Mexican or American? Choices abound at new St. Charles eatery
When you stop into the new restaurant Baja California/Northern Border along Randall Road in St. Charles, one of the first things you'll hear is, "what side of the border will you enjoy today?"
In this one restaurant, you'll get the choice of two different menus - either Mexican food or American food.
Whichever side you pick, co-owner Edmund Anozie said, you're in for a fresh and delicious food experience.
And many of you, who've been e-mailing me suggesting we profile the restaurant, agree.
Anozie has been in the food industry for 25 years.
He said he's always wanted to establish his own fast, casual restaurant where people could get quality food in a great atmosphere.
Anozie decided to go with two ideas in one restaurant setting - Baja California Fresh Mexican Grill and Northern Border American Grill.
Anozie said he decided to co-brand the restaurant - or open both together - to offer guests more choices when dining out.
He developed the concept, and then recruited two chefs - Tony Romanelli and Paul Brown - to help develop the menu.
The restaurant, at 902 S. Randall, opened Feb. 2.
While each restaurant has its own distinct menu, they both share the same dining room.
And whichever side you order from, you get to stop at the restaurant's fresh salsa bar once you get your meal.
Anozie said the salsa - which has become a huge draw for new customers - and all of the other food in the restaurant is made fresh daily.
They cook their beans, which include both black beans and Mexican red beans, for four hours each day.
They make their own rice, their chop their own vegetables, shred their own lettuce and make their own chips.
"It take a long time, but everything is fresh and we've been getting good reviews from the guests," Anozie said. "I think they appreciate (the freshness)."
Anozie said he researched several different locations for Baja California/Northern Border, and finally decided St. Charles along the Randall Road corridor would the perfect spot.
"I think the community will appreciate the fresh food that we make. We prepare all of it fresh to order. From our research, this is something I think they will support - getting great food prepared fresh every day when they come in," Anozie said. "I would like to become a contributing member of this community.
"My hope it to eventually open more locations," he said.
Visit freshborderfoods.com for details.
Think summer: The folks at Algonquin Commons are already planning ahead for the warmer months.
They're busy setting up their second summer concert series.
They've already blocked out Sunday nights from July 11 through Aug. 8 for the family-friendly events, which will feature music, food vendors, store booths, children's activities and more.
• Amy Williams' column covers all the news of business along the Randall Road corridor from Batavia to Crystal Lake. Contact her at randallbiz@comcast.net or (847) 894-5036.