2 Gary Indiana Teens Take Two-Hour Uber Ride to Glenview for a Legendary Meal at The Clove

Two high school students from Gary, Indiana, took an Uber to Glenview, Illinois, on Friday Jan. 30, 2025. for a single purpose: to have dinner at The Clove Indian and Nepali Cuisine. And they don’t know anyone who lives in Illinois.

Cooper Allen,17, and George Flaherty,16, of Gary decide to take the culinary journey after learned about The Clove from an Uber driver in their hometown. During a local ride, noticing the driver’s Indian accent and craving great Indian food, Flaherty asked where he was from. The driver replied India and explained that he used to work for Uber in the North Shore area in 2025. He told the teens the best Indian food he had ever had in the U.S. was at The Clove in Glenview, Flaherty explained.

The two teen decided to make the trip from Gary, Indiana to Glenview, Illinois which took over two hours and cost approximately $205.

“We both shared the chicken tikka masala, the butter chicken, and the goat curry. Our favorite was the goat curry over rice with some garlic naan bread,” said Allen.

The two culinary travelers have taken dining trips to Chicago in the past, “but nothing like this,” said Flaherty. “Once we heard it was the best Indian food in the country, we both decided to do it,” he added.

“We didn’t know anyone in the area before we came, but now we’ve got a bunch of friends at The Clove!” Allen said.

“Wow, this is truly humbling,” said The Clove’s co-owner, Ankur Sharma. “The fact that they traveled that far—and made it a point to come because of the food—is incredibly humbling. Knowing that The Clove left such a strong impression, not just with the food but with the people and the atmosphere, is exactly why we do what we do,” Sharma added.

The two teens split the dinner check and the Uber fare. “We earned the money to pay for the dinner and the transport from our jobs working at Culver’s last summer,” said Allen.

“Both of us agreed we’d love to come back to The Clove again. The food was well worth the time, and the people were just delightful,” Allen said.

“We made the long trip because we’d been dying to try some new food, and once we heard from an experienced Indian food eater that The Clove was the best, we knew we had to come,” said Flaherty.

“Next summer, the two of us are planning a journey to make it all the way to Milwaukee to enjoy some cheese curds and jalapeño bratwurst, and you better believe we’ll be stopping at The Clove on our way there!” said Allen.

“It’s especially meaningful to hear that they felt welcomed and made friends while they were here. That sense of connection is something we care deeply about, and it’s wonderful to know it came through,” said Sharma. He added, “I really admire the effort they both put into making the trip happen, and I’m grateful they chose to spend their hard-earned money and time with us. We’ll be looking forward to seeing them again—especially on their way to Milwaukee next summer. The goat curry will be waiting.”

According to the Illinois Restaurant Association, this may have set a type of record. They had never heard of teenagers from Gary taking an Uber just for a meal all the way to the far north suburbs of Chicago.

The Clove is no stranger to making history in Glenview and the north suburbs. They have a track record of doing just that.

They are the only restaurant producing live cooking demonstrations in Illinois outside the city of Chicago. The first demonstration was held on September 24, 2025. The shows last well over an hour and include a full-course meal and dessert.

They were the first restaurant in Glenview to "Ignite Glenview" with a live fire dancer and belly dancer show on October 15, 2025. Those shows continue throughout the year.

They were the first restaurant in Glenview to have a belly dancer show in over 95 years. The first was in early September 2025.

“We feature a different type of entertainment,” Sharma explained. “For example, one week we might have belly dancing, while other weeks could feature stand-up comedy, cultural performances, or even DJ nights. We’re also launching a cooking show soon.”

The entertainment is paired with a themed buffet menu that changes weekly to match the event’s vibe. A recent Thursday performance featured a Nepali-themed spread.

The Clove, which opened on May 7, 2025, at 1827 Waukegan Road, aims to be more than just a restaurant. With an elegant 30-table dining room on one side and a spacious bar area on the other, all adorned with culturally inspired décor, it positions itself as a vibrant dining and entertainment destination.

“We’re creating more than just a place to eat—we want to bring the community together and support local artists and businesses,” Sharma said. “Our goal is to offer a unique space in Glenview, and we’d love for you to be part of this exciting journey.”

This community-focused mission is shared by co-owner Ramakant Kharel, who brings over 30 years of restaurant experience. “Customers are the heart of the restaurant,” Kharel said. “We are here to serve you.”

For performer Phaedra Darwish, a 14-year veteran of the art form, the night was an opportunity to fulfill her mission as an artist: to increase cultural awareness and appreciation by sharing the dances of her heritage.

As new blue LED lights drape the entrance of The Clove, signaling its fresh approach, the restaurant invites Glenview to explore a world of flavor and culture without ever leaving town. “Come join us for a fun, memorable night,” said Sharma.

Another world-traveling college student, visiting his parents on the North Shore last week and eating at The Clove, said he had just returned from India and thought the food at The Clove tasted like he was back there.

The Clove has several kitchens and specializes in Indian, Nepali, and Indo-Chinese food. The restaurant offers discounts throughout the week, including 25% off on Mondays for dinner and lunch specials Monday through Friday, and 50% off all beverages on Wednesday nights for ladies.

For updates on upcoming monthly Entertainment Nights, follow The Clove on Facebook or Instagram.
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