Eating out: La Tosca’s new chef
New chef at La Tosca
Sicilian-born chef Enrico Abbruscato has taken over the kitchen at La Tosca Ristorante and Pizzeria in Villa Park. A chef for more than 40 years, Abbruscato has worked abroad and in Chicago at restaurants including La Botte, La Capannina and DeMarco’s Ristorante. Abbruscato’s specialties include seafood dishes such as whole red snapper, Chilean sea bass and seafood risotto. Look for him to add new steak dishes and entrees cooked to order to the menu as well.
La Tosca Ristorante and Pizzeria 123 E. St. Charles Road, Villa Park. (630) 832-5300 or ristorantelatosca.com.
Burgers at Zest Bistro
Zest Bistro will be grilling up half-pound all-natural Niman Ranch burgers topped with bibb lettuce, tomato and red onions on a brioche bun for $5 on Mondays. Stop in between 5 and 9 p.m. and customize your burger by adding ingredients for a dollar each including: blue, pepper jack, Swiss or cheddar cheeses, Niman Ranch applewood-smoked bacon, crispy shallots, fried egg, guacamole and more.
Zest Bistro is at 935 W. Burlington Ave., Downers Grove. (630) 969-9869 or lemontreegrocer.com/bistro.
Vie goes hog wild
Learn how to cook a hog with the award-winning chefs at Vie. Students will learn how to break down the meat and cook every part of the pig during the six-hour class that starts at 10 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 19. Lunch will be served in the kitchen during class. Take home goodies include sausages, pates and even bacon. The class costs $150. Reservations required.
Vie is at 4471 Lawn Ave., Western Springs. (708) 246-2082 or vierestaurant.com.
— Sara Hooker