
Dining Out In Wheaton
By Catherine L. Tully
The city of Wheaton offers a wonderful selection of restaurants, with a variety of choices that would give even the pickiest diner a nice spot to have a delicious meal. Here are a few highlights to give a little taste of what the area has to offer in the culinary realm.
Love crêpes? Stop by Suzette’s Crêperie at 211 West Front Street for a tasty selection. Lunch and dinner crêpes include Krakus ham and Swiss cheese and an interesting spicy coconut shrimp combination. If you prefer, swing by for dessert and indulge your sweet tooth with a hot fudge banana crêpe or one featuring fresh fruit and whipped crème. Suzette’s is also a terrific place to pick up fresh artisanal breads and little sweet treats, such as a chocolate croissant if you just need “a little something.”
Take in a taste of Spain at Emilio’s Tapas La Rioja at 230 West Front Street. The latest of Chef Emilio Gervilla’s creations, this restaurant’s lively décor and atmosphere will please guests as much as the menu. Sample “paella,” a famous Spanish rice dish, or be daring and try the daily special, also known as the “platos del día.” Diners who enjoy a good wine selection will browse the variety here with satisfaction.
If you are shopping and want to grab a quick and delicious sandwich, Shane’s Deli at the corner of Wesley and Hale is the place to go. You can “build your own,” or choose from the wide range of cold or grilled sandwiches available. In the mood for pizza? Head over to 315 West Front Street for some traditional and famous Gino’s East pie. Fans of “deep dish” pizza are in for a real Chicago-style treat here.
Atmosphere is what you will find as you enjoy a meal at Caponata’s Ristorante at 100 North Hale Street. With its high, coppery ceilings and exposed brick walls, it is a wonderful place to relax and unwind with a delectable meal. The menu features pasta selections such as “rigatoni a la vodka,” and a range of other choices including steak and veal dishes.
Those who enjoy “fine American fare” should check out Adelle’s at 1060 College Avenue. The atmosphere is comfortable yet elegant, and the menu features things like “Adelle’s Meatloaf,” served with chipotle ketchup, green beans and roasted garlic mashed potatoes. Extensive barely describes the wine list here and the adventurous will have fun pairing their selection with the “always-changing” artisan cheese plate. (A little tip for the impatient: visit www.adelles.com to see what the daily specials are before you go.)
The Bank Restaurant at 121 West Front Street is located in what was once the site of the Gary-Wheaton Bank back in the 1800’s. The “decoration” here features actual pieces of history such as old photographs and even a bank vault door. Chef Patrick Cassata (formerly of 10 West and Eclectic) has developed a menu which includes some of his special signature items as well as steak, seafood and a variety of other choices. Family-friendly, this 8,600 square foot restaurant comes in somewhere between casual and fine dining. Part-owner Michael Phillips says, “We are doing something different than other restaurants here,” but is also quick to point out that they hope to compliment other restaurants in the area as they take their place among them.
Whether looking for a new favorite dining spot or just wanting to try something different, Wheaton has a great selection of wonderful restaurant options from which to choose. Ranging from places to grab a quick bite to those with an atmosphere almost as satisfying as the meal, the choices are varied—and delicious!