Readers say everyone's family at Enzo & Lucia Ristorante Italiano

Posted March 30, 2009 11:00 pm

By Kim Mikus

When you walk into Enzo & Lucia Ristorante Italiano, housed in a former Victorian-style home, it feels as if you've been invited to a family member's or friend's place for an Italian meal and conversation.

Sitting in the main dining room overlooking a fountain, garden with tulips and patio creates a relaxed atmosphere. Customers can even dine at one of three tables in the kitchen.

"In Italy, it's all about family," said Lucia Cavallino, who owns the business with husband Enzo and cousin Glenn Cardella. All the recipes come directly from Naples as that's where the Cavallinos were born and still have family. This importance of family and Italian tradition spills into all aspects of the 7-year-old restaurant, where guests are presented with warm bread and Lucia's fresh herb, garlic and roasted pepper spread as soon as they're seated.

Customers are invited to order off the menu or can suggest alterations to have their meal prepared just as they like it. Egg pastas, lasagna noodles and sauces are made from scratch using natural and imported ingredients. Signature dishes include Enzo's special gnocchi made with real potatoes and flour, homemade sausage with fresh roasted peppers, capelacci with vodka sauce and Mediterranean style whole snapper.

The menu is packed with Italian specialties including chicken cacciatore, chicken Vesuvio and cheese or meat ravioli. Cavallino's sons work in the kitchen.

In line with another European tradition, a complimentary fruit plate is served at the end of each meal. Lucia, who started working in her family's restaurants when she was 11, makes fresh tiramisu and cannoli, filled to order with ricotta, chocolate chips and cognac, for dessert.

We let three readers test the Italian meals. They agreed the delicious dishes and soothing atmosphere made it a place to come back to.

Jessie Atlas, 44KildeerWhat I ordered: Bruschetta ($5.50) and the tilapia special that was lightly breaded, served with lemon butter, green beans and a side of pasta. ($25) We all ended our Italian meal with Lucia's tiramisu ($7).Taste and presentation: The presentation was very appealing. The bruschetta was not the best I've tasted. The tilapia was a little bit on the bland side - I had to sprinkle it with pepper for flavor. There was too much butter. I've been here before and this dish has been better and tastier in the past. Atmosphere service: The atmosphere is very quaint and not too dark. It's casual and a perfect place to go with a group of friends. The waitress was friendly and attentive. The fireplace in the dining room made for a cozy atmosphere.Good if you want: A place for a nice, quiet, relaxed dinner or lunch. Nancy McGee, 42Hawthorn Woods What I ordered: We shared the Tutto Pesce alla Griglia, shrimp, octopus and calamari grilled (12.95). I had chicken saltimbocca, chicken topped with prosciutto, mozzarella and spinach ($17.95) and tiramisu ($7). Taste and presentation: The chicken was tender and flavorful. It was not at all dry. The presentation could have used a little bit more color. The portion was large and I was able to take half the chicken home. I also really enjoyed the grilled calamari. It was done perfectly. Atmosphere Service: The atmosphere is inviting. The music is soft. It's nice that you can hear everyone at the table. Good if you want: A leisurely dinner with friends. Susan Vrenios, 45Hawthorn Woods What I ordered: Bruschetta and Rotolo di Pasta Primavera, spinach pasta and regular pasta stuffed with spinach and mozzarella cheese ($18.95). We shared appetizers and tiramisu. Taste and presentation: The presentation was perfect - beautiful plate. I really liked the two kinds of noodles. It was really good - not heavy for a pasta dish. It was light with just the right amount of cheese. It was fresh. The bruschetta was not the best I've ever had. Atmosphere service: Comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. Our server was attentive, friendly and very knowledgeable about the food. Good if you want: A nice Italian meal and a quaint place to socialize. Enzo & Lucia Ristorante Italiano 343 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove, (847) 478-8825, <a href="http://www.enzoandlucia.com" target="new">enzoandlucia.com</a> Cuisine: Authentic and contemporary Italian Price range: Appetizers $5.50 to $14.95; pasta $12.95 to $18.95; meat and seafood entrees $17.95 to $30.95 Hours: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday Accepts: Reservations; credit cards Also: Private parties; catering, carryout, cooking classes and presentations.

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