Has everything, except amazing food.
posted by matthewcw on Jul. 19, '07 at 3:51 PM

Here's the thing, I'm not the sort of person to complain about something because of its price. Personally, I generally find that a higher cost usually implies a higher quality or value.

But there I was, walking through my neighborhood with a friend when she dropped this on me: "Don't you think the Highland Grill is a little expensive for what it is?"

And alas, she had just said what I had been thinking for so long, even though I had been afraid to say it.

Now don't get me wrong, someone in the area has voted their Turkey Burger as the best burger in the Twin Cities. I am in no way about to dispute that claim. In fact, after living in the area for a little over three years, and seeing lots of my money go from my pocket into the hands of their waitresses, it has gotten to the point that I only go there for the Turkey Burger.

Yeah, it's that good.

But everything else, I could be less excited about. As I got to thinking about the menu (which I usually have memorized by the time the modify it), I realized that the only reason I had settled on my usual order of a Turkey Burger with Sweet Potato French Fries was that, well, frankly I didn't care much for the rest of it. (and YES, you do want the sweet potato french fries)

A lot of it sounds exotic, sounds like it should wow the tastebuds off any seasoned gastronomic adventurer, but more often than not I find myself struggling with dry meats, a texture in sandwiches that is more reminiscent of the terry-cloth towel they give you as your napkin than a culinary delight, salads that are over dressed and lacking on portion, and breads that are heavy on toughness and light on matching flavors.

Maybe it is a kitchen issue. I cook with many of the same ingredients here in my own kitchen, and rarely encounter chicken that has been overcooked to the point where it feels like a slab of pinewood. And then I think...I paid 10-14 dollars on this?

I want to love you, Highland Grill! I want to adore eating in your hip atmosphere surrounded by other 20 and thirty something wannabe hipsters out to show off how sophisticated they are by ordering things with strange names like "arrugula" and "yellowfin tuna," and to bring home a half bottle of wine when I'm done (FYI, the wine list is serviceable)

But then again, maybe that IS the draw? Maybe people just want to be seen spending that much on "hip" food, not really knowing how much better it could be. (It occurs to me just now that they have a sister chain in Edina...figures.) I like spending money, but I don't like spending money just to be seen spending money.

As for me, I'll stick with the Turkey Burger. Oh yeah, and yes, I do want that with the sweet potato french fries. For that is the salvation of the Highland Grill. Turkey Burgers and sweet potato french fries.   Rating: ***

Great neighborhood joint
posted by djerotica on Apr. 17, '07 at 4:57 PM

Highland Grill is neighborhood meets diner meets modern kitsch. This place has all your classic meals with a modern twist. I totally recommend this place for lunch or a casual dinner.   Rating: ****