Truth: An Honest-to-Goodness Good Meal

Growing up in this area, when there was a special occasion (birthdays, graduations, etc.), my family had two staple restaurants we went to: Syl’s in Rockdale or Al’s Steakhouse in Joliet.

Now there’s a new contender: Truth, located at 808 Jefferson St. in Joliet. 

Truth has been around for a little more than eight years, and is advertised on its website as “the best-kept secret in town.” I think Truth definitely is a secret worth sharing.

The restaurant is small but homey and charming with interesting art on the walls and a cool bar in the back decorated with lots of pictures of the restaurant’s regulars.

It’s fun to check out the pictures and look for people you know (kind of the Joliet version of “Where’s Waldo”). There's also a private dining area for special events. Truth is open for lunch Monday through Friday and dinner Monday through Saturday.

I was quite impressed with the martini and wine selection at Truth. They have a “Martini of the Month,” along with several other martinis (several of the chocolate variety), and a wine flight special in which you can choose reds or whites and try several samples of their wines. I had the red wine flight. It was delicious.

Truth’s menu changes three times a year, a nice change from ordering your tried and true favorite every time you go to a restaurant. I would describe their food as traditional favorites prepared with a unique flair.

On my last visit we tried the ahi tuna appetizer, which was seared to perfection and had a yummy teriyaki glaze. The house salad was also wonderful; it had little fried onions sprinkled on top, something I’d like to try the next time I make a salad at home.

As for entrees, I had a delightful vegetarian risotto, which was creamy rice sautéed with tomatoes, mushrooms, and spinach. I am a big fan of risotto in general, and Truth’s did not disappoint: the rice melted in your mouth and was complemented perfectly by the other ingredients.  

My husband tried the salmon entrée, which was served with artichoke hearts, tomatoes and mushrooms, which he enjoyed. The portion sizes were huge; I enjoyed my risotto for lunch the next day as well.

Besides the aforementioned “Martini of the Month,” Truth also has a  “Steak of the Month, “ which could be fun to check out.

I haven’t tried Truth’s desserts yet, but I have heard good things about the carrot cake.  I’m hoping to check them out during my next visit.

Truth is the perfect spot for a birthday dinner, after graduation meal, or just a romantic night out for two. I plan to visit this restaurant again and again, and that’s not lying, it’s the “Truth!"