Dining events: South Elgin's Sweet Berry a new brunch option
Introducing Sweet Berry Cafe
Life is sweet at Sweet Berry Cafe, says owner Dan Mataragas. Mataragas opened the restaurant earlier this year with made-to-order breakfast and lunch options, including benedicts, omelets, pancakes, crepes, paninis, wraps and salads, as well as fresh soups made daily. The cafe also offers vegetarian and gluten-free choices. Hours are 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.
Sweet Berry Cafe is located at 720 N. McLean Blvd.., South Elgin. (224) 238-3057 or sweetberrycafe.net.
Thanksgiving on a bun
Have your Thanksgiving dinner this year on a bun with Q-BBQ's new specialty sandwich. Available through the holidays, the sandwich piles smoked turkey, homemade cornbread stuffing and cranberry mustard sauce on a brioche bun with one side and Q-pups for $10.99.
Q-BBQ has locations in Naperville and LaGrange. q-bbq.com.
Barbakoa now open
Paellas made in a wood grill, Peruvian-style ceviche and specialty tacos with homemade tortillas — including the Barbakoa short rib taco, short ribs braised for six hours in a blend of ancho, guajillo and pasilla chilies from Oaxaca, Mexico, and tenderized by using cactus pulque, for $12. The bar includes more than 100 tequilas and sangria made with homemade bitters. Open for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday; dinner is served from 5 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5 to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Barbakoa is located at 1431 Butterfield Road, Downers Grove. (630) 852-2333.