Lovells Of Lake Forest

Doesn't Recommend

Flackman

Joined 3 years ago

Over rated, over priced. We went there with a few other couples and were sorely disappointed.

While the atmosphere was pleasant, the service, while efficient, was indifferent and did not make us feel welcome.

The food was just OK -- we had salmon that was bland. In fact, my wife said the fish I made the night before was better -- and all I did was use a mesquite plank and seasoning.

We had made arrangements ahead of time, but did not receive thanks or a greeting from anyone -- which you may expect when your check is nearly $700.

Our dinners ran $38 (for chicken) to $44 for the salmon. No one raved about their dinner (I know I did not) , as it proved to be a mediocre dining experience.

Needless to say, the chance of us going back are slim as there are far better dining experiences in the Chicago area.

Doesn't Recommend

gues

Joined 4 years ago

We won't go back. We eat out at least once a week and visit average to expensive restaurants. So we aren’t new to a good dining experience. My husband and I with another couple went here on a Saturday night and weren’t happy with the service. The food was ok, not great, but not bad.

I had a glass of pinot noir that I liked very much and asked the waiter to bring a bottle for the four of us. The waiter brought the wine list to the table, showed it to one of the men and INSISTED we try something else. He asked me how I liked it I told him it was ok but not as good as the one I intended to order.

Then, not knowing their portions my husband asked the waiter if the crab cake and scallop appetizers were enough for four. He said yes and served us each a scallop and a crab cake. When we got the bill we found the waiter served 8 appetizers (4 of each).

The filet and shrimp entrée special had spicy shrimp. I wasn’t told it would be spicy. Nor were we told the side dishes were big enough to share (like they do at Gibson’s).

The next day I was going to call with my complaints but after looking at reviews and reading how arrogant the owner is I decided to go this route. They didn’t win by overselling us they lost because WE WON’T GO BACK. THIS PLACE IS A RIP OFF!!!

Recommends

Elisa Kronish

Joined 10 years ago

Apollo 13 astronaut Jim Lovell welcomes a sophisticated, north suburban crowd to this plush fine dining establishment.. The Scene
Memorabilia from the astronaut-turned-restaurateur decorates this mansion-like restaurant, which has an old-money feel minus the stuffiness. The homey dining room seats 120 among several intimate spaces. Electric-candle chandeliers and a gas fireplace set a relaxed mood, while service is seamlessly and silently coordinated.

The Food
Lovell's son, James III, is executive chef. His seasonal contemporary American cuisine wonderfully incorporates fresh fruits and vegetables (chicken with wilted greens and apple cider reduction, pheasant with asparagus and lingonberry sauce). The tiered trio of pates is perfectly accompanied by spicy mustard, capers, jellied onions and cornichon. Crab cakes are crispy outside, flaky inside. Entree presentations are beautiful, such as sliced duck atop a vivid huckleberry reduction, draped in molasses and cracked peppercorn glaze. Tender, pan-seared scallops are the size of small filets. Dessert options such as a heavenly hazelnut frozen mousse pie change frequently.

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schatz814

Joined 11 years ago

Impressive!. I was there at a party for 30 people (upstairs). What a wonderful, elegant place! The service was great, the food out of this world. Mr. Lovell himself made an appearance - we were all thrilled.

I can't wait to go there again (next time we want to try the ground-floor restaurant).