Cafe Highlands Replaces Cafe 640 Friday

Former Cafe 640 chef Stephen McGuffin is ready to open his new concept in the same space on North Highland Avenue. Cafe Highlands, adjacent to the Highland Inn, begins service Friday at 11 a.m., according to an announcement. The restaurant brings "progressive American cuisine with the atmosphere of a neighborhood bar" to Poncey-Highland. Cafe 640 closed on November 1.

"I've worked in Poncey-Highland for many years, and I love its walkability and proximity to so many of the city's unique Intown neighborhoods," McGuffin said in a prepared statement. "My goal is to become a neighborhood staple where guests can easily drop in any time of day for a simple yet satisfying meal. We are offering local, approachable food and the type of courteous service that immediately puts guests at ease."

Among the dishes coming out of the Cafe Highlands kitchen:

• Oxtail gravy poutine ($8)
• Duck confit with sweet potato masa cake and salsa negra ($11)
• Double patty smash burger with pimento cheese ($11)
• Black-eyed pea falafel with cucumber, fried green tomato and za'atar yogurt dressing on a warm pita ($9)
• Seared catfish with grit cake, rock shrimp and smoked tomato sauce ($17)
• Pork schnitzel with mustard spaetzle, braised red cabbage and apple-maple gastrique ($15)

The bar, run by "liquid chef" Nick Moody, features classic cocktails, cask-aged beverages, and nitro beers. Located at 640 North Highland Avenue, Cafe Highlands is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to midnight, Saturday from 9 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Brunch is available Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Check out the complete menu below.