2024 B.E.L.C.H.

Another year bites the dust. It is a time for reflecting on old times and fond memories. Being the foodies that we are, our thoughts go to past tasty dishes. We remember the good old days, when breakfast cereals didn’t try to hide the sugar, such as Sugar Pops and Sugar Smacks. We remember past food fads, such as when anything and everything could be encased in a Jell-O mold. We reminisce about food favorites from our childhood such as fried baloney on Wonder Bread. Since Wonder bread is no longer available here, our neighbors Mary and Bruce on their trips back to the East coast bring us a loaf. And if that’s not enough, even our son sends us loaves by Fed Ex from Florida.

But let’s concentrate on the past year’s Top 10 winners of the sought after B.E.L.C.H. Award (Best Eating Locations Close to Huntley). Sorry guys, Abbodanza Cucina didn’t make the cut.

#10 NAT’S ON MAPLE (Sycamore)

This restaurant was chosen because the food was top notch, even if it was a little pricey. It’s a shame our experience was ruined by a horrible waitress. We didn’t even stay for dessert since 2-1/2 hours for lunch was long enough.

#9 TATA’S PIEROGIS (Elk Grove Village)

This is the place to go for Polish cuisine. They offer 10 varieties of Pierogis. If you go, don’t pass up the Polish Plate, or their potato pancakes, they were awesome. They also provide homemade frozen entrees to take home.

#8 NO MANCHES MEXICAN GRILL (Carpentersville)

This unassuming storefront serves the biggest and best burritos and chimichangas ($12) in the area. However, a side of rice and beans is extra. We actually took half our meal home in a doggie bag.

#7 GEORGIO’S PIZZERIA AND PUB (Crystal Lake)

The menu is limited, but everything we had was delicious from the Broccoli Bowtie Pasta to their six-inch Mini Pizza with Salad. Sometimes good things come in small packages.

#6 WILD ONION BREWERY (Lake Barrington)

This is the home of the best Beer Cheese Soup and the world’s only Pretzel Charcuterie Board. Jim and I split the charcuterie and we each had a bowl of soup and were good to go.

#5 THE TEXAN BAR-B-Q(Algonquin)

Don’t judge a book by its cover. If you just want good unpretentious barbeque, this is your one stop shop. From the ribs to the pulled pork to the brisket, they offer the best barbeque around. It is finger lickin’ good, and don’t forget to order a side of cornbread. It’s tasty.

#4 ROKBONKI JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE(Arlington Heights)

Bring your family for a fun dinner and show. When it comes to hibachi restaurants, this one by far is the tastiest. You get a lot of food for the money and the chefs will entertain you with a non-stop show.

#3 GARDEN BERRY CAFE (Hampshire)

This is our go to breakfast spot. Their omelets are outrageously packed with your choice of ingredients. They have awesome potato pancakes as a side with your entrée. The omelets are so huge, you can only eat half of it. Enjoy your doggie bag!

#2 COOPER’S HAWK WINERY AND RESTAURANT(Algonquin)

Okay ladies, grab your wine glasses and enjoy a great wine selection to go along with their wonderful food. Do not pass up their Banaffee Pie for dessert, it’s to die for.

Now for the “creme de la crème” of our dining adventures for 2024. The #1 top pick and winner of the coveted B.E.L.C.H. Award for this year is (drum roll, please…):

#1 ADDISON’S STEAKHOUSE (McHenry)

We can’t say enough about this unique and unassuming restaurant. It has a casual sport’s bar atmosphere while serving some of the best steaks you’ll find in the area at a fair price. They even cooked Nancy’s well-done filet to perfection and it was still juicy.

Hope you enjoyed going down Memory Lane with us. 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.”

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

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