“Great dining FOUND in Evanston”

[rating=5] About a month ago, when we attended a production of Lerner & Lowe’s Broadway hits in Evanston, the after-party was at FOUND, a newer Amy Morton ( Barn of Barrington etc) in Evanston. What we saw was an intimate, and charming restaurant that is “farm to table” , all the way. Tonight, Jane and I returned for my birthday dinner and the opportunity to truly see what makes this restaurant TERRIFIC! ( and it is).

We began our dinner with drinks. They make a “mean” martini and have several exotic beverages to select from. They also create their own nectar of the Gods each day from fresh fruit and other items. They call these the Found Fruit Soda- smooth and tasty. We shared a Kale Salad (kale, swiss chard, dried cranberries, candies nuts and a cranberry vinaigrette sauce) that was more than ample for us to share. We also enjoyed their Deviled Eggs ( three halves and divine- being the birthday boy, I ate two). FYI- they have a great “bites” menu and several other salads & veggie dishes to choose from.

For our entre’s we opted for the Lamb Meatballs (with pistachio chimichurri and mint yogurt) along with the Beef Carpaccio ( pickled lemongrass, puffed quinona, confit pear, apple and tarragon) that the chef brought out to us himself. An amazing flavorful experience that you just roll up and devour.

We also enjoyed one of their flatbreads ( they have several) but Anna Rose suggested the Potato and Leek (soubise. smoked fingerling potato, melted leeks, pickled shallot and bacon) and she had been right on so far, so why argue. Once again. She was right on target. every flavor was as good as it rad on the menu. We were going to also go for the Grilled Farm Steak ( which changes from day- to- day based on what the farms have available) which really sounded great, but we were told the sweets that we had wanted would taste better if we had the steak on our next visit. Again, Anna Rose was right.

To end our dinner, we had some coffee ( Jane) and I tried their  Espresso Martini ( to my surprise, a masterpiece that tasted better than I could have imagined). The fudge with the coffee and the vodka turned out to be a perfect blend. The deserts were a ( they put a candle in it for me) Strawberry Short Biscuit and their Chocolate Pot De creme topped with sea salt) a delicious concoction.

Their menu is designed to be prepared and shared so they come out of the kitchen as ready and they do have gluten- free and vegan items so everyone can be as pleased as we were. They also have some kids items for the under 12 set, as they know they are picky when it comes to food ( Grilled Cheese, Cheese Flatbread and Steak Frites).

Found can be found in Evanston at  1631 N. Chicago Avenue ( between Davis and Church Streets) and there is street ( metered) parking as well as a public garage just one block north. The phone number is 847-868-8945 and the website www.foundkitchen.com

Their desire is to bring the city of Evanston ( and the North Shore) the highest quality of food, drink and service in a warm setting at affordable prices and an atmosphere that will create an verlasting memory. Once you have “found” it you will cherish the experience. I know that Jane and I will be back!

Brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday and Happy Hour is every weekday from 4-6 p.m.

They have a sister restaurant just down the street ( on Church Street) The Barn Steakhouse where you can get a pre-fixe menu at $30 between 5 -6 p.m. any night but Saturday. ( sort of the “early bird special” in Evanston).

Based on this experience, and knowing that Amy Morton is the “Queen of fine dining” I am looking forward to our trip down the street to  1016 Church Street. It is hard to find, but I know, worth the trip!