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Houlihans is a pleasant edible surprise
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Dreadful mash-ups of ethnic and American fare, often found in layers of pages on menus of American chain restaurants, remind me of stuff we concocted in college according to what was left in the fridge - you don’t want to pay for this stuff as an adult.
Imagine my surprise that Houlihans, a chain I lumped with the Applebee’s and Chili’s of the world, actually offers decent takes on ethnic items without too much tinkering for the perceived bland American palate.
The appetizer list is extensive and portions are old-school sized, so you can actually go out for apps and drinks and feel satisfied. Tuna wontons sound evil but they’re actually yummy morsels of seared rare tuna rolled in thin wonton wrappers and lightly drizzled with sweet soy. Vegetarians and ‘shroom lovers will go for massive mushroom caps swollen with a garlic-herb cream cheese, dipped in panko bread crumbs, then flash fried and accompanied by creamy horseradish sauce. The grilled veggie pizza is mighty fine, too.
Houlihan’s half-pound specialty burgers are made from 100% Premium Black Angus with a Creekstone Farms pedigree and nearly everything on the extensive menu is made from scratch adding to taste and value. Newer additions to many of the chain’s menus include Tandoori chicken wraps, Vietnamese shrimp salad as well as good old American buttermilk fried chicken. Mini martini flights are a smart way to have a taste of three drinks without the hefty tab or crossed eyes.
If you join the email club at www.houlihans.com, there’s a promise to hook you up with free food, too.
Houlihan’s in Illinois are located in Algonquin, Geneva, Naperville, Northbrook, Oakbrook, Orland Park, Schaumburg, Wheaton and Chicago at 111 East Wacker Dr.
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