First, I would like to know if anyone has an Italian restaurant that a) isn't Near North or Lincoln Park, and b) isn't so full of B.S. Italian schtick that the pleasure of the meal is destroyed. It would be especially helpful in the West Lakeview/Ravenswood area. Now, for leaving something. There is a very good Thai restaurant at Montrose and the Ravenswood El called "Roong Petch." It has been there for years (at least 10), and serves very good food at very reasonable prices. Anyone who likes Thai served by the family who owns the restaurant out to give it a try. David P.S. It's BYOB, but there's a liquor store 2 doors down.
Chicago, IL
Give a little, ask a little
Someone wrote: : First, I would like to know if anyone has an Italian restaurant that a) : isn't Near North or Lincoln Park, and b) isn't so full of B.S. Italian : schtick that the pleasure of the meal is destroyed. It would be : especially helpful in the West Lakeview/Ravenswood area. It's been several years since I've been there, but Da Nicola on Lincoln a couple blocks south of Belmont sounds like what you're looking for.