Perry’s Steakhouse and Grille- three years later!

[rating=5] The date was March 10, 2017 and Jane and I were tasting the food at newly arrived Perry’s Steakhouse and Grille located in the Oakbrook Center. For those of you who remember, while we had a memorable experience, we were not served the famous “pork Chop” that Perry’s is known for. As the years went by, and I spoke about other restaurants and their “pork Chop” someone at Perry’s was paying attention. About a month ago, when I spoke about Perry’s “Valentine’s Day ” specials on my radio show ( Sundays at 2 p.m. WCPT 820 am radio), I mentioned the saga of watching the pork chops pass us by, so here we are tonight, February 10th ( a month shy of three years) and we are having a very special Tasting Menu that Perry’s has selected to make up for the 2010 no pork chop visit.

Our host for the evening, Fivos Antonopoulis, the manager of this exciting Oakbrook dining room, that many might look at as a “supper club” experience. The ambiance is amazing and for a Monday night, the space was as busy as a Saturday night out on the town. Rising from its roots as a meat market, Perry’s has risen to great heights and is one of the top rated, award-winning steakhouses. While the steaks are amazing and beautiful, there is nothing like their “seven-finger” high pork chop.

Let’s start at the very beginning ( a very good place to start). Our server, Anna R. was quite attentive and friendly, making sure that we were as happy as can be. Her “station” was filled with other diners as well. A birthday dinner between a father and his daughter, an older group out for a great meal and a table with a young couple who appeared to be having an early Valentine’s Day celebration. Jane and I opted to call ours the same as we will be attending a talent show with one of our grandkids performing on Friday. There was also a table of gentlemen who were most likely ending a day at the office so to speak. It appears that the mix in this dining room was the perfect one for today’s world.

Jane and I started our experience with a cocktail. I opted for the vodka martini, straight up and with the ice from the shaker in a rocks glass on the side. Jane, who does not have a cocktail was entranced by their house selection and chose the Perry Berry Mule ( think Russian Mule, but with strawberries , cranberries and a bit of lime- oh yes, the ginger is still in the drink)- she loved it.

Our first course, the Tartare Trio. Green ( avacado), Steak ( with just the right sauces blended in) and Ahi tuna- all three were juicy and flavorful and they brought different  types of bases for each. Tortilla and almost a melba toast as well as a fresh loaf of bread, piping hot from the oven.

The next serving was a white bean pork chili, very saucy and almost a soup but tangy with a great kick! This was served with a soft taco shell which was perfect for dipping. We were then prepared for the main courses. Yes, there were two! Let me talk about the pan seared Sea Bass first. Cilantro marinated and butter basted, on a bed that appeared ot be a rainbow composed of red pepper coulis and cilantro oil. To die for!

Then came the famous pork chop. Just seeing it fresh from the kitchen is a treat for one’s eyes and knowing that within minutes we were about to partake of this masterpiece brought a big smile to our faces. The pork chop is huge, It is cured, toasted and slow-smoked. It is caramelized and served with their home made applesauce. For some reason, “pork chops and applesauce” is a match made in heaven. I recall this being said in an episode of “The Brady Bunch” ( I think by Bobby). They carved it into three sections and Anna with an R. ( so not to be confused with the other Anna at Perry’s) showed us the order to eat. We followed her direction and were in heaven within minutes of the first bites. The portions were large enough to sate our appetites and give us some leftovers for Tuesday night. By the way with the dinner, we were served a Perry’s Reserve Pinot Noir from Napa Valley. A perfect blend for our entrée.

Then came the  fabulous end of a fabulous dining experience. A lemon Custard style Baked Alaska for two ( easily could have served four). With my  coffee and  Jane’s espresso a delightful way to end the experience. Guess what, the experience might be over, but the memories will remain with us for a long time. We will be sharing this experience with friends and family for a long time. You can do the same. Or, you can look at the huge menu filled with items that will bring you the happiness that we experienced tonight.

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille is located  at 5 Oakbrook Center in Oakbrook. They are on the East side of the center, closes to Cermak Road ( 22nd Street) . The phone number is 630-571-1808 and the website www.Perrysteakhouse.com

Plenty of free parking and valet parking is readily available.

Thank you Cindy Kurman for making my pork chop dream come true!

Photos are by Perry’s photographer and Jane and I ( cleaned up by my Florida friend Barry).