The Barn Awards

The Barn Restaurant Review:

Owner Amy Morton knows a little something about restaurants --- and steakhouses at that. She is, after all, a Morton of Morton’s The Steakhouse fame. She keeps her family’s meat-centric heritage going at this Evanston spot, which sports a secret vibe yet wouldn’t be classified as a steakhouse. Diners head down an alley to a barn door, which opens to a brick-walled dining room with a soaring ceiling. Appetizers command attention. A tableside little gem and creamy Dijon salad and The Grand Central Caviar Sandwich are standouts. Don’t expect just steak; although, if you’re curious, there’s a rib-eye, New York strip and filet mignon. Carnivores have plenty of options: a pan-seared calves liver, bison Bolognese and pork chop plated with sweet potato purée, roasted apple and hazelnut relish. Shareable sides such as creamed Swiss chard and mac and cheese exude simple decadence. Desserts make rich impressions. Try the creamy chocolate mousse with candied hazelnuts and whipped cream or the crème brûlée topped with fresh raspberries and Grand Marnier fired at the table. Old-world and new-world wines represent select European and West Coast vineyards.