We all love excellent food and superb cocktails – and, of course, we also love great music. When you put them all together, it becomes a special experience. 210 Restaurant & Live Music Lounge, located at 210 Green Bay Road in Highwood, Illinois, combines music and food and cocktails to create the ambiance of a true supper club. Guests can enjoy live music five nights a week with superb craft cocktails and delicious chef-driven dining in an inviting, comfortable and romantic environment.
At many great live music venues, the food tends to take backstage to the musical acts—but at 210 Restaurant and Live Music Lounge that is definitely not so. Co-owner Jeff Tomchek, who also is the Executive Chef, and co-founders Steve Goldstein, Peggy Goldstein and Judy Shatkin are as passionate about the food they serve as they are about the music. “When we planned 210 Restaurant & Live Music Lounge, we wanted to create the kind of place that we would want to go to,” said Tomchek. “We offer a comfortable, homespun lounge feel, delicious chef-driven food and cocktails made with fresh ingredients, plus great live music—it’s the perfect combination for a fabulous night out.”
On a recent visit, I had the chance to try a number of offerings from all parts of the menu. Everything was superb. The ingredients were fresh, the preparations unique, and the flavor combinations were excellent. Add to that the wonderful live music, the funky and eclectic décor, and some memorable craft cocktails and the result was a surprising and lovely experience on all levels.
The menu is the result of the more than 30 years Tomchek spent building his culinary career across the United States and in Europe, Central America, and South America. He pulls from his many experiences abroad to create a truly eclectic contemporary American menu where traditional dishes are given cross cultural twists. He believes using fresh, high quality, locally sourced produce and ingredients is crucial for himself and the community and so he sources from local farmers as much as possible.
The menu, entitled “Tonight’s Set List” is presented with a musical theme. The “First Set” is comprised of appetizers and small plates, the “Second Set” features the salads, the “Main Act” presents the entrées and “Accompaniments” are the side dishes. A separate “Encores” menu features tantalizing desserts. The “Special Guests” section includes the numerous weekly specials as well as the featured burgers and sandwiches.
Appetizers include Hawaiian Tuna Poke with toasted Macadamia Nuts, Roast Local Corn Mexican Street Food Style, Korean Chicken Wings, and a super Tomato Bisque. Salad offerings include Roast Beets with Bean Hummus, Arugula & Pine Nuts; Frillman Farms Heirloom Tomato with Burrata & Basil; and a Crispy Chicken Chopped Salad with Chipotle Ranch.
The main dishes are equally delicious. The Baby Back Ribs, Dry Rub & Pit Smoked are tender, luscious and available in three sizes. Other popular items include the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich, Arugula & Remoulade; Roast Scottish Salmon with corn mashed potatoes and Mexican Truffle Vinaigrette; and Andouille Jambalaya with Louisiana Style BBQ.
Side dishes include Roast Local Eggplant with Moroccan Spices; Miso Glazed Acorn Squash; Roast Cauliflower with Thai three flavor sauce; Bacon Braised Collard Greens; Not Yo Mamma’s Mac & Cheese; and Local Bi Color Corn Sautéed with Peppers & Onions.
Seasonal offerings present global tastes that reflect Tomchek’s current cravings and the best local produce. Check their website for the latest seasonal offerings.
210 Restaurant & Live Music Lounge is open 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Wednesday through Thursday and Sunday; 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday for live music and lunch. For more information, please visit www.210restaurant.com or call (847) 433-0304. Follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/210highwood/.
Photos by Cindy Kurman, used by permission.
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