This gelato makes the world a better place.
Cafe Spiaggia recently got a face lift, and we mixed and mingled in the new space Tuesday night, sampling from the menu and sipping truly spectacular sparkling wines. Chef Tony Mantuano served up focaccia, kale chips, rainbow trout, sardines and a variety wood-fired thin crust pizzas. As we nibbled, we got to watch pasta making in progress.
Chef Tony Mantuano hangs out by the bar.
All of the food we tried was tasty, but the sardines were our hands down favorite until we discovered the gelato cart. From that point on, we feasted on chocolate and vanilla gelato along with passion fruit and berry sorbet all of which was delectable.
The sardine was our favorite birdie bite.
Toward the end of the evening a pipe burst in the ceiling near the door of the cafe. Yikes! Here’s hoping that the appearance of this unexpected water feature didn’t do any permanent damage to the kitchen and decor because cafe Spiaggia is well worth seeking out when you’re on the mag mile. You’ll get a taste of Spiaggia goodness for a fraction of the price, and that alone is worth the stop. Not to mention that the cafe space has a nice feel to it… an oasis tucked away from the shopping madness.
Pasta in progress.
If you’re in the mood to go high end, check out our review of Spiaggia.
Cafe Spiaggia
980 North Michigan Avenue
Second Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60611
(312) 280-2750
Serving up the goods.
This was a media event and we dined free-of-charge.
Posted by Tammy at 8:00 am
Jul 212010
The caprese pasta is loaded with fresh mozarella, tomatos and basil.
Want a nice sit-down meal in the Loop for a lunch date or business meeting? Try Pazzo’s. Even though it’s located on the lower level of the 311 South Wacker building, the open atrium is bright, airy and not as loud as these spaces tend to be. There’s a nice pasta and sandwich selection at Pazzo’s as well as daily specials. Service is fast, the food is good, and the price is reasonable. Expect to pay about $15 a person.
Pazzo's atrium provides a respite from the bustle of the Loop.
Pazzo’s @ 311
311 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 913-1600
Eggs benedict
Fornetto Mei has long been one of our favorite downtown hideouts. Located in the Whitehall Hotel, it’s an easy distance from the Magnificent Mile, but it’s often overlooked. That means you can always find a seat even on holidays!
Fornetto Mei offered a $35 four-course Easter brunch that was tasty. The service was good too — even if the servers were a little over-zealous — clearing the plates while we were still nibbling. Still, that’s infinitely better than being ignored, and the dining room was so quiet that day that it’s no wonder our party got a little extra attention.
Easter ham with citrus fig sauce on the side.
You don’t need a special occasion to swing by Fornetto Mei for a bite. In fact, you’re better off ordering off the regular menu. Our initial review is still on target. Dinner at Fornetto Mei is better than brunch, but both menus are solid. Don’t let it’s unassuming exterior fool you. It’s definitely worth a visit.
Fornetto Mei
105 East Delaware Place
Chicago, IL 60611
(800) 948-4255 | Make Reservations
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