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Dining

Sycamore’s finest dining establishments portray a unique personality. Each eatery offers diverse menu choices while cooking up delectable meals that satiate the hungry. The talented chefs of Sycamore employ the ideal combination of flavors that excite the taste buds.

Owners Natalie and David Waeghe opened Nat’s on Maple in October 2004. As industry veterans, the Waeghes wanted to begin their own venture, and Sycamore was the desired location. “We loved the small-town charm, and we felt our restaurant would fit well in the downtown area,” says Natalie Waeghe. “We have a cozy, warm and comfortable atmosphere with simple décor that makes you feel like you are at home.”

Serving what they call trendy comfort foods, the couple was looking to “appeal to many people” by providing “great food and drinks, great service.”

In order to keep things fresh and exciting, the owners of Nat’s on Maple are diligent about updating the restaurant’s atmosphere and menu. “We like change. It keeps us going and our guests coming.”

This dynamic menu may change regularly, but some favorite items like bruschetta, cedar plank salmon, pot roast and the chicken madiera are crafted by Chef David Waeghe to continually please patrons.

Boasting the largest selection of tequila in Northwest Illinois, Taxco Restaurant stocks more than 300 brands. To accompany this extensive collection is a menu of authentic Mexican appetizers, entrees, soups, salads and dessert. Carne asada, accompanied by beans, rice and tortillas, is a classic choice. Truly experience the flavors of Mexico with sweet, velvety flan; a crispy churro; or delectable rice pudding.

The Palette American Bistro, a new addition to Sycamore, has made quite an impression on the community in its short time here. This family-owned and -operated restaurant was opened July 1, 2008. “Our family specifically sought out Sycamore for our location because we wanted to bring a unique and fresh dining option to the downtown area. We love the local town support that Sycamore provides, and the distinctive ambiance the downtown area provides to patrons,” says Alicia McDermott, Vice President of Sales, hostess and server.

The bistro enjoys an unusual location in a 100-year-old home. “We believe that our restaurant has the ability to make people feel very comfortable and satisfied—both by our style and ambiance, but also through our food. We offer great prices...and we aren’t going to be like anything else you try in the area. We are distinctively different,” says McDermott.

Wishing to bring lighter options to the table, Chef Melissa Kinsley created a menu that is, in part, inspired by the dishes she “cooked for her family on a regular basis.” According to Chef Kinsley, “We specifically choose our type of food to fit a need in the Sycamore community for fresh, homemade lighter options. The food we serve is unique and simple, but full of flavor and comfort.”

At The Palette American Bistro, vibrant flavors are created every day in recipes made from scratch. Of these handcrafted dishes, favorites include the hummus plate and baked goat cheese appetizers and the chef’s signature rustic red pepper soup. Lunch patrons love the turkey and bacon panini and the pulled pork sandwich. The parmesan shrimp crepe and the smoked pork loin are sure to satisfy for dinner. Cheesecake and chocolate fondue can be accompanied by chai tea for dessert.

The cozy Italian-style of Villa Verone is complete with checkered cloths adorning the tables and glows with warm candlelight. The mood is perfectly set to dig into an aromatic plate of penne primavera, tossed with plenty of vegetables and topped with garlic sauce and olive oil with a sprinkling of asiago cheese. The gnocci filo di fumo is a delightful creation of homemade potato dumplings with a creamy pesto sauce. Villa Verone’s non-pasta dishes such as pollo vesuvio and vitello gorgonzola are hard to pass up. Along with the scents of Italy, diners savor in the musical talents of Owner Pietro Verone, who performs classic tunes by Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra.

Step into Cabana Charley’s and enter into a warm, inviting destination. This “tropical-themed restaurant and tiki bar” has “a very Floridian feel,” according to Owner Diann Denault. A “relaxed, uplifting, happy” locale, Charley’s comes with a unique menu that Denault describes as “American... with a Caribbean twist.”

The island burger and jalapeno burger offer a new approach to a timeless sandwich. The gator bites, conch fritters, ribs and chicken club are in high demand. When visiting Cabana Charley’s, be sure to try the macadamia-nut-encrusted salmon or pineapple pork tenderloin. Pop some hand-breaded jumbo coconut shrimp, or be enveloped in the warmth of creamy conch chowder. Cabana Charley’s “was always a concept that I had in the back of my mind,” says Denault. “We wanted to give the people of Dekalb County and Sycamore a simple, yet different menu from anyone else in town.”

The restaurateurs of Sycamore are dedicated to providing exceptional meals to their patrons while maintaining the friendly and comforting atmosphere of a meal at home. “Many of our lives revolve around food. We all have fond memories of family dinners or celebrations. And every family gathering everyone always gathers in the kitchen.

Nowadays we live very fast lives. Many of us do not have the time, energy or the patience to cook. And once you have cooked, then you have to clean up. So, we go out to eat with family and friends, let someone else do the cooking and cleaning, so we can enjoy good conversation over a great meal,” says Natalie Waeghe.e