Joseph

Joseph

Overview:

What a great new addition to Bucktown! I had the pleasure of dining at Ripasso on it's third night open and by the way the dinner and service had gone so smoothly, you'd think they had been in the space for years.

Ripasso is the great new neighborhood hot spot created by Theo Gilbert, formerly of Terragusto. This intimate 50 seater offers rustic yet refined authentic Italian cuisine and specializes in freshly made pastas.

I went with the 5 course chef's tasting menu and added the wine pairing. This is such a great option to put your trust in the chef's hands and eliminate the difficult task of having to choose from so many great menu selections. The wait staff was very knowledgeable and always attentive. If you're fortunate enough to have Mandy as your server you'll be in great hands.

The chef started with 2 antipastis; the Affettato, which is a selection of cured meats, and the Ortelano, a plate consisting of their seasonal roasted carrots & beets, with taleggio cheese.

Then, a warm antipasti - a risotto with cremini mushrooms, cheese and brussel spout leaves! This may have been one of the very best risottos I have has in long time.

For the pasta course; Two handmade pastas - one was the Pappardelle with a 4-meat ragu (veal, pork, lamb & beef), the other their Cappallacci (literally means "pope hats") a rich and delicious roasted squash-filled pasta served in a brown butter sage sauce, amoretti crumbles on top.

For the main course, the Brasato (braised) pork shank. What a treat! It's braised in white wine for over 8 hours and literally fell off the bone and was served with multi-colored fingerling potatoes

AND...finally for dessert the chef served a perfect panna cotta that was topped with an apple and pine nut salad.

The courses were accompanied with well selected wine choices that complimented each course very well.

I am thrilled to have Ripasso in the neighborhood and looking forward to returning soon.

Special Dishes:

Chef's 5 Course Tasting, Risotto, Brasato, Pappardelle, Panna Cotta

Joseph

Overview:

Believe the hype about Sprout. This place is an incredible gem and had me asking for the menu at the end of my meal to order more.

When I showed up for my 10:30am reservation and there was a line of 20 waiting to get it, I knew I was in for a treat.

Executive Chef Dale Levitski and his staff have put together an all star cast of dishes that make it difficult to choose just one.

There are two distinctive dinning areas, one near the beautiful old fashion bar and the other in a light drenched room with beautiful stone walls. Very warm and comfortable. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable.

Sprout is definitely a great place to go with friends to relax, have amazing cocktails, and treat yourself to the best breakfast around. The dishes are bold and perfectly balanced. As much as I would have liked to order one of everything on the menu, notably were the Short Rib Egg Benedict which was served w/ a fried green tomato, goat cheese, broccoli and baby turnips, Skirt: Steak & Eggs with crab, fingerling potatoes, Thai basil, sambal, with a sunny side up egg...plate licking good. As an additional side they offer Lithuanian Bacon Buns...these little bundles of love are a must. Sprout renders chunks of Nueske's bacon, sends it off to Bucktown's Red Hen bakery to make fresh buns to be served warm with vanilla bean butter. I could have eaten a dozen of them.

I will undoubtedly be back soon for brunch and am making dinner reservations soon!

Special Dishes:

Short Rib : Eggs Benedict, Skirt : Steak & Eggs, and the Lithuanian Bacon Buns

This Review has been recommended by 1 person

Joseph

Overview:

I had the pleasure of living above this longtime neighborhood staple and can not say enough great things about Sai Cafe.

You'll always be welcomed with a smile and the sushi bar crew makes a point to say hello. Sai Cafe specializes in Japanese seafood and sushi while offering great alternatives in their rice and noodle dishes.

Chef and Owner Jim Bee is likely behind the sushi bar engaging with guest, always willing to prepare a special tasting of the daily specials. The plates are edible art presented beautifully.

Sai Cafe boast the freshest sushi in the city with. Every piece of sashimi I've eaten there has been great. My favorite maki roll Spicy White Tuna Crunch, Entree; Chilean Sea Bass Noodles; Yaki Soba and the Japanese Fried Rice is addictive.

If you haven't been there, go!

Special Dishes:

Sashimi, Spicy White Tuna Crunch, Chilean Sea Bass

Joseph

Overview:

Meals on wheels at it's best serving up creamy and delicious adaptations to the Southern comfort Mac and Cheese.

I would run through traffic for their food. Although they were sold out of their crowd pleasing Gouda with truffle oil, I did get a chance to try three others that were great.

The pepperoni, tomato and basil, the Southwestern w/ Green chili, sausage and toasted tortilla chips and the Italian Sausage and peppers.

I now follow them on Facebook daily to see where and when I can fill my face with their goods next.

Special Dishes:

The pepperoni, tomato and basil, the Southwestern w/ Green chili, sausage and toasted tortilla chips and the Italian Sausage and peppers.

Joseph

Overview:

"Sandwiched" between Ontario and Ohio at on State St. in River North, the deli styled sandwich eatery where Graham Bowel’s newest venture Grahamwich, serves delicious sandwiches with a twist.

Elliot is no stranger to ingenuity and it shows with his sandwich selection. With that signature approach, the Pork BBQ sandwich was my favorite. The sandwich has delicious root beer pulled pork on top of a moist and sweet corn bread and topped with dill pickles and creamy slaw. It just works! And you MUST order the G'Wich Popcorn! It smells incredible and taste even better. Grated parmesan, chopped chives, sea salt and truffle oil.

The Pastrami Reuben, Wagyu Beef were also favorites while the Lamb gyro fell short of expectations. It is however a light fresh alternative to the heavy sandwiches.

The lunch hot spot fills up quick so get there before the crowd if you want a seat. The seating area is a sun drenched picnic table that just feels appropriate for the sandwiches.

Special Dishes:

Pork BBQ, Pastrami Reuben, Wagyu Beef,and G'Wich Popcorn