“Now That’s Italian!” Carmines-Rosemont

*****A few months ago, Justin Torres, from Petterino’s Restaurant, told us he was “moving on”. Once he was ready to do so, he told us just where he was going. He would no longer be in the “Theater District”, so we would not see him as regularly, but he was going to one of the best Italian dining spots to visit, a Rosebud Restaurant, Carmines-Rosemont.

Tonight, Jane and I went to this establishment with friends Alan and Vickie. The restaurant is nestled in an area that has new hotels and plenty of dining spots. Rosemont is a convention town and it shows. The restaurant was crowded with business people and of course, holiday parties and dinners.

We were seated in the patio room ( can be converted for the seasons) where we sat in front of a mammoth fireplace that kept Vickie comfortable. Our server, David, truly knows that service and the food is what make people come back. I can tell you that he won our hearts tonight!

We had never dined in Carmines before and since we love doing a sampling so we can share our thoughts about it all, I asked David to do his thing- pretend this is your restaurant and you are bringing your family to try the menu, what would you serve?

I must tell you, we all felt that we were part of his family and that he brought us his favorite dishes.

They have a new menu-“Red Marble” that is simple and elegant.

We had two antipasti from this menu:

Glazed bacon-wrapped scallops ( divine) and fried coconut shrimp ( they were truly jumbo).

As we ate these and enjoyed our cocktails, David brought out a salad- Carmine’s Chopped. I must tell you that between this menu and their regular menu there must be 14 possible choices. If anyone cannot find a salad to order, they are just not hungry ( or not  salad eaters).

We were served a few pasta dishes while waiting for our main courses. I didn’t write them down ( I was having too much fun) but I think one was the Pappardelle (square noodles) and I believe the second was  the Orecchiette sausage and Broccolini. They were both terrific dishes with just the right zing.

The main event-A Butcher Cut Bone-in-Rib_eye was perfect for me, although my fellow diners prefer medium rare over the perfect medium that the chef prepared and we also had the Chilean sea bass, pan roasted in a lemon butter sauce. It melted in the mouth.I don’t often speak about veggies, but the whipped potatoes and the grilled Brussel Sprouts were perfect.

As we enjoyed our coffee, David brought out three desserts: Banana Cheese Cake that was supernatural, Beignets with ice cream ( the beignets were filled with chocolate) and last but not least a 7 layer Carrot Cake. I have to say, I do not like carrot cake and never have, BUT this was different. It tasted good ( I had a second piece). Justin told us that all the baked goods and soups are done daily in the main kitchens of Rosebud and sent out to each of the restaurants. Always fresh and always tasty- that is probably the best way to describe Carmine’s.

Great people, great service, great food, all leading up to a dining experience that will be a great memory. I can assure you that you will return and when you go, ask for David- he is special!

Carmine’s Rosemont is located at: 9850 Berwyn Ave, Rosemont, IL

Hours

Monday – Thursday: 11:00am – 11:00pm
Friday – Saturday: 11:00am – 12:00am
Sunday: 12:00pm – 10:00pm

Holiday Hours

Christmas Eve, December 24: 11:00am – 10:00pm
Christmas Day, December 25: 12:00pm – 9:00pm
New Year’s Eve, December 31: 11:00am – 1:00am
New Year’s Day, January 1: 1:00pm – 9:00pm

www.rosebudrestaurants.com