We welcome reader reviews, so tell us about your faves.
Send us a short review the next time you dine out. If we publish it in the magazine, you win a $25 dining certificate.
Email your review to bites@makeitbetter.net.
Here are some of our most recent bites:
Bluegrass
Highland Park
The fresh ingredients and authentic Louisiana cuisine and Southern BBQ featured at Bluegrass in Highland Park make for a very good meal. The hospitality of the owners makes it an excellent dining experience. The wood paneling, booths and bar provide a warm, comfortable environment. Our two salads—a Cobb and a house salad with Gorgonzola and red onions—were fresh and fabulous. The Seafood Etouffee, served with a scoop of white rice, tasted of classic New Orleans. Enjoy your meal on their outdoor patio. Make sure you ask owner, Jim Lederer, about his son playing hockey for the University of Oregon’s Mighty Ducks. He will quack for you!
—Susan B. Noyes
Pinstripes
Northbrook (also located in Barrington)
Not only do they have a large outdoor seating terrace complete with fireplace, but you can also play bocce or go bowling after dinner! Pinstripes specializes in Italian dishes with an emphasis on interesting flatbreads (try the Prosciutto and Fig or the Tuscan Chicken Pizza), pastas (mmm … Scampi Alfredo) and new takes on old favorites (Italian “Jambalaya” Risotto with spicy chicken breast, sausage, pesto shrimp and peppers). Don’t miss the Italian Meatball Sliders. Strike!
—Julie Chernoff
Tapas Barcelona
Evanston
One of my favorite summer settings. A pitcher of excellent Sangria, some delicious Gazpacho, Datiles Con Tocino (dates wrapped with bacon, served with red bell pepper sauce), a few Croquetas de Cangrejos (crab croquettes with sherry mayo) and an order of Paella Valenciana (with seafood, chicken and chorizo), and I am good to go. Or to stay, actually. Just try to get me out of that seat!
—Julie Chernoff
