A regional favorite

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.

In our last article, we mentioned we tried unsuccessfully to get into a new restaurant, even though it was 5:30 on a Wednesday night. Not to be deterred from her appointed mission, Nancy asked the host to make a reservation for the following Wednesday at 5:30, and he graciously honored her request. Mind you, this is a week in advance and early on a week night. Our anticipation grew as we counted down the days.

The day finally arrived for us to see what all the talk and excitement was about. Because the restaurant is in Barrington, we decided to put on our Sunday best. Jim even showered and shaved and put on his Dockers. I must admit he cleaned up well, thanks to my laying out his clothes in advance for him. If not, none of his clothes would match and they would look like something out of the Barnum and Bailey Collection. Enough primping. We jumped into Jim’s Mercedes (it was Barrington after all), and off we went to Regions Kitchen and Bar in Barrington.

It is located on the corner in a very populated shopping center. After we parked our car, we walked past their fenced in al fresco dining area. Even though some people chose that dining option, it was too chilly for us old people, plus we wanted to experience the indoor ambiance.

Walking in we were greeted by the host, and he escorted us past the bar and high-top tables to a modern elegant dining area. It reminded us of a fine dining restaurant in downtown Chicago. There were navy blue opaque curtains hanging from the ceiling separating each table. This was a nice touch which made it seem like you were in your own private space.

The waiter brought us a basket of unleavened Lavasch made with Parmesan cheese. This paper-thin cracker tasted like the Parmesan cheese that sticks to the bottom of a frying pan. These are very addicting, and our waiter said some people go through two baskets. Since we had our classy pants on, we showed restraint.

For an appetizer this evening we decided on the Chateaubriand of Filet ($14). These were four crostinis with Boursin cream, filet, garlic butter crust, and Port wine bordelaise. WOW!!! These were to die for. You can’t come here without ordering this appetizer. Our mouths are drooling while writing this.

Nancy’s eyes popped out of their sockets when she saw the Chi Town Lobster Tails “De Jonghe” ($39). This was two small lobster tails with Tio Pepe Sherry, sizzled garlic butter crust, charred lemon, asparagus, and whipped potato. She substituted Brussel sprouts and the cheesy hash brown casserole for her sides. She said the dinner was the richest and most decadent meal she has ever had. The flavors have to be experienced to be appreciated. The leftovers the next day tasted like the chef prepared it for her all over again.

Jim only has so much class and then he reverts back to his old ways. The “specials” tonight included the Barrington’s Best Filet Mignon Meatloaf ($25) with Applewood bacon, Boursin whipped potato, agave roasted carrots, mushroom duxelles, port demi-glace, and OMG truffle butter. How’s that for a mouthful? He said it was the most incredible tasting and fanciest meatloaf he has ever had. The moron does know his meatloaf!!!

On to dessert, which Jim cannot pass up. He had to try the English Sticky Toffee Pudding ($9). This was spiced date cake, vanilla bean ice cream, pralines, and buttery toffee caramel. It was the perfect end to an incredible meal. Jim and I were fighting over it!!!

FYI: This restaurant is handicap accessible.

It is going to be hard to top this restaurant in the reviews this year. Now we know what all the hub-bub was about. Splurge a little, you deserve it after coming out of a year-long quarantine.

The cost for our post-COVID extravaganza was $100.21. Don’t write us complaining we spent too much money, it was worth every penny.

Jim’s take: This was the meatloaf of my dreams!

Nancy’s take: Meatloaf??? You can dress him up, but you can’t take him anywhere.

Have comments or restaurant suggestions for the Dining Duo? Send them an email at: thediningduo@gmail.com

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