Pizza done right at Antioch's new 1200 Embers
As Antioch mourns the loss of Grande Letty's to a less convenient location further south on Route 83, the community can rest easy because of the new restaurant that took its place.
1200 Embers specializes in wood-fired pizzas, and the inside of the restaurant has been renovated to include a large pizza oven in the kitchen. Also on the menu are steaks, seafood, chicken, pork, pasta, burgers, ribs and mixed grilled items.
The restaurant has a limited bar with flights, beers on tap, mixed drinks and wine. We didn't see a drink list anywhere, so make sure to ask if you want something.
1200 Embers doesn't take reservations for parties with less than six people, and staff will erroneously tell you there won't be a wait. Keep that in mind when you decide what time to go - we tried to go at 7 p.m. on a Friday and there was an hour and a half wait; the next day we got in early but saw a lengthy wait form while we were eating.
For an appetizer, we had the grill mix: a platter of chicken, pork and beef skewers; three savory bruschettas (pork, chicken and beef again); one tomato and queso fresco bruschetta; and crispy onion straws. We enjoyed the appetizer, truly - everything was cooked and seasoned well - but we were a bit confused with the savory bruschettas. All the meat tasted like grilled tuna, and it all tasted exactly the same. Again, not bad, just curious. The skewers tasted like their respective meats and were seasoned well, as were the crispy onion straws; look out for a kick of spice on those.
Our entrees were the specialty, wood-fired pizzas. We ordered the rustic cut (tomato basil sauce, mozzarella, shredded beef, roasted garlic, peppers, onions and queso fresco) and barbecue roasted (barbecue tomato basil sauce, cheddar, roasted chicken, red onions, bacon and queso fresco), with a mushroom skillet on the side. Both pizzas were phenomenal - full of flavor with fresh ingredients and robust sauces. The crusts were thin and crispy; we could easily pick up each piece without worrying about limp middles, which often happens at wood-fired places. To be perfectly honest, 1200 Embers has the most unique pizza in Antioch, especially if you're looking for tastes a little off the beaten palate.
Our mushroom skillet was equally as good - large, fresh button mushrooms in a white wine, sun-dried tomato, garlic-butter sauce. They're meant to be ordered with steaks, but get them regardless.
For dessert, a Midwest favorite: the apple crisp. It came in a sundae glass with vanilla ice cream, apples, whipped cream, and chocolate and caramel sauce tucked into a crispy cinnamon sugar flour tortilla. We didn't physically see them make the whipped cream, but it sure tasted homemade, with that delicate smoothness the canned stuff just can't replicate. The apples and tortilla were cinnamon heaven. The only request I'd make is for a little more ice cream - what we had melted right away.
<i>Restaurant reviews are based on one anonymous visit. The Daily Herald does not publish reviews of restaurants it cannot recommend.</i>
1200 Embers
1200 Main St., Antioch, (847) 603-2300,
Cuisine: American
Setting: Casual
Entrees: $9-$34
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday