Sprezzatura Aperitivo series at Phoenix Cocktail Club means happier Mondays
The folks behind Sprezzatura, the Italian pop-up concept launched last January, have some new treats in store thanks to a year-long residency at the Phoenix Cocktail Club, 785 N. Jefferson St. Beginning on Monday, Feb. 5, Sprezzatura will debut a special menu of modern Italian happy hour fare every Monday evening from 2 to 6 p.m. throughout 2018. T...
Italian immigrants bring wood fire pizza to York Township
From the outside, Wood Fire Italian Grill looks like just another pizza joint, especially in a county loaded with them. But walk inside and the smell emanating from the pizza oven will quickly make you realize that isn’t the case. “The real people who invented pizza did it with wood fire,” Serradella said. “They didn’t do it with gas.” Wood Fire It...
Chef Jenna Arcidiacono, on Being True to Herself, Italian Cooking and Amore
Chef Jenna Arcidiacono is something of a culinary maestra. Her restaurant Amore Trattoria Italiana has been a West Michigan favorite for nearly nine years (and was recently named one of Grand Rapids Magazine’s top 10 restaurants in Grand Rapids in 2017). The only thing she’s known for more than her bright pink hair and electric personality is her f...
Tasting Italian Treasures. Are you an Olive Oil Virgin?
Italian Culinary Expert and Iron Chef America judge Mario Rizzotti will present the first of two lectures, "Tasting Italian Treasures", at the Italian Cultural Institute. During this special presentation dedicated to olive oil, Mario Rizzotti will guide us through the secrets of EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil) that not too many will tell you. Join us...
'Streeterville Pizzeria & Tap' Opens Its Doors
A new spot to score pizza and more has opened for business in the neighborhood. The fresh arrival to Streeterville, called Streeterville Pizzeria & Tap, is located at 355 E. Ohio St. (between Fairbanks Ct. & McClurg Ct.).This new pizzeria takes over the space once occupied by Urban Crosta--which closed after just three months in operation--and spec...
Neapolitan Pizza Shop Now Open In Hyde Park
Hyde Park now has an option for Neapolitan pizza. Nella Pizza e Pasta opened recently at a space at 1125 E. 55th St. and is open seven days a week. It's the creation of Nella Grassano, who recently closed her pizza shop in Lincoln Park and has now reopened at the University of Chicago space. Grassano has expanded the menu from her Lincoln Park day...
Cara Mangini, owner and executive chef of Little Eater
She’s the founder of a food startup that got its big break in the North Market. The author of an award-winning cookbook. The creator of a brand with a clear point of view and aesthetic. And she possesses a world-beating confidence in her vision and her team. Sound familiar? With apologies to Jeni Britton Bauer, we’re actually describing Cara Mangin...
Bonci Pizza Confirms its Second Chicago Location
It’s official: world-famous Italian pizzeria Bonci will open a second restaurant in Chicago. Popular due to the eclectic topping combinations from founder/chef Gabriele Bonci, the owners of Bonci’s American division plan to open this spring at 1566 N. Damen Avenue, the former home of Dox Quality Greek. Eater Chicago previously reported that Bonci...
Italian wine bar opening in Lakeview, plus other restaurant news
After working in New York wine bars for the last 20 years, Lauras Grigaliulas decided that he wanted to bring a cozy neighborhood wine bar to Chicago, and thus, Lago Wine Bar was born. The rustic Italian restaurant in Lakeview features “cicchetti,” or Venetian tapas, small-plate dining meant to be enjoyed with a glass of Italian wine. “We have smal...
Gibsons Italia Arrives in Chicago’s West Loop
Locally based firm Zimmeramn Weintraub Associates (ZWA) has completed work on Chicago’s newest steakhouse concept, Gibsons Italia. Located in the West Loop, the modern Italian steakhouse spans three levels. ZWA led a design team that included local practice Antunovich Associates and Deerfield, Illinois-based Knauer. The Milan-inspired eatery is ado...
Molto Bene Does Very Well With Authenic Italian Flavors
The cozy Lakewood restaurant offers pizzas, pastas and house-made gelato. You don’t need to be a master of the English language to understand how Americans like to eat. For Gonzalo Egozcue, the Uruguay-born owner of Molto Bene in Lakewood, all it takes is an appreciation for good food, good people and a good attitude. “I have to think in Spanish a...
Italian happy-hour pop-up at Phoenix Cocktail Club
Aperitivo, an Italian-style happy hour of snacks, wine and cocktails, will pop up at Phoenix Cocktail Club downtown on Mondays starting Feb. 5. Sprezzatura, which last year organized Italian dinner pop-ups, will take over Phoenix, 785 N. Jefferson St., from 2 to 6 p.m. Mondays to operate Aperitivo.