More than a mouthful at Bite Nite 

Bite Nite is the Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce’s annual tour de taste. More than 30 local restaurants, caterers and vendors offered nibbles in the ballroom at the Nineteenth Century Club on Friday, Jan. 31. 

Taking a first turn around the ballroom, local caterers showcased their various victuals. 

Bethanny Alexander, owner of Kind Café and Catering, offered artichoke cakes drizzled in remoulade sauce, a vegan take on crabcakes. Next table over, Teresa Saenz owner of The Peppered Table, laid a table with her Latin fusion dishes, including ceviche, guacamole and chips, and chipotle tomato meatballs. 

Evan Paxinos cooks out of River Forest’s Hub Kitchen with the previous two. Under the Evanly Cheesecakes brand he presented flavorful bites of his chocolate mousse, apple caramel and cherry topped cheesecakes. 

“The secret is in the crust,” said owner Evan Paxinos. “It’s a different cookie than the usual graham cracker base.” 

The event started at 5:30 p.m. and it didn’t take long for the room to get packed. 

“This is an amazing way to try many local foods all at once,” said event volunteer Joan Sibal. 

“This is what I call a ‘communitarian’ event,” Keith Graham said, describing the neighborly feel of the event. “I’m finding out about new things on the menu at some of my favorite places, like Poor Phil’s and Publican.” 

Speaking of Publican Quality Bread, their samples of flaky orange brioche and hot chocolate, were dished out by CEO Karen Browne and managing partner Greg Wade. 

A second dance through the aisles focused on Oak Park bakers. Sisters Molly and Meg Svec who own Spilt Milk spread joy both sweet and savory: Waldorf chicken salad served with a round croissant biscuit and various cookies and other delights. Broken Tart’s sisters Katie and Krissy Mack took a similar approach with their hot honey butter cornbread biscuits, passionfruit tarts and olive oil cake bites. 

“This is such a great way to connect to the wider community,” Molly Svec said. “Bite Nite is a chance to linger and talk with people more than we have a chance to day-to-day in the shop.” 

Luxurious plantains were on the table from both Café Cubano and Maya del Sol, but neither one could be missed. Staying with a Latin beat, people gobbled up Hoja Santa’s butternut squash calabaza. 

“Bite Nite is a ticket that we grab as soon as we hear about it,” Oak Parker Jeremy Rodriguez said. “Chamber events sell out quick.” 

A third waltz around the floor included sandwiches from Maywood’s T & JJ’s Supreme Steaks and Catering. The restaurant is more than two decades old, but new owners Maurice Smith and Troy Nathaniel are looking to carry on the tradition. 

Shanahan’s from Forest Park served up their signature creole flavors, while Berwyn’s Babygold BBQ offered up a trifecta of their own: lollipop drumsticks with creole ranch sauce, pimento mac & cheese with brisket, and smoked shrimp with Cajun cocktail sauce. 

A sweet finish came from Brookfield’s Daisy’s Treats taffy grapes. Owner Wendy Moore said that customers come from out of state to get this confection that tastes like a taffy apple but is easier to eat. 

Bite Nite has become a treasured tradition for many people. One group of friends were celebrating their eighth outing. 

“We come early, so we are sure to get a bite of everything,” said Sarah Fuller. 

“It’s a great way to research where to go next on our monthly outings together,” said Sarah Irvine, another of the four friends. 

When the weather turns cold, restaurants suffer as people huddle at home. This snacking shindig was a way to reintroduce the community to what’s worth venturing out to eat. Now that you’ve read about the bite buffet, get out there and support our local taste makers!