Cover Story: Star Voyager Has Docked in North Chicago [40 miles north of Chicago]
When you arrive at the Star Voyager Restaurant you will move into the latter part of the 23rd Century, as you enter the 8,000 square foot space station. Chicagoan Stewart Curry has landed this space station in North Chicago at 2311 Green Bay Road, 3/4 mile north of Route 137 (Buckley Rd). He plans for this to be ground zero for the next theme restaurant mega chain.
Star Voyager's modest store front hides its awesome interior of a science fiction-wares gift shop, exhibition corridor, science fiction computer game room, the "Star Bar" and two dining rooms with views of the galaxy. From the clean lines and curves, often expected on a 23rd Century space station, to the captain-like chairs, in which you can enjoy your dining experience, you will truly feel as though you are exploring space.
You may ask what prompted Curry to build a space theme restaurant. He says, "Space is hot. You have the 'Star Trek' spinoffs on TV, the re-release of the 'Star Wars' trilogy and movies coming out all the time about aliens that are big money makers. I didn't want anyone to steal the concept and open before I did. In fact, I actually wanted to be an astronaut," Curry adds, noting his true beginning of love for and interest in space travel.
The "space station," which opened about 6 months ago, serves up such intergalactic delicacies as barbecued ribs and chicken, a crab and shrimp cake, a Portobelo and spinach salad, salmon club sandwiches, and herb crusted whitefish. "What I'd like to emphasize most is that we have what is truly quality at attractive prices (meals are as little as $4.95!) in a great environment," emphasizes Curry.
People have asked Curry why a restaurant? "I wasn't thinking restaurant per se. I wanted to create a place people can come to that is a lot of fun. Yes, this is a restaurant. And I think even though it is in deep space, customers will want the same thing they want elsewhere: fresh, wholesome, good-tasting food and a classy presentation. But is is also an experience. You might say it is part Mardi Gras, but year round. If a family or Star Trek club wanted to come here dressed up, wonderful! They can have fun with it," he said. Part of the fun is following an ongoing story line wirtten by Curry and relating to Star Voyager. People can read it on the walls of Star Voyager's entry port. The story draws from the controversy over an alleged extra terrestrial crash near Corona and Roswell, N.M., in 1947.
Visit Star Voyager today and begin your journey through the galaxy! Tell them you saw it is What & Where Magazine.
My comments
I've been there several times with the family. Quite an enjoyable experience. A bit more expensive than I usually like to spend ($32 for two adults, two children for lunch -- still better than Planet Hollywood or The Rainforest Cafe), but the service is excellent, food great, and ambience other-worldly.
They do parties and the gift shop has some neat stuff (an R2D2 phone for $99, lots of mags, light saber TV remotes, etc.).
The photos on the magazine cover pictured above really were taken in the restaurant and the wait persons do wear what look like Federation uniforms. Even the restrooms are of a piece with the other decor (though I wonder if Captain Picard actually uses an American Standard porcelain convenience). I'm going to go back and get a few pictures, which I will post here soon.
The handicapped spaces in the parking lot have aliens in the wheelchair stencils.
There's a page here, but not much on it.
