I remember – vividly – the very first time that I walked into 302 West … the place was empty. I had, on occasion, driven to Chicago for dinner when I wanted a “fine dining” experience. But here was a place – right in Geneva – that offered the same kind of menu!
Menu is Incredibly Imaginative
That was 10 or so years ago. And although I can only afford such dinners a couple of times a year, I am forever grateful that 302 West continues to flourish! I just went back the other night for a birthday celebration, and was once again delighted by the experience. As has become a habit when dining at 302, my companion and I try to sample as many different things as possible without needing a cart to wheel us out the door after dinner. The menu is incredibly imaginative and the descriptions alone are enough to make you want to order everything. And maybe that’s the general idea. Because in ten years, I’ve tried an incredible range of appetizers and entrees, and in all that time, there was only one thing that I really didn’t care for. But I digress…
Presentation Gorgeous
We started the evening with “Crisp crawfish fritters (try saying that three times in rapid succession after two martinis!) on wild greens with spicy Cajun remoulade.” At $8.00 this was a steal. The spicy sauce really woke up our taste buds without an overpowering heat. We also tried the “Hickory-chipotle barbecued, jumbo Gulf shrimp with grilled avocado and mango on a tangy, fresh ranchero sauce with micro cilantro.” Just reading it was a mouthful, but when it came to the table, I wasn’t sure if I would ever stop salivating long enough to enjoy eating it. Some would be quick to condemn the $9.50 price tag. But I was pampering both my companion and myself and once I read the description there was no holding me back! The sauce here had a bit of a bite also, but again, not too much so. The presentation was gorgeous and the taste was outstanding.
Menu is Always Rife with Seafood
We had decided to split an entrée. And by the way, 302 has never balked at splitting plates and they don’t charge extra either. They’ll dress up two plates as if you both ordered dinner. No one, or at least very few, will go to that length for their diners. Anyway, we ordered the “Broiled, sweet Atlantic halibut fillet with creamy wild mushroom-sauced tubetti pasta and white truffle oil.” This was the third least expensive entrée at $25.00; the higher priced items would have been just as easy to order. Again, part of the appeal is in the description, but the menu is always rife with seafood and 302 does such a phenomenal job with it! The flaky white flesh of the halibut was divine and the sauce was ambrosia. I almost scraped the finish off of the plate in getting the last bite…
Ambience is Always Perfect
It will most likely be several months before I can afford to return, but if I were to go there more often I would get so spoiled that I wouldn’t want to go anywhere else. The ambience is always perfect. The white table-clothed tables always have the freshest of flowers; the service is almost invisible yet at the same time ever-present. If there is a special occasion coming up for you, do yourself a favor and make a reservation at 302 West. It costs a little more but it’s worth a whole lot more. For this writer, 302 will always be a Five-Zin experience. Congratulations to head chef Joel and wife Katherine. 302 West is a shining star in the Fox Valley.
Your Table is Waiting…
Ralph Pancetta
Lauren’s Links
- A Trip Down Memory Lane with Chef Michael Manno on Custom Culinary website
