Osteria Via Stato

620 N. State St.
312-642-8450

This was my second visit to Osteria, the newest Lettuce Entertain You restaurant. I love the concept - order the type of water you want (plain or bubbly-no extra charge) and order your entree. The remainder of the food is served with no decisions. Since I love all food this works well for me and most of my dining companions, but may not work well for everyone. First they brought out some wonderful foccacio and a variety of olives. Next came the oil cured salmon with radishes which is to die for. Along came a plate of salami with celery salad. This isn't your typical salami. Before we knew it someone dropped off a "welcome back" plate of the best prosciutto I've ever had. Two more appetizers - grilled onion rounds with cheese and a radicchio salad - and already I'm getting full. Did I tell you they have a fixed price of $36, desserts are extra. The next two courses were pasta. The first a rigatoni and fingerling potatoes in a pesto sauce and then parpadelle in a bolognese sauce (one of my favs).

Entrees came next. They have a selection of about 10 entrees, that include grouper, salmon, chicken two different ways, short ribs, pork shank, steak for two (with an extra charge) and I had the calves liver. Now liver is something you either love or hate and I happen to love it, but don't eat it that often. It was delicious with a veal au jus sauce with sauteed onions and pancetta.

Even though I was really full by this time, I had to have the pomegranet granita. If you've never had granita - try it. It's flavored water that's frozen and scraped with a fork to form ice crystals. It is really refreshing and a perfect end to a big meal.

Visit Osteria before the prices go up. You won't be disappointed.