Lemon Tree Opens in Chicago Burbs

A new neighborhood “food emporium” has opened in the western Chicago suburb of Downers Grove.

Open since Aug. 13, Lemon Tree Grocer planned to host an official grand opening on Friday. Located in downtown Downers Grove across from the commuter train station, the market features a full-service sandwich and salad bar; fresh, flown-in seafood; one of the last “journeyman” butcher counters; handmade sushi; and a full menu of chef-prepared meals. Lemon Tree also features an extensive artisan cheese selection and a barista serving coffee and espresso. The produce is an assortment of locally grown goods, procured by owners Tim Canning and Shaun Black, along with exotic international offerings.

Lemon Tree has seven culinary graduate chefs on site to create to-go gourmet meals seven days a week, including such entrees as red wine-braised Colorado-raised short ribs with horseradish whipped potatoes and crisp green beans. Lemon Tree also offers more than 750 wines – many under $10 – and more than 100 microbrewed beers.

Canning and Black have more than 25 years of experience in the foodservice business. Canning, a formally trained chef, runs the day-to-day operations of the store. Black is owner of the International Produce Exchange, which also serves as the Chicago office of Sunterra, a national produce brokerage firm.

Lemon Tree Grocer is open seven days a week. More information is at www.lemontreegrocer.com.