Summer Fare, Light & Tasty

When it comes to the drinks of summer, my old standby is plain ice tea with 1/2 & 1/2 (NO lemon, please--unless you want curdled cream in your tea).  Think of it as unsweetened iced chai...without the spices, though I wouldn't rule out using a good spiced/flavored tea for this...It is light, creamy and refreshing.  Whenever I order it at a restaurant, I get quizzical looks from the wait staff, but when I describe it, as above, they say something like, "Oh, that actually sounds good!  I might have to try it."  They should...and so should you.

Great eats for summer, or any season, can be found at Grady's Grille.

Info from their website (http://www.eatatgradys.com/index.php):

Grady’s Grille is located in beautiful downtown Homewood, IL.

18147 Harwood Avenue

Homewood, IL 60430

(708) 799-4700

HOURS

Monday–Tuesday: 11:00am–9:00pm

Wednesday–Thursday: 11:00am–10:00pm

Friday–Saturday: 11:00am–10:30pm

Sundays: Closed

My review:
I have had my share of meals at this comfortable, yet classy eatery.  They never disappoint.  Okay, I am not a picky diner, but I have never had a "my way" request turned down and the wait staff is casually attentive and friendly, without being cloying or excessively hovering.

My favorite selection on the menu (which has just changed recently, so my choice is now relegated to the lunch menu--though they offered to prepare it for dinner, if I so desired)...is

Mom’s BBQ Beef Sandwich

(Smoked and shredded beef simmered in our secret sauce served on a toasted hoagie roll with fried onion straws.)

Served with a pickle spear, crisp cole slaw and your choice of fries, homemade chips or fresh fruit, it is a satisfying meal for $9...I ask for cheddar cheese on mine and am rewarded with a generous slice melted on top of the beef, for only $1 more.

For a delicious appetizer, their Spinach & Artichoke Fondue cannot be beat.

(Two savory cheeses melted together with artichoke hearts, spinach, onions and garlic served with tortilla chips.) $7.

At a recent dinner with 2 good friends, we each ordered a different pasta entree.  They were all excellent and substantial--we each took home a generous portion.

Their Cucumber Martini is a tasty, refreshing surprise.  On Tuesday nights, full bottles of wine are 1/2 price...Cheers!

Recently, they have taken to bringing plated daily specials to the table (desserts also) to let the diner see the actual food, instead of rushing through a verbal description...Chef G approves!  

Also, they have a free "frequent diner" card program and often have coupons/offers available online (restaurant.com)  and in those snail mail monthly "value packets".  Weather permitting, you can dine alfresco on their patio.  A top quality, reasonably priced, family-friendly establishment run by a family with solid restaurant experience, Grady's Grille is the place to eat if you find yourself in Homewood (about 1/2 hour south of the Chicago Loop). They also have a Facebook page, if you like...