New Italian restaurant coming to Crystal Lake promises ‘the real deal’
Lake in the Hills resident Dominic Florio is ready to step out of retirement and make his mark on the Crystal Lake restaurant scene at age 73. “I decided one more time. I can only play so much golf, and I love the business,” he said. He is opening a fine-dining Italian restaurant off Randall Road called Florio’s Italian. The restaurant, at 1540 Car...
First Look: Oliva, an Italian-Themed Steakhouse, Opening 'Any Day' in the Warehouse District
Lola Jacaj, formerly Sema, is days away from opening her third restaurant, Oliva. The new Warehouse District eatery joins its immediate neighbor Acqua di Dea (formerly Acqua di Luca) and Casa La Luna (formerly Luca Italian Cuisine). Following a split with chef-partner Luca Sema, the names of the restaurants were changed.Oliva (408 W. St. Clair Ave....
Tre on Main: Setting the Stage for a New Era of Italian Cuisine and Ambiance
New to Carmel’s culinary scene, Evans and his staff are celebrating the grand opening of Tre, located at 10 E. Main Street, Carmel, IN. This vibrant eatery marks the third venture from Evans and is the crowning jewel in Evans’ culinary portfolio, boasting a spacious 4,800-square-foot layout with seating for 120 indoors and 50 outdoors, including a...
A delicious way to explore Italian heritage
As far as I know, I don’t have one bit of Italian heritage, but after my experience last weekend I am prepared to be adopted by someone who does. My husband, Mike, and I had the pleasure of attending the Italian Cooking School offered at the Sons and Daughters of Italy lodge in Bellaire on April 8. We had both visited the club on its pasta nights i...
Inventive Italian is the hallmark at L'Incontro, which opens this week
Following a private soft opening this past weekend, L’Incontro Italian Bar & Cafe will officially open its doors to the public at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17 at 2315 N. Murray Ave. Located less than two blocks from the Oriental Theatre, the restaurant is a natural pick for evening dining during the remainder of the Milwaukee Film Festival. The re...
Italian elegance off the beaten path
I had a hankering for Italian for my latest food adventure and this new hot spot in central Madison County was the perfect cure for my cravings. It’s a little off the beaten path in town, located on a side street near a residential area. The seclusion is part of the mystique and attraction. There is parking on either side of the building, but the n...
Mount Granita Italian Ice Opens for Summer in Little Italy on May 1
Last summer, Mount Granita Italian Ice upped its game when it traded in its seasonal sidewalk cart for a tidy storefront in Little Italy. Located near the intersection of Mayfield and Murray Hill, the shop (2024 Murray Hill Rd.) will open for the season on Wednesday, May 1st.As always, owner Christopher Giancola will kick off summer with the popula...
You Gotta Eat: It’s worth the drive to Mona’s in Toluca for great Italian food
For more than 90-years, this restaurant has drawn people across the region looking for good Italian food and an old school family atmosphere. Local standup comedian Edgar Sandoval and photojournalist Andrew Best take us this week to Mona’s in Toluca, considered one of America’s best restaurants. It’s a throwback to a simpler time. Located 45 minute...
Rome’s Fabled Bonci Pizza Will Soon Open a New Chicago Location in Lakeview
The third Chicago location of Bonci, the fabled Italian pizzeria from Rome, should open later this month in Lakeview at 3151 N. Broadway. Bonci features pizza al taglio, rectangular slices that are sold deli style — by its weight. Named after founder Gabrielle Bonci, the pizzeria features a light and airy crust topped with artisan ingredients. Thur...
Rock ‘N Ravioli to host History Rocks fundraiser in St. Charles
Onesti Entertainment will host a “History Rocks” fundraiser for the St. Charles History Museum on May 1 in the Rock ‘N Ravioli restaurant, with food, raffles and live music. The event will run from 6 to 9 p.m. in the restaurant at 105 E. Main St., and will feature an “Italian Feast Buffet” with Onesti’s famous meatballs and live music after dinner...
Capri di Nuovo’s Italian Comfort Food
When you’re planning to dine out but aren’t up for challenging “new” food, or trying to find Downtown parking, go where you know comfort food and the neighborhood family vibe are king—go to Capri di Nuovo in West Allis. This much beloved Italian restaurant, which was operated as simply “Capri” under the previous owners, has maintained much of its f...
Cozy culinary comfort at Maisano's Little Italian Kitchen; check out our choices
It's rare to have a dining experience that's so enjoyable you feel as though you're at a close friend's home. That's exactly how my friend Nicole and I felt during our recent dinner at Maisano’s Little Italian Kitchen, at 7831 Cleveland Ave. NW. Before the grand opening of Maisano’s, I had a lengthy conversation with Therese Maisano Schneider, who...