Growing up in Little Italy, many families, students, passersby’s have noticed that the corner of Racine and Flornoy was always changing with one failing restaurant to the next. However, Salatino’s is finally a winner with hopes that it remains to stay that way for a very long time. It is as if the food network’s Cinderella story show of “Restaurant Impossible” taken over. Upon entrance to the restaurant, the exposed brick of one wall framed with the chalk board menu catches your attention, as your eyes then trail over the walls lined with black and white photography. The formerly location of Gennaro's has truly been revived by Mary Jo Gennaro. Even the red and white checkerboard table liners, do not remind you of a stuffy pizza joint, but bring elegance and give Salatino’s that classic Italian family dining feel.
Now time to order food, reminding yourself not to get full off the bread, oil and parmesan cheese, even though you could, it is that addicting. Salatino’s was selected as the infamous, ‘Where will you carbo load for the Chicago Marathon?’ Generously portioned fried calamari, magically disappeared off the table and naturally for the occasion, as an entrée the Chicago Marathon special was ordered: lemon peppered chicken and broccoli served with pasta. Other entrées at the table included eggplant parmesan, penna alla vodka, pork chop with potatoes and peppers and veal scaloppini. At this point you are stuffed in the face, but there is always room for dessert. Polenta cake drizzled with fresh berries and chocolate sauce? Yes, please! Food coma and carbo loading was a delicious success!
Salatino’s is an affordable, charming, welcoming and inviting restaurant with delectable traditional Italian homemade cooking. So much so, it was visited again as our choice Christmas Eve dinner. Welcome to the neighborhood Salatino’s! Happy almost one year anniversary! Many more to come!
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