It has always been my belief that if a restaurant had decent offerings that they would NOT have to resort to being part of a frequent mileage program to attract new customers.
There are always exceptions but these restaurants are just that, exceptions to the mediocrity that is most restaurants that are a part of IDine/Rewards Network.
But as most people on this board I'm a sucker for FF miles and love food, so between those two habits, I needed to give some of the restaurants a shot.
Bailey’s Restaurant & Bar
Cuisine Served: American
10 N Cumberland Ave
Park Ridge, IL 60068
Phone: (847) 698-1230
At Bailey’s they serve an onion loaf, good but let’s face it, Hackney’s rules when it comes to the onion loaf. I had the Turkey burger which was quite decent. Like I needed more fried food after splitting an onion loaf with my fellow diner but fried thick cut potatoes (chip like but thicker and not that crispy) were good. My dining partner had the meat loaf that was ok. I’ll probably return to Bailey’s as the sandwiches looked good from what I saw on other tables and the fact that my turkey burger was quite good.
Café la Cave
( O'Hare Area )
Cuisine Served: Steak ,Seafood
2777 Manheim Rd
Des Plaines , IL 60018
Phone: (847) 827-7818
Despite the fact that the hostess answered the phone as Café Ler Cave with a hard “A” when we inquired if immediate seating was available, we still ventured forth to dine here.
First off, very unique dining atmosphere as the room is made to look like a cave (what else right?). Second PRICEY. This is some very old school presentation w/full heavy plates, silverware, tuxedoed wait staff mostly men. There is some old school cooking as well, tableside preparations of veal and some desserts. Café la Cave is also part of the Entertainment book and one still earns FF miles even when redeeming the coupon from the Entertainment book. To note Entertainment book is another advertising vehicle like IDine / Rewards Network, if your restaurant is good, you don’t need to advertise here. We started off with the shrimp cocktail and oysters on the ½ shell. Both very good, oysters were fresh and served with both cocktail and iced vinegar for one to choose from. Mrs Sweet Willie had the brown sugar brined pork chop and I the medallions of lobster, shrimp and scallops in a lobster sauce. Pork chop was excellent, my dish was good as well, seafood cooked perfectly except the scallops which were overdone. If this place was more reasonably priced we might get here on a regular basis. Very good wine list.
Des Plaines Pancake House
Cuisine Served: American
1769 Miner St
Des Plaines , IL 60016
Phone: (847) 299-6601
Normal breakfast cuisine, nothing out of the ordinary. Chorizo skillet served with corn tortillas was a decent breakfast.
Grazie Ristorante
Cuisine Served: Italian
1050 E Oakton
Des Plaines , IL 60018
Phone: (847) 299-0011
Have been twice and was hit and miss. First time was a hit w/a grilled veal chop being spectacular. Second time was very poor and mediocre, no good specials and the regular menu failing to excite.
Maria’s Mexican Restaurant
Cuisine Served: Mexican
1535 Ellinwood Ave
Des Plaines , IL 60016
Phone: (847) 297-4048
Serves one of the best carne asadas in all of Chicagoland. Chicken with mole is a deep rich satisfying dish. Big thumbs up to Maria’s.
Thread on the three Maria’s restaurants:
http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=308457
Romano’s
Cuisine Served: Italian ,Steak
1396 Oakton
Des Plaines , IL 60018
Phone: (847) 827-5571
Here is a thread on Romano’s, seems to have gone downhill.
http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=462530
The Egg Factory
Cuisine Served: American
100 E Kensington Rd
Mount Prospect , IL 60056
Phone: (847) 253-3333
Anyplace that serves home made corned beef hash gets a good grade in my book and it is a good dish here. Think slightly upscale, more Walker Bros. breakfast offerings
Tiffany’s
Cuisine Served: American
2179 E Touhy Avenue
Des Plaines , IL 60018
Phone: (847) 298-7733
Run of the mill Greek owned restaurant w/a huge menu. Food is good, priced right, nothing extraordinary/
Boston Blackie’s
Cuisine Served: American
222 E Algonquin
Arlington Heights , IL 60005
Phone: (847) 952-4700
A chain owned by the same folks who own Carson’s Ribs. So-so food. Cowboy burger (w/guacamole and pepper jack cheese) is a good burger. Slightly pricey for quality served.
Greek Village Tavern
Cuisine Served: Greek
795 E Golf Rd
Schaumburg , IL 60173
Phone: (847) 885-4950
Grilled pork kebabs and shrimp w/Feta tomatoes are two regular good items I get at Greek Village Tavern. The grilled fish can be very good, but beware more complex preparations/seasonings. Simple is better here.
India House
Cuisine Served: Indian
1521 W Schaumburg Rd
Schaumburg , IL 60194
Phone: (847) 895-5501
Buffet is a quite good, slightly heavy on vegetarian offerings but the side of Chicken tandori that comes with the meal makes up for this. Around 8-10 different main course items offered for lunch. I’ve found this is a great way to initiate newbies to Indian cuisine as they can try a variety of items.
Lalo’s
Cuisine Served: Mexican
425 South Roselle Rd
Schaumburg , IL 60193
Phone: (847) 891-0911
Tableside guacamole presentation. ^ Good Mexican meals, my favorite chain being Maria’s but Lalo’s is decent. I can’t recall if Lalo’s has fish tacos which I’m a huge fan of.
Max & Erma’s
Cuisine Served: American
2475 West Higgins Rd
Hoffman Estates , IL 60195
Phone: (847) 885-8811
Skip the Max & Erma restaurants, not good.
Nancy’s Pizza & Pasta
Cuisine Served: Pizza ,Italian
1045 S Roselle Rd
Schaumburg , IL 60193
Phone: (847) 584-2255
Take out only. Pan pizza is superior to stuffed and Nancy’s serves a very poor stuffed pizza, enough said, stick with Malnati’s or Due’s for your deep dish pizza fix.
Sir Nick’s
Cuisine Served: Pizza ,Italian
642 Meacham Rd
Elkgrove Village , IL 60007
Phone: (847) 923-9999
Very mediocre pizza. Meatballs on the meatball grinder (sub) tasted frozen. Not good.
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