New restaurants open their doors every month in the city but we've
tracked down one very notable newcomer to the Chicago dining scene.
You see, it seems more likely that you would find a place like it
in California's Napa Valley but Orland Park is where Lou Canellis
uncovered this new locale where things are all about the wine.
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The spot is called Cooper's Hawk. While there may not be a vineyard
for miles, a working winery is paired up with fine food for a cool
new dining concept.
"My wife and I were traveling around to some of the Illinois wineries
and we really enjoyed it but while we were there, we were like 'you
know what this place needs is a restaurant' so, we thought hey,
that's a pretty good idea," said Tim McEnry.
So Tim McEnry and wife Dana launched Cooper's Hawk back in October
and they didn't stop with just an upscale dining room alongside
the winery. Nope, here you can stock up on goodies to go along with
the wine in their own gourmet shop and Cooper's Hawk even has an
in-house bakery.
"There's nothing better than a glass of wine and some fresh baked
bread and fun cheeses. It was just another addition. We already
had the kitchen, we just figured why not add more onto it," said
Tim.
What's a winery without a tasting room? Yep, Cooper's Hawk has
one of those too. You can try one ounce flights of wine and even
get a behind-the-scenes look at where its all made.
Cooper's Hawk offers winery tours each weekend and for private
gatherings.
"We teach you all about the wine, where we get the grapes, how
we make the wines, you get to taste some. It's really a lot of fun,"
said Tim.
Currently, eight fermentation tanks are going but six more will
be added by the time the grape harvest rolls around this summer.
But that doesn't mean Tim isn't bottling some nice varietals now.
"Save some room so you can swirl. These grapes are from Napa Valley
and this is one of my favorite wines," said Tim.
During the winter, production of fruit wines like plum, raspberry
and cherry are helping to keep things hopping in the winery.
The real bustling part of this business is the 300-seat Cooper's
Hawk restaurant.
"The restaurant is upscale casual food, large menu, lots of appetizers
so you can come in have a glass of wine, really enjoy yourself with
some friends," said Tim.
They serve up some creative takes on old standards like shortribs
with red wine and mustard sauce and spicy 'over the border' egg
rolls.
"We've got pistachio encrusted grouper. We get fresh fish everyday,
the grouper is just out of this world," said Tim.
Don Code made the trip to the South Side from Geneva to dine at
the restaurant again.
"If there is a draw besides the place, it's the winery, the flights,
the gift shop but bottom line is the food, if the food is good,
people will come," said Don.
They offer the same menu for lunch and dinner and most all entrees
are under 20 bucks
"We think its better, a little more fun and we bring it to people
at a reasonable price, especially in this area. You really want
to give people a value for what they're coming to," said Tim.
Judging from the full-house, diners couldn't agree more. For
more information:
Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant
15690 South Harlem Avenue
Orland Park, IL 60462
(708) 633-0200
www.coopershawkwinery.com
