Look what happened to the Purple Hotel! Dining at its finest!

The Purple Hotel was located at 4500 West Touhy Avenue in Lincolnwood, Illinois. Opened in 1962 as the Hyatt House Hotel, it was Hyatt‘s first Midwest hotel and became known for its purple brick exterior. The hotel served as Hyatt’s flagship Chicago area hotel until the 1970s and featured two restaurants and live music from popular acts. In 1983, Teamsters lawyer and mobster Allen Dorfman was killed in the hotel’s parking lot. After a series of ownership changes, the hotel closed in 2007 and was demolished in August 2013. The hotel was added to the National Register of Historic Places in July 2013, and was delisted in 2020.

For years, driving on either Touhy or Lincoln, we saw them destroy the old building and then begin the building of something new- what would be on this property!

***** The answer is a building containing apartments and several great dining spots. Recently we were able to visit Fat Rosie’s and do a complete review on the great Mexican food experience. Tonight, Frank, Cary and I returned to taste the excellence of the Italian  experience at Davanti Enoteca in this building. Jane was in California visiting our grandson Adam, so she missed out on a wonderful experience ( I guess a return visit will be on my calendar).

Our server, Haratio, a true gem of a server and quite knowledgeable about the menu, made sure that our drinks were always at perfect levels ( I must say they know how to do a martini just right). The wine list is amazing!

We began the evening with their Italian Chopped Salad ( romaine, radicchio, castleventro olives, pepperoncini , blue cheese, crispy prosciutto, tomatoes, marinated artichokes and a red wine vinegarette) a delight. We also had a wonderful Roasted Beet plate ( arugala, radicchio, pistachio, citrus, whipped goat cheese and lemon vinaigrette) terrific. I love beets and never find enough plates containing them- this one is the best!

The flatbread- Focaccia Di Recco was divine as was the Bistecca Davanti ( new york strip steak, roasted onion, aged balsamic, and sea salt) very flavorful and meat that is cooked to perfection, The Orecchiette Con Sal Sicca was a pasta unlike any other I have had before ( handmade little ears, rapini, escarole, fennel sausage, lemon, chilis and pecorino) a zesty treat.

While all three of us were “filled to the gills” with bags of leftovers to take home to family, GM Jon Schwimmer, came by and offered us some marvelous  desserts. His words were there is always room for our desserts- we made room and I am glad we did.

We enjoyed, or should I say, loved both of the choices he made:

Brown Butter Blondie: sea salt caramel gelato with candied almonds and caramel sauce and then the Matcha Affogato

an expresso shot, matcha gelato, candies almonds and amaretto cookies. My sweet tooth was in heaven.

Davanti Enoteca is a dining experience for all. Yes, young and old, makes no difference, you will find heaven on earth in Lincolnwood. They even have a private room for that special event or business meeting.

Well, now you know what happened on Touhy and Lincoln. The addition of Fat Rosie’s and Davanti Enoteca is a wonderful treat for the area and Lincolnwood is lucky that Scott Harris selected this historic spot for two of his fine eateries. The address for the restaurant is 4436 West Touhy ( with lots of free garage parking).

They are open ( in this location) as follows:

Monday-Thursday  11:30 a,m.- 9:30 p.m.

Fridays                       11:30 a.m.-10:00 p.m.

Saturdays  brunch:  11 am-  3 p.m.

dinner: 3 p.m.- 10:00 p.m.

Sundays    brunch :  11 am- 3 p.m.

dinner: 3 p.m.-9 p.m.

For reservations call 847-262-4900 or visit www.davantienoteca.com

They also have locations in Naperville, Western Springs and in San Diego California

While The Purple Hotel was something in the area, I think that Scott Harris and his staff have brought something quite memorable to the community. Something that should last for generations and on a very positive note. Enjoy, my friends! I know we did!