Overall Score: 80.86
4023 Oak Lawn Ave.
Steak: Here is what we learned about Eddie V’s: the seafood is superior to the steak experience. Both steaks were seasoned and cooked medium rare, but the strip was so tough that I spit it in my napkin. Scores: filet (12 oz., $39) 90, New York strip (16 oz., $42) 60
Service: Arrogant, distracted, but efficient. Our server disappeared for long periods and interrupted our conversation at his convenience. Our steaks appeared 45 minutes after our salad plates were removed. 75
Wine sell: Our server took us immediately to his favorite Oregon Pinot Noirs but made us feel cheap by saying, “I’ll point out a few Pinots in the lower range, like this Belle Glos Meiomi Pinot Noir 2008 for $64.” 80
Shrimp: Four overcooked, tasteless, and sandy shrimp, which was too bad because they were accompanied by rich horseradish cocktail sauce and spicy mustard. (U-12, $14) 70
Salads: Lovely fresh arugula, Fuji apples, green beans, blue cheese, and candied walnuts tossed in orange- and ginger-spiked vinaigrette. 91
Vegetables: No complaints on the thin, crispy broccolini stalks seasoned with garlic and lemon or the grilled asparagus. 90
Potatoes: Both the truffled macaroni and cheese and au gratin potatoes with hot, crispy topping disappeared. We had to eat something other than steak. 93
Dessert: Creative dessert menu. Forks flew across the table for both the toffee ice cream served with a crispy almond meringue cookie, and the warm butter cake, dense like a cheesecake, covered with sliced bananas and whipped cream. 95
Ambiance: Contemporary, crowded, and loud. Round booths are more private and quite, tables not so much. Happening bar. 89
