Prairie Grass Cafe

Prairie Grass Cafe Restaurant Review:

A sense of order prevails at this pleasant eatery. Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris --- formerly of The Dining Room at The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago --- bring a whole lot of restaurant experience to the table, and it shows. The contemporary American menu skews toward comfort food, though it's blended with a sense of adventure. Crispy salmon lettuce wraps, for example, pair with peanut-laced Asian noodle salad. Greek fries get topped with oregano, feta and red wine vinegar. And Italian sausage is plump and made in-house, while Lake Superior whitefish is sautéed in a butter sauce. Pies are made by Stegner's mother; we recommend the apple and pecan varieties (especially the latter). The atmosphere is relaxed, and the noise level is low. For a casual-cool meal, settle in at the bar, which has its own fancy but approachable menu. Service is professional.