December 2014-
Visiting pilots can go full-immersion at two of the area’s best aviation-themed restaurants, plus so much more.
Unless you live in the loosely defined geographical area that includes the city of Chicago and its many suburbs called “Chicagoland,” chances are pretty good that when you think about this great American city, images of deep dish pizza, “Da Bears,” Michael Jordan and subzero temperatures come to mind.
But strip away all of the things you think you know about Chicago and you’ll find the area is rich in aviation history. If you go back to 1926 and look skyward along the shores of Lake Michigan, you might see Charles A. Lindbergh piloting the first flight of a new 278-mile contract airmail route between St. Louis and Chicago’s Maywood Field in a modified war surplus de Havilland DH-4 biplane.
All pilots love a good restaurant
There seems to be no difference between a Citation pilot and one who lopes along over the rolling countryside in a Piper Cub—except, maybe, the price of the hamburger. We all savor any airport restaurant, and the more aviation decorations and artifacts they have on the walls or hanging from the rafters, the better we like it. Give us a view of the ramp and runway, or seat us under a gigantic image of Amelia Earhart, and we might never leave.
It’s this kind of ambiance that makes PM Prime steak house and Pilot Pete’s Restaurant and Bar a perfect one-two punch for anyone looking to experience some of the finest edible aviation enjoyment in the Chicagoland area.
This pair of aviation-themed eateries is as different as they are similar, and both will offer transient pilots unique dining options that should not be missed. Add popular nearby attractions such as aviation museums, professional sports events and theme parks, and a visit here starts to really come together as a great family destination.
PM Prime
Your Chicagoland visit can start with a leisurely dining experience at what many describe as the best and most accurate recreation of a vintage aviator’s club. Stephen Platcow, PM Prime’s “chief experience officer,” is a commercial and instrument rated pilot who currently owns a 1978 Cessna Chancellor 414A.
The luxury restaurant features over 200 images from Platcow’s personal memorabilia collection, and the aviation theme of PM Prime has been a lifetime work in progress for Platcow. “I’ve been collecting these photographs since I was 10 years old,” he explains. “When I was a child, I would send letters requesting the photos, so many of these were given to me back in the 1970s. Some photographs are original and only exist in my collection, such as photos signed by Gene Kranz and Buzz Aldrin.” On every wall are oversized images of the most important aviators the world has ever known.
While the restaurant gets very high ratings at all the usual review sites, if you flew in just to visit PM Prime, the ambiance alone will be worth the price of the seriously high-end steaks and other choices on its extensive dinner menu.
When you dig into the backstory of PM Prime, it’s clear Platcow is not unlike the rest of us aviators: he wants to reach out to the nonflying public and nudge them to come explore his world. It’s this yearning to make a connection between aviators and those who do not enjoy our privileges that fuels most everything Platcow has done with the steak house’s themed design.
“I wanted to celebrate the spirit of human achievement in science, and aviation is dear to my heart,” Platcow said. “I’m tremendously gratified to see our customers take significant interest in discovery of who the people are in the photographs while learning of their accomplishments. Our staff constantly reminds people that we first took flight in 1903, and a mere 66 years later, the United States landed on the moon.
“Overall, response to the aviation theme has been very positive. From day one, our goal was to use the theme of the restaurant and its imagery to further inspire our guests to pursue excellence in their own lives—even the name ‘PM Prime’ conjures up a feeling of triumph and success.
“In addition, from what we have heard from several customers, the theme has rekindled their interest in aviation.” Numerous customers have told Platcow that their thought of earning their pilot’s license might have been inspired after a meal with Doolittle, Lindy and Amelia at PM Prime.
“First and foremost, of course, we are a restaurant, and the ultimate goal is to provide a world-class destination for fine dining enthusiasts,” he said. “But this is also an expression of my love of flying, and I hope to spark some enthusiasm in aviation among the general public.”
The steak house offers premium cuts of the finest traditional steaks—Porterhouse, New York Strip, filet mignon—all chosen by executive chef Dominic Zumpano from USDA Prime or domestic Wagyu beef sourced from a cattle ranch in northern California.
The produce to accompany the restaurant’s signature steaks comes from local farmers to ensure its freshness, and everything is made from scratch, right down to the steak sauce.
