Windy City Times recently had the honor of attending two different special events. Thankfully, the one thing in common was that they both featured excellent food.
Mama's Boy Peasant Italian ( 445 N. Dearborn St.; RosebudRestaurants.com/restaurant/mamas-boy-peasant-italian/ ) held an event that was big on the goal of achieving exposure via social media ( although I don't think the organizers will be upset with publicity being achieved through a publication, either ). Guests were invited to use Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to send photos and good words out to the massesand there was even a Facebook live segment that let guests convey what was happening.
Fortunately, the cuisine at this new Rosebud venture was worth touting. The telegenic Chef Fabio Capparelli explained that the food reflects what he had growing upand although I adore my own mother's Southern dishes, it would've been cool to stop by the Capparelli household every once in a while.
Dishes included fried calamari, which was merely okay for me. However, the quality definitely improved with the sizeable traditional meatballs ( with creamy polenta, marinara, parmesan and basil ) as well as Nonna's meatballs ( complete with pine nuts, raisings, escarole and beans ). We next sampled white and margherita pizza.
What followed were three spectacular pasta dishesorecchiette alla barese ( my favorite ), carbonara and gnocchi al pomodoraand concluded the night with a dessert tray consisting of panna cotta, cannoli and coconut cake ( the latter filled with gelato ). Get to this restaurant to sample some top-notch Italian cuisine.
On the other hand, the 34th-anniversary gala of French-Japanese spot Yoshi's Cafe ( 3257 N. Halsted St.; YoshisCafe.com ) had culture and warm welcomes as well, although there was certainly a different vibe. Nobuko Katsumura ( widow of chef-owner Yoshi Katsumura ) welcomed dozens of attendees who were treated to a very special menu that included various appetizers;, tuna poke salad; lobster bisque; entrees such as Japanese black cod, roasted quail and wagyu beef shortribs; and pear tart.
However, there was much more at this swanky, yet fun, event. Journalist Laura Washington emceed the festivities, which included words from Ald. Tom Tunney as well as singing and calligraphy.