Last Minute Trip

[steveh]

If anyone is going to be in the neighborhood of Rosemont, IL this afternoon (Oct. 3, '04) around 3:00, I'm meeting an old friend who has a 4 hour layover at O'Hare and we're going to have a beer.

Now, there doesn't seem to be much in the general vicinity for good beer, but there's a new Ram Brewpub at 9520 West Higgins, Rosemont. I know, I know - I've not had many glowing things to say about the Ram in the past, but it's close and is sure to have fresh beer - if not served quite properly - I'll try to cut that off before it happens.

Anyway, invite open.

S.

[steveh]

Well, I'll turn this into a mini-review of sorts of The Ram Brewpub, Rosemont, IL.

We arrived in time for the last quarter of the Bears/Eagles game - you can imagine the din. This is a much smaller branch than the pub in Wheeling to the north, so bellowing Bears fans can really drown out conversation.

As we made our way to a table, I immediately spied a half-liter mug of a very light-colored beer -- iced over as much as my high-school friend's VW Bug's windows (on the inside, of course). Note to self - be sure to request un-chilled glass.

The bartender/waiter was prompt with menus and to see what we'd like to drink, "Had we ever been to The Ram before?" Not in some time... He showed us the list of beers and I asked if there was anything on special (my bad for not using the term "seasonal")? "Oh, they're all special." Uh huh.

He asked what I liked for beer, my friend snickering a little more than to herself. "Oh, we probably don't have that much time, let me try this Pilsner." "Oh, well that's what I usually recommend to Bud drinkers, we make it to attract them." "Hmm, do you use rice in the recipe?" "Oh yes, I believe so. If you want to try something similar, but with more flavor, try the Blonde Ale." "Okay, in a warm glass please."

After the man walked away, a closer look at the beer menu revealed that the Pils description stated no corn or rice is used in the recipe - o-kee. Waiter prompt and friendly, maybe not so knowledgable.

The Blonde Ale was actually a pretty tasty, light bodied ale. Hops apparent but not overly assertive and a good light malt note. I tried their IPA next (the waiter remembered a warm glass without prompting) and was again pleasantly surprised. Good hop and malt balance, with a nice emphasis on American hops. Nothing off-flavored or unpleasant in the beers, none of that extract twang that many chain brew-pubs can't escape - and the barbecued chicken quesadilla appetizer was pretty good too.

Maybe these guys are learning a little? I might have to check out the Wheeling pub again.

S.