Guide to International Cuisine During Lake County Restaurant Week 2022
By: Jonathan Jones 03/29/2022
Sometimes you can’t make that big trip to Europe, that safari excursion in Africa or that relaxing beach setting in Southeast Asia, Central America and/or the Caribbean Islands to experience international eats first hand. A land of lakes global feast during Lake County Restaurant Week is the next best thing running through April 10.Who says you can’t stay land of lakes local to eat traditional, rustic, ethnic and divine bites like a seasoned traveler abroad? The international cuisine is right at your fingertips.
Lake County Restaurant Week: Ten Days to Savor offers diners an opportunity to CHECK IN TO WIN »as well as a photo contest. Visitors can win various foodie prizes like a $50 gift card to a participating restaurant, a cooking class at The Joyful Gourmet in Libertyville and a chance to win an overnight stay at Lincolnshire Marriott Resort which includes a dinner/theatre package at Wright's Brew & Bistro and Marriott Theatre.
Here is your guide to international cuisine during Lake County Restaurant Week.
Big Bowl Chinese and Thai Lincolnshire, China and Lincolnshire, Thailand
You just can’t get enough of Big Bowl. The chain eatery continues to wow foodies across the country. The Lincolnshire location is no different. Whether it’s sweet or spicy, rice or noodles, Chinese or Thai that you are craving, Big Bowl’s menu has it all. Culinary aficionados experience the bold flavors from every dish from the homemade curries to the dipping sauces. Big Bowl serves delectable dishes like Panang curry chicken (sliced chicken in peanut coconut curry sauce, peas, Fresno peppers and snow peas), shrimp Shanghai noodles (brussel sprouts, red and yellow peppers, spinach, scallions and sesame seeds), Mongolian beef (shiitake and button mushrooms, green and red onions) and more.
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Café Pomigliano in Libertyville, Italy
Cafe Pomigliano is a breath of fresh air with a bright and modern take on authentic Italian dishes by Chef Eduardo Martinez in the family-owned eatery. This Italian-inspired restaurant serves the classics. The Pomigliano family, for a fourth of a century, has prided itself on making daily, mouth-watering homemade dishes. The eats are prepared by recipes that originate from the small community right outside Naples, Italy.
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Casa Bonita Mexican Restaurant & Tequila Bar in Libertyville, Mexico
Casa Bonita serves authentic homemade Mexican cuisine prepared daily and made with high-quality fresh ingredients from local markets. Casa Bonita offers a vacation-style atmosphere with indoor and heated outdoor seating and a spectacular Tequila Bar featuring several delicious fresh hand-squeezed Margaritas.
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Chrissoulas Restaurant in Libertyville, Greece
The MainStreet Libertyville eatery features Greek and Mediterranean cuisine highlighted by octopus, pastitsio, moussaka, souvlaki, salads and a selection of 30 Greek vinos. The chef brothers, Nick and Theo Dimitriou have a combined 20+ year career in the culinary industry. The brothers stay curious and prepare new innovative dishes constantly while being mindful of the changing seasons and utilizing local ingredients to put out an exceptional product.
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Disotto Italian in Highwood, Italy
It’s like being transported to another place and time in Highwood. This restaurant, reminiscent of vintage Italy, has a menu that includes pizza fruit dishes, salads, pasta, Piatti, contorni and a slew of other delectable items. The scent of these delicious dishes permeates throughout the walls of this rustic and vintage Italian establishment. The carbonara is just an eye-opening dish. In this instance of the fuel noodles, it’s spaghetti with pecorino, bacon, egg yolk and black pepper. You must visit Disotto for their divine brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays.
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Dangelas Dumplings in Libertyville, China
The Libertyville eatery specializes in Chinese cuisine. The traditional and authentic restaurant also features a variety of dumplings, including shrimp, pork and Chinese chives, beef and onion, pork and celery, zucchini and egg, as well as vegetable side options. The family-owned restaurant folds goodness and happiness in each dumpling. Dangela’s Dumplings is open for carry-out and delivery through Grubhub, Uber Eats and DoorDash. The Libertyville hotspot is also providing frozen dumplings with cooking instructions.
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Dover Straits Seafood House in Mundelein, Greece
This Mundelein seafood staple and one of the land of lake’s eldest nautical fare establishments is Dover Straits. Famous extensive menu of seafood flown in daily, Dover Straits also offers premium steaks, pasta dishes and other excellent selections for the most discerning diner. Since 1978, the starboard restaurant is satisfied bellies across the Land of Lincoln.
