Di Pescara, a Lettuce Entertain You restaurant at Northbrook Court, is well named.
Think fresh fish and seafood or think the Abruzzo region of Italy where the ancient city of Pescara sits on the Adriatic coast.
Overseen by veteran Lettuce Partner/Chef Mychael Bonner (responsible for Di Pescara, Saranellos, Pettrinos and the Ivy Room), he and Di Pescara Executive Chef Carlos Ocampo have created dishes that have been bringing patrons back since 2005 and more recently as inside seating has returned.
The restaurant was serving at well-spaced tables in its dining room but we chose the canopy-covered patio outdoors. Both areas were popular on a Wednesday night so reservations are recommended.
We found out why. Service and menu choices were worth return visits.
Perfectly grilled shrimp lightly set on garlic flavored polenta accompanied by pasta topped by parmesan flakes, almond-crusted whitefish, jumbo lump crab cakes with roasted corn, chilies, lime and mustard – those were our delicious dishes
That the menu also included parmesan coated mahi mahi, house made potato gnocchi in tomato vodka sauce, parmesan and a sushi assortment testified to its Italian influences, seafood bent and modern takes on traditional dishes.
For reservations, menu or more information visit Di Pescara. The restaurant is at an upstairs outside entrance near Nieman Marcus at 2124 Northbrook Court, Northbrook, (847) 498-4321.
