Potenza

Potenza

Overview:

Piccolo Sogno really is a little dream. This authentic gem offers ridiculously good food, wonderful ambiance, and genuine service. The wine list is huge, and solely Italian - we chose a recommended Barolo. For the food: Holy Beet Salad, Batman! I can't remember having one better. Grilled calamari was also a hit. Entrees included Stracci di Farro (truffle oil makes everything better) and a pork tenderloin special (pancetta wrapped does too). The space is warm and inviting, like being at your (very wealthy) Italian aunt's villa. The patio is a true urban oasis in the warmer months. If you can't go to Italy, go to Piccolo Sogno and get caught up in the dream.

Special Dishes:

Beet salad, Stracci di farro

Potenza

Overview:

We have something in common with the President and First Lady: Sepia is one of our favorite restaurants. This gem, located in a 19th century print shop just off Restaurant Row, consistently amazes us with their attention to detail in every aspect. The food, helmed by Executive Chef Andrew Zimmerman, (whom we first fell in love with at the now-shuttered MOD), is a seasonal delight. Our favorites include the english pea & mascarpone angnolotti (all pastas are made fresh), jumbo marble fluke with fava beans, and the flat iron steak with bearnaise. Go ahead and order a side of the caramelized brussel sprouts, and the duck fat potatoes too. Wine list is spectacular, with several offerings only found in Chicago at Sepia. Service is refined yet comfortable. We definitely feel presidential dining here.

Special Dishes:

english pea angnolotti, fish dishes, flat iron steak

Potenza

Overview:

In the mood for vegetarian but your dining companion is a die-hard carnivore? Take them to Karyn's on Green and convert them. This is not your typical vegan restaurant. The dining room, with its soaring vaulted ceiling and gorgeous chandeliers, is steak-house sleek and contemporary. The wine list is mostly sustainable and organic, but always delicious. And the food is ridiculously good.

In the mood for a crab cake? Karyn's version rivals anything that came naturally in a shell. We love starting with the raw cheese platter, and frankly, we could eat a
vat of the red pepper gazpacho. Other must-try dishes include the "chicken" legs and the Shepherd's Pie. Oh, and we would be remiss if we didn't tell you about the
roasted foraged mushrooms with polenta cake. Check out the wall of famous vegetarians, including Steve Jobs, Upton Sinclair, and Reese Witherspoon, and you know you're in good company. This is the Gibson's of vegetarian cuisine.

Special Dishes:

Red pepper gazpacho, crab cake, shepherd's pie

Potenza

Overview:

Stepping into Arami's simply decorated space, we figured we'd have a nice standard meal. We left giddy that we had found our new favorite sushi spot. Apparently they
were saving the wow factor solely for the food. The fish is incredibly fresh, and immaculately prepared. Every nigiri and sashimi we had was fantastic; some other menu standouts include: Togarashi Seared Tuna, Miso Grilled Salmon, Mushroom Salad, and a wonderful Veggie Udon.

Tip: Get some sake - the list is very approachable, and divided into categories, ranging from "clean and pure" to "rich and classic". You can't make a bad choice. But if you order the hot sake, that's it, we're no longer friends.

Next time we go (and it will be soon) we will be making an "Omakase" reservation.

Special Dishes:

Togarashi Seared Tuna, Miso Grilled Salmon, Mushroom Salad, Veggie Udon, All Sushi!

Potenza

Overview:

Paul Kahan's temple of cuisine is pitch-perfect every time we go. Not to mention, he put bacon on a chocolate dessert years before the craze started. A sleek yet unpretentious design, stylish and impeccably prepared modern food, combined with elegant and friendly service has kept us coming back again and again. And we can't wait to go again.

Special Dishes:

Anything