Chicago Italians

The Italian’s first came to Chicago in the late eighteen hundreds, first a slow trickle, then eventually a steady stream. When they arrived, those aliens from Italia settled into neighborhoods occupied by their fellow Europeans primarily on the Near North and Near West sides of the city.

Predominantly Roman Catholic, their primary goal was to connect with a church of their denomination. But where were the Italian Catholic churches? None were to be found. These early Italian settlers did not find compatibility with churches whose composition was Irish, Polish, German, Lithuanian, French, or Czech. They desired their own church. Finally, by the late 1870's, after expressing their desire to the Chicago hierarchy, an Italian Servite priest by the name of Sosteneus Moretti offered his time and energy to locating a site for a future church to serve the growing population of Chicago Italians. Eventually, in 1880, a parcel of land at 323 W. Illinois Street near Market Street North of the Chicago River was purchased. The following year, the basement foundation was completed. In 1883, the church services commenced there. Later it would serve as the church hall.

During the next several years, the Italians donated their nickels and dimes so the main church structure could rise above the existing foundation. In 1883, a rectory was added to the project and finally in 1886, the church rose above the foundation. On the feast of the Assumption, August 15, 1886, the Corinthian style architectural structure was dedicated appropriately as the Assumption Church, Chicago’s first Italian Catholic Church. The Italians called it “Assunta” and left no doubt in everyone’s mind this was “their church”. The first pastor was the same Fr. Moretti O.S.M. who spearheaded the effort six years earlier.

The church’s main exterior feature is the stately 78 foot high bell tower. Extensive use of stained glass windows are featured throughout the church. Above the main altar, a window portrays the Assumption of Our Lady with twenty three angels. Paintings, mosaics and murals also are very prominent including on the church ceiling. The altar rail contained five different types of Italian marble. Statues adorned the church on three sides and numbered a dozen.

Since Assumption was not only Chicago’s first Italian Catholic Church, and the only Italian church, it attracted Italians from not only the adjacent Near North neighborhood, but also from the other scattered “Little Italy’s” in Chicago. It soon became the center for a variety of Italian activities. The neighborhood surrounding the church was comprised mainly of Northern Italians, the first group to arrive in Chicago. They were immigrants from Genoa and Tuscany.

A parish school was founded in 1899 by the Italian Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart.

The Mother General of this order was no less than Francis Xavier Cabrini. Since land was not available adjacent to the church or rectory, space was purchased a short distance away, at 317 W. Erie Street. The school was overcrowded when it opened with 900 children. Mother Carbini also taught catechism every Sunday to 600 children who attended public schools.

The parish had a population of 20,000 Italian emigrants and their families. Seven Servite priests staffed Assumption to meet the spiritual needs of so many. At times, as many as 32 babies were baptized on a Sunday afternoon. The number of weddings and funerals grew to an astounding number. But as time passed, circumstances began to change at Assumption. The neighborhood began to become industrial and with it, a loss of parishioners. By 1945 the school, once bursting at the seams, closed it’s doors forever. But not once during the 46 years did it charge even one student tuition.

Today, 115 years later, the Assumption Church still stands as a pillar of spirituality for the Near North Side community, now called River North, though it no longer is an Italian church. Many decades ago, the original settlers died off and their descendants moved away. Now, the parish consists of a melting pot of generic nationalities, many of which are referred to as yuppies. Rather than a beacon of visibility in a poor neighborhood of homes and businesses, the church today is almost invisible in a canyon of glass, steel and concrete high rises virtually unnoticed in the shadow the grandiose Merchandise Mart. Despite it’s lack of prominence and the loss of it’s Italian identity, the spirit of Assumption remains in the minds, hearts and souls of countless Italian Americans.

By the way, those dedicated priests of the Servants of Mary.....they’re still there.

Coco Pazzo Italian 15/20
300 W. Hubbard St.
Chicago, IL 60610
312-836-0900
RESERVE NOW!
Coco Pazzo presents the depth and breadth of the grand repertoire of Italian cooking.

Gabriel's Italian 15/20
310 Green Bay Rd.
Highwood, IL 60040
847-433-0031
RESERVE NOW!
Elegant, showy North suburban favorite that also boasts a fab wine selection.

Gioco Italian 14/20
1312 S. Wabash St.
Chicago, IL 60605
312-939-3870
RESERVE NOW!
Solid, inventive Italian eatery in the South Loop that specializes in superb seafood.

I Gemelli Italian 13/20
32 E. Lake St.
Addison, IL 60101
630-832-2131
Italian eatery with sublime risotto, fresh seafood and fine crostatas.

Rose Angelis Italian 12/20
1314 W. Wrightwood Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
773-296-0081
Popular among daters and cost-conscious diners, this Italian restaurant also appeals to vegetarians.

