Hey Nonny celebrates fifth anniversary
Arlington Heights bistro and venue Hey Nonny knows a miracle when it sees one - it has made it to its fifth anniversary. With flying colors.
"When we opened in 2018, nobody thought you could have a serious music venue and a great restaurant all in one suburban package," said Hey Nonny co-owner Chip Brooks. "But, with a lot of help from our friends, we've done it."
In the five years since opening, over half of them pandemic scarred, Hey Nonny has developed a national reputation as one of the best listening rooms anywhere, and a local reputation as one of the Northwest suburbs' top dining spots.
Oct. 17 through 21, the thriving bistro and music venue will celebrate its fifth anniversary with fun, great music, exceptional food and drink, and plenty of cake.
Bar Manager Zac Bizub will be featuring a special $10 NonnyTini, featuring Hey Nonny's popular Nonny Vodka, Blue Curacao, dry vermouth, with a hint of lemon juice and grenadine.
"We've tested and tested this one, until our testers' eyes were bleary," said Bizub. "This one is amazing."
To say that Hey Nonny's Chef Noe cooks with passion and flair is like saying Las Vegas has a few casinos. It's an understatement. Chef Noe has designed several anniversary specials to complement the new fall menu that debuts on Oct. 4. This will include a smoked shrimp cocktail that is smoked at the table, biryani arancini, lambchop lollipops, and a rich seafood bouillabaisse.
"We love to please our guests with something new and beautiful," said Chef Noe.
An anniversary week at Hey Nonny would be nothing if it didn't feature great music.
"We have a great, really fun lineup this year," said Brooks.
The week begins on Tuesday, Oct. 17, with the LowDown Brass Band, a Chicago original that is now a national phenomenon known for their rollicking mix of traditional New Orleans brass music with contemporary Chicago hip-hop.
"This will be a big blast of fun music to start the week on our official birthday," said Books. "And since we're celebrating, we'll have cake for everyone."
On Wednesday the 18th a Hey Nonny favorite returns. Legendary bluesman Toronzo Cannon heats up the night with a uniquely powerful show.
In addition to helping guide the venue through the growing pains of the last five years, Brooks has also left his mark by creating several unique and memorable multimedia shows. On Thursday the 18th, audiences can once again experience his tribute to The Cellar, the Arlington Heights teen club from the '60s that hosted young acts like The Who, Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, and others. It is a unique view of a piece of local history that is carefully preserved in this live event.
Friday, Oct. 20, brings not only Chicago's multitalented country pop singer-songwriter Dina Bach, but also more cake for patrons.
The Anniversary Week lineup concludes with a Saturday-night show featuring Chicago-based alternative rockers the Pino Farina Band.
"We are so indebted to our staff, patrons, and the artists who collectively have built our success," said Brooks. "I expect to see a lot of familiar faces during our anniversary week but it's a great opportunity for newcomers to check us out. We've grown, adapted, morphed, and enjoyed getting to this point and it really calls for an all-out celebration. I know we are up to the task."
For details on the anniversary shows, or any other dining or music options at Hey Nonny, visit www.heynonny.com.
Hey Nonny is a bistro and music venue located in the heart of downtown Arlington Heights. The bistro, helmed by Chef Noe, serves an array of fresh seasonal Midwestern comfort-food-with-a-twist and a seasonally changing menu. The music venue is one of the best new "listening rooms" in the country, and hosts live music six days a week, featuring the best Chicago and touring acts playing jazz, blues, country, folk, and rock.