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.
“Running Tartan Bistro is an invaluable experience for our students, allowing them to immerse themselves in every role within the restaurant industry,” says Chef Tina Drzal, instructor and program chair of MCC’s Culinary Management program. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to apply their training while delivering an exceptional experience to our community.”
The menu is based on classic Midwest fare with international influences. Items offered this semester include filet medallions in a white wine and Boursin cheese sauce; blackened Mahi-Mahi with a creamy dill and Dijon sauce; linguine and cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, and chopped spinach; seared duck breast; or roasted pork tenderloin with a berry-hoisin sauce.
All entrees are $26 or less and include a side, vegetable of the day, and choice of soup or side salad unless otherwise noted. Dessert choices include unique offerings such as limoncello tiramisu, chocolate hazelnut cake, and mango crème brûlée. Many of the greens, flowers, and microgreens are provided by students in the Horticulture program.
Tartan Bistro also offers an impressive drink menu with a selection of rare wines and local craft brews. This year, the restaurant has beer options from Sew Hop’d Brewery in Huntley, Crystal Lake Brewing, and Holzlager and Kishwaukee Brewery in Woodstock.
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 19 – April 9.
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. Updated menu information can be found here.