Davanti Enoteca

Davanti Enoteca Restaurant Review:

Davanti Enoteca was the first of Chicago chef/restaurateur Scott Harris’s establishments to open locally; this place is in Little Italy and sister spots are in Del Mar Heights. It has both a romantic atmosphere and a fun community spirit. Start with formaggi and salumi --- a nice triple cream goat cheese with rustic Tuscan salami and cured spicy pork shoulder. Other standout appetizers include beef carpaccio with arugula and briny capers, and a crispy pork belly enlivened with peach-studded mostarda. Cleverly composed salads mean hearts of palm with dainty Lolla Rossa lettuce or shaved Brussels sprouts. Share a pizza --- we like the sausage and broccoli rabe --- but don't miss the mascarpone polenta with various ragùs for some home-cooked Northern Italian flavor. Rustic entrées like grilled swordfish alla Siciliano, seared wild striped bass with white asparagus, and 24-hour risotto with veal glaze and toasted onion do not disappoint. Davanti's affordable wine list focuses on Italian reds and whites, many of which are offered by the glass or as a half-carafe. The hopping bar is popular for its creative concoctions like the effervescent "Golden Ticket" --- St-Germain with Prosecco and a splash of soda. Service is friendly; the crowd vibrant.