Tenth wedding anniversaries are styled as the diamond celebration. That couldn’t be more appropriate for The Little Gem Cafe as it this month marks a decade at 189 N. Marion St. in Oak Park.
Owner Judith Lalor came to Oak Park to write a book. She had closed her jazz and supper club in New York City after 15 years and was looking to reset.
“I wasn’t sure if I was going to move to Barcelona, Vermont or Chicago, when I came here,” she said. “I was going to write a book about the soul. I was reading Teresa of Avila, The Interior Castle, and she described the soul as a diamond with many facets that all reflect light.”
When a friend mentioned that The Marion Street Grill was closing, she was drawn to the space.
“I prayed on it. I’m a Christian. I said, ‘Use my hands in the world. What would you like me to do?’ I said to myself, I’m going to keep saying yes to this opportunity until it doesn’t feel right.”
She met with the landlord, and everything fell into place. “I’m called to serve through hospitality,” she said.
That idea of the soul radiating from many facets became an idea behind the restaurant Little Gem, rather than a book.
The vibe Lalor created was intended to be warm and European. She wanted it to exude vintage charm with a cozy feel and gentle lighting. The menu mirrored that as well. Today she describes it as American bistro dining.
A full bar and a wine list that spans the globe greets customers. Cocktails flow. Mocktails are a specialty – a smoky mescal concoction is catching on. Favorite starters are the eggplant caprese stack and the cheese encrusted French onion soup. Seafood paella graces the menu. Roasted chicken is an entrée hit.
“It’s juicy, but then the skin is crispy. We have a whole fish, a branzino. Everything’s delicious. You can’t go wrong,” said Lalor.
Brunch is served on the weekends. Sunday through Thursday a three-course date night special includes one appetizer, two salads, two entrees, one dessert and a bottle of wine for $99.
Seven years after the main dining room opened, Lalor reached back to her jazz days in New York and opened Encore! By Little Gem next door.
Live music fills the Encore! space every Friday and Saturday night from 7:30-10 p.m. There is no cover charge, and the same menu is served, plus an extended bar and additional cocktail specials.
“I like both sides,” Lalor said. “But music’s always been a big part of my life. And we have the ability to host private parties at Encore!”
Becoming embedded in the community has always been important to her too. The restaurant is an easy stroll from Holley Court and Brookdale Living.
“I love senior citizens. They tell you stories and there’s such a richness there. They’re not trying to impress you. They don’t want anything from you. They give you good sage advice,” she said.
Lalor has deep gratitude for the wider community that came together during COVID to support and sustain local restaurants. She is also grateful for her staff, who craft the magic each day. Together they strive to serves up delicious food in an environment where togetherness can be forged and fostered.
“Like Mother, Teresa said, ‘People forget that we belong to each other.’ I got this review the other day on Yelp. It blew me away. I almost cried,” she said.
The reviewer mentioned the good food and service and ended with this, “The whole package is reminiscent of the family cafes in Paris. Merci!!”
“I couldn’t get over it because this person epitomized what I had in mind for this place.” Lalor says her heart is full. “I want to say thank you for a great 10 years. I’ve seen families grow. I’ve seen kids grow up and leave and come back. Let’s go round again!”
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Know Before You Go:
Website: thelittlegemcafe.com
Address: 189 N Marion Street, Oak Park
Hours: Sunday 11a-9:30p
Monday Closed
Tuesday – Thursday 11a-10:30p
Friday – Saturday 11a-11p