Naperville's restaurants serve up fine dining

When we moved here in early 1993, maybe a dozen eateries existed in downtown Naperville.

At that time, most were located with entrances within a block of Chicago Avenue at Washington Street. Remember J.B. Winberry? The Landmark? Sweet Basil? Morgan Crossing? Washington Square?

Today, some 40 restaurants are nestled among the array of retail establishments throughout downtown. Clearly the oldest watering hole, The Lantern Tavern, reigns among a few from 15 years ago still in operation.

Can you name others still in service more than 15 years?

Since the last time I mentioned that Naperville boasts more than 275 eateries from American/contemporary to tea rooms, at least another three independently owned casual fine-dining establishments have opened at new locations.

Capri Restaurant, an Italian bistro formerly on Ogden Avenue, is now located at CityGate near the Reagan Memorial Tollway and Route 59.

Sugar Toad, with American cuisine, has opened in the new Hotel Arista at CityGate. And Zaidi's, featuring Japanese cuisine infused with Asian and Latin spices, opened over the weekend in Springbrook Square, located at the southeast corner of 83rd Street and Route 59.

Other news is that Hugo's Frog Bar and Fish House, now serving brunch on weekends only, was the perfect setting for a birthday party on Sunday.

And the staff at Bar Louie has decorated for Halloween and seasonal get-togethers.

For the sake of full disclosure, two of my children enjoy employment in the local hospitality industry.

But for all of Naperville, thanks for supporting local restaurants.

And, remember: Even when you have a gift certificate or a complimentary voucher, tip your server according to the value of the meal, mindful that tips are shared with the food runner, busser and bartender.

Find a list of Naperville restaurants at www.naperville dining.com.

Fine for fundraisers

One thing I've noticed with the influx of restaurants - from Freedom Drive to Fifth Avenue Station to 95th Street and back to downtown Naperville - is the growing trend to host fundraisers.

I first became aware of it when Walker's Charhouse, located in Naperville Plaza, hosted a benefit for Naper Settlement about 14 years ago. Another time, Montparnasse, no longer in business in Fifth Avenue Station, held wine tastings, also for Naper Settlement.

Today, Sullivan's Steakhouse has stepped up to host such fine wine events for a number of good causes.

Special fundraising events are good for the restaurant, good for the hosting organization and a benefit to all. Plus, as promoters of such events often say, "You gotta eat someplace."

Two samplers

The seventh annual Naperville Fire Department Recognition Dinner hosted by Citizens Appreciate Public Safety is slated for 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, at The Pavilion at Meson Sabika, 1025 Aurora Ave. For reservations ($35 each), contact Jerry Feldott at (630) 355-1174.

Also, ThinkGlobal Arts has teamed with local school districts, North Central College and the City of Naperville to bring Martin Luther King III to Naperville to speak to high school students from Naperville Unit District 203 and Indian Prairie Unit District 204.

After the presentation at Neuqua Valley High School Wednesday, Oct. 29, a luncheon for King and four to five students from each local high school will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. at Meson Sabika. The public is invited to attend.

Tickets are $45 and space is limited. To make a reservation, call Sangita Kasturi (847) 567-1549 or register online at www.thinkglobalarts.org.

A tasty mystery

The Rotary Club of Naperville/Sunrise will present its third annual Mystery on 5th Avenue, a fast-paced interactive event for amateur detectives Nov. 6.

This year's who dunnit seeks to solve an international jewelry heist in Naperville's old Kroehler Manufacturing Building.

Organized in the competitive spirit of the board game "Clue," teams of flatfoots travel from location-to-location, making assumptions about suspects, where the crime occurred and what tool was used.

Doors open at 6 p.m. for prompt registration, cocktails and appetizers from Cafe Buonaro's and Raffi's on 5th, accompanied by live musical entertainment.

Sleuthing begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by the show finale and raffle drawing at 8:30 p.m. Afterward, sweet treats will be available from Le Chocolat Bar.

For details about sponsorships or tickets ($75 in advance or $95 at the door), visit www.mysteryon5thavenue.com or call Nettie McFarland Badgley at (630) 848-1888.