In a city steeped in history, Fried Green Tomatoes is a Galena original.
The restaurant, popular with tourists and townies alike, has been a jewel in Galena’s culinary scene since owner Fred Bonnet opened its doors in 1993. Three decades later, the eatery, now at 213 N. Main St., is considered a must-stop for anyone craving classic American comfort food, Italian favorites, fresh seafood and, of course, the restaurant’s namesake dish.
The fried green tomatoes are so popular that Bonnet and his staff serve more than 200 pounds of them per week.
For Fried Green Tomatoes’ wine connoisseurs, a glass is well complemented by a select cut of USDA filets and porterhouse steaks. While they’re a staple on the menu every day, Bonnet and his staff are grilling up something extra special for Memorial Day weekend: an ultra-premium, dry-aged steaks event.
Dry-aged beef is a premium cut of meat that’s aged for an extended period to produce a concentrated flavor with buttery, nutlike notes. The specific conditions under which the meat is aged, including precise temperature, humidity and airflow, allow the enzymes in the meat to break down muscle tissue, creating a delightful and tender steak that’s a favorite among steak connoisseurs.
Diners at Fried Green Tomatoes can look forward to beef that has been dry-aged to perfection for 28 days to create a premium protein with a profound flavor profile. The event, held May 24-27, promises to be as unique as the venue. Fried Green Tomatoes is housed in a historic building that’s rumored to have connections with Civil War general and U.S President Ulysses S. Grant, whose family owned and operated a leather goods store on Main Street before the war.
Reservations are always a good idea at this popular eatery on Galena’s busiest corridor, but it’s especially helpful for Fried Green Tomatoes’ dry-aged beef event, as seats are expected to fill up quickly.
Fried Green Tomatoes is open for dinner Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday until 9 p.m. and Saturday from 3 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
To make a reservation or to be part of the dry-aged steaks event, call (815) 777-3938. ❚