Spiaggia Italian 16/20
One Magnificent Mile, 2nd Fl.
980 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
312-280-2750
RESERVE NOW!
Expensive but special occasion-worthy, this restaurant attracts well-heeled sophisticates.

Trattoria No. 10 Italian 15/20
10 N. Dearborn St.
Chicago, IL 60602
312-984-1718
RESERVE NOW!
The homemade ravioli served here will leave you on cloud nine.

Va Pensiero Italian 14/20
Margarita Inn
1566 Oak Ave.
Evanston, IL 60201
847-475-7779
RESERVE NOW!
Expect outstanding homemade pasta that’s offered along with a solid list of entrées and desserts.

Vinci Italian 13/20
1732 N. Halsted St.
Chicago, IL 60614
312-266-1199
RESERVE NOW!
A fine take on pan-Italian threatens to make this rustic spot a regular haunt.

Vivere Italian 14/20
The Italian Village, 1st Fl.
71 W. Monroe St.
Chicago, IL 60603
312-332-4040
Complex Italian dishes shine at this first-floor fine dining establishment in the Italian Village restaurant trio.

I'm a non-Italian living in suburban Chicago. I just can't seem to fine a good recipe for Chicago's famous Italian beef sandwiches. Can you help?

If you’re in Chicago and not Italian, you should be getting your Italian beef sandwiches from Italians. It’s us non-Chicagoan non-Italians who should be resorting to recipes.

And we’re just likely to get into trouble answering this one. The problem is, we have dozens of recipes — which is the right one? Which is most authentic? Which is best? As always, it comes down to a matter of personal preference. Here’s our choice:



Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich

Ingredients:

1 5-lb rump roast
1 medium onion, diced
2 cups beef stock
1 Tbsp fresh oregano or 1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp dried marjoram
1 bay leaf
1 tsp hot pepper sauce, such as Tabasco
2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
3 to 6 garlic cloves, crushed
1 green pepper, seeded and chopped
1 Tbsp fresh basil (optional)
Italian bread or rolls

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 300°F (160°C). Dry the roast, season it with salt and pepper, and place it on a rack in a roasting pan. Strew the onion over the top of the roast and put the pan in the oven. Roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the meat reads 140°F (60°C). Remove the roast to a platter or cutting board, cover loosely with aluminum foil, and let rest for a half hour.


Leave the roasting juices in the roasting pan and add all the other ingredients except the bread. On the top of the stove, heat and simmer the mixture for 15 to 20 minutes, adding any juices that collect from the resting beef.

Slice the beef thinly, and arrange the slices in a dish. Strain the juice mixture, pour it over the beef, and refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours.

Heat the roast beef and sauce thoroughly. Put the sliced beef on Italian bread or rolls and spoon some of the sauce on top or serve it alongside for dipping.

Some recipes recommend adding grilled green pepper slices to the sandwich or a giardinera relish (made from pickled Greek peppers, carrots, cauliflower, cucumbers, celery, turnips, red peppers, olives and onions).

BiCE Ristorante

158 E Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60611 · 312-664-1474


Avg. Entrée: $$$16 - $30
Reservations: Recommended
Dress: BCBC: Business Casual

Outdoor Dining: None
MAGNIFICENT MILE. Italian management recreates Milan's original Bice at this Michigan Avenue outpost. The stylish place offers sleek Art Deco touches and attentive service. Try an authentic risotto, carpaccio of tuna or swordfish, Milanese veal chop, or a sampler of four delectable pastas. All desserts are made on the premises, and homemade ice cream is particularly noteworthy. EL: Red Line to Grand/State


Caliterra Bar & Grille

633 N St. Clair St, Wyndham Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611 · 312-274-4444

Avg. Entrée: $$$$31 - $50
Reservations: Recommended
Dress: BCBC: Business Casual

Outdoor Dining: None
STREETERVILLE. This hotel eatery's tasty menu adds Californian style to Italian standards. The seasonal menu changes each month, and on Sundays, the kitchen is abuzz preparing for an over-the-top Sunday brunch. Plus, live jazz can be heard in the Calittera Bar. If you're feeling indulgent, dine at the chef's table, which seats 18 amid racks of wine bottles. The full bar serves draft and bottled beers, Scotch, bourbon, and over 100 wine varieties.




Campagnola

815 Chicago Ave, Evanston, IL 60202 · 847-475-6100


Avg. Entrée: $$$16 - $30
Reservations: Recommended
Dress: BCBC: Business Casual

Outdoor Dining: None
EVANSTON. The small dining room fills up quickly with patrons eager to enjoy the creative dishes of chef Michael Alternberg. The name means "country-style," and that's just what you get – rustic, wood-laden surroundings, complete with some cozy looking couches, and the best of bold Italian cooking. Try grilled calamari with tapenade, wood-grilled sardines, or wood-grilled Muscovy duck with organic vegetables. Simple but amazing desserts, including white chocolate rhubarb cake or an elegant cheese plate.


