Melissa Elsmo on Muck Rack

Melissa Elsmo

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Oak Park
As seen in: Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest, Lake Zurich Courier, Libertyville Review, Oak Leaves, Al Día Dallas, Lexington Herald-Leader, The News & Observer, The State, Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, Grand Island Independent, Rock Hill Herald and
Mother, Wife, Chef, Food Writer. Generally loving life!
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Articles

Savory and sweet: 10 standouts from 2022

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By Susan McKelvey, Melissa Elsmo Verified
| Forest Park Review Verified
2022 was a downright delicious year inside our Forest Park Eats communities — I enjoyed a massive number of delicious things in our little foodie alcove. We welcomed newcomers like Habrae and said farewell to Small Batch Barbecue. We watched food-focused events, like Ribfest, draw crowds once again and witnessed restaurants redefining themselves in the face of post-pandemic norms. As hard as it was, I picked 10 of my very favorite local sips and nibbles from the past year.
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Festive fare and holiday dishes at Donny G’s

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By Javier Govea, Melissa Elsmo Verified
| Forest Park Review Verified
As the holidays draw near, hungry folks looking to gather around the table often turn to the hearty homestyle dishes that make the season bright. Donny G’s Ristorante and Bar, 7308 W. North Ave., brings fine dining fare with an Italian flair to Elmwood Park. Their refined menu of appetizers, pastas, and seafood shines during this merry time of year.
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Scratch Kitchen slinging burgers and beers again

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By Susan McKelvey, Melissa Elsmo Verified
| Forest Park Review Verified
After being temporarily closed for 10 months, Scratch Kitchen and Lounge, 7445 Madison St., Forest Park, is slinging burgers and canned beers once again. The decade old eatery reopened in November and they are making the most of their streamlined “survivor menu.” The long-awaited reopening comes as a relief to Patrick O’Brien, chef-owner of Scratch Restaurant Group. “We’re still adjusting, but the guests have all been great and I feel whole again,” said O’Brien.
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