Barrella in Palatine?

Anyone familiar with this restaurant on Rand Rd??

JerryD,

I've driven by Barrella many times and wondered about it also.

Yesterday I saw an advertisement in the Daily Herald that stated that the chef was voted by Chicago Magazine as one of the best young chefs in Chicagoland. I did a search of her name and Chicago Magazine and nothing came up, and of course I threw the paper away so I don't have her name in front of me.

Is anyone aware of this award, or of this restaurant?

I found a web site for the restaurant:

www.barrellaristorante.com

The chef's name is Nancy Longobardi -

When Barella's first opened it was advertised as the girls of Arenella's. When Arenella's moved from their location on Hintz to Rand in Palatine the family went in separate directions. Actually both restaurants are only a mile or two apart on the same road. I really loved the original location (now Bapi).

Barella is a southern Italian steak, seafood, and pasta restaurant. I love it. I prefer Barella over Arenella even though it's difficult to leave the place. There is a large median in the middle of Rand and the only direction you can turn is north. I live south of the restaurant so I have to go out of my way to return to my home. The inconvenience to me is worth it.

I don't dine out too often anymore due to my two year old, but the next time my wife and I go to dinner we're going to Barella.

Try the Capalachi(sp?) which are lobster and crab stuffed ravioli type of pasta in a cream sauce. Awesome.

Thanks Jeff! We'll try it -

Have you ever been there for the margherita pizza special on Thursday?

Barrella and Arenella's are both good restaurants, but Amore Mio on Palatine rd is one step above.

luvtruffles:

How would you compare the three? I've eaten at Aranella and found it okay but not great -

What does Amore Mio offer?

nealh wrote:luvtruffles:

How would you compare the three? I've eaten at Aranella and found it okay but not great -

What does Amore Mio offer?

I've only been to Amore Mio once a couple of years ago. I really like that place. I'm not sure why I haven't been there more often. I have fond memories of their pollo francesca and melenzane parmigiana. If I wanted Italian in the NW Burbs, I'd probably choose between Amore Mio and Joe & Giuseppe's. I have yet to try Barrella. Here is a link to their website.

nealh wrote:luvtruffles:

How would you compare the three? I've eaten at Aranella and found it okay but not great -

What does Amore Mio offer?

Chef/owner, Antonio Barbanente (Amore Mio), has really turned up his game in the past 6 months. He offers his regular menu which is traditional/contemparary, but his daily specials is what seperates him from the rest.

I am there twice a week, because I can't find other places, that can satisfy my palet like Amore Mio can.

What have I had there?

-Tuna crudo w/ apples and capers.
-kumamoto oyster w/ a blood orange granita.

strawberry salad
pear salad
persimmon salad

Chef Antonio and his father Nicola, make ther own homemade gnocchi, cavatelli and raviolis.

Whole wheat ravioli
Squid ink ravioli w/ swordfish
Ground veal and truffle essence ravioli (my favorite)
Ground sausage and rosted red beet ravioli

Duck, cornish hen

Berramudi fish, Orata.

You have to try it out for your self.

Amore Mio, really can't be compared, I love the place.

Just saw a commercial for Arenella's and searched the forum but didn't find much other than this thread. Any more opinions or details on the two restaurants? Is it worth trying? Thanks.

Looks like Barrella has moved according to the website. I will check it out. Looks like I will go Amore Mio instead