Perry's Steakhouse & Grill Opens New Schaumburg Location

As the pandemic drags on and restaurants continue to struggle and many throw in the towel, it's so nice to see that there are still some opening up. Some aren't opening as traditional restaurants and I'm seeing new terms like "virtual restaurant" and "ghost kitchen" where you can't go in to dine or have a meal on an outdoor patio, but rather you place an order online for pick-up or delivery with virtually no human contact or communication. Others are opening with walk-up windows only.

That made this week's opening of Perry's Steakhouse in Schaumburg that much more sweet. It's the second restaurant opening I've been to during the pandemic - the other being back in March right after the full shutdown where it was offering only drive-thru service.

The new restaurant is one of 20 locations nationwide in this upscale chain that originated in Texas in 1979. It's the second in Illinois with the other Chicagoland location in Oak Brook where it debuted in 2013. If you've been to the Oak Brook restaurant, you'll notice that this one is different. It's an example of their new design and includes a main dining room, bar, several private rooms and a patio with an open kitchen concept. The 12,000-square foot restaurant will be able to accommodate a maximum capacity of 330 when the pandemic is a thing of the past, although they are now adhering to social distance guidelines and limiting capacity.

I had a chance to visit for a small socially-distanced media preview before their Thursday opening and had the opportunity to sample a few of the menu items and see the new space. I've been to the Oak Brook location in the past, so I was familiar with Perry's and had tried some of their signature dishes, but really had forgotten how spectacular the food and service is and I was very delighted with the new dishes I was able to try.

We first tried out three of their appetizers - an AMAZING lobster tempura, a seafood stuffed mushroom and Perry's Signature Fried Asparagus with Jumbo Lump Crab. All three were amazing. With steakhouses, your mind might immediately go to red meat, but it's often where you'll find amazing seafood. This was so high-quality and prepared perfectly. I would definitely urge my pescatarian friends to pay Perry's a visit.

Each of our samples were paired with a miniature version of one of their cocktails. With the lobster was a delicious Thyme Lemon Drop with Ketel One Vodka, edlerflower liqueur, fresh-pressed lemon juice and freshly muddled thyme with a sugar rim. I think this was my very favorite of the night, though all of the cocktails were outstanding. 

A Peachy Glen (Glenmorangie 10-year Scotch, Belvedere Pure Vodka, fresh-pressed lemon juice and peach and stone fruit purees) and a Smoky Rita (Hornitos Black Barrel Tequila, 03 Premium Orange Liqueur, fresh-pressed lime juice and agave nectar rimmed with habanero sugar) were also paired up with this course. We enjoyed these on the patio before moving to the main dining room for the entree tasting and dessert. I asked one of our servers if the mini cocktails were something you could normally get since I love sampling and love flights of any kind - and was pleased to hear that they do offer a mini cocktail trio that changes monthly and includes seasonal flavors. 

Next it was on to the entrees, which were paired with Perry's Reserve Pinot Noir, which had such a smooth and savory flavor profile. It went with the everything Crusted Ahi Tuna, a fun take on it with the everything bagel seasoning we've all come to love followed by Perry's Famous Pork Chop Bites. This may be the biggest thing the company is known for - their giant, smoked chops. We tried a mini version - the pork chop bites, which are available on the starters menu. They are incredible and something you need to experience and savor at least once. We finished with the incomparable Chateaubriand. We tried some beautifully-prepared medallions with their trio of mouthwatering sauces - the truffle merlot demiglace, béarnaise and peppercorn reduction.

We ended with their signature Nutty-D'Angelo paired with their Jameson Mocha Old Fashioned. It was a perfect ending to this lovely tasting in this beautiful new space. For more information on their menus and locations, go to perryssteakhouse.com.