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.
Jim discovered that an old high school buddy recently moved into Del Webb (it seems we all end up here eventually). What better way to get together with Tom and Linda than to check out the new Marsala’s Italian Kitchen. The timing was perfect, since we like to give a new restaurant a couple of weeks to get the kinks out before we review them.
Those of you who remember Niko’s will feel right at home. People who have never been there will find themselves in a cozy, wood-trimmed living room with a stone fireplace. Tables covered with white linens add to the décor.
Marsala’s Italian Kitchen
11900 Freeman Road
Huntley 60142
(847)669-7877
No website at this time
Directions: Take 47 South to Freeman East to restaurant
Estimated Travel Time: 5 minutes
Waiting for us at the table was a decanter of olive oil and a bowl of Parmesan cheese to go with the basket of crusty Italian bread that was brought over by our waitress. She recommended an appetizer of their homemade Italian sausage and sautéed peppers for $7.95. Her recommendation was correct; it was delicious and there was enough for the four of us to share.
To start off the entrees, Linda ordered the Chicken Piccata ($15.95), which was 2 chicken breasts with capers, lemon butter sauce, spinach and garlic mashed potatoes. Then Tom went with the Veal Piccata ($21.95). I had to have one of my favorites, Lasagna Bolognese ($14.95), which was layers of fresh pasta with bolognese sauce, bechamel, Parmesan, and sauce Pomodoro. And last but certainly not least Jim wanted the Veal Marsala (he knew it would be good, since the restaurant was named after it) for $21.95. This was veal sautéed with mushrooms and Marsala wine sauce served with garlic mashed potatoes.
All the entrees came with either soup or salad. The girls went with the Caesar salad, Tom had the mushroom puree soup, and I had the minestrone.
Jim’s minestrone was excellent, Tom’s mushroom soup didn’t look appetizing to me, since it was pureed fungi, but he said it was very good. Linda and I loved our Caesar salads, especially the croutons. We asked our dinner guests to critique their meals, even though they aren’t “trained professionals” like Jim and I, and here’s their take: They both enjoyed their meals and can’t wait to come back.
As luck would have it, it was Tom’s birthday! It was a surprise to everyone, especially Tom. To celebrate this joyous occasion, the waitress brought over a complimentary dessert of one chocolate and one pistachio cannoli for all of us to share. These are freshly made to order and shouldn’t be overlooked. They were crunchy on the outside and creamy delicious on the inside.
To sum it up, we were a bit apprehensive because we weren’t sure if the food would be authentic Italian cuisine. Boy were we wrong. Everything we had did, indeed, come from an Italian kitchen. Nancy’s going back when she has a craving for lasagna, and I would like to try their veal saltimboca. And Tom is going back to celebrate his birthday again!
Jim and my “conto della cena” (dinner bill) was $43.58. Mangia!
FYI: Handicap accessible and reservations strongly suggested for Saturday evening.
Jim’s take: The sausage and peppers are an Italian classic dish. My veal was pounded thin and seasoned perfectly and smothered in delicious mushrooms. Nancy’s lasagna was meaty enough to satisfy even my taste.
Nancy’s take: The lasagna was excellent; the best I’ve had locally. I didn’t taste Jim’s dish because of the dreaded veal and the infamous fungi. I have to admit this restaurant surprised me in a very good way.
Have comments or restaurant suggestions for the Dining Duo? Send them an email at thediningduo@gmail.com.
