Mario's Table, Gold Coast

Long story short, pouring rain, hotel not where Google said it was, and only a short time between arrival and getting to the show, so we went to this place within sight of the hotel.

Food was very good (but not perfect), service excellent, prices expensive, but probably not for Gold Coast.

Burrata, fig, olive and roasted pepper appetizer was really good. A gorgeous presentation of burrata zebra-striped with balsamic glaze, over arugula and a couple basil leaves, and a pretty big pile of the accompaniments listed above. On the specials board for (I think) $14.

Gnocchi in vodka sauce with (fontina?) cheese was also quite good. Excellent texture to the gnocchi, flavorful sauce. On the specials board for (I think) $17.

Scampi, at $28 (I'm pretty sure, but the online menu says $26), seemed especially skimpy scampi: five moderately-large butterflied shrimp accompanied by a rather small plate of angel hair with garlic, tomato and oil. Shrimp were a little overcooked, the only flaw in the cooking.

With one glass of Chianti (I was not feeling the best, skipped the wine), $72 is less than we paid for some meals in touristy Rome, but I expected a little better value here.

21 W Goethe St
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 944-0199