We’ve noticed that most of our loyal readers don’t actually look at our adorable picture in the paper. Tell the truth, did you ever look at it closely??? When people meet us for the very first time and they realize who we are, the most common question we are asked is, “What is your favorite restaurant?” This is a very difficult question to answer since there are so many different types of restaurants, with so many delicious dishes. This is why we have worked tirelessly compiling the “Best of 2015.” These are the top ten favorite restaurants we have reviewed this year. We put them in alphabetical order and listed what we consider to be their best dishes. All restaurants are handicap accessible unless otherwise noted.
ALLEN’S CORNER DINER (Hampshire)
The most incredible biscuits and gravy can be found in Birdie’s Biscuits and Gravy Omelet ($6.50). Be sure to get there early before they run out! Not handicap friendly.
BONEFISH GRILL (Algonquin)
Their Bang Bang Shrimp ($10.50) is often imitated by never actually duplicated. For those of you concerned about how spicy they are, they only registered about a “4” on Jim’s Sweat Head Meter.
COOPER’S HAWK WINERY & RESTAURANT (South Barrington)
The Maple Mustard Pretzel Crusted Boneless Pork Chop ($21.99) may sound different but proved to be out of this world!
DA BAFFONE CUCINA ITALIANA (Crystal Lake)
The Spaghetti and (2) Meatballs ($16.95) was simple, but oh so delicious. An aromatic honorable mention goes to the Roasted Heads of Garlic (2) for $5. Not handicap friendly.
FRITZL’S EUROPEAN RESTAURANT (Lake Zurich)
The Smoked Garlic Sausage Wrapped in Puff Pastry ($7.95) is a favorite appetizer of ours. They also have the best Sauerbraten ever ($18.95). This marinated lean sliced beef in a delicious gravy is not as sour as most. Nancy found her perfect potato pancake as a side dish here.
GIACOMO’S RISTORANTE ITALIANO (Des Plaines)
What is rolled flank steak stuffed with Italian seasonings, salami, prosciutto, cappicola and mozzarella cheese and topped with a rich red wine tomato sauce with red and green peppers? This is the most authentic Braciole ($23.95) you’ve ever had. Save room for the Tortufo dessert ($5) which is a frozen ball of chocolate mousse and hazelnuts, with a cherry inside, rolled in cocoa, and then topped with whipped cream.
LUCKY MONK (South Barrington)
Start off with their Warm Pretzel Trio (4) for $10.95. These giant pretzels are made to be slathered with either their beer cheese or mustard butter. Now buckle up and try their Grilled Cheese-burger ($14.50) which is a half pound prime beef patty with lettuce, tomato, and onion between two bacon stuffed grilled cheese sandwiches. Their House-Made Sticky Donuts (5) for $5.95 are not to be passed up. They are warm, vanilla glazed, and come with a trio of dipping sauces. The best is the caramel sauce. Good luck to all who venture here…
MARZANO’S WOOD FIRED ITALIAN (McHenry)
A bowl of diced plum tomatoes, fresh garlic, basil, olive oil, shaved Parmesan, and balsamic vinegar is their Do-it-Yourself Bruschetta ($7.95). You can put as much as you want on their delicious sliced baguette.
PAPPADEAUX SEAFOOD KITCHEN (Westmont)
Nancy’s favorite here is the Crawfish platter ($25.95) and she gets the crawfish blackened instead of the etoufee style. These 1-inch long mini lobster tails are grilled in a delicious spicy cajun seasoning. As Justin Wilson would say, we “guar-on-tee” you’ll love these little mud bugs.
SAKURA JAPANESE RESTAURANT (McHenry)
If you like sushi or tempura, this is the place for you. The tempura is the lightest most delicious we’ve ever had, and their sushi is a work of art!!! The service is exceptionally friendly and very quick.
For more details on any of these restaurants, just go to www.mysundaynews.com and rummage through the Dining Duo archives; they are all there.
Watch for our reviews next year, but until then… From our table to yours, we wish you happy holidays with good times, good friends, and good food.
Have comments or restaurant suggestions for the Dining Duo? Send them an email at thediningduo@gmail.com
