“Should old acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind.” Here in Del Webb, as we all get older, that seems to be getting easier and easier to do. We are no exception. We keep a binder with all of our articles, and every year, we take out last year’s reviews, spread them all over the floor in the family room of the Dining Duo’s palatial estate, and attempt to come up with ten of our best restaurants for 2019. Once again, this year it was a particularly tough decision to make. We went to Antigua (the Mexican restaurant, not the island), ate in a converted church (Nuova Italia), went looking for a Bentley (the restaurant, not the car), tried spelunking (Cafe la Cave), and had our food brought to us by a toy choo-choo train (2 Toots Grill).
Following is our coveted list with a cliff notes version of our reviews.
NOTE: All of these restaurants are handicap accessible.
#10 CHECKERS II (Union)
Nancy loved the Jumbo Bavarian Pretzel with a garlic aioli dipping sauce (of course). Jim’s favorite German dish here is the Jaeger Roast Braten. Nancy just loves their spaetzle.
#9 CRACKER BARREL (Rockford)
You can’t beat their breakfasts here for value and consistency. The hash brown casserole is to die for, and ask for their sour dough bread to be grilled, it’s awesome! The General Store is tops on our list for stocking stuffers for the grandchildren.
#8 BOLD AMERICAN FARE (Algonquin)
This is the place to go for appetizers and a salad. Yes, you can make a meal on that, and sometimes it’s more fun than having a dinner. The Lobster Pop Tart is to die for here.
#7 BIAGGI’S RISORANTE ITALIANO (Algonquin)
Their lunch menu featuring various half pasta/half salad entrees are a deal. We love their breads, especially the focaccia bread. You can always count on Biaggi’s for a good meal. They never disappoint.
#6 NIKO’S R & R SUPPER CLUB (Marengo)
If you’re lucky and they have their Snow Crab Legs on special the night you go, try it, you’ll like it! They were awesome. Jim’s Steak Diane was like butter. What endears us to this restaurant is that they give you a relish tray. Not a lot, but some radish slices, celery, carrots, baby corn, etc. which is a nice touch.
#5 SAPPORO TANOSHII (Algonquin)
There are a lot of hibachi restaurants in the area, but this, in our opinion, is the tastiest. Their Yum Yum Sauce is yum yum! They give you a good amount of food, and you can even ask them to change something out, and they accommodate you.
#4 MONTARRA GRILL (Algonquin)
Everything we had was tasty. Don’t pass up their Baked French Onion Soup. They serve it in a baked onion with melted cheese on top and onion straws on top of that! They also give you a gravy boat with extra soup on the side.
#3 BOSTON FISH MARKET (Wheeling)
This is their newest location and is a traditional restaurant. They have the freshest seafood available, and they serve humongous portions. Their other location in Des Plaines was our #1 restaurant pick for 2017.
#2 CAFE la CAVE (Des Plaines)
If you want a romantic dinner with your special someone, this cave is the place. It is old school elegance celebrating its 50th anniversary. It is an indulgent treat from the escargot to a chocolate soufflé. Keep your eyes open for a Groupon coupon to make the evening a better buy.
Alright, we won’t keep you in suspense any longer. We will now announce the winner of the most sought after, prestigious, and coveted dining award in the entire northwest suburban area. We are referring to, of course, the Dining Duo’s B. E. L. C. H. (Best Eating Location Close to Huntley) award. This year’s winner goes to: (drum roll please . . .)
#1 750º CUCINA RUSTICA (Cary)
They offer excellent pasta that is served in a smokin’ hot cast iron skillet. There sauces are excellent, and Nancy goes crazy over the Rigatoni Quattro Formaggi. We like to go there for lunch since the parking is easier, and the prices are less for the same entrees. And let’s not forget the Limoncello Gelato for dessert; it’s the bomb! BEST RESTAURANT OF 2019, hands down!
For more details on any of these restaurants, just go to www.mysundaynews.comand 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.
Happy New Year,
Jim & Nancy Eggers
