The original Roman calendar didn’t see fit to name the period between the end of December and the start of March since there was no military or farming activity then. Roman soldiers spent this time in hiberna camps. January and February were named later, which is why the number referencing names of the last four months of the year don’t match up with their order in the calendar.
Each year the Oak Park and River Forest Chamber of Commerce gives out its Spotlight Awards. There are many winners, but I want to highlight the Excellent Eats award, which went to Jerusalem Cafe at 1030 Lake St. in Oak Park. Congrats!
At the old Luo’s Peking House, 113 N. Marion St., the drab brown paper that has been covering the windows has been exchanged for tantalizing images of Szechwan dishes. The restauranteurs are not the same owners as KyuRamen or Guymon BBQ (as reported here previously), but friends of those owners. Demolition has started, but as these things go, it could be a year before mouth-watering scents are wafting out of the kitchen.
Down the street at Gyumon BBQ kids pricing goes by height (and I guess, therefore, size of stomach): under 40 inches are free of charge; 40-47 inches get 50% off; and 47-55 inches are 30% off. There is a senior discount as well. Those over 65 get $10 off any AYCE (all you care to eat) meal. And they have extended the $10 off promotion all day Monday – Thursday.
Friday night dinner is back at Spilt Milk at 811 South Blvd in Oak Park. The take and heat meals come in two sizes: one to serve 2 adult diners for $52.50, the other for 4 adults is $105. Last week’s menu was meatballs in a savory, but hint of sweet sauce; mashed potatoes; and roasted green beans. Pre-order early in the week, then pick up between 1-5 p.m. each Friday.
On Mondays and Tuesdays during January and February Brown Cow Ice Cream in Forest Park will be closed. The new owners announced that they have some to-do list items that they are going to use the time to complete. Cold winter days might make sense for taking a break from ice cream eating, but to keep you warm the shop has debuted steamed scoops made with any flavor. Top choices are chocolate (this is where the idea came from, since their hot chocolate is made with a kiddie scoop and steamed milk), gingerbread, peppermint, cinnamon and butter pecan.
3Fold bakery at 401 South Blvd. (at Ridgeland) in Oak Park opened their doors the last week of 2025. A wealth of pastries line the cases and ample seating invites one to meet and linger over coffee.
It’s official! Mira Social, 1103 Pleasant St. in Oak Park, held a ribbon cutting on Dec. 16. The doors are open to help you wind down, reconnect with friends and family over crafted cocktails (alcohol and non) and delicious bites. Golden Hour (their style of happy hour) is weekdays from 3:30-6 p.m.
Eats-out – we are going to try another turn at gathering, eating and chatting about what foods make us happy. This time, we are going to Café Cubano on Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. The cost is $35 per person. Alcoholic drinks separate. If you want to join in our table of eight, email me at the address below.
Got news, questions or ideas for this column? Email them to us at Eats@oakparkeats.com.
