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The Filini Bar and Restaurant is in the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel on Columbus Drive across from the Fairmont Hotel. I stopping in recently as I had been invited to sample their menu while in Chicago.
I recommend the tricolore salad resembling the Italian flag, with rows of chopped green arugula, white endive and red radicchio in a refreshing lemon vinaigrette topped with shreds of parmigiano Reggiano ($11.50) with a glass of Michele Chiarlo 100 % Gavi, Piemonte ($12).
Also good is the spinachi salad with lots of baby spinach, mushrooms, pancetta, cerignola olives all sprinkled with ricotta salata ($13) enjoyed with a glass of Allegrini Soave, Veneto ($11).
On a cold winter’s day a bowl of a rib-sticking thick soup is in order. Try their creamy butternut squash soup with lots of minced marcona almonds, sprinkled with parmesan and topped with a rosemary-scented crisp of bread ($9).
For something light and flavorful, consider the littleneck clams, periwinkles and mussel steamed in Tuscan Vernaccia wine with shallots, garlic and lots of fennel ($16).
The eggplant parmigiana is tasty, but not typical as it’s more of an vegetarian eggplant ragu with spinach, ricotta and tomatoes ($21) topped with some Parmigiano Reggiano. It worked well with the Tasca D’Almerita “Regaleali” 100% Nero D’Avola, Sicily ($10).
I do suggest a visit to this dimly lit, stylish modern hotel restaurant if you’re staying nearby, and would just like some simple Italian fair in a stylish modern spot.
– bonnie
Follow @BonnieBOTB
at the Radisson Blu
Loop
221 N Columbus Dr,
Chicago, IL 60601
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