Benjamin Restaurant Launches New Summer Menu

Benjamin restaurant, located in downtown Highland Park, will launch a new, summer menu on Wednesday, June 6. Executive Chef Benjamin Brittsan's American cuisine incorporates locally-sourced and seasonally-inspired dishes. 

Brittsan's new offerings from the small plates portion of the menu include: grilled calamari; gnocci; crab and avocado; heirloom tomato caprese terrine; West Coast oyster “shots”; baked feta cheese; grilled Cook’s Ranch bison skewers; and The Benjamin “spicy tuna roll.” In addition to Benjamin's Signature Salad, three new summer salads have been added: Spinach, Beets3 and Tuscan Panzanella. This season's main courses feature whole pan roasted Mediterranean porgy; Midwestern Farms prime N.Y. strip steak; Maine diver sea scallops; grilled White Marble Farms pork chop; and herb roasted Amish chicken. The new summer menu is listed below.

Benjamin offers a chef's tasting menu for $75 (includes six courses and one glass of wine). For $99, each of the six courses will be paired with wine. Throughout Ravinia season, Benjamin offers ticket holders a day-of dining discount. Guests who enjoy a pre- or post-show meal in the dining room will receive a 15-percent discount (simply show your server your Ravinia ticket upon ordering; valid 5-6 p.m. and 9 p.m.-close). 

Benjamin is open for lunch Wednesday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Dinner service is offered Tuesday through Friday 5-10 p.m., Saturday 5-11 p.m. and Sunday 5-8 p.m.

Benjamin Restaurant
1849 Second Street
Highland Park, IL 60035
847.748.8737
BenjaminRestaurant.com

Benjamin Restaurant, Summer Menu 

Starters            

Warm Marinated Olives grilled citrus, herbs 6
Charcuterie & Cheese seasonal artisan cheeses, la quercia meats, cremenelli salumi, accoutrements 12
Gnocchi pistachio & mint pesto, peas, fava beans, housemade ricotta, summer truffle 9
Grilled Calamari heirloom cherry tomato, olives, mâche, thai chili sauce, lemon grass oil, grilled plum 10
Crab & Avocado mango gellée, endive, guacamole, rhubarb vinaigrette 11
Beef Tongue celeriac remoulade, housemade giardiniera, parsley 9
Mussels coconut broth, thai flavors, semillon verjus, grilled baguette 11
Heirloom Tomato Caprese Terrine fresh mozzarella, prosciutto di parma, baby arugula, balsamico, basil 10
Housemade Strauss Lamb Sausage roasted pepper ragout, tzatziki sauce, local feta, mint 9
West Coast Oyster “Shots” local tomato gazpacho, cucumber infused vodka, citrus, on the rocks 10
Baked Feta Cheese caramelized tomato-zucchini-honey compote, grilled baguette, petite salad, thyme flowers, passion fruit reduction, honeycomb 9
Grilled Cook’s Ranch Bison Skewers chimichurri, grilled spring onions, grilled watermelon-nopales salad, piquillo mayo 10
The Benjamin “Spicy Tuna Roll” arborio “sushi style,” sashimi tuna, spicy mayonnaise, petite wasabi, soy bubbles, tempura 12 

Salads & Soup

Benjamin Signature Salad cucumber, greenhouse cherry tomato, local goat cheese, spring greens, dried Michigan cherries, hazelnuts, watermelon radish, citrus vinaigrette 10
Beets³ roasted, pureed, gellée, chevre fritter, mâche, blood orange vinaigrette, surprise 10
Spinach Salad local summer berry-citrus terrine, strawberry chips, piña colada coulis, housemade ricotta, blackberry balsamic vinaigrette 10
Tuscan Panzanella heirloom cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, baguette croutons, olives, feta, herbs, red wine vinaigrette 10
Soup Of The Moment seasonal garnish 6 

Main Courses

Benjamin Midwestern Wagyu Beef Burger brioche, caramelized red onion, Jones Farm bacon, Merkts cheddar, smoked gouda, local heirloom tomato, spring greens, housemade garlic frites 17
Hickory Roasted Wild Salmon yuzu marmalade, summer slaw, rustic salsa verde, roasted potato, crème fraiche 23
Whole Pan Roasted Mediterranean Porgy skillet roasted new potatoes, baby arugula, hazelnut & mint butter, eggplant caponata, black olive caramel, preserved meyer lemon 24
Pasta Of The Evening seasonal ingredients M.P.
Midwestern Farms Prime N.Y. Strip Steak housemade garlic-truffle frites, red wine pearl onions, smoked blue cheese, wild mushrooms,  petite salad, natural jus 30
Maine Diver Sea Scallops jumbo couscous, sauternes-summer truffle emulsion, applewood smoked bacon, peas, edamame puree, crispy leeks, grapefruit vinaigrette 28
Grilled White Marble Farms Pork Chop boursin stuffed, sautéed spinach, caramelized peaches, black forbidden rice & wild grain pilaf, romesco, apple cider-pork stock
reduction 25
Herb Roasted Amish Chicken warm fingerling potato salad, spring onions, arugula, green beans, honey, natural pan juices, clementine-mustard vinaigrette 23 

Sides

Housemade Garlic Frites housemade ketchup & bravas sauce, pecorino romano, parmesan, truffle essence 6
Grilled Local Asparagus citrus vinaigrette, pink peppercorns 6
Summer Vegetable Medley herbs, EVOO, balsamic reduction 6
Roasted New Potatoes dill, parsley 6