Rick West
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Senior Multimedia Journalist at the Daily Herald. I cover restaurants and Elgin. And sometimes restaurants in Elgin.
Articles by Rick West
Día de Muertos event celebrates life and lost loved ones in Naperville
Despite what it's name might suggest, Naperville's Día de Muertos celebration was filled with life, music and merriment as it returned for a fourth year Sunday to the city's downtown Riverwalk Grand Pavilion. The event was hosted by the Alliance of Latinos Motivating Action in the Suburbs (ALMAS). Día de los Muertos is widely celebrated Nov. 1 and 2 in Mexico and Latin America and by Hispanic communities in the United States.
Two Elgin City Council candidates disqualified after being found to not have met filing requirements
Two Elgin City Council candidates have lost their spots on the April 2027 ballot, including five-term council member John Steffen. Steffen and Deborah K. Willis were both initially listed among nine candidates released Tuesday on the city's website following the candidate filing deadline Monday at 5 p.m. Steffen was to be part of a lottery for ballot placement scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Elgin council approves plan for new 7 Brew on city's east side
Despite objections from some neighbors and a negative recommendation by the city's planning and zoning commissioners, the Elgin City Council has approved a plan for a new 7 Brew drive-through coffee shop on the city's east side. The fast-growing coffee chain wants to build at the southwest corner of Summit Street and North Shady Oaks Drive at 1039-1047 Summit Street. The 1-acre vacant property is zoned residential but designated for commercial development in the Elgin comprehensive plan.
New grocery store expected next year in shuttered Ace Hardware location in Elgin
A new grocery store is expected to open next year in the former Ace Hardware location in Elgin. The Elgin City Council approved a zoning request Wednesday for the proposed store at 1158 Lillian Street to sell accessory package liquor at the location as well as to construct an outdoor refuse enclosure. The name of the grocery store wasn't part of the application, but city documents list the owner as J. Alfredo Sanchez Lopez of Lillian Street Property LLC.
Sit and stay a while: Nisi Greek Grill brings modern take on Greek cuisine to Rosemont
A new restaurant in Rosemont is hoping to fill a void in the suburban dining landscape by offering a modern and refined taste of the Greek islands. Nisi Greek Grill opened in mid-October in Parkway Bank Park Entertainment District in the space last occupied by Saltwater Coastal Grill at 5509 Park Place. It's the first suburban restaurant for Forte Hospitality Group, which operates Sapori Trattoria and Butcher & The Bear in Chicago.
Illinois Park Elementary School in Elgin unveils new multipurpose room Tuesday
Two months after welcoming students back, Illinois Park Elementary School in Elgin unveiled its new 6,500-square-foot multipurpose room with a celebratory ribbon cutting Tuesday. The newly renovated school, which had served as an early learning center for the past two decades, reopened to about 300 students from preschool through fifth grade in August but the addition needed more time to be completed. The space will be open to students next week.
Wash and learn: Program brings fundamentals to parents and kids at local laundromats
As dryers tumbled and washers churned in the background last Wednesday, children at the Wash Smart Laundry on Summit Street in Elgin were learning skills to prepare them for kindergarten. The laundromat and another Wash Smart in Elgin are among several local sites with small "engagement stations" set up by The Basics of Greater Elgin. The Basics is a national early childhood development effort based on research done by Harvard University.
Hawthorne Hill Nature Center in Elgin vying to have state's only 2nd certified forest therapy trail
Elgin could soon have only the second certified forest therapy trail in Illinois. The Elgin City Council last week approved a pair of memoranda of understanding with The Conservation Foundation and the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy that would allow the Hawthorne Hill Nature Center to undergo an evaluation potentially making it one of only 20 such trails nationally.
Elgin Image Awards honor people, groups making a positive impact
Members of the Elgin Steelers Youth Football & Cheer board of directors gather onstage Tuesday to collect their Volunteer Extraordinaire award during the annual Elgin Image Awards at The Centre of Elgin. (Rick West/Daily Herald) Individuals, businesses and organizations that have made a positive impact in the community were honored Tuesday during the annual Elgin Image Awards at The Centre of Elgin’s Heritage Ballroom.
