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.
Most men, especially Jim, are consummate procrastinators. The moron comes up with a brilliant idea to review a Mexican restaurant for Cinco de Mayo and procrastinates so long that the article is in the paper days after Cinco de Mayo. But, in his defense, better late than never. We checked our ārestaurants to review listā and found Las Cazuelitas in Crystal Lake.
Las Cazuelitas
21 Crystal Lake Plaza
Crystal Lake 60014
(815)893-0802
www.lascazuelitasbarandgrill.com
Directions: Take Rte. 47 North to Rte. 176 East to Virginia Street, turn right to restaurant.
Estimated Travel Time: 24 minutes
When we pulled into the strip mall parking lot and we finally located the restaurant, Jim seemed less than excited. It looked like a very small venue and Jim pooh-poohed it and didnāt want to go in. I, not being a pompous moron, dragged him in kicking and screaming. When I opened the door, we were surprised to see a restaurant that seemed to go on forever with no less than 22 tables. Now his attitude changed and like I always told him, never assume because we all know what happens when we assume…
The inside was nicely decorated and we were greeted by a friendly host/waiter/busboy. After we were seated, he brought us a basket of warm tortilla chips and two kinds of salsa. The traditional red salsa (hot) and a mysterious creamy green salsa. Nancy immediately went for the red salsa and left me to be the guinea pig to try out the green salsa. Judging by the expression on my face, Nancy immediately grabbed a chip and dove into the mysterious green liquid. In short, this salsa was incredible. It was creamy enough to stick on the chip and there was enough garlic to please even Nancy. We asked our waiter what was in it and the only thing he would say is there was no dairy or avocado in it, just veggies. It is also available for sale in an eight-ounce container ($4.99) and we ended up purchasing two containers to take home.
Jim decided on the Enchiladas Suizas ($15.99) for his dinner. These were tortillas (4) in a mild sauce with a choice of protein, which he chose chorizo, and the enchiladas were topped with melted cheese and sour cream. This was served with rice, beans, and lettuce. The chorizo gave the enchiladas a little kick and the suizas style was an extra added bonus. He took home half his meal in a doggie bag.
Nancy saw something she never had before. It was the Chimichanga Camaron Dinner ($15.99). When she saw it on the menu, she had to try it. This was a tortilla stuffed with shrimp and peppers topped with sour cream and guacamole. Since she doesnāt like the sour cream and guacamole, she asked for the Suizas style which was a red sauce and melted cheese on top. Her entrĆ©e also came with rice and beans and she nixed the beans for extra rice. She said this was delicious and different. Sheād get it again in a heartbeat. She took half her dinner home in a doggie bag too.
On to dessert. Jim found something he never had before, the Plantano Frito (fried plantains $6.45). This was fried caramelized plantain slices served with a strawberry yogurt sauce. He was convinced it was a healthy dessert because it was fruit. He ate the whole thing since it was a little too starchy for me.
This place is a keeper for us. Whenever we are in the area we are going to stop in and buy some more of that addicting green salsa.
FYI: This restaurant is handicap accessible.
The price for our Cinco de Mayo celebration was $49.98, finding incredible salsa, priceless…
Jimās take: My meal was seasoned perfectly, especially the refried beans.
Nancyās take: I can make a meal out of that delicious green salsa and chips!!!
Have comments or restaurant suggestions for the Dining Duo? Send them an email at thediningduo@gmail.com.
