Pappa Al Pomodoro
Anteprima

Anteprima

5316 N. Clark St., Chicago 60640, 60640-2290, United States

Beer • Salad • Cheese • Drinks


"Starters: Wood grilled octopus was amazing. I would 100% come back just for this appetizer. Wife and I were indecisive on whether to get the spicy mussels or the octopus, and the server recommended the octopus. She was absolutely correct! Perfect amount of char and seasoning. Pasta: We decided to do half portions of the smoked and sweet corn ravioli and the bolognese. This is where I get somewhat annoyed about the food. The raviolia was very good. You get a nice balance between the smoked ricotta and sweetness from the corn. HOWEVER the portion size was tiny, especially for $15. 5 individual ravioli. That's $3 per ravioli!! It was smaller than the appetizer. The bolognese was only okay. Lacked depth but the pappardelle was cooked nicely. Main: We both got lamb chops and this is where the disappointment continues. Wife's lamb chops were cooked as requested, medium rare. I asked for the same, but mine were delivered well done. I noted this to the server, she profusely apologized and sent in a request for a new dish to be brought out. It came in only a few minutes. I will admit the service was 5/5. There were multiple times where the server and front of house would swing by and apologize. I really appreciated the attention to detail and service. The lamb chops overall were only okay. Common with the pasta, it was just a small portion, especially for a main dish. The char was a little bit too much, even when cooked to the correct temp. Dolce: This is where the service continues to impress. We ordered the tiramisu and to our surprise a tiramisu and pana cotta were brought out. The FOH kindly comped desert and gave us an extra, the pana cotta. The pana cotta was absolutely amazing. It was on the same level as the octopus. The tiramisu was a little disappointing. It was quite soggy at the bottom, moreso than a regular tiramisu should be. There was standing liquid. I would not get this again. Overall: The service definitely is the saving grace of our experience. While the food overall was okay, the octopus and pana cotta were amazing. I would come back here but wouldn't go out of my way. Wife and I traveled all the way from the loop area and probably wouldn't make the trip again, but if we ever find ourselves in Andersonville again, we'll drop by."

Pepolino

Pepolino

281 W Broadway, 10013, New York, United States

Pizza • Fusion • Tuscan • Italian


"Most of our group chose the Insalata Mista con Pachino e Scaglie di Parmigiano. Dan Cole selected the Antipasto Toscano, which included an assortment of Italian cold cuts, bruschette, cheeses, and olives. I opted for the Insalata Dei Medici, a refreshing mix of cubed beets, carrots, zucchini, and potatoes dressed with basil and balsamic. For the main course, we had a wide variety of choices. Annette ordered the Branzino al Forno, featuring imported sea bass with oven-roasted vegetables. Dan went for the Polpettini Di Vitella E Ricotta, which consisted of veal and ricotta meatballs in a tomato and basil coulis. Cole enjoyed the Petto Di Pollo ai Porcini con Fontina, chicken breast sautéed with porcini mushrooms and Fontina cheese. Arlee chose the Pappardelle al Pepolino, which came with a tomato sauce and fresh thyme. I selected the Cinghiale, homemade pappardelle served with a wild boar ragout. Everyone was ecstatically pleased with their main dishes. For dessert, we had three options: Torta Ricotta (ricotta cheesecake), Torta Di Cioccolato Amaro (bittersweet chocolate cake), and Panna Cotta Toscana con Salsa Di Fragole (Tuscan panna cotta with fresh strawberry sauce). Everyone except for me chose the bittersweet chocolate cake, while I opted for the panna cotta with strawberry sauce. It was so delicious that everyone wanted a taste, leaving me with very little! I did manage to sample a bite of the chocolate cake, which was quite rich. The trip to Tribeca was definitely worth it, and I wholeheartedly recommend Pepolino Ristorante, which boasts two floors of indoor dining as well as outdoor sidewalk seating."

