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Harry Caray had a “tell-it-like-it-is” style of broadcasting. Harry was best recognized for his tradition of singing “Take Me Out To The Ball Game” during the 7th inning stretch and for his famous home run call: “It might be, it could be, it is! A home run! Holy cow!” His passion was so contagious that he became as much of a symbol of the Cubs as the ivy that covers the outfield walls at Wrigley Field. Capitalizing on that popularity, “Harry Caray’s” Italian Steakhouse opened its doors in 1987. The goal was to have a restaurant that celebrated everything Harry loved: great food, good drinks, and a comfortable place to catch the game. They have three locations including the original in downtown, Lombard, and the location I visited tonight, Rosemont Growing up on the north side meant summers spent watching the Cubs and listening to Harry. You always felt welcomed into the broadcast and that’s exactly how you feel when you enter “Harry Caray’s” restaurant. Baseball memorabilia adorns every possible wall, and the service is friendly and never pretentious. The well stocked menu is highlighted by the aged prime steaks and Italian favorites such as the chicken vesuvio. To start the night we decide on the toasted ravioli and I add on the “Dutchie” salad as well. For our entrees my wife chooses the bone in rib eye-topped with gorgonzola (yes, I’m a lucky man) and I opt for the famous chicken vesuvio. The ravioli is out very quickly, and I would like to personally thank whoever decided to toast ravioli in the first place. Plenty good on its own, but toasting it makes it special. Beef is wrapped in a toasted pocket of goodness and served with a hearty beef marinara.  Salad follows promptly, and its baby greens, granny smith apples, pears, candied walnuts, gorgonzola, and a raspberry vinaigrette. The salad could have very easily been too sweet, but the gorgonzola mellowed out the dressing to make this a very enjoyable salad. Our dinners arrive and they are gorgeous! The big 23oz rib eye was a wonderful sight to take in. Charred perfectly to give a tasty crust, and then topped with creamy gorgonzola for a little something special. The steak cut like butter and simply melted in your mouth. Accompanying the steak was an order of asparagus and hollandaise. The asparagus was nicely firm and the hollandaise sauce wasn’t simply drizzled on top, instead it was served along side in a gravy boat. A nice touch that let’s you decide how much/little you want. My vesuvio is next, and what a wonderful vesuvio it was! Two large chicken breasts are covered in herbs and swimming in a wonderful wine sauce. The sauce is so good; that I would have probably drank it if no one was around. Peas and large wedges of vesuvio potatoes also call the sauce home, and truly make this dish a wonderful meal. To end an evening right, you need to end with something sweet. We decide on the turtle cheesecake and the crème brule. The vanilla crème is topped with caramelized sugar and accompanied by fresh berries. The well done crème brule was a joy to eat. Break through the sugar crust, and you’re in dessert heaven. The dense cheesecake is decadent although not homemade, but since it is Eli’s, I’m willing to forgive. Final bill with tip was about $135 for the two of us, certainly not inexpensive, but fair for the high quality of the food and service. Overall “Harry Caray’s” offers excellent food, inviting atmosphere, all for a reasonable price. “Harry’s” is worth the trip no matter where you might reside. Rating **** out of ****. Locations Harry Caray's Chicago 33 W. Kinzie Street Chicago, IL 60610 Phone: 773.HOLY.COW Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse, Rosemont  O'Hare International Center 10233 West Higgins Road Rosemont, IL 60018 Phone: 847.699.1200 Fax: 847.699.0200 Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse, Lombard  70 Yorktown Center Lombard, IL 60148 Phone: 630-953-3400 Fax: 630-953-3430                                                        Home

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