Mundelein's Park Street: More than just its famous calzones

The famous calzones at Park Street Restaurant happened by accident.

Chef Nicholas Lindsey was busy in the kitchen one night and pushed a half-made pizza aside, ruining it. So he decided to make it into a calzone.

"We tasted it and the staff said, 'You have to put this on the menu.'" he said.

Eight years later, the homemade calzones remain a favorite among customers at this hip spot in downtown Mundelein. Calzones are made to order from a wide choice of ingredients, including unusual items such as shrimp or teriyaki sauce, and they're big enough to feed two people.

But if you think Park Street is a run-of-the-mill Italian restaurant, you'd be sadly mistaken. The menu is packed with gourmet fare including Grilled Chilean Sea Bass, Cracked Black Pepper Crusted Filet and the popular Pretzel-Crusted Chicken and Pork Chops.

The interior has that swank, cozy, date-night feel, with candles on the tables, an extensive wine list and a new Spanish tapas menu. It makes Park Street one of Lake County's hidden culinary gems.

We let three readers test the eats, and the first thing they loved were the half-price bottles of wine on Wednesday nights (their bottle of white zinfandel came out to just $12.50). Wine or no wine, they all agreed this is a place worth going back to.

Amy Strutzel, 31, of Mundelein

What I ordered: Mixed greens salad ($4.95) and a Build-Your-Own Calzone with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, marinara sauce, spinach and mushrooms ($13.95). Split the Birthday Dessert Trio of Death by Chocolate, Creme Brulee and Cheesecake ($14.95)

Taste and presentation: The calzone was tastier than most other calzones I've had. The sauce was excellent and they put two different cheeses in there instead of one. You could still pick it up and eat it with your hands if you wanted to, though. The salad was a nice size and the balsamic dressing was very good. The balsamic was a little bit thicker and had a good taste to it. The Death by Chocolate tasted like soft fudge. I liked the cheesecake better.

Atmosphere and service: It's very quaint. It has a cozy feel. It almost feels like you're not in Mundelein anymore. The waitress did a good job and checked up on us.

Good if you want: a place for a special date. It's too expensive for just a regular night out.

Marcella Rosillo, 38, of Mundelein

What I ordered: Seafood Paella Tapas ($8.95), Crab-stuffed Jumbo Shrimp ($21.95), and split the Birthday Dessert Trio mentioned above.

Taste and presentation: I didn't love my tapas. It was very big but it had too much tomato sauce. But I did like my stuffed shrimp a lot. Usually it's a lot more salty, but this was perfectly seasoned, and the presentation was simple but elegant. The crème brûlée was very good and a nice-sized portion.

Atmosphere and service: It's a friendly environment. It feels cozy. The service was good and the waitress was attentive with us and explained everything well.

Good if you want: a place to celebrate

Monica Mesenbrink, 41, of Mundelein

What I ordered: Goat Cheese and Beet Salad ($4.95) and the Blackened Ribeye Steak ($27.95), and split the Birthday Dessert Trio mentioned above.

Taste and presentation: I was very impressed with the presentation. The way they decorated the plates was very upscale. I loved the goat cheese and beet salad. It was sweet and tart and a little savory. It all went well together. It was maybe just a little over-onioned. The ribeye steak was very tender and the sauce was a nice complement. Roasted potatoes are usually pretty bland but these had a lot of flavor. I loved them. Everything was very well prepared. It wasn't overseasoned or underseasoned.

Atmosphere and service: A very comfortable atmosphere. It's a place you can just sit for a while. It's not too loud. Service was friendly, and the waitress came to the table regularly.

Good if you want: If you're looking for a Chicago-styled restaurant in the suburbs.

The Details

Facts: Park Street Restaurant, 14 E. Park St., Mundelein, (847) 949-1900 or parkstreetdining.com

Cuisine: Traditional and contemporary Italian and American

Prices: Appetizers $4.95 to $12.95; pasta $12.95 to $20.95; meal and seafood entrees $18.95 to $29.95

Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday; 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday; 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday; closed Mondays.

Accepts: Reservations, major credit cards

Also: Easy street parking, private parties, children's menu, cooking classes and special tasting menu.