IIf you're a tad tired of food that is complicated and gimmicky with a glut of exotic ingredients in miscellaneous combinations, plan an outing to the Grille on Laurel. Open since August 2004, the Lake Forest eatery is Kathy and Jim Govas' newest baby, preceded by the late Noyes Street Cafe in Evanston and current culinary charmer, The Metropolitan Cafe in Highland Park. Chef Thomas Mini succeeds in serving simple cuisine with pure ingredients all in a casual yet stylish setting. An appetizer of grilled vegetables, for example, rubs shoulders with a simple but punchy balsamic glaze and creamy goat cheese. Fans of entree salads will like the impressive bunch here: Ahi tuna salad features the popular fish sesame-crusted and seared for a smoky charcoal finish yet succulent inside, with artichokes, black olives and chopped tomatoes peeking out from under. Among the half-dozen others, the sirloin salad, Caesar with grilled salmon and the Mandarin with grilled chicken, oranges, grapes, strawberries, walnuts and goat cheese don't disappoint. The Grille on Laurel excels with prime aged steaks and chops served with first-rate sides of grilled veggies, baked white or sweet potato, risotto or mac 'n' cheese. Other tasty entrees include baby back ribs, grilled half chicken, sautéed red snapper and grilled grouper. Desserts are prepared in-house: toasted almond cheesecake and black and white chocolate cake will cure most anything. If not, there are 42 wines by the glass and weekend live entertainment to finish the job. -- Jacky Runice AOL City Guide |
Hours:
Cuisine: Continental Steakhouse Credit cards: All major credit cards are accepted Outdoor Seating: Seating for 48 Parking: Valet parking is available Private Dining: Two party rooms seat 50 each and can be combined Smoking: Allowed in the front lounge Link to: The Metropolitan Cafe.
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