Casati’s Modern Italian Restaurant-A Lincoln Park “destination”

[rating=5] If you enjoy fine dining with a special flair ( and affordable prices), look no further that the Northwest corner of Clark and Fullerton, where you will find a little bit of Italy has been delivered. Whether you dine inside in their spacious dining room, their cozy cocktail lounge or their veranda overlooking the Clark Street activity, you will find a great staff waiting to make your evening special as well as a menu that will bring a smile to your face and complete satisfaction to your taste buds. They also have a marvelous outdoor seating area below street level where you will truly feel that you have escaped from the hub-bub of the city to a place of happiness, quiet and delicious dining.

The restaurant is called Casati’s Modern Italian and while the address is 444 West Fullerton, you will truly feel that you have been removed from Chicago at least for the time that you will spend enjoying the setting, the flavor and the entertainment. Tonight, there was a couple serenading us as we dined. Joining Jane and I were the two Cary/Cari’s. My son and daughter-in-law, who met us to do the tasting of this wonderful menu.

The appetizer list is plentiful and it was tough deciding on which ones, so we asked our server, Helom, a native of Brazil, who is very knowledgeable on this subject. His suggestions were the Crispy Brussel Sprouts (sprouts, crispy pancetta, red onion, Fresno peppers, shallot vinaigrette roasted garlic salt) a very tasty dish ( I am not big on Brussel Sprouts, but I had seconds)., We also had the Arancini ( crispy Aquerello risotto balls in a meat sauce, with parmesan emulsion- they served us 4) and they were delicious. Our third choice was the meat balls Polpette . How can one do Italian without a meatball ( Frank would be very upset).

We saw the list of salads, but decided to enjoy our cocktails while waiting for our entrees. By the way, they prepare a perfect Old Fashion and have a wonderful wine list.

We selected two main dishes and one of their Pizza platters. The Branzino-Sea Bass was amazing. Roasted striped bass, vegetables, shrimp risotto in a lobster sauce ( to die for) and to top it off, Scott’s Cappallacci ( homemade lobster ravioli with shrimp ragout/lobster) a pure delight. The pizza we selected was the Prosciutto Crudo & Burrata ( tomato, mozzarela , burreta cheese, prosciutto crudo,  arugula and parmasean cheese), a crispy delight. This is one of four unique pizza plates.

I must say, there were many other selections that were quite eye appealing as the meals walked past us to other tables. A great reason for a return visit. They even have one of my favorite salads, a Beet Salad, that looks divine. The steaks looked special as well. One of the problems with a huge menu is deciding what to try, but this is such a delightful experience, we want to come back and we know that they have a huge selection so one can never get bored.

We were not going to do dessert , but if you know us, that never happens. We selected two. First the Macedonia , assorted fruit, on a mascarpone with cookie crumbs and cream and for the second, Clocolatissimo ( easy for you to say), chocolate cake with a liquid center that was fruity served with vanilla gelato ( a very sensual dessert, for sure).

Casati’s is definitely a family friendly restaurant with a kids menu and during their Happy Hour ( 4-6:30 p.m. Monday-Friday) they offer kids meals free ( with every adult dinner, one from the kids menu at no charge). BTW- during the Happy Hour, they have drink specials as well.

Their hours are:

Monday-Thursday  4 p.m.- 9:30 p.m.

Friday  4 p.m.- 10:30 p.m.

Saturday 10 am- 10:30 p.m.

Sunday  10 am -9 p.m.

Brunch is served from 10 am- 2 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday

Their phone number for reservations or delivery 773-857-1237

to see the full menu, visit www..cpvino.com