Dining

Table Hopping: Norton’s secret for success? Simply good food

“Give people what they want,” is the no-nonsense motto of Richard Holleb, owner of Norton’s restaurant in Highland Park. The casual and friendly atmosphere he and partner, Jeffrey Mages, have created over the last 14 years in their “Cheer’s”-worthy haunt is a direct result of that credo.

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Table Hopping: Feast on chocolate at Long Grove fest

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream… s’mores, bonbons, cake — anything chocolate! No need for any more screaming, however. Long Grove’s annual Chocolate Fest is May 3-5 so chocoholics of every ilk can satisfy their cravings for the rich, dark, aromatic treat in sweet, savory and even plastic varieties.

Table Hopping: Serving Bubbie’s best at Silverberg’s Deli

At first glance, Phil Silverberg, bald, blue jean-clad, earring glittering one ear, seems a bit tough. But when the owner of Silverberg’s Deli in Vernon Hills starts talking about his ‘Bubbie,’ it becomes clear that family is everything to him.

Table Hopping: Closer to home style at Merlo’s

They say if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans. Restaurateur John Merlo can likely empathize. His own goals to become a lawyer, like his father and older brother, got sidetracked while managing a little wine bar in Chicago during college.

Table Hopping: Raise a glass to good health at Peeled

Juicing is no longer just what you do to lemons to get lemonade. It’s a movement among a segment of the health-conscious. It’s proponents say drinking juices of fruits and vegetables is better, healthwise, than eating those fruits and vegetables whole.

Festive brunches for celebrating Easter

The eggs are all hunted down, the family is gathered. It’s Easter, and it’s time to eat. A sumptuous brunch at a favorite restaurant is in order. We’ve collected a number of festive Easter Sunday brunches that would make fitting meal to crown the holiday.

Table Hopping: Restaurateurs are head over wheels in the business

“Two restaurants and a food truck” — sounds like the title for a sitcom. But with three enthusiastic partners running this Evanston restaurant business, one can see how such a mix works.

Table Hopping: Oktoberfest, Munich-style, any time at Hofbräuhaus Chicago

Oktoberfest is such fun; too bad it’s only once a year. Or is it? With January’s opening of Hofbräuhaus Chicago in Rosemont, a full-blown celebration is only one hefty beer stein away.

Table Hopping: Longitud315 brings South American flavors close to home

If jetting down to the equator to sample gastronomy from a variety of South American cultures is not in the cards for you this weekend, just head over to Longitud315 in Highwood.

Baking business is sweet for siblings

EVANSTON — Brother and sister, Greg and Gretchen Vetter have both been baking since they were kids, and today, the two are still baking. Now co-owners and managers of Tags, both Greg and Gretchen realize their shop is one of just a few independent bakeries left.