 Global Traveler
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Fine Dining Near O’Hare
by, John Wroblewski
A few years ago, a would-be publisher client of mine was flying into Chicago and we were to meet to discuss our impending deal. I had heard great things about Rosewood, and thought this would be the perfect opportunity to give it a try. I have since returned numerous times.
Rosewood is located within a short drive of O’Hare Airport (ORD), perfect for business meals. It features fine American dining, usually with a tasty twist. The lighting is low, but bright enough to see facts and figures, if necessary. The wait staff is professional and polite, but also capable of going with the mood of the patrons-joshing with my ebullient client, or when the mood of the table is quieter and more private, careful not to intrude beyond the necessary. The wine list is thoughtful and extensive.
At first glance, there is nothing out of the ordinary about the selection of appetizers, but Rosewood prepares and presents each in a manner that makes is memorable. For instance, the cabernet sauvignon wine sauce served with Portobello mushroom accents the flavor exquisitely. Over the years, I've had them all, with no disappointments.
My top entrée recommendation is the seared yellow fin tuna, spice-crusted with roasted red peppers and soy-ginger vinaigrette. You also won't go wrong with any of the steaks: four sizes of filet mignon, a Kansas City 22-ounce bone-in strip steak, or the Absolute steak (featuring a peppercorn crust). Two other favorites are the chicken Roman and the pan-roasted garlic chicken – both flavorful, without overpowering your palate.
Like the appetizers, the sides deliver far more than expected. The garlic roasted mashed potatoes and the au gratin potatoes are tastiest of the spuds. Grilled asparagus and sautéed mushrooms highlight the rest of the choices. For desert, don't miss the white chocolate mousse cake, no matter how tempting other selections might be. The tiramisu is top-notch, too.
A typical meal for two, with wine, will cost over $100, but it will not disappoint.
Score: 5/5
Explore Community
I have been to the Rosewood for several office dinners and banquet events. I have had the prime rib which is about an inch thick and on the bone served with a colossal twice baked potato. I have also had *Jimmy's double cut pork chop*. It was like a mini pork roast on my plate. The last time I was there, I ordered the chicken breast with wild mushrooms and Marsala sauce over wild rice. It was very good and large too. For desserts, the apple purse is more like an apple briefcase! I love the white chocolate mousse cake with raspberry sauce and always regret not ordering that when I try something new. Last time I had the blueberry tart. It was nice, but no mousse cake! Rosewood Restaurant is pretty expensive, but very nice for dinner or lunch – a perfect spot to take clients. It has classic dark wood booths, dimmed lights and professional waiters and waitresses dressed in black and white.
Yelp.com
 We went there on a Saturday evening. The Rosewood was recommended by the concierge at the Hyatt. The maitre d was very friendly and joked that he would seat me and my daughters: do I look that old buddy! No offense was taken since he reminded me of my uncle Emil who was a character too.
-- The restaurant style is an interesting fusion of art deco glass features and dark hardwood walls. It works. We were road weary and not really dressed up for the place. No one seemed to notice or take offense.
-- We all had the chicken wild rice soup. It was divine! They served some interesting breads including one I liked: rye with white raisins: very good. Our server was friendly but not overly so. She was very helpful.
-- We each had a different entrée and sampled each others. I had the horseradish crusted ahi tuna. I would give it 4/5 stars. I had a side of grilled asparagus: excellent. My wife had a Walleye special. It included calamari! I liked it a lot: 5/5 stars. The other person in our party had the grouper. It may have included crab meat and scallops: excellent also.
-- The cappuccino was very good, and the Crème Brulee was excellent. The maitre d's wear suits and the wait staff wear uniforms with a formal look. Overall a bit pretentious, and given the prices I'd give it 4.5 stars.
-- I've come here only for business lunches as well. It’s just a nice relaxing atmosphere. It's a very grown up place, and perfect for conversations. They serve excellent food here. Menu prices are decent for a restaurant of this caliber. Everything I have eaten here is delicious – the tuna, the scallops, and the steak salad. The cappuccinos and coffee, too. Everyone that goes here likes it a lot and has never had anything bad to say about it. The service is right on the mark. Coming here always feels like a treat!
-- I've only been here for business lunches. The service and food were excellent. They serve USDA prime meat.
AOL City Guide
From the editors:
 The only independently owned restaurant in the Rosemont area, the Rosewood Restaurant and Banquets is an ideal spot to sup before shows at either the Allstate Arena or the Rosemont Theatre. The warm-up act could be an asparagus salad featuring crispy asparagus, Gorgonzola cheese, mango salsa and a balsamic basil vinaigrette. On the main stage is the "Absolute steak," a broiled 14-ounce New York strip steak crusted with fresh cracked peppercorns served with Merlot wine sauce and roasted potatoes. When available, the miso glazed Alaskan Copper River King salmon with baby bok choy and shiitake mushrooms and sweet soy sauce is a thing of edible beauty. Try the Grilled vegetable platter with red and yellow peppers, eggplant, asparagus, onion, Portobello mushrooms, and zucchini for veg-heads.
-- THIS IS A SUPERIOR RESTAURANT; IT'S A FAMILY FAVORITE AND A WONDERFUL PLACE TO HAVE A WEDDING; THE BALLROOM IS BEAUTIFUL AND THE OWNERS AND CATERING STAFF COULDN'T BE FRIENDLIER.
-- I have never had a bad experience when dining at the Rosewood. The steaks are prime, the seafood and deserts are to die for and the atmosphere is warm and friendly.
CenterStage
 It has been my good fortune to dine at Rosewood 6/7 times a year for the past 5 years or so. The only thing better than the food is the service and it all- both the food and service- is directed by Jimmy who runs the best restaurant anywhere. EVERY TIME I have hosted a dinner at Rosewood, the comments are the same: "BEST MEAL I HAVE HAD!! Thank You."
-- I have the opportunity to travel to Chicago many times a year on business and found myself staying near Rosemont just to get to the Rosewood! From the bar to the restaurant, the service is always outstanding! The menu selection is outdone only by the food itself! Jimmy is always there to greet you by name and make you feel "at home". I have eaten at Rosewood two and three nights and have never tired of "my favorite CHICAGO restaurant"!
-- I have known Jimmy Mandas over 30 yrs. His restaurants always seem to get better and better. I started with his Black Ram restaurant but I think he out did himself with the "Rosewood". I used to travel a lot and have had prime rib from coast to coast. But no one holds a candle to Jimmy’s. He is always there to greet you and never forgets a name. His son-in-law has picked up many of his traits and is just as pleasant. His prices are fair for fine cuisine. I have conducted millions of dollars of business in his restaurants. Next time a client is in town I'll take them here. It’s close to O'Hare. Everything on the menu is SUPERB.
-- Must try the rice pudding dessert, heavenly!
-- I think Rosewood is one of the best restaurants I have ever eaten at. I am from NYC and now live in Raleigh NC. My daughter Jennifer lives and works in Chicago for American Airlines. She loves your restaurant. When I flew in to see her, Jennifer took my wife and I to Rosewood. All I can say is that it was one of the best I have ever eaten at, and I have eaten all over the world.
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