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 My Sun Day News.
There is a very famous high-end restaurant in Chicago called Girl and the Goat. You may have seen the chef/owner Stephanie Izard on numerous shows on the Food Network. Well, move over Stephanie, Chicago’s got nothing on us northwest suburbanites. Behold, The Chick and the Pig in Algonquin.
The Chick and the Pig
1000 N. Main Street
Algonquin 60102
(224)333-0301
thechickandthepig.com
Directions: Take Rte. 47 North to Algonquin Road East to Main Street, North to restaurant.
Estimated Travel Time: 24 minutes
Years ago, we reviewed a restaurant less than a mile away from The Chick and the Pig called Bold American Fare. We were surprised to find out they share the same owner. Since we enjoyed the Bold American Fare, we were excited to try out their new endeavor.
The restaurant is housed in a large, beautiful, standalone building. First impression walking in was disappointing, however. There was a young man at a counter with a computer evidently taking online orders. This will become clearer as the article goes on. We spotted the dining area and seated ourselves.
Now the confusion begins. There were instructions on the table on how to order. There are three ways to do this. One, scan the QR Code. Two, order at the front counter that we just passed coming in. Three, if you order a drink, you can place your order at the bar. Since Nancy’s computer skills consist of clicking things rapidly until the whole system crashes, I pulled out my cell phone and aimed at the QR Code. After watching two senior citizens try to navigate technology that their grandchildren can do, and since it was a slow afternoon, the bartender took pity on us and brought over two actual printed menus.
The menu also turned out to be very confusing. Their sandwiches are just that, a sandwich. You can make it a “meal” for a $5 upcharge which entitles you to a choice of side and a drink. On top of that, you can “deluxe” your order for a $3 upcharge which includes four-ounces each of baked beans, coleslaw, and two-ounces of pickles.
While we were trying to navigate the menu, we ordered an appetizer of Tater Barrels ($9). These were jumbo tater tots stuffed with bacon, cheese, chives, and served with ranch dressing. These were no big deal, just a giant tater tot with very little bacon and cheese.
Are you confused yet? We are. Thank goodness the waitress took pity on us and took our order. Nancy ordered the Brisket Philly Sandwich ($13). This was hickory smoked brisket, grilled onions, red peppers, white American cheese on a French roll. I ordered the 50/50 Burger ($13) which was two four-ounce smash burger patties, pulled pork, BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese, topped with coleslaw on a brioche bun. Since we both wanted to try everything, we “deluxed” our entrée and also made it a “meal.” Jim and I both chose the Cajun fries for our side and Cokes for our drink. Abracadabra, $13 sandwiches are now $21 given to you on Styrofoam plates with plastic utensils.
Both of our sandwiches were at best, average. The Surgeon General must have gotten to our meals since they had no smokey flavor to them. We got more smokey flavor from our cigars when we enjoyed them on our patio later that day.
With their pool table and dart board along with the huge bar, this place can be fun, but it is just a confusing mediocre restaurant.
The price for our smokeless lunch was $55.20. figuring out how to order, priceless…
Jim’s take: My sandwich needed more barbeque sauce, but I’m not paying an additional dollar for two ounces.
Nancy’s take: You have nothing to worry about Stephanie Izard. The Cajun fries were the tastiest thing on my plate.
Have comments or restaurant suggestions for the Dining Duo? Send them an email at: thediningduo@gmail.com.
