Beyond Beef - Blackening Optional

Republic Chophouse is a upscale urban dining establishment where indulging in uncomplicated chophouse entrees like this Lamb Rib Chop are a must.  Simply, six rib bones of Australian lamb are served with compliment of homemade potato chips.  

To enhance your chophouse entree, Republic Chophouse offers a number of optional sauces and seasonings. This Lamb Rib Chop, ordered medium rare, was seasoned with Republic's Cajun spice blend and then charred, encasing the rib chops with a crisp outer blackened crust and tasty juicy meat on the inside.

South of the CityDeck

...down the path of the Fox River Trail and located just a little ways outside of downtown in the former Caffe Mario space is CasSANDRA'S.  
Chef Sandra, who prepared food in the Caffe Mario kitchen, recently purchased the business, changing the name and crafting the menu into her own South American roots keeping just a few favorite Italian items of the previous restaurant's menu.
CasSANDRA'S only uses the freshest of original ingredients and food is made when ordered to insure the finest of flavors.  Lunch, dinner and wines are available at CasSANDRA's.  

A side order of Yuca (addictive, think delectable, healthy fries!) and a half of a grilled sandwich, the Cubano, made for a deliciously satisfying lunch.

  Yuca- A crispy South American root vegetable, lightly coated and lightly fried, is served with a small mound of finely shredded cabbage and carrots, topped by a dab of spicy tomato sauce and a crispy piece of pork.

Cubano - Roasted pork - thin sliced ham - mustard - swiss cheese - pickles are grilled panni-style on fresh bread.

Diner's Note: The grilled sandwiches can be ordered half or whole and are served with a fresh fruit garnish.

EAT ~Since 1934~

The BIG AL at Al's Hamburger is a juicy beef wonder for burger eaters.  Simply, a half pound burger,  thinly sliced onions, raw or grilled, that's your call and plenty of crinkle cut sour pickle chips.  Ketchup and/or mustard is your choice however a number of napkins will be utilized that are located in the silver dispenser on the counter.  It all starts with a 1/2 lb. of ground beef that is rolled about the size of a baseball.  Once on the flattop grill the beef is flatten with a spatula and sizzles into a burger patty.  A soft hamburger bun toasts on the grill next to the burger.  Pictured here, the Big Al comes together. The 1/2 lb. burger sits on a bed of raw onion and topped with the pickle slices under the oh-so soft bun. EAT!