Cucina Paradiso in Oak Park

There's a very dated and off-topic thread about Cucina Paradiso, so I am starting a new one. Six LTH'ers went last night and had a nice meal there. I can't say that anything was mind-blowing, but there were no real clunkers either. I'll post some pictures here, but honestly I don't know what some of this stuff was...I let the others order. I would not hesitate to recommend CP if you are in the neighborhood.

814 North Blvd
(between Kenilworth Ave & Oak Park Ave)
Oak Park, IL 60301
(708) 848-3434
www.cucinaoakpark.com

Dates wrapped in bacon

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Squid, beans

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Fried green beans

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Veal meat balls, polenta

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Pizza, mushrooms, sausage

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Unidentified pasta #1

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Unidentified pasta #2


Salmon


Chicken pistachio: tasty


Unidentified pasta #3: a special I believe


Tiramisu


Bread pudding


Grapefruit Sorbet

Yes, I was responsible for the grapefruit sorbet, and will be turning in my card shortly.

I hadn't been back to Cucina Paradiso in a while and enjoyed the extensively renovated and warmly colored room. The company was excellent. I quite happily feasted, lubricated by the half-priced Chianti and storytelling. I would return for the pizza and for the pistachio chicken, both strongly flavored and well-cooked, though the grilled asparagus, red pepper sauce, and vegetable-laced polenta would work even better with some grilled tenderloin or chicken thigh instead of the fried, rather dry breast.

All three pastas were disappointingly similar to me, heavy, creamy, garlicky, and way overpacked with meats. The bolognese for whatever reason had a handful of cold bocconcini thrown in and the sausage in the shells seemed gristlier or more overcooked than on the pizza. We ordered much of the menu, and it revealed more "master sauces" and mass garnishes (the ever-present cannellini, for example) than individualized preparations, but I don't think smaller parties would notice. Echoing Rob's comments, there were no complete failures (except perhaps the meatballs, but that might be since there was a large piece of eggshell in mine).

I'm inclined to find them again in the new year, and compare with nearby Il Vicolo (where the Pasta Shoppe was), which I also need to try. I'll still be at Gaetano's for special guests.

Here for reference are the three pasta descriptions from the menu:

1. Shells tossed with sauteed mushrooms [kudos, not "wild"], crumbled Italian Sausage, Spanish onions, sweet peas, marinara, fresh Basil, Romano cheese, and a touch of cream. 12.00 | 15.00

2. Bolognese Rigatoni, Homemade Meat Sauce, Tomato, Cream, Onions, Fresh Mozzarella. 12.00 | 15.00. [Cave, Antonius.]

3. Oecchiette [sic] Pasta tossed w/ braised beef tenderloin tips, marinara, capers, parmesan cheese, carrots, red wine 20.00

I am a big fan of the Arugula pizza, which our waiter told us a couple weeks ago was in danger of being taken off the menu due to lack of people ordering it.

Couldn't agree more with your assessment of the pastas.

I read an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal today (subscription may be required):

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000142 ... 01888.html

Essentially it says that chains like Olive Garden try to improve their food, but the customers don't like it! They have to dumb it down or the customers revolt.

I wonder if there is a little of this going on at CP. Seems like they know how to run a business. It was pretty busy for a Monday night.

Almost popped in here with the extended family recently, but the kids acting up nixed that idea.

But speaking of Cucina Paradiso, what to make of the Wednesday Journal ad that boasts "2012 Chicago Michelin Guide - Honored to be the only Oak Park restaurant recommended!"? Isn't that wrong/dishonest on a couple of levels, or did I miss something?

I live close to Cucina. I think they are a great neighborhood place. We go there often. My childern have grown up there and for them it is comfort food. Very solid appetizers, pizza and entrees. The specials are usually better than the ones the night we went (Oak Park boys night out). The staff does a great job of serving without being in the way. The drinks are well prepared and the room is comfortable. I dine out often and this place is solid. I have never had a complaint from the many folks I have taken here.

As with many places, their appetizers are better than their main courses. The grilled calamari is excellent, as is the baked goat cheese, veal meatballs, and bacon wrapped dates. I haven't been all that impressed or disappointed by the entrees, pizzas, and salads.

Tuesday is half off small plates, so that is clearly the day to go here.