![[Requested mashed potatoes were substituted for the fries in the delicious steak frites entree served with an outstanding broccolini accompaniment.]
LA GRANGE PARK – The name of a relative newcomer to La Grange Park caught our eye along with word that Posto 31 makes its own pasta daily.
In the mood for Italian food, we ventured into the restaurant's inviting space riding the wave of modern industrial chic with some aesthetic flourishes. They include the softly lit, white, 3D wall treatment and a concrete floor with faux marble design. Clean lines and ample space set a backdrop for the food to shine.
With cocktail shakers flying, a long bar with seating anchors the edge of the space, which opened about a year ago. In a nod to going green, two selections on the ample wine list – a Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon – are on draft.
From the host who seated us to our pampering server, warm hospitality set the tone from the outset. When we earlier made reservations, we were asked if any dietary concerns should be noted. It was a thoughtful touch before we even walked in the door.](ab11ce8f-06a4-4505-a3b2-47a512260953/image-pv_web.jpg)
[Requested mashed potatoes were substituted for the fries in the delicious steak frites entree served with an outstanding broccolini accompaniment.]
LA GRANGE PARK – The name of a relative newcomer to La Grange Park caught our eye along with word that Posto 31 makes its own pasta daily.
In the mood for Italian food, we ventured into the restaurant's inviting space riding the wave of modern industrial chic with some aesthetic flourishes. They include the softly lit, white, 3D wall treatment and a concrete floor with faux marble design. Clean lines and ample space set a backdrop for the food to shine.
With cocktail shakers flying, a long bar with seating anchors the edge of the space, which opened about a year ago. In a nod to going green, two selections on the ample wine list – a Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon – are on draft.
From the host who seated us to our pampering server, warm hospitality set the tone from the outset. When we earlier made reservations, we were asked if any dietary concerns should be noted. It was a thoughtful touch before we even walked in the door.
Our server, part of a large team, had detailed knowledge about the wines and beers, and was happy to oblige with a sample. Her expertise extended to the Italian-inspired dishes on the menu.
While we munched on house-made bread sticks, we decided to open with arancini, the Sicilian street food favorite of stuffed rice balls that are breaded and fried.
The current filling is house-smoked mozzarella to complement risotto turned golden thanks to a touch of turmeric and accompanied by romesco, a sweet red pepper and tomato sauce. The mild dish of four "little oranges" contrasted the crisp coating with the warm and creamy cheese.
The menu offers several salads, which our server said are sized to share.
With the mantra of "passion on a plate," the cuisine is designed to be "fresh and simple," she said of the seasonal menu.
[Arancini is one of the many appetizers.]
There are new pasta dishes on the list plus an added Milanese pork chop. Pizza and burgers also are featured.
Torn between the salmon and a lemon chicken, I opted for the steak frites, but then substituted the Parmesan mashed potatoes for the house-cut fries. The potatoes were as richly decadent as I'd hoped.
Patrons at a neighboring table dug into their tureen of fries and commented they arrived nice and hot.
The flat iron steak was prepared medium rare just as ordered, and was juicy, tender and full of flavor, further enhanced by a dollop of compound butter on top. The steak is from a farm in Illinois where it was dry aged.
And rocketing the dish to the next level was the char-grilled broccolini served al dente and bursting with beautifully seasoned flavor. This relative of broccoli was revelatory.
Our server pointed out the broccolini is showcased as an appetizer prepared with fontina cheese and tomato. It could be a meal, she said.
My dining companion was drawn to the homemade orecchiette pasta (shown). The shell-like "small ears" were incredibly light on the tongue and balanced with the delectable pulled Amish chicken, artichokes and tomato, accompanied by a terrific basil pesto that added zest without overpowering.
The portions were generous and we decided to plan on leftovers so that we could try coffee and dessert.
The sweets menu tempted with fresh donuts, gelato and rosemary cake, but we settled on the pot de creme served in a jar and crowned with luscious whipped cream and garnished with Cocoa Pebbles – yes the cereal. Who knew they would work with this gourmet confection of velvety chocolate custard, a true standout.
The cappuccino made with a customized blend from Sparrow coffee roasted in Naperville was a fine dessert companion. Next time, we plan to try the house-made Posto Limoncello liqueur as an after-dinner treat.
[A heavenly chocolate custard stars in Posto 31's pot de creme dessert.]
Behind the restaurant is a secluded, fenced patio with strings of light bulbs along with umbrellas for shade to let patrons savor summer Italian style.
[The Mystery Diner is a newsroom employee at Suburban Life. The diner’s identity is not revealed to the restaurant staff before or during the meal. The Mystery Diner visits a different restaurant and then reports on the experience. If the Mystery Diner cannot recommend the establishment, we will not publish a review.]
Posto 31
WHERE: 1017 E. 31st St., La Grange Park
HOURS: 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 4 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday
INFO: Posto31.com, 708-469-7233