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2019 feels like the longest year in history, but it also seems to have gone by the fastest. The country is still either going great or down the tubes depending on who you're talking to. We cried over one pop culture fad after another, the country is gearing up for another election year and the Chicago Bears are still the mediocre Chicago Bears.
But while all of that was going on, Mystery Diner kept visiting restaurants and diners throughout Kendall County and the lower Fox Valley, all in an effort to find for you the best spots to eat and drink.
So to celebrate another year gone by, here's the top 10 most popular Mystery Diner spots, as decided by you - the readers - by the number of page views, or 'clicks' they received over the past 12 months on our website at KendallCountyNow.com.
1. Ginger & Soul
131 E. Hydraulic St., Unit C, Yorkville
Tucked away next to the Fox River, behind Foxy’s Ice Cream, Ginger & Soul doesn’t look like much from the outside. But once inside the deceptively small-looking restaurant, I was overwhelmed with colors and music. I started with an appetizer of pan-fried falafel with dill yogurt sauce, paired with a recommended glass of Chardonnay, followed by salmon with lemon basil risotto, charred tomatoes and sauteed green beans. For dessert, I ordered a cinnamon roll. The salmon was cooked perfectly, not overly seasoned, moist and flaky. It was delicious – I only wish my portion had been larger. The salmon rested on top of a mountain of lemon-basil risotto, which was creamy and rich. I greatly enjoyed the delicately flavored risotto; another first-time treat for the Mystery Diner. Along with the salmon and risotto, I enjoyed my share of vegetables in sauteed green beans and charred tomatoes.
2. My Sister's Lil Donut Shoppe
25 S. Madison St. (Route 34), Oswego
The doughnut shop, founded by sisters Chris McClimans and Betsy Kammerer, has been a popular spot for those seeking doughnuts, danishes, fritters and other pastries right in the heart of downtown Oswego. I stopped by the shop on a Saturday morning, as I tend to do from time to time, and picked up a half-dozen delicious pastries for myself and some friends.
3. Wings Etc.
1447 Cannonball Trail, Yorkville
Wings joints seem to have become a trendy staple of the restaurant industry, but Yorkville has a good one in Wings Etc. Located on the west side of town, just off of Route 34, Wings Etc. lives up to its name with tasty wings – and plenty of etc. to go around.
4. Freedom Brothers Pizzeria and Alehouse
11914 IL-59, Plainfield
I recently made a visit to Freedom Brothers, located just off Route 59 in Plainfield, where I had what might have been the best pizza (Neopolitan style, cooked in a big oven) I’ve ever had. Walking into Freedom Brothers with my two guests, we were greeted by a packed house, with Metallica in the background playing on multiple televisions. I had made us a reservation, so we were seated within minutes, a nice perk during the dinner rush.
5. Bristol Tap
46 Cannonball Trail, Bristol
Note: The Mystery Diner actually visited Bristol Tap in Sept. 2017. Readers revived the review with numerous page clicks in 2019.
If you live in Kendall County or the surrounding area and haven't eaten at the Bristol Tap, be prepared to hear the following from someone who's lived in the area for a while, in an incredulous tone: "Wait, you've never been to the Bristol Tap?" Legendary burgers served here.
6. Belladonna Tea & Coffee
101 W. Van Emmon St., Yorkville
Located in the former home of Cobblestone Bakery & Bistro and the 1836 Drink Lab, Belladonna, decorated in a rich, deep teal color with pops of white and other colors, and sturdy tables and chairs evokes feelings of being in downtown Naperville, or a cozy shop in a Chicago neighborhood populated with hipsters and live music. There’s large display boards featuring the day’s menu, and the extensive offerings of teas and coffees.
7. Pizza Cucina
12 E Merchants Dr, Oswego
Some might think of the Corleone family at the very mention of “The Godfather.” The name association takes on another meaning when it comes to dining at one Oswego restaurant.
8. Harvester Cafe
400 E. South St., Plano
CLOSED.
9. Tastee Bite
7000 Burroughs Ave., Plano
I arrived at the start of the lunch rush and was promptly greeted upon my entrance. As always, when I visit a spot with fare like Tastee Bite, I looked over the menu – which surprised me as to the sheer number of choices available – and settled on the classic that I judge most restaurants on: chicken strips and fries.
10. Kiss My Dish Soul Kitchen
4542 Route 71, Oswego
CLOSED
• The Mystery Diner is a newsroom employee at the Record Newspapers. The diner’s identity is not revealed to restaurant staff before or during the meal. The Mystery Diner visits a restaurant and then reports on the experience. The Mystery Diner is not intended to be a restaurant critic but does highlight the parts of a dining experience that he/she can recommend.