l’Aventino Forno Romano- Home of the PINSA

[rating=5] Italian dining in Chicago is always easy to find, but last night we found a unique little spot in the ever growing Gold Coast area. While it is Italian, it is different. The space is called l’Aventino Forno Romano and chef Adam Weisell treated our taste buds to some new flavors with his special “pinsas” ( these are pizzas, Roman-style made with three different types of flour, a long fermentation process and a natural starter ), their specialty.

We started our evening, after arriving at 355 East Ontario with a special cocktail. While I am a vodka drinker, when the “house” has a special “old fashion”, I try it. At l’Aventino it is the Appia Antica (rye whisky, amaretto disaronna, bitters and amarena. Delicious! The wine  and beer listings should satisfy the taste of everyone in your party. They are a family-friendly space so a full menu of non-alcoholic beverages as well.

Since we were in the city we were joined by our kids who live in the area and we began the dining with some of the starters/antipastas. Cavolfiore al forno is roasted cauliflower with olives, raisins, piune nuts colatura and Calabrian chili. ( cauliflower never tasted better!), We also had the Cavoletti Cacio e Pepe ( shaved brussel sprouts with pecorni Romano and black pepper). I must tell you that both my son, Cary and I , who are not big on veggies, finished every drop of both.

We also partook of a marvelous  meat and cheese board selected by Chef Adam and then we shared the Ceasarona salad ( raw young Tuscan kale, shaved brussel sprouts, butternut squash, pinsa croutons, parmiggiano reggiano and a house Caesar dressing). By the way, the menu has several salads and many more choices on the Anti Pastas. They all were very shareable.

One of the things you will notice on their menu is that they have a great selection for those who are vegetarians as well as those who are gluten free.  We went to the PINSAS, skipping some of the other small plates like the octopus and croquettes as well as the roman meatballs. I know we will return to taste these specialties as well. Perhaps before we attend our next play at Chicago Shakespeare. After all, we are just a hop skip and jump from Navy Pier at this space.

Now, on to the PINSAS! These are amazing. Oval shaped and many choices on this menu. We opted for the Margherita, the Valle Aurelia and the Colosseo from what is the “red” portion of the menu ( tomato based) and then from the “black” listings, the Colli Albani. We were able to slice our own portions with the pizza cutter brought to our table. The crust is just what they said it would be. A special blend of flours that make for a very tasty dining experience.

For dessert we sampled their tiramisu, a slice of pie and some very special little cookies that made the dinner complete.

From start to finish, we had a great dining experience in this space that opened in November of 2019. The bar  and tables on the main floor makes for an intimate experience, but there are also spaces upstairs. In fact, there are two other levels of dining. Up the stairs a small mezzanine area that can accommodate about 8-10 people . perfect for a small get-together or reunion. Further up the stairs to the balcony, is another area that can handle about 20 people. Maybe I will have my 80th birthday celebration up there. The upper levels can only be visited by stairs, but the restaurant itself is handicap accessible. When the warm weather arrives, Adam tells us they will have some outside seating for the true Roman experience of al fresco dining.

If you are seeking a new dining experience and a different type of pizza ( a very special formula) l’Aventino is THE place. A wonderful staff, great location, fantastic food and here’s the part I enjoy reporting VERY AFFORDABLE!

The dining experience you have been waiting for is located at 355 E. Ontario in Chicago. They have a parking garage across the street ( they can validate for you and save you money) or grab a meter. Phone number is 312=964-5112.

The hours:

Monday- Thursday  5 p.m. til 10 p.m.

Friday and Saturday noon until 10 p.m.

Sunday  3 p.m.- 9 p.m.

Reservations are suggested and they do offer delivery service including Caviar ( from what Cary said, the best of the best). The website is www.laventino.com  Enjoy. I know we did and will return.