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Briciola: Reviews

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doctorbeef | Oct. 11, 2012

Went here for our anniversary. At first glance the place seemed charming and homey enough. We shared a fried calamari appetizer. The breading was light and tasty, but the calamari was chewy and tough. For the entree, I ordered a steak, and my wife ordered salmon. I've had better meat at Sizzler...no joking. The meat was tough, fatty, and flavorless. I would doubt it was of 'prime' grade quality. I didn't taste my wife's salmon, but she too complained that it was bad. We topped it off with dessert. My chocolate lava cake was barely tepid (it should be served warm so that the center is gooey), and it just didn't have that rich chocolate punch. My wife and the panna cotta, which was flavorless.

I just can't believe that somebody could serve food like this, and charge exhorbitant prices (the above-described meal was about $100; no alcohol). There is nothing short of a change of ownership and management that would get me to eat here again.

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SD1 | May. 14, 2012

Our meal at Briciola was outstanding - the appetizers were spot on from the roasted artichokes served over homemade arugula pesto and roasted garlic, to the surprising beet carpaccio (the octopus also was great), to the grilled polenta, to cannellini hummus. Pastas were reasonably priced, perfectly cooked and appropriately sauced (perhaps the most authentic and delicious Bolognese in Chicago) and the desserts were a surprise – panna cotta with fresh berries hidden inside, canoli and the chocolate soufflé all were delicious.
Chef Mario came to our table after each course to check on us, making an atmosphere that felt an awful lot like being in Florence - something not easily replicated. They haven't quite figured out the pacing and service, but that will come with time. Give this place a try.