GLOBALLY INSPIRED, FORESTER ROOTED

Proudly situated within The Forester, the boutique hotel concept by Hyatt Place that has brought a breath of fresh air to Lake Forest as the first hotel to open in nearly a century, Oaken Bistro + Bar would seem to most to be a typical hotel dining experience. From first bite, however, both hotel guests and neighbors alike have quickly learned that the experience is anything but ordinary. Exceeding expectations on the culinary scene in the age of the “foodie” is no small feat, but with new Executive Chef Christian Alejandro at the helm, it’s set as the standard for this North Shore destination.

Whether shaping satisfying new brunch offerings, or vibrantly flavored dinner creations, Alejandro sets the culinary bar high. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, with his culinary degree in International Culinary Arts and years spent in New Orleans, means the dishes Alejandro creates hit the sweet spot in Oaken’s globally influenced American bistro theme.

Take for example Alejandro’s bone-in chicken breast with charred scallion risotto, poblano supreme sauce, grilled lemon, chive oil, and toasted breadcrumbs. First featured as a limited-time Oaken entrée of the month, the dish had “just the right amount of kick and our guests could not get enough of it,” says Alejandro. “So, we added it to the daily lunch and dinner menu and now they can enjoy it whenever they visit.”

In step with Oaken’s rich wood-cloaked contemporary design—befitting the beauty of Lake Forest’s natural habitat—the restaurant’s dinner menu sections are aptly dubbed as “Saplings” (lighter fare), salads, “Timber” (mains), “Seedlings” (sides), and desserts. From the light offerings, Alejandro’s Beef Tenderloin Empanadas with chimichurri, lemon, and tomato sauce are the most popular. Atlantic Salmon with silky potato puree, wild mushrooms, and beurre rouge takes the top spot in the mains, with truffle fries dunked in chimichurri aioli as the can’t-get-enough snacking favorite. And for dessert? Guests love the coconut crème brûlée.

Keenly aware of the need to balance proteins, vegetarian, and gluten- free options to meet guest preferences and dietary needs, Alejandro and his team at Oaken have ensured that most menu items have a gluten-free option, as well as including plenty of vegetarian options. The gorgeously hued and flavorful Late Harvest Salad— one of three gluten-free, vegan salads currently on offer, is a popular toss of nutty farro, sweetly roasted carrot, parsnips, and beets, with apricots, pistachios, and whipped ricotta.

Becoming integrated with and adding fun to the Lake Forest community is a top priority at Oaken. To keep things fun and fresh, Oaken is constantly adding new events. The Oaken Weekday Happy Hour, and Friday night live music, for example, are year-round offerings that change with the season. “We’re always doing fun seasonally themed events that tie to local businesses and guests,” says Alejandro, “such as the Valentine’s Day Calligraphy Class we did with Sip & Script, the winter mixology class we offered, and our participation in February’s Lake County Restaurant Week with a special three-course prix fixe menu.”

Upping the ante this month, Oaken launches two exciting new offers to welcome Lake Foresters. “During the entire month of March, we are offering 50 percent off your meal to all diners who mention this article,” Alejandro explains. Available breakfast, lunch, dinner, or brunch on all food items (tax, gratuity, and alcohol not included) the offer also includes a Fill a Heart for Kids give-back component. Diners can either choose to apply the 50 percent discount to their meal or donate the 50 percent to Fill a Heart for Kids, a Lake Forest based organization that provides resources to unhoused, at-risk, and foster children.

Also, this month, Oaken is pleased to unveil its new Oaken Rewards Club. As with other loyalty programs, participants earn points for dining at Oaken; one point for every $1 spent. Once rewards club members reach 250 points, they’ll earn an extra $25 credit plus fun freebies on birthdays and anniversaries. To encourage participation, Oaken is kicking off the program with a special $25 bonus just for signing up.

“As my first time working under the Hyatt umbrella, it’s been an incredible experience to dive in with a property as unique as The Forester,” Alejandro concludes. “I love cooking and providing the best experience to our diners and have found the same driving force within the team here at Oaken. We look forward to seeing you here!”

For more information on Oaken Bistro + Bar or to sign up for the Oaken Rewards Club please visit oakenbistro.com.