Jim and Nancy do not disclose the fact that they will review a restaurant before they attend, ensuring their reviews are unbiased and uninfluenced by their position with the Sun Day.
“Will you still need me, will you still feed me, when I’m 64?” I found out the answer to this question recently when Nancy took me to Shaw’s Crab House in Schaumburg to celebrate my 64th birthday. I’m sure the fact that Nancy simply adores crab had nothing to do with her restaurant choice. Most people associate Shaw’s with lunch or dinner, but surprisingly, they offer a phenomenal Sunday brunch.
There are two sections to this restaurant. To the right is the more casual “Oyster Bar” side, which has a New England maritime feel to it. On the left is their art deco/downtown Chicago style dining room.
Here’s the way the brunch is set-up. The Oyster Bar has the cold items with oysters and sushi (Jim’s Picks), cocktail shrimp, salmon, snow crab, salads, and breads. The dining room has the hot buffet. This includes the usual breakfast foods such as an omelet station, waffles, scrambled eggs, sausage, candied bacon (Jim’s & Nancy’s Pick), Eggs Benedict, hash browns, and French toast with bananas foster topping. Why go for the typical breakfast when “Sebastian” is waiting to be cracked, picked, and eaten!
To Nancy’s delight they added the “Shaw’s” touch with Maryland crab cakes (Nancy’s Pick), fried shrimp, Lobster Brie mac & cheese, a fish of the day, lobster bisque, a filet mignon carving station, vegetables, and au gratin potatoes. Next to the carving station is where they hide the Alaskan King Crab Legs (Jim & Nancy’s Pick), do not miss them, they are delicious!
Between these two areas is the dessert table, where you will find Jim piling his plate high with all the sweet confections. They have an assortment for young and old alike, from candies for the kids (and the kids at heart), to cupcakes, fresh diced fruit, coffee cakes, Pot de Creme (fancy schmancy chocolate pudding), Creme Brulee, and Strata (that’s Tiramisu in a pretty glass). My favorite is the Key Lime Pie and Jim’s is the homemade peanut butter sandwich cookie. Sorry Girl Scout’s of America!
Included in the brunch is coffee, tea, and juice. For $8 more you can get a Bloody Mary or a Mimosa.
This is the place to “put on the dog!” To be honest, we never eat their standard breakfast items. At these prices, we go for the good stuff. You’re guaranteed top quality seafood when you dine here.
FYI: Reservations are strongly encouraged. For the best service you’ll ever experience anywhere, ask for Phil. The man even re-folds your napkin when you leave your table to go back to the buffet! It’s handicap accessible.
Our total bill for this crustacean celebration was $115.44 (you can get up off the floor now). Jim says he’s worth every penny, but the jury’s still out.
Jim’s take: “THE” place for important celebrations such as my birthday and other National holidays. Try the shrimp tempura sushi, it’s awesome (I like my sushi cooked, otherwise it’s just “bait”).
Nancy’s take: I’ve died and gone to heaven! I love everything about this place, from Phil treating me like a queen, to the best crab around. Shells were flying everywhere, it’s wasn’t a pretty site!
Shaw’s Crab House
1900 E. Higgins Road
Schaumburg 60173
(847)517-2722
www.shawscrabhouse.com
Directions: 90 East to 53 South to Streets of Woodfield
Estimated Travel Time: 25 minutes
Have comments or restaurant suggestions for the Dining Duo? Send them an email at thediningduo@gmail.com.