Gioia E Pastificio

Gioia E Pastificio

1133 W Randolph St, 60607, Chicago, United States

Pasta • Coffee • Cheese • Italian


"A Gastronomic Delight at Gioia Chicago – A Harmonious Fusion of FlavorsRecently, I had the distinct pleasure of dining at Gioia, an unassuming culinary gem nestled in the heart of Chicago. From the inviting ambiance to the impeccable service, Gioia provided an extraordinary dining experience that left an enduring impression on my gastronomic journey.Commencing with the culinary focal point – the food, Gioia's menu encompasses a tantalizing array of Italian dishes, meticulously crafted with precision and care. Livio's, an entrancing seafood dish, served as a prelude to the evening, highlighting the establishment's unwavering commitment to ingredient freshness and culinary finesse. The Carciofi, an artful artichoke creation, and the impeccably crispy Fritto further exemplified Gioia's dedication to culinary excellence.The Polenta at Gioia transcended expectations, offering a luxuriously textured and rich palate that flawlessly complemented the robust flavors. The Cacio e Pepe, a seemingly simple yet sophisticated dish, captured the quintessence of classic Italian cuisine. The Milanese, boasting a perfectly breaded and fried exterior, was a manifestation of Gioia's culinary prowess.Transitioning to the realm of desserts, the Crème brûlée and Tiramisu emerged as sublime delicacies, each spoonful unveiling layers of decadence and sweetness. These desserts are unequivocally a requisite for those with an affinity for the saccharine.To accompany the epicurean journey, Gioia offers an artfully curated selection of beverages designed to harmonize with the flavors of the dishes. The 520 Insoglio del Cinghiale, a red wine boasting robust and velvety notes, heightened the dining experience. The Monte Negroni and Black Magic cocktails, meticulously crafted for a harmonious balance of flavors, provided a delightful accompaniment. For aficionados of caffeinated indulgence, the Espresso Martini and Jungle Cat served as a fitting denouement to the culinary symphony.The solicitous and erudite staff at Gioia contributed to the overall enchantment of the evening. Their insightful recommendations and gracious hospitality cultivated an ambiance that was simultaneously welcoming and refined.In summation, Gioia Chicago stands as a gastronomic sanctuary that captivates the senses. From the tantalizing Livio's to the celestial Tiramisu, each dish narrates a tale of culinary ardor and proficiency. The thoughtfully curated beverage selection serves as an apt complement, rendering the dining experience memorable. For those seeking an authentic slice of Italy amidst the urban bustle of Chicago, Gioia emerges as the epitome of culinary excellence."

Sfixio

Sfixio

9737 S Santa Monica Blvd.CA 90210, Beverly Hills, United States

Soup • Wine • Pasta • Cheese


"Went for Valentine's Day Dinner. per person Pre Fixe menu, which we weren't made aware of when booking. That's ok. It's Beverly Hills and Sfixio has a ton of star reviews. It was not ok though. I'm in the hospitality industry and I've been lucky enough to dine all over the world from Michelin Star tasting menus to street food and everything in between! The food at Sfixio was not world class and was not value for money....sadly Our waitress was lovely, the venue itself is pleasant enough too We made our choices, burrata and tuna tartare to start. The burrata's accompaniments were bland...we've had much better. Tuna tartare was mushy. Pasta course... Molecular Black Truffle Pasta and the Porchini Mushroom pasta. My truffle pasta was unappealing to the eye. Looked like caviar stirred through creamy angel hair pasta. It was stodgy, clumpy and had exactly nothing to do with molecular anything. Porchini pasta was ok. Mains...rib eye and the lamb. Both the meats were good and cooked well. The brussel sprouts with the lamb were terrible and my partner didn't eat the veg that came with the steak Dessert...mascarpone cheese in a martini glass with raspberries and profiteroles, sold as cream puffs Edible, but uninteresting We had two glasses of champagne and I had a glass of Pinot Noir. Total bill for the two of us gratuity I have NO problem spending big on dining out. Especially on special occasions. I do however have a big problem with venues that charge like this and woefully under deliver against the promise of such pricing Value for money means different things to different people. One man's floor is another man's ceiling. I get it, but I truly feel ripped off the other night I've read so many glowing reviews that it makes writing this all the more sad. I have nothing but love and affinity for those grafting away in the hospitality business, as I have for many years. Avoid pre fixe nights here."