Editor’s Note: Our columnist is not a trained or paid professional, nor does he get complimentary meals from the restaurants visited. He and his party arrive unannounced and do not reveal that they will be doing a review. Comments or questions may be sent to Sam Geati, greengeezer9@comcast.net.
This week, we chose to go to a local event at the Café 20 restaurant in Marengo. Our neighbors, Mike and Emma, joined us for the weekend activities under a large tent, a first for all of us at this restaurant. I will depart somewhat from my usual review format because this was a unique venue. This will also be a very brief review, featuring the highlights and lowlights of our evening.
756 E. Grant Highway
Marengo IL 60152
815-568-5653
High Points:
— The music and atmosphere created by the Johnny Wagner Band, complete with Swiss cowbells and Swiss long horn music, really captured the spirit of the event. The audience just loved Johnny and his very talented musicians.
— The food was authentic and served in good sized portions. Best was the Spanferkel (roasted pork) and the Wurst Teller (sausage platter). I had this platter, and there were SIX sausages on my plate, including three different types. I was unable to finish all of them. We also had an order of German pancakes, plus the various salads that came with each dish, all very good. For dessert, we had some very good apple strudel with ice cream, a nice finish.
— Mike and I really enjoyed the imported dark beer.
— Price per entree was $12, very reasonable for the quality and quantity. Service was good.
Low Point:
— Judy’s Jager Schnitzel (breaded pork cutlet covered in gravy and bacon) was tough and dried out. The only part of her meal that she liked was the Spaetzle (noodles).
Ratings (5 symbols being the highest):
Quality of food, value, service, and ambiance – ****
Price range – $$$
Comments: If you are among those who love oompa bands, good German food and beer, try to make it to next year’s event, as this was only held on one weekend. There is a $5 PP entertainment fee at the door, but it was worth it, as Johnny’s group really made the evening fun.
