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.
Neither rain, thunder, lightning, sleet, snow, freezing fog, or ice storms shall keep the Dining Duo from their appointed restaurant reviews. See what we do for you guys? Nancy bundled up like the little brother in the movie “A Christmas Story,” took an ice pick to the Mini-Mobile, turned the heated seats (aka, bun warmers) to high, and off we went. We didn’t go very far, we slid into Casa Rubi-Os in Huntley.
Casa Rubi-Os
11900 Freeman Road
Huntley 60142
(847) 669-8966
casarubi-os.com
Directions: Take Route 47 South to Freeman Road, East to restaurant.
Estimated Travel Time: 5 minutes unless you slide there like we did, then only 2-1/4 minutes until arrival.
Long time residents of Huntley, Patricia Rubio and her husband Gus Espejel recently opened this restaurant, keeping their venture close to home. This location has been two other types of restaurants in its lifetime. First it was Niko’s Grill & Pub, then it became Marsala’s Kitchen. After a fresh coat of paint and Mexican accents throughout, this location has now become Casa Rubi-Os. It opened its doors on February 8, 2019 to the joy of Huntley residents. We actually do need more restaurants here in Huntley. There is more to fine dining than a drive-thru window.
Like in all Mexican restaurants, upon seating, we were presented with a basket of tortilla chips and a bowl of salsa. The chips were light and airy and the salsa was mild.
To warm our innards on this cold, miserable winter night, we ordered the Jalapeno Coins ($5.25) as an appetizer. These are breaded, sliced jalapeno peppers served with a tangy chipotle sauce. They were actually very tasty and registered a “4” on Jim’s sweat head meter. This is why Jim is going bald. He is burning off his hair, one hair follicle at a time!
As usual, Nancy was torn between three entrees. After much discussion with our patient waitress, she went with one of her old standbys, which was the Shrimp Fajitas ($17.50). This consisted of shrimp, onions, tomatoes, and green and yellow peppers. It was served with pico de gallo, rice and refried beans, and her choice of corn or flour tortillas. Nancy is allergic to corn so she chose the flour tortillas. She does not like refried beans, so she asked the waitress for more rice in its place. It’s a good thing she wasn’t in a fussy mood tonight! The portion size was large, containing six large shrimp and lots of veggies that were all served in a cast iron skillet. The only pitfall with her entree was she felt it needed more seasoning. With saltshaker in hand, and a smile on her face, she ate everything except for a small portion, which will be my snack for the next day.
Because Jim thinks he’s “special” he ordered one of their “specialties” this evening, namely, the Mexican Style Steak ($18). This was grilled skirt steak topped with sautéed onions, jalapeno slices, and tomatoes. It was served with rice and refried beans. He thought the steak and veggies could also use a bit more seasoning, even the jalapeno slices were very mild. The refried beans, however, were delicious. Jim is bulking up with this cold winter, so he ate the whole thing.
On to Jim’s favorite part of dinner, dessert. Since I didn’t want to bulk up this winter, I let Jim go for the dessert alone. The waitress recommended the Flan ($5.25). This was made by one of the workers from her secret family recipe. What arrived at the table was a huge slice of a decadent delight. This was the best flan he has ever had. And again, he at the whole thing.
FYI: This restaurant is handicap accessible.
This restaurant opens at 11 a.m. (Sunday at 9 a.m.) and offers some breakfast items as well as some American fare. It is closed on Mondays.
The cost for our frigid fiesta was $55.94, olé!!!
Have comments or restaurant suggestions for the Dining Duo? Send them an email at thediningduo@gmail.com
