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PLAINFIELD – When you head to a restaurant in the last hours it’s open in search of a limited item, you have to temper your expectations.
I waited to go to Fox’s Restaurant and Pub in Plainfield on a Thursday on the chance I could try the Roast Prime Rib o’ Beef or the Prime Rib melt. They make limited batches after 4 p.m. on Thursday through Sunday. But I got delayed and knew it was unlikely when I walked in.
But that wasn’t going to ruin my night as I wandered toward the bar, the main piece of liveliness in the room just to the right of the entrance. This was back right before Christmas, so the tree was lit and the bar was nearly full, an interesting conglomerate of locals enjoying the time before the holidays.
When the bartender came to take my order, I knew I was probably too late for my first choice. As it turns out, it had just run out. So I chose the next best thing in the Philly Prime Panini with pepper jack mashed potatoes and got comfortable as I watched the Thursday night NFL game and enjoyed Great Lakes Brewing’s Christmas Ale from Fox’s pretty expansive menu of beers on tap.
It was the perfect drink to get me ready for the meal, tasting of fresh honey, cinnamon and ginger.
For starters, however, I had to try the Reuben rolls, something the menu touts as a “Fox’s invention.” I only say it that way because I’ve seen them on other menus and have no way to confirm the originator. But they seem confident enough, putting it in print for all to see.
It would be easy for smaller rolls to end up dry or just plain greasy, but this were neither. They were soft and arrived with both 1,000 Island and horseradish dip options.
After enjoying the rolls and the Christmas Ale, I moved on to the panini and a Revolution Fistmas for the main course. Fistmas is a red ale and the Chicago-based brewery’s holiday brew with caramel and fruit aromas.
As for the sandwich and mashed potatoes, I wasn’t disappointed.
While it wasn’t what I came to the restaurant expecting, it was downright delicious. The panini was crisp and toasted with melted white cheddar and provolone inside along with the shaved prime rib, peppers and creamy garlic dressing.
It was enough that I could have a decent meal and bring the second half of my sandwich home for lunch the next day without leaving hungry.
I was able to enjoy the conversation, the football, the holiday spirit and leave happy, hoping to return again.
• The Mystery Diner is a newsroom employee at The Herald-News. The diner’s identity is not revealed to restaurant staff before or during the meal. The Mystery Diner visits a restaurant and then reports on the experience. If the Mystery Diner cannot recommend the establishment, we will not publish a review.
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IF YOU GO
WHAT: Fox’s Restaurant and Pub
WHEN: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight Friday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: 14206 U.S. Route 30, Plainfield
INFO: Call 815-733-5593 or visit foxsrestaurant.com