Tartan Bistro, McHenry County College’s popular student-run restaurant, is once again open to serve the community with gourmet, multi-course cuisine.
As the spring capstone class to the culinary degree program, the Tartan Bistro also serves as a classroom for future restaurant owners, executive chefs, pastry chefs, bakers, servers, bussers, and hosts.
“The restaurant allows students to apply the training they’ve received up to this point,” said Chef Tina Drzal, instructor and program chair of MCC’s Culinary Management program. “It’s a great way to dive in and experience all of the elements they’ll encounter in the industry.”
The menu is based on classic Midwest fare with international influences. Items offered this semester include filet medallions in an herbed Boursin cheese sauce; a filet of barramundi pan-seared with coconut flour, topped with a toasted coconut and mango beurre-blanc; and beef short rib ravioli atop four-cheese jumbo ravioli.
All entrees are $25 or less and include a side, vegetable of the day, and choice of soup or side salad unless otherwise noted. Dessert choices often feature freshly baked selections created by the advanced pastry classes at the college. Many of the greens, flowers, and microgreens are provided by students in the Horticulture program.
Tartan Bistro also offers an impressive beer and wine menu. “We have a selection of rare wines and local craft brews,” Drzal said. “This year we have options from Sew Hop’d Brewery in Huntley, Scorched Earth in Algonquin, and Kishwaukee Brewery in Woodstock. We’ve also added a non-alcoholic beer option from Athletic Brewing.”
Tartan Bistro is open Wednesday and Thursday nights with seating times available at 6, 6:15, 6:30, and 6:45 p.m. It is open by reservation only at this time. Tables are currently limited to parties of four or less. The restaurant will be closed March 14 – April 4 and will reopen Wednesday, April 10.
Reservation requests can be made by emailing tartanbistro@mchenry.edu with your requested date, time, and size of party. It is helpful to list several choices in case your first date/time preference is unavailable. View the menu and more information.