Are you stuck in a rut of eating out at the same places? It
happens to us all. We want to try something new, but we're not
always sure where to find it or if it'll be any good. Somehow I
stumbled upon a hidden little gem a few months ago that keeps me
coming back for more. In a city with so many restaurant options it
could take years to try them all, I can't seem to stop craving Via
Veneto. A traditional Italian restaurant on Chicago's North side,
Via Veneto is perfect for big family dinners or an intimate dinner
for two. With a great patio for nice summer days, occasional Opera
nights and even a nice banquet room for special occasions, it is
certainly a classy and affordable establishment. Although the
clientele consists of a diverse age group, there does seem to be
more of an older adult population on most nights, which is very
refreshing.
From the southeast coast of Italy (the heel of the boot), you'll
see various members of the Barbanente family eager to tend to your
every need, making you feel like you are part of the family. For
over 20 years Chef Tony Barbanente has been cooking up authentic
Italian dishes from all over Italy -- the Piedmont region to
Sicily. There are even some of Grandma's recipes still being used
today. And it's not just Tony that's cooking -- numerous other
family members have restaurants across Chicago and the suburbs as
well.
Enough about the ambiance and family, let's talk food! Shortly
after you have been seated warm bread and a complimentary plate of
bruschetta are brought to you. The first tough decision you'll make
is deciding between a killer cocktail, a specialty martini or
opting for one of many fabulous bottles of wine -- eeny, meeny,
miny, moe. Weekly appetizer specials often include the red beet
salad that is unbelievable or the acorn squash stuffed with grilled
vegetables and topped with goat cheese that is out of this
world.
Classics like lasagna, veal parmesan and gnocchi as well as four
different kinds of ravioli top the menu, but what is really
exciting are the creative and delicious dishes that feature
seafood. The Chilean sea bass grilled with garlic and oil or the
sweet squid stuffed with parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, garlic and
parsley over pasta are just a few that get the taste buds tingling.
It's really no surprise since the Barbanente family grew up in a
fishing village. With all their relatives being fishermen -- they
certainly know how to cook and eat fish!
My absolute favorite dish is hands down -- the Tortellini
Campagnola. It might seem boring compared to the scrumptious
seafood dishes offered, but the cheese tortellini sautéed with
onions and peas is in the creamiest sauce you could ever imagine,
it's like heaven in your mouth. Don't even think of getting me
started on the dessert menu. There's a section devoted to chocolate
desserts -- need I say more?
If you want something new, good and affordable, head over to Via
Veneto at the corner of Lincoln and Devon. Have a wonderful meal
made from fresh ingredients and homemade pasta with some old world
charm. If your belly isn't too full afterwards, you can work off
those calories just up the street in a nice relaxing game of
miniature golf at the 62 year old Chicago landmark -- Novelty Golf
and Games. Both are guaranteed to provide satisfaction seven days a
week!
Via Veneto
6340 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60659
773.267.0888
http://www.viavenetochicago.com
Carrie Robertson
Research & Community Education
Chicago Skilled Nursing
Chicago Senior
Living