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.
When planning a day out with friends, they invariably ask us “where’s a good place to go for lunch.” We are trained professionals, after all. This time, however, one of our friends, Barb, remembered a sandwich that she loved from days gone by. She then suggested a restaurant that once seemed to be everywhere, but suddenly vanished off the face of the earth. To our amazement, she said there is still one location alive and kicking in Elgin. This staple from years gone by is the ever popular “Irish” restaurant, Bennigan’s.
Bennigan’s
495 Airport Road
Elgin 60123
(847)488-9900
bennigans.com
Directions: Take Rte. 47 South to I-90 East to Rte. 31 North to restaurant.
Estimated Travel Time: 14 minutes
Jim and I were driving down Route 31 when he suddenly pulled into the Holiday Inn parking lot. I asked him if we had time before lunch??? He replied, “no, we’re going next door for lunch.” Upon closer inspection we did find that the restaurant was connected to the hotel.
Walking in, the pub atmosphere is obvious. There is a huge bar in the center surrounded by high top tables and regular tables. We sat down at a high-top table with our friends, and Nancy started slip sliding away off the chair. She moved to the end of the table where there was a bench seat that she could sit on and not fall off. We then proceeded to peruse their large menu.
Truth be told, this is an Irish restaurant in name only. Their recipe for Irish food is to take any item and put an Irish name in front of it. For example, they offer Hogan’s Egg Rolls, Dubliner Quesadillas, and the ever-popular Irish Tower O’Rings. We must remember this place for St. Patrick’s Day.
Nancy almost fainted when I decided to go where no man has gone before and ordered broccoli for an appetizer. When I saw their Original Recipe Broccoli Bites ($10), I had to try them. They were a blend of broccoli, cheese, and bacon, and was served with a smoky honey Dijon dressing for dipping. What arrived was a plate full of cute little breaded deep fried pseudo florets that were identical in shape and size. Biting into these healthy vegetables, you were treated to gooey melted cheese with a speck or two of green broccoli and bacon crumbs all covered in a crunchy coating. Kudos to the chef; I feel healthier already.
Jim continued with his health kick and ordered the Monte Cristo Sandwich (Barb’s favorite) with Soup or Salad ($11). This was half a Monte Cristo sandwich, which is wheat bread layered with ham, turkey, Swiss, and American cheeses. Then it is batter dipped, gently fried, coated with powdered sugar, and served with red raspberry preserves for dipping. He chose the French onion soup to accompany it. This sandwich was delicious and in keeping with the health kick, he even considered the raspberry preserves fruit!!! The soup, though, was a watered-down disappointment.
Nancy was in a real Irish mood today and ordered Kilkenny’s Country Chicken Salad ($14), Erin go bragh, y’all. This consisted of crispy chicken with garden greens, bacon, Colby cheese, hard boiled eggs, and tomatoes, all served with smoky honey Dijon dressing. This is Nancy’s favorite chicken salad of all time. It’s sort of like her pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
This is the only Bennigan’s left in Illinois. If it is in fact Irish, however, that subject is still up for debate. Irish or not, the food is very tasty.
FYI: This restaurant is handicap accessible.
The price for a “quick” lunch next to a Holiday Inn, $44.49. Authentic Irish food, priceless…
Jim’s take: That was the BEST broccoli I have ever had in my life. I may turn vegetarian.
Nancy’s take: Jim was trying to give me a heart attack today, first by pulling into a Holiday Inn parking lot, and then ordering broccoli!
Have comments or restaurant suggestions for the Dining Duo? Send them an email at: thediningduo@gmail.com
