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.
Is Nat’s on Maple a new infestation for Maple trees in Sycamore? No, it is a restaurant in their quaint downtown area. How do we find these out of the way restaurants you ask? All right you twisted our arm so we’ll tell you. Jim and I are on the greatest mailing list in the world, namely the financial advisor free dinner seminar list. It is where you get a free meal and listen to how a financial advisor will, in just a few short months, make you independently wealthy. At the end of the night, you can hand over all your money to him or sneak out the back door unnoticed. If our free food was good, we come back and review the restaurant.
Nat’s on Maple
112 S. Maple Street
Sycamore 60178
(815)895-4243
www.natsonmaple.com
Directions: Take Rte. 47 South to Route 64 West to Maple Street, South to restaurant
Estimated Travel Time: 33 minutes
The décor of this restaurant is not what you would expect in a small town. The modern influences are something you would expect to see in a trendy area in downtown Chicago. Nat’s is a smaller venue with sectioned off dining rooms and a beautiful bar area for you to relax and have a drink while waiting to be seated. Reservations are not accepted for less than five people, but you can call ahead and get your name put on their wait list.
Tonight we dined with our friends Janet and Rene to celebrate the birth of their first grandchild. Nancy went crazy and had a Bloody Mary and I had a tonic with lime. Along with the drinks our waitress brought over a loaf of piping hot, freshly baked, mild sourdough bread and butter. It was delicious!!!
For an appetizer we spotted the Loaded Potato Rolls ($9.25), which was mashed potato, bacon, cheddar, and seasoned sour cream in an egg roll. They sounded different and we just had to try them. Jim’s not big on potatoes, but he liked them. Because I’m a potato junkie, I loved them.
Nancy tried the Crab Cakes (2) for $22.95 that were made with lump crab and served with French fries and green beans with a spicy remoulade on the side. She saw Parmesan Risotto on the “sides” menu and asked if they could substitute that in place of the fries. It was a $1.25 up charge for the substitution. All dinners come with soup or salad and Nancy chose a salad with their homemade Ranch dressing. The crab cakes were large enough for her to bring one home and she even had some left over risotto.
This evening Jim ordered the London Broil ($22.95). This was sirloin steak topped with Cabernet sauce and onion strings, served with mashed potatoes, and vegetables, which tonight were green beans. He chose their Chicken Poblano soup for his side. It was a Mexican style shredded chicken soup that was to die for. I had a taste of Jim’s dinner and he won tonight! His steak was tender but had a crunchy char on the edges that made it awesome!
Now for the dessert. Our eyes both landed on the Apple Cobbler served with cinnamon ice cream ($7.95) and it was love at first sight. Even our freeloading friends wanted a sample. It was obviously the right choice since the whole table took a taste, and this gooey delight was a crowd pleaser.
FYI: Handicap accessible, but be advised, it is like downtown Chicago with metered street parking.
This is a place you wouldn’t expect to see in small town America. The food and service was phenomenal and our celebration was a success!!!
The total for our “Grandbaby Bash” was $76.89.
Jim’s take: This was the best London Broil I have ever had. That Cabernet sauce sealed the deal.
Nancy’s take: I have to agree with Jim, once again, even though it kills me to do so. His dinner was a winner! I love cinnamon ice cream and that dessert rocked.
Have comments or restaurant suggestions for the Dining Duo? Send them an email at thediningduo@gmail.com.
