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.
Every once in a while, the food gods smile down on the Dining Duo. Such was the case at our last neighborhood Christmas party where we won a $65 gift card to a local restaurant. We checked the menu prices online, and after seven short months, we finally saved up enough additional money to use our gift card. We put on our Sunday best, and headed off to Montarra Grill in Algonquin.
Montarra Grill
1491 S. Randall Road
Algonquin 60102
(847)458-0505
www.montarragrill.com
Directions: Take Rte. 47 North to Algonquin Road, East to Randall Road, South to restaurant.
Estimated Travel Time: 19 minutes
This restaurant is in a strip mall, and although it is small, it’s very elegant on the inside. There is a glass wall of water separating the bar from the dining room making for a very relaxing atmosphere. The white tablecloths and the subdued lighting completed the ambiance.
After we sat down, we were handed menus, our drink order was taken, and we were treated to a basket of assorted warm rolls.
While looking at the “Special’s Menu” something caught our eye and together we said in unison, “we should try the Sausage and Leek Puff Pastry ($15) for our appetizer.” This was sausage, leeks, Gruyere cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic, pea shoots, and lemon all baked inside a fluffy pastry puff. This was without a doubt OMG deliciousness. The waitress asked how we liked it and we told her it should be a regular item on the menu.
Nancy and I were in sync tonight and we both decided to try their French Onion Soup ($9). Another OMG moment!!! The soup was baked in a hollowed-out onion with melted cheese on top, and abundantly garnished with onion straws. It came with a gravy boat filled with soup on the side to refill the onion. The creativity level of this dish was off the charts.
Jim went all out tonight and ordered their six-ounce Center Cut Black Angus Filet Mignon ($52). This is Montarra’s signature Boursin stuffed filet served with brandied mushrooms. The meal comes with garlic whipped potatoes, sauteed baby spinach, and a Port wine demi-glace. Today, Jim decided to have it his way and asked if he could have the bacon braised brussels sprouts in place of the spinach. Our waitress said it was not a problem. The steak was charred on the outside and cooked perfectly on the inside. The tiny brussels sprouts were a definite treat. Third OMG moment.
For the sake of this article, Nancy, even though she wanted a steak, decided on the Spicy Lobster Rigatoni ($34). This was tomato, cream, bacon, parmesan, basil, lobster, and chiles. This honestly was a big disappointment. It was not spicy and the lobster was chewy.
Again, we were in sync and wanted to try the English Sticky Toffee Pudding ($10). If you are not familiar with this dessert, it is a sweet sponge cake made with dates, topped with pralines and served with vanilla bean ice cream drizzled with brown butter rum sauce. This was yet another OMG moment!!! This rich ooey gooey sticky treat was decadent and no words could do it justice. We both agree this is the BEST dessert we have ever had.
FYI: This restaurant is handicap accessible.
Montarra Grill is not cheap, but well worth the money. We went on a Wednesday night and it was packed, so reservations are a must.
The cost for our fantastic meal was $144.72. Having a $65 gift card, priceless…
Jim’s take: Everything I had was a flavor bomb. I now love Brussel sprouts if they are prepared this way.
Nancy’s take: I took one for the article, but I should have stuck with steak, but the dessert made it all worthwhile.
Have comments or restaurant suggestions for the Dining Duo? Send them an email at: thediningduo@gmail.com
