No dissenting today folks. I need to share a story about a special place in Milan, IL. It’s a small bar/restaurant with an amazing chef and his hard working front of the house staff. No, this isn’t going to be a review. I hate reviews. This is a story about them and my family’s experience visiting their little alcove just South of the Rock River.

Dizzy Horse emerged on our radar via a facebook page regarding restaurants in the Quad Cities IL/IA. My wife and I perused the Dizzy Horse’s menu and facebook site. What we saw impressed us. There was a small list of dishes (evidence of quality over quantity) The prices were affordable. Dizzy Horse isn’t a chain, it’s a small business. We were not prepared for the surprise that awaited us.

We live about 20 minutes away depending on the number of traffic lights and what bridge we can use to get to Dizzy Horse, so we waited for a child free weekend to go give it a try. My wife warned me we might have to wait a considerable amount of time as she had read about lines out of the door and many angry people irritated that they weren’t served immediately, or didn’t get their food within ten minutes… blah, blah, blah… Having worked in the food service industry to pay for my undergraduate degree I was familiar with the people who prefer fast tasteless food… …and buffets… I wanted to give this spot a shot simply because they were doing something way different than the rest of the QC food scene.

We arrived that first time and stood in line for about 20-25 minutes waiting for a table. This time gave me the chance to snoop as I was standing near the server window where Chef Toby delivers his food sculptures. I was surprised to see the prep area of the kitchen empty. This was also where the dishes and amenities are washed. Not a soul went in there unless it was for some supplies. Then I looked in the kitchen where Chef was. It was him, all by himself. No grill assistant. No fry cook. No appetizer preparer. It was him alone. He had five orders on his grill. He was a master of preparation and planning, with no movement out of place or time. As I watched the food delivered in the window for the serving staff to take to their patrons I was blown away by the portions, the colors, the preparation, the appearance, and the delicious smells on every plate. I’d wait two hours for the chance to eat here! This was my thought. There was love on every dish.

A staff of five worked back then, and people were always turned away because they couldn’t turn the tables over fast enough. With all of these patrons and limited cooler space, he ran out of food every once in awhile. Dizzy Horse is a small place. It can seat maybe 20 or 25 tops comfortably. You need to plan for an hour or 90 minutes to order and eat, and if it is a complicated night of ordering you need to be patient about everything. It may take extra time, but they will all take care of you in time. While you wait , one must be prepared for conversation. The patrons at Dizzy Horse talk to one another. They share in the joy of the Chef Toby dining experience. Everyone raves about the food, and the leftovers you can eat for two days afterwards. There is a passion here for food and people. The loyal regulars are now known as Dizzies. I consider myself one of those Dizzies, self appointed of course… lol…

That first meal was a dream. I hadn’t had lamb chops in ages. They were always priced like lobster at other restaurants. I received three chops for less than $20 with french fries and coleslaw. The sauce for the chops was to die for and the coleslaw was in my opinion worthy of being a meal at a picnic by itself. My wife got his brisket and it literally melted in your mouth.

We have now been back multiple times… I have lost track how many. The only meal I have repeated is his meatloaf grilled cheese sandwich with tomato basil soup. We have tried many different entrees. Some have Asian flare, others are homegrown American comfort food, or of Latin or European influence. We haven’t had a bad meal. My youngest son would eat here everyday if he could. His favorite dish is the Drunken Noodles. It comes in a bowl that looks like it holds a half gallon of broth. We always bring home leftovers. The portions are gargantuan. It is a food paradise in a humble unassuming place.

I love to eat, and when it is something I love I can eat a lot. Yes, I make a pig of myself. Gluttony is my favorite sin, so to speak. I am on a quest to find the best burrito in the land and the best burger in the land. I’ve had some amazing burritos from a mom and pop Mexican restaurant in Columbus Junction, IA. Up until today that was the best burrito… Then I ate Chef Toby’s Big Azz Dizzy Burrito. Columbus Junction is now in second place…

This burrito has pork al pastor, roasted poblano, caramelized onion, rice, melted fiesta cheese, cilantro lime cream, and fresh salsa and queso for dunking. It weighed about 4 lbs. The base of the burrito filled my hand. Just slightly larger around than a baseball. Every delicious bite was different. The Poblano was a beautiful texture and flavor to complement the pork’s saltiness and the sweetness of the caramelized onion. The salsa and queso together layered on top of the burrito (once it fell apart about 1/2 way through) was a party on the taste buds. I can’t believe I finished this monster… I just touched a few fries with queso. I brought those home. This literally was a joy to eat, start to finish, even though my stomach feels a bit like a packed suitcase an hour later. I’ve never partaken in a food challenge. It’s foolish… Chef Toby’s food turns the full meter off in my head and I just keep going and going and going… like an energizer bunny. It’s that good!!!!

My wife got the Chicken Parm Sando this evening.

Italian bread crumb crispy chicken, house marinara, melted whole milk mozzarella, and parmesan-romano fresh basil on top. We also ordered a crab rangoon appetizer.

We really appreciate the work, care, and passion Chef Toby and his staff put into their work. We enjoy meeting other Dizzies and gushing about the food. This is the only place we have had the opportunity to talk with other patrons about the shared joy of a meal created by this family of restauranteurs. This family takes great joy in providing meal experiences for their Dizzy family.

Before you ask, Yes we have walked away a couple of times due to the long wait times. Did it ever discourage us? No. We knew our turn would be another night. The nights we walked away were someone else’s turn to enjoy Dizzy Horse. We Dizzies understand this, and we have learned to share our family experience with others… were we a little disappointed… maybe, but that makes each experience special. It’s why we keep going back to see the crew and enjoy the ever changing food art Chef Toby creates.

My story of Dizzy Horse is not over… there will no doubt be more chapters in the future. These other chapters may be someone else’s story. Maybe I could do a Chef Toby chapter, and be his ghost writer. What I do know is that Chef Toby has created something special. It is the most unique little bar that I have ever been to!!! They serve big meals of love with a side of Dizzy Juice if you drink. If you go, tell them Mark sent you. Don’t forget to bring your patient cap, and tip generously. Art can’t be rushed…