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 and I (aka Fred and Wilma) jumped into our prehistoric “Mini”-mobile to head out for a late Saturday afternoon lunch. Jim got his size 14 clod-hoppers all revved up, his feet hit the pavement, and off we went to Granite City Food and Brewery in Schaumburg.
Granite City Food & Brewery
801 Plaza Drive
Schaumburg 60173
(630)523-5700
www.GCFB.com
Directions: Take Rte. 47 South to I-90 East to 53 South to Woodfield Drive then West to Plaza Drive to restaurant.
Estimated Travel Time: 35 minutes
It’s located in the shadow of the Woodfield Mall water tower in the middle of a construction frenzy. The restaurant itself is huge, but it has a cozy atmosphere. The tables are cleverly placed behind various walls and partitions to make this restaurant look smaller than it actually is. It is very stylish and modern with stone accents. There is even a working brewery behind a glass wall in back of the bar.
We began our lunch with a Maple Pepper Bacon and Tomato Flatbread ($11.95), which was maple pepper bacon, tomatoes, basil and a blend of cheeses on a garlic (yum…) aioli brushed crust. This could be an appetizer for two people or an entree for one person. Do not pass this up. The bacon was sweet, spicy, and salty all at the same time and the cracker thin crust was out of this world!
Since it was a chilly, frosty day, we decided to warm up and share a bowl of the Northern Cheddar and Ale Soup ($5.95). This was a creamy cheddar cheese soup simmered with their craft Northern Ale beer. For that extra touch, they topped it with pumpernickel croutons. Judging by the bowls passing by, it seemed to be a big seller for them that day, and deservedly so.
Nancy decided on the GC Mac & Cheese ($13.59). This was chicken and penne pasta tossed in a creamy pepper jack cheese sauce, finished with Bennie Bock beer, and topped with bacon and breadcrumbs. This came with a piece of Parmesan Italian bread. Nancy was expecting Mac & Cheese with a little kick to it, and to her surprise, it was also seasoned with her favorite food group, garlic. She REALLY enjoyed her pasta dish.
Jim saw something unusual again and he couldn’t pass it up. It was the Pulled Pork Waffle Sandwich ($9.95). Just as the name implied, it was pulled pork topped with barbeque sauce and crispy onion strings served on a corn waffle with coleslaw on the side. With all sandwiches you get your choice of either natural cut fries or kettle chips. He chose the kettle chips. This was an open faced different kind of sandwich.
We decided to forgo a dessert since we’re on a diet for the New Year. We didn’t say we were very good at it seeing what we ate, but in our defense, we did take home a doggie bag. Remember, you can’t jump into a diet with both feet, you have to take baby steps…
The total for our “Yabba Dabba Doo” lunch was $49.16.
FYI: Handicap accessible.
We think this is a great place for lunch, and we’re definitely going back for the flatbread and soup! Our waitress was very accommodating. When we ordered the bowl of soup to share, she brought us two cups and only charged us for the bowl. That was very sweet of her.
Jim’s take: The flatbread was incredible, especially the bacon. The pulled pork was fork tender and delicious, but I did ask for more barbeque sauce.
Nancy’s take: I hate to admit it, but I have to agree with Jim once again. The flatbread was awesome and the Cheddar Ale soup was fantastic. I need to find a recipe for this so I can make it on a cold winter’s day.
Have comments or restaurant suggestions for the Dining Duo? Send them an email at thediningduo@gmail.com
