Gussie’s Handmade Italian Restaurant- revisited

[rating=5] It has been awhile since Jane and I visited Gussies Handmade Italian Restaurant in Old Town. They have made some changes to their menu and since more people are getting out again, we thought now might be the perfect time. Tonight, before heading to an opening at The Mercury Theatre in Wrigleyville, we went to North Avenue (227 to be exact- right across the street from Second City) . Our server Lee made sure that we knew which items were new to the menu and delivered the house bread as we were served our water- wow! This beautiful loaf of bread with a special mix of  cream cheese and cheese, warmed to perfection was amazing.

The intimate dining room was pretty much filled to capacity with many young people , all truly enjoying their wine and dine experience. Jane had a soft drink while I enjoyed a vodka on the rocks as we dove into one of the new appetizers on their menu-Gnudi ( a kind of naked ravioli made with Ricotta, Nutmeg, Pecorino Romano in one of two choices of sauces/ basil marinara or brown butter sage) these were delightful.

Our salads were  Arugula & Radicchio ( apple, toasted hazelnuts and a orange champagne vinaigrette) and the other the Chickpea Salad ( cucumber, red grape tomato, red onion, fresh mozzarella and lemon vinaigrette)- both were outstanding- I favored the Chickpea and Jane the Arugula- but we both shared.

One of their new pastas is the Classic Spaghetti Carbonara ( crispy guanciale, egg yolk, pecorino Romano and black pepper). This blend has a wee bit of kick but one that is enjoyable bite after bite. We also shared  the new Fettuccine Alfredo con Gamberoni( with jumbo shrimp, aged parmigiana  Reggiano). The sauce is perfection and the shrimp were meaty and tasty.

Dinner was magnificent. The service was superior and under today’s tough situation, there were enough people to handle the crowd and still get us out in time to head up North. In fact, we even had time for a dessert- a lemon/key lime pie for which  Jane said was worth the trip for. In fact, she could come here just for the bread plate and the dessert and feel that the drive from Northbrook was well worth it.

The servers all wear T-Shirts that have on the back  Love, Picolo, Love! There is indeed a story to this. Grandma Gussie was the reason that this restaurant is open. Her grandson, David, as a youth asked her about her wonderful kitchen creations. She called him Picolo, so she would say to him. I make what I make because of “love, Picolo, love”! One can feel the love in the air at Gussie’s and one can taste the love in the food they serve.

They are located at 227 West North Avenue and their phone number is 312-929-3091

website www.gussiesitalian.com

Hours: Monday-CLOSED

Tuesday-Thursday  5 p.m.- 9 p.m.

Friday and Saturday    5p.m.- 10 p.m.

Sundays  5 p.m.-9 p.m.

I can tell you that it is worth the trip into the city for the experience and the flavors- you will be glad you made the trip.