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Introducing
The Power of the Purse |
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AMERICAN
Jimmy's Grill
245 S. Washington
Naperville . (630) 548-2500 |
It's summer in Naperville. People are downtown. There are free concerts, fests, sidewalk sales, and the patio at Jimmy's Grill. Often, Jimmy's may not even be your intended destination, but invariably, you walk by and someone waves to you from one of the coveted patio tables and your immediate plans go on hold. Jimmy's has a meet and greet atmosphere where you always run into someone you know. |
Jimmy's features the usual sports bar food and more. There is a good selection of burgers, sandwiches and wraps, all served with fries, but you can substitute coleslaw, baked beans, pasta salad or veggies at no charge. The menu denotes Hot 'N Spicy dishes and House Favorites. They are usually my favorites too, especially the Grilled Salmon served over greens tossed with balsamic vinaigrette, tomatoes, cucumbers and mandarin oranges, with cornbread on the side.
For heartier appetites, the Backyard BBQ and pasta entrees afford some interesting combinations. The Grilled Kabobs can be mixed and matched with your choice of chicken, pork, beef or shrimp.
If you really want to experience the heart of Jimmy's, there is no better way than to unwind on the patio with friends, enjoy the Blazin' Buffalo Wings and Bosco Sticks with a cold drink in hand. Stop in Sunday through Thursday, 11a.m. until 1 a.m., and until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. |
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AMERICAN
The White Chocolate Grill
1803 Freedom Drive
Naperville . (630) 505-8300
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The White Chocolate Grill is the new jewel in Naperville's crown of fine restaurants. The dining room is sleek and the bar is stunning with its beautiful mirrored wall of backlit bottles, arranged by color. While enjoying a pre-dinner drink, barman Scott Padgett replaced my friend's martini glass with a fresh frosted one before he was even halfway finished! I was impressed.
Even though desserts are first on the menu, the place is more about the oak |
infused Wood Fired Specialties than it is about chocolate. All sandwiches and entrees are offered with a choice of fries or mashed potatoes, Israeli Couscous, honey carrots or steamed broccoli. The Spit Roasted Turkey French Dip is an interesting version of an old standby while grilled fish, steaks, ribs and chicken round out the eclectic menu.
As a starter, I highly recommend Tomato Gin Soup, a delicate blend of fire roasted tomatoes, cream, bacon, and mushrooms laced with Tanqueray. It was so indescribable; just try it. For light fare, the Ahi Tuna Salad served with greens, mango, avocado and Champagne Vinaigrette makes a lovely presentation.
Now back to the beginning---dessert. My Molten Chocolate Soufflé cake was excellent, served warm and gooey; but when I overheard someone raving about the French White Chocolate Bread Pudding, I thought: Hmmm, maybe next time. For sure.
The White Chocolate Grill is open every day from 11:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. -Cathy Cotter, Dining Critic
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ITALIAN
La Sorella di Francesca
18 West Jefferson
Naperville . (630) 961-2706
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The pristine, sophisticated dining room, with its massive wood bar, serves as a perfect setting for enjoying fine northern Italian cuisine at La Sorella di Francesca. If weather permits, you may opt to dine al fresco on the adjacent flower-filled patio that features a charming, pastoral mural painted on the brick walls.
The menu varies as it is reinvented every two weeks, so there is always something new and
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exciting to sample. For a Saturday lunch, I
chose Insalata con Bistecca, which was perfectly cooked London Broil slices atop romaine lettuce, red onions, and tomatoes served with a delicious blue cheese dressing. On another occasion, I asked manager Chad Schorr for a recommendation and without hesitation, he suggested Pollo Arrosto alla Romana, a lovely half chicken roasted with a flavorful complement of garlic, shallots, rosemary, lemon and olive oil. I quickly knew why it reigns as one of Chad's favorites.
All the pizza selections are good and boast some very interesting combinations. You can't miss with the Pizza del Giorno, especially the Fantasia, a savory blend of sliced tomatoes, pesto sauce and fontina cheese. Or you can design your own creation, selecting from a formidable list of ingredients.
Lunch is served Monday through Saturday, 11:30am to 3:00pm. Dinner is served Monday through Thursday, 5pm-9:30pm, and until 10:30p.m. on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, diners are welcome between 4pm land 9pm. Reservations are recommended on the weekends. The second floor dining room is available for special events and large groups. -Cathy Cotter, Dining Critic
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