Cellar Gate: A Sophisticated Wine Bar in Highwood…who knew?

the patio at Cellar Gate

For much of its history, Highwood and sophisticated were not often companions in the same sentence. As we noted in our June 9 post, President Theodore Roosevelt called Highwood, “the toughest town in America.” Last Thursday, we went to Highwood and felt like we were on vacation.

Since the closing of Fort Sheridan in 2007, Highwood today has become a fun, vibrant and dare I say it, trendy spot for an evening out. And now there is a new destination for those who enjoy a glass of wine, a little something to eat, and a European attitude…but in a good way.

Cellar Gate dining room

The Cellar Gate Wine Market is a hybrid. Cellar Gate Wine Market offers  fine wines from around the world, as well as wine accessories and decorative items for your home. Or you can buy wine by the bottle or the glass, choose hors d’oeuvres from the chalkboard menu, and settle down at one of the several charming spots inside or outside the Market:

Inspired by their love of wine and a desire to create a unique retail and dining space, Mike and Kayla Steffens opened  the Cellar Gate Wine Market eight months ago.

the garden

If not for our friends at thegotspot, we wouldn’t have spent last Thursday night at Cellar Gate. On their site, thegotspot offers a great deal everyday on a different restaurant, service (like automotive, contracting,), class or gift. We got a $20 off coupon for a $40 purchase at Cellar Gate. There were no restrictions other than using the coupon for dining in.

And that was no hardship. First stop was the chalkboard…we went with lobster rolls and mushroom crostini. Although we noticed that the brisket sandwiches, the charcuterie and cheese plates appeared awesome as well.

Our server  then helped us select the wine. As we stood looking at the imposing wall of wines and she asked us a few questions…red or white? varietal? light or hearty? We decided on an Edmeades Zinfandel from the Anderson Valley in Mendicino (under $20.00).

We walked through the courtyard and admired the garden which the Steffens tend. We sat down and listened to two young musicians riffing on gently on pop and jazz themes. With the courtyard set back from the street, surrounded by the wrought iron of the front gate, the greenery, the fountains and statuary, we savored our wine, our food and the homemade hazelnut gelati.

More good stuff about Highwood…check out the Highwood Reunion… Next: Friday, Saturday and Sunday

>Here is our little vacation video…

Cellar Gate from Ageless NorthShore on Vimeo.