'A whirlwind': Banchet Awards honor The Greggory in South Barrington with 'best new restaurant' nomination
Three suburban restaurants were recently nominated in the prestigious Banchet Awards, an annual celebration of culinary excellence in the Chicago area. Named after the late Chef Jean Banchet, suburban restaurants are eligible but not frequently recognized in the only Chicago-based awards ceremony that honors both originality and talent within the region. We're visiting each of the three suburban eateries before the awards are presented on Jan. 31, 2027.
Coroner identifies Sugar Grove man killed Friday night after being hit by two vehicles
The Sugar Grove man struck and killed by two vehicles while walking late Friday has been identified. Richard C. Stroble IV, 29, died from multiple traumatic injuries after he was hit by two vehicles while walking along Route 47/Sugar Grove Parkway at the intersection with Cross Street at about 9 p.m. on Oct. 16, the Kane County Coroner's Office said in a news release Monday.
New traffic signal debuts Tuesday for Great Western Trail users at County Farm Road in Winfield
Users of the Great Western Trail in Winfield will have a new pedestrian-actuated traffic signal to make crossing County Farm Road safer starting Tuesday. A news release from DuPage County said the signal has been in development since late 2025 following a series of traffic studies. The crossing previously had been improved with the addition of a median island that separates north and southbound traffic on County Farm Road.
Elgin hair salon wins appeal to city council in effort to add bar, video gambling
A hair salon in Elgin cleared a hurdle this week in its effort to add a bar and video gambling machines after a parking variation request had been shot down by the city's planning and zoning commission in July. The Elgin City Council on Wednesday approved an appeal by the owners of Casa de Estilos, which they filed after zoning commissioners denied a required parking variation request.
Carpentersville man facing felony after dumping gas into storm sewer in West Dundee
A 34-year-old Carpentersville man is facing a felony charge after draining gas from a vehicle into a storm sewer in West Dundee on Wednesday. The West Dundee Police Department said in a news release that officers responded to a report of suspicious activity near the intersection of Washington Street and North 7th Street on Oct. 14 and found two people draining fuel from a vehicle.
Naperville man dies after being hit by a car while crossing Ogden Avenue Tuesday
Authorities say a 58-year-old Naperville man died after being hit by a car Tuesday night while walking across Ogden Avenue. Naperville police said officers responded just after 8:30 p.m. Tuesday to a report of a crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian in the area of East Ogden and Sherman avenues. Officers arrived to find the man lying in the eastbound lanes of Ogden and a damaged 2024 Blue Volkswagen sedan.
Coroner identifies woman found dead after house fire in Kane County
The Kane County Coroner has identified the woman found dead Friday following a house fire in unincorporated Kane County as Jeanette Konstanzer, 54. Fire personnel located her inside the garage of the home on the 43W500 block of Otter Lane in the Lily Lake area. The coroner's office conducted an autopsy Wednesday and sent toxicology samples to a national forensic laboratory for analysis. Initial autopsy results list the preliminary cause of death as pending toxicology.
Nightmare on Chicago Street returns to Elgin Friday as two-night event
Elgin's streets will come alive with the undead Friday as " Nightmare on Chicago Street, " the annual zombie-themed takeover of the city's downtown, expands to two nights for the first time in its 14-year history. While it's two nights, it's not the same experience both nights.
Man charged with damaging license plate reader cameras now faces child sex abuse material possession charges
A Geneva man arrested in July for damaging 13 automated license plate reader cameras is now facing charges of possession of child sexual abuse material after authorities found photos and videos on his phone during the investigation. Ruben R.
Dining out: Starbird Chicken making its Midwest debut in St. Charles
West Coast-based fast-casual chain Starbird Chicken will open its first Midwest location Monday, Oct. 19, at 845 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. The concept, known for its chef-driven, scratch-cooked chicken tenders, will host a grand opening celebration at 10:30 a.m., when the first 100 guests will receive a complimentary three-piece tenders, chicken sandwich or salad. Guests will have the chance to win free Starbird for a year through an hourly Golden Ticket promotion. And, from Oct.
Woman found dead in garage following house fire in Kane County
The Kane County Sheriff's Office is investigating after a woman was found dead in a garage following a house fire in unincorporated Kane County Saturday. The Elburn Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire on the 43W500 block of Otter Lane in the Lily Lake area on Oct. 10. Fire personnel located the deceased woman inside the garage of the home.