“My love of aviation goes back to my earliest childhood memories,” Platcow explains, “whether it was seeing the wondrous airliners descend into O’Hare, or watching the Apollo moon-landing missions on television. If you meet me at work or at a party, it won’t be long until you know of my passion for flying.
“With PM Prime, I feel we have created a natural starting point—a launching pad, if you will—for talking about aviation. I love to see our guests come in and browse the photographs as if they are in a museum.”
Platcow continues, “We have a picture of Chuck Yeager, one of the greatest pilots who ever lived. Just seeing that image started a delightful 10-minute conversation with a gentleman who flew first in the military, and later for one of the large commercial airlines.
“I had one of those ‘I love my job!’ moments. Here I am, talking to a true hero, someone who served our country, who has done all the things as I pilot I can barely even imagine.
“I don’t get awestruck easily, but I certainly did in this instance. I was honored to meet him, to get to know him a little bit, and to have him as guest in our restaurant.”
And for any aviator who becomes immersed in Platcow’s world, where yesterday’s epic aviation accomplishments meet today’s culinary excellence, it’s bound to make the steaks taste that much better.
Pilot Pete’s
After you have spent the next day touring the city’s many attractions, it’s time to head back to Schaumburg Regional Airport (06C) for a more casual aviation meal at Pilot Pete’s, which overlooks the ramp and runway—just as any true airport restaurant should.
John Minginas of Pilot Pete’s says while there might not be a real “Pilot Pete” greeting you, you’ll certain feel his presence when you walk in the door. “‘Pilot Pete’ is a figure that flies around the world, visits different countries to discover recipes and brings them back to the airport so we can make them for our guests,” Minginas said.
“We love seeing guests flying in to dine here… it’s a win-win. We get the business, and our guests enjoy a great view of the ramp and the airport to watch planes in action.” Minginas adds, “Guests must try our pot roast and our all-you-can-eat famous fish fry every Wednesday and Friday.
The restaurant offers such items as their signature “pan bakes” and soups made fresh daily, along with a seasonal menu that changes often.
Pilot Pete’s is filled with plenty of photos, postcards and aviation memorabilia from Pilot Pete’s mythical travels. The dining room offers a panoramic view of the Schaumburg Airport runway where guests can watch the air and ramp traffic. Expect to see plenty of private and business aircraft, the local news channel helicopters, and even some warbirds that frequently stop at 06C.
And while Pilot Pete’s has won numerous awards, one honor stands out. According to John Purner, author of “The $100 Hamburger” airport restaurant guidebook (now in its 4th edition) and 100dollarhamburger.com, this restaurant has been voted the “Best of the Best” by visitors of the website for the last five years.
Where to stay
One of the best recommendations for lodging options in the Schaumburg area comes from local pilot and aviation photographer H. Michael Miley, who said Lynfred Winery bed-and-breakfast is convenient and would make a great home base for Chicagoland aviation outings. The B&B features suites themed to many of the world’s greatest wine growing regions, such as the Italian countryside, a French chateau, Bavarian Germany and turn-of-the-century America.
Lynfred, located in Roselle, Ill., is “a place to nourish your body, mind and soul with a relaxing combination of fine dining and elegant accommodations,” as described on TripAdvisor.com. B&B guests may enjoy a special wine cellar tour, sensational breads from Lynfred’s wood-burning oven, freshly squeezed juices and many other specialties.
“We love pilots,” said Christina Anderson-Heller, Lynfred’s marketing director. And if you mention this article, they will offer visiting aviators the same level of discounts given to longtime Wine Club members.
A second lodging option recommended by PM Prime’s Stephen Platcow is The Deer Path Inn, 30 miles north of Chicago in Lake Forest, Ill. The Tudor style inn was built in 1929 as a popular pastoral retreat for Chicagoans. Its distinctive architecture is modeled after a mid-15th century manor house in Chiddingstone, Kent, England, and details like large stone fireplaces, leaded windows and beamed ceilings give this exquisite inn its air of authenticity.
As a way to reach out to transient pilots, Deer Path Inn’s managers have developed a special offer in appreciation of pilots and the aviation industry. The package includes a discounted deluxe suite, a welcome amenity and a $40 credit to any of its on-site food and beverage outlets. Just ask for the Call Sign DPI special when booking.
