Fall Tracking: The Highlands

Highlands, 150 West 10th St., West Village
Initial Projection: Summer '09
Current Debut Projection: October 7
Odds, On Time Arrival: Even
Eater Projected Opening Date: 10/07/09

Highlands, the "first authentic Scottish establishment in New York City," will open in the old P'ong and Batch spaces on West 10th Street on October 7, October 9 at the latest. Sold as a gastropub, the restaurant is owned by Brian McGrory, an alum of AvroKO, native of Scotland, and expert bar man, Mary Wan, who opened a boutique hotel with McGrory back in Glasgow, and Donal Brophy, an alum of Madam Geneva and Bua. There will be an extensive cocktail list, including a special Scotch cocktail list, beers from microbreweries, and a short menu with items from $6 - 22.

Why this gets special fall tracking status? Given the time and energy the owners are putting into it, the expense of the location, the background of the team, and the AvroKO designer on board for the design, it is going to be an ambitious place. And of course, the focus on high-minded pub grub is very of the moment. Take a look at the menu below.

Mustard and Dill Steam Kintyre Mussels
garic and cream

House Cured Loch Duart Salmon
micro mustard, drop scones, creme fraiche, capers, and lemon

1/2 dozen Oysters Loch Fyne
Served raw with shallot thyme mignonette

Princess Scallops and Bacon Burger
Brioch bun, bib lettuce, tomato, horseradish aioli and chips

Beef Cheek, Mushroom, and Ale Pie
new potatoes, baby carrots, and parsley

Pan Seaed fish of the Day
Butternut squash, hazelnuts, snow peas, brown butter, and lemon

Roast Pheasant/Organic Chicken
Mustard Mash, Stornaway black pudding, garlic spinach, bread sauce, and red current jelly

· All Fall Tracking Coverage [~E~]