Wild for Wildfire

All images in this post are courtesy of Google.

This weekend, I headed home to the lovely suburbs of Chicago for about 48 hours to spend the most important Jewish holiday, Yom Kippur, with my family. On Yom Kippur, Jews fast for 25 hours, which meant on Friday night before the fast began, I wanted to go out for a delicious dinner. One of my favorite restaurants at home is called Wildfire, and it is part of the Lettuce Entertain You restaurant group which features restaurants such as Maggiano's Little Italy, Big Bowl, and RJ Grunts which is also one of my favorite Chicago hotspots.

Wildfire, however, is not only one of the best, but 10 minutes away from my house which makes it easy to frequent. There is also a DC location nearby in Virginia at Tyson's. When you enter the restaurant, it is dark yet welcoming. The restaurant is divided into different rooms with names such as 'The Ellington Room'. It has an old time feel, which I absolutely love.

Wildfire has an amazing menu, especially for dinner. To start off, the drink menu at Wildfire is incredible. The martinis are delicious, the beer is flavorful, and the wine is tasty as well. One of my favorite features are the flights of wine and beer that allow you to try four varieties in smaller sample-size portions.

While you wait for your drinks, the waiting staff brings out the most amazing bread ever: pumpernickel and onion bread.

Wildfire offers about twelve appetizers including my favorites Baked French Onion Soup, Baked Goat Cheese, and Spinach and Artichoke Fondue. The fondue comes with garlic toast points to dip into the flavorful dip. Wildfire also has great pizza and salads that many people choose as appetizer options. The best salad is the Wildfire chopped salad that includes a tangy, delicious citrus lime vinaigrette.

As for main portions, Wildfire has huge portions for a more hefty price than I usually pay, but it is well worth it. My favorites include the special of pistachio crusted flounder with green beans and the regular option of Tuna Steak Teriyaki with ponzu sauce and wasabi cream. The tuna is perfectly seared and crusted with a variety of spices, including pepper and sesame seads.

Each meals also comes with a side. I usually choose either creamed spinach or the double stuffed baked potato, which was a great choice before fasting because it is so filling! If there is a chance that you are still hungry after all this filling and amazing cuisine, Wildfire brings out an amazing dessert tray including apple skillet pie, seasonal berry crisp, chocolate peanut butter pie, and the amazing wildfire ice cream sandwich. Without a doubt, you can find something that you'll love at this amazing dining destination.