The Lantern Spotlight
(From the October-December, 2002 Newsletter)
Tucked away in the affluent suburb of Lake Forest is a family-type restaurant/tavern known simply as the “Lantern”, complete with bar at the north end, extremely family oriented. It was this “family” trade – fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, cousins, etc. – and two rooms for dining to the south. A first glance might lead one to believe that management took the place over one room at a time. That surmise would be correct, because that’s exactly what Don & Irene Tiffany did. According to newspaper clippings I found on the walls, Don and Irene purchased the bar in 1975. Memory fails me when trying to remember who originally owned it, but I knew the bar existed back in the 60s, when it was a Chicago Bears watering hole after their summer pre-season practice. On the walls are various mementos of Bear player visits, as well as other sports celebrities. Further, too, are autographed pictures of movie and nightclub stars, plus photos of an early, bustling Lake Forest, and some of the locals who made their mark in town. With the witty sayings that adorn the dining areas, one is smack dab in the midst of a very homey, relaxed atmosphere. The food? This writer has never dined here, but regulars rave of the cheeseburgers and daily specials. It appears to me to be a steady crowd that arrives for dinner. I’m not certain they approve of music while they dine, but at least they’re tolerant.
In many respects, the Lantern reminds me of the tavern/restaurants of the northern suburbs as well as the city – i.e., it seems to attracts a nice “mix” for their clienteles. By this I’m referring to young singles, families, sports teams, seniors and the like. This is the dream of many a proprietor – to attach a following of regulars from all walks of life. Don and Irene do exactly that, and even organize outings like bus trips to baseball games, Botanical Gardens or Ravinia. Patrons can be treated to two full-sized model trains that continually circle both dining areas, while munching on appetizers, devouring a steak or sipping a cold one from an amply supplied bar (if you want to see a real train, just step outside the bar door. They pass by quite frequently.)
The Lantern is open from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., and accepts all credit cards. Check out the attached calendar, if you will, for the last 3 monthly shows of 2002. Come for a nice meal, kick back and enjoy a little fun and hospitality from one of the “goingest” places on the shore. The Lantern. Always fine food and drink. Always hospitable. Always affordable. Always fun. I’ll see you there October 17th (always on a Thursday).
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