Dance instructor loves tiny restaurant

Editor's note: This is another installment in our weekly series highlighting what people like about living in Lake County. This week, we asked that question of Jesse DeSoto, a dance instructor at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio.

When he is not tapping his toes at Fred Astaire Dance Studio, Jesse DeSoto likes nothing more than settling in for a nice meal at a tiny restaurant.

DeSoto's favorite thing about living in Lake County is his proximity to Prairie House, a restaurant on Half Day Road across from the Metra Station between Lincolnshire and Buffalo Grove.

While Prairie House is on the beaten path, it is still a well-kept secret.

"If you saw it on the outside, you won't necessarily think much of it," DeSoto said. "It is a unique, little bitty place that is one of my favorites."

DeSoto, a professional dance instructor at Fred Astaire, normally orders food ahead of time and picks it up on his way home.

His favorites are Chicken Vesuvio and Chicken Florentine.

But if you are not in the mood for a heavy entree, Prairie House offers a wide variety of appetizers, pizzas, salads, hot dogs and sandwiches.

There is also an adjoining bar and patio.

"They cook everything fresh there, which is the best part," DeSoto said. "I don't go out much, but when I do this is one of the restaurants I frequent. It is small, nice with good service and excellent food."

For more information on Prairie House visit the Web site at www.pizzaview.com.

--Corrinne Hess