NEW RESTAURANTS ON THE BLOCK

from KCC_ KC Magazine September 2022

THROWING SHADE

New Restaurants BLOCKON THE

8 NEW AND SOON-TO-OPEN RESTAURANTS — ADD THESE TO YOUR FALL BUCKET LIST

By Vicki Martinka Petersen | Photos provided by Stolp Island Social (Alan Shortall), Mary Humphreys and Mirus

As the local dining scene continues to evolve, there always seems to be a new restaurant to try on date night or a meetup with friends. From places to grab a microbrew or glass of wine for happy hour to unique culinary delights sure to pique your taste buds, here’s a look at some of the newest eateries opening in Kane County.

 STOLP ISLAND SOCIAL 5 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora 630-340-4980 www.stolpislandsocial.com It’s fitting being neighbors with the Paramount Theatre; Stolp Island Social raised the curtain for its second act earlier this year when it reopened (the restaurant closed shortly after its initial opening due to the COVID-19 pandemic). The seasonal items on the menu features food sourced from local farms and ranches. The sustainably raised black Angus steaks — a menu mainstay — are served with a demi-glace and marrow-smashed potatoes. Although typically open just for dinner, Stolp Island Social also serves Sunday brunch with tasty bites like bourbon French toast and croque-monsieur.

 STURDY SHELTER BREWING 10 Shumway Ave., Batavia www.sturdyshelterbrewing.com With plans at press time to open this month, Sturdy Shelter Brewing will carry on the building’s roots of being a gathering place. Constructed in the late 1800s, the space has been home to many businesses

New Restaurants

through the years, including an opera house, movie theater and roller rink. The beers brewed on-site will feature a variety of India pale ales and lagers. Wine, cider and nonalcoholic drinks also are available. You can bring your own food, purchase a snack or stop by a visiting food truck. In addition to setting the scene for social gatherings, Sturdy Shelter Brewing also plans to partner with community groups for events.

 MIRUS 15 E. Wilson St., Batavia 630-326-9669 www.mirusbatavia.com The Latin word “mirus” means wonderful, marvelous, amazing, surprising and awesome. That description sums up the offerings at this globally inspired small plates restaurant, which opened this summer in downtown Batavia. The “Balls of the World” menu section, for example, features the meatball imagined in unique ways such as the Black Currant Cocktail Meatballs — “beef meatballs with basil tarragon, caramelized onions and garlic tossed with a sweet and spicy black currant and sambal olek sauce,” according to the online menu. Other unique culinary treats include the Moroccan spiced lamb lollipops, brick oven octopus and “This Week’s Wonder Salad,” featuring an evolving mix of seasonal greens, artisan cheese, nuts and preserves. KEEP YOUR EYES OUT FOR THIS RESTAURANT, SET TO OPEN LATE THIS YEAR!

 BURGER AND SUSHI HOUSE 124 W. State St., Geneva 630-587-2274 www.burgerandsushihouse.com If you’ve ever been torn between having sushi or burgers for dinner, the latest eatery to join Geneva’s dining scene will help solve that culinary dilemma. Set to open before winter, this new location of Burger and Sushi House (B.A.S.H.) will feature some favorites from its flagship location in Ottawa along with unique offerings. Sushi lovers will want to try the Two River roll made with shrimp tempura, avocado and cream cheese topped with crab tempura, sweet chili, B.A.S.H. sauce (spicy mayo) and unagi sauce. If you’re craving a burger, try the house specialty B.A.S.H. burger topped with bacon, American cheese, B.A.S.H. sauce and hash browns. You also can customize your burger experience by picking your protein, bun, cheese and toppings.

 UP NORTH WINE TASTING ROOM 9 N. Second St., Geneva 630-345-6833 www.upnorthwinegeneva.com If a trip to northern Michigan isn’t in your future, you can still get a taste of its wine scene much closer to home. Up North Wine Tasting Room, which opened earlier this year, features wine from 10 wineries in northern Michigan including 45 North, Black Star Farms and Bluestone Vineyards. Be sure to check the website for upcoming events with these Michigan wineries. In addition to wine, you can order beer, cider and nonalcoholic drinks. Whatever you’re drinking, you can pair your beverage with a tasty snack mix, cheese spread, summer sausage or sweet treat!

CHECK OUT THESE OTHER NEW ADDITIONS TO THE TRI-CITIES’ DINING SCENE!

 Mochinut (2704 E. Main St., St. Charles): Among other offerings, you’ll find milk tea and mochi donuts, a Hawaiian-inspired dessert known for its “unique shape and wonderful texture,” according to its Facebook page.  Egg House Campton Hills (40W160 Campton Crossing Drive, St. Charles): This brunch spot has a sister location in Lombard. You’ll find both sweet and savory breakfast options, ranging from eggs Benedict to pancakes to wraps.  Crumbl Cookies (315 Randall Road, South Elgin): Dig into a decadent cookie at this social media phenomenon’s Kane County location. A weekly rotating menu guarantees you’ll always find something new.