Restaurant Review: ‘Lenten Specials’ take on a new identity at Chicago Loop’s Catch 35
If you’re one who gives up meat during the Lenten Season (this year, Wednesday, February 14-Friday, March 29), and have had your fill of grilled cheese sandwiches, eggs, and tuna salad, Catch 35 is taking on the Lenten special with an unmatched flourish!
The Open Table Diners Choice 2023, upscale seafood restaurant in the Loop’s Theatre District elevates the lowly fish fry to new heights with Fish & Chips featuring a beer-battered Alaskan cod with their own tartar sauce, and served with coleslaw and fries.
Tuna? Make that Tuna Poke Tostadas, please. That way, Sashimi tuna will be served with pickled ginger, and seaweed, avocado, and wasabi avocado cream, on a corn tostada.
Another Lenten special is their Cold Plate Combo, comprised of “2 oysters – 2 shrimp – 2 scallops – Mignonette – cocktail sauce – ginger chili sambal.” Crispy Seafood Platter with Gulf Shrimp & Alaskan Cod serves the Cod beer- battered, with cocktail sauce and tartar sauce, and coleslaw and fries. Catch’s Seafood Pasta pairs scallops, shrimp and mussels with cavatappi pasta in a tomato wine broth, and served with a Parmesan crostini.
Cedar Plank Salmon has a sweet and tangy brown sugar soy glaze with a snap of red pepper flakes and tarragon aioli, with your choice of side dishes, which include whipped potatoes, french fries, Cilantro lime rice, cheddar & chive biscuits (recommended), Ramen noodle stir fry, sauteed spinach, cauliflower gratin, or crispy Brussels sprouts.
At lunch, they’ve got you covered with the $25 The Catch 35 Lunch Trio, available Monday – Friday 11:30am – 3pm, a three-course meal featuring choices like a Seafood Chowder or Caesar Salad (with a dried tomato Parmesan crouton). Or Chive Potstickers with scallions, bell peppers shiitake mushrooms, and Szechwan sauce. Entrees include a Maryland Crabcake, with peppers and onions – remoulade, and your choice of side, or Bacon-Wrapped Gulf of Maine Scallop Sliders (so much for that Lenten resolution!) Enjoy two Scallop sliders with peppers, onions, pepper aioli, between two brioche buns, and served with fries. For those who gave up sugar for Lent, you may need to ask for a dispensation to enjoy their Mini Dessert Trio of a brownie, key lime (pie), and cheesecake.
There’s lots more on Catch 35’s sizeable menu, but fan favorites include pan- roasted Chilean Sea Bass, Georges Banks’ Scallop Surf & Turf, Atlantic salmon, braised beef short rib, and cheeseburger sliders.
Catch 35 is located at 35 W. Wacker Drive. They’re open Monday – Thursday, 11:30am – 9:30pm, Friday, 11:30am –9:30pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 4:00 pm – 9:30pm. For reservations, click here.
Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago
