jnm123 wrote:Hey Pie Lady--
Not too far from The Bunny Hutch, there is darn good thin-crust pizza at Martino's Restaurant on Peterson & Bernard, also mentioned upthread. I've only been there once, but I was surprised at the quality of not only the pizza, but the marinara sauce, and especially the boneless chicken cacciatore.
Now...the place ain't much to look at, your typical Chicago corner storefront circa 1970's, but it's clean, fresh, prompt, and fairly inexpensive. It's my buddy's go-to Italian joint for a quick dinner or carry-out. Martino's seems to have been there for many years, but before that I recall it was Cas & Lou's.
Martino's Restaurant
3431 West Peterson Avenue Chicago, IL 60659
(773) 478-5410
Have to mention a casual dinner last night at Martino's with a good buddy & our wives, catching up on each others' lives over the last month or two.
While the conversation was great, the no-nonsense fare served up is worth a healthy mention. My friend ordered a small veggie thin-crust pizza, his wife had the cheese manicotti, my wife did the chicken cacciatore (bone-in this time), and I tried the veal pizziaola. My veal was a standout entrée, thin cutlets covered with tomatoes, thick mushroom slices, browned to perfection, with chopped onion & green pepper. This all was baked with shards of mozzarella cheese, however not overly cheesy--a perfect balance. It came out hot, bubbly, just perfect.
I may have had a pre-entrée salad at Martino's in the past, but the last few trips we've all defaulted to the house-made minestrone, which is more like a great navy bean instead, with chunks of celery and carrot. Fresh bread & dependable house Chianti rounded out the dinner, with watermelon ice and spumoni for dessert that were solid & refreshing.
Martino's may not be a quote unquote destination, with its coffee shop interior & paper placemats. In fact, their carry-out business may surpass its dine-in. However, next to us was a group of eight 60-something guys who from their demeanor appeared to be long-time friends, and I imagine they've been frequenting this joint forever, to do the same thing as us--to catch up. And in the same vein, for me & my dining companions, it was abso-tively spot-on. Can't wait to return...