Windows Restaurant is a full service, upscale restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner 364 days a year. Fine dining with an informal attitude aptly describes us.

The menus at Windows and the Banquet Center speak for themselves. Windows takes the Old World approach with fresh, top quality food prepared by trained chefs using proven culinary methods. From steak and eggs to the Tuscan chop, all of our meats, vegetables and dry goods are chosen for their freshness and quality.

Windows Restaurant

Ensuring your dining experience is enjoyable is Executive Chef Jeff Fairbanks.

“One of the greatest privileges of my life was to be mentored by Brian Kalata, an accomplished Chef in his own right from Buffalo, New York and Instructor with The Culinary Institute of America,” says Jeff.

Chef Jeff Fairbanks

For the past 5 years Jeff has been creating memorable culinary experiences along with the rest of the team, that has been bringing local guests as well as our tourist friends back time and time again.

Constantly evolving over the past 24yrs., Jeff’s approach to cooking is twofold: “Haute Cuisine” and “low-country cuisine.” Jeff refers to Haute Cuisine as high-end elevated cooking which showcases flavors and textures. This can be found in the Resort’s special dishes, including the freshest seafood preparations and hand-cut filet mignon using Certified Angus Beef. When Jeff refers to low-country cuisine he points to standard, traditional comfort foods – “favorites, like your Grandmother cooked for you.” He especially takes pride in the Resort’s fried chicken and other wild game dishes, which have become signature favorites. He includes what he calls “the best breakfast menu in southern Illinois,” within this category.

His goals toward food preparation and presentation are straightforward and to the point: “I take special pride in quality and consistency. The biggest reward for me is providing a meal that someone enjoyed so much, they want to come back again. From casual to fine dining, I want to be all things to all people."

Jeff adds, “We are here to provide the best culinary experience for our guests, whether they come here to dine locally, or they’re here to enjoy a get-away, vacation or business event. When it comes to special events such as weddings, we make sure we not only meet but exceed the expectations that our customers ask for."

Jeff says he experiments 24-7 and is continuously looking for the newest signature dish that will stand out. “My main goal is to keep getting better . . . to strive for perfection.”

Jeff currently lives in Christopher with his wife and two sons. “I love southern Illinois and have no plans of ever leaving this area. I invite everyone to come and visit us at the Resort and truly experience our slogan – “Life . . . the way it should be.”

St. Louis Cardinal and Hall of Famer
Red Schoendienst (center) enjoys a meal at Windows.

Beautiful sunsets, crisp mornings, sunny afternoons, the outdoor deck cannot be beat for a relaxing repast of sandwiches, fresh seafood, hand cut steaks and chops, original pasta dishes and killer dessets (not literally): it's all part of the Rend Lake experience.

Reilly's Lounge

The Resort also offers a seafood buffet on Friday nights (Starting April 17-November), and an all you can eat fried chicken buffet every Sunday afternoon. More casual dining is also available at Reilly's Lounge where you can enjoy the best Buffalo Wings in southern Illinois while catching your favorite team on one of four televisions.

For more information about fine foods and excellent dining, see our:

• Windows Menus
• Banquet Menu and Info
• Wedding Catering Menu