Taste on Chestnut
The Chicago Foodie Sisters had an opportunity to attend a grand opening event at Winnetka's newest dining spot, Taste on Chestnut earlier this month. On the very chilly and snow-filled day, we warmed up inside this charming and cozy three-room eatery with an open kitchen while members of the media and community gathered to celebrate its introduction.
It's easy to fall in love with the area itself with an inviting downtown that is a piece of Midwest Americana straight out of a John Hughes film - literally. I couldn't resist taking a drive by the home used as the McCalllister house in the holiday classic "Home Alone" after dinner.
Taste on Chestnut is the creation of culinary genius, Steve Leviton, whose career spans more than two decades including executive chef positions at the Chicago area's most exclusive country clubs, the executive chef position at Kiki's Bisto in Chicago and working for Wolfgang Puck. He holds degrees from Johnson and Wales College and certificates in culinary arts from Auberge Du Lion D Or in Geneva Switzerland and Stagiere/Moulin de Mougin in Mougin, France.
Leviton aims to offer a relaxed experience to guests who will dine with not only their palates, but the eyes, as well, on stunning, artistically visual feasts. The "boutique style upscale American restaurant" will be available for private events in addition to lunch and dinner seatings.
We settled in at a window seat in the intimate Fireplace Room and sampled many of the creative and exotic offerings and elevated American classics. I've had way more burgers than I can count in my days, but the sliders I had that evening rank way up at the top. It might not be what you'd be most inclined to order among such eclectic menu options, but should not be overlooked.
Among the other servings were mini lobster clubs, the Chestnut Soup with truffle cream, braised short ribs with cheddar grits, chinoise salad and tomato basil garlic paperdelle.
Other favorites of mine were the pan roasted salmon with grilled asparagus, tomato jam and truffle salted yukon golds and the roasted red and golden beet salad with toasted walnuts and goat cheese. The presentation was as succulent as each bite.
An extensive wine and cocktail menu accompanies the menu of starters, salads, sandwiches and entrees.
It's easy to fall in love with the area itself with an inviting downtown that is a piece of Midwest Americana straight out of a John Hughes film - literally. I couldn't resist taking a drive by the home used as the McCalllister house in the holiday classic "Home Alone" after dinner.
Taste on Chestnut is the creation of culinary genius, Steve Leviton, whose career spans more than two decades including executive chef positions at the Chicago area's most exclusive country clubs, the executive chef position at Kiki's Bisto in Chicago and working for Wolfgang Puck. He holds degrees from Johnson and Wales College and certificates in culinary arts from Auberge Du Lion D Or in Geneva Switzerland and Stagiere/Moulin de Mougin in Mougin, France. Leviton aims to offer a relaxed experience to guests who will dine with not only their palates, but the eyes, as well, on stunning, artistically visual feasts. The "boutique style upscale American restaurant" will be available for private events in addition to lunch and dinner seatings.
We settled in at a window seat in the intimate Fireplace Room and sampled many of the creative and exotic offerings and elevated American classics. I've had way more burgers than I can count in my days, but the sliders I had that evening rank way up at the top. It might not be what you'd be most inclined to order among such eclectic menu options, but should not be overlooked.
Among the other servings were mini lobster clubs, the Chestnut Soup with truffle cream, braised short ribs with cheddar grits, chinoise salad and tomato basil garlic paperdelle.
Other favorites of mine were the pan roasted salmon with grilled asparagus, tomato jam and truffle salted yukon golds and the roasted red and golden beet salad with toasted walnuts and goat cheese. The presentation was as succulent as each bite. An extensive wine and cocktail menu accompanies the menu of starters, salads, sandwiches and entrees.
Leviton also plans to offer hands-on tasting experiences through cooking classes and the interactive open kitchen concept allows diners to chat and get cooking tips from Executive Chef Sergio Correa.
Hours are Monday through Friday for lunch, 11:30 am - 2 pm, Monday through Thursday for dinner, 5 - 9 pm and Friday and Saturday 5 - 10 pm, closed Sundays until Easter.
Taste on Chestnut
505 Chestnut Street
Winnetka, IL
For more information, to view their menu or make a reservation, please visit www.TasteOnChestnut.com or call 847.441-0134.
Cheers! Taste of Chestnut makes for a lovely setting for an intimate dinner, a relaxed lunch, a special occassion or private event. Be sure to add it to your suburban dining wish list in 2015!
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