My husband recently treated me to a birthday dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants, 1776, in Crystal Lake, Ill., which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. As regular customers over the years, we can report that owners Andy and wife Terry Andresky have achieved this milestone by being smart operators.
No resting on laurels, they continue to update the menu, which currently includes specialties such as a house-smoked fish sampler, wild game chili and free-range chicken stuffed with pistachio and goat cheese. They survived several chef changes without a hitch, finally promoting their loyal sous chef Santiago to head chef position several years ago. In addition to running the kitchen, Santiago also teaches cooking classes to adults and children.
Andy, a wine expert, oversees the eclectic wine list, writes a wine column for the local newspaper and teaches wine classes. He also holds occasional beer dinners featuring newly discovered microbrews.
Mindful of the economic doldrums that have hurt many fine dining restaurants, the Andreskys keep coming up with easy-on-the budget specials, such as $5 martinis on Tuesdays, three-course early bird dinners before 6 p.m. on week nights and the current Deflation Nation specials available every day.
A stellar example of restaurateurs who know how to cater to their market, I wish them continued success for at least another 20 years.
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