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.
Once upon a time in Crystal Lake there was a family business called Frank’s Barber, Toy, and Hobby Shop. Think about it. You could get your son a model airplane, your daughter a Barbie doll, and get a haircut all in one place. This is one stop shopping at its finest. Curiously enough, this place is no longer in business. The Giangrande family took over the location and it is now da Baffone Cucina Italiana.
da Baffone Cucina Italiana
111 N. Main Street
Crystal Lake 60014
(815) 893-6149
dabaffonecucinaitaliana.com
Directions: Take Rte. 47 North to Route 176 East to Main Street South to restaurant
Travel Time: 23 minutes
There are 16 tables in this quaint, cozy establishment. When we say cozy, we really mean cozy. Be prepared to meet new friends at the table next to you since it is only inches away. DINING DUO TIP: Sampling food from your new found friends table is strongly discouraged.
Nancy had a temporary crown on one of her front teeth that already came off three times this week. The dentist was running out of super glue, Nancy was running out of patience, and tonight it was hanging on by a thread. Because of this, we decided to skip our favorite Italian appetizer this evening, the crunchy bruschetta.
The busboy brought over fresh crunchy Italian bread and Jim enjoyed it with the olive oil and parmesan that was provided at the table. I only ate the soft insides, even though my favorite part is the crunchy crust.
In keeping with Nancy’s soft food requirement, she chose the Spaghetti and Meatballs ($20.95). This was a plate of spaghetti with two medium sized meatballs. It’s amazing how something so simple as a meatball can be made to taste so divine. If you want a delicious dish cooked in the Southern Italian tradition, this is it!
Jim noticed his favorite Italian dish on the menu, Veal Saltimbocca ($24.95). This was veal cutlets topped with prosciutto and sage, sauteed in a white wine sauce and baked with mozzarella cheese and served with asparagus. Truth be told he was disappointed. The veal was pounded too thin and the dish desperately needed a side of pasta. The seasoning was not spot on either.
All dinners come with soup or salad. I chose the Pasta Fagioli which was delicious, and Nancy had the salad. She opted out of the balsamic vinegar and had Caesar dressing on the side.
To truly judge an Italian restaurant, and keeping with Nancy’s soft food requirement, we had to try our favorite Italian dessert which is Tiramisu ($9.95). It was absolutely delicious, and they sprinkled mini chocolate chips on top for an extra added touch. This was more than enough for two people, even Jim.
FYI: Due to the close proximity of the tables, handicap access would be difficult. Also, reservations are a must since the venue is so small.
To sum it up, I won tonight with my spaghetti and meatballs. The service was impeccable and half our meals came home in a doggie bag.
The price for our cozy dinner for two was $65.57. Not having Nancy’s tooth stuck in a meatball, priceless…
Jim’s take: After tasting Nancy’s dinner, the next time we come here I will be having the spaghetti and meatballs.
Nancy’s take: My meal was delicious, and I walked out of the restaurant not smiling like a Jack-O-Lantern.
Have comments or restaurant suggestions for the Dining Duo? Send them an email at: thediningduo@gmail.com
