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Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant Review
And while I had heard of Bolingbrook, I had never been there; I figured that it was too far away. Wrong! It took a mere 45 minutes to get there from the Fox Valley area. And that was during rush hour traffic -- the trip home was even quicker. But the payoff is in the dining and shopping venues that exist just off the intersection of the Stevenson and I-355 expressways. There is a multitude of opportunities that exist at the newly-opened shopping center, but my focus is rightfully on Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant located there.
I know that I have always said that I would prefer not to visit any place that has been open less than six months, BUT... in this case, things were a bit different since the dinner was a private affair allowing the restaurant to showcase their wares to the media and employees to practice and hone their skills before the restaurant opened for real - which, by the way, has just opened on Thursday, the 26th of April. I usually refrain from the use words like guarantee when I talk about potential for success, but I can pretty much tell that the folks who own and run Gordon Biersch have by now worked out any bugs - this after having opened twenty-one other stores in eleven states. We were offered a choice of a half-dozen appetizers and perhaps 8-10 entrees, as well as several desserts from a specially-prepared menu for the occasion. We also had the opportunity to sample a number of Biersch's hand-crafted brews.
Lauren selected the cedar-planked salmon, sauced with a subtle dill cream topping and served with bright green asparagus and rice. Brought to the table on the cedar, it was gently transferred to the plate by our server. I decided to try the Sweet and Spicy Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry, which was loaded with a colorful mix of Asian veggies, a plentiful supply of cashews, and a very spicy but tasty hoi sin sauce, all surrounded by a large scoop of sticky rice and served in a large bowl. Both entrees were outstanding -- large portions, long on flavors, nicely plated and served hot. For dessert we tried the Key Lime Cheesecake. There was no description on the menu, but this was a true winner; full of tart lime flavor and surrounded by a tender graham cracker crust, this was a delightful way to finish off the meal.
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Good
fortune seems to have smiled upon me once again... recently I received an
invitation to the opening of a new restaurant -- well, actually a new
building but not really a new restaurant. You see, Gordon Biersch had its
start back in my old stomping grounds: the very first one is in Palo Alto,
California. The thing that I can't believe is that I had never visited that
one! No matter... my visit to the new addition in the Promenade Shopping
Center in Bolingbrook is one I shall not soon forget.
Hip
and upscale are the first two adjectives that come to mind, especially when
considering all the wood and glass that abound in the design. But I think
that the key is going to be in the food and service that are offered; both
promise to be... well, tops.
We
first split an order of Southwest Egg Rolls -- chock full of tasty pulled
chicken, vegetables and stacked atop fresh slaw spiced with cilantro;
accompanied by a creamy-smooth Jalapeno Ranch dipping sauce. Excellent!
I
will grant you the fact that it was a pre-opening night when everyone was on
their individual and collective toes, trying very hard to get things right.
But judging from our experience and the number of Gordon Biersch Restaurants
that have already opened (22 in, this one is going to be a big time favorite
and a place that you will want to visit very soon. The full menu has a ton
of great starters, entrees, sandwiches, pastas and desserts... and by the
way, the hand-crafted brews are awesome! My favorite was the the Märzen
(pronounced Maert'-zen), a dry, auburn-colored Bavarian Lager. Tasty!