Our search for “Broasted Chicken”

[rating=4] Jane and I love “broasted chicken”. For many years we have searched high and low for just the right combination of flavor, juiciness and of course, it cannot be “greasy” or “oily”. Growing up, there was always Wesley’s in Skokie. I still think of them when driving on Dempster near Pulaski ( also known as Crawford). Once a month, we either made the trek from Evanston or picked up and enjoyed at my Uncle Elmer’s house. He was a broasted chicken “nut”.

Back in my Buffalo Grove early years, we had Mr. Adams, then The Bison, and after they closed there was a place called “The Broasterie” on route 83 and Arlington Hts. Rd. Of course Joanie’s in Long Grove became the spot and in Northbrook, Marcello’s/Father and Son. While we enjoy Marcello’s, for some reason, it has never been quite as juicy as Joanies. What to do?

Recently, a listener to the radio show said that there was a pizza parlor in Northbrook ( at least I think they are in Northbrook) called Mario’s Pizzeria and Catering. That is our town and so when Jane mentioned that she really wanted to go to Long Grove for chicken, I said “let’s try Mario’s).

O called 847-272-4293 and placed the order. The dinner doesn’t come with fries, so I added an order as well as an extra breast. I Drove to 2677 Shermer Road ( at Willow) which is supposedly still Northbrook but very close to Glenview and Northfield as well. Mario’s is a small, mostly pick-up and delivery place. They do have a few tables, but I would imagine they are more for “waiting” then dining. I picked up the order, drove it home, plated it and then Jane and I dug in.

The chicken was very tender and juicy. There is a little kick, but is not spicy. They call the chicken Stella’s Broasted Chicken ( pressure fried which is the healthiest way to eat chicken). They offer flavor butters, honey, garlic, curry and siracha for those who like extra flavor. You can buy from 2 pieces to 100 pieces, so party on!

The menu is filled with items so everyone in the family can be satisfied with dinner. Tacos, Burritos, Sausages, Burgers, Italian Beef, Steak sandwich, meatball sandwich and more. They have several salads, lots of side orders, dinners and of course, PIZZA, Thin crust, Pan, Sicilian and specialties of all kinds.

I think I may be up for the “family challenge”- perhaps a sampling of the entire menu to see if they are as good as they must be to be celebrating 45 years of serving this community.

Check out their site- www.mariospizzanorthbrook.com  They are open for lunch ( in reality 10:30 a.m. so they can prepare their dough and sauces daily).