I'm glad you brought this subject up. I never had the mussels at Meritage, but if someone can point me to better mussels than Bella Notte, then let me know. I have never had a single bad one, (Hopleaf, Kuma's, Bistro Margot). I've had good ones, West Town Tavern, Natalino's, Le Bouchon, but Bella Note, are always superb. Always, plump, opened, and not a spec of sand, they are so clean and the white sauce very dip-able. The escarole beans and sausage, a chopped salad, and I'm stuffed. Except I can usually get a bite of cannoli down with some coffee and Sambuca.
www.bellanottechicago.com Bella Notte
1374 W Grand Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
(312) 733-5136