donatella mediterranean bistro

I have very fond memories of Donatella's when it was on Howard Street and was interested in its reopening in Evanston at 1512 Sherman Avenue. Sadly, reality was far beyond expectation.

The restaurant was fairly crowded when our party of three walked in on a recent night. Instead of giving us a welcome, we got a scowl from a woman whom I presume may be the owner. We asked for a table, and were told the four-tops were reserved for four people. Instead we were given a table for three close to the front door.

I am guessing that the staff was overwhelmed by the business on hand. What else could explain such lackluster attention to cusomter needs and wishes. While we were given menus promptly, it took several minutes before anyone offered us the chance to order. It actually took three requests to get bread, which when it arrived was three measly slices on a plate about the size of a coffee cup saucer.

Service seemed disinterested at best, except for one young woman who actually smiled. But, a couple at an adjacent table told us that when they asked for grated cheese, a server appeared with a grater, gave a few grinds and started to walk away. When the guest asked for more cheese she said she did not have time, and left. That was the story I was told, so I cannot verify it first hand.

But, considering the way the place was running, it seems plausible. As for the food, a beef fondue entree comes with just that...only chunks of beef and hot oil...no potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, onions...nothing in the way of garnish or flavorings. My pasta Mediterranean was decent enough, though without much in the way of seasoning. When I asked for fresh ground pepper, the wait was so long that I reached to a nearby table and used the pepper shaker.

Among other tastes, rotolo was decent, with a pleasant, though somewhat raw tomato sauce. The cheese filling could have been warmer.

We did not stay for dessert. The restaurant does allow diners to bring wine, and there is no corkage fee. But, this is clearly a restaurant which I will not recommend, nor will I return to it.

We tried to the The Sound of Music in Gillson Park tonight, but the storms took care of that. So, based on a recommendation from MikeG we headed over to Donatella for an impromptu dinner.

We showed up without wine, but they have a small list from a nearby liquor store that you can call and they'll deliver the wine right to your table. I liked this. It made me feel like a baller.

Dinner was pretty good. Nothing I'm going out of my to go back for, but it's always nice to have another option in case we're in Evanston. We started with a shared Mediterranean Plate, the highlight of which was a wonderfully milky buffalo mozzarella. I had one of the specials, a salt crusted red snapper served with spinach and green beans. The fish was really good; moist and fresh tasting. The wife the pasta special which was pesto. The pasta itself was a bit overcooked for my taste, but the pesto was really nice.

Dessert was at Red Mango down the street.

Evanston Lunch Group™ had a nice time this afternoon at Donatella's.

I've been thinking of trying this place out thanks for the updated review.

Four of us had a really nice dinner at Donatella's tonight. I had heard about the slow service, but the restaurant was only about half full this evening so things went pretty smoothly for us. Two of us the mushroom and truffle pasta, which was rustic and excellent. One had the gnocchi, which was very good. And the fourth had a fish special that was also quite good. We started with the mixed grilled seafood and an octopus salad appetizer.

A very good, comforting meal and we'll definitely be back.

Thanks for the update, I was thinking of trying this place out now that it has been up and running for awhile.

Couldn't find a thread for this restaurant although from other foodie sites, it looks like Donatella had a similar place on Howard St. in Chicago.
Jo and I dined there last night at 5:30 since we had 7:30 tickets for the Northwestern Univ. production of Mozart's Magic Flute. (Wonderful show in English that repeats tonight at 7:30 and again at 3 pm on Sunday at Cahn Auditorium tomorrow.)
We were the first ones to arrive and our waitress told us it would get busier towards 7;30. They had a three-quarters full house when we left at 7 pm.
I ordered the swai fish stuffed with a seafood mousse and topped with a lemon butter sauce. A zucchini souffle accompanied the entree. Never had swai before. Our waitress told us it came from the Mecong region of Viet Nam. I'm assuming the fish I had was farm-raised. A good value at $20. Wikipedia indicates that swai is a member of the catfish family. I truly enjoyed the fish. Nice texture and good flavor. Our waitress told us it was a "salty" fish, but not to my taste.
Jo had the caprese salad ($11) and a small plate of curried shrimp ($7). She shared with me. The mozzarella was some of the best I've ever had (including trips to Italy) and the shrimp was very flavorful.
The service was very nice and we enjoyed the dining experience. We'll be back.
Discounted gift certificates are available at restaurants.com.
Regards,
Grandpa Bob

Donatella Meditarranean Bistro
1512 Sherman
Evanston, IL 60201
847-328-7720
Public parking is available across the street.

Wonder why the thread didn't come up when I searched "donatella"? Thank you to the administrator who combined my post with this thread.
GP Bob

Ms. Majore, the proprietress of both La Cucina di Donatella (West Rogers Park) and Donatella Mediterranean Bistro (Evanston), was killed today in a scooter/SUV wreck in Rogers Park.

Horrible, horrible news.

Oh that's terrible. I was at her old location on Howard today documenting that it was closed for Microsoft as part of a part time gig I'm doing. Great food. My condolences to her family.

Her places, while not universally loved here, were important contributions to their neighborhoods. Personally, I found her delightful. She will be missed.

she was a wonderful person,very informative,passionate about her craft. she will be missed.

Ugh, terrible news. What a tragedy.

That is so sad. I only met her briefly a few times, but she seemed like a very warm and sweet person. She was also a great asset to Rogers Park, and believed in the potential of the Ridge and Howard community. She could have opened Cucina Donatella in Andersonville and probably done quite well, but instead she chose to open it in her own neighborhood to potentially serve as an anchor for the rebirth of the surrounding community. Unfortunately it didn't work out, but not for a lack of effort and dedication on her part.

This is very very sad. I have been to her Evanston place more than a dozen times, and have gotten to know her well as she catered a few events I organized: Warm, friendly, loves her job, and
just an all around good person. She had a colorful personality and a beautiful smile. She will be missed.
Elie

does anyone know when there are services or visitation - and where & when? thanks

billsj wrote:does anyone know when there are services or visitation - and where & when? thanks

From the 9/16/11 Trib:
Funeral Mass at 10:30 am, Sat. Sept. 17
St. Margaret Mary Church
2324 West Chase Avenue, Chicago
Burial in Rome
Funeral info: Cumberland Chapels
708/456-8300
www.cumberlandchapels.com

Donatella was very gracious when I was planning an Evanston Lunch Group gathering last November, very concerned that we all enjoyed her food and her restaurant. I had just driven by her place last Sat. and thought to myself that I should get there for lunch or dinner before the weather got too cold to sit in the outside dining area. I can't imagine the restaurant continuing without her, but haven't seen whether any decisions have been made yet.