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.
Imagine if you will, a world where any dealings with strangers is done through a sheet of plexiglass; where toilet paper can mysteriously disappear from all store shelves overnight; and where wearing a mask going into a bank will not get you arrested. Ladies and gentlemen, you are about to enter the “Covid Zone.”
Doesn’t it seem like we are all living in a horrible Twilight Zone episode? Jim and I are braving the virus and venturing out to dine at some of our old haunts to see if they have survived and how they have adjusted. We are eating our big meal of the day around 1:30 in the afternoon. It’s very eerie walking into a restaurant and seeing it totally empty. Such was the case at our recent trip to El Niagara Mexican Restaurant in Algonquin. The food was just as good as we remembered, but the menu was missing a few items. We were chatting with our waitress/hostess and asked her about some missing entrees, one of which was Jim’s favorite. She indicated if they have the ingredients they would have accommodated his request, so don’t be afraid to ask.
While running around getting items that I need to complete Nancy’s never ending “Honey Do” list, we decided to stop at Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano in Algonquin. We were surprised to see about six tables in all being occupied. We were disappointed to discover that their lunch specials, which we loved, have succumbed to Covid-19 and is no longer on the menu. In fact, their regular menu has been scaled down. Why, we don’t know or understand. These were the most drastic cuts we have seen so far. Again, why? It’s pasta!!! The items that were offered were just as good as before, but we do miss the lunch specials.
I was checking out our household supplies and discovered to my horror we only had 72 rolls of toilet paper left. Oh my!!! We must go to Sam’s Club to stock up. Since they don’t give out free samples anymore, we decided to stop for lunch at Around the Clock Restaurant and Bakery in Crystal Lake. We were happy to discover that the menu hasn’t changed a bit, and the food was just as tasty as before. We love their Patty Melts that are served on real rye bread and not that marble rye which is just wrong. We had to have their cheesy French onion soup since it is the best ever!!! To treat ourselves during this very stressful time, we ordered a slice (to share) of their fresh strawberry whip cream pie to take home. OMG!!! You have got to try this…
There is cause for celebration in the midst of this turbulent world we are now living in. Our own Jameson’s Charhouse is now serving breakfast on Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 to 2:00. They offer a surprisingly large breakfast menu with portions to match. Nancy, of course, wanted an omelet containing ingredients not on the menu and the waitress and cook accommodated her every whim. Her omelet was delicious, her hash browns came out brown and crispy like she requested, and the side of pancakes were delish.
Jim’s breakfast sliders (3) which were a pork sausage patty, scrambled egg, and cheese on a slider bun, were awesome. This came with hash browns, also served brown and crispy. Jameson’s is now our “go to” place for breakfast. They really impressed us going from a charhouse at night, to a breakfast/brunch restaurant on the weekends.
Stay tuned, more mini reviews to follow, and keep your eyes peeled for Rod Serling. We’re sure he’s lurking in the shadows somewhere…
Have comments or restaurant suggestions for the Dining Duo? Send them an email at thediningduo@gmail.com.
