Petterino's

You'll expect Walter Winchell!

For those of you who have not experienced an evening at one of the legendary New York theatrical hangs such as 21 or Sardi's, and especially those who have, a wonderful experience awaits you right in downtown Chicago.

One of my very favorite dining spots is Petterino's at 150 N. Dearborn. Not only is the food delicious but the atmosphere is fabulous. Petterino's is named for its owner, Arturo Petterino who was the famed maitre'd of the legendary Pump Room. It is designed to look like a 1940s theater district steak house with lots of dark wood, red leather booths and the walls covered with caricatures of celebrities who have played Chicago or are native born, and there are plenty!

As you walk in, you are standing by the long bar filled with Martini glasses as you wait to be seated. If you have any sense of nostalgia you really will expect to see Walter Winchell taking notes in the dining room or Bette Davis pitching an olive at someone across the bar. Oh I should also add that the restaurant is attached to the famed Goodman Theater and caters to pre-show dining for any theater-goers. They are very efficient at getting people out in time, well watered and well fed. However, we were in no hurry to leave this little theater set.

We started our meal with our server, MJ (no, not Michael Jordan. This MJ is a charming young woman) bringing us ice cold Vodka Martinis with blue cheese olives! My favorite!

Our first course was a special of the day, a crabmeat and artichoke fondue with toast points. Delicate and creamy.

For our entrees, we enjoyed the Chicken Milanese; a pounded, breaded chicken breast served with fresh arugala and shaved parmesan cheese. This reminded me so much of a dish I had in Florernce, Italy. We also had the Sea Scallops DeJonghe. The flavors of lemon, butter and herbs penetrated the tender scallops. We also ordered a side of the creamed spinach. A must have!

Now the house specialties are the steaks. My favorite that I have enjoyed in the past is the Steak Diane. I think this is rarely seen on any menu after about 1955! I would recommend this for first time customers if you like red meat.

We finished off the meal with coffee and of course my husband Bob had to have desert. As always, I did not indulge. He loved the Chocolate Water-bath Pudding. Creamy and very chocolaty.

The entire staff is wonderful and took good care of us. General Manager Daniel Faylor made a point of visiting our table as did two members of the wait staff that have served us before, Shaina who is an actress and a fan of mine and Ric who is a jazz lover and actually programs all the great classic jazz that you hear while dining.

So a night at Petterino's is a delight to all the senses. Don't miss it!

For info and reservations visit www.leye.com.