Il Girasole owner an Italian at heart

The owners of Il Girasole Trattoria, which opened in July in Chicago, may be from Mexico but have extensive experience and deep appreciation for Italian cuisine. The restaurant at 2700 N. Western Ave. is owned by Christian Hernandez and Rodolfo Hernandez (no relation) and aims to serve “high-quality, northern Italian comfort food,” Block Club Chicago reported. Christian Hernandez and his family spent more than 20 years working front of house at Italian restaurants in Chicago, including Piccolo Sogno and Riccardo Trattoria in Lincoln Park. Chef Rodolfo Hernandez has been cooking in Italian restaurants for 34 years, including at Riccardo’s. Christian touted his partner’s “magical” cooking. “He’s an artist. He makes the plates with love.” For more, click here.