South Elgin motorcyclist dies in crash on Randall Road Wednesday night
A South Elgin man was killed in a crash Wednesday night when his motorcycle was hit by car on Randall Road. Piotr Wendel, 34, died of his injuries at the crash site at the intersection of Randall Road and Thornwood Avenue in South Elgin just after 6:45 p.m. on Oct. 7. South Elgin police officials said in a news release Friday that a 2013 Mercedes C300 was traveling northbound on Randall and made a left turn at the intersection with Thornwood.
Gourd-geous: 16th annual Glass Pumpkin Patch returns Friday to The Morton Arboretum
A unique and colorful pumpkin patch has sprouted up at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle. And you won't want to compost the gourd-geous pieces you bring home. The Arboretum's 16th annual Glass Pumpkin Patch returns Friday, Oct. 9, with over 9,000 one-of-a-kind glass pumpkins and other handcrafted fall pieces from 18 local and national artists. The event runs through the weekend.
Eat and drink pink to support breast cancer awareness at these suburban restaurants
It's hard to find someone whose life hasn't been touched by breast cancer. One in every eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime, according to the Nati onal Breast Cancer Foundation. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and restaurants around the suburbs are offering specials to raise money for research, education, awareness and support for those battling breast cancer.
'It's beautiful': Larkin High School hosts first varsity games at new on-campus stadium
For the first time in its 64-year history, Larkin High School's homecoming games came with a real home field advantage. The Elgin school's newly built on-campus stadium hosted its first varsity sporting events on Ray Haley Field Friday, with the boys soccer team taking on Geneva High School in the afternoon and the football team battling Streamwood under the lights in the evening.
'People want experiences': Bitter & Sweet Cocktail Boutique in Arlington Heights brings mixology to the masses
Be they shaken or stirred, muddled or swizzled, on the rocks or up, the owners of an Arlington Heights shop want to teach people that making professional-quality cocktails at home isn't as hard as it might look. Janine Durbin and Scott Sanaghan opened Bitter & Sweet Cocktail Boutique almost two years ago at 157 N. Evergreen in Arlington Heights, offering mixology classes and a boutique retail liquor store.
'Very ambitious and really special': 'Illumination' at The Morton Arboretum getting new northern lights-inspired display
When the lights turn on for The Morton Arboretum's annual " Illumination" exhibition this year, visitors will experience what organizers call their most ambitious display yet - a 400-foot-long canopy that will fill the night with the shimmering colors of the aurora borealis. The northern lights display is one of four new installations guests will experience when "Illumination" returns to Lisle for its 14th year, beginning Nov. 14 and running until Jan. 2, 2027.
'Designed for the future': Elgin Community College celebrates opening of new Manufacturing and Technology Center
Calling it a "building designed for the future," Elgin Community College celebrated the opening of its new $88 million Manufacturing and Technology Center Thursday. Though classes in the building began in August, the celebration offered a first look for hundreds of campus and community members, as well as area business leaders, legislators and other stakeholders.
Labriola Ristorante in Oak Brook brings the kitchen to your table with gnocchi-making classes
Diners who don't mind getting their hands dirty, or at least a little sticky, can learn the art of making gnocchi and then enjoy a four-course meal at Labriola Ristorante in Oak Brook. The eatery, at 30011 Butterfield Road, will host gnocchi-making events from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, and Oct. 20 and 21, with more classes being added in the future.
Everdine's Grilled Cheese in Batavia announces closure
Two months after closing their Naperville location, the owners of Everdine's Grilled Cheese announced on social media Tuesday that their Batavia restaurant would close permanently this weekend. "I have been dreading writing this post, but with a heavy heart, I need to let everyone know that Everdine's in Batavia will be closing," the post reads.
Six adults displaced after Monday morning fire in Aurora
Six people were left displaced following a Monday morning fire in Aurora. According to a news release from the Aurora Fire Department, firefighters responded just before 6:30 a.m. to the report of a structure fire in the 1100 block of North Randall Road. When they arrived, they found heavy flames coming from the roof at the rear of a 1½-story single-family home.
