What’s for lunch?

Editor’s Note: Our columnist is not a trained or paid professional, nor does he get complimentary meals from the restaurants visited. He and his party arrive unannounced and do not reveal that they will be doing a review. Comments or questions may be sent to Sam Geati, greengeezer9@comcast.net

This week, it’s all about lunch. I will focus on a few of the options in the area, some new, and some old standbys. Rather than rate them, I will limit my comments to the menus. Let’s start with one of the best and a no-brainer.

Culver’s – My guess is it would be difficult to find someone in Huntley who hasn’t sampled their menu. My favorite is the chicken salad sandwich on sourdough bread, washed down with a small root beer float. That way I get a meal and dessert all in one. You can’t beat the price, freshness, and tasty menu offerings.

In addition, Culver’s should be commended for its terrific contribution to the community. They sponsor or support many activities, not just those in Sun City but other local organizations such as kids’ sports, high school clubs, etc. They also provide us seniors with a discount. This is the “after the game” gathering site for my neighborhood softball team, the N. 33 Travelers (sponsored by Huntley Travel). It’s fun to interact with the staff, including the working seniors, and especially the high school kids. All are well-trained and very efficient.

Rookies – My tennis buddies and I often make the drive to this sports bar for lunch. It’s located on Randall Road, about half a mile south of Higgins Road in an area well populated by other eateries. They feature a bar and many TV screens positioned so that you can watch several sporting events while you chow down. The menu includes big burgers, pizza, and a variety of sandwiches, soups and salads, and of course, beer. The biggest attraction is the $1 chicken sandwiches and $1 big burgers (1/2 pounders) offered during selected months (check newspaper ads). The chicken breast sandwich can be ordered grilled or other ways and is an excellent value, but the burgers steal the show, as they are awesome.

Both are served with chips or you can upgrade to fries. If you want tomato and lettuce, just ask. Sometimes, the servers forget to mention that they are available at no extra charge.

If you are hooked on hot dogs, Italian and Polish sausage, Italian beef, and gyros sandwiches, there are lots of places from which to choose. My “fave” spots are Fradillio’s, on Algonquin Road just east of Randall Road, and Big Sammy’s, also on Randall, almost next to Rookies. Nobody does it better than these two when it comes to traditional Chicago-style sandwiches. When I’m in the area of either place, I can’t help but stop in for a quick dog or beef with sweet peppers.

The best value is the combos that include fries and refillable soft drinks. If you grew up in the Chicagoland area, make it a point to chat with the owners, either Sal at Fradillio’s or Big Sammy himself. These guys take pride not only in their food but in knowing their regular customers. I love it when I walk into Big Sammy’s and he yells out for all to hear, “Hey, it’s little Sammy! What’s going on?” Mention where you hung out in the old days, and that will get them started. It’s part of the experience and one of the reasons I enjoy frequenting them.

Next week I will continue the lunch theme and offer suggestions of lunch spots that lean more toward the healthier side than the ones featured here.

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