But this Summer, I'm asking a few people who do know something about something to teach me - and in turn, teach you - to walk their walk and talk their talk, i.e. share the secrets of their success so that you can impress your friends at home.
The Summer series begins with a restaurant that many people have "little dreams" about all the live-long work day: Piccolo Sogno, Italian for "little dream." Owned by famed chef Tony Priolo and Italian wine expert Ciro Longobardo, the restaurant is technically seated in West Town, but manages to create an indoor / outdoor oasis more reminiscent of Tuscany.
The space alone - in particular the huge patio complete with space heaters for Chicago weather flux - would allow them to serve popcorn and Miller Lite, but Piccolo Sogno is definitely about the food. Using all fresh ingredients, the menu is creative and diverse, from not-at-all basic raviolis to whole, cooked fish. I'll have more details on my trip tomorrow, but today, Tony and Ciro were kind enough to answer a few questions about their hosting expertise.
- What three words would you use to describe the experience you want Piccolo Sogno patrons to have? Just like Italy
- When you were designing the decor of the restaurant, how did you incorporate those themes? We designed our restaurant on the Deruta Plate from Italy.
- What are the most important factors in planning your menu? The season - we are inspired by the season just as you are in Italy. We cook what nature provides us.
- What is your favorite special to include on the menu? We get excited about the new items in every season, like right now we are excited about all the spring ingredients, Nettles, Artichokes, Fava beans, fresh Peas, Halibut etc.
- What (if anything) makes you nervous about entertaining - either at the restaurant or at home? How do you overcome it? Not nervous at all, Something we look forward to do
- When your guests leave, what do you hope they say to their friends? We hope they tell them about their experience at Piccolo Sogno
- For people entertaining at home, what do you think is the most important thing they can do to recreate this style of entertaining? Keep it simple and and somthing you are comfortable at home doing
Photos courtesy of Chicago Magazine, Chicago Reader, Garruba, Cheeky Chicago and Piccolo Sogno's website.
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