Saranello's

Had lunch with two friends yesterday at Saranello's and was surprised that there was no thread about it on here. I had only soup and an artichoke so don't have a ton to offer but maybe someone has eaten a full meal there and would like to comment.

The room was pretty and wasn't full so I can't comment on the noise level. We found the server to be nice, engaging and he answered our questions fully. Service was a little spotty however, e.g., water glasses not refilled without having to flag someone down, not much checking in after food was served, etc. My friend ordered a seafood salad and it was sort of deconstructed, not at all what she was expecting. The server sort of acknowledged that people seem surprised when they get it, but he had not offered any warning when she placed the order. Nothing heinous of course, just seemed like a mention could have been made.

The minestrone soup was very tasty, brothy vs thick and not overly salted, but either had no or very few beans, and I happen to love the beans. The bowl was $4.95 and it was a large but very shallow bowl. I would've liked a little bit more! The stuffed artichoke was ok, perhaps a little bland and needing more garlic? Wasn't enormous either, $7.95, not sure what to expect but again, would've liked a little more.

Bread was good, we had to ask for refills and for extra olive oil for the table ( we ultimately reached over and out the bottle directly on our own table). They didn't rush us out, but it was 3 p.m. so I suspect that helped the leisurely-ness.

I'd heard it was expensive, don't know that it seemed ridiculously so, I would like to go back and try some more things, including their handmade pastas. They do have a prix fixe/family style option for groups of four or more for $18.95, that seemed like a pretty decent value.

I know LEYE doesn't usually get much love around here...anyone want to join the discussin?

Saranello's (web site)
Westin Hotel - Wheeling
601 N Milwaukee Ave
Wheeling, IL 60090-3023
(847) 777-6878

I liked the chicken Vesuvio. The prices are about what you would expect in a hotel restaurant. Overall, this is Lettuce doing its latter-day "appeal to the mainstream" best -- nothing too inspiring or innovative, but what they do, they do well. But it doesn't compare to Avanzare, Scoozi! or Lawrence of Oregano when they were new and at their heights.

My brother and I had a couple of pizzas and shared a caesar salad on a very crowded Wednesday night a couple months ago. The salad was very good, and the pizza was a little different. It was in a shallow pan and kind of reminded me of when I make pizza at home in a cookie sheet. Sausage was decent. I liked the pizza, didn't blow me away though. We ordered it well done. I'd go back there to see what else is on the menu. Service was so-so, but the waiter was nice.

I met my parents for dinner there a couple of months ago. The lasagna was uninspired, but not objectionable. Typical LEYE ambiance and service.