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.
A Sun Day holiday party afforded me the opportunity to review the relatively new Niko’s Lodge in the Algonquin Commons. Twenty fellow columnists and personnel of the Sun Day Newspaper met in a private area of the restaurant to celebrate and enjoy a meal together. After cocktails, we were treated to a variety of appetizers, including calamari, saganaki, and potato skins. Later came a choice of soup or salad. I chose the New England clam chowder. All of the above were delicious, served hot, and difficult to resist. Warm cornbread accompanied the meal.
Three entrees choices of Hunter’s angus pot roast, walnut apple chicken, and tilapia were offered. The pot roast was as advertised: slow cooked until cut-with-a-fork tender, served open-faced over grilled Texas toast topped with fried onion straws, sautéed mushrooms, and red wine demi-glace. I highly recommend it.
The Apple Walnut Chicken consisted of chicken breast coated in walnut breading and pan seared with roasted Fuji apples in a brandy cream sauce. The Tilapia was sautéed and complemented with spinach and artichokes, then topped with a roasted red pepper cream sauce. These were a big hit as well.
Without a doubt, the killer course came last for all of us dessert lovers! There were several choices including crème brulee, various pies, cakes, puddings, and ice cream creations. I chose the crème brulee since I was too stuffed for anything else.
Since this was a company sponsored party, there were no prices, so I was able to retrieve them on their website. The appetizers ranged from $7.99 to $10.99 for the calamari, a little high in my opinion. The three entrees ranged from $14.99 to $15.99. They are all served with one side and a choice of soup or salad.
Niko’s Lodge
1520 S. Randall Rd., in Algonquin (847) 458-6100
Value:4/5 stars
We all agreed the food was excellent
Service:4/5 stars
The servers did an excellent job with a large group
Ambiance:4/5 stars
It’s a lodge
Final comments
Niko’s has a very extensive menu you can peruse for yourself on their website. It was a very enjoyable evening filled with excellent food and service. While on their website, check out their Rewards Program, as it is well worth being a member of the club.
