Paulie Gee's to open pizza shop in Logan Square
by Louisa Chu The critically acclaimed and fan favorite pizzeria Paulie Gee's in New York just announced the location of its long-awaited Chicago shop, in Logan Square at 2451 N. Milwaukee Ave., near Logan Boulevard. Before you raise your pizza rivalry pitchforks, these are not New York-style pies. Owner, pizza maker and namesake Paul Gia...
Earlville's 'Little Italy' — Francesca's, for love of family and food
by Angela Accomando Have you ever stumbled upon a really great restaurant a little off the "beaten path?" Francesca's Italian Family Restaurant in Earlville is just that kind of hidden gem. With your first step inside, you are immediately transported from a small, farming community to a Sicilian trattoria. Photos and artwork...
Classic Italian flavor served to order
by Jennifer L. Manfrin The Italian BMT combines salami, ham and pepperoni complete with customers' favorite toppings. The classic combination has made it a top-seller for years, and it was one of the first sub sandwiches offered at Subway, said manager Gina Shearn. "People like that Italian meat combo. It's really great topped with Italian dr...
Culinary student finds Italian family ties help with studies
The future looks delicious for Naperville resident Joseph Cuzzone. He earned an associates degree in culinary arts at College of DuPage and will soon complete his bachelor's degree in nutrition at Benedictine University. "I love everything about food and nutrition," said Cuzzone, 22. He comes from a family filled with bountiful cooks...
The Eataly Chicago Guide
Walking through Eataly, New York City's 50,000-square-foot homage to all things delizioso, is like dying and going to Italian foodie heaven. You pass by cases groaning with formaggio, salumi, pasta, biscotti, cannoli, and gelati. You weave through crowded stalls selling wines, olive oils, aged balsamic vine- gars, spices, and even cookbook...
Raise the Bar: Angelina’s Italian Bistro has a robust selection of wines
This hot spot is located in the old Madison Theatre building, right across the street from the Detroit Opera House. While it's known for its hearty Italian fare (much of which can be served gluten-free!) it also has a stocked bar with ample seating, perfect to grab a drink before or after a show. While it is perhaps geared more toward the...
St. Celestine dishes up pasta for Lenten dinner
Lots of hungry people showed up at St. Celestine Catholic Church recently to get a good meal at the second of three Lenten dinner fundraisers there. On March 6 in the church school's gym, parishioners and supporters paid $10 for a meal with three entrees, a salad bar and dessert. Raffle tickets were also sold for various prizes, including a flat-sc...
Bringing some Italy to Crawfordsville
By Leeann Doerflein Chef Yusmin Puche Gottardo is bringing her authentic Italian cooking that has grown popular at farmers markets in Crawfordsville and Lafayette to a storefront at 127 E. Main Street. Gottardo and her husband, Valentino, are bringing Crawfordsville a taste of the old country their new restaurant, Valentino Italian Cuisine...
Carlo Lorenzetti’s still the talk of the town
by C.J. Martello When it comes to writing this column, I am sometimes at a loss for a topic and then, I receive a gift of buona fortuna. That's what happened this month. On a Wednesday, my buddy Ed Wolak and I decided to try out the $8.95 Italian Feast Buffet at Carlo Lorenzetti's. On the following Sunday, I was invited by my friend...
Rosati's brings Chicago-style pizza to Ankeny
Locals don't have to trek to Chicago to get their fix of authentic Chicago-style pizza now that Chicagoland's own Rosati's Pizza has arrived. Brian Johnson said it was a "go to place" for pizza and other Italian entrees when he and his wife Jennifer lived in the Chicago area. "We fell in love with Rosati's," he said. "They have great...
New York's Shake Shack, Eataly coming to Chicago
Chicago's River North neighborhood is importing two popular New York food meccas: Danny Meyer's Shake Shack and Mario Batali's Eataly. Shake Shack is rumored to be taking over the shuttered Harley-Davidson store at 66 E. Ohio Street. A representative for the motorcycle brand confirmed to Crain's Chicago last November that their lease was n...
Bristol group plans Italian spot for West Loop
The duo behind Bristol restaurant are ready to expand with an Italian-American spot in the West Loop later this year. John Ross and Phil Walters are once again working with Tony Quartaro, the sous chef at Balena restaurant, to open Formento's in the fall. Messrs. Ross and Walters are also involved in Balena, a joint venture with Boka Restauran...
