Jim and Nancy do not disclose the fact that they will review a restaurant before they attend, ensuring their reviews are unbiased and uninfluenced by their position with the Sun Day.
Nancy was driving, and we were trying to find the Villaggio Ristorante in Roselle. Suddenly her bloodhound nose went up in the air, she smelled garlic, and her eyes glazed over. “There it is!” she yelled, and her Mini Cooper reenacted a scene from “The Italian Job.” I hung on for dear life as she made an abrupt turn into a strip mall.
When we first walked into the restaurant, we instantly felt like we were welcomed into an “Italiano Famiglia Celebrazione” (family celebration). It’s the type of place where “everybody knows your name,” with plenty of hugging and cheek kissing amongst the regular patrons.
Don’t judge a book by its cover – Villaggio is large, but homey on the inside. Coliseum-like columns separated the dining room from the bar area, and French glass doors opened into the private party rooms.
When we arrived at our table, we found a bottle of olive oil, bowls of Parmesan cheese, red sauce, and kalamata olives waiting for us. This went well with the tomato focaccia bread and the warm Italian bread that was brought over by our waiter. As usual, we ordered our old standby, iced tea and an appetizer of bruschetta (four slices for $5.99) which is toasted Italian bread with diced tomatoes and lots and lots of garlic. Of course I loved it, and Jim admitted he did too! “Scusi?” Did I hear him right? Yes, I did!
On to the main course. Nancy had the lobster ravioli (six) in vodka sauce with shrimp (five) for $21.99. Unlike most places, it was loaded with lobster meat. It’s not red meat, but even I would order this.
Jim had the Pappardelle alla Tuscana ($18.99), which was homemade large fettuccine sauteed with braised veal and porcini mushrooms in a light tomato cream sauce. It was one of their house specialties and deservedly so. I didn’t taste it due to the porcini fungi and the veal (don’t even get me started on that subject).
Both our entrees came with soup or salad, I opted for a Caesar salad ($1 up charge) and Jim had the pasta fagiola. We were both happy with our choices.
When our meals arrived, to our surprise, we heard old Dino singing. This turned out to be Tony Ocean, who will be performing at Del Webb on June 10. What an unexpected pleasure!
For dessert, which Jim had to have, we ordered tiramisu ($6) which was enormous and “delizioso!” Sorry, we’re working on getting out of the tiramisu rut; old habits die hard.
This restaurant is a hidden gem. From the moment we walked in to the moment we left the fun never ended, with great food to match. Grazie, Villaggio!
FYI: Not handicap accessible, and you must have a reservation on a Saturday night since most of the time they offer entertainment with no cover charge.
Quanto costa? $60.59, mangia.
Jim’s take: I have never seen the entrée I ordered here served anywhere else, but it was absolutely delicious. The homemade pasta was the star of the dish.
Nancy’s take: I was in heaven, from the garlic in the bruschetta to the lobster ravioli to a tall, dark, Italian serenading me. What more can a girl ask for? Ciao!
Villaggio Ristorante
1242 W. Lake Street
Roselle, IL 60172
(630)971-9000
www.villaggioonline.com
Directions: Take 47 South to Lake Street East to restaurant
Travel Time: 35 minutes
Have comments or restaurant suggestions for the Dining Duo? Send them an email at thediningduo@gmail.com.
