Madeleine England

A night at Graze isn't just a meal, it's an experience. My recent visit was a symphony of exquisite flavors, attentive service, and a warm, inviting atmosphere that left me utterly smitten.

The Thai Style Kohlrabi Salad was a refreshing contrast, with the crunchy kohlrabi and long beans mingling with the juicy sea scallops and sweet cherry tomatoes. The tamarind vinaigrette added a tangy twist, making every mouthful burst with color and flavor.

And then there was the Spiced Delicata Squash. Roasted to perfection, its sweetness was enhanced by the cranberry gastrique and the creamy Gran Cru Gruyère. The Thai basil meringue added a touch of unexpected intrigue, making this dish a true standout.

We delved into the Butter Mountain Potatoes next. Creamy whipped potatoes embraced braised lamb, the richness of the meat perfectly complemented by the celeriac puree and roasted vegetables. Each forkful was a delightful textural interplay, smooth and fluffy one moment, tender and crisp the next.

The Graze burger is a symphony of juicy perfection. Three-meat patty, caramelized onions, and melty Swiss compound butter come nestled in a sesame duck fat bun, a masterpiece in every bite. And the fries? Oh, the fries! Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, seasoned to perfection, I could not stop eating them.

Graze's pavlova soars, a crisp meringue nest cradling bursts of cherry sorbet, almond cream, and tangy lemon curd. Almond brittle adds the perfect crunch, making each bite a symphony of sweet, tart, and delightful. This isn't dessert, it's an edible masterpiece.

Throughout the night, the service at Graze was impeccable. Our server was attentive and knowledgeable, offering insightful recommendations and ensuring our every need was met. They made us feel welcome and comfortable, adding to the overall enjoyable experience.

Graze exceeded every expectation. From the innovative dishes to the impeccable service, the entire evening was a celebration of culinary artistry. It's a restaurant that knows how to weave a tapestry of flavors and textures, leaving you wanting to come back for more.

Hard to find the entrance to the parking lot from Milwaukee Ave. The space markers are so old, you can hardly see them. Hope this is not a reflection on the tenants here.

Great trail for the family. Trailhead is at Dempster. Public parking is nearby. This trail travels through Skokie, Lincolnwood, and into Chicago where it joins the North Branch Trail in LaBagh Woods.

Many places to stop along the trail. At Main St you’ll find a brewery. At Oakton towards the West, you’ll be in downtown Skokie where you’ll find a great bakery and restaurants. At Oakton to the East you’ll find the Skokie water park, a large outdoor play area and The Exploratorium. Just past Oakton is the amazing Emily Oaks Nature Center. It’s fun to cross the new bridge was built to carry path-goers over Touhy Ave. A few sculptures are placed along the way and access to Tecumseh Park and Oakton Community College’s Skokie campus.

What a find. I can’t wait to come back. Wear bug spray. Waterproof hiking shoes are essential after rains. You can easily get lost here so don’t be in a hurry the first time you come.

Wonderful park for so many reasons:

Fun and large playground. It has balance, climbing, hanging, swinging and sliding things to do! And, if you dig deep enough in the sandbox, you will find dinosaur bones!

Next to the playground is a large walking path and baseball diamonds. In the building next to the park is a community building that has the indoor Exploratorium activity center with lots of fun activities including a very large and tall climbing area and water play area.

Also on this Park District Campus is the Water park complete with water slides and a toddler play area.