Getting there
There are two General Aviation-friendly airports in the Chicago metro area that locals recommend. The first (and most convenient to visiting PM Prime) is Chicago Executive Airport (KPWK, formerly known as Palwaukee Municipal Airport) which has six available runways. (This is, after all the “Windy City!”) The airport has ILS/LOC, RNAV and VOR instrument approaches.
There are three major-chain FBOs at Chicago Executive, and while rental cars and all expected ramp services are offered, you will pay at the truck—fuel prices here are significantly higher than at your second option, Schaumburg Regional Airport (06C).
At 06C, you’ll find fewer corporate jets using its 3,800 x 100 foot runway, and there are no published instrument procedures available. The FBO on the field, Northwest Flyers, offers self-serve fuel as much as $1.50 less per gallon than the full-service fuel at KPWK, and they can arrange Enterprise rental cars with one or more days’ notice.
Other area activities
In between your meals at PM Prime and Pilot Pete’s, you can spend time at several area attractions—some aviation-themed, and others providing good old-fashioned family fun.
At the Air Classics Aviation Museum located at Aurora Municipal Airport (KARR) in Sugar Grove, Ill., expect to see airplanes such as the A-7E Corsair II, F-105 Thunderchief, F-4 Phantom, North American RF-86F and Grumman F4F-3 Wildcat.
While not strictly aviation-related, the Adler Planetarium is always a popular stop for adults and children. Platcow recommends its “Undiscovered Worlds” show, which tells about the discovery of hundreds of new planets (called exoplanets) that orbit other stars, and examines what will be required to determine if any of these new planets can support life.
If you like professional sports, you can easily overdose in Chicagoland, with games played throughout the year by some of the most well-known teams in the United States. Get tickets to a Bears, Bulls or Blackhawks game, or head over to Wrigley Field or the new Comiskey Park/U.S. Cellular Field to unwind for a few innings of Cubs or White Sox baseball.
And of course, a trip to Six Flags Great America could be the highlight of any family trip, with extreme thrill rides and family-friendly rides offering all-ages fun. Defy gravity on the park’s groundbreaking “wing coaster,” X Flight; or experience “unreal acceleration from 0 to 70 in four seconds” on Vertical Velocity, said to be “a two-pronged assault on your senses,” according to Six Flags’ website. If you’re still seeking even more thrills than these, dare yourself to freefall on the Giant Drop, which lifts you 227 feet into the sky before sending you back to earth.
At the heart of a trip you should be planning now is the area’s—and maybe the world’s—best vintage-style aviator’s club, PM Prime. When you add in the other aviation attractions in the Chicagoland area, your full-fledged aviation vacation starts to become a reality.
If you are going to be on your way to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015 next summer, maybe you should consider working on the boss for a few extra days off. Start flight planning for a full stop in Chicagoland, a place filled with tasty aviation history.
Dan Pimentel has worked in journalism and graphic design since 1979, and is the president and creative director of Celeste/Daniels Advertising and Design (celestedaniels.com). He’s an instrument-rated private pilot and has been writing the Airplanista Aviation Blog (airplanista.com) since 2005. You can find him on Twitter as @Av8rdan. Send questions or comments to editor@www.piperflyer.com.
RESOURCES >>>>>
Dining
PM Prime
pmprimesteak.com
(847) 433-0600
Pilot Pete’s Restaurant and Bar
pilot-petes.com
(847) 891-5100
Accommodations
Lynfred Winery B&B
(mention this article for a discount)
lynfredwinery.com
(630) 529-9463
The Deer Path Inn
(ask for the Call Sign DPI special)
dpihotel.com
(847) 234-2280
Airport Info
Chicago Executive Airport (KPWK)
chiexec.com
Schaumburg Regional Airport (06C)
ci.schaumburg.il.us/trans/airport1
Aviation fuel
Northwest Flyers, Inc. (06C)
northwestflyers.com
(847) 985-9778
Attractions
Air Classics Aviation Museum
airclassicsmuseum.org
(630) 466-0888
Adler Planetarium
adlerplanetarium.org
(312) 922-7827
Six Flags Great America
sixflags.com/greatamerica
(847) 249-4636
