Hearthstone
Iced Tea and Cocktails
Charcuterie and Cheese with Housemade Mustard and Truffle Honey
Truffle Popcorn – Truffle + Pecorino + Chives
Meatballs – Braised Short Rib + Tomato
Stuffed Dates – Chorizo + Bacon + Piquillo Pepper Gravy
Heirloom Watermelon Salad – Greek Feta + Avocado + Red Onion + Mint Vinigrette
Harvest Quinoa Salad – Chickpea + Apple + Gouda + Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Abe Froman Flatbread– Fennel Garlic Sausage
Daily Special Flatbread – Spicy Pork + Pickled Jalapenos + Marinara
Char Grilled Rib Cap Steak – Roasted Cippolini Onions + Pinot Noir
Jumbo Wood Oven Shrimp – Spicy Succotash
Whole Beast Feast
Grilled Broccoli – Fresh Lemon
Crispy Steak Fries – Smoked Sea Salt + Chives + Schmaltz Mayo
Wood Rosted Asparagus – Fresh Herb Salad + Romesco Sauce
Hearthstone Secret Dessert – Huckleberries + Meyer Lemon Curd + Sweet Ricotta + Amoretti Cookie
Peridot Sweets Snickers Cake
Peridot Sweets Carrot Cake
A bit underwhelmed by Salute the night prior it was across the hall at Hearthstone that family and friends sat down on Thursday night and although the slow summer season has seen the menu somewhat neutered the experience unfolded just like every other meal enjoyed within the comfortable confines, Chef Jordan Hoffman serving us carte blanche with only the excessively priced prawns proving a less than exceptional plate.
Having already spoken of service, music, and scenery in several prior reviews suffice it to say that seats at a hightop juxtaposing the pass were as delighful as ever, the salads, shared plates, and pizzas all across-the-board excellent the wood fired rib cap was boldly flavored and tender with scorched onions and reduced wine adding just the right amount balance as well as flare.
At this point unable to pass on The Whole Beast Feast, again served with a crock of creamy polenta and the housemade-mustard/roasting jus/apple-butter trio, suffice it to say that all eight of us were stuffed to capacity with nearly two-pounds of pig leftover even before dessert’s arrival – another duo of cakes from Peridot Sweets every bit as good as the first while the not-so-secret pancake balls proved as yeasty and irresistible as ever.
FOUR STARS: Not quite as perfect as in the past, several favorites stripped from the menu during lean months during which Salute has been a focus, Hearthstone remains the class of the Western Suburbs by a rather substantial margin, the upcoming conference season hopefully to see the return of more innovative items.
RECOMMENDED: Whole Beast Feast, Hearthstone Secret Dessert, Heirloom Watermelon Salad.
AVOID: Literally listed on the receipt as “Upsell $42” the shrimp were certainly not worth the $21/each cost.
TIP: Suggested for parties of four or more there is little doubt the $350 Whole Beast Feast is capable of satisfying as many as eight when taking into account all the sides. Advanced orders are recommended, but those just wanting a bite would be advised to pay attention to Social Media for Crispy Skinned Pig events throughout Pigskin Season.
WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor
