When my grandson Brad asked me to drive back with him to Chicago I didn't need to think twice. 8 hours of driving with him was a pleasant thought and it was such a positive experience. My son and Daughter-in-law were so apologetic that they had a previous engagement for the Monday evening. Brad to the rescue again. He promised me a fine dinner in an enchanting street in downtown Chicago. I took the train from Highland Park and he met me at the downtown station. We walked 5 minutes to see his amazing condo right in the heart of the city. From there we drove to Bacchanalia. A GPS was essential. This is a hidden treasure in the downtown area of Chicago. Many of the shops feature signs in Spanish. South Oakley Street is not very large. There are 4 Italian restaurants almost side by side. My spies confirmed that Bacchanalia was the best. It is in an area that is partly residential and partly industrial. It feels as if the restaurant is on a side street. It certainly isn’t a busy downtown area. Guaranteed no visitor will stumble unexpectedly into this charming restaurant. Paula and Dan Pieri are the proprietors. The restaurant originally was run by the parents. Even to this day the mother plays an integral part. One evening the restaurant was running low on a tomato sauce and the mother was called to the rescue. The food was amazing. We were immediately served with a basket with a variety of breads. A few minutes later a plate of warm foccacia with a light tomato sauce arrived. It was impossible to show restraint. The quantity was gigantic.
It had been suggested to me that the Aioli Sauce was outstanding. I ordered the special pasta of the evening. Lingini with Giant Shrmps and Asparagus with that fantastic sauce. It was ambrosia to the palate. I couldn't stop eating it. Brad ordered the Seafood and Pasta.($21.95) Calamari shrimp and lobster were in a tomato sauce with the al dente linguine. Brad is a hearty eater. He couldn't even finish the plate. Lobster Ravioli is prepared with a vodka sauce. ($14.95) Maniccotti is priced at $11.95 and is a hearty delicious choice. Meat lovers will be happy with the Filet Mignon.($27.95) It is served with an abundance of fresh sautéed mushrooms. The Baby Back Ribs are smothered in BBQ sauce.($17.95) Bacchanalia is open 7 days a week. The service is so friendly and guaranteed you will find many tempting choices.
When in Chicago make your way to this little gem. It was outstanding and memorable. Brad is great company and I enjoyed a wonderful meal.
Check their website:bacchanaliainchicago.
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