Orchard Prime Meats owner to open Spanish tapas restaurant

A 20-year Cary business owner believes that in order to survive, it's essential to adapt to what the customer wants.

Nick Dominico, owner of Orchard Prime Meats, is adding a new aspect to his shop at 133 W. Main St., Cary.

Dominico is launching Tapas Calpe, a European-style diner based upon the Spanish tapas style of dining, which is small portions of food to share amongst friends.

Wine and cheese tasting will also be part of the diner, which opens in about three weeks.

Dominico developed the idea for the expansion while traveling to Spain twice a year to visit his father-in-law, who resides in Calpe. The local business owner sees this type of diner in Spain and wanted to bring the idea here.

He believes it's a natural extension to his business, where he started selling bottled wine about seven years ago. "We're pairing the wine and food," he said.

When the restaurant opens, customers can come into the store, pick out a bottle of wine and bring it to their table where it's served. "We'll sell the wine at retail prices," he added. The wine starts at $8 a bottle.

European sandwiches and soups will be served as well as a variety of menu items with a Mediterranean and Italian flair. Katie Engstrom is the head chef.

Dominico, 50, of Johnsburg, grew up in the meat business. His grandfather, originally from Italy, and father operated a butcher shop in Chicago.

"I remember the smells and the sawdust on the floor. It's etched in my memory," he said.

Dominico grew up in Addison and Wauconda. He first opened Orchard Prime Meats in Lake Zurich with his father, John. He sold the shop about 15 years ago and then opened in Cary. "I started out as a butcher," Dominico said.

Dominico's wife, Karen, assists in the business. The couple has two children, Jon, 20, and Nicole, 18. Jon is training to be a chef.

About a year ago the family added catering to the growing business.

For more information, call (847) 639-3991.

Kids and cooking

Dinner by Design in South Elgin is finishing up a summer program titled Kids In The Kitchen.

The program invited children ages 8 to 18 into the kitchen to create three entrees from scratch.

Dinner By Design handled all the prep work, cleanup and provides the chefs-in-training with ice cream and a gift to take home.

"I created this program to educate children about fundamental food-preparation skills, food safety and nutrition," franchise owner Wendy Schmidt said. Similar programs are being planned for the future.

For more information, call (847) 622-4470.