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Viaggio Ristorante & Lounge is Now Open
05/14/2008 - By Julie Funke
Viaggio Ristorante & Lounge is Now Open
Viaggio Ristorante & Lounge is now open in the West Loop at 1330 W. Madison Street. Executive Chef Anthony Risoli moved from Southern Florida to open this new Italian-American casual dining restaurant with “fresh” being the key component to his concept.
Viaggio Ristorante & Lounge is now open in theWest Loop at 1330 W. Madison Street.Executive Chef Anthony Risoli moved fromSouthern Florida to open this new Italian-American casual dining restaurant with “fresh” being the key component to his concept.‘Viaggio’ translates to ‘journey’ in Italian and this ristorante intends to take their guests on a culinary journey to the southern region ofwhile incorporating the familiarity of American dining. “The timing was right and Italy is a great city. I always wanted to open a restaurant in an up and coming neighborhood here,” Risoli says about his decision to journey from the Southern Florida beaches to Chicago . “I love the fire, the confusion and the chaos of the kitchen; that all of the noise turns into really beautiful plates. It really fascinates me and I am pleased to share my Italian cooking style with Chicago .” Also joining Risoli in the kitchen is Sous Chef Chris Blaser who also moved from Chicago to open Viaggio. Florida Only living inChicago for a month, Risoli is delivering on his promise to bring fresh authentic southern Italian cuisine to theWest Loop . Inspired by his Italian mother and grandmother and with over thirty years cooking in Italian restaurant kitchens, Risoli has very specific requirements for his food and cooking methods at Viaggio. “Using simple, fresh and high quality ingredients are the most important components to the dishes I create,” says Risoli. Making everything to order, Risoli concentrates on perfecting each dish. “I change the water for each pasta order. The perfectly cooked al dente pasta is immediately served to guests. I don’t cut an eggplant until it’s ordered. I don’t keep anything in the freezer and we don’t have heat lamps. The food is all fresh and flavorful,” adds Risoli.The core menu at Viaggio features traditional southern Italian fare and up to ten specials are offered daily. Risoli’s signature appetizers include a typical dish served at Italian-American Sunday suppers- the Meatballs with Romaine Salad ($12), and the Fried Calamari served with hot and sweet peppers, pan tossed in a fresh tomato sauce and drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette ($12). Among the entrée portion pasta selections are Rigatoni in Sunday Pork Gravy ($22), Orchietta which combines hot and sweet sausage with escarole, beans, garlic and hot pepper flakes or with broccoli raab ($22), and Spaghetti and Seafood Fradiavolo: generous portions of lobster and shrimp sautéed in a spicy San Marzano tomato basil sauce ($34). As with everything at Viaggio, all entrée preparations are made to order so flexibility is not a problem for the chef. The menu includes Lobster Francese ($42) or Chilean Sea Bass Francese ($32): cold water lobster tail or Chilean sea bass egg battered and sautéed with butter and white wine and topped with lump crab meat. Chicken ($22) or Veal tenderloin ($26) cutlets can be cooked with hot and sweet peppers and San Marzano tomato sauce, or with parmesan or broccoli raab or mixed green salad orWest Loop style with sautéed spinach, mushrooms and ricotta cheese.Complimenting the food, a mostly Italian wine list has been assembled by the chef who is always happy to make pairing suggestions for his guests. Many of the wines are offered by the glass and will suit a wide range of palates and price ranges. A full bar includes domestic and imported beers, spirits and specialty cocktails. A casual space where everyone is welcome, the dining room seats 70 and tables are set with white table cloths topped with candles. A large group of twenty would be perfect for one of the sections where Risoli would be happy to customize a family style meal. An outdoor patio with seating for 26 will open soon for the warmer months. TV’s, a DJ Booth and light fixtures for a late night lounge atmosphere have been installed, but will only become part of the concept once the restaurant is established.Located in the thriving West Loop, just several blocks from the, Viaggio is the ideal location to have dinner before or after a sporting event or concert. Situated just beyond the loop saturated with hotels, theatres and business, Viaggio is close and convenient to get to for those arriving in a cab, walking, taking the bus or driving. Valet service is available for $7.00. United Center Viaggio Ristorante and Lounge is open for six days a week: Monday-Friday 4PM-2AM (dinner service from 5PM-12AM) and Saturday 4PM-3AM (dinner service from 5PM-12AM); closed Sundays. Reservations are accepted. Please call 312.829.3333 for more information or to book a reservation. Private parties can also be booked for the entire restaurant. Website is under construction and will be available soon at www.viaggiochicago.com.
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