T-Bone's Steakhouse in St. Charles

Laura Piper, one of my former Chef-instructors from Kendall College, opened this casual steakhouse less than a week ago. I haven't been, and it will be hard for me to get there due to a lack of transportation, but I'm really excited for her. She is talented, and experienced in this area- she was previously executive Chef at both Gibson's Steakhouse and Hugo's Frog Bar. I heard through the grapevine that this new venture will focus on using local and organic products, while also keeping prices reasonable.

1890 W. Main St., St. Charles

This article in the St. Charles Republican says:

Scott Harris, the owner of Francesca’s by the River and the other Chicago-area Francesca’s restaurants, is teaming with partners, including Heaven on Seven owner and chef Jimmy Bannos, to open T-Bones Steakhouse. The restaurant is scheduled to open its doors early next month at the former home of Fahrenheit, 1890 W. Main St., which closed in April after a five-month run.

They certainly have good backing, and the chef seems to have a solid background:

Piper is the restaurant’s head chef, bringing experience as a corporate chef for the Francesca’s restaurants. She also has worked in the kitchens at Hugo’s Frog Bar, Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse and Emilio’s Tapas and taught at the School of Culinary Arts of Kendall College.

Hope it works out.

Sounds promising, and worth checking out. But -- and I don't mean this to be a criticism of your friend, the other partners (whom have impressive credentials) or the quality of the food -- the name strikes me as a little hokey. Upon hearing the name, I would not assume that this is a high-end place. Just my 2 cents.

Ron A. wrote:the name strikes me as a little hokey. Upon hearing the name, I would not assume that this is a high-end place. Just my 2 cents.

“Affordability is really important,” Piper said. “If people still want to go out and have a nice steak or a big steak, we have that option. But ... you can come in and have a half a chicken and two sides for $15 (and) be full and happy."

Sign on the door says "Closed for major restaurant maintenance until July 25th"... Website is down, too... Not a good sign.

bnowell724 wrote:Laura Piper, one of my former Chef-instructors from Kendall College, opened this casual steakhouse less than a week ago. I haven't been, and it will be hard for me to get there due to a lack of transportation, but I'm really excited for her. She is talented, and experienced in this area- she was previously executive Chef at both Gibson's Steakhouse and Hugo's Frog Bar. I heard through the grapevine that this new venture will focus on using local and organic products, while also keeping prices reasonable.

1890 W. Main St., St. Charles

I thought this was Jimmy Bannos'( Heaven on Seven) place?

We went by this place on Saturday Aug. 8 just after noon. There is a large banner above stating that there were now open but the place was locked, no hours posted and a small sign listing their website which does not work.