| Date: 07/25/2004 |
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| Kiki B's - Chicago Neighborhood Dining Comes Home To Rockford |
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| by Gary Hill |
| gary@beetcafe.com |
| www.musicstreetjournal.com |
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Kiki Benson had been wanting to expand her business, A Movable Feast for years. So, when the opportunity opened at Edgebrook Shopping Center, she jumped at the chance, both creating the new restaurant/bar Kiki B's and moving her existing establishment to that location. Her vision was to create a fun, contemporary environment that combined great American fare with the rustic cooking of France, Spain and Italy. She and her husband sought to build the type of atmosphere you find in the many neighborhood restaurants around Chicago. Their intent was to create a place that would combine comfort and style to welcome both the casual diners and those engaging in that special night out.
Their quest involved completely renovating the existing space. They left the round windows and skylights, but brought in new elements including patterned tile floor, iron railings, and a granite bar. To this they added original artworks, and a friendly staff. With the environment created, they added live music on every other Thursday night. They sought to be inclusive to many musical styles in the venue, and indeed they seem to have accomplished that. Upcoming appearances will include J. F. Gaziano of Beat Merchants' fame, Rockford guitar legend Dan Voll and Chicago's Chris Winters.
For those watching their diets the menu includes a wide variety of CHIP approved items. Not to worry, though, the entire offering is not geared to the health conscious. They offer plenty to please everyone. Their appetizer menu includes items such as triple cheese spinach and artichoke dip, warm garlic potato chips, bruschetta, grilled shrimp sates and roasted cumin hummus. They serve up a good variety of sandwiches ranging from the more traditional (Kiki B's burger and Rueben) to the more adventurous (Mustard Crusted Chicken and the Roasted Vegetables on Ciabatta). Their entrée menu is equally diverse. You can pick from such tempting dishes as Rosemary Mesquite Grilled Pork Porterhouse with porcini demi-glaze with herb roasted new potatoes or Pan Seared Mahi Mahi served with tomato vodka cream sauce over fettuccini. If that isn't enough to tickle your taste buds and move your feet on over, they have daily fresh fish specials, a selection of pastas and pizzas and very delectable deserts.
Whether you are looking for a nice relaxing meal, a place to take that special person on a first date or somewhere to hang with your friends, Kiki B's should fill the bill. Check them out at 1641 N. Alpine. They are serving lunch from 11 am-2 PM Tuesday through Saturday and dinner from 5-9 Tuesday through Thursday and 5-10 Friday and Saturday. They also offer a Sunday brunch from 9AM-1PM. Their bar is always open late. You can call for more information or to place a reservation at 986-0338. Now you can have the Chicago dining experience without leaving Rockford. |
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| Contact Information |
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| Kiki Benson |
| Kiki B's |
| 1641 N. Alpine |
| Rockford, IL 61107
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| 986-0338 |
| www.kikibs.com |
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