Veteran Chef Dean Salerno Offers Unique Culinary & Social Destination Featuring Upscale Comfort Food in a Vibrant Bistro Setting
Wilmette, Ill. (June 11, 2015) – Firefly Kitchen, the Brooklyn-inspired upscale neighborhood bistro, will open its doors this week at 111 Green Bay Road in Wilmette. Renowned New York City chef Dean Salerno, who relocated to Chicago, will offer a seasonal menu made from scratch and inspired by his deep NYC roots.
The restaurant builds upon Chef Salerno’s Bronx upbringing and experience opening five NYC restaurants, including David Burke’s signature restaurant at The James New York, as well as his successful Firefly Events and Catering business located in Chicago. Trained in classic French, creative American, and Pan-Asian cuisine, Chef Salerno’s menu offerings will include comforting dishes like Roasted Organic Chicken with Roasted Shallot Mashed Potatoes, Grilled Romaine Steak Salad, Hibachi Skewers served on a tableside grill, and multiple styles of house cut fries and chips, in addition to flavorful brunch favorites such as Stacked Pancakes with Passion Fruit Purée and Prime Rib & Egg Stuffed Yorkshire Pudding.
The restaurant will also feature 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. Pierce will feature unique local and small batch spirits and a selection of signature cocktails including “Got a Guy” and “Firefly Rye.” He has also selected a wine program that compliments the bistro’s upscale but approachable menu.
Firefly Kitchen delivers a welcoming, 60-seat, whimsically-lit and modern vintage setting. In addition to Firefly Kitchen’s innovative food and beverage program and first class service, the restaurant will feature a rooftop herb garden and a 35-seat patio that will serve as the perfect setting for a relaxing brunch or intimate dinner.
“Firefly Kitchen will offer Chicagoland a first-rate culinary experience a la Brooklyn that doesn’t currently exist,” said Chef Dean Salerno. “We’ve worked extensively to bring an eclectic and modern taste to the neighborhood, and look forward to being a destination for city guests as well.
Firefly Kitchen will be open for dinner seven days a week, and serve brunch on Saturday and Sunday. The restaurant is located at 111 Green Bay Road, on the border of Wilmette and Evanston and just steps away from Metra’s Central Street Station. The restaurant will also offer valet parking for $5.
Firefly Kitchen’s food and bar menu is available for takeout. 2015 also marks the third year of operation for Firefly Events and Catering, which offers broad scope services ranging from a “Ravinia Basket” (complete with wine and beer selections) to black tie galas.
For more information about Firefly Kitchen and to make a reservation, visit FFKitchen.com and www.OpenTable.com.
Hours of Operation
Mon.-Thurs., Sun. dinner: 4 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Fri., Sat. dinner, 4 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Sat., Sun. brunch: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
“Like” Firefly Kitchen on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FireflyKitchen and follow the Company on Twitter and Instagram @Firefly_Kitchen
About Firefly Kitchen
Firefly Kitchen is a neighborhood and destination bistro led by NYC-native and veteran chef Dean Salerno, who aims to bring a “Taste of Brooklyn” to Chicago’s North Shore. The bistro offers upscale, comfort food in a glowing and vibrant bistro setting, along with a carefully curated cocktail and wine program led by James Pierce, former head of The Bar at The Peninsula Chicago. Firefly Kitchen brings an unpretentious approach to bistro food for every guest in a modern vintage style.
About Firefly Events and Catering
Firefly Events & Catering specializes in creating elegant, memorable, and illuminating experiences. Whether a wedding, corporate event, or any other special occasion, we are dedicated to providing impeccable service and carefully handcrafted cuisine in beautiful, timeless settings.
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