During the restaurant shutdown due to COVID-19, Phil Vettel is reviewing dinners he picks up curbside at Chicago area restaurants.
Il Poggiolo Ristorante is one of downtown Hinsdale’s best dining options, so it was a relief to learn that it, along with next-door sister property Nabuki (both owned by Peter Burdi), continues to offer carryout and delivery service (Japanese-influenced Nabuki is carryout only) via its “Pronto Poggiolo” menu.
And apparently the community has responded with enthusiasm. When I placed my phone order, a little before 7 p.m. on a Tuesday night, I was surprised to learn that the order wouldn’t be ready for an hour or so.
Fair enough. I arrived at the appointed time, my order was ready (curbside pickup available) and the process was seamless. Some of the dishes needed a few minutes of reheating when I got them home, but that was easily remedied.
The highlight was the seafood risotto ($26), which was perfectly al dente (I swear this was cooked to order), mixed with peas, corn and tomatoes, and topped with grilled scallops and shrimp. I also loved the cavolo nero salad ($12); the crunchy greens played host to a melange of green apple, quinoa, pumpkin seeds and Parmesan flakes; a creamy white-balsamic dressing sat in a separate cup.
By contrast, the veal cutlet ($32) in lemon-caper sauce was solid, but undazzling.
Cracker-crust pizzas are quite good; the basic tomato-and-cheese pie is a mere $12.50, though mine checked in at $17.25 after I added mushrooms and sausage (very good fennel sausage, by the way).
Desserts consist of cannoli and tiramisu, each $8. Both had sold out by the time I called; I’ll have to be quicker next time.
Il Poggiolo Ristorante, 8 E. 1st St., Hinsdale, 630-734-9400; ilpoggiolohinsdale.com.
