An inside look at a pair of standout dishes from a popular Chicago establishment

By Trent Modglin

Sappori Trattoria
2701 N. Halsted
www.SaporiTrattoria.net

A longtime Lincoln Park staple for fans of traditional Italian dishes and warm, friendly service, it’s difficult to pick just two options to feature from what has always been a stellar (and rotating) menu. “The food that we cook, you’re never going to find a flavor that’s dominant and isolates itself,” chef/owner Anthony Barbanente tells me. “We take aim for the middle of the palate. We work for simple, traditional, comforting flavors.”

Gamberoni with broccoli

This dish is bursting with a variety of flavors, all working perfectly together. Try three jumbo shrimp sautéed with linguini in a white wine garlic sauce with a touch of light cream. Then pile on roasted tomatoes, fresh veggies, additional chopped shrimp and roasted broccoli.

Lasagna di Antonio

This is a hearty portion of individual meat lasagna made with a beef Bolognese sauce, fresh mozzarella, provolone, parmesan and ricotta. Matched with a smooth chianti or merlot, and you’ll think someone whisked you off to the old country.