03/17/2026
Upon us all, upon us all a little rain must fall – Jimmy Page/Robert Anthony Plant
As of today, March 17 2026 Steak + Vine is closed.
It’s with a heavy heart I write this note. As a child growing up in a restaurant family based in La Grange, I dreamed of doing the same. Later, meeting one of my best friends who became a chef, we shared ideas of doing this project together. As we walked our paths of life we came together to achieve our ideas into a tangible ideal. My partner, chef Michael Wilson was from La Grange so it made it symbiotic. Like many families, my wife and I moved back to the burbs when we were starting our family. We chose La Grange for all its advantages and its beautiful downtown area. It seemed so obvious once discussing with my wife that we would open here as well.
We endeavored to offer the town the best we could afford and then some. A wine list with over 100 selections and 18 by the glass. Of course, we are well known for a world class whiskey program of over 200 choices and all served in top quality glassware. I do believe these programs are about as good as it gets in either the suburbs or the city. We also introduced the best quality food products. We served Ora King Salmon and Berkshire pork as well as artisanal farm raised chicken. Ingredients that normally are only found in high end city restaurants. We took a much lower markup to offer these options but it was important to me.
Finally, I’d like to give special thanks to a couple of people who were instrumental in making this project work. First and foremost is my wife, Christina. We had long discussions and without her support there would never have been a Steak + Vine. She never questioned what we were doing and was our biggest fan. Thank you honey. I love you more. Next is one of my best friends for over 30 years. Bill Kanatas and I have been each other’s confidant’s all this time and I couldn’t ask for a greater gift. He and his wife Joan are true gifts in our lives. They helped navigate the business aspects that I quite frankly, was not able to do on my own. Again, they were instrumental in launching Steak + Vine. My opening GM Jill Jensen and our Bar Manager Jennifer Vukovic worked tirelessly and gave well over 100% effort to make us the best we can be. Thank you both. You truly made us what we are. Jill Angelo, my social media queen, I could have never navigated this brave new world without your help. Your tireless efforts to monitor our world has truly saved my sanity.
Our program was absolutely first class. Most of the wait staff here has been with us from the beginning. Some of the newbies have been here for 7 or so years. That’s an amazing feat for such a small independent restaurant. We truly are a family and will remain so forever. You are all amazing and it was my honor to work with you. Of course Chef Michael Wilson was a great partner these all past 10 years. He continued to turn out delicious and comforting food.
I’ve been the GM of several highly rated city restaurants in my career. I can honestly say I’ve never received the praise anywhere else that I have here for both the quality of our food, drinks and service. It’s been overwhelmingly satisfying.
Freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose. Kris Kristofferson/Fred L. Foster
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