Find New Orleans in Highland Park- “Bluegrass”

[rating=5] We have all heard the expression, “A destination” in regards to a business. Over the years, we have been to all types of businesses where we would never expect to find what we found in that particular area. This is also true when it comes to dining. Last month, we experienced a wonderful Italian dining spot in Richmond Illinois, We also found another in Lincoln Park that we had never seen anything like and tonight, just 8 minutes from our home, we discovered New Orleans dining in Highland Park. The restaurant is called Bluegrass and is owned by  Joni and Jim Lederer. The Lederers’ have a solid background in restaurants and know how to please people. Jim has been with major players in the industry and settled on what he calls a friendly neighborhood space with American flare and Bluegrass blends with a little southern influence. I will tell you this, if you like the New Orleans flavors, you will find happiness at 1636 Old Deerfield Rd in Highland Park.

Jane and I brought our photographer, Barry and his wife for the experience. It turns out they had been here before but only had a few items off the huge menu offered. They have daily specials of course, but since I never know what day you might venture off to the North Shore, I try to stay on the straight and narrow. I will say that Bluegrass is easily a “shareable” menu allowing everyone to try things that they may not attempt otherwise. Our server, Christian, truly knows the menu and made sure that we did not order anything that would take our breath away ( from being spicy). Thank you Christian!

We began our meal with some appetizers. We had a 1/2 slab of BBQ ribs ( a great way to try without a full commitment). FYI-The ribs are dry rubbed and only smoked daily for 3 1/2 hours with hickory and mesquite woods. Truly delicious and the sauce has the perfect tang. If you order the dinner portion, the sides are peanut brittle baked beans and tater 6’ers.We also had the tuna tartar and if you notice, there is a fish in a bowl as part of the service. He did not pose easily for the shot, but Barry got it!. The third item was  The pulled pork taster. One can tell that this meat had been smoked to perfection ( as were the ribs) and the flavor on the pork is dynamite.

For our entree’s we decided to do the things that are popular: The Key West salad: fresh lump crab meat and shrimp, avocados, tomatoes, crisp greens, chives tossed in a lemon vinaigrette. They split it for us into two bowls and all four of us were able to partake from one salad. Again, this menu is easy to share allowing each diner to gather the flavors assembled by the kitchen at Bluegrass. The others were the Crawfish Etouffee ( crawfish smothered in the classic sauce of seafood stock and roux), The Jambalaya ( a classic of Andouille and chicken slow simmered with spices and peppers and you can add shrimp to complete the dish) and just to show America that we care, one of my favorite items anywhere, the Bluegrass Burger (certified Angus beef, 1/2 pound with some great fries. We also did some other sides Corn Pudding and smoked cheddar grits. There are so many other choices that we figured if we came every day for two weeks, never ordering exactly the same, we might get to try it all.

By the way, they do have soups- Gumbo and French Onion, both terrific and available as a shot ( a small cup filled with flavor and taste) that will leave you wanting to come back and try the other.

Desserts were very special. Bananas Foster ( a delightful tradition that is easily shared by 4 and then guess what? we topped it off with some chocolate chip bread putting ( to die for). We were all fully satisfied with our experience and know that once we found this amazing restaurant we will be back ( often). 8 Minutes and we were parked.

Bluegrass is a fun place with caring ownership and staff. There are spots to dine outside ( weather permitting) and plenty of space indoors. They have a full bar and some very special wine choices.

They are open for dinner:

Tuesday-Thursdays  5 p.m.- 8 p.m.

Fridays  5 p.m.- 8:30 p.m.

Saturdays 4:30-8:30 p.m.

Lunch

Tuesday-Friday 11:30 am- 2 p.m.

for reservations call 847-831-0595 or visit www.bluegrasshp.com where you can view the menu and even place orders for pick-up for home ( or even Ravinia when in season)