Man charged following stabbing Sunday in Algonquin
A 61-year-old Algonquin man is facing multiple charges in connection with a stabbing that happened Sunday in Algonquin. Richard M. Dobson, of the 2600 block of Christie Drive, has been charged with felony aggravated battery - use of a deadly weapon and two misdemeanor counts of domestic battery, according to a news release from the Algonquin Police Department. Authorities said Dobson was taken to the Kane County Correctional Facility to await a pretrial release hearing.
Three juvenile girls facing felony charges after threatening an Addison school
Three juvenile girls are facing felony charges after authorities say they threatened a school shooting at Indian Trail Junior High School in Addison. The girls, a 14-year-old from Lombard and two 12-year-olds from Addison, appeared in court separately over the last week. Officials said all three have been placed on home detention with electronic monitoring. The two 12-year-olds were each charged with two felony counts of disorderly conduct-transmit threat to school building.
'It's a family affair': Tievoli Pizza Bar in Palatine training next generation while expanding to second location
A second-generation pizzaiolo is passing on what he's learned over a 35-year career to the third generation at Tievoli Pizza Bar in Palatine as they prepare to expand the family-owned brand. Giovanni Labbate and his wife, Adrianna, opened the artisanal pizza shop at 44 W. Palatine Road on Valentine's Day in 2023.
Elgin council seeks 1-year moratorium on data center development
Despite not yet receiving any interest in building data centers in Elgin, the city council gave preliminary approval to a one-year moratorium on their development. Council members Tish Powell and John Steffen raised the issue for discussion during a committee of the whole meeting last week. The council's preliminary vote on the proposed moratorium was unanimous. Members will take a final vote at a future city council meeting.
St. Charles hobbyist baker battles pastry professionals on Food Network's 'Halloween Baking Championship'
Call it a twice-in-a-lifetime experience. St. Charles hobbyist baker Elizabeth Suwanski had what she told the Daily Herald in 2023 was a "once-in-a-lifetime experience" when she appeared on Food Network's "Halloween Cookie Challenge." After winning $10,000 on that show, she'll return to the network Monday, when " Halloween Baking Championship" makes its season 12 premiere at 8 p.m. locally.
Elgin police chief assures public: No Flock cameras, no misuse found in license plate reader audit
Against a backdrop of growing public distrust of Flock Safety cameras, Elgin's police chief explained this week that the city doesn't do business with the controversial company. Meanwhile, an internal audit of the city's license plate readers found no instances of misuse. Police Chief Ana Lalley told the city council Wednesday that her department utilizes 27 cameras in nine locations throughout the city.
'Something special': The Grove at Bloomingdale takes big step with announcement of five new restaurants
The Grove at Bloomingdale is taking a major step toward becoming the village's new center. Bloomingdale has announced the first five new restaurants that will anchor the $375 million mixed-use redevelopment project on the site of the former Stratford Square Mall. Suburban favorites GIA MIA and Hacienda Real will be joined by a yet-to-be-named contemporary Greek restaurant from Chicago-based Forte Hospitality Group and a pair of Boston imports - Game On! and Loretta's Last Cal l.
Celebrity chef Fabio Viviani bringing two new restaurants to Barrington
Celebrity chef and suburban resident Fabio Viviani is bringing two new restaurants to downtown Barrington. The first, BOCADO Tapas, will open this fall upstairs at 133 Park Ave. in the village's downtown. The eatery will focus on "shareable plates, bold yet approachable flavors and a thoughtfully crafted beverage program, all within a warm, energetic atmosphere designed for everything from weeknight dinners to cocktails and late-night gatherings," according to a news release.
Man's body recovered from Fox River in Elgin Friday morning
Authorities say the body of a man was recovered early Friday morning from the Fox River in Elgin. The Elgin Police Department said in a release that officers responded at about 3:50 a.m. to the 200 block of North Grove Avenue and found the adult man's body partly submerged on the riverbank. Police said their preliminary investigation revealed no indication of any injury or trauma to the man.
Millions of travelers descending on Chicago area over Labor Day weekend
Expect heavier tollway traffic and crowded airports as travelers make their way to the Chicago area for the holiday weekend. Chicago's airports expect to welcome more than 1.71 million travelers over the Labor Day weekend, while the Illinois Tollway anticipates 8.5 million vehicles will travel its tollways over the next few days.
