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Taste of the Town in Geneva: Inventive food powers Nobel House expansion

[The tempura Dynamite Shrimp is prepared with teriyaki sauce and garnished with micro cilantro.] GENEVA – It's been almost five years since Nobel House began serving its made-from-scratch recipes including house-smoked meats paired with 30 craft beers on tap at 305 W. State St. in downtown Geneva. Plans are to double its space by this fall, co-owner Jason Levin of Geneva said of the project to move into the two empty storefronts immediately to the west. They housed Fox Jewelers and Doggie Divine, which both relocated to new quarters. It's part of a multipronged expansion process for Levin and his partners, Dave Cilio of Geneva and Jim Ammirati of La Grange Park. They took over the south portion of the former Soukup's Hardware & Appliances space at 419 N. Main St. in downtown Glen Ellyn to create a second Nobel House, which launched in January after a 15-month makeover. They also operate Merkle's Bar and Grill in Wrigleyville in Chicago. The expanded new Geneva home will provide space for a patio in back. The existing restaurant and bar will be converted to Sofi's Market, Carvery and Catering, a project likely to take about four to six months after the new Nobel House is built out. (Photos by)

[The tempura Dynamite Shrimp is prepared with teriyaki sauce and garnished with micro cilantro.] GENEVA – It's been almost five years since Nobel House began serving its made-from-scratch recipes including house-smoked meats paired with 30 craft beers on tap at 305 W. State St. in downtown Geneva. Plans are to double its space by this fall, co-owner Jason Levin of Geneva said of the project to move into the two empty storefronts immediately to the west. They housed Fox Jewelers and Doggie Divine, which both relocated to new quarters. It's part of a multipronged expansion process for Levin and his partners, Dave Cilio of Geneva and Jim Ammirati of La Grange Park. They took over the south portion of the former Soukup's Hardware & Appliances space at 419 N. Main St. in downtown Glen Ellyn to create a second Nobel House, which launched in January after a 15-month makeover. They also operate Merkle's Bar and Grill in Wrigleyville in Chicago. The expanded new Geneva home will provide space for a patio in back. The existing restaurant and bar will be converted to Sofi's Market, Carvery and Catering, a project likely to take about four to six months after the new Nobel House is built out. (Photos by)

Levin described Sofi's as "more of a short-order sandwich place," which also will offer market items, and where they will base their popular catering business. Nobel House is known for featuring fresh oysters from both the East and West coasts. Another signature item is the Connecticut style lobster roll. Levin said New England style calls for cold lobster with mayo, while Nobel House serves it warm with a drawn butter sauce. He noted both he and Cilio are originally from Connecticut. "We draw from our experiences all over," Levin said of the partners' collaboration. "From a barbecue and smoked [meats] perspective, we have things that have been inspired by the Carolinas. The burnt ends [spell] Kansas City – [and] things …inspire us when we're in Texas. That's part of the menu we want to keep going. We don't want to stick to one region. We come back and put our own spin on it." Among the popular dishes are barbecue tacos and a Rachel sandwich, a play on a Reuben, Levin said, noting it is made with house-smoked turkey pastrami – one of the options in the smoked meat with two sides offering, dubbed Meat and 2.

[Specialties include tempura Dynamite Shrimp (from left); barbecue nachos featuring pulled pork; and smoked wings.] The menu extends to salads and an array of burgers and sandwiches. Desserts range from a peach crumble and bread pudding to s'mores. Weekend brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in tandem with the full menu. Items range from shrimp and grits to chicken and waffles. The recipes are crafted by Executive Chef Garrett Schroeder of St. Charles. "He's a really talented guy," Levin said. "We like to [slightly] change our menu every quarter … to keep it interesting."

[Smoked chicken smothered in Alabama white barbecue sauce is paired here with cole slaw and baked beans.] A chalkboard shows the day's offerings of food and libations. "We specialize in locally made craft beers – constantly rotating," Levin said. "As soon as something is [out], we put something totally different on. We continue to try to keep all the many styles of beers." Also featured are handcrafted cocktails and a full wine selection.

[The barbecue nachos feature cheese sauce, red cabbage slaw, jalapeños, baked beans, pulled pork, barbecue sauce, green onions and creme fraiche.] The enterprise's name pays homage to Alfred Nobel, the Swedish chemist, engineer, entrepreneur and inventor, whose discoveries included dynamite, and whose namesake award discerns excellence. He wore many hats, Levin said, and Nobel House strives to emulate his creativity. Levin said they designed Nobel House to be a comfortable destination welcoming everyone from buddies who want to watch a game on television, to ladies' night groups, families with children to couples on a date. The space can accommodate parties, and Levin noted that Nobel House is a full-service caterer, with licensing to provide both food and alcohol. "We have done everything from large traditional weddings to a backyard pig roast to chili parties," Levin said. "If you want to pick up 100 wings for a … party, we can do all those things. Catering is something we as a business enjoy doing. Our chef can get creative with the menu."

[The smoked wings are a specialty at Nobel House.] The Nobel House kitchen accepts gluten-free requests, serves vegetarian dishes and offers a kids menu. Live music plays from 8:30 to 11 p.m. every Thursday. If you go WHAT: Nobel House WHERE: 305 W. State St., Geneva WHEN: 11 a.m. to 10 a.m. Monday and Tuesday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 11 a.m. to midnight Friday; 10 a.m. to midnight Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday INFO: www.nobelhouserestaurants.com, 630-402-0452