Carlucci Downer’s Grove – Kicking Off Summer Italian Style

By Samantha Schoville

An adventure to the Chicago ‘burbs for food, I have found, usually results in a happy belly. My excursion to the towering restaurant of Carlucci’s in Downer’s Grove proved to be no disappointment. Carlucci prides itself on homemade pasta, world class wines, live music, a touted chef and unbelievable specials (my personal favorite is “Penny Wine Night”—as in one cent for a glass of wine!). We were treated to the best of the best with a 5-course meal with wine pairings prepared by the renowned new-comer to Carlucci, David Oland.

Our first course comprised of a Trio of Crostini: Crushed Walnut and Pistachio and Goat Cheese; Pickled Heirloom Tomato with Herbs; and my favorite, Crimini Mushrooms and Marscapone. They were generous in size and balanced one another perfectly. Our first course was paired with a light 2014 Banfi Centine Rosé, which tasted like our first moments of Summer.

Next we were presented with Soft Shell Crab served over Spring Greens, drizzled with a beautiful Herb Aioli. This was served with a Mineral Infused 2014 Banfi Principessa Gavi that might have been one of my favorite wines of the night. It sparkled ever so slightly on the tongue and had a crisp finish.

My, hands-down, favorite dish of the night, perhaps because of its simplicity, was the handmade Tagliatelle alla Bolognese. With the Egg Pasta done al dente, in a simple Tomato-Meat Sauce, you’d swear a Northern Italian grandmother had made it. The waiters brought around a nice cheese to shave, but for once I just wanted the pureness of the flavors. With no guilt in sight, I finished the bowl! The wine rivaled the pasta in its rich hue. Made from one of the oldest wine manufacturers in the world, the 2012 Banfi Chianti Classico Rivera was bold and unforgettable.

Maybe I should have saved just a bit more space, as the entrée proved to also be worth every bite. The Pancetta-wrapped Monkfish on a bed of Green Lentils, served with a Spicy Broccoli Salad, had me fully content. Served with a glass of 2013 Carpazo Rosso di Montalcino, made with Brunello Grapes, our taste buds were on cloud nine.

Last but not least, we made way for the real show-stopper of the evening: Goat Cheese Pana Cotta with Caramelized Figs on top. The consistency of the Pana Cotta was dense with a very light texture. This was served with N/V Monvendo Moscato with hints of Pear that complimented the dessert instead of weighing it down. I will be dreaming of this course for many weeks to come.

I found the service of the whole evening very professional and inviting. The restaurant is voluminous; even on a Thursday night, it was full. With expertly composed meals, live entertainment two to three nights a week on the elegant and expansive patio, and gorgeous architecture, Carlucci is worth the trip.

Carlucci is located in Downer’s Grove and is open Monday-Thursday from 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. (10:30 p.m. on Friday), Saturday from 4:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m., and Sunday from 4:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

On June 9^th, Carlucci is hosting its Patio Part Kickoff with a dinner buffet, drinks and live music! Tickets can be ordered online or paid at the door.

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