Deleece Attracts Neighborhood Popularity with Eclectic American Cuisine

CHICAGO (February 2008)-Just a few months shy of its 13th anniversary, the Lakeview neighborhood's popular restaurant, Deleece (4004 N. Southport Ave., (773) 325-1710), still maintains its affordable, family-friendly reputation. Open since June 1995, Deleece has become known as a casual neighborhood hot spot, serving up a diverse menu of contemporary American comfort foods.

Owners, husband and wife team Lynne Wallack and John Handler, created the concept 13 years ago as the kind of restaurant where customers could dine any night of the week. Part of Deleece's great success over the years can be attributed to Wallack, who has an M.B.A. from Harvard and a background in advertising. "I aim to run a restaurant that both customers and employees are passionate about. I strive to hire empathic employees who deeply care about customers, and truly enjoy working with others." According to Wallack, this emotional experience is "what sets a restaurant apart."

Over the years, Deleece has received positive reviews and awards from local critics, including "2nd Best Brunch in Chicago" by a Chicago Tribune poll and "Best Newcomer" by Zagat shortly after its opening. Thirteen years later, Deleece continues to boast nominations for "Best Brunch" on CitySearch polls each year.

Deleece's Eclectic American Cuisine
Since inception, the menu items have changed, but Deleece consistently offers an affordable array of eclectic American cuisine. Executive chef Josh Hansen, who has been with the restaurant for four years, enjoys adding his own personal touch to the menu. In fact, his creative flair is what attracted Wallack to Hansen when selecting a head chef. "We hired Josh because we love his creativity; he has a lot of ideas and always works extremely hard."

Part of staying original and creative involves understanding current trends, but resisting the urge to jump on board. Hansen prefers to do his own thing and dedicated customers appreciate the sometimes quirkiness of his creativity. "I'm focused on serving people excellent comfort food, with a slightly different twist." Hansen especially enjoys working with fish and fruit. In fact, Deleece's Caramelized Salmon with Pear Ginger Sauce and Spinach Leeks is a customer favorite.

Deleece's varied menu appeals to a number of different tastes. The lunch menu showcases numerous appetizers, sandwiches, salads and entrée dishes perfect for the afternoon craving. Appetizer selections include Pork, Apple, Fennel Spring Rolls with pimenton gastric and balsamic reduction on Belgian endive ($5); Braised Lamb on crispy flatbread with marinated flatbread and sun-dried tomato spread ($6); Crab Risotto Cakes with truffle aioli ($7).

Tasty sandwiches include the Barbeque Beef Sandwich with onions, tomato and smoked mozzarella on a buttery bun ($9); Chicken Salad Sandwich with apples, capers, walnuts, lettuce and tomato on wheat ($8); Cuban Sandwich with mojo roast pork, Nueske's Canadian bacon, dill pickles, Dijon and gruyere ($9). All sandwiches are served with a choice of French fries, sweet potato salad or fresh fruit.

Deleece's lunch menu also features entrée dishes and salads like Grilled Shrimp Penne Pasta with grape tomatoes and pesto ($12); Veggie Tostada with grilled seasonal vegetables, mixed greens, black bean spread, queso fresco, salsa verde, sour cream, guacamole and buttermilk dressing all on a corn tortilla ($8); House made Granola with vanilla yogurt and seasonal fresh fruit ($5).

For dinner, enjoy several appetizers, salads, pastas and entrees. Appetizers include Chicken and Vegetable Potstickers with ginger, coriander, mustard seeds and honey ($6); Polenta with a layer of mushrooms and shallots, served with sautëed spinach and spicy chili oil ($6.50).

Choose from dinner salad selections like California Butter Lettuce with spiced walnuts, goat cheese, roasted peppers and sherry vinaigrette ($6); Mixed Greens with fresh pear, housemade croutons and pear-coconut vinaigrette ($7); Szechwan Steak Salad with New York strip, napa cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, red peppers, peanuts, fried rice noodles and basil-cilantro-mint dressing ($13).

Main course items include pastas like Parsnip Gnocchi in mole with acorn squash, red onion, roasted turnips and escarole with cotija cheese and cilantro sour cream ($15), or entrees like Caramelized Salmon, pan roasted, served with Chinese sticky black rice, spinach, leeks and pear-ginger sauce ($16); Stuffed Acorn Squash with caramelized onion, roasted garlic, Tuscan kale and gruyere with sage cream sauce ($15); Seared Diver Scallops with Shrimp, grape tomatoes, Yukon gold potatoes with honey roasted garlic ($25); Grilled Pork Chop with apricot Dijon glaze and toasted hazelnuts, served with sweet potatoes and pineapple pico de gallo ($18).

Being a family-friendly restaurant, Deleece also offers a special children's menu for lunch and dinner. Kids can choose from a Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Chicken Tenders, Cheeseburger, and Pasta or Cheese Ravioli served with marinara sauce or with butter and parmesan cheese. Each of these dishes is served with fresh fruit and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. Children can order from a special menu on weekend brunch with a choice of Scrambled Egg, potatoes and toast, or Cinnamon Orange French Toast with raspberry sauce.

Brunch is served regularly on Saturday and Sunday mornings beginning at 9 a.m. Deleece offers a number of egg selections, including Spinach and Artichoke Egg Benedict with sun-dried tomato hollandaise, served with roasted red potatoes ($10); Egg Frittata with Nueske's applewood smoked bacon, red onion and white cheddar cheese, served with roasted red potatoes and toast ($8.50); Breakfast Burrito with scrambled eggs, chorizo, guacamole, black beans, sour cream and pico de gallo ($8).

Beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, the brunch menu expands to offer sandwiches and salads including the Grilled Chicken Sandwich with pesto rubbed chicken breast, smoked mozzarella, roasted tomato and pesto mayonnaise served on sourdough with a choice of roasted potatoes, sweet potato salad or fresh fruit ($8); Grilled Salmon Caesar Salad with polenta croutons ($13).

Perhaps the best deal in town, Deleece features a $20 three-course prix fixe meal on Monday and Tuesday night; Wednesday, Deleece offers half price bottles of wine. Tuesday through Friday, lunch goers will enjoy free Wi-Fi Internet access.

Known for its warm and welcoming ambiance, Deleece, with 70-seats, is often the site for family and group celebrations. Wallack herself designed the interior of the restaurant with exposed brick walls and large mural artworks to exude a cozy, yet contemporary atmosphere. Customers may also choose to sit at the 10-seat bar and enjoy one of Deleece's many eclectic wine selections from around the world. April through November, Deleece features a 32-seat outdoor patio along Southport Avenue. Depending upon the size of the group, Deleece is able to accommodate private parties.

Deleece is located at 4004 N. Southport in Chicago, IL. Lunch hours are 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Dinner is served 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. Brunch hours are Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Street parking is available nearby on Clark Street, Southport Avenue and Irving Park Road. Lunch and dinner reservations are available for parties of any size. Brunch reservations can be made for parties of six or more, except on holidays. Take-out service is available by calling ahead. For more information or to schedule a reservation, call Deleece at (773) 325-1710 or visit online at www.deleece.com.

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