Dine Under A Gargantuan Tree In Illinois When You Visit Medici
By Melissa Mahoney|Published January 21, 2022
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and have a deep love for photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream!
There are certain restaurants that stand out from the rest. Whether it’s the food, the ambiance, the service, the location, or all of the above, there are reasons for a restaurant’s popularity. If you have ever wanted to dine under a tree in Illinois, there is one distinctive eatery in Normal you will want to check out.
Located in Normal, Medici is a contemporary American restaurant that's been open since 2008. It offers delectable fare in a stunning two-floor space filled with tables and chairs made from wood grown on the owner's tree farm. The delightful ambiance is second-to-none as well and there's a unique feature you won't find at any other eatery in the state.
Inside this elegant restaurant is a 30-foot-tall mulberry tree that was found right there on-site and became the centerpiece of Medici. This awe-inspiring tree is certainly something to marvel at as you dine.
With its height, the mulberry tree towers through the atrium and can be seen by diners on the restaurant's second floor. It brings a sense of being outdoors while dining inside.
Aside from the unique atmosphere and tree, the delicious food is worth mentioning as well. Serving both dinner and lunch, you can enjoy a wide selection of delectable Italian and American cuisine from burgers and sandwiches to pasta, steaks, and even jambalaya.
Pizza is also a big deal around here. Cooked in a stone oven, choose a pan or stone-style pizza. There are several one-of-a-kind pizzas offered here like fig truffle, chicken ranch, and short rib if you want to try something a bit different than what's offered at other places.
On Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., brunch is available at Medici. Aside from the regular lunch menu, there is also a selection of egg dishes and a breakfast pizza.