Sparacino

Anyone eaten at Sparacino, around 6900 W North Ave? I was wondering how it compares to some of the other Italian in the Oak Park/Elmwood Park/Forest Park area.

We ate there last night and it was very, very good. For appetizers, I had the grilled calamari, nicely charred, and simply prepared with a bit of olive oil. Hubby had sausage stuffed dates wrapped in bacon, this was zesty and also very good, but any dish with 2 types of pork is good in my book.
Mains - I had the ricotta dumplings (i think its called cappeloni) with pesto and goat cheese. This was fantastic, airy dumplings with a light tomato sauce and dollops of tangy goat cheese and a bit of pesto. One of the best pasta dishes I have had. Hubby had the veal, which was covered with Mozzarella. Veal melted in your mouth, I found the mozzarella unnecessary, but still it was very tasty.
Dessert - we each had a Tartufo - one chocolate, one lemon. I have never had a lemon tartufo before, it was very light, fresh and a nice way to end a great meal. The chocolate one was very good as well, pleasantly rich, while not being too heavy or sweet.
Service was very good, and friendly. The atmosphere was very nice as well, quiet Sinatra playing, darkish room, with candles, white table clothes, fireplace with candles and with a mantle of photos.
I would go back definitely, especially to try the housemade mushroom ravioli, that they were out of. The entire dining experience was very, very good.
How does it compare to other Italian in the area?? I can only compare it to Jim n Pete's, Jimmy's, the now-defunct Vivaldi, La Bella and La Piazza . Its different that any of those above, Jimmy's being the best home style Italian and La Piazza being more creative, for lack of a better description. Jim n pete's is ok home style, and i really don't care for LaBella.

LO wrote:We ate there last night and it was very, very good. For appetizers, I had the grilled calamari, nicely charred, and simply prepared with a bit of olive oil. Hubby had sausage stuffed dates wrapped in bacon, this was zesty and also very good, but any dish with 2 types of pork is good in my book.
Mains - I had the ricotta dumplings (i think its called cappeloni) with pesto and goat cheese. This was fantastic, airy dumplings with a light tomato sauce and dollops of tangy goat cheese and a bit of pesto. One of the best pasta dishes I have had. Hubby had the veal, which was covered with Mozzarella. Veal melted in your mouth, I found the mozzarella unnecessary, but still it was very tasty.
Dessert - we each had a Tartufo - one chocolate, one lemon. I have never had a lemon tartufo before, it was very light, fresh and a nice way to end a great meal. The chocolate one was very good as well, pleasantly rich, while not being too heavy or sweet.
Service was very good, and friendly. The atmosphere was very nice as well, quiet Sinatra playing, darkish room, with candles, white table clothes, fireplace with candles and with a mantle of photos.
I would go back definitely, especially to try the housemade mushroom ravioli, that they were out of. The entire dining experience was very, very good.
How does it compare to other Italian in the area?? I can only compare it to Jim n Pete's, Jimmy's, the now-defunct Vivaldi, La Bella and La Piazza . Its different that any of those above, Jimmy's being the best home style Italian and La Piazza being more creative, for lack of a better description. Jim n pete's is ok home style, and i really don't care for LaBella.

I got a coupon in the mail from them the other day - is this place a chain of some sorts? Their mailer had several locations listed, the flyer had a Rosati's feel about it. Based on your review, I'm going to give it a try.

Hmm, I don't believe its a chain, I think the location on North is the only one. Hope you enjoy your meal and please do report back.
LO

Definitely not a chain. It's owned by the Sparacino siblings, formerly front-of-the-house staff at Topo Gigio.

I think this place is gone now. I think it's the place I'm thinking of. North side of North Avenue, a few blocks east of Harlem?? It was a place I wanted to try, but never got around to it. Now I feel guilty.