A Hidden Gen in Lake Forest- “The Brasserie”

***** I have driven to and through Lake Forest for years. One of my favorite theater companies, Citadel, is in Lake Forest, and yet, I was unaware of the dining room in the Deerpath Inn called “The Brasserie”. I knew a little about this quaint inn, and from what I understood, this was what one might call ” a hoity-toity” place in a very upscale North Shore Area, so one would think that any restaurant in that particular “hotel”/inn would be consistent with that.

Tonight, Jane and I took the ride to Lake Forest, after attending a brilliant movie in Highland Park ( the Wayfarer is a perfect spot to start an evening),just a hop skip and jump away. We found a parking space on Illinois Street, right at the door to the Deerpath Inn, and entered to see the busy lobby ( well, it was a Friday evening in a busy hotel) and saw the sign “Brasserie”. The hostess showed us to our table, just a few steps down. The room was bright, and with a view of the outside garden ( seating in warmer weather) with plenty of space, allowing the patrons to never feel crowded.

The menu was smaller than I anticipated, but the choices were perfect for almost any diner. We began the evening with a cocktail. Jane had a mimosa and I , my usual Vodka martini. Although we have been dieting, when the fresh home baked rolls were brought to the table, neither of us could resist. We would share one and use the whipped butter, leaving the second. However, the roll was too good to leave behind, and through a series of one more piece, we knocked off the second roll as well.

For our appetizer we selected the Smoked Trout & Crab Cake with pickled cucumber, grapefruit, aioli- delicious. We also decided to share their Chopped Salad ( romaine lettuce, bacon, cherry tomatoes, radish, herbs, boiled egg, avocado, blue cheese and oregano. There were add-on options of steak, shrimp, chicken or salmon, but we opted to eat as is. It was more than enough to share and we even saved half for tomorrow’s lunch.

Their dinner menu has several steaks, chicken and fish items as well as cottage pie and an amazing Brasserie Burger ( we took one of those home for Saturday, before the theater), and ordered the dinner for two, a Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb with fingerling potatoes and maple bathed carrots. The lamb came with a rosemary jus that was divine and the meat was as tender as I have ever had. The potatoes were “to die for” and I am glad we saved some of that for our week-end as well.

I enjoyed a cup of decaf while we waited to examine the “finish/dessert” items. We had watched many plates go by and one thing we are quite good at is seeing what others order and making mental notes. There were so many choices, but we had agreed to do only one ( and share) so we ordered the Sticky Toffee Pudding ( salted caramel sauce, vanilla ice cream and Macadamia Tuille). YOUM!  We were also surprised as every table was offered a sample of their butternut squash ( delicious) to try and as we left, a few home baked cookies for later enjoyment. By the way, that burger that we brought home was terrific. In fact, we plan on going back and have our own instead of sharing.

If you are familiar with Lake Forest, you may know of the Deerpath Inn and its dining, but it appears that they have redone the Brasserie and its menu, so you owe it to yourself, to taste the food and enjoy the ambiance. As you enter the dining room, you will find a beauty that will be an eye opener, with some wonderful works of art adorning their walls. The feeling is one you might have visiting an art gallery. You will find gracious dining, flavorful food at prices that will surprise you. The Brasserie is located in The Deerpath Inn at  255 E. Illinois Road in Lake Forest. Their hours are:

Breakfast : Monday-Friday 6 a.m.- 11 a.m.  Saturday and Sunday 6:30 a.m.- 11 a.m.

Lunch : Monday-Friday  11 a.m.- 3 p.m.   “Mid Afternoon” 3 p.m.- 5 p.m.

Dinner every day 5 p.m.- 10 p.m.

SATURDAY & SUNDAY BRUNCH- 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.

For a special dinner in a very special setting, the Deerpath Inn’s spectacular Brasserie is the perfect place. A beautiful setting, a wonderful menu, great service and a night to remember, the Brasserie is the perfect place.

You can reserve online at www.brasserie.com or phone 847-234-2280