Carlucci β A Cozy & Heartwarming Italian Spot π
Carlucci is an Italian restaurant near Millennium Park, and I was recently invited by the owner to give it a try β turned out to be genuinely delicious! π Mushroom farro "risotto" β chewy, nutty farro topped with a mix of shiitake, enoki, and maitake mushrooms. Melted cheese pulls made it extra comforting, though I wished it was a touch less salty. Still, super tasty! π Mixed greens with lemon and olive oil β light and refreshing, though the dressing felt a bit too subtle. π Highly recommend the cavoletti salad instead β shredded Brussels sprouts with chili flakes, toasted almonds, and a honey-basil vinaigrette thatβs tangy, sweet, and bright. The toasted nuts add the perfect crunch! πΏβ¨ π Chicken Parm with red sauce pasta β the chicken was juicy and tender, not dry at all, and paired beautifully with the saucy pasta. π Pan-seared salmon with parsnip purΓ©e, caper butter, and roasted blood orange. The skin was crispy, and the purΓ©e added a sweet note β though I wouldnβt mind the fish being a tad more tender in the middle. Still, a very satisfying dish. This place is a classic example of great flavor without the high price tag. The vibe is old-fashioned, and the crowd feels local and relaxed β perfect for a casual but tasty meal near the park. Carlucci: 400 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601 #ChicagoEats #ItalianFood #CozySpot #MillenniumParkEats #ComfortFood #ChicagoRestaurants