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.
As we all know, this year Sun City is celebrating its 20th anniversary. To kick off this celebration, historian Jake Marino gave a lecture in the Drendel ballroom chronicling the history and growth of Huntley from its inception. After this, there was an SCCAH Board introduction and dedication of a commemorative bench. With all this pomp and circumstance, and in spite of the free cake, we worked up a huge appetite. Jim wanted to celebrate our nine years here in Del Webb and take me for a “hot” lunch date (a “nooner” had a much different meaning years ago)! We wound up going to 750° Cucina Rustica in Cary.
750° Cucina Rustica
7 Jandus Road
Cary, IL 60013
(847)829-4933
www.750cucinarustica.com
Directions: Take Rte. 47 North to Algonquin Road East, to Randall Road (Randall becomes James R. Rakow Road) turn left onto Rte. 31, take the US 14 ramp & turn right onto Northwest Highway, then right onto Main Street, left onto Jandus Road.
Estimated Travel Time: 30 minutes
This restaurant is located directly across the street from the Cary train station, so parking can be a bit challenging. We were fortunate enough to find a spot in front of the building and wandered in. The venue is larger inside than it appears to be from the outside. The decór had a homey rustic Italian feel to it.
The waiter brought over a basket of “hot” bread for us to dip into the olive oil and Parmesan that was on the table. The bread was warm, crusty, and ever so tasty.
We started our “hot” date with Arancine Siciliane ($7.90) which was deep fried crispy saffron risotto filled with bolognese, peas, mozzarella, and served with a marinara sauce. These two huge balls of rice were absolutely delish. They were crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside.
Jim was beside himself with so many unusual and delicious-sounding entrees to choose from. I told him to pick one and stick with it. So, he chose the Orechiette Rustica ($12.90). This was imported pasta, pancetta, and crumbled Italian sausage in a spicy tomato ragu, topped with Grana, Mozzarella, and toasted breadcrumbs. This was served in a cast iron smokin’ “hot” skillet. These little pasta helmets were “delizioso” and the crunchy bread crumbs on top were like icing on the cake.
While driving to the restaurant, Nancy was Googling the menu and drooling all over the mini-mobile. She knew before we even arrived at the restaurant what she was going to order. She chose the Rigatoni Quattro Formaggi ($12.90), which was made with imported pasta, Fontina, Grana, Provolone, and Mozzarella, all topped with toasted bread crumbs. Nancy was in cheese heaven. We aren’t sure what type of cheese Grana is, but this combination of cheeses was to die for. It was also served in a smokin’ “hot” cast iron skillet. She ordered a side of meatballs for $4, and they were just meatballs, nothing extraordinary about them.
All lunch entrees come with either soup or salad. I chose the salad with guess what??? Yes, creamy garlic dressing, of course! It was a mild garlic dressing, but very good. Jim had the Minnestrone soup. What arrived was a huge bowl (not a cup) of tasty broth with lots of veggies. He said it was one of the best minnestrone soups he has ever had.
Today was a day to remember. Nancy ordered her own dessert! She had the Limoncello Truffle Gelato ($6.90). This wasn’t your ordinary gelato, it actually had a Limoncello center and together with the gelato was the perfect ending to her lunch. I went with the Bastoncini al Formaggio ($6.90) and this was Phyllo dough rolled up, stuffed with Marscapone cheese, deep fried, and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. Let’s just say, if a churro and a cannoli had a love child, this would be it. He said his dessert was incredible.
Aside from having great food, one nice touch was the entrees were served in smokin’ “hot” cast iron skillets. It kept our food hot throughout the entire meal. This is now our new “go to” Italian restaurant.
FYI: This restaurant is handicap accessible. The owners of this restaurant also own ZaZa’s Tavola Italiana in Barrington Lakes and Incontro a Tavola Ristorante Italiano in South Barrington.
The cost for our “hot” date was $56.23, mangia. We both think the lunch menu is a fantastic deal.
He Said: What can I say? Everything was just awesome! You must save room for the Bastoncini al Formaggio.
She Said: This is now my favorite place for pasta with cheese. I didn’t care for Jim’s dessert, I’ll stick with the Limoncello gelato, you can’t get a buzz off of cheese!
Have comments or restaurant suggestions for the Dining Duo? Send them an email at thediningduo@gmail.com.
