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2nd Street Enoteca To Open February 9th in Highland Park

The North Shore’s First BYOB Enoteca Makes its Debut with Exciting Organic and Locally Sourced Contemporary Italian Menu

HIGHLAND PARK, IL (FEBRUARY 9, 2012) --- On the heels of the smash launch of 2nd Street Bistro this past fall, serial restaurateur Bobby Dubin returns to his Italian roots with the grand opening of 2nd Street Enoteca on Thursday, February 9th. Billed as the North Shore’s (and possibly the nation’s) first and only BYOB enoteca, Dubin serves up a contemporary Italian menu made of local, organic and sustainable items. 2nd Street “Enoteca,” or Italian wine bar, is designed specifically for pairing gourmet food with wines brought in by its’ customers.
Adjacent to 2nd Street Bistro, at 1825 Second Street, 2nd Street Enoteca offers authentic Italian fare in a BYOB setting, with no corkage fee. Local and imported salumi, cheeses, fresh-daily antipasti, hand-formed brick oven pizzas, uniquely designed pastas, and regional Italian entrées highlight some of the dishes crafted to go with customers’ favorite wines. In keeping with the 2nd Street mantra, 2nd Street Enoteca uses local, organic and sustainable ingredients wherever possible.
•    Appetizers feature a farm fresh, seasonal organic antipasti platter, imported and local salumi and formaggi, assorted crostinis and organic eggplant rollatini.
•    Pastas include house-made gnocchi, handcrafted cannelloni and quinoa, gluten-free spaghetti. Risottos and polentas change daily and a complete list of brick oven-fired Napolitano pizzas are standouts.
•    Among the entrees are fresh-caught sea bass ala Livornese, sous-vide Chicken Vesuvio and Chianti-braised beef bracketed by market-driven, daily specials.
2nd Street Enoteca carries the distinction of being the Chicago area’s only BYOB enoteca - allowing patrons to choose what wine they wish to pair with their favorite Italian dishes, in an affordable way. The comfortable and inviting dining area, with room for up to 80 people, is perfect for a relaxing, casual evening, or for a fun and affordable, night out on the town!
Owners Bobby and Debbie Dubin are excited to introduce a fresh, innovative restaurant experience to the North Shore. After resurrecting their passion for Italian cuisine, demonstrated by their long, successful run as founding owners of Gusto Italiano, they decided to kick it up a notch with something new. In true reunion, veteran Gusto chef, Rico Hererra rejoins the team that once drew crowds and rave reviews over their Glenview establishment.  Overseeing the expanding 2nd Street portfolio is the Bistro’s Executive Chef, Michael Gottlieb.
Says Bobby, “The response to our Bistro and BYOB service has been overwhelming and our guests are asking for more. By launching 2nd Street Enoteca, we are making available more seating and adding an outstanding Italian menu to build out a more complete 2nd Street experience.”
He adds, “We are privileged to be able to expand in otherwise difficult times. By bringing affordability to sophisticated menus in a comfortable environment, with no corkage fee, our customers can enjoy the full dining experience without breaking the bank.” 
Making it a family affair, daughter and Pastry Chef, Faith Dubin-Kaufman (Wine Spectator Restaurant, Butter, and Charlie Trotters’) consults on the dessert menu, while her husband Mark drives the concept and branding.
2nd Street Enoteca joins sibling 2nd Street Bistro as being the only BYOB restaurants in Highland Park – something that has drawn great crowds and tremendous customer feedback from guests. 
2nd Street Enoteca is open Tuesday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Average dinner entrees range from $12 to $24. In addition to dining in, 2nd Street Enoteca offers catering and private parties. For more information, please call 847.433.3400 or visit www.2ndStreetEnoteca.com.

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