Dining out: New restaurants, Make-A-Wish fundraiser and more
We’ve got a pair of new Mediterranean-inspired restaurants in the suburbs, as well as Maggiano’s annual fundraiser for Make-A-Wish and summer wine tasting program highlighting California’s wine regions.
New Mediterranean eatery, take one
Popular fast-casual restaurant CAVA opened its first suburban location June 28, bringing its Mediterranean-inspired offerings to Hawthorn Mall at 890 N. Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills. CAVA’s menu features customizable bowls with salad or grains and pita options that include steak and feta, spicy lamb meatballs, crispy falafel and more.
New eatery, take two
mána, a new restaurant celebrating the culinary heritage of the Mediterranean, is set to open Monday, July 8, in downtown La Grange. Named after the Greek translation of “mother,” mána promises “a lively, rustic atmosphere that exudes the charm of traditional Mediterranean hospitality.” The menu features dishes ranging from traditional spicy feta and charred beets to wood-fired tiger prawns and oven-baked moussaka, in addition to curated beverage and wine menus.
The restaurant, located at 88 S. La Grange Road, features a patio that wraps around the building. Hours are 4-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 4-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Valet will be available on weekends.
Help Make-A-Wish come true
For the 21st year, Maggiano’s Little Italy is helping make wishes come true for children impacted by critical illness with their Eat-A-Dish campaign with Make-A-Wish. For the annual fundraiser, running now through Aug. 21, one dollar from each specialty dish (chicken pesto gnocchi, chicken saltimbocca and lemon mascarpone cake) and 50 cents from each designated beverage (smoked old fashioned, grand margarita and two specialty wines) will be donated to the nonprofit. A portion of every children’s meal sold during the campaign also goes to the fundraiser.
Wine time
Wine lovers will want to check out The Capital Grille’s summer wine event The Generous Pour, back for a 16th year. From now through Sept. 1, the program includes samples of seven wines, with prices starting at $50 with the purchase of an entree. This year’s wine lineup includes Mendocino’s Copain Rosé of Pinot Noir, Sonoma’s Matanzas Creek Winery sauvignon blanc, Santa Barbara’s Brewer Clifton “Cellar Selection Chardonnay,” Sonoma’s Hartford Court Pinot Noir, Sonoma’s Bootleg “Prequel” Red Blend, Mendocino’s Edmeades Zinfandel and Sonoma’s Legacy Red Bordeaux. Food pairing recommendations are available for each wine.
Under new ownership
Buddy’s Bites N Brews in Mt. Prospect is under new ownership. Ala Carte Entertainment, whose other restaurant properties include Moretti’s, Chandlers and Bella Napoli among others, recently sold the restaurant at 702-718 N. River Road to Platinum Doors.
The new management is expected to continue operating the restaurant as Buddy’s, but may add live South American music in the future.
• Send dining events to rwest@dailyherald.com.