“Bowled Over in Highwood”

[rating=5] For many years, Highwood has been a favorite dining spot for the North Shore. Going back in time, and I mean truly “back”, Highwood was the first spot on the North Shore where alcohol could be served with dinner. Yes, from Howard street, North, the North Shore was “dry”. The building located at 210 Green Bay Road was a special space, a bowling center that also had food and beverages. Bowling is no longer in vogue and in particular, the small neighborhood lanes have given way to the “amusement-type” centers (bowling, pool, and lazer tag along with game rooms).

The unique building located in Highwood, while it is no longer a bowling lane will still give you a special feeling- in fact, our dining experience “bowled us over”. The restaurant is called 210 Restaurant & Live Music Lounge with live entertainment on Wednesdays thru Saturdays- amazing layout and very close to the “supper clubs of yesteryear”. In fact, it may stir up some great memories from your past! We chose a mid-week night to taste the menu that chef/owner Jeff Tomchek has put together. Because of the “supper club atmosphere”, the menu reads a little different from the usual restaurant.

Jane and I were joined by the Segals, Barry and Casey, to partake, which allows us to try many different items and tastes. The first course is called First Set ( which is what musicians would call it). We selected the Sweet Corn Tamales( some of the best corn tamales I have tasted), the Hawaiian Tuna Poke with toasted macadamia nuts (“to die for”), Bacon Wrapped Dates ( Jane and I adored these flavorful appetizers), Korean Chicken Wings ( Casey’s favorites) and the Deviled Eggs with Chives, Capers and  Lox ( this is something that I love). Barry also enjoyed a bowl of the Chicken Vegetable Soup (very flavorful and not salty).

As we enjoyed our appetizers, we also enjoyed the vocalist Spider Saloff accompanied by Tommy Muellner as they entertained us in this sparkling room. She plays the Chicago Cabaret Scene on a regular basis and it appears that she will be a regular in Highwood . Their show-time calendar is Wednesday and Thursday 7-10

Friday and Saturday  9- 12:30

Sundays  7:30- 10:30

check out schedule at www.210restaurant.com

We enjoyed a wedge salad along with Roast Beets with bean hummus and an amazing Watermelon Salad with Feta ,kalamata olives and oregano  as our second set and then the music truly began to ring out- The Main Act!!! The Baby Back Ribs, dry rub and pit smoked were delicious! In fact, as good as you will find on the North Shore, for sure! The Roast Scottish Salmon with corn mashed potatoes was a delight and the Lake Perch sandwich much better than anticipated. There were many more selections that we were tempted to try, but portions being what they are, there was no room for any more to dine on if we were to taste the deserts that were on their way. By the way, as accompaniments we enjoyed the “not yo’ mamma’s mac & cheese (tasty stuff), Frillman Farm’s Zucchini and an absolutely divine Miso Glazed Acorn Squash. The desserts served by our unbelievable  server, Brendan, were evidently not menu items, or perhaps they were and only Barry noticed them. We did not order them. They were sent to us by our host and chef, Jeff – a warm cookie ala mode (soft and chewy and a taste treat), An apple dumpling that was probably the best apple anything I ever ate and chocolate cake/raspberry custard with ice cream that was orgasmic. We did not order the flourless chocolate cake, figuring we now had a reason to come back- I guarantee we will be back! Probably several times.

Note: this amazing building has a lower level, where you will find rest rooms but of great importance are two Ping-Pong tables, so between courses, you can work off some of the calories and be ready for the next “set”. 210 Restaurant is easy to get to at 210 Green Bay Road with on street parking, valet parking and a lot located at Route 22 and Green Bay (School of Rock). Open every day for dinner at 5 p.m. and for lunch on Saturdays. To make a reservation, call 847-433-0304. For party info, feel free to call Yvette or e-mail at info@210restaurant.com. I would imagine, based on how special this staff works, a party would be a delight to host. They will do all the work and you will get all the glory- who can ask for anything more?

To visit their site- http://www,210restauarnt.comFood for the Body

Music for the soul…and liquor, just because!  ENJOY!