Fra Noi Embrace Your Inner Italian
Ovvio Italian Taverna, which opened in December in Glenview, in suburban Chicago, features New York-style pizzas along with a Neapolitan-focused menu and a taste of central Italy and Italian-American-style influences, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Formerly an abandoned automotive repair shop, the space has a contemporary feel with earthy wooden architectural details and warm, overhead open-light fixtures, the Tribune reports.
“We draw food from different parts of Italy,” Ovvio co-owner Nick Philippas told the newspaper. “But our main focus was creating a community place where you can bring your kids, you can come in for a drink, you can do a little bit of everything.”
The restaurant is also owned by Zeno Popa and Chef Juan Ramirez, who prepares the dough by hand each morning. Ramirez’ previous experience includes working at RPM Italian in Chicago.
Ovvio’s menu also features homemade pasta, like the Mezze Lumache alla Vodka prepared with fresh Italian sausage, basil, Calabrian chilies and stracciatella.
“I focus a lot on Italian (food) because you learn a lot of things over the years, mostly pasta shapes. There are over 400 pasta shapes, so you never stop learning … which, for me, is great,” Ramirez told the Tribune.
Other customer favorites include the Sausage Arancini appetizer and Brussels Sprouts Salad, along with Nonna’s Chocolate Hazelnut Cake, a 12-layer creation with Nutella whipped cream, homemade gelato and fresh strawberries. For more, click here.
