Little bit of Dixie heads to Palatine

Next month, downtown Palatine will have something in common with the Kentucky Derby -- a mint julep.

A new restaurant is scheduled to open mid-January on Slade Street that will serve low country Southern cuisine and afternoon teas.

It's called Mint Julep Bistro and is run by the same people who had Savannah's restaurant in downtown Barrington. That location has closed, but the owners said they hope to continue the tradition in Palatine.

On Monday night, Palatine councilmen unanimously voted to approve the restaurant use and grant a liquor license.

The village will also provide up to $40,000 in tax increment finance money for remodeling expenses to the restaurant, 53 and 55 W. Slade St.

"We are excited to bring a new restaurant to downtown Palatine," said Village Manager Reid Ottesen. "It will be a nice addition."

Mint Julep Bistro will be run by Richard Meierdirks and Diane Davenport, who both behind Savannah's.

Meierdirks has worked for several restaurants on the North Shore. He was the lead pastry chef for Sunset Foods and cooked for Savannah's in Barrington.

Davenport, known to her customers as "Lady Dee" has more than 30 years experience in the food industry. She's from the South and besides working in several restaurants had her own catering company.

The restaurant will be open every day and will serve until midnight on Friday and Saturday. Patrons will find catfish, shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, pulled pork and other Southern specialties on the menu.

The empty restaurants in Palatine seem to be filling up. Artistic Cuisine is now open in the former Augie's pizza spot.

And, last week, village officials granted approval for Emmett's Ale House to return to its former locale at 110 N. Brockway St.

The Brockway Chophouse had occupied the space until recently when it closed.

The menu will be similar to when Emmett's was there from February 2005 through May 2006.

The restaurant is expected to be open this month.