Eve's Troy Graves Lands in Algonquin

Former Eve Chef/Owner Troy Graves begins a new gig tomorrow as the new chef at Montarra (1491 S. Randall Rd., Algonquin, 847-458-0505).

We briefly had a chance to speak with Graves, who said the opportunity arose when a former customer of his at Eve recommended him to the restaurant's owners. "I talked to the restaurant's owners and it seemed like a good fit right away."

Graves also told us not to expect a wholesale change in the menu right away as he still needs to get his bearings in the new kitchen first. But there will eventually be some of his imprint on the menu. "People eat very locally," Graves said. "I expect that to be the same in Algonquin as it is in Chicago.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@chicagoist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Chuck Sudo in Food on June 9, 2011 2:30 PM

Comments [rss]

MontarraEater

Dear Jennifer,
Heirloom tomatoes with a balsamic drizzle and whipped ricotta cheese awaits.
And if that wasn't enough:
Steamed Blue Bay Mussels
Serrano Chilies, Cilantro, Tropea Onion-Yuzu Broth

MontarraEater

Dear Jennifer,

Chef Troy crafted a stunning cuttlefish appetizer that would surely turn all the diners of calamari to a new culinary direction. Keep it in mind if you decide to swing by.

MontarraEater

Dear Jennifer,
Just think of what you are missing out on-

Prime Steak Tartare
Capers, horseradish, egg yolk, roasted shallot aioli, toasted brioche.

Vietnamese Caramel Chicken Lollipops
Cilantro, mint, crispy garlic

All yours to savor should you decide to stop by. They'll be waiting.

MontarraEater

Dear Jennifer,
With each passing day I sit and contemplate how dismayed you must feel missing out on chef Troys' spectacular cuisine, so close, yet so far away.
I wonder if he could set up a shuttle service to provide transportation for his legions of followers who apparently don't own vehicles? Any thoughts?

MontarraEater

Dear Jennifer,
The branzino is almost indescribable. Here's the actual preparation:

Pan Fried BronzinoGreen and Wax Bean Salad, Parmesan, Mint, Currant Vinaigrette

If you hurry tonight there may be the chance of snatching an order for yourself and/or a guest. Alternatively, you could call and make reservations for a table and the entree at the same time by using Opentable or call -
Montarra1491 South Randall RoadAlgonquin, IL 60102-5918 (847) 458-0505

MontarraEater

Dear Jennifer,
Whew! The power is finally back on after the storm.
I was considering going to see chef Troy @ Montarra this weekend to check on a dish he served while cooking downtown. It's a tamarind glazed prawn served over pumpkin panna cotta pictured here:http://leisureblogs.chicagotri.... I'm sure he would like to see you there, but if you can't make it I'll tell him you send your love.

MontarraEater

Dear Jennifer,
I hear the fried branzino and haricot vert salad was absolutely fantastic on Saturday night. Hopefully chef Troy can work his magic again this weekend so I can try it since it sounds perfect for a nice summer meal, maybe paired with a Cloudy Bay sauvignon blanc.
You know Jennifer, Algonquin really isn't that far away

MontarraEater

Dear Jennifer,
Chef Troy prepared the pork loin served with braised ox tail and garlic mashed potatoes last evening. Scrumptious!

MontarraEater

Dear Jennifer,
I know it's kind of early and you may still be sleepy-eyed, but Troy was talking about his lobster roll dish last night and I just thought it might be important to invoke any memories you may still have.
One last thought: google maps.

MontarraEater

Dear Jennifer,
I recently read an article praising chef Troy's work and was curious for your recommendation.

Bulgogi burger

Kimchi has been taking L.A. and NYC by storm, and Chicago might be
lagging behind were it not for chef Troy Graves, who grills 10 ounces of
Mize Farm ground beef, basting it with a bulgogi -style soy-sauce-ginger-garlic glaze, then tops it with spicy, fermented cabbage kimchi and a fried egg.

MontarraEater

Dear Jennifer,
Chef Troy cooked the skate wing on Friday. Unbelievable! Wish you were there.

Jennifer

Oh maaaan. Chef Troy come baaaaaaack. I can't get to Algonquin to eat your delicious foods!!!!

MontarraEater

Dear Jennifer,
Too bad, so sad. Troy is here now and we know exactly what you are missing. Lucky us!

ljpljpljp

So Algonquin actually has some restaurants that do not have locations in a billion other places? It is interesting the clout that Randall Rd. yields.

Renita Marjan

I lived in Algonquin for two years, there is more interesting local stuff out there than there used to be ... Randall Road is kind of insane as suburban strip-mall mania. I wouldn't travel that far just because, but if I were out there anyway, there are good places.

DyeM4

Honestly, this is really the only location in Algonquin that I can think of that is worth going out of the way for.

After some digging it seems Montarra's previous chef has parted ways for another exec chef job at the new Cooper's Hawk opening in Naperville. What a bummer... I really enjoyed Dave's food and get the sneaking suspicion that CH won't allow him the same creative room.

DyeM4

Interesting, I live right next to Montarra and in fact was just there on Sunday for my birthday. This really leaves me wondering what the hell is happening to their current chef, Dave Perlick?