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Dining

The past meets the future in Joliet. Fine dining can be found in restaurants that have been around for decades and discovered in those who have just moved into the neighborhood. The flavors of earlier days keep on cooking while innovation and twists on tradition bring fresh new tastes to the table.

Al’s Steak House has been a part of the Joliet community since 1964. “If you talk to most people in Joliet they know Al’s Steak House, and probably, at some point in their life, have been there. It’s just part of Joliet,” said owner George Daskalakis. Over its history, Al’s has gone through a few transformations internally, starting with an expansion to accommodate the ever-increasing flow of patrons. A cocktail lounge featured live entertainment. Banquet rooms for special occasion dining were added. “There is a very comfortable cocktail/bar room to either sit at the bar or in a booth,” noted Daskalakis.

While the inside layout may have changed, diners can expect to find the same loved dishes that have been served since the restaurant opened. “I came to Al’s in 2005. It has been a landmark steak house for 50 years. I was not going to change that.” The famous steaks, tasty fried chicken and Grecian-style steaks garner great reviews according to Daskalakis. “I receive comments daily on how happy our guests are that I did not change the items that they have so enjoyed over the years. I plan to continue serving those same dishes and also keep up-to-date by introducing some new items to fulfill the many tastes of our treasured guests.”

Diners can start off their meal with a plethora of appetizers. The Shrimp de Jonghe presents garlicky goodness, while the barbeque ribs offer a little zest. A refreshing salad is a great crispy kick-off or entrée; try the Julienne for a comforting favorite or the King Louie Shrimp with creamy avocados and black olives. Move on to the main course with any of the popular seafood dishes like lobster collins or the Alaskan king crab legs. If steak is desired, the filet mignon, New York cut strip steak, porterhouse or prime rib are just a few choices. Al’s sandwiches can also satiate any size hunger. Many of them highlight the popular steak as the main ingredient. Don’t forget to leave room for dessert!

“My long-term goal for Al’s Steak House is to continue to consistently provide excellent, quality food and service in a pleasant, friendly and clean atmosphere,” said Daskalakis. Come experience this Joliet institution and enjoy the “comfortable, familiar, warm” feeling that Al’s Steakhouse has to offer.Bite into something new with TRUTH Restaurant. TRUTH was opened in 2003 “to fulfill a lifelong dream” of owner Catherine Mohundro. The ambiance of this restaurant not only comes out in the amazing food, but also in the decor. Local artwork accents the walls, ivory linen tablecloths adorn the tables and original tin ceilings add a sense of history. The clean lines and high ceilings make the space feel open, without taking away from the overall cozy feeling. Mohundro said that TRUTH feels “like you're in someone’s home.”

“Our menu is contemporary American. We offer steaks, chops, seafood, pastas, etc. We change our menu seasonally as well as our wine list and desserts.” This revolving menu showcases TRUTH’s versatility, ensuring guests can expect something new on every visit. “We listen to our guests for input on what they would like to see on the menu and implement those ideas that we feel would fit.”

“We are known for our steaks, and from our appetizer offerings, our crab cakes have been a best seller since inception. Our chef does a wonderful job of creating our ‘steak of the month’ which is a unique entrée we feature throughout the month.” Other appetizer options include chicken pastries. These flaky pastries filled with chicken, smoked ham, dijon and Swiss cheese, offer a rich and crispy start to a meal. TRUTH’s bruschetta offers a twist on a classic, donning avocados along with other traditional ingredients. A variety of salads with savory dressings, cheeses, fresh fruits and vegetables and crunchy nuts are a perfect alternative.

Choose from filet, lamb chops or fried breaded lobster coupled with creamy mashed potatoes and scrumptious vegetables. Try the tortellini pommodoro created with three cheeses, basil and onions topped by a light tomato sauce. Mohundro said, “We try to do as much as we can from scratch, and we try to put out our product as consistently as possible.”

Now open for lunch, TRUTH has made some recent menu additions to tantalize the taste buds. The grouper sandwich is served on a toasted wheat bun topped with balsamic mayo. The TRUTH Burger offers a gourmet variation on a classic, served on dark rye and a side of blue cheese sauce, loaded with sauteed mushrooms and fried onions. “We serve a quality product in a warm environment at a reasonable price with friendly, attentive service. We feel that there is nothing quite like us around,” asserted Mohundro.

Famed restaurants and newcomers can coexist in Joliet’s dining scene, dishing out favorites that have been around for decades and introducing new delicacies. Both Al’s Steak House and TRUTH Restaurant look to cater to the needs of the public to ensure memorable and gratifying experiences. “People gather in restaurants and always have to honor a special occasion or celebration. That’s one of the best things about this business, you get to be a part in the best days of some people’s lives. It’s pretty cool to witness,” mused Mohundro.