New American fare emphasizing seasonally available ingredients takes shape at this Northbrook restaurant.

In Short
Chestnut brown tones, exposed brick and wood-topped tables set a welcoming, rustic feel in this family-friendly restaurant in Northbrook. The contemporary American menu hops from seafood with appetizers like crispy rolls filled with ahi tuna to earthy meat-based entrees such as lamb sausage with sweet fennel over grilled vegetables and an ancho-marinated skirt steak over white beans and rainbow Swiss chard. A la carte sides include sauteed mushrooms, steamed broccoli and french fries.

Photo courtesy of Prairie Grass Cafe

Heaven-sent American comfort food from ex-Ritz Carlton chefs takes the North Shore storm.

The Scene
North Shore-birds flock to this jam-packed outpost of casual civility with a modernized Prairie School feel. The wood and stone dining room is divided from the bar by hypnotic nature scenes on plasma TVs. The food is nothing short of heavenly; uneven service is decidedly earthbound.

The Food
Ex-Ritz Carlton chefs Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris may be overqualified for comfort food, even if it's billed as contemporary American--but some superlative results could reduce you to tears. Signature un-traditional shepherd's pie with butternut squash, parsnip, and potato gratin over braised beef and Swiss chard is deceptively simple and entirely soul-satisfying. The crispy half boneless chicken has no right to be so moist and flavorful, and its sidekick of sweet potato puree with homemade marshmallow topping is pure decadence. And Mom's pies really are (Elizabeth Stegner)--don't miss the cloud of banana cream with a crust the angels would envy.