‘Top Chef’ champ opens Roman-inspired ristorante

Chef Joe Flamm’s latest venture, the Roman-inspired restaurant il Carciofo, opened in Chicago in December. The restaurant draws inspiration from the restaurants and markets of Rome, which is one of Flamm’s favorite cities. Its seasonal menu offers “elevated yet familiar Italian fare” with traditional antipasti, Roman-style pizzas, main courses and hand-rolled pastas produced daily in a dedicated pasta lab, according to its website. Located at 1045 W. Fulton St., the restaurant boasts decor featuring dark woods, handmade tiles, natural stones and deep saturated colors, along with an open kitchen with counter seating. The dining room has retractable windows looking onto a patio surrounded by perennials, string lighting and canopies overhead, all to resemble a Roman piazza. For more, click here.