The Best of Life’s ingredients isn’t just what we prepare in the kitchen, but in the ambiance as well. Careful consideration has gone in to the design and build-out of our space in order to offer an inviting atmosphere where family and friends can gather to slow down and enjoy each others company with great food and drinks.
With this in mind, the decor has revolved around an Italian influence; rich warm tones, textures found in nature and the warmth of fire. It is our greatest desire to create a gathering place for the city of Waukegan and those coming from near and far to relax in the comfort of our hospitality and service.
We are not a big corporation nor do we have a chain of restaurants. With one location at the corner of Grand and Sheridan in the heart of Waukegan, we are a family with a passion for food and intentional gathering.
When we began our journey we were looking for a space we could move into and transform. Along the way we have been guided to the city of Waukegan. Where we have met many wonderful people who have helped us with ideas and encouragement through the hurdles that come with any new venture.
One of our great finds was at an Antique show in Lake County, Kenyon Woodworking. Kenyon has an artistic passion and commitment to the environment, we knew having him make our community table would be a great fit.
After seeing the style of woodworking Kenyon displayed, we asked if he could make a rustic community table from reclaimed barn wood to compliment our vision for the restaurant. He knew exactly where to get the most authentic barn wood around…his family farm, which was built in 1898. The three pub tables are constructed with reclaimed oak and fir barn wood. The tabletops have a birch stripe down the middle that was acquired from Timeless Timber, a company that salvages logs originally cut in the 1800’s to early 1900’s.
This wood was discovered sunken at the bottom of Lake Superior. These logs were part of the nations virgin forests, and are far superior to any wood harvested today, both in strength, and beauty. We are thrilled to have this species of wood used to create our tables. What a wonderful natural resource available that serves a purpose without damaging our ever-decreasing forestry. You can learn more about “Timeless Timber” at their web site, TimelessTimber.com.
The dining tables, which are Crotch Mahogany veneer and bordered with Birdseye Maple, were originally made for and rejected by a restaurant in Chicago, for an unknown reason. Rather than see over one hundred thousand dollars worth of wood product go to waste, the woodworker held on to the tables hoping to find another solution. That solution was found when we mentioned to Kenyon that we had 40+ other tables needed for our dining room. Kenyon reworked the rejected tabletops into the beautiful tables we are grateful to dine at here at Fiamico.
Kenyon also created the benches, counter tops and cabinets to complete our project and give our restaurant the added value of handcraftsmanship.
According to the world famous woodworker, George Nakashima, “Trees can be given a prolonged life when turned into something of beauty that man can use for many years. “
We hope you enjoy the craftsmanship, attention to the environment and the atmosphere created here at Fiamico.