Back in 1993 when our family moved to Naperville, our new neighbors took us for our first social outing to Meson Sabika. That evening, seated in the corner at a six-top, owner Hossein Jamali graciously greeted us and welcomed us to his tapas restaurant in the historic mansion.
That experience was the first of hundreds over the years where our family has enjoyed the hospitality during many special occasions, bridal showers, birthday dinners and most recently take-out options.
Add to it numerous fundraising events, corporate meetings, anniversary receptions, Rotary meetings and installation dinners, and wine tastings for good causes, and we’ve lost count.
The constant for us throughout has been Jamali and his courteous, dedicated staff, whether we’re sitting at the bar, out on the patio or in one of eight charming dining rooms.
Toward the end of May, PN took photos of the spacious patio that was set in front of the mansion as outdoor dining was about to begin. The blue sky with the blue umbrellas and the blue awnings on the white mansion created a perfect picture for the Positively Naperville FB page as Naperville’s restaurant community prepared to open its patios for outdoor dining on May 29.
That’s when an exchange with Jamali provided some surprise news that will benefit his staff.
“Long ago we had a part-time bartender on weekends — his full-time job was an accountant,” Jamali said. “He called me and said since he really enjoyed working here, he wanted to help the staff, so he sent us a $5,000 check to divide as we see appropriate.”
The former bartender wants to remain anonymous, Jamali said, noting that the generous gift was a big boost considering the shutdown and all the changes that had been put into place since the state ordered restaurants to close in-door dining in mid-March.
Jamali also mentioned Meson Sabika has two full-time bartenders that have been with the restaurant for over 25 years, and that due to their loyalty, they became part owners 12 years ago.
Jamali went on to explain that on weekends or when one of the bartenders is off, he’s always needed a part-time bartender or one of the servers to take care of guests at the bar. For now, the bar inside the mansion remains closed.
“With all the safety concerns, it feels like opening a new restaurant and training the staff on the job,” said Jamali. “So we are all eyes for now.”
Curbside pickups and Doordash delivery will continue.
“Judging by today, there will be a lot less to-go orders now that the patio is open,” Jamali said optimistically.
–PN
