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caro mio

chicago magazine reviews

from sea to dining sea
two thirds of the earth’s surface is water and we’re diving in with the definite survey of chicago’s seafood scene

the french say that bouillabaisse, the meditierranean fisherman’s stew, should never be eaten at night, because its rich flavors are not conducive peaceful slumber. we scoff at such overt pantywaistism, demanding heartiness in our soups regardless of the hour—digestive systems be damned. here are four of the best seafood soups around, and all appear of dinner menus; after all we are chicagoans.

zuppa di pesce, sicily’s answer to bouillabaisse, is brimming with many of the same goodies, but in Italian-esque sauce. the new ravenswood charmer CARO MIO everything in is hulking crock with a heavenly tomato-wine undertone. a steal at $22, especially when you consider the number of quality shellfish (calamari, green mussels, and shrimp) clinging to a fresh tomato segments—but none can swim with the tender piece of salmon large enough to be its own entrée.

jeff ruby
novemeber 2001, chicago magazine

old favorites and hot spots—this month; a handfull of romantic hideaways recognized by Chicago for special features.

Caro mio


….this rustic, candlelit trattoria may be the perfect heighborhood spot. Charming servers bring out fresh, hefty portions of squid ink pasta, gnocchi in gorgonzola, and hazlenut tartufo. thick sauces lean towards “coated” rather than drizzled,” but the lucky ravenswood clientele awash in good feeling and olive oil, wouldn’t have it any oother way…

- chicago magazine online

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