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* The last two Saturday evenings, we were stunned to see that the parking lot was empty at the popular Ross Issac restaurant. After the second time, I turned the truck around and pulled up to the building. A posted sign said they were working on some equipment problems, but didn’t indicate a target reopening date.

Ross Isaac is an incredibly popular restaurant for Statehouse types, even if it is outside “the sandbox.” I like the place a lot and it has won at least one Golden Horseshoe.

* This morning, I received an e-mail from Sean Keeley, the chef/owner of the restaurant…

We had it rough last week getting things ready to reopen last night. There were rumors that we were closing for good, and I was hoping you could let your readers know we are excited to be back. I would greatly appreciate that so much, and I’d be happy to have you in to try some of the new items. We have a new menu and are planning our first Sunday brunch as well!

Thanks so much and take care, Sean Keeley

That’s a relief. And, finally, a decent brunch in Springfield. Great news all around.

And there’s no need to “have me in,” Sean. I’ll go on my own accord, and very soon. Maybe tonight. I’m pretty curious about the new menu.

* By the way, now that we’re on the topic of Springfield restaurants, I forgot to post the winner of our Golden Horseshoe Award for Best Political Restaurant in Springfield after voting ended. The winner was Sebastian’s, with Maldaner’s taking runner-up.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Jan 28, 14 @ 11:27 am

Comments

I kinda like the idea of a Rich Miller Friday Restaurant Review here as a regular feature in CapFax.

Comment by Cincinnatus Tuesday, Jan 28, 14 @ 11:36 am
I dunno, dude. Trying to shed some poundage.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Jan 28, 14 @ 11:55 am
I haven’t yet been but the Engrained brewery has started offering Sunday brunch. Springfield restaurants with consistently quality service and food are few and far between (to say the least). Engrained is one those, and I’m glad to spend my money there.

Thanks for the tip on Ross Isaac - I’ll head over there too.

Comment by Raymond Tuesday, Jan 28, 14 @ 11:57 am
Typical pork-laden pay-to-play from a statehouse insider
/snark off

Comment by PublicServant Tuesday, Jan 28, 14 @ 12:04 pm
I like the place too. The menu was ready for a freshening, so it will be interesting to see what that’s like. They do a nice job on soups in particular.

Comment by Excessively Rabid Tuesday, Jan 28, 14 @ 12:20 pm
Thanks for the update! Love that place! Yum!

Comment by Illini girl Tuesday, Jan 28, 14 @ 2:29 pm
A couple of other Sunday brunch spots have opened: LaCalia downtown is great, Andiamo now has cheap and good breakfast all weekend, and Cafe Brio too.

Comment by Likes to Eat Tuesday, Jan 28, 14 @ 4:14 pm