Tucked into a tiny hole-in-the-wall on Walton (one block south of tony Oak Street) is a little respite from the Chicago wind. I first walked through the doors of Pane Caldo a few years ago on the arm of a friend (shout out Starmann!!) who has shown me some of the finer things that this city has to offer. Pane Caldo is a bowling alley-shaped restaurant (there is only one really private table and it is on a pedestal in the front window...watch and be watched, so wear your nicest shoes) serving delicious Italian fare using the most simple, beautiful ingredients.
For me, Italian food has to be pretty special to be memorable (like the best lasagna I've ever eaten in Little Italy in Cleveland, of all places, but that's a different blog). Not only is the food great at this place, but the service is terrific too. The first time I was there, the sommelier offered us tastings of a few different wines, and brought us a taste of mostaco d'asti (a very sweet Italian sparkling wine...which as many of you know has been my favorite way to finish a meal) with dessert. Jackie loves free crap. Maybe this place bought its way into my heart with gratis liquor. Wouldn't be the first time.
I've been back many times since, most recently with my fab mom, who has an impeccable palate. Sadly, she tried something pretty inventive on the menu, and hated it. Again, to the credit of the staff, they noticed that she wasn't touching her entree (some weird pumpkin ravioli with veal or something) and brought her the lightest gnocchi in America as a replacement.
For a lingering dinner, check this place out. Just don't ask for the table in the window...I've already reserved it...
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This is your Fab Mom, HI!
ReplyDeleteSo very true, those ravioli were unchewable, which surprised me after the HIGH intro you gave me of the restaurant.......but, they made up for the unforgivable mistake and served me the most Fantastic gnocci I have had in many a year.
Thank you for the invite! By the way, I just bought a new pair of shoes, so I am ready for the window! I love you, Mom
Wow that is an impressive list of tables, well done. It sounds like heaven to have all these really good food choices in one local. I loved the Rick Bayless review, I am anxious to hear about his other venues. Do you have any plans to hit the authentic ethnic places in the neighborhoods.
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