McHenry's Windhill Pancake Parlor to be featured on 'Chicago's Best' TV show

McHenry’s Windhill Pancake Parlor is set to be featured on WGN’s “Chicago’s Best” TV show in June.

TV crews filmed Wednesday morning at the diner known for its unique decor, annual over-the-top Christmas decorations and counterside train service – there are 14 seats at the train counter, where an electric train delivers patrons food, drinks and their check.

The restaurant also hosts a “kids night” every Tuesday. Kids night offerings include a balloon artist, face-painting and free dessert for children.

Windhill, 3307 W. Elm St., has been in operation for 42 years and offers breakfast and American fare, plus a food challenge that piqued the TV show's interest.

“The name of the episode is going to be ‘Outrageous Eats,’” said Windhill owner Jennifer Guasta. “So they are going to attempt the Ironman Challenge.”

Windhill’s Ironman Challenge consists of a 12-egg green pepper and onion omelette with chili, cheese, American fries and two biscuits, Guasta said. The dish is served on a pizza pan and weighs about 8 pounds.

Participants have an hour to finish the dish, but only about 10% of people who try it are successful, Guasta said. About 300 people have tried the challenge.

Winners get the $25 dish for $2.99 and receive a T-shirt and their name on a plaque.

The quickest anyone has completed the challenge was in 14 minutes, Guasta said.

Wednesday’s competitors included McHenry resident Alex Javier – who used to work at the restaurant and said he always wanted to try the challenge – Rick Piscopo of Glen Ellyn and “Chicago’s Best” host Marley Kayden.

All three failed the challenge. Kayden gave up after eating a quarter of the meal in 22 minutes; Javier and Piscopo both ate three-quarters of the meal before time ran out.

“Chicago’s Best” will feature Windhill Pancake Parlor at 10 p.m. June 9.