eataly : le verdure.

hope everyone had a nice holiday! looking forward to kicking off 2014 with some awesome eats!

anywho, after a slight hiatus, i'm back with a trip to the infamous eataly, a market & restaurant space with over 20 different eateries located right downtown ... oh, and did i mention that chef mario batali is one of the founding partners?

when my gal pals & i went about a week after it opened, we obviously opted to dine at le verdure ... featuring all vegetarian & vegan dishes.

"le verdure is an eatery that celebrates a menu entirely devoted to italian-style vegetable dishes. our popular dishes are inspired by the seasonal vegetables & flavors of italy, including daily soup specials, bruschette & hearty platters to satisfy any palate." beautiful.

here's what i had ...

insalata tricolore :

radicchio, endive & arugula salad w/ balsamic vinaigrette. 
your basic greens salad.

fritto misto :

seasonal vegetables fried in extra virgin olive oil.

can you really go wrong with food fried like so? my favorite was the broccoli. mmm.

verdure alla piastra :

a selection of warm vegetables & farro salad in a nebbiolo vinaigrette.
 good, but i was expecting something a bit more exciting. delicious, nonetheless.

bonus feature from downstairs at the gelato bar (lait gelato) downstairs ... 

sorbetto :

banana & dark chocolate.
tasted like candy bananas instead of real bananas -- ergo, i loved.

eataly is definitely a fun place ... lots of foods to try & great environment. i mean, let's be honest ... anywhere you can grab a bottle of wine, then walk around shopping & eating is good in my book.

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eataly
43 e. ohio street
chicago, il 60611