The Tiny Town In Illinois With The Most Mouthwatering Restaurant
By Stephanie Andrews|Published December 05, 2016
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Stephanie Andrews
Author
Originally from the quaint beach town of Fenwick Island, Delaware, Stephanie has called Chicago home for nearly a decade. A passion for cocktail creation, international travel and decadent foodie experiences, enjoy Stephanie's romp through the Land of Lincoln. A circus performer, stuntwoman, professed travel buff and lover of Tom Waits, Stephanie is looking forward to sharing her favorite Chicago haunts with both adventurous locals and curious travelers.
Do you swoon for Italian food? Do you swear you could have been Italian in another life? Do you dream of gelato in Florence or pizza in Venice? If so, then “La Dolce Vita” is not far behind when you discover the unassuming Illinois town that doles out a truly authentic and life-affirming Italian dining experience.
Venture out to the northern border of Iroquois County and you’ll find the small Illinois hamlet of Chebanse. Within its rural confines is a modest-looking restaurant that you might actually drive right by if you don’t pop the address in your GPS. Head to 141 S. Chestnut Street in Chebanse where your incredible dining experience is about to begin.
Uptown Grille is an Italian-American restaurant that prides itself on creating signature pasta dishes with flavors that you’ll find in Northern Italy. With Chef Alessandro Farinati’s authentic and luscious pasta entrees it’s no surprise that even Italian diners have said that this pasta is truly the real deal. You can taste the passion for food making in every delectable bite.
And while these pasta dishes will certainly tantalize your taste buds and leave you satiated, if pizza is what you crave before you pick up the phone and call for delivery, turn to Uptown Grille to give you the handmade artisanal pizza experience. Choose from the very best in premium toppings like mascarpone cheese or organic soppressa, or stick with a beloved classic like the Margherita. Friday pizza nights will never be the same again.
If surf and turf is what you desire this evening, Uptown Grille is ready to dish out generous, divine portions of parmesan-crusted strip steak, prosciutto-wrapped chicken or Mediterranean cod filet. The meats that Chef Alessandro uses are always free range, hormone and antibiotic free, and 100 percent all natural.
Hopefully you've saved room for dessert! These chef-inspired heavenly sweets are perfect for staving off that sweet tooth. From tiramisu to profiteroles, indulge in a little post-dinner treat (you know you want to). Or enjoy a nip of house-made limoncello that will ease your digestion while also lifting your spirits.
And what great Italian dining experience would be complete without wine? Uptown Grille’s sommelier has chosen a generous smattering of international wines (some of which hail from—you guessed it—Italy). Every bottle has been specially picked to complement the meals you see on the menu. While you might recognize a few of these names, this Italian jewel also offers some unique and adventurous wines for the wine connoisseur. With a full lounge that houses a myriad of traditional and fine spirits, there is an aperitif to start your evening out on the right foot.
Uptown Grille is open Tuesday through Sunday, and while you can snag a cocktail when the lounge opens at 2PM (Grappa in an espresso mug? Don't mind if I do!), you’ll have to wait patiently until the kitchen opens at 4PM (but trust us, it’s more than worth the wait).
This restaurant might have a classic American name but there is nothing but classic Italian foods served right here in Chebanse. Whether you want to take your sweetie out for a romantic dinner or you are dying to taste pasta the way you remember it in Italy, Uptown Grille is sure to change the way you dine. So what are you waiting for? Andiamo!
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