Tangerine Cafe fires it up in downtown Naperville

Tangerine Cafe, a contemporary breakfast and lunch establishment, recently opened in downtown Naperville.

The restaurant at 47 E. Chicago Ave. features traditional menu items as well as more unusual meals, said owner Sam Papageorge.

A favorite breakfast item is the Tangerine Eggs on Toast featuring two eggs sauteed with garlic, chili flakes, fresh herbs and stacked on bacon and tomato on grilled rustic bread, Papageorge said. It sells for $8.95. The Chef's End of the Shift Grilled Chicken Sandwich, a grilled chicken sandwich with provolone cheese, spinach, tomato and pesto served on focaccia bread, is another highlight. It is also $8.95.

The owner says everything is made fresh.

"It's all natural. Nothing is canned," he said.

Matt Maynard, who used to work at the Signature Room in Chicago, serves as chef at the new cafe.

The establishment also features fresh juices. Different flavors are served daily. Tuesday's flavors were orange carrot and apple.

Papageorge, 30, has spent his career working in the restaurant industry. Most recently he was involved with his family's establishment, PapaSpiros Greek Taverna in Oak Park.

Papageorge said he was looking to start his own place and interested in a breakfast venue. "I love breakfast. And I'm an early riser," said the owner, who lives in Addison with his wife, Maria, and 7-month-old son, Aris.

"The hours are better," he added. The new eatery is open from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week.

He added that in coming up with the name, he wanted something familiar. "We thought of orange, but a tangerine sounds sweeter. It has a nice ring to it," Papageorge said. For more, contact (630) 717-7227.

• Kim Mikus covers small business. She welcomes comments at kmikus@dailyherald.com.