Still in Long Grove- The Chatterbox”

***** Never judge a book by its cover! Growing up I heard this line a lot. The point of my elders telling me this is that just because something doesn’t seem perfect or to your liking, give it a chance and see for yourself. Tonight we visited the Sock Monkey Museum ( see story at Articles) and when we went back to the car in the municipal lot, met our granddaughter for dinner at The Chatterbox. I had been in this “barn” before, but mainly at the bar enjoying a beer and a burger. They now have a beautiful outdoors seating area ( as many others have created since Covd) with tables and glider booths ( these are wonderful).

We were seated in one of the gliders and our server, Stephanie, went over some of the menu items letting us know that there are indeed specials, food and beverages. I enjoyed a wonderful cocktail called a Summer Old Fashion that added different bitters as well as some orange and lemon juices. It was terrific. I try to avoid nightly or seasonal specials as I never know when my readers or listeners might go to these places and I certainly don’t want someone to order something unavailable. We started our evening with Bacon Wrapped Dates ( dates stuffed with Mascarpone, ricotta and honey served on a bed of arugula and drizzled with a balsamic glaze) they were delish! We also had the Chatter Eggs (6 half eggs, deviled topped with sweet chili sauce and fresh chives). By the way, everything on the menu is made fresh daily. The Reuben Egg Rolls were a true treat (hand-rolled, deep-fried rolls stuffed with shaved corned beef, sauerkraut and Swiss cheese with Thousand Island sauce for dipping)- something very special. We also had The Big Nachos ( corn tortilla chips loaded with a 3 cheese blend,lettuce, pico de gallo, sliced jalapenos,sour cream and guacamole. You could add beef or chicken, but no need. This was quite tasty on its own.

As you can see, we had many items and were not even to the main event. In fact, we also shared a few Street Tacos : the Asada (flank steak marinated in Chimichurri, guacamole, pico de gallo and lemon sriracha) and Baja ( beer battered cod, cilantro cabbage slaw, guacamole, Pico de gallo)- They also have a Spicy Shrimp and Cajun Chicken as well as a fresh or fried Avocado. These are made to order and ala carte.

The menu is loaded with items that I am known to love, but I thought we should pick a few and then come back during one of the Long Grove festivals and try the others. I must say the burgers looked amazing! We opted for the Prime Rib Sliders (slow-cooked shaved prime rib piled on fluffy buns with melted mozzarella and caramelized onions- these are to die for! and one more item, The BBQ Ribs- a full slab of fall off-the-bone pork ribs with a tangy rich BBQ sauce. If you like “fall -off-the-bone ribs-THIS IS THE PLACE! This is served with the best cornbread I have ever tasted, some baked bean ( or you could do cole slaw and of corn on the cob).

Needles to say, the portions were large enough to allow for tomorrow’s dinner to be under control. I know a number of my readers/listeners are desert people, so we did share a very special pie in a bag that was apple/strawberry and delicious. It was served with some ice cream to make the evening even sweeter. If you are heading up North to anywhere near Long Grove, make a detour and get to this barn converted to a great place to dine. The menu is complete and affordable. The food is fresh and delicious. The staff is friendly and their goal is to make you happy. They will!

Take a look at their website to learn more about their history and what they have during the year as far as events. www chatterboxlonggrove.com

They are located at 330 Old McHenry Road in Long Grove ( right where municipal parking lot is) Phone 847-602-2169

open:

Tuesdays  ,Wednesdays and Thursdays  3 p.m.- 10 p.m.

Fridays and Saturdays    11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

Sundays     NOON to 6 p.m.

CLOSED MONDAYS

They serve more than good food. They serve good memories!