Michael W.
Yelp
You know that perfect little neighborhood Italian place that you have been looking for? Found it!
Why, oh, why, oh, why, have I not happened upon Washington Gardens sooner? This place is fantastic.
My wife and I ventured out on a spontaneous date night and were both starving because we had not had much to eat that day. We knew our destination was Highwood, but were not sure where to eat. Enter Yelp mobile app to the rescue. I spied the Gardens as I was hunting for a parking spot and had my co-pilot check the Yelp app. It seemed like a very solid choice so we went for it.
Full disclosure - I am not a big Italian fan, tends to be more the wife and daughter, so I usually take one for the team.
Tip - valet parking is available, so you do not have to worry about parking if you don't want to. As soon as we entered the door way, we were warmly greeted by the owner who really put on the charm. The place was packed and it looked very inviting. I spied a booth right away and requested it. Score!
Ordering drinks - our server had our backs, she steered my wife towards the house pinot which was a generous pour I might add, not like some places that provide an anemic grape output; and she was also able to recite the beer list to me from memory both forwards and backwards, very impressive! Nicely done Beth!
Bread came out next with 'real' shredded cheese.
Someone delivered an order to our table and my wife told him he had the wrong table, but not the case, our server popped by to let us know that she ordered it for us to try. It was the pasta appetizer and it was magnificent. Remember me not being a big pasta guy? The flavor profile of the app really delivered foodgasm. You MUST order this, I know we will from now on. I also like the confidence display from an establishment that knows well enough to give you a preview knowing full well they'll hook you. Consider us Hooked. I have to bring my daughter back, she adores a good cream sauce.
Next came the poblano cream soup. That's what I said, poblano? At an Italian place? Turns out the cooks are Mexican and the soup was wonderful. Just the right balance of heat to it like Goldilocks, not too little, not too much, but 'just' right.
Followed by the caesar salad. The sauce was good, but I did not care for the presentation or leaf choice. I think I get where they were trying to go, I think they were shooting for the leaves to still be crunchy over soggy, which they were; but I felt there was too much leaf stem/vein included which detracted for me.
Next came the Ahi, simple really, ahi with broccoli and rice. It was probably the best Ahi I have had. The texture, color, look, taste were perfect.
Now bear in mind, my wife and I split everything we ordered down the middle, so when the bill came, it was extremely reasonable for a dinner in the North Shore; and our tummies were happy as well, more of that Goldilocks syndrome, 'just right.'
Our server Beth spoiled us, was very amiable and easy to like, our meal was fantastic, we were happy and satisfied, wanted for nothing and our tip reflected as much.
And we have not even tried the thin crust pizza which this place is supposedly known for.
Good enough reason to return, like we needed more ;)