Openly gay chef Cesar Pineda is one of the minds behind Ciao Amore, an almost-two-year-old Italian eatery located in the heart of Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood. ( Gus Drugas, Pineda's partner in life and business, also works there. ) Windy City Times chatted with Pineda, who's Venezuelan, about the neighborhood, his background and, of course, the food.
Windy City Times: Tell me more about the food. Is it from northern Italy, or elsewhere?
Cesar Pineda: It's from all over. Actually, I have dishes from the northern part, where I get the creamy [ dishes ] . Also, the seafood is from Sicily and the southern part. There's a Venezuelan flair but I pay attention to the Italian food.
Windy City Times: Do you change the menu?
Cesar Pineda: I change my menu every once in a while. I do a lot of specials, like mussels with pasta appetizers; green-been salad with mozzarella, basil and garlic appetizers; and gnocchis with prosciutto and goat cheese.
Windy City Times: What's your inspiration for new dishes?
Cesar Pineda: It depends on the season. In the spring, I go with more healthy stuff; when it gets hot, I use more tomato and basil, for example.
Windy City Times: Would you like a whole chain of restaurants or would you prefer the one you have?
Cesar Pineda: Right now, I have to nurture this one. We'll see about the future.
Windy City Times: What is your favorite dish to cook?
Cesar Pineda: My favorite would be the gnocchis because I grew up with them. Gnocchis with asiago and pesto are amazing. They are hard to make. Also, I like to make anything with that creamy porcini-mushroom sauce that is very popular here.
Windy City Times: What do you do for fun?
Cesar Pineda: I do like to go out. I remember the clubs from [ years ago ] such as Christopher Street and Bistro Too, and I still like places like Sidetrack.
Windy City Times: What do you like the most about having your own business and what do you hate the most?
Cesar Pineda: What I like is that I have the freedom to create dishes and create magic. If I want to add a little flair, I can.
What do I hate? I don't think I hate anything. My [ staff ] is here like a big family. We work really hard but after work we'll have a cocktail and beer, and have a little party. We call and talk to each other all the time; it's really like a family. All of these kids live in the neighborhood, and I live here. It's great.
Windy City Times: How long have you lived here—and have you seen a lot of change since you've been here?
Cesar Pineda: Six years. I've seen change. This place [ Pilsen ] is beautiful; it's amazing. I've lived on the North Side all my life; I've lived in Boystown, Uptown and Andersonville, so I am a Cubs fan. [ Laughs ] Then, I started looking for a company [ spot ] , and Gus suggested the Pilsen area. I fell in love with this place. Plus, we're close to everything—highways, Chinatown, museums, Little Italy, University Village.
As for the food, it has to be tasted to be believed. Food is divided into categories such as antipasti; zuppa and insalata ( soup and salad ) ; primo piatti ( first plates ) ; piatti semplici ( simple meals ) ; piatti di carne ( meat dishes ) ; piatti di pesci ( seafood/fish dishes ) ; and dolce ( dessert ) .
Among the many standouts are the aforementioned gnocchi ripiene ( gnocchi stuffed with asiago, pesto and ricotta in a creamy spinach/parmigiano sauce ) and petti di'Polo porcini ( chicken breast sauteed in a porcini mushroom and wine sauce served with homemade cheese ravioli ) .
Ciao Amore is at 1134 W. 18th; call 312-432-9090 or visit www.ciaoamoreristorante.com .
Dining news:
—Discounts: gDine, an online destination, has launched its online group dining site in Chicago, offering discounts of 30 percent to 50 percent, according to a press release. Unlike other online discount portals, gDine works with local restaurant owners to grant exclusive dining rates to groups of two up to 100. Users book ahead, pay online and even have the option of splitting the bill with friends ahead of time. See www.gDine.com .
—A "Mity" good time: There are dozens of restaurants along Chicago's Magnificent Mile that merit visiting, but don't overlook Mity Nice at Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan. The Parmesan-encrusted chicken with wilted spinach is absolutely sublime, although the restaurant is known for its succulent burgers; then, feel free to top things off with a not-so-guilt-inducing carrot cupcake. The restaurant, which has been remodeled, even offers gluten-free options. See www.mitynicechicago.com .
—Pop-up donut bakery Dirty Betty's has opened at 2475 N. Lincoln. Dirty Betty's will feature 10 daily flavors of artisan donuts, additional light breakfast items and organic/fair trade Alterra Coffee. Dirty Betty's will be open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays ( cClosed Sundays and holidays ) . Donuts are $2.00—$2.25 each; see www.dirtybettys.com .
—Gioco, the venerable South Loop Italian restaurant located at 1312 S. Wabash, is now open for lunch. Recently refurbished, Gioco now features a new antipasto bar, new furnishings and a new lunch menu created by Executive Chef Danny Sweis. See www.gioco-chicago.com .
—The inaugural SausageFest Chicago will take place Saturday-Sunday, June 4-5, on the 3600 block of North Sheffield. Vendors include Bobak's Sausage Company, Paulina Meat Market and the gourmet sausage offerings of Chicago's Dog House, among others. SausageFest hours are Noon-10:00 p.m. both days and gate donation ( benefiting the Lake View Citizens' Council ) is $5 before 5 p.m., and $7 after.
—Andrew Davis, photos by Jerry Nunn
( Andrew@WindyCityMediaGroup.com )