Hop, hop, hooray! Sip your way through the suburbs at these fall beer fests
Beer events are brewing up around the suburbs as we approach Oktoberfest. From traditional festivals to a beer 5K, there's something happening most weekends for beer lovers over the next couple of months. Thursday, Sept. 10 Thursday-Sunday, Sept. 10-13 Sturdy Shelter Brewing in Batavia will hold its 2026 Oktoberfest celebration at the brewery at 10 Shumway Ave. Sept. 10-13.
PADS of Elgin sets new course after federal funding loss, asks for continued community support
A year after tackling a budget crisis that threatened to shut its doors, PADS of Elgin is asking the community to continue supporting its mission and "build something stronger." Katie Shaw Thompson, executive director of the nonprofit that provides shelter, support services and advocacy to individuals and families experiencing homelessness, said the organization overcame last year's $500,000 budget shortfall through a community fundraising campaign.
The heat is on: Angry Chickz brings Nashville hot chicken to Aurora Friday with first Illinois location
A Nashville hot chicken concept from Los Angeles is bringing the heat to Aurora, opening its first Illinois location Friday. Angry Chickz will introduce its bold flavors, customizable heat levels and high-energy approach on Sept. 4 at 1167 N. Eola Road.
Authorities: Man accused of killing ex-girlfriend in Elgin with knife, dumbbell
A 54-year-old man is charged with first-degree murder after authorities accused him of killing his ex-girlfriend with a knife and dumbbell in Elgin. Christian B. Flores, who had no listed address, was charged Monday in connection with the death of Charity Geisel, 52, who was found dead in her Elgin home Sunday morning, authorities said.
60-year-old packaging company making the move to Elgin
The Elgin City Council cleared the way for a 60-year-old, family-owned packaging company to move to the city. Forest Packaging, currently located in Elk Grove Village, received unanimous approval on Wednesday for a zoning change that allows the company to relocate to an existing building at 1450 Bowes Road. Company president John Kula says the move will allow Forest Packaging - which specializes in manufacturing corrugated boxes, products and displays - to expand its operations.
Daddio's Diner announces it will close after nearly 20 years in Batavia
After nearly 20 years in Batavia, Daddio's Diner announced it will close next month. The retro diner and family restaurant at 134 W. Wilson St. posted on its social media feeds that Wednesday, Sept. 23 would be its last day of business. "Thank you for joining us at our tables for record size pancakes, for celebrating your kids birthdays in our booths, for telling jokes and stories while bellied up at our counter," the post reads.
Rabid bat found in backyard of home near St. Charles
A bat found in the backyard of a home in unincorporated St. Charles tested positive for rabies, authorities say. Kane County Animal Control was notified that the bat was found on Aug. 16. The Illinois Department of Public Health confirmed the positive result. It's the first rabid bat reported in Kane County since 2024, when two bats tested positive.
'Do good in the world': St. Edward students hold day of service in remembrance of Minnesota school shooting anniversary
On the anniversary of a dark day, students and staff from St. Edward Central Catholic High School set out to bring a little light into the world. The Elgin school held a special "Wave of Service Day" at nine area nonprofits Thursday in remembrance of and in solidarity with the community of Annunciation Catholic School in Minnesota on the first anniversary of a shooting that took the lives of two students. On the morning of Aug.
Villa Park man faces sexual abuse, battery charges in attack on Illinois Prairie Path
A Villa Park man has been charged with aggravated battery and sexual abuse after a woman reported that she was attacked last week on the Illinois Prairie Path in Elmhurst, authorities said. Mario Ronces Ocampo, 39, of the 300 block of Maple Avenue, was charged Wednesday with one felony count each of aggravated battery in a public place and criminal sexual abuse, the DuPage County state's attorney's office said in a news release.
Osteria Trulli brings taste of Puglia, a top tourist destination, to the suburbs
Suburban diners who want a taste of what one of the world's most popular tourist destinations has to offer need only make the drive to Arlington Heights. For 10 years Osteria Trulli, from chef and owner Giovanni DeNigris, has been the only area restaurant to specialize in the cuisine of Puglia, the sun-drenched coastal region on the southeastern most part of Italy where he grew up. "I wanted to do food from my land, my region, where I grew up with my mother and my grandmother," DeNigris said.
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