Old School Style Dinner on the North Shore

Old School Style
Dinner on the North Shore

Finding a restaurant on the North Shore is cake. The challenge lies in finding a restaurant that is quite, charming, not swarming with kids, not too much scene but with atmosphere and of course good food.

Being a transplant from NYC there are still a few places I’ve yet to discover. And, last night my list lessened when I was treated to dinner at Washington Gardens.

My walk-in first words were “This is sooo cute” and that because surprise came from contrast of the curb appeal, which I would qualify as a sleeper and the interior old school red, and white table clothed Italian feel. This is in part where Washington Garden’s Insider charm comes in.

This neighborhood restaurant has been around for 75 years and while its changed ownership several times, the familiar feel has not gone away – even if it’s your first time. Today’s proprietors Jim and Michelle Stoecker make you feel like family whether they know you or not introducing themselves with open hands and a generous breadbasket.

Before I get to the food you should know that Washington Gardens is the place to go when you want to have a catch up dinner with a girlfriend, an intimate meal with your significant other, another couple, important business discussion or even a less hectic larger family meal. The emphasis here is on relaxing not rushing.

Our waitress told me that the Alfredo sauce was like no other, my friend raved about the classic Hay & Straw pasta dish and settled on the Ahi Tuna. The starter salad was more creative than most equipped with a scallion on top to break up, slice of egg with plenty of freshly ground Parmesan cheese to add on.
My blue cheese dressing was NOT the thick white stuff that typically comes from an industrial sized container. Instead it was blended with fresh herbs in an Italian olive oil base that I wish I could promise you was homemade – but I forgot to ask. I bet it is.

I devoured my tuna, which arrived on a huge platter with rice, fresh vegetables, fruit garnish and a yummy dipping sauce. The cut was magnificent – really. Thick and tender prepared simply and perfectly. I was too busy eating my tuna to taste the Hay & Straw (pasta, cream sauce, mushrooms, prosciutto and peas) but it looked phenomenal.

Never made it to dessert but I am sure Washington Gardens would not disappoint.

What a total find. So, if you haven’t been to Washington Gardens consider this a MUST EAT AT Insider Restaurant Tip. If you’ve been, spread the word about this little Highwood vintage jewel.

Washington Gardens
256 Green Bay Road
Highwood, IL
847-432-0309
www.alexswashingtongardens.com

Loren Greiff