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The Chicago Traveler

Anteprima

by Matt B on July 27th, 2007

I’ve just finished moving into a new apartment in the Edgewater neighborhood, and I need to know where to eat and what to see! If you have some suggestions for places in the Edgewater and Andersonville neighborhoods, shoot me an e-mail.

Just a few blocks away from my new home, the sign outside Anteprima boasts, “Cibo, Vino, e Amici,” meaning “Food, Wine, and Friends.” You’ll definitely find all three here at this new upscale Italian eatery in Andersonville.

The first thing you have to know about this spot is that they don’t accept reservations, so depending on what time of day you go, you might have to wait a bit for a table. The neighborhood is one of the great spots in the city to people-watch, so while you wait, you’ll probably see plenty of folks walking their dogs, walking with their dates, or walking behind baby strollers. As you sit on one of the benches outside amongst flower pots and arched windows, you can’t help but feel like you’re at some quaint, country home.

Once indoors, you’ll be greeted by soft green walls, antique sconces, tin ceilings, hanging window panes, and hand-painted ceramics, all evoking a friendly rural setting. I’ll admit, when it comes to the menu, the restaurant can be hit-or-miss sometimes. Maybe this new eatery is still working out its recipes. I’m sure the regulars all know what to order. For starters, get the much-raved-about grilled octopus or leek tart and skip the small portions of veal meatballs. If you like your salad with a bit of a peppery bite to it, try the arugula. As far as entrees go, you can’t go wrong with the balsamic- and honey-laced quail with borlotti beans. The New York strip steak is perfectly seasoned and crusted while remaining tender and juicy, and you can’t beat the quality and taste of the red snapper in yellow pepper sauce. If you’re looking for pasta, look past the overpriced ravioli that is swimming in butter. Instead, the bucatini is nicely done with olive oil, pecorino cheese, pea shoots, and garlic. Finally, you’ll want to lose yourself in desserts like the lemon panna cotta or the chocolate tart with hazelnut crust.

Anteprima may not be 100% perfection, but it certainly has enough going for it to earn itself a visit for a dining experience full of food, wine, and friends.

Anteprima ($$$): 5316 N Clark St; 773-506-9990
Sun - Thurs: 5:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Fri - Sat: 5:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Street parking difficult
Public trans: Bus # 22, 92
http://www.anteprimachicago.com/

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POSTED IN: Gay & Lesbian, Restaurants

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