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.
It was a dark and stormy Saturday afternoon, and Jim and I had an intense craving for Chinese food, but we didn’t want to venture far from home. We drove up to what we thought was a new restaurant with shiny brand new signage. We were, as Confucius would say, confused because the front window had the old restaurant’s website on it, and the welcome mat also had the old restaurant’s name on it. This was too much for our hungry little minds to handle, so we decided to move on. Jim remembered a recommendation his client gave him about China Bistro in Algonquin, so that is what we are going to review for you today.
China Bistro
3979 W. Algonquin Road
Algonquin 60102
(847) 854-6823
www.chinabistro.com
Directions: Take Rte. 47 North to Algonquin Road, East to restaurant.
Estimated Travel Time: 15 minutes
At first glance, the restaurant looks like it would be a “take-out” only venue. Nancy saw two women standing in the window holding doggie bags waiting for the rain to stop. That’s when we decided to dodge the rain drops and run in. We were surprised to discover they had a dining room with six booths and six tables, all with a view of a huge saltwater fish tank.
When we sat down, we were greeted by a very friendly and accommodating gentleman who took our drink order. To stave off the damp chill, we ordered a pot of hot tea ($2.50).
While we were looking over the mandatory huge menu, Nancy started to grin like a Cheshire cat. The preface to the menu stated, that if you don’t see anything you would like on the menu, just ask and they will do their best to make it for you. Plus, they will change any of the ingredients in an entree to make it “your way.” This place should be called Nancy’s Bistro since she’s getting it, as Burger King would say, “her way.”
On to our appetizers. We ordered (2) Egg Rolls ($1.70 each) and an order of (6) Pot Stickers ($5.95). The egg rolls were large and tasty, and the pot stickers were the “hugest” we ever saw. I told Jim they looked like overstuffed, overgrown pierogis. The filling was very tasty, but we thought the dough could have been a little thinner.
Nancy ordered her favorite Chinese dish, Kung Pao Shrimp ($11.25). This was shrimp with peanuts, celery, green peppers, and onions in a light spicy sauce. All entrees came with steamed white rice. The shrimp were large and abundant in this really tasty dish. I should know, I got the left overs for lunch the next day.
Jim went with the Sweet & Sour King ($10.95). This was chicken, shrimp, and pork deep fried to a golden brown, and served with green peppers and pineapple in a sweet and sour sauce. What arrived was a huge platter of mainly meat with a sweet and sour glaze that was absolutely delicious. I have to agree with Jim, it was really tasty. He took home more than enough for another lunch.
We inquired about an up charge for fried rice instead of the steamed white rice that came with our entrees. The waiter said he could make us a small order of Fried Rice to share ($5.50) any way we would like it. The smile never left Nancy’s face while she ordered the rice with carrots, pea pods, egg, water chestnuts, and green onions. We had it “our way.”
FYI: This is a handicap accessible restaurant, and they deliver to Del Webb. Also make sure to check out their lunch specials.
To sum it up, the food brightened up our dark and stormy afternoon. When we walked out of the restaurant, the sun was trying to peek out through the clouds. It’s always sunny around Sun City…
The price for our afternoon delight was $42.60, having it “our way”, priceless!!!
Jim’s take: I loved the egg roll and my meal was packed with shrimp, chicken and pork.
Nancy’s take: I loved the fried rice; it was deliciously made “our way.” My entree was also very yummy.
Have comments or restaurant suggestions for the Dining Duo? Send them an email at thediningduo@gmail.com
