Any thoughts on Carlucci?

In either location. What have been people's experience here and how does it compare to other Italian restaurants in the city and suburbs?

Melissa--

I've had good experiences at the Rosemont location for work meals, especially the meats and risotti, though it's been a while. The new Downers? location has gotten some good reviews, but it is in a strange location. I'd say Carlucci Rosemont compares favorably to similar places, like Tuscany, that try to strike a balance between the silly Chicago-Italian overabundance of Rosebud (which I also like sometimes) and the more serious, focused places such as Merlo or Caffe Spiaggia.

Always loved the original location but had a memorably horrible meal/experience at their Lincolnshire location less than 6 months ago.

=R=

The Lincolnshire location has closed, supposedly because of a lease dispute, but I think because it wasnt very good. They did a good job with a couple of wine dinners I went to there, but the basic dining was not too hot. -Will

Are you sure? Because I phoned there before I posted just to make sure and the person who answered the phone recited their hours of operation to me. Either way, I don't foresee going back.

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WillG wrote:The Lincolnshire location has closed, supposedly because of a lease dispute, but I think because it wasnt very good. They did a good job with a couple of wine dinners I went to there, but the basic dining was not too hot. -Will

I haven't been there lately, but it was reported in the papers last month that Carlucci L'shire was sold at auction to satisfy creditors.

I planned a work dinner party at the downer's grove location. What I liked: the atmosphere of our private room and my wine, some buttery chardonnay. What I didn't like: the food. We had about 20 couples and four menu options. The salmon went untouched on several plates. I had read an unfavorable review of this place in Chicago magazine, but it was days before our event. I did change a few of my menu selections after reading this review, sorry can't remember what issue (maybe Jan. or Feb.). I would not go back except for drinks or if free. I always think it is a bad sign when no one at the table raves, or even comments about the wonderful food.

I guess I'm not sure that they have closed....the kitchen manager at my swim club said a bunch of people from carlucci had applied for jobs because it had closed, but maybe they just bailed out.
-Will

WillG wrote:I guess I'm not sure that they have closed....the kitchen manager at my swim club said a bunch of people from carlucci had applied for jobs because it had closed, but maybe they just bailed out.
-Will

Either way, I'm not feeling much love for the place (on this thread) and reports of its death have not been greatly exaggerated.

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