Picture it.
1986.
Anchorage, Alaska.
It’s lunchtime at Inlet View Elementary School and 7 year old Amy/me is seated at the cafeteria lunch table. As all the little girls and boys pull out their Wonder Bread PB & J’s, I unwrap my salami or prosciutto French bread sandwich.
“What is that? That smells funny!”
And I’d head home and beg my Mon to just make me a “normal sandwich”.
My Mom is an Italian from Brooklyn.
She didn’t fold to the wonder of Wonder Bread.
Fast forward a few years and thankfully the prevalence of Italian meats became a mainstay in American cafeterias and grocery stores. This brings me to Eataly, the 60,000 square foot ode-to-all-Italian-food-goodness that sits just right off the Magnificent Mile in Chicago. From the moment you walk through the doors, you are greeted with the heavenly smell of Lavazza Espresso, or perhaps a panini, as you take in the sheer size and gloriousness of all Eataly has to offer. There are two floors to explore so our first stop is usually the Gelateria on the first floor. The chocolate gelato is fabulous! The first floor offers a huge selection of dry goods, gift ideas, a chocolate bar and panini stand.
As you take the escalators to the second floor you’ll find a quote from my favorite author, Ernest Hemingway. “Wine is the most civilized thing in the world.” I took that as an invitation. What better way to shop for pasta and home goods than with a nice Chardonnay? One of the fun aspects of Eataly is the opportunity to try different facets of Italian cuisine at counter service bars and small table areas. Currently closed, Il Pesce was a favorite of ours. When Brooke was in 1st grade she downed her first tray of oysters there! La Birreria is the perfect spot for some drinks and appetizers such as fresh mozzarella, marinated olives and charcuterie. Osteria di Eataly features a full menu experience from squid ink pasta and fish to NY strip steaks and a fabulous dessert selection.
The best part about a visit to Eataly is all of the opportunities you have to take some fabulous gifts home. We’ve loved the produce, meats, vegetables and cheeses we brought home with us -- most certainly go with a burrata or twelve! The staff at Eataly is more than accommodating in helping with selections as well as packaging them for the ride home.
Make Eataly a priority to visit on your next Windy City trip!

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