Although some of the selections may not cater to younger palettes, Hearth Restaurant is a great way to expand your horizons while getting a great meal.

The Hearth menu is divided into small and big plates. On each, there is a variety of options from crab cakes to duck jambalaya.

One highlight from the small plates menu are avocado fries. With sliced wedges of avocado, lightly breaded and fried and served with a chipotle aioli, this dish is definitely unique. The combination of the soft avocado and the crispy outside make these fries unlike anything you have ever had before.

For main dishes, I highly recommend the mushroom ravioli. The perfectly cooked pasta is filled with an earthy mushroom sauce and topped with delicious pesto, apricots, almonds and crispy shallots. I didn’t think apricots and mushroom sauce would taste even remotely good together, but the combination worked well.

That being said, the sauce was a bit heavy. If you get this dish, I would not recommend getting anything on the side because this pasta is filling.

In terms of service and atmosphere, this places lives up to its name. The staff was very kind and receptive. With wooden walls, a large fireplace and an inviting lounge area, eating here feels like you are eating at a friends house.  

According to their website, Hearth opened in November 2015 by Executive Chef John Linton, in hopes of creating “warmly rustic atmosphere, favoring sustainability, classic pairings, and simple ingredients.”

Overall, Hearth is a great restaurant with a wide variety of dishes, pleasant atmosphere and attentive staff. I would go back in a heartbeat.  It would be great for a birthday dinner, a date before homecoming, or even dinner with your family.

Hearth is located at 1625 Hinman Ave. The prices range from medium to high for some of the meat dishes. It also has numerous gluten-free and vegetarian options. Hearth’s menu, hours, and information about reservations can be found on their website: www.hearthrestaurant.net, or they can be reached at 1-847-570-8400.