Mario Batali's renowned Italian superstore recently opened its second U.S. location (the first location is in NYC) at 43 E. Ohio (between Wabash and Rush) in Chicago . It's a sprawling 62,000 square foot multi-restaurant, market complex: the largest location the company has opened yet! Eataly founders besides Mario Batali are Oscar Farinetti, Joe and Lidia Bastianich, and Adam and Alex Saper.
(Merci': RealEstateChicago)
Mi "amici" and I ran down for a quick tour and delightful lunch the other day and I thought I would take you on a visual and culinary tour!
It is a wonderful destination for foodies! Just stay away on the weekends- standing room only- is the word on the street!
We sat in the la pizza and la pasta ristoranti. Just so you are aware...every ristorante is separate from another. Eataly doesn't function as a food court where you can sample dishes from each station and bring them back to the table...if you want seafood... you dine in il pesce ristorante etc. etc....everything is sit down service with wait staff.
Here was our Stella Ensalata...we shared everything so that we could all taste a bit of "tutti"!
Formaggi!
We sampled the following during our lunch. I cannot express to you how delicious and fresh these cheeses tasted. I am convinced they have pastures in the basement! I highly recommend this appetizer. The sampler consisted of Caico di Roma (sheep), Kunick (goat and cow) and Robiola (sheep and cow). Also available to purchase as you can see above.
The most outstanding mozzarella was also on our table...melt in your mouth!
These pizza ovens are just magnificent in every way...
The dessert section including a Nutella and Gelato bar will "rev" your sweet tooth...
The market is full of Italian favorites including wonderful olive oils, sweets and sodas...
The décor is so classic, clean and stylish...
We loved the cheese grater in play at each table....
A selection of fresh pasta dishes made on site fresh each day....AMORE!
The perfect lite-lunch wine selection...
They've got that right....
Fun accents abound around the market...
Great motto as you leave Eataly!! I am an Italian girl who lived in Firenze (Florence, Italy) during my youth..so having this spot in my backyard makes me very happy! I plan to visit often!
XO Emily
That place is ridiculous. I could go absolutely nuts in there.
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