The Glen

I went there for dinner last Wednesday. I ate at Mitchells Seafood House, which is a part of a chain from Columbus, OH (a place known for its seafood...not). This place looked like someone toured every successful seafood restaurant and mixed them all together to create a "new concept". The decor was a cross between Shaws and Joe's Stone Crab with a taste of Pappadeaux thrown in for good measure...all sanitized for your protection. The fish was fresh and prepared nicely, though. I had Chilian sea bass in what they called "Shang Hai" sauce, which was a sesamie, ginger type presentation, served over overcooked white rice. This was a birthday dinner for my Brother which was arranged by my parents, and frankly, I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the fish. I expected worse.

In terms of The Glen, This quote from the James Ward piece says it all:

This city boy has never seen anything like this � sanitized luxury, perfection by planning!

If you liked Pleasantville, you'll love The Glen! The Town Center is pretty, pretty with flowers, a fountain, and tidy park � a pseudo-urban setting!

The Market that Ward referred to looked promising, though. I could see a very large produce department that looked pretty good through the windows as I walked by. If I lived in that area, I would probably stop in to check it out.

Purchased a bunch of USDA Prime ribeyes at the Market last week. ( They had a 25% off sale bringing the price to around $11.25 lb. ) I must say that they were probably the most tender steaks that I have ever cooked.

In addition to "regular" Prime, they also sell Dry-aged prime and Wagyu beef (both at a higher price, of course) I was impressed by the service and cleanliness of the place---I hope that they are successful there.

Re: Mitchell's

Not bad/Not great--- I agree that they rolled several chain concepts into one when they designed this place. I had a snapper dish that I can only describe as "underwhelming" YMMV

I'm blown away by The Market actually. I think the prices are insanely high, but the selection and quality are amazing. I have found bottles of wine there I pay $25 for at a variety of stores for $36 at the Market. However - pricing aside - they have amazing beef (prime as mentioned) and seafood selection (10 IU shrimp are always eye catchers).

They have a huge center area devoted to prepared foods and cheese. The samples are plentiful and tasty. The bakery area is stunning! They have gorgeous cakes, cookies, chocolates, etc.

The crowning jewel in the whole store is Paciugo. It is a Dallas based gelato chain that is outstanding. The owner is Italian and brings over the machinery etc. from Italy. Again - plentiful samples and the gelato is truly outstanding.

They also have a restaurant upstairs and they host cooking classes.

I happened to be driving down Waukegan from Willow to Lake yesterday, and I could not locate this place. What should I look out for?

It's actually West of Waukegan. When driving down either Lake or Willow, look for Patriot Drive. Turn in and your at The Glen. The Market is in the Pseudo downtown part next door to the old control tower from when it was the Navel Air Station.

Hi,

If you take Willow, west of Waukegan, there will be a traffic light intersection where to the right you go to (my) Costco, to the left you are headed directly toward The Glen. If you reach Shermer, the next traffic light, then you went too far.

If you go beyond The Glen, heading south, there is a country club where you can eat without being a member. This is the place where I ordered a hamburger medium rare and it came to the table fully cooked.

Thanks, both of you. I know exactly where it is now.