It's been a busy summer but my husband and I always make time for a weekly date to focus on us. Our recent date was a jaunt out to Naperville, Illinois. It's an area we aren't familiar with so it was great to explore together!
We enjoyed practicing on our golf swings at TopGolf (which is a lot of fun, if you've never been!) followed by taking a leisurely stroll throughout downtown Naperville. After a couple hours and a number of full shopping bags later, it was time for dinner and headed out to The Craftsman by Two Brothers. This is a unique establishment that's broken out into 3 floors, each with it's own identity.
Located on the first floor of The Craftsman, the Two Brothers Market Cafe is a true marketplace, offering something for everyone at any time of day.
In the morning, choose from a vast selection of pastries and sandwiches from our onsite bakery, including breakfast bowls, egg sandwiches, parfaits and more to pair with your specialty-grade coffee from Two Brothers Coffee Roasters or a fresh-pressed juice or smoothie. Wine and Two Brothers award-winning beer is also available at the café bar.
The second floor Modern Tavern offers farm-to-table dining, reflecting the Two Brothers commitment to creating “real” food, with a from-scratch kitchen.
An ever-rotating menu, created by executive chef Tommy Michel and his team, will feature gourmet entrees including filets and pastas, freshly-prepared salads, appetizers and delectable desserts.
Open for dinner seven days a week and lunch Monday through Friday, the Modern Tavern offers an artisan brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm.
The menu is simply stated - one page with a variety of offerings from appetizers, soups/salads and entrees. Even more impressive is that The Craftsman Modern Tavern sourcing all its ingredients within a 200-mile radius whenever possible.
We started off with some drinks - The Two Brothers Ebel's Weiss Hefeweizen (husband) and the Moscow Muddler. Both were especially refreshing on a summer day...
We also ordered the Charcuterie Board which included homemade crackers, 3 house cured meats, 3 cheeses, honey, spiced almonds, whole grain mustard and cornichons. I highly recommend this and it's the perfect starter any time of year...
We knew we had to save room for dinner and we both went for the Butcher's steak. The steak cut varies depending on whatever is sourced for the day and with our luck, it was our favorite cut the night we dined - a bone in Ribeye. It was a hefty 12oz, served with an herb butter and accompanied with au gratin potatoes and crispy brussel sprouts. It was delicious and so well executed...
Not sure how we managed to find room after our entrees, but we simply could not pass up desserts. I opted to end things on a sweet note with their summer berry galette, served with vanilla bean gelato. My husband was drawn to the ever-popular, Adult S'mores. Both were outstanding and I was pleased to know that they have an in-house pastry chef...
The Third Floor cocktail bar, with a private access from its own entrance, features high-end, handmade cocktails, Two Brothers beer, wine and artisan small plates.
Enjoy premium cocktails and elevated appetizers like beef, chicken and crab cake sliders in a comfortable and intimate lounge setting or on the outdoor roof deck (weather permitting).
Overall it was a wonderful experience and I encourage those who are local or even those visiting the area to stop on in. There's something for everyone among their three floors, at any time of day! For more insight, check out the video below....
Overall it was a wonderful experience and I encourage those who are local or even those visiting the area to stop on in. There's something for everyone among their three floors, at any time of day! For more insight, check out the video below....
