Celebrity sightings at Chicago Prime Italian and Steakhouse restaurants in Schaumburg
Schaumburg's Chicago Prime Italian and Steakhouse restaurants have become a place for suburban celebrity sightings.
"Chicago Fire" actor David Eigenberg was among the recent celebs to visit the award-winning Italian steakhouse, known for its extensive fine-dining menu and impressive wine list. Eigenberg, who plays Lt. Christopher Herrmann on the NBC show, previously had a longtime role as Steve Brady on HBO's "Sex and the City."
Eigenberg is friends with Chicago Prime Italian owner Andy-John Kalkounos, who also is a Palatine Township board trustee. They met through their "Chicago Fire" work.
Kalkounos also owns Chicago Prime Steakhouse in Schaumburg, which brings in the celebrities, as well.
"The Steakhouse had Coolio and Paul Sorvino one day and at the Italian the next. Paul's wife actually called to make sure our chef was Italian. They both loved both our stores. The stories go on ... my dad with Coolio is great. He loved food and they talked shop for an hour. My dad loves the rapper now. He had never heard a song of his in his life, I'm sure."
Other celebrities who have dine at Kalkounos' eateries include Tara Reid, Larry Potash and George Maloof.
Kalkounos also is an actor and had a two-year recurring role as Lt. Paul Colannino on "Chicago Fire." Eigenberg had dinner at Chicago Prime Italian on Aug. 28 after shooting scenes that day at the Zurich North America headquarters at the northwest corner of Meacham Road and the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway in Schaumburg.
Eigenberg dined on prime filet mignon and sautéed vegetables, downing it with many bottles of water after the long shoot. Kalkounos said Eigenberg was gracious toward patrons who wanted a quick chat and a photograph.
"I am so excited to have David finally visit our Schaumburg restaurant after talking food (and) restaurants while on set together," Kalkounos said. "David is the ultimate professional whom I was privileged to learn a great deal from. He's just a regular guy's guy, who represents the best in fire protection. He is as humble and kind as they come."
Two other noteworthy Chicago Prime patrons who dined together there Aug. 29 were Charlie Benante, drummer for thrash-metal band Anthrax, and his friend Chris Jericho, a professional wrestler who was in the suburbs for an Aug. 31 match at Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates. Kalkounos said he and Benante go way back.
"I think having so many celebrities visit our restaurants is emblematic of the sophistication and infrastructure of our Schaumburg NW region. We have a robust marketplace of dining and event locations. The Meet Chicago Northwest Convention Bureau passionately works to increase regional visibility and our family businesses benefit from these partners' efforts."
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