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3 WOMEN SHAPING THE DINING LANDSCAPE
WOMEN SHAPING 3Dining Landscape
From Mexican food to vegan pastries, these Kane County business owners are experts in their field
By Vicki Martinka Petersen Photos provided by all three women, Stolp Island Social photos by Huge Galdones, La Mesa photos by Shaw Media
WOMEN SHAPING the Dining Landscape
Mother’s Day isn’t until May 8, but you can start celebrating the women in your life early with Women’s History Month in March. Meet these three local restaurant owners who never gave up on their passion of serving good food and experiences.
AMY MORTON Stolp Island Social, Aurora As the daughter of Arnie Morton, founder of Morton’s The Steakhouse, one might think it was Amy Morton’s destiny to follow in her father’s footsteps. Initially she didn’t plan to make this a career. At one point, she stepped away from her restaurant for 15 years to raise a family before returning to the business in 2012. “I like to think the business chose me rather than I chose the business,” says Morton, who currently owns three restaurants, including Stolp Island Social. For Morton, opening a new restaurant is an organic process. When developing a restaurant’s concept, she’ll consider the space’s history, such as when it was built and its original use. The downtown Aurora building that houses Stolp Island Social, which opened a few months before the pandemic, was constructed in the 1920s and operated as the “it” department store. That bit of history shaped the development of what Morton describes as an “Aurora meets Coco Chanel” concept with high-quality seasonal food and drinks. “We can have really great food and beverage but if it’s not a memorable experience then it’s just food, and you can get that anywhere,” Morton says.
JUDGING THROUGH ROSECOLORED GLASSES
By Vicki Martinka Petersen
Living near downtown Geneva, Janet Gallagher is accustomed to the Swedish Days parade being near her home. But being a spectator to this annual parade doesn’t compare to the opportunity she had earlier this year: serving as a judge for the Tournament of Roses parade. Gallagher, an associate professor of horticulture at Kishwaukee College and owner of Designs by Janet, was one of three people invited to judge the floats. The parade was presented New Year’s Day before the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. “It’s not something you apply to do. A committee researches who they invite to serve as judges,” Gallagher says. She was originally set to serve as a judge for the 2021 parade, but when the parade was postponed due to COVID-19, the assignment carried over to 2022.
Judges visit each float twice over the course of two days — first viewing the partially completed floats, then seeing the floats “parade ready,” including installation of fresh flowers, people walking/riding on the floats and any music or animation, Gallagher explains. The winners are announced at 6 a.m. the morning of the parade. “The most unique thing is as judges, we’re the only ones who see every float before and after it’s finished, and we met all the people who worked on the floats from designers to builders,” Gallagher says. “I was really honored being asked to serve as a judge.” JO COLAGIACOMI New Moon Vegan, Batavia Like many people, COVID-19 prompted Jo Colagiacomi to rethink her career prospects. After earning a master’s degree, she noticed changes in openings in her field of higher education, which prompted her to pursue her dream of opening a bakery. Last summer that dream came true when she opened New Moon Vegan at the Batavia Boardwalk Shops, an incubator program that provides opportunities for small businesses. At press time, she was in the process of opening a brick-andmortar store later this spring. “It’s one of those dreams I’ve kept close to my heart,” Colagiacomi says. She got into vegan baking 10 years ago when her daughter developed a milk allergy. “Birthday parties and social events became challenging for my daughter seeing her friends being able to eat cake but she couldn’t,” Colagiacomi recalls.
Initially Colagiacomi started looking up and making cake recipes as is, then through trial and error modifying the ingredients — swapping egg for flax egg or milk for almond milk. Now when she creates new recipes, she draws upon her knowledge to create a vegan version of desserts.
KIMBERLY LAWSON La Mesa Modern Mexican, St. Charles Kimberly Lawson’s entry into the restaurant business consisted of busing tables on the weekends to pay her way through college. But once she got into clinical rotations for her nursing degree, Lawson realized she’d rather continue working in her other role. “I always say I should have gone to school to become a chef,” Lawson laughs. She worked her way through all the positions with the goal of opening her own restaurant within 10 years. When a space became available in downtown St. Charles, she jumped at the chance and opened La Mesa Modern Mexican in July 2019. Lawson’s childhood memories of eating at Mexican restaurants after her mom’s hair appointments inspired her restaurant’s cuisine. “Mexican cuisine is one of those foods that’s so versatile. Plus, I love learning about the culture,” Lawson says. In addition to running her own restaurant, Lawson unofficially serves as counsel to other female restaurant owners seeking her advice on everything from staffing issues to slower shifts.
“I like that they feel comfortable enough to ask me for advice,” Lawson adds.
www.thevillagesquire.com
HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY
SAT 3/12 SUN 3/13 THURS 3/17
ORDER CORNED BEEF & CABBAGE TO GO!
Order online at www.villagesquire.com or call your favorite Squire location.
IRISH FAYRE
ATTHEVILLAGESQUIRE!
English Pub-Style Casual Dining, Featuring Live Music & a Cozy Unique Atmosphere
CORNED BEEF & CABBAGE Tender corned beef and cabbage served with steamed carrots, buttered parsley red potatoes and Irish soda bread. Your choice of soup or salad.
SPECIALTY DRINKS:
Irish Mule
Jameson, ginger beer, & lime
Emerald Isle Rita
Hand shaken margaritas with Midori liqueur & lime
