210 In Highwood- revisited

Recommended *** I guess one could say, “still” as part of this rating, but I will tell you that now that 210 has been running for a while. it is not the quiet little spot in Highwood that it was last Summer. First of all, as I had mentioned back then, they have entertainment, and on week-ends, it is “Rock ‘n Roll”, so guess what? The place is loud and when the music starts, VERY LOUD! The months have passed and many North Shore diners have found this dormer bowling alley turned, Supper Club. 210 is a unique restaurant on Green Bay Road (where the restaurants start ) just north of route 22. A large building with a huge room that is divided into sections, all facing the western wall, which is the bandstand/stage area. There is also a dance floor, which I would assume, as the evening went on, would have been filled with the younger people. As far as ages, there was a great mix in the house. Jane and I tried to figure out an average, but it would have been impossible. FYI- as the music became louder, some of the older folks either moved from their tables to another location, or as Elvis would have said “Left the building”.

For our return, and only being the two of us, we ordered only ample portions for us and a tasting of menu items that we did not try on the first go-round. Being a “supper-club” atmosphere, the menu was divided in a unique and fitting way.  Set 1 (appetizers) we enjoyed the Hawaiian Tuna Poke (with guava and toasted macadamia nuts). One can see the freshness of the tuna, and the flavor was zesty. The other choice we selected as the Maryland crab cake- a very juicy one indeed in a special sauce that truly felt divine, on the crab and even alone.

We skipped the second set-salads, but they have a wonderful selection that will please everyone in your party. The Main act is the entrée of course and Jane selected the 210 Burger (USDA prime beef, tomato jam, Busia’s bread and butter pickles and Dante cheese. For her sides, the Beer Cornbread (which is hard to eat as is most corn bread, crumbling at the touch) and the Carmelized Brussel sprouts and hand =-cut fries. The sprouts tasted far better than they appeared, so do not judge the book by its cover. I went with the Bucatini Al Amatricana, a sort of spaghetti with breakfast sausage and other spices that is a winner. Tasty with great zest and if I did not have enough pasta, as my side, the Not Yo’ Mammas Mac ‘N Cheese ( I know my grandkids would be in heaven with this plate).

Our meals were never rushed and always served hot. The noise may have gotten to us as there was a birthday party in the area next to our table, and the band “The Petty Kings” setting up and the audio background music did get to us. Let’s face it, first time, brand new, cabaret singer with piano, a pleasant experience and a pure delight. Tonight, a filled house, jumping, younger, parties and “rock n’ roll” and I am over 70 years old (in years, not in life-style), so perhaps, if you want the best experience at 210 Restaurant, you might want to go on a week-night when they do have softer music in their beautiful room. The address is 210 Green Bar Road, in Highwood. website www.210restaurant.com. 847-433-0304