Despite the frigid temperatures, I spent the weekend watching softball at the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics’ Leadoff Tournament held in the Dome in Rosemont. The three-day tournament officially kicked off collegiate softball. Between games, I caught up with Roosevelt University Coach Aaron Moore and Judson University coaches Sammy Marshall and Shelby Turnier, all of whom I know from their time with the Chicago Bandits.

After Friday’s action, we stopped at the nearby Murray Bros. Caddyshack for dinner. The first Murray Bros. Caddyshack opened in 2001 in St. Augustine, Florida, and the Rosemont location opened last year.

Much as Chicago embraces the Murray family, Caddyshack is experiencing the same love. General manager Mike Avella told me, “Business is great only because of the great customers who come in and try us. We’ve been successful because we treat locals like they are locals, and everyone is a VIP.”

I first met Mike at a convention last year shortly after Murray Bros. Caddyshack opened. As excited as Mike was then, he seemed even more excited as we caught up.

Mike recommended the shark tacos, stating they were so popular they were going from the specials list to a main menu item. I took Mike’s advice and was ecstatic with the meal. There were three soft shell corn tacos filled with fresh shark meat and strips of jicama. A large bowl of refried beans and another bowl of rice provided the perfect accompaniments.

Murray Bros. Caddyshack is in a great location in Rosemont. Near two ballparks and the convention center, it is also convenient to two expressways. The décor features a tasteful array of Caddyshack memorabilia.

Every summer, I spend a lot of time in Rosemont. I plan on returning to Murray Bros. Caddyshack more often.

— John Wroblewski, online writer