On Nov. 1, St. Bessie's Bistro at 4515 N. Oakland Ave. in Shorewood became the North Star American Bistro. New owners Mike Stoner and Duffy O'Neil worked together in the restaurant industry for many years and jumped at the opportunity to open their own place.
The décor and menu is similar to Bessie's, with numerous tweaks and additions. "We've added extra entrees but kept some of the ones that were doing really well like the butternut squash ravioli and the crab cakes," says Stoner. "We've added a warm bacon Cobb, a flat-iron steak and a bunch of salads."
According to Stoner, St. Bessie's owners Tim and Beth Collins sold the restaurant because it didn't fit into their active lifestyle. The couple has three children and Tim Collins works a day job in Chicago.
"It just became too much for them," says Stoner.
As for the large gold cow that stood in St. Bessie's window ...
"We sent the cow on vacation," laughs Stoner. "We will rotate photos of her standing in front of famous landmarks. People are always asking about her, and we did send her away but we'll always have updates."
