“Hard to Find- But worth the trouble! Oaken Bistro & Bar “

*****  I am not a big traveler, so I do not have the hotel experience that many of my readers and listeners do. I know that friends like Paul Lisnek and Steve Dale are constantly on the go, and are used to dining experiences in hotels. Tonight, Jane , her friend Shari and I  dined in Lake Forest ( at one of the dining sponsors of Citadel Theatre) at Oaken Bistro & Bar located in the Forester Hyatt Hotel in an area called Conway Business Park ( just off Route 60). The dining area is split into a small private room, a cozy dining room with booths and the bar area which is high-top tables and a few booths. As in most bars, there are giant TV screens over the bar, but we were there for dinner and what a wonderful surprise that was.

Shari and I enjoyed our cocktails as our server, Suzy explained the menu which was not a typical hotel menu but contained enough choices to please any couple, family or business person that might be staying at the hotel. While Oaken is IN a hotel, I did not feel that this was the case. We all pretty much felt that we were at a fine dining establishment in Lake Forest ( of course, that is exactly where we were).

We selected the empanadas the wild mushroom and bacon flatbread as our starters and while the empanadas were tasty, it was the flatbread that had both women in “heaven”.  We skipped on the salad choices but their Classic Cobb looked terrific ( maybe next time).

Suzy was quite helpful in discussing the menu and our desire to make sure we did a meat and fish plate.

For our meals ( to share of course) we selected the Braised Short Rib- cabernet reduction, spinach puree and cauliflower mouse ( they know how to get us to eat our veggies).

The Atlantic salmon was divine and was served with a silty puree, wild mushroom buerre sauce and the New York Steak ( 100% certified Angus) confit, fingerling potatoes served on parsnip was divine. When you ask for medium, you truly get medium.

Each dish was presented as if being served at a special function.

For dessert, we opted for two of their choices.

Cheese cake ( white chocolate Brule cheese cake, macadamia tart crust and fresh berry. While in appearance it looked nothing like the cheese cake we are used to ( Eli’s is one and of course “nobody doesn’t like Sara Lee”) it was DELICIOUS, with a capital D! The second was their Lemon Cake with a blueberry compote and mascarpone cream. Both were scrumptious!

FYI- I saw a hamburger or two go by ( they were amazing) and I think next trip, I want to try their grilled chicken breast.

The Oaken Bistro & Bar is located in a hotel, so they serve all types of meals ( breakfast, lunch and dinner) and are open daily. Monday-Friday they have “Happy Hour” specials

They have entertainment in the lounge and a wonderful brunch menu

The phone number is 847-582-6410

website www.oakenbistro.com

need a private party room? They have that covered.

As I said, it is not easy to find, but once you get there and taste their marvelous food, you will be glad. The address is 200 N. Field Drive in Lake Forest. Field Drive is right off Route 60, just East of the tollway and just West of Waukegan Road, You go North on Field Drive about three blocks and when you see the Hyat Forester, you are there. I can feel the excitement already. Bon Appetit!

By the way- if you are attending a play at The Citadel, bring your tickets and get a discount.