitt, who previously held a similar position at Amber Cafe in Westmont. Both Amber and Topaz are owned by Branko Palikuca.
   
Devitt describes the 170-seatrestaurant, which has space outside for an additional 100 diners, as having “a downtown Chicago feel — but in the west suburbs.” Customers can call ahead to secure a reservation. For those wishing a spot at the chef’s table (seating groups of 6 to 10), reservations are required.

Topaz serves lunch and dinner Monday-Saturday, plus Sunday brunch.

Miller's Ale House
Florida chain expands
into Illinois with new
Lombard location

By T.R. Witom

Illinois diners got their first local taste of Miller’s Ale House fare in April when the 20-year-old Florida chain opened its first outlet in the state at 455 E. Butterfield Rd., Lombard (630 241-3371).

It’s the fast-growing group’s 43rd store, and regional manager Dave Lubinsky says its “goal is to open six to eight more units in Illinois within three years.” A potential site in Naperville already is under consideration, he adds.

The Lombard restaurant, run by general manager Heather Gailey, is a new, freestanding building that seats 350. It has a nautical/sports theme and offers customers a choice of 36 beers on tap plus 45 high definition televisions.
   
Entrees — from pasta and chicken to ribs and seafood — range from $9 to $17. There’s also a raw bar. Zingers, a popular house specialty, are boneless chicken wings that come with a choice of eight sauces.
   
Miller’s Lombard Ale House is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 to 1 a.m. and Friday through Saturday from 11 to 2 a.m.   

Churrasco Brazil
Brazilian-style BBQ opens in Villa Park