Coco Pazzo

300 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60610 · 312-836-0900

Avg. Entrée: $$$16 - $30
Reservations: Recommended
Dress: BCBC: Business Casual

Outdoor Dining:
RIVER NORTH. Perfect for special occasions, this restaurant focuses on hearty Tuscan cuisine. The dining room has a spacious, airy interior, upscale but still comfortable. The food is full of assertive flavors, as evidenced by dishes like pappardelle with rabbit, roast pancetta-rolled pork loin, and herb-crusted half rack of lamb with artichokes and fried polenta. Any of the grilled game dishes is sure to please. The most popular dessert is cioccolato fondente, a chocolate volcano ready to erupt as soon as your fork hits it.

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Francesca's on Taylor


1400 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607 · 312-829-2828

Avg. Entrée: $$$16 - $30
Reservations: Recommended
Dress: BC, CBC: Business Casual
C: Casual

Outdoor Dining: None
LITTLE ITALY. This neighborhood charmer earns high marks for its traditional trattoria atmosphere, friendly service, and Northern Italian and Tuscan-inspired fare. Start off with an appetizer of mussels in spicy tomato sauce before moving on to heartier matters, like pollo limone, rigatoni melanzane with roasted eggplant and mozzarella, and salmone pagliacci with broccoli, eggplant, garlic, and white wine.


Gabriel's

310 Green Bay Rd, Highwood, IL 60040-1305 · 847-433-0031



Avg. Entrée: $$$16 - $30
Reservations: Recommended
Dress: BCBC: Business Casual

Outdoor Dining: None
HIGHWOOD. Cuisines collide at this refined restaurant, namely French and Italian. The open kitchen allows guests to see masterful chefs at work, preparing everything from a veal porterhouse to pastas and seafood dishes. The menu changes seasonally to take advantage of the freshest ingredients, and when the weather permits, tables on the patio are decked out with flowers and linen.

O'Famé

750 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614 · 773-929-5111



Avg. Entrée: $$1 - $15
Reservations: Available
Dress: BCBC: Business Casual

Outdoor Dining: None
LINCOLN PARK. This family-owned and -operated Italian restaurant has been satisfying Chicago diners for well over 20 years, thanks to thin-crust pizzas, homemade pastas, efficient service, and speedy carryout. Appetizers like stuffed artichokes and steamed clams are just a warm-up for goodies like eggplant parmigiano, chicken cacciatore, and hearty steak specials.


Pompei Bakery
1531 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607 · 312-421-5179


Avg. Entrée: $$1 - $15
Reservations: Not Accepted
Dress: CC: Casual

Outdoor Dining: None
LITTLE ITALY. This cafeteria-style restaurant has a well-deserved reputation for putting out some of the area's best pizzas, breads, and desserts. The menu includes appetizers, soups, salads, pizzas, sandwiches, pastas, and desserts. Try a stuffed pizza, like "The Works" or the "Beef Angelo." Homemade pastas topped with savory Italian sausage or meatballs are a perfect solution for times when only good old-fashioned Italian will do. Just looking for something sweet? Order a slice of Italian chocolate sheet cake or try a chocolate-dipped cannoli.

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Spiaggia

980 N Michigan Ave, 2nd fl, Chicago, IL 60611 · 312-280-2750

Avg. Entrée: $$$$31 - $50
Reservations: Required, Recommended
Outdoor Dining: None
MAGNIFICENT MILE. For luxurious, upscale Italian dining, Spiaggia is a top pick. One of the town's most romantic dining rooms, it features sparkling platinum-and-white decor, sculpted steel light fixtures, and fantastic Lake Michigan views. The food is simplicity at its best, crafted with the finest aged cheeses, the freshest produce, and wonderful pastas. Delicious dishes include roasted scallops with Parmigiano Reggiano, tenderloin of rabbit, and an unforgettable citrus sea bass. Perfect wines, impeccable service, and irresistible desserts make this restaurant a winner in every category.


Va Pensiero

1566 Oak Ave, Margarita European Inn, Evanston, IL 60202 · 847-475-7779



Avg. Entrée: $$$16 - $30
Reservations: Recommended
Dress: BCBC: Business Casual

Outdoor Dining: None
EVANSTON. This serene dining spot is considered the best northern Italian restaurant in Chicago, thanks to perfect pastas and risotto dishes, a well-chosen wine list, and a rustic, authentic Italian environment that is complete with pillars. The name means "think freely" in Italian, and chefs do just that, going beyond basic pasta dishes to offer game or seafood concoctions like roasted Atlantic salmon with mustard glaze. Reservations recommended.