Glen Prairie Highlights Local Fresh Seasonal Ingredients In Chicago's Western Suburbs

With the intent to respect the environment and promote environmentally sustainable practices, Glen Prairie Fine Food & Drink (1250 Roosevelt Rd., Glen Ellyn, Ill.; 630-613-1250), which opened August 12, is a local farm sourced fine dining restaurant with contemporary American cuisine. The cuisine emphasizes hearty meat, pasta and seasonal dishes utilizing meats, poultry and produce farmed locally or from across the country from farms practicing sustainable farming methods and celebrates the joys of artisanal cooking. Even the takeout containers are compostable and made from sugarcane rather than petroleum based plastics.

"Its concept is drawn from the great American plains, its offerings come from the farmer that works his land, shares our respect for the environment and proudly supplies the food on our tables," according to Chef de Cuisine Daniel Ovanin. Accompanying Ovanin as part of Glen Prairie's opening team is Chris Turano, executive chef for two other restaurants for F&F Realty, owners of several popular Chicago-area restaurants, including: Dine, and MetroKlub, both located at 733 W. Madison St. in Chicago.

About the food

Glen Prairie's menu is designed to emphasize seasonal ingredients to showcase a variety of American flavors. The restaurant team shops local farmer's markets in Glen Ellyn and Lombard, Ill., as well as The Farm (stand) in Westchester, Ill. twice a week to source fresh ingredients.

Start the day with breakfast at Glen Prairie. Breakfast items incorporate cage-free eggs, such as Eggs Benedict, all natural Canadian bacon and cage-free poached eggs on a toasted English muffin with traditional hollandaise sauce ($12); Grilled Breakfast Sandwich, farm fresh fried egg, Wisconsin mild cheddar with choice of sliced Duroc ham, applewood smoked bacon, and Canadian bacon or sausage between thick brioche ($9); The American Farmer's Breakfast, farm fresh eggs cooked any style with choice of applewood smoked bacon, grilled ham or sausage accompanied with rustic skillet potatoes and choice of toasted bakery fresh breads ($9), or Corn Flake Crusted French Toast, cinnamon and farm fresh egg battered thick challah bread, rolled in coarse ground corn flakes, griddled crisp, served with pure maple syrup, whipped vanilla butter and market inspired berries.

Glen Prairie's lunch menu features a variety of sandwiches, including Glen Prairie Prime Burger, brioche bun, Laack Bros. two year aged cheddar, rustic potato fries and horseradish coleslaw ($11); Open Face Glen Prairie Signature Meatloaf, potato bread and mushroom gravy ($11); Slow Cooked Pork Shoulder, cola BBQ sauce on a toasted brioche bun ($10); Albacore Tuna, fresh lemon, olive oil, roasted almonds and seven grain bread ($10), and Oven Roasted Turkey Club, applewood smoked bacon, orange cranberry relish and toasted seven grain bread ($9). Glen Prairie offers an Express Lunch, with a half sandwich, cup of soup and small house or Caesar salad: choose two ($7) or three ($9).

Enjoy Glen Prairie's lunch entr�e greens, including Glen Prairie Chopped Salad, roasted turkey breast, romaine hearts, applewood smoked bacon, scallions, fresh tomatoes and cider vinaigrette ($11); Buttermilk Fried Amish Chicken, mixed greens, fresh tomatoes, sweet corn, bell peppers, celery, scallions and honey Dijon vinaigrette ($12); and Prairie Cobb Salad, roasted Amish chicken, applewood smoked bacon, fresh tomatoes, red onion, farm fresh eggs, avocado, bleu cheese and Dijon vinaigrette ($12). Try the appetizer salad, Heirloom Tomatoes, warm Caw Caw Creek prosciutto wrapped fresh mozzarella and balsamic reduction ($8). Guests looking for heartier dishes can turn to Wild Mushroom Ravioli, baby eggplant, Roma tomatoes, basil and peppato ($14), or Simply Grilled Coho Salmon, with sweet corn polenta and ro