McHenry County College’s student-run restaurant, Tartan Bistro, is open for the spring season and once again welcoming the community to enjoy thoughtfully prepared meals crafted and served by MCC culinary students.
As the capstone experience for the college’s Culinary Management program, Tartan Bistro functions as a real-world classroom where students gain hands-on experience in all aspects of restaurant operations—from the kitchen and bakery to front-of-house service and hospitality.
“Running Tartan Bistro gives our students an invaluable, immersive experience that mirrors the realities of the restaurant industry,” said Chef Tina Drzal, instructor and program chair of MCC’s Culinary Management program. “They’re able to put their skills into practice while providing our guests with an exceptional dining experience.”
The menu is based on classic Midwest fare with international influences. Items offered this semester include a grilled beef filet, seared duck breast, grilled pork ribeye, seared skate wing, lobster ravioli, and vegan fettuccine and cauliflower sauce.
Entrees include a side, vegetable of the day, and choice of soup or side salad unless otherwise noted. Dessert choices include unique offerings such as lemon pudding cake, maple-peach bread pudding, and passion fruit 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 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. The maximum table size is six diners, and those are extremely limited. The restaurant will be closed March 18 – April 8.
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.
