Steakhouse in disguise… with onions

Jim and Nancy do not disclose the fact that they will review a restaurant before they attend, ensuring their reviews are unbiased and uninfluenced by their position with the Sun Day.

Now that beef prices are at an all-time high, of course, Nancy has a recurring taste for steak. To stop her incessant whining, I cleverly suggested that we go check out a steakhouse. We have passed by this restaurant a number of times, but never gave it a second thought until today. “To the Mini-Mobile Nancy,” and we headed out to Addison’s Steakhouse in McHenry.

When we arrived in the strip mall, we were surprised that the restaurant had outdoor seating by the shopping center’s fountain. We decided to dine indoors due to the Florida like weather we’ve been experiencing.

We walked in to what looked like a sports bar with a lot of TVs on the walls and casual dining. There were even high-top tables in the adjoining bar.

When we were seated, we were presented with a basket of warm rolls with delicious whipped honey butter.

Let’s get down to business and on to the appetizers!!! We agreed to start off our evening with the Sweet Chile Calamari ($17). This was lightly breaded and fried, served with sweet chili sauce and fresh lemon. We were served a small portion of crispy, but slightly chewy calamari. The sweet chili sauce was awesome, and we wish they would have tossed the calamari in it.

Nancy ordered the six-ounce Filet ($38). To the chagrin of the chef, she asked to have it well done. Her entrée came with two sides and soup or salad. She chose the house cut chips and onion straws from the assortment of creative sides. She decided on the house salad and ordered it with creamy garlic dressing, of course. The salad with the creamy garlic dressing was delicious and she was in heaven with the house cut chips. Her steak was butterflied, cooked exactly the way she liked it, and it melted in her mouth. This filet was on par with any five-star restaurants.

There was an item on the “specials menu” that caught Jim’s eye. It was the Chimichurie Flank Steak ($38). This was a ten-ounce flank steak served over scalloped potatoes, and accompanied by a grilled pepper and onion medley, all topped with a chimichurie sauce. OMG, the steak was tender and packed with flavor and a great compliment to the pepper and onion medley. He was not a potato lover until today. The scalloped potatoes were sliced thinly, deep fried, crunchy on the outside, and tender on the inside. He chose the cream of chicken rice soup for his side which had a hint of lemon to brighten it up.

On to Jim’s favorite part of dining out, the dessert. We chose to have the Tiramisu ($12). This was large enough to share, but a little on the dry side. At least it wasn’t swimming in a puddle of espresso and rum.

Tonight, we both took half of our dinners home to enjoy again, sorry Rosie!!! Kudos to the chef for serving delicious steaks at a fair price. This restaurant is unique. It has a casual sports bar atmosphere while serving some of the best steaks you’ll find in the area.

FYI: This restaurant is handicap accessible.

The price for our meat lover’s evening, $114.20. Great steaks without the pompous attitude, priceless…

Jim’s take: I never thought a flank steak could be so tender and delicious. Please put it on the regular menu, Addison’s.

Nancy’s take: Since most restaurants serve those manufactured “French fries,” I’m glad I went with the homemade chips. I loved them!!!

Have comments or restaurant suggestions for the Dining Duo? Send them an email at thediningduo@gmail.com

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