Alex Dana: Chicago’s Own Italian Restaurant King

History and Alex Dana

In 1973, 26-year-old Chicago native Alex Dana purchased an existing luncheonette in Chicago’s Loop. Although business at the “store” was good, Dana wasn’t satisfied. Actually, Dana had a different vision for the location: a full service restaurant. A “joint” that operated from early morning until late at night, a place that offered great food and lots of it, excellent service from friendly people and warm hospitality beginning at the front door. Being raised in a family of restaurant owners it came as no surprise that a new Chicago legend was in the making.

In 1975 two new opportunities knocked at Dana’s door almost simultaneously. Buyers hungry for the success of his loop location made an offer “even he couldn’t refuse,” which corresponded with the opportunity for Alex to purchase the run-down Italian Men’s Supper Club, in a what soon would become a prime location in Chicago’s Little Italy and the The Rosebud was born! Originally called Bocciola della Rosa (bud of the rose), after Sicily’s native flower, the name was translated into English after it was discovered that patrons had a difficult time pronouncing it. Signature dishes, such as Chicken Vesuvio and Pappardelle (square noodles) were introduced. Rosebud became a favorite of celebrities from Robert DeNiro and Tony Bennett to Frank Sinatra, not to mention Carol Burnett, Robert Redford and Jimmy Buffett. Naturally, a gallery of autographed photos was quickly created (and continues to grow) for all to see.

In 1992 expansion was on Dana’s mind. He took an aging (but beautiful) building located in the old Rush Street entertainment neighborhood, one block from the trendy Michigan Avenue shops and opened the Rosebud on Rush, which became an instant hit with Chicagoans and visiting celebrities alike.

Following the growing (and glowing) success of Rosebud on Rush, in 1995 Alex then opened Carmine’s Clamhouse just up the street five blocks on Rush Street. This was the first departure from the use of the name Rosebud for a Dana restaurant. Offering two levels of dining, a busy bar, live entertainment and the outdoor cafe in Chicago for people watching, Carmine’s became an instant celebrity in its own right.

Not one to rest on his laurels (and remembering that you’re only as good as the last bowl of pasta sold), Dana opened his first suburban location, the Rosebud of Naperville (located thirty two miles southwest of the city) and the Rosebud Theater District, located in Chicago’s financial/theater center. After a three year hiatus, his creative juices began to flow again and in 2000 Alex opened his second suburban outpost, the Rosebud of Highland Park, in a tiny suburb just 22 miles north of the city. With an emphasis on family, value AND great food, the Rosebud regulars stayed Rosebud regulars, this time on their own suburban turf. 2000 also saw the birth of a new concept for Dana – Rosebud Steakhouse (A RARE STEAKHOUSE, WELL DONE). The magic continued, this time with tuxedoed waiters, a 28-ounce Chicago-Cut bone-in filet and being voted “The Best Burger” in town by Chicago Tribune readers.

A few years later, Dana decided to try something different by combining a high end Italian restaurant with a fun loving lounge and nightspot. In May of 2005 he opened Rosebud Trattoria, located in Chicago’s bustling River North. Dana transformed the former 50’s style diner into a sleek and sophisticated dining spot with a lounge like feel offering something for everyone from morning till night.

After the success of eight restaurants, Dana had an idea to combine the most beloved, best selling dishes from all of his locations together under one roof. He wanted customers to have the opportunity to enjoy sausage and peppers from The Rosebud on Taylor Street, Mama’s Meatballs from Rosebud Trattoria and Linguine with Clams from Carmine’s on one menu. In May of 2007 the ideal setting presented itself and he opened Rosebud Old World Italian in the Northwest suburb of Schaumburg. Needless to say the restaurant was an instant hit, catering to business professionals and families alike.

Two months later, Dana was back in the city impressing customers yet again. In July of 2007 he opened Rosebud Prime, a lavish dining oasis amidst the finest entertainment venues and steps away from the heart of the loop. The second steakhouse under the Rosebud umbrella, Rosebud Prime combines impeccable service, a sophisticated atmosphere and the finest selection of steaks, seafood and chops.

In 2009, Dana decided to make a change to Rosebud of Naperville and after a brief stint serving comfort foods including Rosebud’s renowned hamburger, the restaurant transformed into Rosebud Italian Specialties & Pizzeria. The new concept provides a fresh perspective on Italian cuisine with a chef driven, weekly changing menu focusing on regional dishes and fresh ingredients. Another new feature is thin crust, Award Winning Pizzas served from a traditional deck style oven. The ultimate goal at Rosebud Italian Specialties and Pizzeria is to provide customers with two distinct dining options; a more casual, family friendly pizzeria and an upscale, white table cloth dining room.

