Lighthouse Bistro - Kenosha, WI

Last night we did something we never do - go to a restaurant on its first night, but we couldn't resist.

This is a new restaurant by the owners of Froggy's in Highwood, which is an excellent French restaurant. We've never had a bad meal there.

When we heard they were taking over the Kenosha Yacht Club, we were so excited. An article in the February 27 issue of the Kenosha News informed us that the restaurant was now open. The article mentioned that the food would be American fare, so we were somewhat disappointed, but really wanted to try it anyway.

We arrived around 6:00 and it was not too crowded, but by the time we were done, they had filled up. Since this is their first night, I'm not going to be critical about the service. I will say though that everyone else's server seemed to be right on top of things.

The manager, Scott, was out in the dining room quite a lot, making sure everything was being taken care of. He came to our table a couple times, which we did appreciate.

We started with the crab cake appetizer, which was good, but needed more of the sauce. I had the Coq au Vin, which was excellent - it was so tender. My husband had a steak, which he really enjoyed too. Both entrees were served with mashed potatoes, or I should say pureed potatoes.
They were very good too. We did not have a salad; we thought they were ala carte, but we heard other customers being offered soup or salad, so I think that our server's fault.

The wine pours here seem to be generous and the selection was pretty good. Also, they did a really nice job remodeling. It doesn't look or smell like that old smoky place!

House of Gerhard - Kenosha, WI

We have been going to this restaurant quite a lot lately. We tried it several years ago, and for some reason, did not return until about a year ago. Not sure why, but I suspect it's because it's difficult to eat healthy, but we really enjoy the food. Now we probably go once every two months or so.

Specializing in German food, every entree comes with some house appetizers, and soup or salad. The house appetizers usually consist of liverwurst with bread to spread it on, hard rolls and butter plus some sort of muffin. Last time we also had a bean salad. Very good.

Their soups are usually very creative and I almost always opt for the soup over the salad, which is nothing special. They used to offer a spinach salad (dinner size), but they don't any longer. Now that was a really good spinach salad.

They have many German entrees to pick from including many different types of schnitzel. They offer several specials each night, which is usually where my husband goes. I have had the petite filet the last two times we ate there and the meat was very tender and full of taste. At the price, it's a bargain. We sometimes get the "fish in a bag" which is usually pretty good.

Last time one of our companions ordered the beef rouladen, which he thought was very good. I thought the portion was rather small though.

Regarding wine selection - the Kendall Jackson salesperson is doing a great job once again. I wish retaurants around here would get a little creative with their wine list. If you don't like KJ, you are pretty much out of luck.

Their pours are small, but their price is small too.

http://www.foodspot.com/gerhards/

Carlos' - Highwood, IL

This is undoubtedly our favorite restaurant ever, we go here at least two times a year, sometimes more. It has a contemporary French menu and the atmosphere is relaxing, regardless if there is two or six people in your group and the staff are friendly and not stuffy at all. They really treat you like family.

We almost always get the degustation menu. If you do this you have the option of swapping things from the regular menu, just in case you do not like something in the degustation. If you like wine, get the wine pairing, they do an excellent job choosing for you.

One time we went we brought my mother, who is not a heavy eater, so she just wanted an appetizer and a main course. Against my recommendation she had the Filet Mignon. Once she tasted it she said I had to try a piece because it was the best steak she had ever had. Once I took a bite, I had to agree.

The last time we took my brother and his wife. They had never been there before and they usually do not go to French restaurants. Carlos greeted us and showed us to our seats, which was the beginning of one of the most entertaining evenings we have had in a long time. My brother agrees now and Carlos has become if favorite restaurant.

Don’t take our word for it, give this restaurant a try. Just take a look at the menu and I am sure they will win you over.


http://www.carlos-restaurant.com/