Nancy has been giving me dirty looks and the old “stink eye” for over 46 years and it finally caught up to her. She finally wore her eyes out and as a result, we have been running weekly to the ophthalmologist for over a month. The first treatment was getting her eyes zapped with a laser.
Jimmy’s Charhouse
2290 Point Boulevard
Elgin 60123
(0847) 783-0200
jimmyscharhouseelgin.com
Directions: Take Rte. 47 South to I-90 East to Randall Road, South to restaurant.
Estimated Travel Time: 13 minutes
I was nervous and didn’t know what to expect. Jim, being the ever-loving supportive husband that he is, for the entire 18 minute drive to the doctor’s office, he kept poking me in the arm and going “bzzzt.” He then dropped me off, waited outside as I sat in a corner of the waiting room cowering nervously.
I emerged from the treatment looking like the red-eyed Schwarzen-”Eggers” in the movie, Terminator. I went out to meet my concerned husband, and what do you think he said??? Not “how are you,” not “how did you do,” or “did it hurt”? NO!!! His exact words were, “I’m hungry, let’s go get some lunch.” And you wonder why I call him a moron?
While driving home down Randall Road we stopped for lunch at the first place we saw, Jimmy’s Charhouse in Elgin. When we pulled into the parking lot, we didn’t see very many cars. With this COVID thing going on, we weren’t sure if they were open for dine in or just carry-out. Nancy phoned the restaurant and talked to the host who was looking out the window at that time and he said, “yes, just come on in, we’re open.”
The interior décor was nicely done with an old school feel. There were stained glass windows, high ceilings, and wooden accents throughout.
When we sat down, the waitress brought over a basket of bread and butter. Jim was so hungry that he was chomping on the bread like there was no tomorrow.
We were going to get an appetizer until we noticed their prices were equivalent to the price of a meal. We decided to pass on the appetizer, and went directly to look at the sandwich menu.
Jim decided on the Chicken Parmesan Sandwich ($12.95). This was an eight-ounce chicken breast, breaded and fried, topped with mozzarella, parmesan cheese, and marinara sauce. This was all served on a pretzel bun. His entree came with fries, a small cup of coleslaw, and a pickle. It was a nice size sandwich and half of it came home in a doggie bag.
Nancy ordered their Cheeseburger ($12.95). This was a ten-ounce hand-packed ground prime steak burger with American cheese. It came with fries, a pickle, and again a small cup of coleslaw. She ordered her fries extra crunchy and they were exactly the way she loves them. Unfortunately, they were on my plate, not hers. The chef had a 50-50 chance of getting it right, but missed it. We played musical plates with her fries, and in the end, they were the first thing missing from her plate. However, she took half her cheeseburger home with her in a doggie bag.
The price for this “eye opening” day was $34.78. Nancy having a laser shot into her eye, priceless…
NOTE: This restaurant is handicap accessible.
Nancy wanted to try their Shrimp De Jonghe appetizer, but at $14.95, it was more than her burger. Be advised, at this writing, they did have a very limited menu.
Jim’s take: My sandwich needed seasoning and the breading could have been crunchier. I’m still looking for the laser holes on the back of Nancy’s head!
Nancy’s take: The burger was okay, but the fries were awesome!!! I told the grandkids that grandma now has eyes in the back of her head.
Have comments or restaurant suggestions for the Dining Duo? Send them an email at: thediningduo@gmail.com.
