RED POPPY BISTRO
The Red Poppy Bistro will re-open in the Spring of 2021 after a large expansion.
* Red Poppy Bistro is reinventing dining with dinners by pre-reservation only beginning in February 2022. Visit their website for details.* The Red Poppy Bistro is on track to reopen in the Spring of 2021 at 109 E. Highland Avenue. The newly expanded European bistro specializes in Polish, French and German food, as well as coffee and tea. Owned by husband and wife team, Matthew (Matt) Habib and Jennifer Polit, The Red Poppy Bistro has become well known for their homemade quiches, crepes, custard French toast, pot pies, pierogi and gravlax.
“Our atmosphere is cozy and relaxed, with Grandma’s home cooking.” says owner Matt. Customers can expect to be wowed by the uniqueness and history of the building, while eating great food and enjoying the views from the huge windows, or outdoor seating. Matt adds, “Downtown Elgin has a ton of activity and beautiful architecture. This is our community and we love it! It’s a big city, but still has small town charm.” On a nice day, visitors can come get a great meal then take a walk to explore all the hidden gems and shops around town. Matt and Jen are also proud to partner with local businesses. For instance, all of their bread and pastry products are baked fresh daily from Herb’s Bakery in Elgin. There’s nothing better than warm, fresh baked bread from a local baker!
Homemade specialties are the heart of the Red Poppy Bistro.
Matt and Jen have been in the restaurant business all their lives, by default. The original Red Poppy was owned by Jen’s mother, Zofia. She was a Polish immigrant who came to America, to escape communist Poland in the 60s, and eventually open her Red Poppy shop in Chicago. Matt’s Grandfather owned a donut shop in Chicago, which he spent his childhood at, along with his mother Elizabeth who taught Matt how to cook at home. Jen grew up cooking and learning the inner workings of the restaurant business from a young age. Matt and Jen’s years of experience and passion for creating flavorful, authentic dishes has earned them a loyal following of customers.
Everything served at The Red Poppy Bistro will be as authentic as possible, and of course homemade. “Grandma Zofia taught me how to make these dishes, and if I screw them up, she’s still right here to let me know I’m doing it wrong — and she certainly isn’t a shy woman!” adds Matt. He’s serious about authenticity and tradition! Matt says the best compliment they ever received was from a customer who said “When I eat this food, in this place, I feel like I’m 5-years-old again, sitting at my grandma’s kitchen table, eating a Sunday meal.”
RED POPPY BISTRO
* Red Poppy Bistro is reinventing dining with dinners by pre-reservation only beginning in February 2022. Visit their website for details.* The Red Poppy Bistro is on track to reopen in the Spring of 2021 at 109 E. Highland Avenue. The newly expanded European bistro specializes in Polish, French and German food, as well as coffee and tea. Owned by husband and wife team, Matthew (Matt) Habib and Jennifer Polit, The Red Poppy Bistro has become well known for their homemade quiches, crepes, custard French toast, pot pies, pierogi and gravlax.
The Red Poppy Bistro will re-open in the Spring of 2021 after a large expansion.
“Our atmosphere is cozy and relaxed, with Grandma’s home cooking.” says owner Matt. Customers can expect to be wowed by the uniqueness and history of the building, while eating great food and enjoying the views from the huge windows, or outdoor seating. Habib adds, “Downtown Elgin has a ton of activity and beautiful architecture. This is our community and we love it! It’s a big city, but still has small town charm.” On a nice day, visitors can come get a great meal then take a walk to explore all the hidden gems and shops around town. Matt and Jen are also proud to partner with local businesses. For instance, all of their bread and pastry products are baked fresh daily from Herb’s Bakery in Elgin. There’s nothing better than warm, fresh baked bread from a local baker!
Matt and Jen have been in the restaurant business all their lives, by default. The original Red Poppy was owned by Jen’s mother, Zofia. She was a Polish immigrant who came to America, to escape communist Poland in the 60s, and eventually open her Red Poppy shop in Chicago. Matt’s Grandfather owned a donut shop in Chicago, which he spent his childhood at, along with his mother Elizabeth who taught Matt how to cook at home. Jen grew up cooking and learning the inner workings of the restaurant business from a young age. Matt and Jen’s years of experience and passion for creating flavorful, authentic dishes has earned them a loyal following of customers.
Homemade specialties are the heart of the Red Poppy Bistro.
Everything served at The Red Poppy Bistro will be as authentic as possible, and of course homemade. “Grandma Zofia taught me how to make these dishes, and if I screw them up, she’s still right here to let me know I’m doing it wrong — and she certainly isn’t a shy woman!” adds Matt. He’s serious about authenticity and tradition! Matt says the best compliment they ever received was from a customer who said “When I eat this food, in this place, I feel like I’m 5-years-old again, sitting at my grandma’s kitchen table, eating a Sunday meal.”
