The restaurant This is the place, established over 20 years ago, that has set the standard for Italian fine dining in Chicago. With award-winning chef Tony Mantuano at the helm, Spiaggia, with its beautiful interior, impeccable (but not irritating) service and, of course, the outlook from the huge floor-to-ceiling windows is as close to dining heaven as it gets. We indulged in the 'tasting' menu, created by executive chef Missy Robbins, a seven-course fest that included delights like Woodroasted sea scallop with Castellucio lentils and Modena sausage, Carpaccio of Yellowtail with blood orange and Osetra caviar, Pecorino cheese-filled pasta with braised young goat, Colorado lamb chop with with polenta. . . Desserts were good but the selection of Italian cheeses was truly spectacular.
The view Ah yes, those floor-toceiling windows where, if you settle yourself at a table right alongside one you look right out over the hustle and bustle of Michigan Avenue's Magnificent Mile. The lake itself glistens just a few hundred yards away.
Spiaggia is on the second floor so the elevated perspective gives an even better vista.
On the a la carte menu 'antipasti' portions of the sea scallop and of the yellowtail are $23 each.
'Primi platti' are priced from $17 to $27 and 'secondi platti' from $38 to $44.
Roslyn Dee Spiaggia, 980 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA (001 312 2802750, www. spiaggiarestaurant. com)
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