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.
Everywhere we went, people seemed to be coming out of the woodwork asking us if we’ve tried a new eatery in town. They all were bragging on how delicious it was, so much in fact, that they have been to it several times. We have never had so many people recommend a venue before. As a result, we moved this eatery to the top of our “to do list” and rushed off to Huntley’s Deli in, where else, Huntley.
Huntley’s Deli
10723 Dundee-Huntley Road
Huntley 60142 (847)802-4136
huntleysdeli.com
Directions: Take Rte. 47 North to Kreutzer Road to Haligus Road North To restaurant.
Estimated Travel Time: 10 minutes
The deli is in a strip mall and from the outside it is very unassuming. When we walked in it was different than any other place we have been to. There’s a long counter in the center with high top chairs and a row of benches behind them. We assume that the benches were there for the patrons to wait for a seat to open up if the counter was full or just to order and pickup their takeout. Behind the counter was an open kitchen.
We found two chairs that were open and sat down to checkout their menu. The hostess/waitress asked if we were ready to order and we said not yet but we would like two Pepsis. She pointed to the stand-up cooler and said grab what you want. You can request a cup with ice so you don’t have to drink out of a can.
The menu consists of pastas, salads, and sandwiches. Jim was in the mood for a good sandwich, and I was in the mood for pasta. Now the deliberation begins. Jim was torn between the chicken parmesan sandwich or their Cuban sandwich. I couldn’t decide if I wanted the pasta, pesto style, or the spicy aglio olio.
Jim finally agreed on the Chicken Parmesan Sandwich ($16) which was a panko crusted chicken breast topped with house marinara and baked with provolone cheese and served on a French baguette. All sandwiches come with a bag of chips for your side. When Jim saw the chef put the chicken in the deep fryer, he was amazed, it was the biggest breast he has ever seen!! When the chef built the sandwich, he actually had to fold the chicken in half to fit it in the baguette. There were tons of cheese on it and the homemade marinara sauce was incredible. The chicken was juicy and cooked to perfection. Half of his sandwich came home in a doggie bag.
Nancy was having a war in her little blonde head. She was so undecided, but the Fettuccini Pesto Pasta ($13) with chicken ($6.50 upcharge) was the winner. Boy was it a winner!!! She has never had pesto pasta as delicious as this and she couldn’t stop eating it. Nothing came home in a doggie bag for her because it was that good.
During a lull in cooking, we were able to engage the chef/owner Mario Arevalo in conversation. Nancy asked him in her tactful way, “so what’s your story.” That’s when he divulged his passion for cooking and it really shows. Check out more of his life long journey on the Huntley’s Deli website.
FYI: Because of the high-top counter seating, this restaurant might not be handicap accessible, but you could always order take out for home.
This eatery is totally different from anything we have ever been to. Watching the chef cook in front of you with all the sights, sounds, and smells is something everyone should experience. We were getting hungrier while the chef was cooking. The aromas were wonderful.
The price for our “Chef’s Table” lunch was $42.76. Having a former Rosebud on Rush Restaurant chef cook for you in person, priceless…
Jim’s take: My sandwich was in a class by itself.
Nancy’s take: You can really tell the difference with homemade fresh pasta, there’s nothing like it.
Have comments or restaurant suggestions for the Dining Duo? Send them an email at: thediningduo@gmail.com
