Alan's Updates

The first thing that I've done in Chicago in 25 years, Pensiero Ristorante has been a wonderful consulting project. I was called by the owner of the hotel in which it occupies the ground floor when the ex chef/owner abandoned it on Easter day. Put his keys on the hostess stand and walked off into the sunset. Left his financial records, his reference books and burned everyone involved. Va Pensiero had a distinguished history for over 20 years.

Faced with now owning a restaurant he knew nothing about, the first smart thing our reluctant landlord did was shutter it. In discussing his plight amongst his foodie friends, apparently my name came up twice in 48 hours as to who may be able to help. He called me, we met and here we are.

Food wise, I did my best to keep the spirit but also guide it into the present. It had been said that it was "suspended in amber" and had been resting on its' once formidable laurels (27 Zagat rating). That is not the case any longer. New menu, new paint job, new name, new staff for the most part... we are proud of what we've accomplished and will only improve with time.