Observe Lent…at a Chicago Steakhouse
Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse. An Italian Steakhouse is a good place to seek out Lenten specialties like Rigatoni Ala Vodka, with mascarpone and Parmigiano-Reggiano, as well as the vegan Arugula Pesto Campanelle. The fish, too, will delight and thrill in a non-meat way: Whitefish Oreganato with fresh oregano and toasted garlic, Lemon Sole with garlic whipped potatoes and lemon butter, and Cold-Water Lobster Tail. Vegetables are also kosher for eating during Lenten fasts, so consider also the Seafood Cobb Salad, with chopped greens, jumbo lump crab, and gorgonzola (ask them to hold the bacon).
About Last Knife. Though it’s made a name for itself by serving some of the best steak preparations in the city – specifically their instantly legendary Beef Wellington – About Last Knife also serves a lot of spectacular non-meat small plates and entrées. In the former category, there’s Spicy Tuna Crudo with fennel, pistachio and Calabrian chili, and a salad of beets with Aleppo peppers and red onion. For the latter, there’s Crab Cake with dill sauce and a Chickpea and Red Quinoa bowl, both so good you may forget all about that wonderful Beef Wellington.
III Forks. In the Rush Street area, III Forks has long been recognized as a place that makes a point of pleasing everyone. Thus, lots of fish and seafood on the menu. You couldn’t find a better non-meat starter than III Forks’ magnificent Seafood Tower, featuring oysters, shrimp cocktail, crab legs, and Maine lobster. Atlantic salmon, Chilean seabass, and other rotating favorites mean you can enjoy some excellent chow at a Chicago steakhouse without even touching a steak (at least a few times per year).
STK Chicago. There’s a lot to like at STK Chicago, and a good place to start is with the Crispy Lobster Tails, served with green chili aioli, pickled chilies and papaya slaw. For your entrée, there are many non-steak alternatives, including Seared Tuna and Grilled Lobster Rockefeller, a whole Branzino and a very tempting raw bar, with Alaskan king crab and tuna crudo.
Cochon Volant. With a name like Cochon Volant – the flying pig – you might not expect a lot of fish and seafood options at this Loop restaurant. You’d definitely be surprised. There’s a whole menu section devoted to Fruits de Mer, and there you’ll find a raft of delicious French specialties including oysters, fresh and char-broiled, chilled shrimp cocktail and crab legs. If fish is what you’re looking for, there’s Wild Faroe Island Salmon in one of the best preparations of this fish you will find, anywhere.
Mirabella Italian Cuisine. A steakhouse offering Italian cuisine is usually a good bet for fish and seafood, and on those counts, Mirabella Italian Cuisine delivers. Of course, there are several delectable pastas, including Fried Ravioli (our favorite), but during this season, we’re focused on fish. There’s a fish section of the menu featuring Whitefish a la Venesiano, Salmon Vesuvio and Lobster DeJonghe. Now, aren’t you glad you decided to forego your carnivorous cravings at a Chicago steakhouse this Lenten season of fasting?