New store makes a grand opening in Arlington Hts.

Mariano's was the place to be in Arlington Heights Monday night. Yes, the opening of a grocery store was an elegant affair.

The invitation-only event featured two bands - one just to entertain folks as they checked out the store and nibbled on samples like gelato and Angus chuck cheeseburgers - the second for dining and dancing inside a very large tent in the parking lot.

The beef was hand carved, the potatoes twice baked, the parfaits very attractive but only a small part of the dessert island. To this writer, it was the sushi that stole the taste test.

About 300 attended the event, and Mayor Arlene Mulder told them it was a decade ago when the Jewel store across the street closed that elected officials promised people in the neighborhood a new store would come.

Note to planners of sumptuous events: Carpeting and glamorous poufs of seating around the tent were great, but lighting was a big part of the ambience. "Mariano's" glowed from the glass tabletops and even served as a logo outside high on the tent. "Eat well, live well" was written in lights on the upper wall, and there was just enough light to easily find your way to that sushi.