What do you think of Little Italy, Taylor Street's Restaurant scene? (Chicago: building, place)

[Master Jay]

Sprintbox, hmmm, good point.

I DO wonder where most of the Sicilians near Cabrini moved to once they moved away from that area, the low rise projects???

But wasn't the "plan" to keep African-Americans in isolated areas (Cabrini Green) and build high rises so it could be "contained"?

[Sprintbox]

Originally Posted by Master Jay

Sprintbox, hmmm, good point.

I DO wonder where most of the Sicilians near Cabrini moved to once they moved away from that area, the low rise projects???

But wasn't the "plan" to keep African-Americans in isolated areas (Cabrini Green) and build high rises so it could be "contained"?

Addison, Il. had a lot of Italians from the city. Elmwood Park, River Forest area too. So perhaps it was them that moved there? Chinatown and Bridgeport had a fair size Italian population also.

I do not know the answer to your second question.

[Master Jay]

Sprintbox, you know when I first went to the Festa Pasta Vino in the 24th and Oakley section, a couple of people had informed me that as the Northern Italians that predominated that area began to move out of the neighborhood, most settled in Addison.

And it makes sense that the Grand Avenue Italians that were predominately from Bari (per my research) would have headed west towards Elmwood Park.

And give it up for the Sicilians that settled south of Chinatown where MY Dalmatian (Croatian) paisani had settled!!!

[Sprintbox]

Originally Posted by Master Jay

Sprintbox, you know when I first went to the Festa Pasta Vino in the 24th and Oakley section, a couple of people had informed me that as the Northern Italians that predominated that area began to move out of the neighborhood, most settled in Addison.

And it makes sense that the Grand Avenue Italians that were predominately from Bari (per my research) would have headed west towards Elmwood Park.

And give it up for the Sicilians that settled south of Chinatown where MY Dalmatian (Croatian) paisani had settled!!!

I used to eat at Ignotz. It's been years (at least 10) since I've been there.

[Master Jay]

Sprintbox, good morning.

Definitely go back to Ignotz's. THIS Milwaukee boy really surprised them when I came down 2 weekend visits in a row in March!

Their staff is awesome!.... No word yet on the Festa Pasta Vino celebration for June. I really hope you guys can open up the street fests.

And do NOT tell me that you are, and THEN say, "April Fools!"

[Sprintbox]

Originally Posted by Master Jay

Sprintbox, good morning.

Definitely go back to Ignotz's. THIS Milwaukee boy really surprised them when I came down 2 weekend visits in a row in March!

Their staff is awesome!.... No word yet on the Festa Pasta Vino celebration for June. I really hope you guys can open up the street fests.

And do NOT tell me that you are, and THEN say, "April Fools!"

What's the name of the restaurant across the street from Ignotz? On the corner. The owner of Ignotz was very friendly to me.

[Master Jay]

Sprintbox, that's Bruna's. I only go there when Ignotz's is closed.

But they, also, were always superb staff. My understanding is Bruna's is one of THE longest established Italian restaurants in the city, that is still open to this day. It is, I believe, the THIRD oldest Italian restaurant.

I was once told several years ago to NEVER go in there and ask if they serve that "peasant food": pizza!

Ignotz's, however, is the only one of those restaurants that will make pizza. And THIS Milwaukee peasant is happy that they do!!!

[Sprintbox]

Originally Posted by Master Jay

Sprintbox, that's Bruna's. I only go there when Ignotz's is closed.

But they, also, were always superb staff. My understanding is Bruna's is one of THE longest established Italian restaurants in the city, that is still open to this day. It is, I believe, the THIRD oldest Italian restaurant.

I was once told several years ago to NEVER go in there and ask if they serve that "peasant food": pizza!

Ignotz's, however, is the only one of those restaurants that will make pizza. And THIS Milwaukee peasant is happy that they do!!!

Awesome. Thank you. I miss Sabatino's restaurant on Irving Park. Great food, great ambiance.

[Master Jay]

Sprintbox, you know what? I NEVER made Sabatino's! But I, too, heard great things about it.

In fact, one of the staff from Sabatino's ended up working at Ignotz's. She's a neighborhood lady. I did not see her the last 2 times I went there, however.

We can have a cup of vino one of these days when you're "in town."

[Sprintbox]

Originally Posted by Master Jay

Sprintbox, you know what? I NEVER made Sabatino's! But I, too, heard great things about it.

In fact, one of the staff from Sabatino's ended up working at Ignotz's. She's a neighborhood lady. I did not see her the last 2 times I went there, however.

We can have a cup of vino one of these days when you're "in town."

Yes, I would like that!!

Sabatino's was one of my 5 Italian list places depending on the mood.

Sabatino's
Ambrosio's
LaScarola
Ignotz
LaVilla.

Out of those, Sab's and Ambrosio's is gone. Ambrosio's was tops for actual home cooked meals. Very small place with a small bar.

LaVilla is probably now the closest thing to Sab's. Nice bar and accordion player two nights a week (pre-Covid).