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Restaurant Thu Oct 01 2015
Firefly Kitchen in Wilmette Has Moxie
When it comes to restaurant options, Chicagoans are very spoiled. We have everything. If you're like me, you probably even have the city organized not by the things you want to see or do, but by what and where you want to eat next. A food map of the city is an excellent idea, but how far out does your appetite extend? Does it cover the whole Chicagoland area? Yes, friends, believe it or not, there are actual, real live restaurants in the suburbs. Many of these eateries are incredible and not to be missed like the newly opened Firefly Kitchen.
Firefly Kitchen, is a Brooklyn-inspired upscale neighborhood bistro located at 111 Green Bay Road in Wilmette. The restaurant builds upon Chef Dean Salerno's Bronx upbringing and experience opening five NYC restaurants, as well as his successful Firefly Events and Catering business located here in Chicago. Trained in classic French, creative American, and Pan-Asian cuisine, Chef Salerno's menu offerings include comforting dishes like Roasted Organic Chicken with Potato Croquette, Grilled Romaine Steak Salad, Hibachi Skewers served on a tableside grill, and multiple styles of house cut fries and chips.
The restaurant also features an extensive cocktail and wine list, expertly curated by James Pierce, former head of The Bar at The Peninsula Chicago along with Morton's The Steakhouse in Rosemont and Sofitel Chicago. Firefly offers a chic and modern vintage dining room that will almost convince you that you're in Brooklyn.
I am a sucker for dressed-up comfort food and really enjoyed everything that we had for dinner. The Roasted Chicken and Pan Seared Salmon were my favorite dishes. The chicken in particular was really enjoyable and not just because of its creative and beautiful plating. Who doesn't want to eat a volcano made entirely of chicken? As seen below, a half chicken is deboned and then wrapped around itself to keep it juicy and flavorful through the cooking process. You should also do yourself a favor and not leave before trying the Lobster Roll and washing it all down with the Firefly Rye.
Firefly Kitchen is really excellent -- you must find your way to Wilmette. The restaurant is located just north of Metra's Central Street Station. I cannot wait to go back and try their brunch menu, served Sundays from 10am to 2pm.
