Chicago๏ฝA Pasta Extravaganza ๐
The mastermind behind Asador Bastian (world's #1 steakhouse) has opened a new Italian gem in Logan Square! With such an impressive pedigree, my expectations were sky-high ๐. ๐ซ Whipped Ricotta ๐๐๐๐ A vibrant mix of peas, sweet beans, and fava beans piled atop creamy ricotta. Served with crusty-yet-chewy breadโeach bite is like eating spring itself! Fresh, crisp, and perfectly balanced ๐. ๐ง Meatball ๐๐๐๐โจ Possibly the meatiest meatball I've ever had! Perfect fat-to-lean ratio, fluffy yet juicy, with just enough chew from the tendons. The tomato sauce is tangy but not overwhelming, and the cheese is generous but not salty ๐. ๐ผ Zucchini Flower ๐๐๐ These golden trumpet blossoms stuffed with cheese and lightly fried are summer on a plate. Eat them hot for an explosive, creamy centerโlight yet decadent ๐. ๐ฆ Lobster Ravioli ๐๐โจ The pasta itself has great texture, but the lobster filling was disappointingly sparse. ๐ฅฉ Short Rib Ravioletti ๐๐๐โจ Tiny flavor bombs! Each mini ravioli is packed with braised short rib and smothered in cheese. The rich meat sauce clings to every biteโheavenly, though slightly too salty ๐. ๐ Mushroom Pappardelle ๐๐๐๐๐ The star of the show! The umami-packed mushroom cream sauce coats every strand of al dente pasta. Earthy, cheesy, and so addictiveโthe first dish we finished completely โค๏ธ๐ฅ. โ๏ธ Tiramisu ๐ฃ๐ฃ๐ฃ Shockingly bad. Dry cake, flavorless cream, zero coffee or liquorโthis shouldnโt even be called tiramisu! ๐ฟ Popcorn Gelato ๐๐๐๐ A redeeming delight! Tastes just like buttery popcorn jelly candies from childhood, with a salted caramel crunch for texture. Sweet but not cloying! ๐ Pro tip: Skip the stuffed pastas and go straight for the mushroom pappardelle ๐. #ComfortFoodGoals #SummerEats #GraduationFeast #ChicagoFoodie #ChicagoEats #ItalianInChicago #ChicagoRestaurants #DateNightSpot #ChicagoNewHotspot
