Historic Long Grove- Italian Style

[rating=5] Long Grove is still alive! The history of this little village is powerful. I remember, as a little boy, Sunday drives where our family and our cousins would all get into the station wagon ( who remembers station wagons?) and take the endless trip from the west side of Chicago to the boondocks called Long Grove. There were festivals, antiques, and of course great food. The years flew by and when we bought our first home, in a village called Buffalo Grove, we found ourselves a short jaunt to this place that was an all-day trip in my youth.

Tonight, we went to an Italian dining spot, Enzo & Lucia Ristorante and found that since the new chefs ( Heraldo & Rudy) brought their recipes, their passion and their creativity, the menu has become a true Italian dining experience.

When I speak about creativity, I talk about the entire menu. Even though the others in our group, Larry and Bette ordered regular cocktails, I did what I try to always do- ordered a specialty “signature” cocktail. It is called the “Chicago Mistake”- Barrows intense Ginger Liquor and all the ingredients of an “Old Fashion”, served on the rocks. It was like the “Old Fashion” but far zestier and thoroughly enjoyable. Jane had Tito’s on the rocks, as did Larry and Bette, wine.

Our appetizer was Tutto Pesce Alla Griglia ( grilled shrimp, octopus and calamari in an EVOD balsamic garlic glaze). The flavors were terrific and I have never enjoyed octopus this much. By the way, they have a huge menu and every night they offer specials. Since we never know when our reviews will be read, we shy away from the “specials” and stay with the standards, but from what I am told, the specials they offer are sensational.

We selected four entrees-The Tuscan Rib-Eye Steak , grilled with mushrooms in  a white wine reduction. The meat was juicy and tender. The portion was quite shareable. We ordered a side of Sauteed Spinach and avoided any potatoes. I will say that I watched some Vesuvio potatoes go to another table and will try these on my next visit (and I know there will be many more visits).

We had two veal dinners: Marsala- sauteed with mushrooms and onions in a marsala wine sauce and the other , Piccata- sauteed in a lemon wine sauce with capers, red peppers and pepperoncini. They also do chicken using he same sauces and techniques plus they have several other alternatives. There are many fish meals and two other steak options to choose from and when it came to pasta, which we knew we had to try one of, there are so many choices. Ravioli, Lasagna, Alfredo, Gnocchi ( next time for sure), Alfredo, Tortellini Alla Paesano and the one that we opted to try, Carbonara-onion, pancetta and egg- delish!

The portions were plentiful and the flavors were everything we had hoped for…and more! We all found ourselves very satisfied with the entire meal, so when our server Sheri mentioned dessert, we shook our heads and rubbed our bellies. The list changed our minds quickly. There were three that stood out, so we shared their homemade tiramisu, a triple layer chocolate cake and then the unbelievable Butter Toffee Cake with ice cream (to die for!). What a night!

Enzo & Lucia is located at 343 Old McHenry Road in Long Grove

They are open as follows:

                                         LUNCH

Tuesday- Friday  11 a.m.- 3 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday  noon til 3 p.m.\

DINNER

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday   4 p.m.- 9:30 p.m.

Friday and Saturday   4 p.m.- 11 p.m.

Sundays   3 p.m.- 8:30 p.m.

CLOSED MONDAYS

Reservations are taken by phone only   847-478-8825

www.enzoandlucia.com           Plenty of free parking.

They have private rooms for parties and a beautiful patio for outside dining ( with heater if needed) in a park like setting.

Long Grove is known for many special events during the year and if you check their website you will see that they have events as well.,

Speaks for the four of us, I must tell you that this was an enjoyable experience and a dining spot that we will return to-Chefs Heraldo and Rudy- magnifico!