Good eats near the Botanic Garden in Glencoe

Hey there,

Going to the wine tasting Sunday at the Botanic Garden in Glencoe. Wondering if there's good eats for dinner within about a 20 minute drive or so, somewhere in the neighborhood of about $30-35 per person. Type of food not important. Thanks!!

Less than a mile from the Botanic Garden is Prairie Grass Cafe, in Northbrook.

Prairie Grass Cafe
601 Skokie Blvd.
Northbrook, IL 60062
847 205-4433

Some of us have also really been enjoying La Casa de Isaac, which is a short drive north from the BT, in Highland Park.

La Casa de Isaac
431 Temple Avenue
Highland Park, IL 60035
847 433-5550

=R=

Just a few minutes away:
Prairie Grass Cafe: Casual place with chef Sarah Stegner, formerly of the four star Ritz Carlton. I'm not a big fan, but most people seem to really like this. Modern comfort food with a gourmet touch.
Francesco's Hole in the Wall: Very good Italian. The only problem is they don't take reservations, and it's very popular. Call from your car as you're leaving the BG, and they'll put you on the list.
About 15 minutes away in Highwood:
Miramar: a French bistro (with a minmal Cuban influence) run by Chef Viti, currently of Gabrielle's (more high end) and formerly of Carlos (very high end). Good, simple, frenchy faire.
La Casa Del Isaac: Just opened Mexican place. See the thread on this board where it is getting uniform raves.
Evanston is farther than the above, but probably within 20 minutes, and that opens up a whole other bunch of places. If you're going back to the City, your headed in the right direction.

Jonah

Maybe just pop over to Fruit and Vegetable Island and graze away.



They may frown on that there, tho.

Directly across the highway from the Gardens is Charlie Beinlich's, for a an old-fashioned wood-paneled cheeseburger.

JoelF wrote:Directly across the highway from the Gardens is Charlie Beinlich's, for a an old-fashioned wood-paneled cheeseburger.

Unfortunately, Charlie Beinlichs is closed on Sundays. We have forgotten that on a number of occasions and been really disappointed.

How about Cafe Central in Highland Park? We've never had a bad meal there:
http://www.cafecentral.net/

I will second Cafe de Isaac and Francesco's Hole in the Wall.

I will also add Sushi Kushi Too on Central in Highland Park and Norton's on Sheridan in Highland Park.

There is also Tapas Gitana in Northfield which would be a straight shot down Skokie Blvd. I have not eaten there recently but I used to enjoy sitting at one of the outside tables.

Jonah wrote:Just a few minutes away:
Francesco's Hole in the Wall: Very good Italian. The only problem is they don't take reservations, and it's very popular. Call from your car as you're leaving the BG, and they'll put you on the list.

I love Hole in the Wall. Their neighboring/sister restaurant, Next Door Bistro is also worth mentioning.

Francesco's Hole in the Wall
254 Skokie Blvd
Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 272-0155

Next Door Bistro
250 Skokie Blvd
Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 272-1491

jtm1631 wrote:There is also Tapas Gitana in Northfield which would be a straight shot down Skokie Blvd. I have not eaten there recently but I used to enjoy sitting at one of the outside tables.

I have been to Tapas Gitana twice in the last year and I've found it's a perfectly good tapas place. As with all small plates, I found some hits and some misses but I enjoyed both meals and will return.

gastro gnome wrote:

jtm1631 wrote:There is also Tapas Gitana in Northfield which would be a straight shot down Skokie Blvd. I have not eaten there recently but I used to enjoy sitting at one of the outside tables.

I have been to Tapas Gitana twice in the last year and I've found it's a perfectly good tapas place. As with all small plates, I found some hits and some misses but I enjoyed both meals and will return.

Their bacon-wrapped dates are great, as are the cheese-stuffed piquillo peppers in black bean sauce. I also really love their garlic-potato salad.

=R=

ronnie_suburban wrote:Their bacon-wrapped dates are great, as are the cheese-stuffed piquillo peppers in black bean sauce.

Funny you should mention these two. Now my memory is returning. I ordered the Pimiento Relleno (cold tapas) and they brought the Pimientos Del Piquillo you mentioned by mistake. We enjoyed one and then the other (at no charge), but I seem to recall the stuffed piquillos were better.

The last time I was there, I ordered the bacon wrapped dates and inhaled two, savoring the balance between salty exterior and sweet moist interior. I stopped, for fear I would eat them all. It soon became apparent that no one else was interested in this dish, so I happily finished it myself.

I know people have mentioned defensive ordering before, but what do you call it when you order a dish to share that you love, only to find that no one else wants any? Offensive ordering?

Another factor on Francesco's that I think I recall from their Check, Please! appearance: they don't take credit cards. This info is essential for someone like me because I never have cash when I need it (and conversely, always have it when I shouldn't).

The cafe at the botanical garden is actually very good and not crazy expensive. Salads, Sandwhiches Pizza etc and the outdoor dining space is great. Good breakfast too.

Also, while The hole in the wall doesnt take credit i believe Next door bistro does

iblock9 wrote:Also, while The hole in the wall doesnt take credit i believe Next door bistro does

There is also an ATM at the bank next door.