Chicago-style Chicken Vesuvio is like Mosca's chicken dish
Retirement has given me time to fool around more in the kitchen. As with all experimentations, some efforts are more successful than others. Greek-style romaine wedge salads were OK, but not something I'd make again. However, I'll definitely be making two new no-carb, gluten-free vegetable versions of rice and pasta. The new way I made Chi...
Maciano's pizza and pasta restaurant treats customers like family
There's more to Maciano's than pizza. Since 2003, this casual and contemporary restaurant has treated local diners to fresh and authentic Italian cuisine at its location on South Eola Road in Aurora. "Our crispy thin crust pizza is by far the most popular and people just love it," said manager Sue Paustenbach, "but we represent more of an...
The 10 Best Italian Beef Sandwiches in Chicago You've Probably Never Tried
Ever felt like the more you love something, the easier it is to pick out its faults? Doesn't make you appreciate the good parts any less, but it does get under your skin after awhile. In this case, I speak not of my wonderful wife or my darling daughter (who still hasn't slept through the night), but of the Italian beef—the meatiest and messiest sa...
Italian Craft Brewer Collects 6 Medals at Beer Competition
Emerging craft brewer Tenute Collesi was recently awarded six medals--four gold and two silver--by the highly prestigious Beverage Tasting Institute in Chicago, Illinois, America's oldest international beer competition. The tasting competition took place on May 6 and saw Collesi collect top prizes for its Bionda, Rossa, Nera and Malto beers. Gold...
Eataly hosts Identita Golose, showcasing modern Italian cuisine
by Cristine Struble Chicago has a celebrated culinary scene. While not every person can harness the talent of the city's acclaimed chefs, even the budding culinarian can master a variety of cooking techniques and flavors. Fortunate to have Eatly located in Chicago, food lovers and aspiring chefs can glean inspiration from this Italian mecca. To ce...
Cucina serves artfully crafted Italian cuisine
Cucina, located in the Shops at Woodlake in Kohler, could be Sheboygan County's best kept secret when it comes to Italian cuisine. A couple of months ago I was talking to a friend whom I consider a foodie and asked him what he thought was the best Italian restaurant in our area; his answer was Cucina. I also have had requests from readers to r...
A Sandwich A Day: Spicy Italian at Chop Shop
by Tessa McLean There's no shortage of good Italian sandwiches in Chicago, so if you plan to serve one, it better be good. Now that that public service announcement is out of the way, please go get a Spicy Italian (12" for $12) from Chop Shop in Bucktown. This new butcher/deli/bar/restaurant/event space (seriously) is still gettin...
The only guide to Italian delis you'll ever need
Before there was Eataly, there were Chicago's classic Italian delis, many multigenerational affairs started by immigrants. Many are thriving in city neighborhoods and nearby suburbs. Most are relatively small, with just a few aisles of necessities and imported delicacies, as well as a deli counter offering cured meats, cheeses, sub sandwic...
Janesville's Italian House truly is one of a kind
by Beth Webb On our first house-hunting trip to Janesville, my husband and I were tired, hungry and lost. We stumbled upon a narrow little restaurant on Randall Avenue, and the thought of a comforting Italian meal helped to perk us up. We were rewarded with a great meal that day and for many years thereafter. We still frequent the...
Italian Immersion to be Offered in February
Dr. Anna Clara Ionta will lead participants on a journey to Italy without leaving the comfort of their own metropolitan area. Ionta sees it as "a unique opportunity to dive into the Italian language and culture." Knowledge of the Italian language at the intermediate and advanced level is needed. Games and activities all conducted in Italia...
Letizia's Fiore in Logan Square Closes Cafe and Bakery Component
Fabio Sorano, owner of Letizia's Fiore in Logan Square, wants to open a "pasta college." That's why Sorano shuttered the cafe portion of his restaurant on Tuesday. They're no longer open at 7:30 a.m. and serving breakfast. Sorano and his mother will reconcept the front room into a retail space where they'll sell Letizia's signature pastas for home...
Be a VIP at soon-to-open Italian restaurant
Columbus, Ohio-based chain Piada will open its third Houston-area store at Vintage Park the first week of June. In the meantime, it is offering Houstonians the chance for a sneak peek and a free lunch (or dinner). Sign up for the chance to be a VIP here. Piada specializes in freshly made Italian street fare such as tascas (sandwiches on thin...