'Brian Bessler Took On A Project That Saved Everybody': John Jones

JOLIET, IL — Several notable Joliet politicians including Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, Park Board President Sue Gulas and Joliet Township High School Board member Lorraine Guerrero Neumayer were among the 80 guests at last week's campaign fund-raiser for Will County Board candidate Brian Bessler.

Bessler is running as a Democrat, and voters in the Nov. 8 elections will select two candidates to represent District 7. Natalie Coleman is the other Democrat on the ballot. The two Republican candidates are Glenda Wright-McCullum and Vince Logan.

Bessler's political fund-raiser was at The Dock at Inwood.

Several Joliet restaurant representatives attended to praise Bessler's volunteerism for launching the Joliet Area Bar And Restaurant Guide. Bessler's Facebook group now has 36,400 members.

"I want to continue the investment in our small businesses, infrastructure and bringing new jobs in our area," Bessler told Joliet Patch. "As I'm out knocking on doors, so many people are recognizing my name from the restaurant group and I say, 'It is absolutely' and it feels like we already have a connection. I'm really excited to get to work for Will County."

John Jones, who runs the kitchen at Joliet's American Legion on Ingalls Avenue, and Tom Grotovsky, owner of The Great American Bagel on Essington Road, said many area restaurants owe Bessler a huge debt of gratitude for establishing the Facebook group in March 2020.

"During Covid, he saved a lot of restaurants," Jones told Patch.

"Brian took on a project that saved everybody," agreed Grotovsky. "Without him, I wouldn't have been able to maintain my business to make it through the pandemic."

Inside The Dock at Inwood, Mary Kay Bessler told supporters not to take it for granted that her husband will be victorious on election night.

Only about 9 percent came out to vote in the June primary, she explained.

"So literally, every vote counts," Mary Kay Bessler declared. "I thank all of you for coming out tonight. Enjoy the great food prepared for us."

MyGrain Brewing Company Reveals New Menu

One of the area's best known microbreweries, MyGrain Brewing Company, has introduced a new food menu for Fall. The new menu took effect Oct. 11. In addition to six different burgers, four sandwiches and three kinds of salads, here are some of the entrées on MyGrain's updated menu:

• Salmon Dinner: Couscous, Cherry Tomato, mushroom, spinach, Served with a Lemon, Beurre Blanc Sauce (sauce non-vegan);
• Braised Short Rib: Mushroom Risotto finished with Garlic Oil and Parmesan Cheese, Braised Beef Short Rib topped with Red Wine Reduction
• Chicken Parmesan: Pan-Fried Chicken Breast, Penne Pasta, Marinara Sauce, Fresh Basil, Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese
• Polish Platter: House Made Sauerkraut, Polish Sausage, Four Potato and Cheese Pierogi

According to its Facebook page, MyGrain Brewing Company is closed Monday and Sunday. It is open from 4 to 10 p.m. Tuesday-through Thursday, and noon to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Its kitchen closes at 9 p.m. To learn more, visit the website for MyGrain Brewing.

MyGrain opened in September 2017 inside the historic Union Station in downtown Joliet. MyGrain's Facebook page shows 1,620 reviews and a rating of 4.6 stars.

Live Music At CUT 158 Chophouse

Now located right next door to Joliet's historic Rialto, CUT 158 Chophouse is quickly establishing itself as one of the premier restaurants in the entire Will County region. CUT 158's new downtown location at 110 N. Chicago St. has a seating capacity of 240, nearly four times what it was at its former downtown Joliet location.

This week, CUT 158 announced on Facebook it's featuring a Live Jazz Series.

Live music takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. in October every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. CUT 158 also reminds guests that "reservations are highly encouraged and proper attire is required."

CUT 158 Chophouse website refers to itself as: "Trendy steakhouse delivers fantastic, perfectly cooked beef alongside amazing cocktails and an expansive wine list."

CUT 158 has 477 Facebook reviews, averaging 4.6 stars. To learn more about the menu, visit its website.

New Owners, New Lunch Hours For Giovan's Pasta & Pizzeria

Last week's most popular Joliet Patch restaurant story was headlined "Cooks Acquire Giovan's Restaurant, Changes Underway."

Jose Cano, George Cano, Miguel Cano and Leoneo "Juan" Arjon are now operating Giovan's in the Tony's Fresh Market shopping plaza along Route 59.

A long time ago, the Cano family worked for the restaurant when it was known as Salerno's, at 1804 North Larkin Avenue in Crest Hill, and then it became Giovan's.

Giovan's reinvented itself as a carryout-only pasta and pizzeria, opening March 30, 2019.

Last month, the Canos became the new owners of Giovan's, and they've expanded the hours in order to generate more lunchtime business. The restaurant remains carryout-only. There is no indoor seating available.

Now, Giovan's is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

Here's a sampling of the comments posted on last week's article about Giovan's:

"I was happy and surprised to find them open early in the afternoon yesterday when I wanted pizza for a late lunch on my day off. EXCELLENT pizza as always!"

"Chicken parm sandwich is delicious."

"Some of the best pizza in our area !!!!"

"Bravo, and good luck in a tough business."

Will County Brewing To Tap New Beer Called 'I Do My Own Stunts'

One of Will County Brewing Company's loyal customers, Bob Pearson almost lost his leg over the summer because of a hit-and-run accident. Now, the Shorewood microbrewery at 1142 West Jefferson St. is creating a new beer to help raise money for Pearson's recovery.

Pearson was struck by a car while walking home from a festival, according to Will County Brewing. "Luckily, he was rushed to the hospital and the doctors acted quickly."

In a few more weeks, Will County Brewing said it plans to introduce “I Do My Own Stunts;" the beer will be a blood orange & cranberry Saison.

"With every full pour of “I Do My Own Stunts,”we will be donating a portion of the proceeds back to Bob and his recovery efforts. Cheers, Bob!" Will County Brewing proclaimed.

A woman named Natalie replied on the Facebook page: "May you continue to progress in your recovery Bob. I may have to try this one. Sounds like a great brew!"

Will County Brewing Company opened in March 2018.

Will County Brewing's Facebook page states: "We are a locally owned craft brewery with tap room focused on Craft, Community, and Charity."

For John Ferak's previous Joliet Patch restaurant column, go here.