A couple of weeks ago Kevin and I joined his parents for dinner at Amber Cafe to celebrate his dad’s birthday. Amber Cafe serves contemporary American dishes which change based on what’s in season. Before meeting for dinner I do what I always do and previewed the menu online. After reading through all of the wonderful sounding dishes, I knew I was going to be in for a treat and the food at Amber did not disappoint.
We started off with a couple of shared dishes including the Crab Cakes with House Coleslaw and Yuzu Aioli. The crab cakes were meaty but not too heavy and paired nicely with the fresh coleslaw.
We also shared the Brussels Sprouts with Local Burrata, Pancetta, and Lemon Vinaigrette on Polenta Bread. As soon as I saw this on the menu I know I would be ordering this. I loved everything about this dish! The Brussels sprouts were fried crispy and tasted delicious with the salty pancetta and creamy burrata. I highly recommend ordering this.
For my meal I ordered the Baby Kale Salad with Quinoa, Citrus Pickled Onions, and Smoked Cashews tossed in a Charred Lemon Vinaigrette. I loved the crunch from the cashews and the charred lemon with the kale.
With my salad I also ordered a side of Grilled Shrimp which were marinated in a Spicy Orange Mojo sauce and served with a Cilantro Slaw. The shrimp were grilled to perfection and I really enjoyed the citrus kick from the mojo sauce.
Kevin ordered from the ‘Favorites’ section of the menu and chose the Ginger Braised Short Ribs with Parsnip Puree, Spicy Pickled Cabbage, and Asian BBQ Glaze. He really enjoyed his meal and thought the Asian BBQ sauce was a unique twist to the short ribs.
Kevin’s mom ordered the Bone In Pork Chop which was served with Smoked Bacon, Peach Mostarda, Charred Green Beans, and Crispy Onions. She also really enjoyed her meal and loved the peach with the pork.
Kevin’s dad chose one of their house made pastas and ordered the Hand Cut Pappardelle with Tomato Bolognese, Spinach, and Parmesan. Like myself, he’s a big pasta lover and was very happy with these homemade noodles and meaty sauce.
I really don’t have anything negative to say about Amber Cafe. Although located in the western suburbs, this restaurant could easily be put up against some of Chicago’s best. Do yourself a favor and drive out or hop on the Metra to Westmont and visit Amber Cafe for your next date night or family dinner.
Amber Cafe is located at 13 N. Cass Ave. in Westmont, IL
Amber Cafe says
Thanks for your review, we are glad you enjoyed dining at Amber Cafe and hope to see you again soon!
Paige says
Thank you for the awesome food/service! We will definitely be back!
Lisa Loves John says
Wow – this all looks absolutely amazing!!
Paige says
It was so good! Especially those brussels sprouts!