"About Last Night..." Gia says "I know this great little Italian place"

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Probably NOT the best time to wear my shredded boyfriend jeans and rocker sandals, as Riccardo Trattoria is a very mature, sophisticated place.  No worries, I strolled in like I owned the place and found that I was greeted as if I 
was family and treated as such the entire time.  An almost "drive by" location on North Clark, this delicious retreat is a comfortable place to go, relax, have a good meal, and have an intelligent conversation unencumbered by pulsing music, or loud buzzing conversations; which is exactly what I did.   A robust glass of Cabernet to start the evening and a moment to breathe, relax and enjoy the local crowd.  You get the sense that people stroll by and decide to come here for dinner, because it's almost like being in your own home, ya know, plus or minus thirty other people.  Keep in mind with all this subdued, elegance, that if conversation is not your thing, you might want to skip the date and bring a paper...could be just as nice an evening. There's no random conversations to lose yourself in...this is all one on one.

Named after Chef Riccardo, the acclaim, as boasted all over the advertised entry, was very authentic Italian with a menu that had such variety it was almost impossible to choose.  Given the crisp August air a warm bowl of Pasta e Fagioli seemed appropriate.  The cannellini beans and pasta were almost blended into a creamy, slightly spicy texture...molto buono.  We chose the traditional entree of Fettuccine Bolognese and the Pappardelle "Florentine", with diced beef tender ragout/porcini/Chianti sauce.   Both dishes were outstanding.  The Florentine was less familiar and took some getting used to with the finely shredded beef and Chianti sauce.    A delicious meal followed by what can only be tradition...an espresso (or in my case a triple, just to keep the tank full), and a variety of sorbets.  

It's amazing what you can learn about someone when you actually have a conversation!  I can't lie to you friends...I WAS tempted to do a little "under the table" texting...but I was good girl.

In this photo:  Gia Claire, Professional Bloggess

Riccardo Trattoria is located at 2119 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 773.549.0038

Labels: Chicago dating and dining, fine chicago dining, italian cuisine

"The Balcony" Opens in Hinsdale

Some business people have the ingredients for success. They find something that works and try to duplicate it. Restaurateur Jerry Kleiner is a perfect example of opening several restaurants very similar in style and experiencing a level of success. His restaurants include Red Light, Carnival, Giocco, Marche and most recently 33 Club. Those venues are located in the city, but Kleiner has ventured out to Hinsdale to open Il Poggiolo and is making his mark in the burbs.

Il Poggiolo is located on the site of Hinsdale's first silent movie theater and means "The Balcony". The interior is typcial "Kleineresque", rich in colors including vibrant red upholstery. The atmosphere is warm, classy, casual and elegant. Big picture windows allow for a nice view of the outside. Like a lot Kleiner restaurants the food is solid. Nothing will really blow you away here, but dishes are nice, savory, and satisfying. Favorites to consider are the Arancini (rice balls filled with mushrooms and taleggio) and the Pesce Spada con Caponata (sword fish, vegetables, raisins, pine nuts, capers). The Lamb Shank special was good, but could have been a little more tender and their Risotto del Giorno with corn, leaks and mushrooms met, but didn't exceed expectations. The Pan Roasted Halibut and Pan Roasted Seabass rounded out other solid dishes. The Fig Tart dessert was something special and comes highly recommended by yours truly.

Il Poggiolo is a nice addition to downtown Hinsdale and should continue to provide Kleiner with a string of successful hot spots. The vibe and location could make it a fan favorite for the locals. Il Poggiolo is located at 8 East First Street in the historic Harold R Zook building. Log onto www.ilpoggiolohinsdale.com for more information. Check out Fete Select TV for more reviews on the newest and best restaurants in Chicago.

Labels: chicago dining, chicago restaurants, dc crenshaw, efete.net, fete select tv, hinsdale, il poggiolo, italian cuisine, jerry kleiner, suburbs

"About Last Night..." Gia Gets Served

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

OH. MY. GOD.  (to steel a quote from my twelve year old niece). I had the most amazing experience at Cibo Matto at the WIT Hotel.  John Schadl (shown in pic) knows how to treat a lady, and anyone else looking for something to write home about.  Open for only weeks the beautiful fresco on the ceiling was barely dry.  When you walk in you are greeted by a line of wait staff all dressed like soldiers in white waiting to serve.  I fumbled with my chair and within seconds I was assisted by one of these friendly gentleman.  The lights were mellow and romantic with soft jazz playing low enough to tap your foot AND have a conversation.   When you look up at the painting by local artist Todd Murphy you are intrigued by the feeling of spring with cherry blossoms and beautiful people floating around.  It's refreshing and light.

    

When Chef Todd Stein came to present the Contemporary Italian menu it was full of unique, seasonal choices with starters we chose, such as Crudo di Hamachi which had great texture and flavor, and fried zucchini blossoms stuffed with whipped ricotta.  It was like eating flavored air - so delicious.  For the Primi course I chose the Corzetti, pasta coins, sweet corn, oyster mushrooms and charred red onion, which was a wonderful blend of smoky and sweet.  For the Secondi (main course) I opted for the Halibut.  This Halibut was grilled to absolute perfection. If I could make it like this at home I would probably never eat out again.  The flavor was smoky and the texture was hearty yet flaky.  This was the kind of meal you could eat three or four courses and not feel overwhelmed when you leave (or maybe that's just me).  When our server Brent recited the desert menu there was ONE thing I couldn't resist.  It was a salted carmel ice cream.  Are you kidding me?  I was almost licking the bowl like a two year old. OUTSTANDING!

One last...and very important thing.  If I was standing next to you I would have you lean in and I would whisper this...when you dine at this fabulous establishment you will receive, from John, a teeny tiny yellow ticket which gets you VIP access to the roof top at the WIT.  But shhhhhh...you didn't hear it from me.  And P.S. the roof top is ALL THAT - a must have experience.

Arrivederci! 

Shown in photo:  John Schadl, GM at Cibo Matto, and Gia Claire, Professional Bloggess

Cibo Matto is located at 201 North State Street (at the WIT Hotel) 312.239.9500

Labels: dating and dining in chicago, fine chicago dining, italian cuisine