May 14--Dolce Italian, an upscale, modern Italian restaurant, will open May 19 in the Godfrey Hotel (127 W. Huron St.).
An offshoot of the Miami Beach original, Dolce Italian is owned by LDV Hospitality (LDV stands for la dolce vita, or "the sweet life"). Founder John Meadow calls the concept "equal parts authentic Italian, adapted for the 21st century."
"There's no gimmick to our vision," he said. "It's just, 'let's make a modern Italian restaurant for today's Chicago.' We spent seven years trying to find the right deal (for a Chicago location)."
The executive chef will be Andrew Deuel, until recently at Tesori restaurant in Symphony Center. Deuel previously worked with LDV corporate chef Paolo Dorigato at iconic restaurants Le Cirque, Osteria Circo and The Rainbow Room, all in New York.
"I'm excited about the opportunity," Deuel said. "After two and a half years, I've gotten to understand the (Chicago) market, the drive for local and seasonal product. I'll stick to some of Paolo's successful signature dishes, and adapt a bit to fit into the Chicago market."
Among the signature dishes, Meadow says, are the veal Milanese ("comfort food in an elegant presentation," Meadow calls it) and the Neopolitan-style pizzas.
The restaurant won Bravo's "Best New Restaurant" competition last year.
Vettel is a Tribune critic.
philvettel@tribpub.com
