It's Burger Week At O'Toole's Of Libertyville August 31-September 4; Diners' Vote Determines Chef's Sandwich Entry Into Major Hamburger Hop Contest

LIBERTYVILLE - O'Toole's of Libertyville during Burger Week August 31-September 4 will call on diners to judge which specially-made sandwich will be submitted into the renowned Hamburger Hop competition in late September.

Corey Grupe, executive chef of O'Toole's of Libertyville, 412 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Libertyville, is creating and making five different hamburgers for diners to order, enjoy, and rate:

• Chicago Burger Hop: Citra Hop pickles, bacon jam, roasted garlic aioli, Lagunitas American cheese, and arugula - $11

• Poutine Burger: Braised beef short rib, cheese curds and barbeque demi-glace - $13

• Old Smokey Burger: Avocado-Chipotle spread, chorizo, and smoked gouda - $11

• The Maple Kind: Maple bacon, smoked cheddar, braised apples and leeks, and sweet potato-bourbon aioli - $11

• Little Timmy: Cheddar, jack, Swiss, and mozzarella cheese; bacon; barbeque; lettuce; tomato; pickles; and fried onion - $13

Chicago Gourmet 2015 kicks off with the popular Hamburger Hop burger showdown featuring top area chefs doing battle in a burger competition while guests enjoy tasty, gourmet burgers along with beer, wine, spirits, and more. A celebrity panel of judges will determine the city's Best Burger award, while guests crown the People's Choice.

Grupe will compete against chefs from restaurants throughout the Chicago area, including The

Signature Room At The 95th, Morton's Steakhouse, Harry Carey's, Luxbar, and David Burke's

Primehouse. The event is September 25 at the Harris Theater Rooftop.

Sara McKinnon and Humberto Martinez Jr., owners of the award-winning Timothy O'Toole's Pub in Chicago and Gurnee, have brought a more chef-driven concept in O'Toole's of Libertyville than they offer at the two other locations but with the same commitment to excellence that has made their O'Toole's Pub Group brand so successful since 1992.

O'Toole's of Libertyville www.timothyotooles.com, is located in the space previously occupied by Mickey Finn's Brewery. "We offer the same great 48 craft beer and wine selection, entertainment, and unique special events made famous at our renowned Timothy O'Toole's sister locations," said McKinnon. O'Toole's of Libertyville opened June 9.

Long time loyal fans of Timothy O'Toole's have found a more extensive menu at the new O'Toole's of Libertyville gastropub aimed at a 30-plus audience as well as families that will join newcomers to the concept. They're enjoying 48 specially-selected beers, an expanded wine collection, and soon Chicago's premier stand-up comedy show and collective, "Comedians You Should Know," at the 100-plus year-old historic location. The restaurant opened June 9.

The look and feel of the new 10,400 square-foot O'Toole's of Libertyville has resulted in a new neighborhood gathering place with its enhanced brand of food, libations, and fun served up by the Chicago area icon the last 23 years in Chicago and six years in Gurnee. It's adding sizzle to the already on-fire, burgeoning Libertyville restaurant scene.

"While our name and reputation speaks for itself, we realize we still have to deliver a quality product in order to succeed in such a competitive market," said McKinnon. "I grew up in Libertyville, as did our executive chef, Corey Grupe. The town has a great community feel. For years, (my husband) Humberto and I have regularly frequented Libertyville's restaurants. We have a good grasp of how to satisfy our customers and will strive to do so in Libertyville."

The new O'Toole's of Libertyville was completely remodeled inside and out for about $1.5

million. Its two centerpieces which define the spirit of O'Toole's of Libertyville: the expanded,

welcoming outdoor patio that comfortably seats 49 guests, and the custom, cherry hardwood bar that stretches 40 feet and serves 20 people in front of six big screen televisions in the main bar. Total seating in the bar is 60. Of note is the new dining room with seating for 54, "rustic, but refined," said McKinnon, with wood tables, smoky mirrors, and five HD flat screens.

In the spot formerly housing brewing equipment is the newest addition; the Royal Room, a private dining room with seating for up to 33 guests. It is the ideal setting for business dinners and intimate gatherings. Other changes on the main floor include a completely remodeled kitchen and brand new bathrooms. Total first level seating is 196.

The cosmetically-changed upstairs lounge, the 412 Room, will be home to larger private events and celebrations as well as special events such as Karaoke and piano bar nights. It has a secondary full liquor bar and offers late night bites when the main kitchen closes. The 412 Room can accommodate parties of up to 175 people.

"We kicked up our new menu a notch at O'Toole's of Libertyville from our Timothy O'Toole's offerings, which include our award-winning hot wings," said McKinnon, who added the hot wings were a "must-include" on the O'Toole's of Libertyville menu.

"We have created some signature dishes with a twist; 16-ounce Bone-in Delmonico steak, Farmer's Market Salmon Salad, fresh fish, and Napa Salad. There are farm to table items, and healthier meals for kids. We even have our very own herb garden to use in our dishes," she said.

"Ours is an approachable yet upscale style with a focus on service, quality, and friendliness," said McKinnon. "There is something for everyone. Mom can have a nice glass of wine and a salad for lunch or come here for dinner with the family. We've had a lot of interest in customers enjoying our craft beer and sporting events. And we'll have a weekend brunch featuring our famous Bloody Mary and Mimosa bar coming soon," she said.

To create a comfort level with O'Toole's of Libertyville's elevated wine list and craft cocktails, McKinnon, an expert in the art of pairing beer and wine with food, will conduct her popular 101 series teaching patrons how to enhance their dining experience at O'Toole's of Libertyville.

O'Toole's of Libertyville, which has created 60 jobs, is located at 412 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville, and open seven days a week, Monday through Thursday 11:00 a.m. to Midnight, Friday and Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

For more information, please call (847) 984-2599, or visit http://www.timothyotooles.com/libertyville/.

The first Timothy O'Toole's, founded 23 years ago, is located just steps from the Magnificent Mile and Navy Pier. It is considered a sports fan's haven with a subterranean bar offering 70+HD flat screens showing all major sporting events, including PPV boxing.

In March 2009, Timothy O'Toole's opened a second pub in Gurnee, located just steps away from tourist favorites Six Flags Great America and Key Lime Cove. The suburban outpost of Chicago's legendary pub features 36 HD flat screens showing all major sporting events, 38 beers on tap, and numerous entertainment options including live music and karaoke. For game enthusiasts, Timothy O'Toole's offers Golden Tee Live and trivia.

Deeply involved in area and national fundraisers, Timothy O'Toole's annually helps raise thousands of dollars through participation in programs such as, but not limited to: St. Jude's Children's Hospital (Top On-Premise Fundraiser 2007-2012) raising over $19,000 in 2012; Chicago Special Olympics (raised $10,000 in 2011); Make -A-Wish Foundation, Greater Chicago Food Depository; Ronald McDonald House of Chicago; Gateway Green; Children's Memorial Hospital; Immerman's Angels; M.S. Lifelines.

Timothy O'Toole's has received dozens of awards and accolades, especially for its variety of hot, barbecue, and exotic wings; its bar, bartenders, and servers; and for being the place to watch all sporting events.