Two restaurateurs are hoping to prove you can go home again and, at the same time, open a successful steak house.
Partners Mike Wilson, who grew up in La Grange, and Nick Gangas, whose father, George Gangas, formerly operated two restaurants, InCahoots and Cally’s in La Grange, plan to open a Steak + Vine at 37 S. La Grange Road in May.
“We just love La Grange,” said Gangas. “It’s very supportive of its restaurants. We have an emotional connection to La Grange as well.”
Gangas and Wilson met when they were 14 years old and both working at InCahoots. Wilson went on to study in culinary school and was a corporate chef for Morton’s Steakhouse for 8 years. He opened his own restaurant, Michael’s, in Key West 19 years ago, which he continues to operate.
Gangas, who grew up in Darien, said the new venture will feature steaks, seafood, pasta and salads.
“The steaks are going to be prime and the seafood is going to be superb too,” Gangas said.
The space, which features high ceilings and exposed brick walls, will have the feel of an urban loft. Gangas said La Grange residents want a restaurant that reminds them of the city, but is convenient and close by.
“They want a cool, hipper kind of place,” he said.
The front of the restaurant will be a wine bar/lounge with some seating near large windows facing the street. The restaurant will offer a 100 bottle wine list, and 18 wines by the glass. It will feature six beers on tap and a selection of 30 bottled beers.
“We’ll also have a pretty decent selection of craft cocktails,” Gangas said.
The restaurant also will serve appetizers and fondue.
“It think (fondue) gives options. It’s fun and communal,” Gangas said.
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The dining area will have some seats that are situated to provide a behind-the-scenes look at work in the kitchen. It will be entertaining for foodies who are interested in how their food is prepared, Gangas said.
“Food has become such a personal interest for people. We thought it would be fun for them to see what happens in the kitchen,” he said.
Nancy Cummings, executive director of the La Grange Business Association, said she expects the restaurant to become a destination.
“I think it will be a draw for people who live in La Grange and for people who live in other communities as well,” she said.
Gangas said the restaurant will fill a niche in the village for a relaxed steakhouse that is reasonably priced.
“We’re calling it a neighborhood steakhouse, not as formal as Gibson’s and not as expensive.”
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