Mystery Diner in Algonquin: Bold American Fare makes delicious impression

Downtown Algonquin is starting to look good. Much of the construction that transformed the area is complete, and there are restaurants lining each side of Main Street.

It’s an area begging for a warm late spring or early summer day, in a world where the pandemic is behind us, and we can all go out and enjoy the great offerings this particular zone has going for it.

The first restaurant you’ll see on the right as you turn onto South Main Street is Bold American Fare, with its northside deck. The outdoor space even has its own menu during warmer months.

For now, however, we were ordering takeout off the main menu (plus specials).

I ordered around 4 p.m. and requested to have it ready at 5. I parked on the road in front of the restaurant, and a friendly server brought out my meal. There is also parking available in the back.

The feast was well-packaged and ready to go, with plastic utensils wrapped up in napkins. We opted for our own plates and silverware at home instead, but it was a handy convenience.

I ordered the special, the bone-in pork chop with Parmesan garlic orzo ($18), and it was fantastic. The meat was tender and well-seasoned, and this might have been my first time eating orzo, a pasta that resembles large rice kernels. The pasta was tender and went well with the tomato and spinach mixed in.

Bold American Fare clearly aims to be a spot that gives a different twist to some of your favorites, and they are pulling it off well.

Which brings me to the appetizers my fellow diners ordered, starting with the lobster pop tart ($16).

No, a toaster wasn’t involved. Instead, it was a soft pastry filled with large chunks of fresh lobster and a mix of cheeses (Boursin cheese, cream cheese and chives) with a sweet chili sauce.

The closest taste comparison we could come up with was an upgraded Rangoon. It was great and, as you could guess, I stole a quarter of it just to “try it out.” If you like checking out new dishes, the lobster pop tart should be on your list.

While it wasn’t the first time I had seen it on a menu, the pan-seared filet tips appetizer ($16) was another that saw me stealing several. Not only was the quality meat cooked perfectly, the black pepper-Parmesan butter for dipping was excellent.

In fact, I want more. As simple as that.

And it makes me want to explore the rest of the appetizer list, from the chipotle pomegranate meatballs ($13) to lamb loli pops ($20) to the seared diver scallops with tequila blood orange glaze and jalapeño ($21). Or there are chicken and waffles ($9), if that’s more your speed.

Our other diner selected the pan-seared chicken ($21) entree with green beans and garlic mashed potatoes. I had to try the mashed potatoes after I heard how tasty they were, and wasn’t disappointed in their buttery goodness at all.

The chicken was served with herbed jus and was just an outstanding plate of food.

I had heard plenty about Bold American Fare beforehand, and left this meal even more impressed and looking forward to my next trip, when I plan to check out the lobster pot pie ($35) or the seafood risotto ($40), which includes sweet corn risotto, seared scallops, gulf shrimp and grilled lobster tail.

I can’t wait.

• The Mystery Diner is an employee at the Northwest Herald. The diner’s identity is not revealed to restaurant staff when ordering or picking up the food. If the Mystery Diner cannot recommend the establishment, we will not publish a story.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Bold American Fare

WHERE: 8 S. Main St., Algonquin

PHONE: 224-678-7589

INFORMATION: boldamericanfare.com