When in Rome (or Chicago): Italian Resto Gives Us New Reason to Drool

Friday, April 13, 2012

Mamma Mia, there’s a new obsession in my food-loving life. RPM Italian is the most recent  addition to Chicago’s River North restaurant scene, and believe you me, I am not the only person I know who’s already hooked.

RPM Italian's must-try Mama DePandi’s Bucatini Pomodoro (photo by Lettuce Entertain You)

Now you may have noticed that I very rarely write about restaurants—in fact I’ve only done it a handful times here. But when the house tomato sauce is this perfectly tangy and garlicky, you just don’t have a choice.

RPM’s shtick is modern Italian fare meets classic cuisine, resulting in a tantalizing menu whose offerings range from wood-grilled octopus, roasted fennel, and polenta with poached egg, to Maine lobster ravioli, wild boar sausage, and classic spaghetti and meatballs made with house-made pasta. They’ve also got about 100 options for you wine afficionados out there, as well as an artisanal cocktail selection.

The bottom line is, if you live here or just happen to find yourself in Chicago sometime soon, do yourself a favor and check it out at 52 West Illinois Street. By the way, I’d  definitely recommend making a reservation before you go. This place is already getting a lot of buzz, since not only is it delish, but it’s also backed by local celebs Bill and Giuliana Rancic.

Ciao, bella!

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