It’s been an exciting journey for Alex Dana and Rosebud. Today, ten restaurants including two steakhouses and eight white table cloth Italian concepts are proudly under the Rosebud umbrella, each filling a unique niche within the community and upholding the highest standards for fine cuisine and superior wine selections. After forty years of business, there’s no telling what’s next is on the horizon. One thing is for sure, the future is bright for this dynamic restaurant group. Stay tuned for exciting developments!

Acquaviva Winery: Best New Winery Chicago

Somewhere in every wine lover’s mind is the fantasy about opening a winery. But the reality is a huge up taking with large amounts of cash outlays, permits, contract negotiations and farming logistics that would rattle the toughest  persons nerves.

Now add the additional challenge of dealing with an economy that has hit rock bottom and your winery has to compete with an ever-growing ocean of International, California and Midwest bottlers.

Winemakers and Foodies are a devoted lot. Despite the change in the economy, hundreds of new wineries have opened in the past year. One of Chicago’s very own is Acquaviva Winery and Restaurant in Maple Park, IL.

94 West Steak and Seafood; Surf and Turf Grill Masters

94 West Steak and Seafood Restaurant Review

I recently had the pleasure of dinning at one of the South Suburbs Award Winning Steakhouses, 94 West Restaurant. Of course I had to face the facts this weekend and realize that I may be a master of the barbecue grill, but it’s next to impossible for me to obtain the best restaurant quality Prime Steaks and broil it to perfection at temperatures as high as 94 West Restaurant can.

The owner, Bryan Sord brings back old world charm to this Steakhouse while delivering us a modern chop-house that serves globally inspired food. When you ask Bryan what sets 94 West apart from other restaurants, he will always give you the same answer — great food.  To understand why 94 West Restaurant is a cut above the rest you have to understand a little family history.

Bryan’s parents; Johnny and Mary proudly opened the doors to the Candlelight Lodge on 55th & Spaulding in June of 1958. It did not take long for this place to become known in Chicago as a place for fabulous food, big drinks, “Green Noodles,” and a great time.

Through the years, all their children were involved in the operation. Wayne, Alan, Susan, and Bryan.

In 1999, Mary became a widow and the family all agreed that it would be best if they closed the restaurant’s doors. Mary passed away in 2001.

On a whim, Bryan wanted to bring back the “Legend of the Candlelight” and the “Green Noodles” to Orland Park.

Now that you understand where the passion for Great Food comes from, take a look at our “Surf and Turf” pictures. 

Best Giambotta in the Western Suburbs: Scapa Italian Kitchen

Scapas World Famous Giambotta

History of Giambotta

 

From Wikipedia and Reviews by Laura

Ciambotta or Giambotta is a typical dish of southern Italian cuisine, essentially a stew, which can be eaten as a side dish or first depending on its ingredients and how it is cooked.

 

The ciambotta is based on vegetables, but may have other ingredients such as meat or fish. The vegetable choices are usually potatoes, eggplant,tomatoes, peppers, chilli, onion and herbs.

The best-known variants are:

• The Lucan ciambotta – Lucan-based sausage, peppers, onions, eggs, tomato, typical products of Basilicata especially in San Costantino Albanese, Terranova del Pollino, Noepoli
• Apulian ciambotta -uses fish typical of Puglia.
• The Neapolitan ciambotta – usually prepared with boiled beef, potatoes, tomatoes and onions. It is usually seasoned with chili pepper and oregano.
• The Cilento ciambota -consisting of eggplant, potatoes, peppers and sometimes tomatoes in a pan. In the area of Benevento, it may be made from potatoes, green beans, zucchini and chard.

Top 10 Burgers in Chicago

Who has the Best Burgers in Chicago?

Like the Quest for the Holy Grail we have been on the hunt for the Best Burger in Chicago for the past month. Yes fellow Carnivore’s this list is for you!

Here is our Top 10 Burger joints in Chicagoland:

10.

Kuma's Corner

Kuma’s Corner

The Heavy Rock Band Burger joint of Chicago. This place features burgers with pulled pork on them, Chilli and you must try the Black Sabbath Burger when you visit. Great atmosphere, plenty of Tattoos and please don’t over dress. You might scare the locals.

