In the two months since introducing its new menu, The House has seen sales jump 180 percent.

“Our quality of life is affected by the food we eat,” said Charles Jorensen, new chef at The House, 263 E. Lincoln Highway.

Jorensen collaborated with Sven Hansen, owner of The House, to create the new World Bistro menu, which features dishes that blend cultures and traditional favorites from around the world.

“We want to take people to the next level, and our new menu paves the way for great changes to take place in our bistro and in the community,” Hansen said.

A restaurant favorite is the teriyaki ginger grilled salmon. It consists of copper river salmon, served with shiitake mushrooms and pickled garlic on a purple potato pancake.

Jorensen said ingredients from all over the world go into each dish on the constantly evolving menu.

“With a change in the seasons, the availability of ingredients changes, making the dining experience ever-changing,” he said.

Jorensen rarely uses recipes, but said he understands the balance of herbs and spices in the food he is preparing.

“Cooking is an art form. As an artist paints on canvas, I use the food to make something that is original,” he said.

Lauren Woods, owner of Cracker Jax, 113 N. Third St., frequently dines at The House.

“There are a lot of items on the menu that you can’t get anywhere else in town,” she said.

The new World Bistro menu does not neglect vegetarians and vegans.

Vegan and vegetarian options represent many non-traditional food and beverages on the menu, Jorensen said.

Jorensen, a DeKalb resident, brings 25 years of experience from across the world to the restaurant.

“The advantage of bringing my experience to The House is that I am able to make food for my neighbors,” Jorensen said. “I am able to work locally, without lowering the quality of food, making The House as admirable as a five-diamond resort.”

The House is known as a well-rounded local entertainment venue.

“Aki Hashimoto, a local pianist, brings her gift of music to the bistro daily,” Jorensen said. “This is truly a culturally enriching place.”

The way that The House can transform from a coffee shop, to a restaurant serving dinner, to holding a concert, is something rarely seen in local communities, Jorensen said.