The Chef's Station Story

      Chef's Station is the result of over one year of planning, cleaning, decorating, construction and cooking. The exterior of downtown Evanston's historic commuter train station has been completely renewed in the style of a European Bistro. Faux paintings of happenings within the Bistro add an exciting dimension to the North Shore's largest outdoor dining area. Fifteen years of abandonment and neglect were carefully cleared, cleaned and rehabilitated. Much of the work was done by the owners and current wait staff of the restaurant. 

The restaurant's eclectic look is, to a large extent, the result of the utilization of found, donated, used or discounted materials, equipment, decor and object d'art. Under the office stairway is the founder's table displaying momentos from the owner. Just inside the red tiled area, behind the French doors, you will find our in-kitchen table for test dinners and special occasions. Near the tunnel entrance, you will find our cookbook library and retail waiting area.

Our menu features a changing array of ethnic sandwiches and classic soups and salads for lunch and a mix of specially created dinner entrees and side dishes that reflect the eclectic nature of the restaurant itself. Unlike most restaurants, we are willing and proud to share our recipes and kitchen secrets with you.  Look through our cookbook library in the retail waiting area and feel free to copy down a recipe.

Also, look for our weekend brunches ,such as the Sunday Jazz Brunch, and special cooking, food canning and preserving classes that will be presented from time to time.  We will be holding fun classes that will include a specially designed meal, demonstration and lecture.

Chef's Station is the creation of Peter Mills.  Peter Mills is the Creative Chef and owner of P.M. Productions and Mills Gourmet Theatre.  Peter originated The Set Gourmet Theatre on Lincoln Avenue in Chicago and co-created its first production, An Affair of State, a critically acclaimed gourmet play in eight courses.

Peter also created Dinner with the Dawes, the spectacular fantasy state dinner welcoming the Prince of George to America. This event was held at the Dawes Mansion, currently the home of the Evanston Historical Society.

P.M. Productions has catered events ranging from a 14 course dinner for Chicago's premier gourmet society at the Chicago Yacht Club, to a pizza party for 100 on the beach in New Buffalo, Michigan. Peter also produced the Village of Kenilworth's Centennial Celebration.