A little outside Davis Square, former Green Street Grill chef Mark Romano and his wife, Marci Joy, once a server at East Coast Grill, have been quietly working on Highland Kitchen (150 Highland Avenue, Somerville, 617.625.1131), a neighborhood joint that Romano describes as "an American take on a gastro-pub, Somerville-style." The space, full of exposed brick and dark wood, is adorned with artistic touches. A jukebox spits out vintage tracks, and the entertainment license allows for live music during a weekend country-music brunch and on selected evenings. After the restaurant opens during the first week in December, Romano is planning a contemporary American menu, including blackboard specials and entrées that linger around or under $20; Romano hopes the bar scene will have a low-key vibe, with a mix of grad students, local artists, young professionals, and old townies. Keep an eye out for guest-chef and guest-bartender nights.
