Editorās 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.
In a recent restaurant survey, Dukeās Alehouse and Kitchen in Crystal Lake was one of the top favorites, so my wife Judy and I invited friends Mike and Darby McGuigan to join us on a Sunday night to find out if the restaurant lived up to its reputation and high marks.
Mike and I are tennis buddies and discovered that in our younger days, we competed in opposing marching groups: he with the Madison (WI) Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps and I with the Chicago Cavaliers. The McGuigans have a unique avocation substituting around the world as innkeepers of bed and breakfasts when the owners need time off.
Although we arrived 5:30 p.m., there was a 20-minute wait, so we sat at the bar to sample one of their 200 different beers. Mike ordered āBitch Creek,ā a good choice, although pricey at six bucks for an off-theāwall bottle of beer.
Once seated, our server Crissy was very helpful explaining the menu choices, including several Asian-influenced dishes. Darby ordered the polenta cake, one of the vegetarian entrees dressed with salad greens, apple slices, candied pecans, and a vinaigrette dressing. It was flavorful although a little dry. In addition, Darby decided on a side of sweet potato fries served with a ginger-teriyaki dipping sauce.
Mike selected the pork shoulder, which he said was āmessy good.ā It was not quite slow-cooked-BBQ-tender, and some of the larger chunks could have been cut smaller to fit his sandwich.
Judy decided on a flatbread Margherita pizza with fresh Ovolini mozzarella, feta cheese, garlic, plum tomatoes, and fresh basil. Unfortunately, the cheese was too salty, which detracted from the other flavors. Judy also had a side of sweet potato fries, which we all agreed were fabulous.
I ordered a delicious soup du jour with lemon grass noodles, coconut milk, and a variety of spices along with the āOoo Mommy! burgerā with sautĆ©ed cremini mushrooms and Swiss cheese. Although it was perfectly prepared to my taste, I felt it was overpriced at $12.
Duke purchases their meats and produce from local farmers, and there are many vegetarian and āgluten freeā items on the menu. Despite the large assortment of beer, the wine list is limited.
In general, the prices at Dukeās are consistent with most upscale pubs. Although there wasnāt live music that night, Dukeās features entertainment other times. The schedule for performers along with their extensive menu can be found at their website: thedukeabides.com
Final comments:
Dukeās is a very popular drinking and dining spot. Three of us agreed that this is a unique pub with a broad menu and many daily specials. The service was excellent, and we thought the ambience met our expectations, especially with the window-seat view we enjoyed.
