Restaurant Review: Gold Coast’s Adalina celebrates Father’s Day, Italian-style!
With Father’s Day coming up this Sunday (June 18), it’s time to celebrate the people who raised you!
One restaurant going all-out is Adalina, located inside the No. 9 Walton building on the Gold Coast. As the Chicago Tribunereported, “Dad will have a chance to take home pocket squares, cigars, White Sox tickets and other gifts during a brunch featuring a $20 waffle station and $30 Bloody Mary bar, with both offered together for $45.”
Who could want more?
Well, listen to what they’re serving! For $75 per person (excluding tax and gratuity) Adalina is also serving a special Father’s Day dinner, starting with a 24-oz, bone-in, aged Balsamic Ribeye, served with Parmesan-Dusted Fries, a special Smoked Manhattan, and to complete the special meal, Chef Nicole’s Decadent Chocolate Cake.
You don’t have to be a dad to appreciate such a meal! For reservations, click here.
What is Adalina?
Opened nearly two years ago and led by Michelin-starred chef Soo Ahn, previously with Band of Bohemia, Adalina’s menu, according to their website, “creates a balance between Northern and Southern cuisine, providing expertly staged shared plates along with strong statement items that satisfy a table.”
For a great dinner starter, try their Charred Octopus, served with fingerling potatoes, Sicilian pistachios, fennel, horseradish, and goat cheese, or Polpettine, whichare meatballs with Scamorza, Pomodoro, and EVOO (extra virgin olive oil), or the Gnoccho Fritto, made with 24-month aged Prosciutto di San Daniele, whipped ricotta, and Mieli Thun Honey.
All the starters set up nicely for Adalina’s handmade pastas, including Chitarra, which is Duck Bolognese with Watercress, Ricotta Salata, and Calabrian chili. Gnocchi Dells Nonna is a mix of potato, pomodoro, and black pepper.
For big appetites (and bigger spenders) Adalina’s 40-ounce Bistecca Alla Fiorentina includes a 40oz Porterhouse steak, served with fried brussel sprouts and ricotta whipped potatoes. Their Veal Chop Parmigiana has spicy tomato and crispy basil. Lighter appetites will enjoy their Salmon Vesuvio withpotato gnocchi, truffle, and micro oregano.
As we always say here, “SAVE ROOM FOR DESSERT!” Created by Nicole Guini, their Head Pastry Chef, try the Adalina Tiramisu, which isa rich combination of chocolate, bourbon, espresso, and a unique smoked vanilla gelato.
Nicole’s Cookie Plate is a “Chefs whim,” and a good bet. Banana Bread Donuts are lively with passion fruit, rum, and black sesame gelato.
Google reviewers were ecstatic:
“Great place to dine for dinner. Elegant looks. Nice cocktail and food. I really like truffle Ceasar salad and grilled Branzino. Great service from staff. Recommended and think it’s famous and popular place anyway.”
“There are many upscale restaurants in Chicago but Adalina offers the best value. Great environment and great vibe with delicious food at a decent price that is Adalina!”
Adalina is located at 912 N. State Street. They are open Monday-Wednesday, 5pm- 10pm, Thursday-Friday, 5pm-11pm, Saturday, 10am-11pm, and Sunday, 10am-9pm. For more information, click here.
Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago
