If you had asked owner and chef Mike Pettorelli two years ago if he expects to be serving up breakfast and lunch at Cafe Pettopia for another 10 years, he might have wavered just a little with his response. But not today; today he feels re-energized, he proclaims.
Cafe Pettopia in Highwood is coming upon its 10th anniversary later this year.
Blame Colorado for turning Pettorelli’s head. The Highland Park native, whose family moved to Highwood when he was 10, graduated from the two-year program in the culinary school at Kendall College in Evanston in 1991.
Immediately after, he opened and operated Cafe Alexander in Highwood. After a decade, he moved to Colorado where he lived for six years. The outdoor lover still visits friends there once a year to fish the Colorado River. “I love the place,” he says.
But like Sam Malone and Cheers, you always come back to your first love. Pettorelli was initially lured back to the area with an offer to be a chef that turned out to be too good to be true. This prompted him to consider opening another restaurant of his own with thoughts of perhaps building up a nest egg that would allow a return to Colorado.
Former Cafe Alexander regulars, who own Sheridan Plaza, encouraged him to move in to an underperforming space in the strip mall. Cafe Pettopia was born. Almost 10 years later, Pettorelli has re-dedicated himself to the restaurant and the community. He built out the space, upgraded the plumbing and electricity, and is creating new specials. He’s here “for the long haul” and Colorado, he says, can wait.
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“With Nick (Atsaves, the manager and main server) on board, I’m more excited about coming to work. It’s a great feeling.”
Philosophy: Breakfast is Pettorelli’s favorite meal of the day. “I’m an early riser,” he says. Everything is made from scratch and in small batches (but served in generous portions). “I want everything to be fresh as possible,” he says. He sources locally.
On the menu: Breakfast offerings range from the traditional breakfast (one or two eggs, potatoes, toast, and choice of meat sides) to gourmet French toast. One of the most popular items is Mike’s potatoes, which get a kick from his own seasoning.
Other popular items include the Italian frittata and the Italian sausage patty, which is served in an omelet or available as a side dish as an alternative to bacon, ham or a regular link sausage. The lunch menu features salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes.
Decor: The dining room seats 46. The homey wooden tables and chairs are set against the sunny yellow walls (the restaurant’s logo is the sun rising out of skillet), which are graced with food-themed photographs.
Pricing: The traditional breakfast is $6.50 for one egg, $7.25 for two. Omelettes, served with potatoes and a choice of toast, start at $7.75. The Italian frittata is $9.50. Buttermilk pancakes are $4.95 for a short stack of two. Gourmet French toast is $7.75 (the regular variety is $5.75). A side of Mike’s potatoes is $3.25. Lunch salads range from $4.50 (house) to $9.95 (Italian). Sandwiches start at $6.50 (grilled cheese). Pasta dishes range from $8.95 (spaghetti or mostacciolli) to $12.95 (tortellacci).
Logistics: Cafe Pettopia is located at 848 Sheridan Road, Highwood. The hours are 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays; and 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays. Closed Mondays. Call 847-433-3727 or go to facebook.com/Cafe-Pettopia-290512174301441/.