  Visit them on-line at: www.KumasCorner.com

Edzo's Burger shop

9.    

Edzo’s Burger Shop

Old School Burger Shop with 70’s Charm. Makes me want to Disco up in here. Seriously these burgers rock – they ground them up daily in house and the burgers are then griddled as you wait but don’t start barking like a dog, you’ll have to wait your turn.

You can visit Edzo’s Burger Shop on-line at: www.Edzos.com

Rosebud Steakhouse

 8.

Rosebud Steakhouse

Heaven on Bun. Not exactly a corner burger joint but this steak house in the Gold Coast really hits the spot. For a mere $12.00 you get 12-ounces of prime beef on a buttery and grilled pretzel roll.  Gives me goose bumps just thinking about how juicy the are – YUM on a Bun!

You can visit them on-line at www.RosebudRestaurants.com

Naha Angus Burger

7.

Naha

Just an incredible Angus Beef Burger that is liberally seasoned on a bed of caramelized onions along with your choice of fun cheeses. The Angus Burger goes perfect with the hand cut parsley fries. Chef Carrie Nahabedian provides an upscale restaurant but without the attitude. Seating is always excellent at the Bar and service is excellent too.

You can visit them on-line at: www.naha-chicago.com

"Cheezborger, cheezborger, cheezborger. No Pepsi, Coke. No fries, cheeps."

6.

Billy Goat Tavern 

What would the Chicago Burger World be without the Billy Goat Tavern. Tourists from around the world continue to make their way to the Billy Goat Tavern and many of Chicago’s Celebrities are among the regulars.  These Cheezborgers are greasy spoon lovers dream. The double is the Home Town favorite – just mix in a little raw onion, dill pickles and you have every meat eaters dream on a bun. God Bless you John Belushi.

You can find them on-line at: www.billygoattavern.com

 

Fried Egg and Truffle Aioli Burger

5.

Benny’s Chop House

A newcomer to the Chicago Burger Scene but we should have know they had an All-Star cast featuring Benny Siddu (Volare Ristorante) and Chef Jonathan Lane (former Chef – Four Seasons Hotel) that are cooking up some of the Best Food in Chicago. The Fried Egg and Truffle Aioli Burger is Amazing and to the think this River North Location is really a Steak and Seafood Restaurant. Next visit, the Infamous – Benny’s Burger. I can’t wait!

You can find them on-line at: www.BennysChopHouse.com

 

Five Guys Burgers and Fries

4.

Five Guys Burgers & Fries

Five Guys Burgers and Fries seem to have a cult following and have been popping up all around the country. When you travel around asking everyone Who has the Best Burger? Five Guys are always at the Top of the list. Our Burgers were very tasty and messy but overall pretty Damn Good. I’m not big on commercial chain burger restaurants but they make a nice burger – the fries could use a little help and the menu is not really kid friendly. Again Burgers are Good and I will be back for seconds.

You can visit them on-line at: www.FiveGuys.com

A Bad Ass Burger from The Bad Apple

 3.

The Bad Apple

This is Chicago’s Bad Ass Burger Joint – The Bad Apple! She has a huge following and will give all Burger eaterys a run for the Title of Best Burger in Chicago — if not America. They offer 17 different burgers on any given day or night and I Love them all. You will become a fan and you will be back again and again for their Bad Ass Burgers!

You can visit them on-line at: www.BadAppleBar.com

Lockdown Bar

2.

Lockdown Bar & Grill

Heavy Metal and Burgers always go well with each other. We each tried a different burger and we all said one thing after that first bite… WOW! I spiced it up a little and went with THE BOOTLEG – Kimchi, Bacon and Fried Egg. No wonder Citysearch just named them the Best in Chicago. A Must Try for all you Chicago Foodies.

You can visit them on-line at: www.LockDownBar.com

This Burger has no Equal - DMK Burger Bar of Chicago

1.

DMK Burger Bar

Well here she is – The Best Burger in Chicago: Our Winner is the DMK Burger Bar. These Burgers are made with Exceptional Quality, Grass-Fed Beef, Freshly Baked Buns, Artisan Cheeses and a whole lot of Love. Many Burgers try to compare to DMK Burgers but they have no Equal. DMK is one of my favorite Monthly Eats and DMK Burger Bar has been named the Burger Mecca of Chicago, come try Burger Greatness.

You can visit them on-line at: www.DMKBurgerBar.com