Fireside Grille: a Sugar Grove Mainstay
Friday, January 5, 2024
Sugar Grove, Illinois — If you're in the mood for a culinary experience offering a modern take on All-American fare, look no further than Fireside Grille. Since its opening in 2005, this establishment has carried on the legacy of House of Plenty Smorgasbord, serving up comfort food with a contemporary twist. The ambiance is a unique blend of rustic charm and modern elegance, highlighted by its vaulted wood ceilings, midcentury-modern lighting, and extensive stonework in the bar and throughout the establishment, including the cozy fireplace that gives Fireside its name.
Their in-house smoked ribs are a must-try for BBQ aficionados. Expertly dry-rubbed and slowly roasted, these ribs are lovingly basted in a homemade BBQ sauce. The result is a tender symphony of flavors, offering a perfect blend of smoky depth and a sweet, tangy finish. For those with a penchant for greens, the roasted brussels sprouts are a revelation. Topped with a luscious balsamic glaze, chimichurri aioli, and a sprinkle of Parmesan, these sprouts transform a classic side dish into an epicurean adventure. If you're looking to take the "fireside" more literally, try the saganaki, a careful nod to international flavors. Featuring Kasseri cheese from Greece flambeed in brandy and finished with lemon, this dish brings a creamy and bright element to the table, offering a nice contrast to the predominantly New-American menu.
Fireside boasts a history as rich and intricate as its diverse culinary offerings. Situated next to the site of the former Illini Motel, its location is deeply rooted in Sugar Grove's lore, a story that unfolds with the pioneering endeavors of Ed and Marian Saloga. Ed and Marian met in Aurora in the 1930s, where they loved to play tennis at Phillips Park. Ed began building homes in 1948, which eventually led to the Salogas building the motel in 1953 and 1954. On a chilly December day in 1953, the Salogas found their new home in Sugar Grove, then a close-knit community of 175 residents. Despite the frosty weather, their hearts were quickly warmed by the community's embrace. Reverend Mercer of the Methodist Church, located just down Main Street, extended a heartfelt welcome. This warmth was further kindled at the school's Christmas program, where the genuine friendliness of the townspeople enveloped the Salogas, making them feel deeply connected to this charming village from the very start.
In May 1954, the Salogas' motel unexpectedly opened its doors ahead of schedule, prompted by the arrival of five guests in need of rooms. With the interiors tidy but the drapes unfinished, the Salogas embraced a can-do spirit, swiftly setting up bedding and temporary curtains, thereby marking the motel's inaugural day. The following years witnessed growth; 1957 brought the addition of three units and an extra storeroom. A notable highlight was 1959's installation of an Esther Williams swimming pool, becoming a neighborhood favorite for their children and local youth. However, the pool's presence was short-lived; in 1960, the state bought a portion of the motel's frontage to build the cloverleaf, necessitating the removal of the pool. Though they lost two direct accesses, they gained the frontage road, which remains to this day.
In 1961, the Salogas expanded their entrepreneurial ventures by constructing House of Plenty adjacent to the motel, the very site where Fireside now resides. For a decade, the establishment was leased to Mr. and Mrs. Ray Weltch, along with their daughter and son-in-law, Eva and Chester Leland. Following this period, in 1971, George and Georgia Ratos took over the reins, initially renting and later acquiring the restaurant. Leadership eventually passed to their son Jim and grandson Jimmy, who continued the legacy of House of Plenty.
During the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Salogas further developed the property, adding apartments behind the motel. Their contributions to Sugar Grove's landscape extended beyond the motel, as they also constructed numerous homes in the area, including their personal residence in Dugan Woods. After the apartment expansion, they sold the motel to Dolly and Ed Kunsh. A transformative moment came in 1982 when the Ratoses purchased the motel, converting it entirely into apartments, shaping the form it retains today.
Fireside's journey from House of Plenty to present reflects the enduring legacy of Sugar Grove. Whether you're savoring their delectable dishes or immersing yourself in the surrounding history, a trip to Fireside ensures a memorable experience.