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The Mystery Diner is always on the lookout for restaurants to try. This week's edition takes me to a restaurant I've had my eye on for months.
I often pass by Blackstone Bar and Grill, located at 600 E. Veterans Parkway entering Yorkville's east side, during my morning commute.
With its warm lighting and the sounds of Sinatra humming in the background, Blackstone provided a perfect oasis for the Mystery Diner and my companion on a stormy Saturday evening.
Blackstone's menu is full of classic favorites the Mystery Diner grew up on as a kid, like chicken oscar, pepper steak and the London broil.
We decided to kick off our night with a real crowd-pleaser, the saganaki cheese flamed with brandy. Always entertaining and appetizing, it didn't disappoint.
Entrees at Blackstone are served with a choice of soup or salad, and while my dinner mate went with a caesar salad, I decided to warm up with another personal favorite – a cup of french onion soup. The Mystery Diner considers myself a connoisseur of this traditional meal starter. I'm proud to report it's some of the best I've ever had – topped with plenty of gooey cheese goodness.
On to the main course, and Blackstone has options for any palate from a range of pastas to the pot roast – a house specialty – to "Blackstone" meatloaf and a host of steaks from the grill. Several of the meat selections are served with homemade sauces made fresh daily for extra flavor, a classic staple.
My companion chose the parma pork chop, char-broiled with dry cherries over an apple cider reduced demi-glaze. The Mystery Diner sampled a taste. It met my approval.
Carrying a hearty appetite, I selected the Manhattan cut New York strip steak "ghia" – one of three strip steak options on the menu. The 11-ounce thick-cut strip is topped with herb butter, and served with Bordelaise sauce and garlic mashed potatoes.
The classic French sauce added a sophisticated, rich taste to a mouthwatering medium-cooked steak, pink in the middle just the way the Mystery Diner likes it.
Our meals finished, the Mystery Diner and companion decided we had a little extra room to satisfy our sweet tooth.
Taking a look at the decadent chocolate cake drizzled with raspberry sauce, we instead opted for the cheesecake topped with creme brulee.
A delicious twist!
The Mystery Diner walked out of Blackstone quite satisfied – and ready to return to try other favorites on a large menu.
I highly recommend the Blackstone for a cozy evening out and a variety of selections to satisfy any palate.
• The Mystery Diner is a newsroom employee at the Record Newspapers. 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. The Mystery Diner is not intended to be a restaurant critic but does highlight the parts of a dining experience that he/she can recommend.
If you go
What: Blackstone Bar & Grill
Where: 600 E. Veterans Parkway, Yorkville
Hours: 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, 4 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Information: Call 630-882-8305, email rino@blackstonebarandgrill.com, or go to www.blackstonebarandgrill.com.