Perry’s Steakhouse and Grille- Oak Brook

[rating=5]When we check out a dining spot, our normal system is to have four people, allowing us to order several differnet appetizers, entrees and sides (as well as desserts). That has been our modus operandi for years. Tonight, we were asked to come to Oakbrook Center to a Texas restaurant that is now reaching out to the rest of the country, Perry’s Steakhouse and Grille, for what they call a “tasting” dinner. Jane and I arrived at this beautiful restaurant on the Easter section of the Oakbrook Center. The section where they are (near parking lot K) is what one might call “restaurant Row”, filled with some top names in dining along with a sports bar and just west of McDonald’s. No matter your dining pleasure, this area of the mall has it!

Perry’s is a Texas, family owned operation where meat is “king” yet, the seafood offered is a close second! The restaurant is huge, and yet intimate. Let me explain this. They have a large dining room but also several smaller areas where they can move walls and allow for private parties. We were seated by our hostess and met with our server, Sandra, who has been in this space, since the opening several years ago. We were given the options on what type of water we would want and Jane went with the sparkling, while I opted to pass.

Our dinner began with three starters:

Pork chop bites (skewered bite size of their famous pork chop. Now that I had the sample, I know, I am going back for the “real thing”. The Tempura Fried Lobster was to die for as was the Asian Ahi Tuna Tartare. To go with these three dishes, three drinks called the Mini-Martini Trio (although they are truly a mixture of drinks)- Mango Passion Fizz (a wonderful and tasty cocktail) a Mai Tai and a Smoky Rita. Each drink flavorful and complimenting the appetizer we were enjoying.

The chopped salad, their “signature” was indeed enough for both of us; crisp bacon topped the zesty flavorful fresh greens as we prepared our taste buds for the dinner that was about to come. As we waited, we were able to watch several dishes waltz by and heard table after table as they enjoyed each meal served. Now it was time for ours: Chateaubriand, carved at the table served with a truffle Merlot, béarnaise and roasted peppercorn sauces. This tasty meat is served with fried asparagus topped with jumbo lump crab (this surely makes the surf and turf diner a happy camper). This was paired with their private label Cabernet.

Three sides were also brought to the table (smaller portions than those on the menu as these are to share and taste). Roasted Sherried Mushrooms. Here I have to make a statement. I am not a veggie eater (salad for that matter, except when prepared by my friend Casey) but these were by far some of the best veggie dishes I have had placed before me, and I ate every bite. The other side veggie was Sweet Sirachi Brussel Sprouts (now on my “favorite” list) and then their Perry’s Au Gratin Potatoes- another “to die for” dish. A fabulous dinner indeed and a reason to come back to Oakbrook (very soon!).

Sandra prepared us for the dessert that was about to come. I enjoyed my coffee while they prepared  at tableside  our flaming dessert- Nutty D’Angelo, perfect for two- ice cream with a crust and nuts that will be the crowning touch to a dining experience that will last for hours after the meal is over. In fact, when I sat down after making my notes, I examined my “Day-Timer” so see when we might have an opening to return to the scene of the dinner so I could partake of the entire Pork Chops that I saw pass me by. What an experience.

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille is located at  5 Oakbrook Center in Oak Brook Il. Call 1-630-571-1808 to make your reservations, for dinner or a party. By the way, they have a sweet brunch menu- I may just go back for that as well (after bowling season). www.perryssteakhouse.com