Longitud315 : fusions on the North Shore

Highly  Recommended ****  Highwood, Illinois, a sleepy little “bedroom community” just north of Chicago, is known for wonderful dining: from every corner of the world. When we think location, one that should stand out is “longitude312”!  Afusion of Brazilian, Argentinian, Ecuadorian, Peruvian and Venezulan flavors that Chef Tony Castillo prepares to please the palates of every diner. The sauces are all divine and items such as the crisp plantains served before the meal are unique.

Due to the Covid-19 situation, there is no indoor seating, and while outside seating is in itself a bit “nippy” most nights ( after all, this is December), Chef Tony has converted the rooftop of their building at 315 Waukegan Road ( restaurant row) in Highwood to a special resort dining room. While it has covering and lots of warmth, the design also allows for free flow of air making it as safe as it can be during this period of time. NOTE: The stairs leading up to the second floor/roof are steep, so if you have someone in your party that cannot do them, wait until you can go back into the space itself ( or better yet, you can pick-up at curbside- worth the effort, for sure).

They have some great signature beverages. I had a drink that I had never experience before, a Peruvian Pisco Sour ( LaCaravedo, simple syrup, lime juice and egg white), a type of whiskey sour, but with a frothy top and a falvor that was truly enjoyable.. Frank had the Mezcal Mule (lime juice, Laluna Mezcal, ginger beer and fresh ginger), which is in other locations, called the Moscow Mule and has Vodka!. In addition to the specialties of the house, they also have a complete bar with lots of beer selections in addition to the cocktails.

Longitud315 has a selection of small plates and Empanadas ( I plan to come back for a sampling of these). We opted for several choice appetizers ( to share, of course). Chupil de Camarones: gulf shrimp sauteed in garlic then covered with Amarillo Aji- WOW! all four of us fell in love with the flavors and the portion was easy to share ( and even take a little home). The Arepas Dona Ynes , a white corn and cheese cake topped with shredded pork ( or chicken) with black beans, fried plantains, cotija cheese and sour cream was a delight and there were four on the platter. The last of the appetizers ( small plates) was Drunken Mushroom: Wild oyster, crimini and champiginones sauteed in Chardonay wine with fresh garden herbs with gorgonzola cheese and toasted bread points. I am not a mushroom person and yet enjoyed each fork-full of this dish. Very special!

For our main entree’s, we selected three of what we were told are “favorites” as prepared by Chef Tony. The people were right! Chef Tony’s signature dish, a true crowd please is the Chorriscos: Grass fed grilled steak, organic chicken breast and Brazilian sausage served with rices, black beans, yucca and of course plantains- terrific dish and very flavorful tastes.

the second of our trio of delights, the Venezualan Carbonado is a butternu squash stew served in a plum tomato- great flavor and you can add to the mix is you opt to do so. I found it savory as created by Tony. I always say, “if it aint broke, don’t fix it!”

To round out our dinner, Salmon A La Brazileira- grilled wild salmon marinated in a Brazilian Mojo and topped with caramalized vidalia onions, served with coconut rice and grilled asparagus.

The menu has everything a meat eater would love, but they also can handle the Vegetarian would enjoy. I noticed Pork chops and lamb chops on the menu, so a reason to return along with the amazingly good looking empadas at the table next to ours.

To add to our coffee, we added a few desserts to sample: Many of you know my love of the donut, so there was no way we would not try the Besitos de dulce de Leche ( South American style dounuts filled with Dulce de Leche drizzled with caramel and a little ice cream. TO DIE FOR! The second of a solid list was the Bocado de Rey; Chef Tony’s Grandmas bread pudding served with Maracuya whipped cream. If you love bread pudding, make sure you save room for this- A pure delight and a must have.

While many are not aware of this little gem in Highwood, as time goes on, many will become more familiar and this will become a new favorite. When Ravinia comes back ( and we know it will) you will find this to be a great before or perfect to pickup and tak with you. A picnic at Ravinia with the flavors of Longitud315 will certainly make for a special event.

Meanwhile, enjoy the beauty of the rooftop, or just the savory flavors of Chef Tony at home. Longitud315 is open daily except MONDAY.

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday  4:30 -9 p.m.

Sunday, Friday and Saturday  2 p.m.- 8 p.m.

For reservations call 847-926-7495 or longitud312@lngitud315.com

www.longitud315.com