E.T.A. at “EPH”

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.

Nancy and I are in our so called “Golden Years” of retirement. Our kids have grown up and left the nest years ago. It’s just the two of us now in our little home in Del Webb. Old habits die hard. Nancy uses the same recipes to feed the two of us that she used to feed four to six people. Everyone knows change is evil and recipes cannot and must not be altered. This is why she asked me to take a run with her to Sam’s Club to stock up on ginormous containers of just about everything.

I needed Jim’s muscles since I’m a frail old lady. It takes muscles to hoist up the 96 double roll package of toilet paper, the 166-load size of laundry detergent, and the 1,000 count package of paper plates, aka, senior china.

I rolled out the flatbed cart to Nancy’s Mini-mobile and started to transfer the cargo. All was loaded and the car suddenly turned into a “low rider.” This whole process took a lot of time and energy and we were getting hungry. Time to “check out” the Elgin Public House in Elgin.

Parking at the restaurant is a bit of a challenge since it is located in downtown Elgin. There is, however, limited street parking and a free public parking garage across the street.

We walked in and the hostess escorted us to our table. This restaurant looks small from the outside but it is big on the inside. It is an old pub styled restaurant with too many tables to count.

While we looked at their extensive menu, we glanced at our watches and saw it was 1:45. We realized at that moment that Jim had a recording session at 3:00, and I had a nail appointment at 3:30. We didn’t even order yet!!! We rushed to order our drinks and still had no idea what we were going to have for lunch. The clock was ticking and I was getting frazzled.

Eventually we ordered the Cheese Curds ($8.75) for an appetizer. This was Wisconsin white cheddar fried golden brown and served with chipotle ranch.

Jim chose the Meatloaf Melt ($11.45), which was homemade meatloaf with grilled onions and jack cheese on grilled sour dough bread. What is it with him and meatloaf??? He ordered the bacon jalapeno slaw for his side.

Nancy wanted a burger so she went with the Build Your Own Burger ($9.55). She then had to pick from 16 toppings, 12 cheeses, and 21 sides. Seriously? We’re going to be here all day.

She quickly chose the bacon ($2.55 upcharge) and cheddar cheese for her burger. For her side she went with their Cajun fries, extra crispy, of course.

The clock was still ticking. We asked our waiter to bring the food as quickly as possible, not caring which he served first.

Following is a quick review of all of our food. Quick being the operative word. Entrees came out first and were piping hot. Nancy’s burger was just what she craved. It was charred on the outside and delicious. Her Cajun fries were hot, hot, hot, about an “8” on my sweat head meter.

Jim’s meatloaf melt melted in his mouth. The bacon jalapeno slaw was outstanding. Jim and I split our sides and I couldn’t keep my fork out of his slaw! The cheese curds came after our entrees and they were just okay.

We ate what we could shove in our faces, packed up the rest in doggie bags, and left with five minutes to spare. We NEVER want to have to eat like that again. In spite of our bad timing, the food and service was very good.

FYI: Main front door is handicap accessible. Retrace your steps on the way out. There is another door with steps.

The cost for our afternoon quickie, was $45.07, making our appointments on time, priceless…

Jim’s take: Great sandwich but watch out for those Cajun fries.

Nancy’s take: Loved the bacon jalapeno slaw, the fries kept my mouth hot for the entire drive home.

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

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