Geja's Cafe, Lincoln Park, Chicago Illinois, Cheers!

I first enjoyed Geja's Fondue Cafe over 10 years ago when my daughters brought me there for Mother's Day. It was a truly memorable experience, but, so long ago that I can't really speak to the specifics. What I do remember is that it was the moment when I fell in love with fondue.
So, speed ahead a few years. Last year I had the pleasure of interviewing Kirby Matthews . Matthews is Geja’s Café’s General Manager, wine buyer and force behind the monthly Winemaker dinner series. Every month, he creates a new theme for the dinners. Since speaking with Kirby, a visit to Geja's Cafe has been on my bucket list and thanks to perfect timing I was able to make it over and share it with my daughter and her husband. Just being back in my old neighborhood heightened the sense of wonder and ¨Ahh!¨

I made our reservations through their online Open Table reservation system, which is delightfully convenient. We had hoped for a 6pm reservation, but, the only available times were before or after 7p. So we settled for 5:30. Our special night actually began a few weeks earlier when I purchased a Groupon coupon to make it possible for me to treat my special guests to a culinary delight. (the perfect way to try places you otherwise wouldn't)

Initially, we were greeted by a very friendly valet staff. Moving down into the Cafe immediately transported us to a European cafe or a Spanish hideaway. I was surprised; initially we believed that maybe we happened upon a slow night. Boy were we wrong. It filled up very quickly. The cafe was bustling in no time. 

Anticipate an incredible wait staff, a warm romantic ambiance, and delectable entrees that will tickle your senses. Even meeting Manager Jeff with one of the friendliest handshakes in all of Chicago makes the visit extraordinary. 

We were taken care of by Jair. Although looks are not supposed to matter, let me just say in this case, between the very handsome Jair and his attention to detail it was heavenly. It wasn't just Jair, but, his assistant was extremely attentive, bringing us fresh glasses of water, and ensuring that we were never required to ask for anything. 

Geja's offers a very decadent house cheese fondue, flaming chocolate fondue, along with fresh vegetables and top quality seafood, aged beef tenderloin and chicken breasts. The entree's, dipping sauces, very green - fresh salad and other adornments make for a fabulous dining extravaganza. 

My daughter and her husband enjoyed the Prince Geja's Combination as well as the Deluxe Seafood entree. I enjoyed the Aged Beef Tenderloin with Chicken Breast combination. With each entree anticipate a wide assortment of multi-colored peppers, onion rings, mushrooms, potatoes and broccoli. 

Along with the wide variety of seafood, chicken and tenderloin are also a selection of cheeses from around the world as well as vegetarian selections. Wine lovers anticipate a celebration of wines from around the world. 

Things to note: 

• Dress is dress to upper-casual. No baseball caps, tennis shoes, casual shorts, etc. 
• Reservations are recommended in advance, especially for weekends. 
• Reservations can be made online, Wine Dinners reservations must be made by phone:  773.281.9101
• No children under the age of 10. Because of the hot oils and open flames at the table, maturity is highly recommended. 
• Don't come rushed! It is a nice leisurely, potentially very romantic experience. 
• Consider cabbing it in or staying overnight at one of the wonderful hotels. Enjoy the wine and all that the experience has to offer. 

Special recommendation: Consider limiting your after-dinner plans. You will be gastronomically pleased...it is truly a time to sit back and relax. 

In closing, Geja's Cafe is a must visit whether you are visiting Chicagoland for a business trip, vacation, or you happen to be fortunate enough to live in one of the most spectacular gastronomic centers in the entire USA. As they begin to celebrate another year as one of Lincoln Park's mainstays, be certain to reserve a Winemaker's Dinners. For only $55 per person you will be treated to a 4 course dinner paired with fine wine specially chosen for the evening. 

Here is to another 50 fabulous years! Geja's is without question one of the most spectacular restaurants in the Midwest. I look forward to a future visit, in fact, I am thinking a Winemaker's dinner soon will be the perfect way to celebrate my sister's 50th. It only makes sense, right? 

Get your Groupon Coupon for a limited time! 

