Monday, February 20, 2012

Day 2 Restaurant Week - The Capital Grille

  My bf and I went to our favorite place Capital Grille - Lombard.  I love this place so much that I have been to Las Vegas, Tampa, Orlando, Pittsburgh and Atlanta location. Each time, had the best customer service and the food was excellent. As for restaurant week, they prepared a very good selection of food. I cannot wait to try something other than our usual. As we walked into the place, we immediately were greeted by the hostess and mgr.  We asked to be seated with our favorite waiter Fernando. 




  We were seated at our table and Fernando came by us with a huge smile.  He thanked us for requesting him. We were happy he was there too. We told him we were here for restaurant week and that I would be taking pics if that was ok.  I did not want to disturb the other guests since my flash would be going off. They probably think I was crazy anyway...LOL!  

  He began to tell us about the specials and also the prix fixe menu.  I asked him if the Sommelier was in because I wanted to get some suggestions from the wine list. He was not in, but Fernando did make a few suggestions and gave us a few samples of wine and we ended up choosing the Emilio Moro 2007, a Spanish wine very dark ruby color a wonderful bouquet of blackberry/cherry, some spices, with an oak finish.  It was bold in flavor and I love it.  Glen had the Unity Wine 2009 Fisher Vineyard, Napa Valley 75% cab, dark purple inky color, very heavy bodied and rich in oak. Typical Napa-Style Cab a mix of blueberries, currant, and plum with a hint of bitter chocolate.  I am so impressed that our waiter knew what wine to pair with our steaks. He was so knowledgable about the food and wine. 


Here is the Prix Fixe menu. From this menu we ordered the follow:

Appetizers

Caesar Salad - Romaine lettuce generously coated with their homemade Caesar Dressing. I love vinegar, so I can taste its presence in the dressing. It was creamy with a tart kick topped fresh Parm. It was delicious! Of course, this is the only salad Glen eats, so he loved it too. 


Clam Chowder - It was creamy, very tasty, lots of flavor and perfect serving! I love the presentation was well, very classic look.  I love white plates!


Entrée

Our Entrée was served by Fernando.


Parmesan and Herb Marinated Tournedos - Tournedos is a cut from the narrow part of the tenderloin and marinated for 24 hours with balsamic vinegar and shallots. I ordered medium rare and I have to say it was so delicious melted in my mouth, it was tender, and the tomato with balsamic dressing was such a great addition. It went well with my wine.  The plating was nice clean and just beautiful.


Medium Rare - perfect temp! So juicy and flavorful!


14 oz. Bone-in Kona Crusted Dry Aged Sirloin with Shallot Butter - This is what I usually order, and this is Glen's first time since he is a rib eye guy.  The crust and char were perfect and the Shallot Butter sauce was an flavorful. Glen said it was amazing! It was tender and so good he claimed.  He ate almost all of it and save a little for his lunch for the next day.  A very stylish and classic presentation.  



He ordered medium with a slight pink center...perfect!



Accompaniments

Our accompaniments served by Timothy 


Sam's Mashed Potatoes and Fresh Creamed spinach - simple dishes, but always a classic. I loved both dishes creamy and seasoned well. It went great with our entrees. 




Lobster Mac and Cheese (Not on the menu for restaurant week, but one of our favs)
This is a must have when you dine at Capital Grille.  Nice big chunks of lobster, Marscarpone Cheese, Havarti, and White Cheddar...all I can say is to die for.



Dessert

Classic Crème Brulée - paired with Nivole Moscato D Asti. The sugar topping was light, but enough to get a little crunch. Very velvety...so yummy! Glen slipped into a food coma earlier, but woke up to have some wonderful dessert.   



Flourless Chocolate Espresso Cake - Very dense and rich cake, topped with Espresso and I love the touch of raspberry sauce.  It definitely woke me up and Glen too.  I do not drink coffee, this is was a little strong for me, but with the Port Wine I really enjoyed it.  



  All I can say this is one of my favorite restaurants, nice ambiance, amazing food and dessert, and the best customer service around, 5 Stars of course! Please ask for our friend Fernando as your server, he will treat you like royalty. Thank you Paul Muszynski for the hospitality! We will come visit again soon!


Compliments to Sous Chef Mitchell Gierke and the staff behind the kitchen and pass. A job well done!   



3 comments:

Lil Mama Stuart said...

great details on the medium rare and creme brulee! the flash is subtle too, good job. I'm so full from MJ's right now.

Heather S. said...

Is there parking at this location? Or is it valet only? Also, what would you recommend as far as appropriate attire for this restaurant? I am going to dinner there and I will ask for Fernando after reading this! Can't wait!

Laney said...

Heather, there is valet and also you can park on your own. Business casual is fine. Have a great time!