Something new on Route 66

It is always exciting to visit a new dining spot, to compare it to others and to try new flavors and specialties. Several weeks ago, I visited the new Standard Market, a unique upscale market with a cafe located within. A market where quality is supreme and yet, the prices are still affordable. These people who have moved into the Village of Westmont to make an impression, just opened up a new dining spot, Bakersfield Restaurant, directly across the street at 330 E. Ogden Avenue. Ogden Avenue, for those “not in the know” is Route 66, the highway before the super highways took over, a road where leisurely we drove to our destinations, stopping along the way for a meal ( or two). While the road is not traveled in the same way, getting to Bakersfield is a trip worth taking.

When you think quality meats, this is the place. We had four in our party and started off with a few appetizers, Crispy Thai Shrimp, Housemade Guacamole ( with freshly baked chips) and a small order of Wilted Spinach ( Popeye would have loved a bit of that). All the portions were enough for us to share and still allow room for the large portions served- dinner!

The entrees we had were the Barrel-cut Filet with smashed potatoes and more wilted spinach, the grilled Skuna Bay Salmon and the House Roasted Prime Rib ( roasted on the bone, au jus) with a huge loaded baked potato. These were all prepared on the wood-fired grill. Our fourth diner, decided to try a sandwich, but what a sandwich. Marty ordered the Knuckle Sandwich, sourdough bread filled with Sweet Maine Lobster served with coleslaw and arugula. Weatched many other meals pass us by on the way to other tables and several times, I wished I had opted for another choice ( to see the menu, visit www.bakersfieldrestaurant.com) but ours were all wonderful. We all shared ( except for Marty who didn’t want anyone to get a bite of his Knuckle Sandwich.

But we did get him at desert time, when we ordered the fried oreos ( you will think you died and went to heaven) as we only allowed him ONE and none of the Jeni’s The Buckeye State ice cream or the vanilla custard. The other desert we ordered, one that I ate most of was the Tres Leches sort of a shortcake pastry with house whipped cream, fresh fruit and caramel- to die for!

When it comes to this type of dining in the Westmont area, which is very near to Oakbrook, there are places like Gibsons and Wildfire and Ditka’s, all of which I have dined at before ( and will continue to ) but I found this to be a nice change of pace – similar quality and service, nice atmosphere and slightly more moderate pricing. Plus, knowing that they have their own bakery and butcher shop just across the street, I know they will always have the freshest vittles in the area, so if you are out that way or if you just want to try something new as you head out to :get your kicks on Route 66, I suggest you call ahead and make your reservations at 630-568-3615 as I have a feeling Bakersfield is going to be a busy place. They are open Sunday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday til 11 p.m., They have a nice lounge and an outdoor patio dining area as well. Plenty of parking, bot self and valet- enjoy and let me know what your experience was like.