Restaurant Week at Cicchetti!

When Restaurant Week 2014 rolled around I already had the names of a few new spots tagged in my mind, hoping they'd be participating in this newly extended 14-day food extravaganza.  When I checked the list of restaurants my eyes lit up as soon as I spotted Cicchetti (pronounced Chi-ketty).  When I first read about Cicchetti I was immediately impressed by the concept & consideration dreamed up by the owners.  When Cicchetti opened in December it was officially given the Green Seal certification for their use of sustainable materials in both construction & kitchen operation.  Their website also showcases a dedication to viable food practices, simply stating: 

"Cicchetti is the realization of our dream to showcase the great wealth of sustainably produced Midwestern food and spirits in an Italian/Mediterranean context."

 With chef Mike Sheerin, formerly of Blackbird and Trencherman, running the kitchen alongside pastry chef Sarah Jordan, formerly of Blackbird and Boka, the folks dining at Cicchetti are in more than good and capable hands.  We enjoyed every ounce of our meal - the portions were perfectly delicate but not too dainty, and the flavors spot on.  This is one small plates spot I'll be visiting again and again.

Check out Cichetti's Restaurant Week Menu here - and photos of our dinner below!

Cicchetti Restaurant Week menu (L) and regular menu (R)

Inside the front bar

Back dining room

A delicious & affordable red blend of which we ordered not one, but two bottles

La Quercia Prosciutto, slow cooked sweet potatoes, pumpkin seed salsa verde w/ greens

Nonna’s Meatballs, pancetta tomato sauce, ciabatta (these were incredible!!!)

Bruschette Assortite - (clockwise) porkbelly, fennel, golden raisin agrodolce; 

tuna conserva, pickled shallot, parsley; duck liver, cocoa nibs 

White Bean Soup with Speck Crème, pickled escarole (amazing!!!)

Gnocchi with Braised Pork Shank, celery root, pear, buttermilk, dill, chestnut crisps (to die for!!!) 

Braised Short Rib Ravioli, house tomato sauce

Reverse Affogato coffee ice cream, malted crème, anglaise, seasonal doughnuts

Ricotta Cheese Cake braised apples, graham cracker

We were unexpectedly gifted with shots of limoncello at the end of our meal - we left quite happy

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