Restaurant Madness Week March 22-26

RESTAURANT MADNESS

The only community magazine for all of Batavia

Crabby Boil—a taste of New Orleans right in Batavia You don’t have to head down south to get a taste of a New Orleans style seafood boil. Crabby Boil is right in Batavia and has all the flavors you crave.

Located off Randall Rd. and McKee St., the family-owned small business gives visitors a unique seafood dining experience. In three easy steps, you can create a delicious meal, custom-made to your exact specifications. Just choose your seafood, flavor, then “finish it off” with corn, potatoes and/or andouille sausage.

King, Snow and Dungeness crab are just a few obvious choices on the Crabby Boil menu. There’s also lobster, crawfish, shrimp and mussels. All seafood is first boiled with Cajun inspired spices, then things get personalized. The seafood you choose is put in a bag with the flavor you like best. You can choose traditional Cajun (mild, medium or hot), indulge with Garlic Butter, or go lighter with robust Lemon Pepper or Cilantro Lime. The seafood is mixed in the bag and brought to you closed-up to keep the flavors in. Feel free to eat from the bag or spread it out on the table and “dig in”! Customers, near and far, love Crabby Boil’s fresh food, welcoming service and casual atmosphere. Liliana Paniagua from Chicago remarks “Delicious! It’s a small spot but has a great atmosphere, great music and great people. I would definitely come back again.” Batavia resident, Suzanne Heronemus, visits often. “My family has been there many times, especially for birthdays, and always loves it. It’s the perfect place to gather for a shared meal that is delicious, encourages lots of conversation, and is just fun! I was so happy it was very easy for my husband to navigate in his wheelchair. Even my grandkids enjoy it and ask to go there by name,” she shares.

Crabby Boil is open Tuesday through Friday night, 4–9pm; Saturday, 11am–9pm; and Sunday, 11am–8pm. Stop in for simple, family-friendly fun. It’s like vacationing on the bayou but in your own backyard!

220 Randall Rd., Batavia • 630-454-4392 • crabbyboil.com

Restaurant Madness Week is Sun., March 22 to Thurs., March 26. This year, 28 local restaurants are participating with traditional American, Mex-Tex, Thai, Argentinian and Italian fare. There are specialty shops for ice cream, coffee, appetizers and fast food favorites. Every restaurant has something special that sets them apart from the rest. Most importantly, these businesses play a critical role in the vitality of the Batavia community. Beyond the 20% discount during restaurant week, many donate to local charities, support school programs and participate in local events.

Some restrictions may apply for the 20% discount (many require a $10 minimum purchase, dine-in only). For all the latest details and restrictions, go to cityofbatavia.net/restaurantweek. For a complete Batavia Restaurant Madness Week Guide, go to KaneNeighbors.com/Batavia-Restaurant-Week.

Acquaviva—35 N. Water St. With a courtyard view of Depot Pond, this is the third restaurant for a family owned business that boasts an 85 acre winery in Maple Park. Recommended: the stuffed pizza is worth the wait. Menu: acquavivabatavia.com/eat

Apple Villa—1961 W. Wilson St. Traditional breakfast and lunch fare with the best baked apple pancake in town. Menu: applevillapancakes.com/menu.html

Bar Evolution—27 N. River St. For cocktails and appetizers, this is the place to go. Recommended: a feature cocktail and flatbread. Live entertainment every Friday and Saturday night. Menu: barevolutionbatavia.com Delicious and fun. Recommended: overly generous shake or malt. Menu: bataviacreamery.com

Brianna’s Pancake House— 10 N. Island Ave.

Traditional breakfast and lunch. Larger tables (6+ seating) make it an ideal place to bring the whole family.

Menu: zmenu.com/brianaspancake-house-batavia-online-menu

Photo courtesy A le Villa we site

empanadas, baked flaky turnovers offered with an assortment of traditional fillings. Menu: bocaditos.cafe/menu

Burrito Parilla Mexicana—76 S. Randall Rd.

Step inside and watch them craft a Mexican dish that won’t disappoint. Recommended: burrito (they stake their name on them). Menu: burritopm.com/our-menu

Bocaditos Café—109 E. Wilson St. Authentic Argentine Café. Experience Argentine cuisine like

Chapters Coffee House and Cafe—10 S. Batavia Ave. Nestled in the entrance corner

Batavia Creamery— 4 N. Island Ave.

Arguably the best ice cream in Kane County. Generous servings, ever-changing varieties, “happy” service.

of Batavia Public Library, Chapters offers coffee, smoothies, sandwiches (to name a few). Check out a book, then check out Chapters. Menu: chaptersbatavia.com/food-menu

Crabby Boil—220 Randall Rd. You don’t have to head south to get a taste of New Orleans style seafood. Crabby Boil has all the flavors you crave. Menu: crabbyboil.com

Crosstown Pub and Grill— 1890 Mill St.

They say their wings are “famous.” You’ll believe it once you try them. This “neighborhood pub” is the place to meet with friends, enjoy finger food, and just have a great time.

Menu: xtownpub.com/menu

Daddio’s Diner—134 W. Wilson St. If a visitor to Batavia asks, “Where do locals go to eat?” tell them Daddio’s Diner. This intimate nostalgic diner features delicious short order plates in a home town atmosphere. Recommended: “No Way Jose.” Menu: daddiosdiner.biz/

Denny’s—521 N. Wilson St. Some things never change. At Denny’s, you always know what you’re going to get…and it’s always good…24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Recommended: the new “Beyond Burger.” Menu: dennys.com/food/

East China Inn (downtown location)—140 W. Wilson

This is Chinese food at its best… at the best price. The service is fast, the atmosphere relaxing. Recommended: It’s hard to beat the lunch combination specials at under $8.

