By Mary T. Ferone-Young

While enjoying dinner at Lonzerotti's Italia Restaurant in Jacksonville recently, it occurred to me that not only was I enjoying a splendid dinner, but that I was also enjoying a bit of history. Lonzerotti's is located within what was once the Chicago and Alton Railroad Station. The station's office and ticket area serve as the entrance lobby, and the dining rooms are located in what originally served as the station waiting rooms. From time to time, patrons are reminded that they are in a former train station when the occasional freight train rumbles by. The dining experience is not disrupted as one might expect, but rather one is reminded of the unique pleasure and experience of train dining, while also appreciating the creative use of a historic structure.

It occurred to me that it might be interesting to locate other restaurants situated within historical structures in Illinois. Once the idea presented itself, action seemed the only course. To satisfy my yearning for a delicious dinner and curiosity about local was too much temptation to ignore.

The former train station which houses the historical Lonzerotti's was renovated, and opened for business in 1987 by the Goldasich family. Betty Goldasich honored her family by giving the restaurant her maiden name and by incorporating many family recipes into the menu. The current owners, Jeff and Katie Weeks, continue to use the original recipes.

Lonzerotti's is a pleasant setting for either a romantic meal or a family dinner. Tables are nicely separated. Tastefully soft lighting reflects a soothing glow from the original hardwood trims, while soft background music, as well as cloth table coverings and napkins, set the tone. Attention is paid to the smallest detail. As one would expect in a restaurant that takes pride in its heritage of Italian cooking, a wide selection of Italian dishes is offered. The signature sweet Italian Salad Dressing may be purchased at the restaurant and limited local stores if you find that once tasted, one craves it, as I do. Both imported and domestic wines are available by the glass or bottle as well as a variety of beers. The Weeks present a delightful dining experience.

The telephone number is 217-243-7151.

Having heard what a great railroad town Galesburg is, it seemed a natural next choice. The rail lines naturally attracted business to the area, including the meatpacking industry. The building that is occupied today by the Packinghouse Dining Company was formerly a Swift & Company meat packing facility, which opened in 1912. When the plant closed in the mid-1970s, the Packinghouse Dining Company acquired the building at 441 Mulberry Street in downtown Galesburg, and converted it into a restaurant.

Much of the original interior has been retained. The large walk-in

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cooler serves as the main dining room. The overhead refrigeration lines and meat rails remain intact. The former freight elevator serves as the coatroom. There is no lack of interesting detail for the diner to view.

The specialty of the house is prime rib, and as one would expect, there is an excellent selection of steaks and chops available in addition to an exceptionally well-stocked salad bar with its assortment of freshly baked breads including onion buns and poppy seed bread sticks, and a tantalizing variety of fresh salads. Of the breads, the Packinghouse's cinnamon buns appear to be their hallmark and are available online at www.seminarystreet.com/packinghouse. A selection of imported and domestic wines is available by bottle or glass in addition to a variety of specialty drinks as well as domestic and imported beers.

Manager Wendy Hughs provides diners with a friendly and well-run establishment.

The telephone number is 309-342-6868.

Pittsfield seemed a good place to include in my culinary travels because of the Red Dome Restaurant, located in the center of town. It is so named because the view from its front windows is the architecturally attractive Pike County Courthouse, which is topped by a distinctive red domed roof.

The restaurant site began life as a dry goods store known as Strauss & Bro. Their tagline in 1942 was "Pittsfield Merchants for over Three Quarters of a Century." Strauss & Bro. was established August 17, 1863, and bragged that it ran an "advertising message in every single issue of the [news]paper since March 1, 1901."

The popular Red Dome, located at 109 North Madison, is owned by Bill and Karen Goodwin. They have been running the

The Red Dome Inn (left) is named for the picturesque Pike County Courthouse (right) that sits across the street from the restaurant. Photo by Christopher J. Young

restaurant for 32 years, although it has only been at the antique address since October 1, 1981.

Red brick, dark oak paneling, and a dish rail that displays a colorful variety of antique dinnerware surround the interior of the dining room. A glance upward reveals an authentic tin ceiling. Numerous paintings, photographs and drawings of the town's distinctive courthouse, some by local artists, decorate the walls. We were seated immediately but could not help noting that a wait, if necessary, could be time well spent perusing the huge breakfront in the restaurant lobby, which holds an impressive array of antique dishes.

House specialties are prime rib and the signature pork tenderloin sandwich. The menu is extensive, including many sandwich choices and dinners featuring beef, seafood, poultry, and pork. Both domestic and imported beers are available. There is an extensive wine list of imported and domestic wines, some of which are available for sale in the attached Wine Nook, where a number of Illinois and Missouri wineries are represented.

The telephone number is 217-285-6502.

Historically speaking, this has been a satisfying culinary journey. A little research will reveal many restaurants situated in buildings of some historical interest. Perhaps I have whetted your appetite for a future road trip of your own. Bon appétit!

A graduate of North Central College, Mary T. Ferone-Young currently resides in Palatine, Illinois.

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