In the ‘tiki, tiki, tiki, room’

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.

Isn’t it true that everyone is a kid at heart? It’s safe to say that at one time or another, most people have been to Disney World, either by themselves, with their children, or possibly with their grandchildren. There are a few classic attractions that everyone remembers, either good or bad. One is that boat ride with those cute little dolls from all over the world incessantly singing, “It’s a Small World.” It took us several years to get that nauseating song out of our heads. Another is the Haunted Mansion where a holographic ghost suddenly appears sitting next to you. Our grandson is now in therapy. Our personal favorite is a tropical room where statues on the wall start chanting, the flowers are talking, and little birds sing “In the Tiki, Tiki, Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room.” This memory came rushing back when we walked into the Breakers Tiki Bar in Crystal Lake.

The décor of this restaurant features a bamboo ceiling, sea creatures on the wall, and a giant Tiki God by the bar. It may sound tacky, but somehow it works.

The stars of most Chinese restaurants are the appetizers. Jim and I ordered an Egg Roll ($2.49) for each of us. These were hand rolled with a blend of chicken, pork, and veggies. We also ordered Wontons ($4.49) and these were (6) traditional chicken and shrimp wontons. Jim’s favorite was the egg roll and mine was the wontons. They both were crispy, not greasy, and were “tiki-licious.”

When we were deciding on our entrée’s, our waiter Danny brought over a complimentary bowl of chow mein noodles for us to munch on.

Jim decided on the Mongolian Beef ($16.49). This was slices of beef stir fried with onions and scallions in peppered onion and garlic sauce. Our waiter recommended that he should order it spicy and Jim went along with Danny’s suggestion. What arrived was a giant covered platter heaping with the most delicious Chinese food he’s ever had. This entrée comes with white steamed rice.

Nancy wanted one of her favorite Chinese dishes, Shrimp Kung Pao ($13.49). This was shrimp, green and red peppers, celery, onions, and peanuts, sautéed in a spicy garlic chili sauce. Hers was also served in the same covered platter which keeps your food hot until the bitter end. This entrée also comes with white steamed rice. She said they took an average Chinese dish and elevated it to a new level.

Dining Duo Tip: They are not on the menu, but ask your server for a full order of Ding Noodles ($4). These are egg noodles, thinner than angel hair pasta, and wok fried with scallions on top. If you like noodles, you’ll love these. Again, thank you Danny for the recommendation.

Our dinner was over, and now comes the barrage of little Chinese boxes to take our leftovers home. Nancy won’t be cooking tomorrow since we have enough leftovers for another meal. Along with your bill, everyone gets an almond cookie and a fortune cookie. Our fortune read, “If the Tiki Gods are talking, you have had too many Mai Tai’s!!!”

The price for an incredible Chinese meal was $50.77. Revisiting the Tiki Room, priceless…

To sum it up, don’t let the restaurant’s outside appearance fool you. We’re sure that after one visit, it will become your favorite Chinese restaurant.

FYI: This restaurant is closed on Monday and Tuesday’s, and opens at 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Breakers Tiki Bar is not totally handicap accessible.

Jim’s take: I don’t know what’s in Chinese food, but whatever it is, it makes you want it all over again, especially from Breakers.

Nancy’s take: The celery is what makes the kung pao dish memorable. I also have to have it again and I will, tomorrow with all of our leftovers!!!

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

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