*****When you’re near that certain corner, and you smell that certain smell, your thoughts got to Italy and the aromas of the sauces, pastas, and other menu items. Every neighborhood it seems has that little hidden gem of a dining spot and tonight, Frank, Cary, Jane and I found that little gem in Logan Square. The corner is filled with just the right aromas at Il Girasole Trattoria. This is a charming space offering authentic Italian cuisine that will become a family favorite very quickly. They have a wonderful outside area with heaters as well as a delightful indoor space. While Chicago’s weather is limited to the patio dining, there were still a few diners there tonight.
Our host, Christian Hernandez brought us to our table and then had our server, Oscar, take the reins. The staff was as friendly and helpful as could be as they explained the menu from regular items to specials. It helps a great deal to have Frank with us, when dining Italian, as he knows every dish and in all likelihood has his family recipe for each one. When we do Italian, we watch his reaction first as he “knows his stuff” and he seemed to be in heaven. In fact, we all found ourselves enjoying every items that we tasted. The menu is large, so we will have to make additional trips to try more items. None of us will mind that at all.
We started our tasting with the fried zucchini Blossoms ( stuffed with ricotta cheese and topped with truffle honey drizzle). Jane and I had never experienced this plate before and found the flavor incredible.
The Frito Di Mare ( fried calamari, veggies in a spicy arrabiatta sauce) was a tasty way to enjoy calamari. The tang was “just right”. As we dined on their pasta, Taglioni Al Limone ( lemon, parmesan & pecorino sauce) Frank remarked that they appeared to be homemade noodles, the sign of quality. I watched other plates being served and began to make a mental list of “next time- the homemade meatballs- they looked amazing)!
For those who crave bread with your meal, I will tell you that the choices were both good and if your dipping, the olive oil they use is perfect with the parmesan.
We finished our tasting meal with the Ossobucco di Milano ( braised veal shank with suffron risottini). The veal was the tenderest and the taste delightful.
Il Girasole is indeed a hidden gem in our city. If you are driving up or down Western Avenue, you might miss it, but it is worth the trip, as you will experience fine dining at affordable prices and a staff that is eager to serve and make your meal a special occasion ( even if it wasn’t).
They are open daily from 4 p.m.- 11 p.m.
Phone 312-399-8154
They are located at 2700 N. Western Avenue and there is non-metered street parking available. You can also park in the movie theater garage.
For those who miss “Happy Hours”, they are offering a new “Bar Happy Hour Menu” from 4 p.m.- 6 p.m. daily
an assortment of their favorite small bites at $10 each ( the Zucchini Blossoms are on this ) and cocktails the same.
They also offer an early bird special menu where you get to select one item from their antipasti menu, one from secondi items and a dessert all for $39.
More Stories
“Fat Rosie’s in Rosemont”
“Paseo Boricua Dining comes to Uptown”
“Columbian dining in Chicago!!!!