From our Romantic Dining For Valentine’s Day Special Section In
The February 2022 Issue of Fox Valley Magazine
Are you looking for a unique spot to celebrate a special occasion or a romantic getaway to with that special someone? Look no further – your unforgettable evening awaits at Balmoral Restaurant in Chicago’s far west suburb of Campton Hills.
Balmoral Restaurant is the vision of Colin Smith, a restaurateur from the Old Country, born in Perthshire, Scotland. Smith chef’d at hotels and restaurants for many years in Scotland and England before focusing his attention on acquiring underachieving restaurants and pubs, which he then revitalized and “turned around.” Now, with Balmoral Restaurant, Smith has created a special gem with just the right atmosphere to relax and enjoy your special night out.
Although Valentine’s Day is a holiday dedicated to romance, the scene and setting of Balmoral is romantic at any time. The experience starts as you’re given a luxurious red carpet greeting at the entrance, inviting you into the lush and dark Scottish wood tones inside. Created to celebrate Scotland’s famous castle of the same name, the incomparable splendor of royal surrounds is present in the deep-set coffered ceiling that hides recessed lighting, designed to light your table elegantly and exclusively, for just the right mood. Scottish designs envelop you, from the tartan carpet, to wrought iron fixtures, to the swords and shields of lore, to wall murals that evoke the placid Scottish countryside.
The elegance and tradition does not stop there, as you are welcomed by an attentive staff, ready to guide you to your table. And what a table! Set with Royal Albert Country Rose fine china, gold-plated cutlery, and crystal glasses – it’s an ambience for your romantic getaway unlike any in Chicagoland. No wonder it’s been voted the most romantic restaurant in the Western Suburbs!
The extensive menu of Scottish dishes is another uncommon feature of Balmoral that will make your visit memorable. Smith describes his restaurant as “the only truly authentic Scottish restaurant in America,” since the menu is based on family favorites and other recipes he’s collected from old Scottish cookbooks – fare that has been seasoned and perfected over the years. Many of the recipes come from his childhood, and Smith is proud of recreating them exactly how he remembers them from his youth. You’ll find nearly 40 entrees on the menu – dishes that are carefully crafted to preserve the unique Scottish flavor and tradition of these meals. While the favorites are often the focus, Balmoral also creates special menus that highlight recipes not found on the main menu.
Balmoral’s focus on fresh ingredients and perfectly cooked dishes allows for dynamic special menus for holidays. This year’s Valentine’s Day menu explores flavors that will intrigue your palate, combining Balmoral favorites with new dishes that are only available for Valentine’s Day. With nine flavorful courses in Balmoral’s intimate setting for dining, guests have the opportunity to truly enjoy a relaxing and romantic experience. Here’s a glimpse.
You’ll start off with a dish that ‘s not usually on the menu at Balmoral, North Sea Langoustine Scampi, which Smith describes as “a delectable mini-lobster with a honey lemon butter dip.” The chef follows that up with a warm and hearty cup of Highland Pea and Ham soup, “just like your granny made.” Continuing with traditional Scottish flavors and recipes. the third course is a delicious Farmers Goats Cheese salad, and course four is Scottish Rabbit Pie — a delicacy that is served occasionally as a specialty at Balmoral. Course five is a simple Champagne Sorbet to cleanse your palate for the big flavors ahead.
Scotland is known for its delectable seafood, and Balmoral proves that with the third course, a the Divers Pan Seared Scallops, served with parsnip puree and lemon butter sauce. This dish is also reserved just for special menus at Balmoral. To round out the entrée portion of this amazing menu, the seventh course is a fan favorite at the restaurant — the award-winning Beef Wellington. Having covered the savory, the Balmoral chefs are not forgetting the sweet on Valentine’s Day. The eighth course is a Blood Orange Chocolate Tart with candied blood orange – an absolutely divine dessert that is not offered at any other time. The final course is the ideal complement to a perfect meal and great conversation, a pot of tea or coffee alongside fine chocolates.
The care that is taken for the fare served at Balmoral is applied to beverages and cocktails as well. Balmoral’s award-winning bartenders expertly mix up delicious drinks that are crafted with precision. Their extensive list of liquors, beers and wines give guests plenty of options to add a beverage that will pair nicely with Balmoral’s Grand Scottish Fare. And if Scotch is your choice, you’ll find an incomparable selection of whiskies to choose from.
Since the inception of Balmoral in 2016, it has defined itself as a one-of-a-kind dining experience. With décor that will transport you to the Scotland’s countryside and food that is carefully selected and expertly crafted, Balmoral is unmatched for your special night out in the Fox Valley and Western Suburbs. Visit BalmoralRestaurant.com to learn more about the restaurant’s history, events and menus – then give a call to plan your romantic evening out!
Balmoral Restaurant is located in the Western Suburbs of Chicago, at the intersection of Illinois Route 64 and La Fox Road, in the Campton Square retail development of Campton Hills, Illinois. The restaurant is open daily from 5pm to 10pm, and 2pm-10pm from Sunday through Wednesday. Reservations are available by calling the restaurant at 331-901-5224. More information is available online at BalmoralRestaurant.com.
40W099 Illinois Route 64
Campton Hills IL 60175
balmoralrestaurant.com
1-331-901-5224
