Don't hold your breath for Abigail's Bistro. There's a STOP work order posted on the window this morning.

Had a rather pleasant surprise last night with the family at Valle D'Itria. The food tasted fresher (more homemade) and the service moved at a better pace, though not rushed. I started with a classic Negroni, though on the rocks. Solid. My wife and I then had fairly typical unexciting salads served with a side of balsamic vinaigrette (yawn). The main courses we shared were a beef canneloni that tasted as if the pasta was just rolled topped with well melted mozzarella in a nice vibrant, if slightly sweet tomato sauce. It was filling and very tasty. The other dish was a whitefish putanesca, with large pieces of anchovy and olive. Really flavorful, but you have to like anchovies to enjoy it. MY daughter had the pesto gnocchi dish which had great flavor though the pillows were a bit heavy for my taste - still decent.

Anyway, it was encouraging to see Valle step up their game a little bit. In previous visits I found the food tasting a bit canned, which I can do better myself at home. This visit brought freshness and flavor. We will be back.

Paper on the windows with a note saying "Reopening soon". Anyone have the scoop?

Walked by yesterday. Paper covering window said Merlo Italian coming.

What a disappointment Valle D'Itria turned out to be. Seems unlikely that Merlo from Chicago will have an outpost here.