The Middle East comes to Highwood!

**** Just about two years ago, Jane and I went to Israel for our granddaughter Rebecca’s Bat Mitzvah. It was our first trip to the Middle East and during our ten days, we often had middle east dining at open markets and from street dining spots. Although we had visited local eateries that served Shawarma, Hummus and lots of meats in pita bread, the street food seemed to be tastier than the local restaurants served.

Tonight, we visited a spot that we recently heard about on the corner of Green Bay and Half Day Road called AMI Jerusalem Street Food. I knew the location from previous experiences. At one time, back in my yellow page days, it was a gas/service station. After many years of being closed, it was a BBQ carry-out only restaurant ( during Covid we did a story) and now, it has been redone to be a dining spot where there is a small seating area  ( during warm weather, an outdoor deck has been added), but is mostly pick-up and delivery, and it was very busy tonight ( a Tuesday, before “Turkey Day”)!

The menu is quite extensive and since it was just Jane and I, we did a few items and some sides. They offer many bowls and of course sandwiches ( in pita, or course), so we selected the Lamb Kebab Pita ( lamb, grilled tomato, grilled onion, Jerusalem salad, fried eggplant, jalapeno pesto and tahini, served in a pita). The pita is rolled in a fashion where it is served in a cup, allowing one to take bites and not have the juices drip all over them. Neither Jane or I had any drippings on our clothing!

We also enjoyed one of their many “bowls”, the Chicken Shawarma Rice Bowl (Chicken shawarma in a rice bowl served with turmeric rice, hummus and garbanzo beans, tahini, olive oil and Jerusalem salad with a pita on the side) .We also had some Crispy Chicken Strips. We sat right in nte kitchen area so I was able to smell the different aromas and see some of the other meals getting prepped for pick-up.

The steak and chips plate looked terrific ( my next visit- that’s my order), and the chicken Schnitzel hummus bowl ( also available gluten free) made my mouth water. I found the food to be very favorable without to much of a kick, but if you need or want the “kick”, they will provide exactly what you crave. The prices are very affordable and the portions are quite shareable. Based on our experience, I would think three items would satisfy a family of 4, easily.

As I said earlier, they do have a small counter area, and five tables for two ( can be a table of 4 if needed) and during the warmer months, a wonderful deck. There is some parking. They have wine and beer choices to add to your meal as well as sodas and some special beverages from Israel. Chef Owner Ami Sananes, has years of fine dining experience, and this is his retirement- opening a business that he has always wanted serving something that was lacking in the community. He is a delightful man who strives to bring the best of the best to his customers. You can see for yourself at 148 Green Bay Road in Highwood. They are open

Tuesday- Sunday  11 a.m. – 8 p.m.   ( CLOSED MONDAYS)

the phone number is 847-926-7100

visit their website www.amijsf.com, where you will see the complete menu and their catering menu as well.

Having our dinner tonight brought back many memories of that trip to Israel. I felt as if I had returned! ENJOY!!!