The Flight Deck

Last night my husband and I were invited to a graduation party at the Flight Deck Bar and Grill in Rochelle, IL. The atmosphere is warm and friendly and it is a fairly new place. The Flight Deck is where they hold sky diving lessons and jumps. They have many televisions playing sports games but last night every one of them was playing the Blackhawks game. Let's not forget about the food and service. The servers, owner's and managers were always asking if we needed anything. The place was packed and the food was amazing. I had the Balsamic Marinated Steak special while my husband had the burger. He loves his burgers. My steak was cooked perfectly! For appetizers we had some sliders and they were delicious as well. I was able to try a few other appetizers, all so very amazing. The food has so much flavor. It is quite a long drive yet very worth the use of your gas and time. They have a garage door that looks like a window and when it was raised, we were able to enjoy the beauty that is mother nature while we ate. Head down there and check it out for yourself. You will be glad you did!

(They forgot to blanch the green beans before they sauteed them and didn't salt them. If you look closely, you can see the loss of  color but that was the only flaw I found all evening.)

Flight Deck Bar and Grill 

1207 West Gurler Road, ​Rochelle, IL 61068

(815) 561-3664

http://www.flightdeckbar.com/

A wonderful find...

Sometime in March...yes, that long ago, was Chef's week all over the City of Chicago. I was able to enjoy a dinner with my husband and my best friend RC at Balena. I had been dying to go there for sometime and RC made that happen! :) She knows the Chef and got us a table. I have to say I was very impressed. Valet parking, courteous staff and a much larger place than what you can tell from the outside. The place is a modern take on being rustic and definitely a very unique experience. They managed to keep the old brick in tact as well. Before I forget to mention, that food was amazing too!

For starters we ordered the Herb Focaccia, Ricotta Burrata di Panna and the Margarita Pizza. We shared everything, very reluctantly, I am, wait that was me who was being selfish. :) While we waited for our main entry to arrive, the Chef was awesome enough to bring out a couple of things for us to try, on the house of course. The Rigatoni Pork Ragu and the Hen Egg Tajarin were brought to our table and fought over until the last bite was consumed.The favorite seemed to the Rigatoni Pork Ragu, however, I loved both and yes, you guessed it, I was the one with the last bite of each! :) I have issues and I am aware of it.

Our meals were individual, actually, not so much, we shared everything. With the exception of me counting who took how much of what. What can I say? The food was just that good! :) We ordered the Ravioli, a 36 oz Bistecca with a Roasted Garlic Head (for my husband and I), Baked Polenta with Tomato Fondue and lastly, a Sweet Onion Gratinato. Now, my husband and I are not big fans of the onion but the Sweet Onion Gratinato was delicious!! RC wasn't into sharing all of it but it was very kind of her to let us have a taste. The Bistecca was done to medium and the crust on the outside was this beautiful salt, pepper, spice crunch that was truly an orgasm in one's mouth. I kid you not!! The Polenta was good, I was hoping for a little more moisture, it seemed a little dry to me but sometimes that happens with Polenta or really any dish. Not everything can be perfect all the time on any table.

For dessert we had the Tiramisu and the Pistachio Gelati. No one shared because Chef was kind enough to bring out a refreshing Grape Fruit Sobetti just for me! :) I have a tree nut allergy that we told the waitress about when we walked in (the Chef's menu had tons of nuts on it and so we ordered a la carte) she remembered and he remembered. Made the experience all that more wonderful. Dessert was just as wonderful as the meal itself. If you get the chance head on over to Balena. I can't wait to go back!!

Balena
1633 North Halsted St.
Chicago, IL
60614
(312) 867-3888
www.balenachicago.com