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
Two Tails Eatery is a pretty unique dining spot, as it is also a market that sells meats and seafood on a retail basis. My wife Judy and daughter Sharon joined me for dinner at this unpretentious establishment that offers lots of choices in entrees, sandwiches, soups, appetizers, salads, and a kid’s menu. In addition, they have take & bake dinners that include six seafood items. Located on Rt. 14 in Woodstock, it’s an easy 25-minute drive from Huntley. Note: there is a sign for the restaurant in the front of the building facing the highway, but the entrance is on the opposite side of the building.
It was a Friday night; we were seated immediately. Our server brought menus quickly and was very attentive for the duration of our visit. We decided to order different entrees and sides so we could sample a greater variety. We also ordered an appetizer of 1/4 lb. homemade crab cake at $5.99, which afforded each of us a couple of mouthfuls. We gave it high marks for taste and freshness.
For her entree, Judy chose the basa fish dinner which came with two sides at $10.99. There are various seasonings and sauces to customize the fish to your taste. For sides, Judy chose the redskin mashed potatoes and grilled veggies, and she enjoyed both. Sharon went for the Fisherman’s Platter, a full three pounds of cod, ocean perch, fried shrimp, coconut shrimp, clam strips, calamari, and smelt for $19.99. Actually, two people could split this dinner and the one side that comes with it. She opted for the sweet potato fries for her side. I raided her plate regularly. We both agreed that it was a mixed bag, with some fish better than others.
I chose one of my favorite fish dishes, grouper, which is not common fare at most restaurants. I had it broiled with smoked paprika seasoning and herb sauce. I chose the homemade potato salad, which was just OK, and the tasty grilled veggies for my sides. My fish was cooked perfectly and nicely seasoned. The price for my dinner was $16.99.
Two Tails offers two-for-one dinner coupons on their website. However, you need to purchase two beverages when using the coupon. Two Tails is a BYOB establishment. The kitchen has limited evening dining hours: Friday until 9 p.m. and Saturday until 8 p.m. They are also open on Thursdays until 6 p.m. and closed on Sundays, so plan accordingly. The retail market offers a variety of meats and seafood, including fresh lobster, smoked salmon, and even Alaskan King crab legs. If you go for lunch, which is a good option, there is a variety of meat and seafood sandwiches, salads, and soups on the menu. Lunches are served six days a week. Here’s how we rated Two Tails Eatery:
Ratings are based on 5 stars being the highest:
Food – 3 stars. Service – 4 stars. Value – 4 stars. Ambience – 2 stars.
Two Tails Market/Eatery – Dine in or take out. 2400 Lake Shore Drive, Woodstock, IL 60098. 815-337-4028. www.twotailsmarket.com
Dining Out Bonus
Recently, about 20 of the residents of N.33 enjoyed a Ladies Night Out at Dominick’s Pizzeria, 735 South 8th Street, West Dundee 847-551-1310. My wife distributed questionnaires for a brief review. In addition to pizza, the restaurant offers antipasti, soups, traditional Italian entrees, and sandwiches.
Seventy-five percent of the women enjoyed their dinners, thought it was a good value, and agreed that it was an excellent choice for their event. The portions were large enough for many to enjoy another day. Some felt the service could have had been better if there was additional help. On another day, I visited for lunch and enjoyed a great bowl of minestrone soup, fresh-baked, crusty bread, and a large portion of angel hair pasta with meat sauce. I was only able to finish half of the pasta, so I enjoyed the rest another day. I finished off the meal with a superb freshly made cannoli. Planning a lunch or night out? Dominick’s won’t disappoint you!
Survey: The Sun Day’s “Dining Out with the Geezer” columnist Sam Geati is conducting a restaurant survey. We hope all of you foodies out there will take the time to share your preferences with us. It’s pretty simple. Just reply to a few questions and feel free to add comments if you care to do so. When nominating your choices, please restrict them to establishments within a 45-minute drive of Huntley. The results will be posted in a future edition of the Sun Day as part of Sam’s column.
Here we go:
1. List your 5 favorite restaurants.
2. List your 3 favorite fast food establishments.
3. List your 3 favorite pizza restaurants.
4. List your 3 favorite breakfast restaurants.
5. List your 3 favorite lunch restaurants.
Please email your response to: greengeezer9@comcast.net.
