Time really does fly by. It seems like only yesterday Nancy was careening out of Skip’s Drive-In in her Ford XL with a 429 cu. in. engine and drag racing down North Avenue. I was in a garage band playing all the high school sock-hops on the northwest side of Chicago. All of a sudden, cars are electric and people now listen to music with their phones and ear buds. But let’s not dwell on the good old days. Another year has gone by, and it’s time for our annual top ten winners of the coveted B.E.L.C.H. Awards (Best Eating Locations Close to Huntley).
#10 LAS CASUELITAS(Crystal Lake)
The shrimp chimichanga was delicious and different. Their homemade green salsa is to die for. You can even buy a container of it to take home.
#9 SUGAR GROVE CAFÉ(Sugar Grove)
This homey café serves huge portions of delicious and creative food. Jim ordered the German Benedict which was two large potato pancakes topped with three poached eggs, bacon, and hollandaise sauce. They also offer a “Breakfast for Seniors” section on the menu with smaller portions.
#8 NIKO’S GRILL AND PUB(Marengo)
We’re talking “Early Bird Specials”. You get your choice from five different entrees for $15 on Saturday and Sunday from 12-4 p.m. These specials don’t include any bread, soup, or salad, but come on, what do you want for $15???
#7 THE MELTING POT(Schaumburg)
This is a great place for a date night or a leisurely meal with friends. They offer several different cooking styles and combinations of entrées. We love it and if you never had fondue, you should try it.
#6 PIZZA PUSHERS(Algonquin)
One taste of this Detroit style pizza and you’ll be hooked. We normally like thin crust pizzas, but this one blew our minds. Don’t leave without trying the Isabella’s Tiramisu, OMG!!!
#5 WHISKEY DIABLO(McHenry)
This is the only Mexican restaurant we know of that charges you for chips and salsa. Don’t bother, they’re not that good. However, their appetizer of Quesadilla’s with Tinga Chicken is a meal in itself and it is outstanding. The burritos are ginormous and delicious.
#4 ROYAL SUSHI AND SEAFOOD BUFFET(Hoffman Estates)
This buffet is unbelievably huge and has every Asian dish you could possibly think of and some you never ever heard of. Unlike most buffets, the food is constantly made hot and fresh. I enjoyed the appetizers and Jim liked playing with the breaded chicken feet!!!
#3 TONY SPAVONE’S RISTORANTE(Bloomingdale)
This is an old school Italian restaurant that serves food just like your Italian grandmother would make. Nancy’s Tip: Don’t pass over the garlic rolls, they are wonderful. Lunch is a deal, but at dinnertime, you may be treated to Tony serenading all the diners.
#2 BALLYDOYLE IRISH PUB(Downers Grove)
You have to go to this pub around St. Patrick’s Day for an unbelievable corned beef and cabbage dinner. This was the pot of gold we were looking for at the end of the rainbow. We have never seen such lean and tender corned beef in our lives. They also have another location in Aurora walking distance from the Paramount Theatre.
We won’t hold you in suspense any longer. Time for our #1 Best Restaurant in 2025 and winner of the 14th Annual B.E.L.C.H. Award. Drum roll please…
#1 ART AND ALMA’S CENTURY INN(Burlington)
In our opinion this restaurant has the best chef in the area. Steaks and chops are cooked to perfection. Even Nancy’s well-done filet was tender and juicy. My Berkshire pork chop with apples, caramelized onions, and demi-glace was unbelievable. The Brussels sprouts are amazing, and Jim’s favorite dessert now is the Crème Brulé Donuts.
Another year has flown by and our little Rosie is two years old. Where did the time go??? Watch for our reviews next year, but until then: “From our table to yours, we wish you happy holidays with good times, good friends, and good food.”
Have comments or restaurant suggestions for the Dining Duo? Send them an email at: thediningduo@gmail.com
