Pop-Up Restaurant Featuring Asian Carp Opens in Elgin

ELGIN, Ill. — With a mission to help local families in need and expand local food options, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) today partnered with elected officials and local organizations to host a pop-up restaurant in downtown Elgin.

Presented by State Sen. Cristina Castro and State Rep. Anna Moeller and cohosted by the Elgin-based Dream Hall, the pop-up restaurant was open to local residents, food industry professionals, businesses and organizations and featured Asian carp cooking demonstrations and tastings.

"The day was devoted to feeding our hungry residents, assisting startup businesses, and allowing the general public to explore a healthy new tasting experience," said Castro, who represents the 22nd Senate District. "Everyone was surprised not only by Asian carp's pleasant taste, but also how healthy it is."

"These are troubling times for everyone, but those with the least economic means are suffering the most," said Moeller, who represents 43rd Legislative District. "We are proud and honored to present this wonderful opportunity to Elgin residents."

Following the demonstrations, Asian carp meals were delivered to families in need at the Elgin Cooperative Ministry's Saturday Soup Kettle and to those sheltering at the Community Crisis Center. As at previous Asian carp events, the fish were prepared by culinary expert and Executive Chef Chris Koetke.

"Asian carp's versatility is really under-appreciated," Koetke noted. "The possibilities are endless due to Asian carp's availability and mild taste, which has the potential to make it a popular menu item at both 5-star restaurants and corner pubs alike."

The event also kicked off a new public-private partnership between the IDNR and Dream Hall.

"Our goal is to continue working with pop-up restaurants at the Dream Hall by providing them with ready access to Asian carp, a blueprint that can be replicated throughout the state," said Colleen Callahan, director, IDNR. "The business owners in attendance today expressed their desire to add an environmentally-friendly, sustainable food product to their menus and we're happy to help make those connections. Ultimately, we expect our Asian carp initiative to directly support up to 70 private sector jobs, and indirectly support hundreds more."

Kevin Echevarria, CEO and founder of the Dream Hall and its umbrella group, Dream HUB, donated the space for the pop-up event.

"We are thrilled to play a role in helping a new product like Asian carp hit the marketplace," Echevarria said. "For many years, we have been mostly known for our work at Dream Kitchen, our incubator kitchen spoke. Today, we are a full service HUB that connects innovators, growers, producers, seller, and consumers to positively impact the communities we serve."