If OP works, then I'm going to assume Forest Park works as well?
Not Sure if these are all open for lunch. Gaetano's is.
Jimmy's place
Francesca's Fiore (part of the Francesca chain)
Gaetanos.
If there are gonna be older ppl of any type of decent who might enjoy what the Epicurean might be about. I think it might be up yer alley?
There's also an Ihop on Mannheim and Roosevelt, I think. (if you have to resort to that.
West on Roosevelt (not very far at all) in Lombard is an Outback
Then in the mally sections of lombard/oak brook on 22nd, you've got Claim Jumper, maggianos, Bucca Di Beppo, and a few more TGI McFuntimes joints.
If it was up to me, I'd try to push for The Epicurean, then think about Francesca's for non threatening, but stable Italian, then Maggianos next if Jimmy's isn't open.
We cannot be friends if you do not know the difference between Mayo and Miracle Whip.