Geja's Addendum! I went back and this time I brought Steve Champagne. He is typically not a big fondue fan, but, he absolutely loved Geja's Cafe! This makes me very happy, because I love Geja's. We will be back! Make sure you get your vote in and help Geja's remain as the most romantic restaurant. Vote here! Then go see for yourself. 

"Jack Lemmon Returns" Starring son Chris Lemmon

*Make them laugh at the same time that their heart is breaking.* That was the goal of Jack Lemmon as learned by Jean-Louis Barrault, the French actor, director and mime. While Jack Lemmon found his place in the theatrical world by way of making people laugh, he feared being "pigeon-holed." He desired to transform himself into other characters for what appears to be the purpose of impacting his audience in the same profound way in which he was affected by his idol Jean-Louis Barrault.

"Jack Lemmon Returns" was as close to sitting down with the great Jack Lemmon himself. His DNA was alive with all the mannerisms, heart, passion and talent through his gifted son Chris Lemmon' portrayal of "good ole dad." Through the gifted story-telling of Hershey Felder, the audience was given a supreme duality in that we were exposed to the supremely talented Chris Lemmon all the while reminiscing with his father Jack Lemmon. When did Chris become Jack and Jack take a backstage seat to Chris?

I found myself realizing the importance of timing in all things. This play could not have been done earlier in Chris's life. The timing is now. As Chris has passed into the wisdom period that men enter into somewhere after the age of 50. When is that period? It is different for every man, but for this man, the timing was perfect. The maturity of Jack Lemmon was also evident, as the story revealed a man with regrets and no regrets. How could Jack's life have been any different? Jack's imperfections were made perfect in the careful weaving of memories shared by son through father and father through son. It was through this careful story telling and merging of two souls that Chris attained what his father sought; to make his audience laugh while their heart was breaking.

I smiled the entire time, realizing that I was in an intimate setting, the closest that I will ever be to Jack Lemmon, one of the greatest actors of all time. Jack Lemmon represents what is rapidly declining, my mother and father's generation. Jack Lemmon was like an Uncle to me. I cannot think of Jack Lemmon without fondly remembering my Uncles and my parents.

Chris Lemmon with perfect timing, delivery, musical mastery reacquainted us with an old friend and introduced us to "Hot-Shot" in a style that only a Lemmon could do! Bravo Chris, I feel like I should come back over and over again. I left the World Premiere performance, May 12th feeling much like I do when I leave a wedding reception of a family member. You know that feeling, you come back together with Aunts, Uncles, cousins, neighborhood friends that you haven't seen for a long while and the time spent with them brings you back to a simpler time. You do not want to let go of that wonderful feeling of familiarity.

Bravo, Brava, to the Director, Emma Marie Hay and crew for a simple, but elegant affair and fellow crew members. While the average age of the audience was north of 50, any aspiring actor or actress needs to acquaint themselves with the classics.

“Jack Lemmon Returns” will continue at The Royal George Theatre located at 1641 N. Halsted Street for an open run with performances as follows:

Wednesdays and Thursdays 7:30 p.m.

Fridays 8 p.m.

Saturdays 2 and 8 p.m.

Sundays at 3 p.m.

Tickets 55 and can be purchased at the box office, by phone at 312-988-9000 or online at www.theroyalgeorgetheatre.com

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-up and click at “Jack Lemmon Returns”

Special thanks to Noreen Heron and Associates.

New Entertainment Internet Radio with ArtSees Diner Radio on BlogTalkRadio

Geja's Cafe; An Interview with Kirby Matthews

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Kirby Matthews is Geja’s Café’s General Manager, wine buyer and force behind the monthly winemaker dinner series. Every month, he creates a new theme for the dinners and recently organized the two-month long Giro d’Italia Wine Festival, running through June. Join ME aka Mary E., for a journey into one of Chicago's romantic pleasures. http://artseesdiner.com/GejasEvent.pdf Music for today's broadcast is by Michelle Qureshi. Contact can be made for engagements through her website michellequreshi.com Special thanks to Noreen Heron and Associates and Ellen Molina for making this interview possible. 1528 W. Fullerton Avenue Chicago, IL 60614 773.969.5206 www.heronpr.com A follow up blog will be available at ArtSees Diner Blog, ArtSees Diner is a Chicago Food Blogger. Geja's Cafe, Giro d'Italia festival