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LORENZO'S IS MAGNIFICENTFor most inhabitants of the Chicago area Lorenzo's Steakhouse & Ristorante is quite a drive, but the trip is well worth it. This is because Lorenzo's is simply the most beautiful Italian restaurant in the entire region. Its Mediterranean architecture, elegantly appointed interior and spacious, immaculately kept grounds and gardens are strikingly similar to the gorgeous villas that are so commonplace in Italy. As a matter of fact, as my wife and I enjoyed our after-dinner drinks on the classical style terrace, inhaling the perfumed fragrance of a host of lovely flowered plants and vines, it was as if we had been magically transported to the Villa d'Este itself. All that was missing was Lake Como. Nevertheless, the restaurant is situated in such a way that you are completely oblivious to the bustle of the surrounding Fox Valley Center. I have always believed that atmosphere is every bit as important to the attractiveness of an Italian restaurant as its food, and at Lorenzo's you will be totally captivated by its euphorically romantic charm. Add to this a top-notch professional and efficient serving staff and all is in place for a remarkable dining experience. Lorenzo's is so beautiful that you probably wouldn't mind it if the food didn't quite measure up to its physical grandeur but, not to worry, for the culinary fare here is absolutely excellent, unsurpassed in quality by any Italian restaurant in Chicago! We began our delightful evening with an order of calamari, fried to tender, golden perfection, and the house appetizer specialty, roasted garlic with whipped goats cheese. This unique concoction made a splendiferous spread for the freshly baked Turano bread that was periodically replenished and served warm throughout our meal. Then came a salad of crisp fresh lettuce with onions and tomatoes topped with the house creamy garlic dressing and ample bowls of the tastiest and most delicately flavored minestrone this side of the Atlantic. At this point we were introduced to the imported parmigiano cheese, which was grated by hand by our fine waiter from then on whenever we wished. Our appetizers and subsequent courses were complimented by an excellent valpolicella from Lorenzo's diverse wine list. It was awfully tough selecting our pasta dishes -- there were so many mouth-watering offerings to choose from. We finally settled on three half-orders, all of them cooked perfectly and of exquisite taste: the Tortellini Carbonara with pancetta, mushrooms, green peas and sweet peppers tossed in a creamy parmesan cheese sauce; Penne con pesto with a delicate, but zesty, basil sauce with pignoli; and Rigatoni with a superb tomato and basil sauce. Although these wonderful dishes were not full orders, there was still plenty left to take home. Our choice of entrees was easy. Lorenzo's claims to offer the "Best Steaks Anywhere" and my wife's thick, juicy 16 oz. New York Sirloin was easily as good as you can get at the more celebrated downtown establishments. My perennial favorite Veal Parmigian' was outstanding -- melt-in-your-mouth tender in a spicy marinara with the cheese melted to just the right consistency. On the enchanting outdoor terrace our dinner was capped off by the house specialty dessert -- Frutta di Basco -- a multi-layered cream and pastry treat laden with fresh strawberries, raspberries and blackberries. Incredibly delicious! Lorenzo's may make you feel like royalty, but the prices are amazingly reasonable. This is just one more reason why, for a most delightful and memorable experience, I wholeheartedly recommend this wonderful restaurant. I guarantee that you won't be disappointed! Be sure, however, that you make reservations in advance. Il viaggiatore |
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