Mission Impossible - Lunch for 86 year olds

This Friday we have to take out my Father-in-law and his wife. Both are in their mid 80s. We need a place in the Western Suburbs, as close to Western Springs as we can be. Not terribly expensive. They like J. Alexanders but we can't stand the place. They also will either share a lunch & take home whatever isn't eaten on the table or order the most expensive thing on the menu and take home most of it. They don't like spice, strange food, sauces, fish or anything they never heard of. Nice Italian or Chinese is possible. They like the food at Panera (where we usually wind up) but I know there must be something better, They won't come in the city so it has to be out there. Any help for now or in the future would be appreciated.

I'm sure you will get suggestions, but on face value it sounds like you are asking for the type of place that LTH Forum rarely recommends.

How about Bohemian Crystal. It's solid Eastern European food. Good Swikova, Roast Duck, and Roast Pork in a variety of styles. All covered with flavorful pork brown gravy. Everything comes with soup du jour or liver dumpling, salad, rye bread and kolackis for dessert.

639 Blackhawk Dr
Westmont, IL 60559


(630) 789-1981


edited to fix URL

stevez wrote:I'm sure you will get suggestions, but on face value it sounds like you are asking for the type of place that LTH Forum rarely recommends.

I know, but we all have to face this sooner or later.

Ginkgo wrote:

stevez wrote:I'm sure you will get suggestions, but on face value it sounds like you are asking for the type of place that LTH Forum rarely recommends.

I know, but we all have to face this sooner or later.

In those cases, Lettuce Entertain Youis your friend. Harmless food that won't make you gag.

I recommend Egg Harbor Cafe in Hinsdale. They're known for excellent breakfast food, but also good sandwiches and even burgers. It has something for everyone and will not be too threatening of an atmosphere for the 80 somethings, although they do get really crowded. Definitely better than Panera.

http://www.eggharborcafe.com/

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
2001 N Roselle Rd
Schaumburg, IL 60195
(847) 843-3900

Bill of Fare:
Garlic Bread
Tomato Bisque Soup
Roasted Chicken
Spare Rib
Herb-Basted Potato
Pastry of the Castle
Beverage

Except I guess you're going for lunch... too bad...

What about the Olive Garden near Oakbrook on Butterfield. I know its a chain and not a restaurant that LTH Forum would recommend, but it might be a good choice given the situation. They do have a wide variety of foods including pasta and meat dishes and serve soup which older people seem to like and be able to digest. Good luck.

kafein wrote:How about Bohemian Crystal. It's solid Eastern European food. Good Swikova, Roast Duck, and Roast Pork in a variety of styles.

That's a great suggestion. The menu has 20 kinds of roast meat and one fish. The most expensive thing on the menu is the Moravian Platter which includes pieces of roast duck, meat loaf, roast pork Grandma style, pork tenderloin Prague style and smoked butt (plus soup, salad, dumplings and dessert) for $12. Only a vegan could hate the place. The staff won't blink an eye when your inlaws split the entree or take the leftovers home.

BTW it seems the website requires the www prefix.
http://www.bohemiancrystal.net

Another thought might be the Maggiano's, Antico Posto or Mon Ami Gabi at the OakBrook Shopping Center. All are LEYE establishments as Steve suggested. I also think there is a branch of Tuscany across 22nd street from there.

Instead of Olive Garden you could go 1/2 mile west to the Downers Grove location for Carlucci. There is a wide assortment of pastas for $5, with entrees ranging from $8 to $15. In my experience their pasta special on Friday's is the Buccatini ala Matriciana for $8. Friday is also penny wine day. If you order any item other than the $5 pastas you can get a glass of wine for $.01.

Flip

I'm excited to hear positive things about the Bohemian Crystal. We're having a family dinner there in October with a group ranging from age 12 to 80+.

For the OP, would Greek Islands be too exotic?

Greek Islands
300 E. 22nd St.
Lombard, IL
630-932-4545

I've been to the Bohemian Crystal for dinner and another time for a wedding of fairly recent Lithuanian immigrants, the food was very good and appeals to a wide range of ages. My dinner was with my 2 uncles who were in their 70's, one loved the fact he could get beef heart. Expect hearty tasty food! The wedding was interesting because the couple were Seventh Day Adventists and vegetarians, cabbage and potato filled perogies!

Friends of mine in that age group like the Beef N Brandy, on La Grange Road near the intersection of Plaintifeld Road/55th St. in Countryside.

Beef N Brandy Restaurant
5545 S La Grange Rd
Countryside, IL

Too bad you can't come into the city at all, otherwise this is a perfect situation for The Most Flexible Restaurant In Chicago

Best,
Michael

I think they'd be depressed at Hashalom - maybe too much like home . . . worn/older furnishings, other diners using walkers or with caregivers, etc. "Homestyle" cooking it is, but for a meal out . . . I wouldn't take someone that age there (unless they specifically requested it).

Bill wrote:I think they'd be depressed at Hashalom - maybe too much like home . . . worn/older furnishings, other diners using walkers or with caregivers, etc. "Homestyle" cooking it is, but for a meal out . . . I wouldn't take someone that age there (unless they specifically requested it).

I take octo- and nono-generians there regularly (not by request) and they really, really love it.

And during my last two meals there, there wasn't a walker or caregiver in sight. Just an eclectic crowd of young people (utilizing the BYO), Israeli ex-pats, and neighborhood guys.

YMMV

The same could be said for Bohemian Crystal. I'd say it's nice. I can almost guarantee they won't be the oldest people in the room.

I also forgot to mention, they mix a perfect Old-Fashioned there. Not too sweet. And the drinks are all about $4. (It makes the family dinners less painful.)

kafein wrote:I also forgot to mention, they mix a perfect Old-Fashioned there. Not too sweet. And the drinks are all about $4. (It makes the family dinners less painful.)

This family dinner is getting more appealing by the minute! This might be enough incentive to drag Mr. X along with me.

I took my in-laws there well into their 90's. Czech Beer...Good bread pork/pork roast combo. The mother inlaw always got duck. The little kids liked it. Then stop at Katy's for carry out