CHIReview

photo credit: Christina Slaton

RPM Italian image
8.2

RPM Italian

Italian

River North

$$$$Perfect For:Big GroupsCelebrity SightingsCorporate CardsDate NightDeliveryDrinking Good WineEating At The BarGluten-Free OptionsImpressing Out of TownersPrivate DiningSee And Be SeenVegetarians
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Dear Mr. and Mrs. Rancic,

Hey there - us again. We don’t know if you remember, but we wrote a review on RPM Steak a few months back. In case you didn’t catch it, a quick summary is “wanted to hate it but couldn’t because it’s wonderful.” It’s not that we dislike you. In fact, we think you’re both quite charming and entertaining. But we were pretty adamant that there was no way reality TV vets could execute a Chicago steakhouse well. The formula just didn’t add up, but you proved us wrong.

And then you f*cking did it again for us with delicious Italian food.

How do you do it? No seriously, how do you do it? We pride ourselves on not falling victim to herd mentality. Things like celebrity endorsements and mega- bucks backed promotion go against our religion. But...you make great restaurants, and we keep going back to try more things. Mama DePandi’s Bucatini? Excellent. Eggplant parm? We didn’t even like eggplant before coming here. Tartufo? We’ll take six.

We’re not writing this letter to proclaim our love for the food (it’s great), the space (we’re very into it), or the service (at the very minimum, we would like to be Facebook friends with the charming wait staff). We’re writing this letter because you’ve sent us into quite a tailspin. We didn’t think you could do it once, let alone twice. We’re starting to question everything. We’ve downloaded every Kardashian app (there are 5). We’re listening to “Tardy for the Party” on endless loop. And our Amazon basket is filled with every product from Snooki’s tanning line.

Please send help.

Food Rundown

Warm Bread

Okay, you’re paying for bread, but it’s really good bread. And who can pass up fresh homemade ricotta?

Imported Burrata

A tasty burrata that goes to show that a classic dish executed perfectly doesn’t need to be messed with.

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Prosciutto Tortelloni

A delicious pasta that’s a little bit on the smaller side. But the ricotta and broth is quite rich so it should suffice.

Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad

A heavy-handed portion of lightly dressed, crunchy, shredded brussels sprouts and avocado. We’re fans.

Giuliana’s Italian Salad

Got us again, Giules. This smorgasboard of a salad has meats, cheeses, peppers, olives, and tomatoes.

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Pappardelle Bolognese

The pecorino is abundant in this salty, meaty pasta dish. Split an order for the table.

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Handmade Cavatelli

Handmade noodles with pork AND beef ragu? And a generous dollop of ricotta? Yes please.

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Mama DePandi’s Bucatini

If this is what Mama DePandi is whipping up in the kitchen, count us in for the next holiday gathering at the Rancic’s. Delicious, flavorful, and hearty.

Eggplant Parmesan

So cheesy and bubbly you’ll forget you’re eating a vegetable. At least you got the eggplant parm instead of the chicken parm, right? Right?

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Hazelnut Tartufo

You have to order this because if you don’t you’ll be overcome with immense jealousy when these giant chocolate hazelnut balls pass by your table. When you crack through the chocolate shell to the ice cream inside, you won’t regret it.

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FOOD RUNDOWN

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