The dry cured olives sit next to the lemons and limes at the bar, their wrinkled darkness piled high against a backdrop of spirits, glasses, and stacks of condiments. At the hostess station, a pack of Crayola signals the year as I pass through the room adorned with vintage Italian ceramics, frescoes, and abundant warm wood.
The cappuccino arrives capped with a cloud of silky froth trembling gently as the spoon digs in to reveal its layered undertones. “Look at your plate! No, look at yours! Wow!” marvel the diners at the table nearby. Behind me, a couple looks on with excitement, as Luis brings in a humongous slice of celebratory chocolate cake. “Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you!” he starts off the festivities, his enthusiasm heartfelt, his gestures larger than life. Be they regulars or first-timers, Vinci‘s guests are all part of family, on an Italian villa charmingly lost in time…
Located on Chicago’s Halsted Street, on a popular dining strip near Steppenwolf Theatre, Vinci has been offering a captivating escape to a bygone era of rustic Italian villas since its founding in September 1991.
The menu, a fusion journey of classic comfort and sophisticated dining, contains a selection of delectable choices (including gluten-free) tailored to diverse palates. It features starters and salads, pizzas and pastas, as well as the option to make any pasta dish Family Style, with portions available for sharing. For entrees, Vinci offers Chicken Saltimbocca, Grilled Pork Chops, and Veal Picatta, among others.
Vinci’s Chicken Panini
Digging in to reveal the golden and cheesy roasted cauliflower goodness of the arancini, I marvel at its perfect match with the silky decadent fonduta and the vibrant tomato sauce, a delicate and memorable balance on the plate.
Flaws have no place to hide in a margherita, its canvas beautiful in its simplicity, and shortcuts easy to spot. Vinci’s rendition of this classic is superb in its rusticity. You want mozzarella? The pillowy goodness packs your mouth with milky satisfying bliss. Craving fresh basil? There’s plenty to appease your longing for vibrant summer, for endless sunny days.
From the specials menu, the grilled swordfish with farro is calling my name. It arrives nestled in a sea of marinara sauce, assertive and full-bodied, confidently balancing the grains and the fish. The blend of flaky seafood, nutty farro and earthy sauce is getting my taste buds in celebratory mode – the best celebration of la dolce vita.
I save half of the cappuccino to have with my dessert. A slice of rich chocolate cake, like the one enjoyed by the couple at the nearby table, is making its way to me. It’s spongy and soft, unashamedly red, vibrant, and tantalizing, boasting a scoop of ice cream, soon to be swimming in a pool of raspberry coulis. A snow of sugar, a touch of cooling mint – the best of the best, superb satisfaction of my sweet tooth cravings.
I reach out and take a spoonful of the cappuccino cheesecake with espresso sauce and berries across the table, and I’m in heaven. It is the cappuccino cream the one that gets me, its luscious silkiness delivering joy, bliss, serenity, and plenty of smiles. Such a fantastic finale!
My culinary journey to the heart of traditional authentic Italian food, convivial and majestic, authentic and true, has reached its end. Beaming through the large windows, the sun is shining brightly, inviting me to enjoy the beauty of the street, the noise of the cars, the restlessness of thoughts in the fresh open air. As I prepare to say goodbye to Vinci, Luis cheers me up, his enthusiasm heartfelt, his gestures larger than life. “I shall see you tomorrow,” he muses and smiles. I’ll be there first thing, my wonderful friend…
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