Spiaggia Chicago Bites Podcast #138

Spiaggia
Chicago Bites Podcast #138

Posted by Bridget at 7:00 am

May 182009

This scallop was perfectly prepared -- just like everything else we tried at Spiaggia.

As part of our ongoing quest to dine in the footsteps of the president, Tammy and I recently devoured three courses at Spiaggia. How did it compare to other high-end dining experiences we’ve had in the city? We break it down in this podcast.

Warning: We recorded outside in a park this week because it was just too nice to stay inside! We hope that ambient noise from the train, wind, and other park dwellers adds something to the show and isn’t too distracting. But I have to admit that I was a little distracted myself at one point because a lacrosse ball was hurling our way at an alarming speed. Because I was busy wondering if I needed to duck and cover, I wasn’t really paying attention to what T was talking about, and I repeat what she already said. She claims that’s because I never listen to her.

But I assured her, as I do you, that I’m all ears when flying objects aren’t descending upon us.

Repetitiveness aside, this podcast is worth a listen because Spiaggia is worth a visit… even if it’s not our favorite.

(13.7 M)

Show Notes:
00:00 – 02:30 Enjoying the sun and talking about fine dining and ambiance
02:31 – 03:13 Waited on hand and foot until the bitter end
03:14 – 04:26 Menu options, pricing, the ball headed right for us, and pricing
04:27 – 05:57 First course: High quality food, sourcing, pairing, and modifications
06:58 – 07:08 Second course: Fresh pasta with black truffle all around
07:09 – 09:35 Third course: Is it okay to order sea bass and snapper?
09:36 – 10:41 Finishing with a rum-soaked brioche and homemade whipped cream
10:42 – 12:12 No lingering, and comments on accessibility in the private dining area
12:13 – 14:55 Wrap-up and sign-off

The black truffle gnocchi is to die for.

Spiaggia
980 N Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 280-2750 | Make Reservations
Get directions

	Bridget’s Ratings	Tammy’s Ratings
Food Quality	5	5
Value	4	4
Service	4	4
Ambiance	4	4
Overall	9	8

Average price per person: $150

Online buzz about Spiaggia:
Chicago Gluttons
Citysearch
Metromix

Have some thoughts on Spiaggia? Drop us a line via Twitter: @chicagobites.

Renaldi's
Chicago Bites Podcast #134

Posted by Bridget at 7:00 am

Mar 312009

Renaldi's thin crust pizza hits the spot when you dine there or have it delivered.

I have a confession to make. I like thin crust pizza. It’s not that I don’t appreciate Chicago-style… after enduring this winter’s chill, I certainly see the merit of a stuffed crust more than ever. It sticks to your bones and may provide a little insulation. Still, when it comes to the quality of taste, thin crust pizza wins hands down. And you can find a solid example of what it should be at Renaldi’s. There’s no frou-frou pizza here, just classic favorites that hit the spot whether you dine-in or call for delivery.

Let me apologize now, gentle listeners. I must have gotten a little carried away with excitement somewhere in between talking about plastic pitchers of coke and marinara dipping sauces because I mispronounce “Renaldi’s” in this podcast. But T and I like the restaurant enough to post our review anyway. I misspoke, but Renaldi’s is still worth talking about.

(7.5 M)

Show Notes:
00:00 – 01:37 Classic thin crust pizza in a classic place
01:38 – 02:42 Dipping sauce for the pizza… awesome
02:43 – 03:19 Brown crunchy appetizers
03:20 – 05:14 They deliver! And it’s as good as eating in
05:13 – 06:04 Service, ambiance, and the merits of a big lazy Susan
06:05 – 08:06 Wrap-up & sign-off

Renaldi’s
2827 N Broadway St
Chicago, IL 60657
Get directions

	Bridget’s Ratings	Tammy’s Ratings
Food Quality	5	3
Value	5	5
Service	5	4
Ambiance	4	3
Overall	10	8

Average price per person: $15

Online buzz about Renaldi’s:
Metromix

Want to chat about Renaldi’s? Drop us a line via Twitter: @chicagobites

Il Mulino
Chicago Bites Podcast #114

Posted by Bridget at 8:00 pm

Jul 282008

The bruschetta was piled high... just the way it should be.

Il Mulino is swanky. Located in the historical Biggs mansion on Dearborn Street, it appears to offer diners an escape from the every day. But does the food live up to the vibe? Listen in and find out.

(12.0 M)

Show Notes:
00:00 – 01:16 Touring the mansion inside and out
01:17 – 02:03 Wine by-the-glass worth the wait
02:04 – 03:10 Antipasto gets us started off right
03:11 – 04:10 Starters and escargot surprises
04:11 – 07:30 Main dishes–half orders of pasta and spicy clams
07:31 – 08:49 Dessert sampler and gelato
08:50 – 10:36 Chef chat
10:37 – 11:58 Ratings and sign-off