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Eclectic Fare, Inviting Ambiance Keep Marion Street Grille on Top |
| Wednesday Journal; January 28, 1998 | |
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| There is a growing excitement among the devotees of fine dining here in the west suburbs, and all the talk is about Marion Street Grille of Oak Park. Just beginning their third season this past December, the elegant yet comfortable restaurant is experiencing a surge in patronage that is mirrored only by owner Terry Thulis' enthusiasm. Thulis accounts for the bistro's success through a recent refining of its menu, which he describes as "American eclectic." Available still are the out standing steaks, chops and rack of lamb for which the restaurant is best known, as well as delectable pasta dishes, salads and fresh fish; only now they are being prepared with what Thulis describes as a concentrated effort to achieve "more dramatic flavors." One of the entrees which highlights this new culinary philosophy is the spicy New Orleans-style Creole Carbonara, a fettucine dish with Tasso ham, Andouille sausage and fresh tomato served in a zesty cream sauce. In addition to its diverse menu, the restaurant offers nightly specials such as sauteed sea scallops, southwest-style spiced pork chops, and the imaginative canelone Rossetti - choice sirloin filled crepes topped with three different sauces arranged to represent the colors of the Italian flag. Add to the mix the homemade desserts, imported sorbetto from Milan and an interesting wine list emphasizing California vintages, and the reason for the restaurant's appeal are obvious. However, just as important as what is served is the service itself. Marion Street Grille prides itself on the personal attention given not only to regular customers, of which many are on a first-name basis with Thulis and the staff, but first-time patrons as well. "When they come in they're a new face," explains Thulis, "when they leave, they're not." This friendly atmosphere extends to the restaurant's backroom bar as well. In contrast to the dining room, which is adorned with several striking, original fine art lithographs, the quite active bar has somewhat of a country club-like atmosphere. Still, it is quite common for patrons to have their dinner amid the brick and mahogany filled room's old world charm. |
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