Regarding the food and wine selection at Carlos:
The extensive wine list is impressive.
We tried the salad with a mix of greens, pine nuts, watercress with a balsamic vinegar reduction. Even though it may seem like a simple task to make a good salad, this one was different and really worth trying.
As a main we tried the: Miso Marinated Halibut, Chanterelles Mushrooms, Bean Sprouts, Salsify and a Lemon Grass Emulsion
and New Zealand John Dory with Hawaiian Shrimp and asparagus Risotto.
The combinations were overall delicious and we would recommend the Halibut.
The only thing that was a little disappointing and one would not expect for a special restaurant like Carlos, was that the bread was a bit old and chewy.
Regarding the service at Carlos:
Unfortunately even though it was quite empty (only three other parties) the waiters did not attend us very well. It took 15 minutes for the waiters to take our order. When we wanted to order wine, we had to look out for them and try and catch their attention. They did not make an effort to explain anything and when some fruit was rotten and we let them know, they started mocking the comment so audible that we could hear clearly what they were saying in the kitchen.
Since dining is partly a whole experience, I am not sure if I would go there again due to the lack of service. However that is perhaps a good thing, since that will push me to try out new places such as Takashi & Mizu Yakitori which also are highly recommended for their food as well as service.
Carlos' Restaurant
429 Temple
429 Temple
Highland Park, IL 60035
Phone: 847 432 0770
Phone: 847 432 0770
