I’ve lived within driving distance of Chicago my whole life. It’s where we would go on field trips in grade school, where my husband and I have headed for a quick weekend away a time or two. But it’s so hard to get to know Chicago if aren’t from the city (or don’t have the couch of a local to bum on for a few nights). Sure, there are the tourist destinations: The Field Museum, Millennium Park, etc. But once you’ve done all of those, and you aren’t into the night life, what do you do?
In telling a friend that we were planning to eat our way around the city last week, she tipped me off to a place called “Eataly” which I had never heard of before. Her words: “It’s a big Italian grocery store and food court, all-in-one. Pretty cool.”
It is so much more.
Maybe It’s my love of cheese and fancy pepperoni. Maybe I love it when someone takes a theme and runs with it. But I now love Eataly.
Eataly is a two-story Italian grocery store that feels more like a department store. It has a few full-service sit-down restaurants scattered throughout, as well as several counters where you seat yourself and order. If that’s not enough, there are also entire “departments” of food on shelves in every corner possible: there’s a cheese section, a meat section, a wine section, pasta, cosmetics, chocolates, coffee… and so, so many places to look.
So, is Eataly authentic? I don’t know. I don’t know if Italians living in the city actually go there. But I would again. It was an experience unlike any other, and I can’t wait to go back.
Have you been to Eataly – or anything like it? Share!
Abbie, that is really neat. Glad you enjoyed it. Wish we were more venturesome but we are delighted to see the pictures. Thanks.
I think that is one of the most wonderful things about the internet, Merle: it gives you the chance to see people and places that you would never get to otherwise.
My hubby is Italian! His familia would go into Chicago to get their salami, cheeses etc. but it was not in a mega mall…..I, however would go here in a heartbeat!! Looks amazing!
Yes – I am sure there are more “authentic” Italian grocers in the city – but this one is such an experience that you can’t miss it! A friend just mentioned that I missed out on the Nutella Bar … now I’ll have to go back!
I had no idea this place existed either. Looks awesome. I am really hoping our son decides to go to college in Chicago so I have a good excuse to visit more frequently. YUM!!
That would be a great reason to visit more often, Valerie! Maybe not a good enough reason to pay out-of-state tuition, though … :)
I love the food at Eataly, but it’s always so packed that going there feels like a struggle! I’ve tried to go for both lunch and dinner and even getting a standing table is tough…and then getting served is a whole ‘nother battle! I hope you got to enjoy it when it wasn’t so packed!
We did have a good day for it, Alicia – it was a Tuesday around 2 PM – and kind of yucky outside. No trouble sitting down at a counter to grab some food, and not too many shoppers, either. Is it far from where you work?
I work far out in the burbs so unfortunately yes! It’s a hoof from work and home, but hopefully I’ll make it there on a not too busy day in the future.
OK, I’m officially homesick for Chicago now. I grew up in Oak Park and am getting ready to head back there for Christmas next week.
So glad to “meet” you, read your lovely writing, and know another person who is in love with Chicago. Merry Christmas to you!
I’m so glad you get to go “home” for Christmas, Callie! I’m glad I “met” you, too, over at Art House a few weeks ago. Enjoying your “My Week in Words” posts so much! Merry Christmas – and safe travels!