Cheap Date: Babaluci

Hungry Z, NBC5 Street Team

Let’s face it, dating is tough. First dates are even tougher. When it comes to dinner you don’t wanna look cheap, but at the same time you don’t want to spend a lot of cash on someone you might not be all that into. What you need is a family owned restaurant that’s under the radar but offers quality food at the right price. One such place is “Babaluci” located at 1001 W. Golf in Hoffman Estates.

Step inside and your “date vibe” is evident. Dim lighting and small cozy tables give the dining room a warm and inviting feel. Service is designed to let you relax, enjoy your meal, and carry a conversation without ever feeling that you’re lingering a little too long. The staff acts like they know right from the start and are very willing to share their opinions on both food and life in general.

None of this would matter if the food wasn’t any good. Truth is, the food is very good. To start they have an excellent bruscetta that is loaded with garlic and balsamic or start with the panzanella salad that’s loaded with Parmesan and pepporcinni’s. For entres, they also have top notch chicken/veal vesuvio and marsala. Both are swimming in a pool of wine and served with fresh veggies. For dessert go for the cannoli’s or my favorite, the pistacio tartafo. It’s loaded with fresh whipped cream and more pistacio’s than you know what to do with.

How’s the value? Dinner for two should run about $60 with tip. That’s a bargain for a date nowadays! But what if you didn’t dig your date? Don’t sweat it, at least you got a great meal and a few bucks left in your pocket.

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