At least that’s what launched Iliana Regan.
In 2008, Regan began sprouting pea shoots in her pantry and by that summer, it evolved into a garden in Indiana and she was selling sprout wraps, soups and zucchini pancakes made fresh at an Indiana farmers market.
One week she arrived at the farmers market with beet pierogis, and they were a hit.
Within months, Regan’s creation landed on the shelves at Green Grocer.
The popularity of the pierogis took off, so has Regan’s cooking career.
“It started as a natural food company, and I designed the company myself,” Regan said. “It’s kind of a restaurant, garden, prepared foods company and catering company all in one.
“Sure, I was hoping the pierogis would take off, but I never expected it.”
She is working toward a restaurant, an avant garde restaurant, she said, with whimsical, traditional food.
Regan now runs a successful underground dining experience inside her northside apartment. She offers 10- to 15-course tasting meals up to six times per month for up to 12 people per session ($90 per person), served at a communal table.
“They are a lot of fun, with real interesting guests,” Regan said. “To hear some of the conversations [among the diners] is funny, from the birthing process to how to wash dogs.”
Regan has been hosting the popular, successful, elaborate underground dinners since last May, with hungry visitors ranging in age from 20 to 80-plus.
“There are some real cerebral people, [diners who are] truly taking in the food and everything to others who are just out for a unique meal experience,” she said.
Regan said gay men are about 15 percent of her clients, and she even offered a special Valentine’s Day special with two-top tables for more intimacy. Her most popular course has long been the detailed, music-involved Madhatter’s Tea Party.
Regan’s menus change regularly, and she always adapts and evolves the courses. Take, for instance, the short rib special she once offered. It tasted great, but was difficult to present in a glitzy manner, she admitted.
After all, Regan’s underground dining dinners are, in essence, her testing ground for a future restaurant. She doesn’t have the time, staff or funds, yet, to practice dishes repeatedly—as a restaurant does.
At least not yet.
THE STATS
Name
Iliana Regan
Neighborhood
Andersonville
Hometown
Merrillville, Ind.
Hobbies
Gardening, foraging, hiking, fishing and bicycle riding
Relationship status
Dating Tonya Pierce, 27
Pets
Three chihuahuas: Paris, Nick and Chloe
Favorite Chicago restaurant
Anteprima (in Andersonville)
Favorite Chicago bar
Hopleaf (in Uptown)
Tattoos
Has a full sleeve on her left arm, three on her right arm, plus one on her chest, back and neck
Web site
www.onesisterinc.com