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Feb 2010  |  By Julie Chernoff  |  Comments (0)

Cheat a Little–Abigail's

TAGS: March 2010 magazine, Abigail's American Bistro, Highland Park restaurants, Julie Chernoff review

The delightful treats at Abigail’s in Highland Park are well worth the extra calories.

Is it morally wrong to fall in love with a chicken sandwich when I am otherwise happily married? And is it a problem for the beloved poultry if I continue to flirt with the unbelievably tasty Parmesan crisp bread?

I feel so cheap.

But I’m willing to share the chicken sandwich with you—figuratively, of course—by telling you to dash right over to Abigail’s in Highland Park. So that makes up for my transgressions, right?

While you’re there, don’t miss the soups ($5). On a recent visit, the Potato-Leek with a Smoked Salmon and Mascarpone garnish was a decadent, but surprisingly light, starter. The White Bean, filled with diced veggies in a savory, tomato-tinged broth, was a warming winter delight.

We enjoyed the Seared Sushi Tuna Nicoise Salad ($14), served on a bed of greens, potato, capers and olives with a mustard-tarragon dressing. The fish was indeed sushi-fresh, seared on the outside and rosy within.

The Griddled CBT (Cheddar and Havarti cheese with bacon and tomato, $9) was a calorie bomb, but what a way to go. And my great love, the Grilled Chicken and Fontina Cheese Sandwich ($9), comes dressed to party on grilled ciabatta slathered with basil aioli and tomato chutney, with a sprightly handful of arugula to cut the richness. It was truly the best chicken sandwich I’ve ever eaten. If it weren’t so far from my home, I would think about a daily conjugal visit. All sandwiches are served with house-made, lightly spiced potato chips.

Another winner was the Maple Glazed Seared Salmon ($14 lunch, $19 dinner), served on a bed of warm lentils and sautéed spinach; the sweetness of the maple syrup nicely offset by tangy mustard seed. A winner of a dish.

We were too full for desserts, although the Sticky Toffee Pudding looked amazing. One tiny quibble: What? No chocolate? As one friend said: “You have to give the people chocolate.” And I say, give the people what they want.

Lunch and dinner both play to a packed crowd, and the place is small. But there is an adorable bar, and the service is lovely. Prices are quite reasonable, especially considering the quality. I’d return in a heartbeat … and I will.

Abigail’s
Highland Park