Last month I had a dining experience that I am still dreaming about today. Ash American Fare occupies the end-cap of the East Hyde Park business block formerly occupied by Cumin. The ownership is still the same but the concept is new and features American comfort food.

Jack-Ash

My wife and I started with a couple of drinks from the libations list ($10 each). I went with the Jack-Ash, which featured Tito’s vodka, lime juice, and Crabbie’s ginger beer. My wife went with the Traskwood, a more complex mix of Bulleit bourbon, muddled orange, brown simple sugar, orange bitters, and Lost Coast tangerine wheat beer. We both enjoyed the drinks but I doubt I would order either of them again based solely on the high price of each.

Fried Green Tomatoes

To begin our meal, we started with fried green tomatoes served with molasses souffle and whole grain mustard aioli ($11). The tomatoes were perfectly fried and tender, while the souffle added an interesting sweetness to compliment the subtle spice of the mustard seeds. Our meal was off to a great start.

Ed Hill Chicken Roulade

For dinner I ordered the Ed Hill chicken roulade ($22). The chicken is filled with apple and sage stuffing and served over a bed of couscous with grilled tomato and broccoli rabe, finished with lemon thyme jus. In one word this dish was amazing! The presentation was very nice and every bite was incredibly delicious.

Vegetarian Black Bean Burger

My wife went with the vegetarian black bean burger with red pepper coulis, charred corn salsa, and roasted poblano aioli ($15). This is served with a large basket of fries and a pickle spear. Corn and black bean always go so well together, so I’m not sure why it has taken us this long to find this combination so well executed in burger form. The sauce on the burger was full of flavor and had a bit of smoky taste, which paired well with the grilled patty.

I can’t say enough great things about the food at Ash American Fare. Though we will probably save it for a special occasion, a return visit will definitely happen.