Fly like a ‘Stone’ eagle

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.

A stone’s throw off I-90 at Route 59, about a half-mile north as the eagle flies, is a restaurant in Hoffman Estates known as Stone Eagle Tavern. (Notice how cleverly we tied that altogether? Boy, we’re good!)

You are greeted outside by a pair of limestone Federal Eagles, circa 1910, weighing in at 2,500 pounds each. Walking in, you are stunned by the eclectic blend of antiques that seem to be everywhere. There is a 24-foot round, monumental, stained-glass ceiling; a beautiful, red 1947 Indian motorcycle; and Zulu Tribal dance stilts in the Oyster Bar. There is even an Austrian crystal lead chandelier in the women’s restroom from a chateau outside of Paris. When you check in at the hostess stand (Saturday night reservations are a must), be sure to pick up the “Antique Walking Tour” pamphlet for descriptions of all the other items too numerous to mention.

Since this isn’t “The Antique Roadshow,” on to the good stuff! This evening we started with the Crab, Cheddar, Bacon Crostini appetizer ($8.99). This was exactly what the name suggests and absolutely delicious.

Nancy had the misfortune recently to break a bone in her hand and knuckle. I won’t say which finger was involved, but I will say that driving around in Huntley will be friendlier for the next six weeks.

Since her hand is out of commission, Nancy wanted finger food, so she chose the (6) Coconut Fried Prawns ($12.99). I applauded her choice. since I’m tired of cutting her food (and to think that her hand will be in a cast for four more weeks). The prawns were soaked in coconut milk, lightly fried and served with an island sweet-and-spicy sauce. All entrees are accompanied by a choice of one side from a large variety of items. She chose the French fries, since they are the easiest to eat.

Jim couldn’t pass up the special for the evening. This was an 8-ounce Filet on top of onion straws, covered with a light Bernaise reduction, along with Cajun Shrimp and “Surimi” Crab for $19.99. This was accompanied by a salad and one side dish. He wanted something different tonight, so he chose the mac and cheese for his side dish.

We shared my salad and agreed on the garlic ranch dressing. Nancy thought it needed more garlic (of course), but I thought it was perfect with just a touch of sweetness to it.

When we were finished eating, our waitress Lisa brought over a complimentary slice of cheesecake, because of Nancy’s boo-boo. Nancy HATES cheesecake! She thought it was a sweet gesture and made me eat it, since she didn’t want to hurt Lisa’s feelings. A man’s got to do what a man’s got to do….

GRANDPARENTS TAKE NOTE: They have “Kids Weigh-in Wednesday’s.” Children 10 and younger weigh-in on a 1912 Lolipop Sidewalk Scale. They will be charged a penny a pound for any item on the kids menu.

In conclusion, it is a neat place to go with an interesting décor and a menu to match. You won’t be disappointed in either one.

FYI: Handicap accessible, and on occasion, you will see one of the manager’s walking around, handing out slices of pizza to patrons waiting to be seated.

Good thing we didn’t have to pay a penny a pound! Our total bill for this evening was $48.96.

Jim’s take: I really liked this place. My steak was seared on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. The Bernaise reduction was awesome.

Nancy’s take: I was surrounded by antiques this evening, husband included! The service was excellent, the food was delicious, and thank you Lisa, but I really hate cheesecake….

Have comments or restaurant suggestions for the Dining Duo? Send them an email at thediningduo@gmail.com.

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