EVERYBODY SING ALONG… “It’s the most wonderful time of the year. With the restaurants open, and appetizers flowing, and drinks of good cheer, it’s the most wonderful time of the year…”
This is the column that we know you all have been waiting for with baited garlic breath and grumbling tummies. We are referring to the semi-finalists in our Top 10 list of “BURPS” (Best Unknown Restaurant Picks) culminating in the big “BELCH” (Best Eating Location Close to Huntley) of 2021.
NOTE: All these restaurants are handicap accessible.
#10 MORETTI’S RESTAURANT & PIZZERIA (Lake in the Hills)
Most people don’t order an appetizer at a pizzeria, but be sure to try their Deep-Fried Calamari, it is exceptional. For a different kind of pizza, try their Asiago Stuffed Crust Pizza. NOTE: Tuesday night is half-price pizza night!!!
#9 HART’S GARAGE (Pingree Grove)
They offer a Windy City Burger which is basically a burger topped with an Italian beef sandwich. Jim also loved their fries covered with a mysterious cheese sauce and bacon.
#8 COPPER BARREL ON STATE (Hampshire)
Be daring and try their Grilled Jalapeno appetizer. They are addicting and scored a “7” on my sweat head meter. Nancy fell in love with the Pork Some Sugar on Me Sandwich, which was pulled pork, bacon, sweet barbecue sauce, and horseradish pickles.
#7 JAMESON’S CHARHOUSE (Crystal Lake)
You can’t beat Jameson’s for steaks. Nancy loves the Parmesan Crusted Filet, and I love the London Broil. You’ll always get a good meal at Jameson’s.
#6 TAVERN ON CLARK (Rockford)
This is a hidden gem. Jim went crazy over their special that day, the Lobster Taco’s. Don’t pass up the world’s best appetizer, Tempura Battered Deep-Fried Bacon served with chocolate sauce, OMG!
#5 SALERNO’S ON THE FOX (St. Charles)
They offer overstuffed pasta pillows and call them Meat Filled Ravioli that are to die for. Hungry??? Their portions are huge. We’re going back to try their pizza.
#4 BIMBO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT (McHenry)
It’s fitting that Nancy’s namesake restaurant would offer a Roasted Garlic appetizer just for her. It actually brought me over to the “garlic” side. Who would expect Braised Beef Crepes with brown gravy in an Italian restaurant? This entree is one that you shouldn’t pass up.
#3 MOOKIE’S STEAK & SEAFOOD (Crystal Lake)
Jim loved his Stuffed Pork Chop, and I loved the Maryland Crab Cakes. From the appetizer, to the entree’s, to dessert, this was a great find close to home.
#2 STORMING CRAB (Rockford)
Nothing fancy about this Cajun seafood boil restaurant, just lots of great seafood done to your liking. You’ll have crab and shrimp shells flying all over the table, so wear the bib and plastic gloves they provide. It’s not a pretty sight!!!
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)2021 award. This year’s winner goes to: (drum roll please . . .)
#1 REGION KITCHEN & BAR (Barrington)
This place is class all the way. Put on your Sunday best and take your sweetie out for that “special” occasion. Start with the Chateaubriand of Filet appetizer which will knock your socks off. Follow this with the Chi Town Lobster Tails De Jonghe. This restaurant is very accommodating for changing sides. I did and loved everything I picked. Jim has only so much class and reverts back to his old ways. He ordered the Bacon Wrapped Filet Meatloaf and loved every morsel of it. Don’t forget dessert. Try the English Sticky Toffee Pudding, it will delight your taste buds!!! We can’t say enough about this restaurant.
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.
