Restaurant Review: Lakeview’s Duke of Perth Serves Lenten Specials and Scottish, Cooked to Order Haggis Burgers
Today…Wednesday, February 22, marks Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Across many faiths, the practice of fastingbegins today. According to Wikipedia, in this case, fasting is abstaining from meat and dairy products, found most frequently in the Eastern Orthodox, Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican and Methodist traditions. Often, fasting during Lent is a Friday tradition. In some circles, fasting extends also on Wednesdays.
What’s the alternative to a delicious steak when you’re surrounded by Michelin star steakhouses? A cozy, highly rated Scottish pub (that has no TVs) in Lakeview may just have a delicious answer.
On Wednesdays and Fridays, the Duke of Perth Main Event Fish and Chips is served everyday and all you can eat on Wednesdays and Fridays. The crunchy, tangy filets are fried in beer batter and served with green peas, chips and malt vinegar.
And for those not observing a fast, the menu offers an adventure in Scottish cooking. Where else in Chicago j can you find a Haggis Burger, a cooked to order, charbroiled creation with Sirloin Beef Haggis (sheep’s or calf’s offal mixed with suet, oatmeal, and seasoning and boiled in a bag, traditionally one made from the animal’s stomach) served with whisky sauce, and crispy fried onions.
Other options are a homage to Scotland. Robert the Bruce Burger is a homage to the King of Scots from1306-1329. The tribute starts with a char burger, served to your liking and topped with your choice of three: mushrooms, onions, peppers, tomatoes, cheddar, Swiss, American or bleu cheese; bacon, hot sauce; BBQ sauce; roasted garlic; with a jardinière or horseradish crust.
Which three would you choose?
Or, try the James Watt Sandwich. Named after the Scottish inventor who gave us the Watt steam engine, the sandwich certainly brings the steam to your ears! A chicken breast is laced with spicy Mac Cajun seasoning, peppers, mushrooms and melted Swiss cheese. No worries if you’re a lightweight on spices. The Watt-age can be turned ‘hot’ or ‘mild.’
For traditionalists, there’s Shepherd’s Pie, filled withground beef, carrots, peas and minced onions in a rich gravy topped with a crust of mashed potatoes and melted cheddar cheese.
Google reviewers rated their Scottish food and drinks near-perfect:
“The best Fish and Chips in Chicago! Bar none. A fantastic Scottish Pub. No tv’s so you can have a conversation with friends. Great Burgers as well. Oh and the Scotch list is huge and inclusive.”
“A Chicago Institution, serving up classic fare and Scotch whisky. On a bitter cold day, the Shepard’s Pie gives life. Interesting beers on tap round out a fireplace, warm wood interior, and chill vibes. This is legit — old Chicago, new Chicago, all Chicago. Not to be missed and I’m sorry to have been away so long.”
The Duke of Perth is located at 2913 N. Clark Street. They are open Tuesdays-Thursdays, 5pm-midnight, Fridays, 4pm-1am, Saturdays, noon–1am, and Sundays, noon – midnight. For more information, click here.
Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago
