And the B.E.L.C.H. Awards go to…

Hollywood has the Academy Awards and the Golden Globe Awards. Broadway has their Tony Awards and music has the Grammy Awards. The food industry has the James Beard Awards and the Michelin Stars. All of these pale in comparison to the most prestigious, most sought after, and coveted award ever. Of course, we are referring to the annual Dining Duo’s B.E.L.C.H. Award (Best Eating Location Close to Huntley). Please Note: Fast food has been disqualified since there are too many establishments in Huntley to judge.

So, put on your stretchy pants, and without further adieu, we will count down our Top Ten restaurant picks of 2022.

#10 EGG HARBOR CAFE (Schaumburg)

They offer a large variety of fresh and trendy brunch items. Throughout the years they have never disappointed us. Jim enjoyed the Habanero Hash and Eggs, while I really love the Lincolnshire Duet which is a salad topped with a scoop of tuna salad and a scoop of chicken salad. That is no longer on their menu, but they accommodated me.

#9 GEORGIA’S RESTAURANT & PANCAKE HOUSE (Algonquin)

This is another brunch restaurant that stands out above the rest. They offer a huge menu with lots of creative dishes. Nancy really enjoyed the French Toast Combo with an upgrade to the Banana Nut Foster French Toast. If you like Bananas Foster, why not have it for breakfast, it’s delicious!!!

#8 HENG WING RESTAURANT (Palatine)

Looking for Chinese appetizers, this is the place for you. The old school Shrimp Toast and Wontons were awesome, as were the egg rolls and pan-fried noodles. The traditional entrées were delicious too!

#7 RED LOBSTER SEAFOOD RESTAURANT (West Dundee)

Yes, it is Red Lobster, but after going there forever and never being disappointed, it made our list. What’s not to like about the various never ending shrimp entrées and those Cheddar Bay Biscuits. Seriously, could it get any better???

#6 MIXTECA TEQUILA BAR (Woodstock)

This little store front Mexican restaurant is a hidden gem. Nancy’s Steak Chimichanga was out of this world, and the red rice was delicious. Jim loved the Chicken Enchiladas, especially because it was topped with their homemade mole sauce.

#5 GIACOMO’S RISTORANTE ITALIANO (Des Plaines)

Do not pass up one of their signature dishes which is the homemade Braciole. The beef melts in your mouth, and the imported Italian meats and cheeses stuffed inside make the dish very memorable. This is our favorite entrée whenever we go there.

#4 SAKURA JAPANESE RESTAURANT (McHenry)

This is Jim’s place for sushi, he absolutely loves it. Nancy loves their tempura, be it vegetables or shrimp, this is her guilty pleasure. Do not pass up the Gyoza’s for an appetizer, they are the best ever. Considering the quality of the food, the prices are very reasonable.

#3 BREAKERS TIKI BAR (Crystal Lake)

This is our favorite restaurant for classic old school Chinese food. Nancy loves their Shrimp Kung Pao and Jim loves their Mongolian Beef. You can’t pass up the egg rolls and ding noodles, they are a must!!! Oh, did we say that the portions are humongous???

#2 CRANDALL’S RESTAURANT (Hebron)

What’s not to love about “all you can eat”, perfectly broasted chicken, served piping hot from the kitchen? This in a nutshell is Crandall’s. We can’t get enough of it. If you have room left after overindulging, try their Brandy Alexander which is made with ice cream, yum…

Well, are you full yet? The best is yet to come. The winner of the Dining Duo’s 2022 B.E.L.C.H. Award goes to: (drum roll please…)

#1 PAPPADEAUX SEAFOOD KITCHEN (Westmont)

And now for something completely different. Pappadeaux is the next best thing to a trip to New Orleans. Try the Gator Bite appetizer for something different. Nancy loves the Crawfish Platter (blackened and breaded), but caution, it does have a kick to it. Jim was in Cajun heaven with the Giant Shrimp and Grits. You haven’t had real grits till you’ve tried these. Don’t leave without dessert. If you like Key Lime Pie, this is our favorite since they make it with a pecan graham cracker crust which is out of this world.

For more details on any of these restaurants, just rummage through the Dining Duo archives, you will find all of them there.

We hope all of you have a happy and healthy 2023 and enjoy all of our new dining adventures.

Happy New Year,
Jim & Nancy Eggers

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