La Gondola Opens in Lakeview

As my family and I awaited the December 2010 opening of La Gondola Cucina Italiana, located at 1258 West Belmont Avenue in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood, we discussed what we would finally order when it did finally open. When we all got together around the middle of December to check it out, I ordered the lobster ravioli. It was amazing. I only had lobster ravioli one other time, and that was in Las Vegas, which I thought nothing could ever top. This ravioli, however, topped even that. My mother ordered the gnocchi, and of course we had to try the mussels. I'm always hesitant to try mussels, but I heard that these were especially good, so we tried them. For one, they were gigantic, and for two, the sauce that they were served in was indescribable. It tasted like my grandmothers marinara sauce, only a little spicier.

Although bigger than the original location on Ashland, it ran just as smoothly and the service was just as good. they also have a banquet room, which I'm sure will be booked way in advance, as people hear more about the new location. Oh, and I almost forgot - we all tried the minestrone soup with Parmesan cheese that was unbelievably delectable and comforting, especially when you dipped the fresh Italian bread into it. For dessert I got the Tiramisu, which is a combination of cake, Marscapone cheese, coffee and cocoa. It was delicious, so I ordered another piece to take home. I can't wait to go back and try the pizza and maybe the calamari.

Source: Personal Experience