Via Carducci La Sorella

Amid the dive bars and high-end boutiques lining Wicker Park's Division Street, this inviting Italian eatery had intrigued me since day numero uno. Via Carducci La Sorella, similar in menu to the sister spot on Fullerton, was the first conquest on my list to becoming Wicker Park's most prestigious restaurant & food critic. Joined by my posse (my mom and sister) and completely disguised as your ordinary sorority girl-gone-Chicago (not such a stretch) I don't think our waiter knew that his Italian hospitality would play such a role in my love affair with this under-rated charmer.

After waiting only 15 minutes for outdoor seating on a Saturday night (didn't think it was possible, didja?), I was in great spirits and ready to try the Southern Italian deliciousness I'd heard so much about. Our attentive server made sure that we received the most authentic experience and his adorable Italian accent didn't hurt one bit either.

To start, the Pomodori E Cipolla Salad with sweet red onions, tomatoes, fresh garlic, olive oil and basil was totally tasteful and the light dressing completely coated the greens for the perfect indian-Summer salad. The main course was the Gnocchi Al Pomodoro with the house tomato sauce. One might argue that a gnocchi is a gnocchi, but I would have to wildly disagree (and I've been known to take low blows when I argue). Ideal in consistency and texture, these dumplings top my list and I've tried a hundred varieties of those little 'taters. It will be hard to order something different the next time I eat at Via (a rule of mine: never order the same thing twice), but I guess a serious food critic's gotta do what a serious food critic's gotta do…even if the label "serious food critic" is self-proclaimed. I convinced my cohorts that in order to have a complete and overall impression of the restaurant I must try each of their dishes...3 or 4 times. Mom's Chicken Marsala-like special -o-the-day was nicely done, flavored with white wine and exotic mushrooms, and my pregnant sister’s cravings were met with the Rotina Santa Lucia- cork screw shaped pasta, sautéed in red wine, onions, mushrooms and sausage with tomato cream sauce.

I successfully hid my celeb status from the wait staff who were oblivious to my uber-critical palate and keen ear for accents. However throughout my experience, the entire staff gave me (and the rest of their guests) the utmost attention and alas, I was wooed. After all, Italian is the language of lasagna.

Address:

1928 W. Division Street

Telephone:

(773) 252.2244

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