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El Puerto Mexican Restaurant in Fox Lake, Mexico
This authentic Mexican restaurant has a beautiful scenic view and is located on Nippersink Lake, connected to the Chain O’Lakes. Watch a beautiful sunset on the Chain while enjoying the best Margarita in Lake County. The menu includes Enchiladas, Chimichangas, sizzling fajitas, steak, seafood, burritos, combination platters and a variety of drinks, desserts and obviously tacos. Their three taco meal is served with lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese and your choice of ground beef, chicken or steak. The platter also comes with Mexican rice and beans. The Fox Lake Restaurant also serves taco salad with your choice of ground beef, chicken or steak topped with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream and guacamole. The restaurant offers three indoor dining rooms, a seasonal outdoor patio and a full bar with unique homemade drinks. Come by land or boat. Come rain or shine, you will be able to sit out in the patio under the canopy.
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Fat Rosie’s Taco and Tequila Bar in Lincolnshire, Mexico
The inception of the Fat Rosie started when Chef and proprietor of the Lincolnshire restaurant became acquainted with an agave farmer and his trusty donkey steed south of the border. The gentleman’s donkey had worked alongside this ground grower for over two decades. The heavy horse’s John Hancock is that of the one that’s named for this LCRW eatery – Fat Rosie. The festive Mexican taqueria serves a modern take on traditional cuisine and craft cocktails. Their menu is highlighted by soups, seafoods, enchiladas, fajitas, tacos, burritos and so much more.
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Francesca’s Intimo in Lake Forest, Italy
Renowned for its flavorful and familiar Italian dishes, this nearly 20+-year-old neighborhood institution is going strong. The menu features the zesty, earthy cuisine of Rome and the surrounding areas of Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio. The piattis are highlighted by salads, paninis, seafoods, pizza and various pasta delights, located in the heart of the city’s downtown area. You must try their desserts as they are to die for.
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Giordano's in Gurnee, Italy
A Chicago staple, the stuffed deep-dish pizza makers, are offering no contact delivery and curbside pickup. Giordano’s has received acclaim as “Chicago’s Best Pizza” by NBC, CBS Chicago, the New York Times, Chicago Magazine, the Chicago Tribune and more. The delectable Windy City restaurant has been a staple in the Land of Lincoln for nearly a half century.
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Main Street Social in Libertyville, Italy/Mediterranean Region
Independently owned and operated Main Street Social opened in 2017. The restaurant, located in downtown Libertyville is a restaurant and bar that puts a twist on Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. Their menu features housemade portions of pasta, fresh seafood, bountiful salads, meat and cheese boards, delectable desserts and more. Besides the innovative dishes made from scratch, the MainStreet Libertyville eatery provides fine wines and craft libations.
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Mexican Paradise Café in Antioch, Mexico
The Antioch establishment is a Mexican-style restaurant located off Lake Street in the village's downtown area. Mexican Paradise serves the premier Mexican fare complemented by authentic beer and mixed drinks. Their menu is highlighted by tacos, enchiladas, burritos, tortas, tostadas, fajitas and more.
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Oliverii North in Antioch, Italy
Oliverii North is a 37-year family tradition and the fourth installment of founder Guido Oliverii's restaurant. The Antioch, Italian-inspired eatery features pasta, pizza, soups, salads, seafood and more
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Park Street Craft Kitchen & Bar in Mundelein, Peru
The Mundelein kitchen and bar recently changed hands in ownership: Nora and Paul Arroyo as they purchased the eatery in November 2017. The menu is updated seasonally and evolves the new culinary experience for guests on each visit. The South American style menu features soups, salads, a slew of unique entrees and housemade desserts. The downtown Mundelein establishment offers fresh takes on vintage Peruvian plates.
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Primo Italian American Cuisine in Gurnee, Italy
Primo Italian American Cuisine is Lake County’s dining hot spot with five-star ratings across the board. The Gurnee establishment’s menu includes salads and sandwiches, pasta, seafood, steaks and much more. The Gurnee establishment boasts an array of Daily Herald Reader’s Choice Awards. The jam-packed menu is complemented by a wine list of 100+ flavors.
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Sweet Home Gelato in Libertyville, Italy
The confectioner company provides visitors with an authentic Italian experience with dessert treats. The Libertyville establishment specializes in hand-crafted small-batch gelato, sorbets, sherbet, frozen yogurt and ice cream.
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Tony Cannoli’s Specialty Pastries in Mundelein, Italy
Holy moly! If you can only check out this cannoli from Tony! The Mundelein confectioner creates traditional and unconventional cannolis for customers to indulge their sweet tooth. Tony Cannoli Specialty Pastries also conducts classes to teach visitors how to make the sweet Italian treat. The Mundelein maker also makes cakes, donuts, cookies, chips and more.
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For more information about international cuisine and other Lake County Restaurant Week elements, click here. To return to the Lake County Restaurant Week home page, continue here.
