Ditka's Restaurant-Chicago
By
Carol & Joe Davis
Dining Detectives
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It
is impossible to think of the Chicago sports scene without hearing
the named Ditka. Mike Ditka, NFL Hall
of Famer, feared tight end and Da Coach of Da 1985 World Champion
Bears is a Chicago hero and legend. His popular downtown restaurant
and bar was packed on the Thursday night that we dined there.
We loved sitting at a comfortable booth in the tiered seating
overlooking the bar with a view of big screen TVs and walls filled
with signed Chicago sports photos and memorabilia. We ordered
a few beers and enjoyed looking at the menu which had many sports
references including The Fridge Burger made with everything
in the fridge named for Bears Richard "The Refrigerator"
Perry.
Cowboy
Oyster Shooters with spicy cocktail sauce and Tabasco vinaigrette
was a delicious and light shellfish starter. The Hall of Fame
Features (Entrees) that we had were both very hearty portions
and excellent.
The
BBQ Baby Back Ribs were cooked to perfection and were
so tender that the meat fell right off the bone. Ditka's
signature spicy BBQ sauce, coleslaw and hand cut fries were the
perfect compliment. Da Pork Chop which came with apple
chutney, cherry jus and mashed sweet potatoes was also prepared
perfectly and delicious. We did not have steaks but hear from
our friends who live in Chicago that they are fabulous! We were
impressed that the Meat Temperatures are listed right on the menu,
so there is no confusion about getting your steak prepared exactly
to your liking. Rare is purple center, Medium Rare is warm red
center, Medium is warm pink center; Medium Well is slightly pink
and Well done is hot grey center.
We
were too full for dessert but hear that Ditka's
Famous Banana Cream Pie with fresh bananas, rich custard,
chocolate and caramel is fantastic. Don't be surprised if you
see Da Coach, as he frequents his three restaurants
which are located in Chicago, Pittsburg and Oakbrook Terrace but
don't ask him to teach you The Super Bowl Shuffle. No trip to
Chicago is complete without stopping in for a drink at the bar
or dining at Ditka's.
Ditka's
Restaurant
The Tremont Hotel
100 East Chestnut Street
Chicago, IL. 60611
312-587-8989
www.DitkasRestaurants.com