Menu: eastchinainnbatavia.com/menu

El Taco Grande—6 N. River St. New owner, same delicious food. Why? Because Jose Olvera, the restaurant’s chef for 17 years, bought the restaurant last year. His passion for serving the finest hasn’t wavered. relaxing, welcoming…perfect for a cup of coffee or tea alone, or for a quick meeting. Recommended: quiche of the day. Menu: limestonect.com/ limestone-house-menu

Pal Joey’s—2030 Main St. Food critics praise Pal Joey’s pizza. Their new location off Randall and Main offers spacious relaxing dining in a casual atmosphere. Party rooms are available.

Recommended: Buffalo Chicken Pizza. Menu: paljoeys.com/menu

River’s Edge Bar and Grill— 12 N. River St.

In just a few years, new owner Melissa Monna has breathed new life into this Batavia mainstay with dishes that will exceed your

continued on page 17

Enticing Cuisine—12 S. Water St. There is no better place for catering. It’s all they do. Chef/ owner Jason Stoffels will give your event the personal attention rarely found in the catering business. Recommended: Wednesday ToGo Specials.

enticingcuisine.com

Gammon Coach House— 3 S. Batavia Ave.

This cozy restaurant/pub features comfort food and an eclectic selection of craft beers. Names like “Alter Swedda Wedda” and “Polyanna Lite Reading” add a little mystery to a craft brew adventure. Recommended: ask and explore. Beer menu: gammoncoachhouse.com/ourbeers

Jimmy John’s—9 N. Randall Rd. It’s great having a Jimmy John’s in town. Great sandwiches prepared in seconds, delivered in minutes. What’s not to like. Recommended: 9-grain wheat sub. Menu: jimmyjohns.com/menu

Limestone Coffee and Tea— 8 W. Wilson St.

Co-owners Leah Leman and Joy Mason bought this business last year and quickly turned it into Batavia’s go to coffee house. Inviting,

It’s more than a hunt, it’s a hop! Come to the Egg Hop and hop around our downtown businesses to find eggs for prizes. Eggs will be filled with an assortment of goodies and treats. Find a golden ticket and deposit it at the Peg Bond Center in one of our fabulous raffles including the chance to win a new bicycle! Tons of family fun that includes free entertainment, games and activities. Starting at the Peg Bond Center at 9:45, pick up your egg hop map with participating businesses and a bunny bag for the first 500 kiddos! Join us at the Peg Bond Center for: • Family games and prizes • 3 and under egg hunt • Spring Stories with the Batavia Public Library • Local dance performances with Batavia Academy of Dance and A Step Above Dance Academy • Turn in your golden tickets for your chance to win a raffle. Golden tickets will be hidden in eggs around town and available for purchase. • An Easter Bonnet Contest! Create your own Easter themed hat and present it on the big stage to win a prize!

expectations and a warmth that will bring you back again and again. Recommended: anything with their house-smoked bacon. Menu: theriversedgebatavia.com/ menu-1 Riverside Pizza and Pub— 142 W. Wilson St.

It’s new. It’s trendy. Kinda, sorta a sports bar. But what’s especially reassuring is that the food lives up to the upscale décor. Sit back and enjoy while you try to imagine this was once Walgreens. Menu: batavia.riversidepizzapub.com/menu Salsa Verde Mexican Restaurant and Taqueria— 107 N. Batavia Ave.

Authentically Mexican, yet modern. This family-owned business is growing fast. The high-quality experience in a fast-food setting must have something to do with it. Recommended: tacos. Menu: salsaverderestaurant.com/menu/ Taco Urbano—200 N. Randall Rd. It’s inside the PRIDE/BP Store. A perfect stop for a good meal on the go. Add a regular drink and small chips and salsa to your order for just $1.99.

Menu: tacourbano.com/pdf/ TacoUrbano_Menu.pdf TGI Friday’s—490 N. Randall Rd. A favorite dining experience for a friends’ get together. The extensive menu has something to satisfy just about any palette. Recommended: whiskey-glazed ribs. Menu: tgifridays.com/menu Taqueria El Sazon— 8 N. Island Ave.

This popular and highly rated Mexican Restaurant is right next to Batavia Creamery and a popular stop for very casual, reasonably priced family dining. Menu: zmenu.com/taqueria-elsazon-batavia-online-menu/ Tribella Grill—1900 Mill St. This Italian-American bistro reflects its Italian heritage with white-linen-topped tables, leather upholstered booth and Venetian walls. A perfect setting for a nice dinner with a touch of class.

Recommended: any of their Italian specialties with a glass of Italian wine. Menu: tribellagrill.com/menu Batavia Restaurant Madness continued from page 17

Tusk Thai—102 N. River Street Celebrating 10 years in Batavia, Tusk Thai delivers the renowned bold flavors found in authentic Thai cuisine. Chef Nualprang Lalam has been head chef of several restaurants over the last 30 years. Recommended: any of their stir frys. Menu: tuskthaicuisine.com/menu-1

Wendy’s—1905 W. Wilson St. Wendy’s participation in Restaurant Week is notable. This massive fast food chain gives welcome support to local causes. Besides, they have the best fast-food burgers in town. Menu: menu.wendys.com

P hoto courtesy R i erside P izza & P u face ook

Downtown Batavia

It’s more than a hunt, it’s a hop! Come to the Egg Hop and hop around our downtown businesses to find eggs for prizes. Eggs will be filled with an assortment of goodies and treats. Find a golden ticket and deposit it at the Peg Bond Center in one of our fabulous raffles including the chance to win a new bicycle! Tons of family fun that includes free entertainment, games and activities. Starting at the Peg Bond Center at 9:45, pick up your egg hop map with participating businesses and a bunny bag for the first 500 kiddos! Join us at the Peg Bond Center for:

• Spring Stories with the Batavia Public Library