With the Chicago rain still in full force, it's not surprising that everyone is off to Italy soon! My parents are taking a cruise in May, and I have several friends that will also be there in a few weeks, exploring it for the very first time. Not only are people visiting, but two of my friends are actually moving from Chicago TO Italy! I can't think of anything more exciting and I'm eager to hear about their every day lives and what adventures they will take.
Last night, my dear friend (and sorority sister) who is moving to Italy and I had a "last supper" at my favorite Mexican restaurant in the city. We discussed how the move from Chicago to Rome (The Eternal City) won't be like any other move ie: from your parent's house to college; from college to a big city; from one apartment to another. You probably can't even compare this to moving from Lincoln Park to Wicker Park, har har. This move will be across the ocean, to a land where English is not the primary language. New customs will be learned in addition to the language, and new friends will be made. Fazoli's pasta and bread sticks will be replaced by authentic rolled pasta with fresh baked bread and straight-from-the-cow grated cheese.
Ars longa, vita brevis is a common saying in Italy. It means "art is long, life is short" and reflects the Italian love of leisure. With no doubt, everyday life will move a lot slower and with more ease in Italy. While the initial feelings of happiness, intimidation, excitement, and homesickness might be overwhelming, these feelings will subside, and the two will be able to treat Italy as it is-their new home. They will form daily rituals that may or may not be similar to those they had in Chicago. They will explore the different cities; towns; and neighboring countries, and will develop habits that one only has in Italy.
Now...for those of us not frequenting Italy in the near future, I've done my best to share with you the best Italian* spots in Chicago. Hopefully, if you just close your eyes, you will at least feel like you're in Italy.
Tocco Wicker Park, Modern feel, additional wine by the glass and $5 wine on Mondays.
Pizza (authentic thin crust) $12-$18 , serves 2-3
Apps $6-$14
Salad $8-$16
Pasta $14-$20
Chicken, Fish, Steak $14-$24
Dessert $4-$8
Sapori Trattoria Lincoln Park, Romantic and boastful. Big (but not huge) portions. Mailing list includes free gift certificates for birthdays and holidays!
Apps $6.95-$9.95
Salad $6.95-$9.95
Pasta/Risotto $18.95-$21.95
Chicken, Fish, Steak $19.95-$30.95
Dessert $5.95-$6.95
Rose Angelis Lincoln Park, Sophisticated and elegant while also family-friendly. Big (but not huge) portions. Large wine and beer list.
Apps $3.50-$8.95
Salad $3.50-$7.95
Pasta $12.95-$17.95
Chicken, Fish, Steak $13.95-$18.95
Dessert $5.95-$6.95
Angelina Ristorante Boystown, Romantic, outdoor seating right by the bus stop. Unlimited mimosas for brunch.
Apps $7-$10
Salad $9-$11
Pasta $15-$20
Chicken, Fish, Steak $16-$21
Dessert $5-$7
Mia Francesca Wrigleyville, Romantic, children's menu included. Open for brunch.
Apps $5-$9
Pizza $9
Salad $5-$9
Pasta $13-$16
Chicken, Fish, Steak $15-$22
*I almost used Italian speak with Antipasti, primi, etc. but all the menus are different.
For my full reviews, click here
"It's not the destination, it's the journey"
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