A Spot to Hit in Chicago
Tuesday, January 24th, 2006
Taking the train became an experience because of my new perspective gained from traveling in Latin America. The barriers that I had once only seen in a peripheral sense, those of language and culture, were no longer there. Instead the warm, friendly, casual ways of the Latin American people I experienced in Ecuador were now all around me on the redline train to downtown Chicago.
This new perspective led me to search out a new job. I found a man named Jon Young who was opening up two new restaurants. Jon had spent a few years in Mexico working and living. He has a vision for what a restaurant should be based on his experiences there. Jon’s philosophy is that his restaurant should be “a place where the social lifestyle is centered around the meal.” Not being in the habit of recommending restaurants to people, I find that I would be remiss if I didn’t recommend Volo to people visiting Chicago. It is a one of a kind place that will feed not only your body but nourish your appetite for living as well.
Steven Dunne and Jon Young are the partners who make this place special. They are both the kind of people one would hope to meet in another country when you are low on money, are having trouble with the language, and just need someone to treat you like you know what you are doing. (Not that they will pick up your check or anything)
The food at Volo does something different than ordinary fare. Steven Dunne is a chef that has trained without going to school. His food hits you sort of the same way that finding a work of art that you appreciate would. It’s good food to start with but there is something else that is satisfied that isn’t immediately identified. After thinking about it while I’ve come to the conclusion that it must be something Steven thinks about while riding his Harley, which sits outside, and then brings that with him to work which is then somehow infused in his food.
I’ve seen Steven offer to serve someone who wandered in his restaurant on his day off with the kitchen shut down while he was trying to find some peace and quiet. Jon, who speaks fluent Spanish, goes out of his way to make sure that your meal is to your liking. At one of his other restaurants I have watched him walk back into the kitchen on a busy day and personally remake a customers order and then take it to him while waiting to make sure it tasted right.
Volo is definitely a travelers spot. Steven has spent time cooking in France while Jon is rooted in South America. They both are passionate about great food, hospitality, and travel. If you have been to South America you might find something familiar and refreshing when you go. You can find links to a review of Volo at the top of the page and to the restaurant website at the bottom.
Jon