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.
It is a cool summer evening. You are sitting at an outdoor cafe next to a cobblestone street. Beyond this, there is a tree lined square surrounded by small shops. Are you in southern France? No, you are 20 minutes from Del Webb in Woodstock at the Le Petite Creperie and Bistrot.
It resides in an historic building (circa 1887) where the County Sheriff and his family once lived (until 1972). The inmates occupied approximately a dozen cells in the back of the building. The restaurant’s interior has a basic European look, with rooms on the first and second floor. Outside, the cafe features umbrella covered tables enclosed in a Parisian style wrought iron fence.
After we were seated, the waitress brought us rolls and butter and our usual ice tea and a tonic water. Nancy came prepared and fired up the “Off” mosquito fans, and we were good to go.
For his apéritif, Jim had the Escargot de Bourgognone (6 for $8.50). These slimy little “suckers” were served in a sectioned bowl of hot and bubbling seasoned garlic butter. They’re all yours Jim!
Le Petite Creperie & Bistrot
115 N. Johnson Street
Woodstock 60098
(815)337-0765
www.lepetitecreperie.net
Directions: Take 47 North to Lake Avenue, Left to Rte. 14, Right on Madison to Square
Travel time: 24 minutes
Nancy played it safe and ordered the Baked French Onion Soup ($6.95). I had a sip, and it was good, being lighter and less salty than most.
A staple in French cooking is the crepe. This is a skinny pancake into which the French roll anything and everything. Nancy ordered the La Bourguignone, which was braised beef in red wine sauce with carrots, mushrooms, and baby pearl onions ($14.95). Nancy makes this for our family Christmas dinner every year, and it does take hours to prepare, so the mushrooms had to stay. Although tasty, Nancy was picking mushrooms all night long….
Jim went with a special on the menu, the Crepe du Chef ($16.95). This was veal cutlets and mushrooms in a brandy peppercorn sauce mixed with mashed potatoes. I also passed on the taste test for this. Don’t get me started on veal!
Both of our meals were accompanied by a small salad with house dressing.
Now for the “Pièce de Résistance”…. In glancing at the dessert menu, Jim started grinning and giggling like a 12 year old and pointed out the “Le Menage a Trois.” He insisted on ordering it from the waitress and to his surprise, she brought over a crepe filled with bananas and topped with caramel and chocolate sauce for $7.95.
HINT: Be romantic and dine at dusk. You can watch the lights turn on around the square, illuminating the gazebo in the park.
The food is delicious but, like all french cuisine, don’t expect to take home a “French Poodle Bag!”The total for this romantic evening in France was $65.20. Viola!
FYI: The indoor seating is not handicap accessible. If you pay your bill with cash they will deduct the 7% tax.
Jim’s take: The escargot was delicious, proving that with enough garlic and butter a person can eat just about anything. The crepes were freshly made and scrumptious. Half the fun of the dessert is ordering it from the waitress!
Nancy’s take: The crepes were fabulous, the soup was yummy, and the best I’ve had at a restaurant. I don’t agree with Jim, I love garlic and I won’t touch those “suckers!” I really had a workout this evening picking out the fungi. The dessert was awesome but living with a 12 year old isn’t easy. Oh lucky me!
Have comments or restaurant suggestions for the Dining Duo? Send them an email at thediningduo@gmail.com.
