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.
‘Ello luv, care for a spot of tea and crumpets? You can get this and other delicious breakfast or lunch items at Crumpet’s Luncheonette-Tea Room-Bakery in Genoa.
Nancy thought it would be a good idea to inform her fellow Sun City ladies of this one of a kind establishment. I have to admit this would not have been my first choice for lunch, I’d much rather be inhaling buffalo wings. With that in mind, I gathered up whatever shred of manhood remained after 42 years of marriage, left it at the door, and went “where no man has gone before.”
Walking through the front door you are transported back in time to your grandmother’s living room. This was evident from the Victorian décor of floral print wallpaper, candle holders, and huge lace doilies enshrined under the glass table tops. The only thing missing was the clear plastic covers on the chairs. To make it seem more like grandma’s place, there were hutches adorned with teapots and other cutesy items. Jim gazed through the estrogen laced haze looking for another man. There actually were two others there, whose wives probably convinced them to go. Happy wife, happy life…
Crumpet’s Luncheonette-Tea Room-Bakery
221 W. Main Street
Genoa 60135
(815)784-6121
crumpetsillinois.com
Directions: Take Rte. 47 South to Rte. 72 West to restaurant
Travel Time: 26 minutes
The waiter arrived at our table to take our drink order and naturally we ordered a spot of iced tea for two. Nancy was really in her element here. Glancing at the menu, she chose the Piccadilly Croissant ($8.95). This was a large croissant with her choice of tuna, chicken, egg or ham salad. She could have also ordered honey baked ham with melted Swiss cheese or roasted turkey with melted Havarti dill cheese. She went for the chicken salad and this dish came with potato chips, fruit, and a pickle.
Because of the overwhelming female clientele, Jim thought it would be appropriate for him to order the Fickle Queen ($9.95). This was two scoops of the same choice of salads that I was able to pick from with a pickle, fruit, and a muffin. He chose the ham salad and the egg salad for his entree and for his muffin choice, he went with cinnamon streusel. To save face, he had to order a manly cup of roasted vegetable soup ($3.25).
All the salads we chose were delicious. I tasted Jim’s soup and would swear that it was minestrone. He went “ga-ga” over the muffin after he slathered it with butter. You can’t take him anywhere.
This restaurant would be a good choice for occasions such as baby showers or neighborhood ladies luncheons. They offer separate checks and can accommodate larger groups. In fact, there was a baby shower in the front section which added to Jim’s discomfort as he walked past. If you are looking for something other than the usual, give this place a try, you won’t be disappointed. They also offer assorted teas and muffins for sale in their bakery area.
FYI: Wheel chair accessible? Be aware of the step up when you enter. There is a common bathroom, but I don’t think the seat being left up is a problem here.
The price for our luncheon was $29.91; seeing Jim squirm, priceless…
Jim’s take: I would go back for their delicious muffins, they were that good! I even impressed Nancy by eating it with my pinky finger extended high in the air!!!
Nancy’s take: This tea room gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling. It is a great place for us women to get together and gossip. Jim’s pinky finger escapade cracked me up!
Have comments or restaurant suggestions for the Dining Duo? Send them an email at thediningduo@gmail.com.
