My New Zealand friend Vic was back in Chicago for a two day layover, so I was thrilled when we got to see each other again after just meeting a few weeks ago.

We decided to go to Eataly, not just because of all the glorious shopping, but also because there are several restaurants to choose from.

It wasn’t that crowded when we first got there, so we were able to walk around a bit before sitting down to dinner.  My suggestion to you though, especially if you go on the weekends, is to find out where you want to eat and check out the wait time for a table.

The first time I went there I walked around for 90 minutes, then finally settled on a restaurant, only to realize there was a 90 minute wait.  So make your reservation online before you go, or right when you get there if there is a long wait.  That way you can look around while you wait for your table.

I would like one of every cheese please!

We chose to eat at Osteria.  I had their house made beer – a pale ale and it was delicious.  Their wine prices were on the steep side, and since Vic was treating this time, I didn’t want to be that asshole who orders a $20 glass of wine.  Their wine menu was spectacular though – they even had a $420 bottle of Chardonnay!  

Vic and I have very similar tastes, and we both chose the agnolotti – braised beef cheek pasta – swoon!

We split the salad – Vic had never had arugula before and loved it.  The dressing was simple – a touch of olive oil, fresh lemon, salt, pepper and a bit of shaved pecorino romano.

This picture does not do this dish justice – it was rich and light at the same time.  We each ate every single bite!

Then we walked around – I’ll need to plan ahead next time, because I need to try dry aged beef at home on my grill.

I just might have to refinance my house to pay for it – ha!

I bought fresh pasta to bring home – a two pound box was $10.  It will be good in my fridge for a few days, but I can also freeze it. They sprinkled it generously with semolina flour so it didn’t stick together.  Can’t wait to try this!!

We finished the night off with a bite of sweets – I got the blueberry lemon curd tart, and Vic got the hazelnut praline.  The perfect ending to a delicious meal.

So great to see you Vic – until next time!  If you are on instagram, I left her tag down below – I plan on making one of her dishes this weekend, a chick pea tart that is zero points – I know!  She said that I’ll never be able to tell the pastry is made with chick peas.

We made it to Friday!  Jenn and I haven’t seen much of each other the last two weeks with our schedules, but we are having lunch with our friend Lauren who is moving to Texas soon, so this may be the last time we see her for a while.

We are going to The Dearborn – I am already -78 points for the week, but kudos to me for tracking it all!  Ha!

Make it a great day!