NOW CLOSED...Formerly: Bucktown/Wicker Park residents can now indulge in the simple Euro life, starting their mornings off with a stop at the local bakery for flaky sweets straight from the oven. Italian-born Salvatore Butera, also behind Sauer's Bake Shop in Wheeling, has finally brought his operation into the city.
Butera's homemade butter, sugar and amaretti cookies ($11.50-$14.50 per pound) steal the show, each one perfectly chewy, not too crumbly, and packed with top-notch ingredients. If you're looking to complement your cup of dark-roast coffee ($1.20/cup), delectable goods like donuts, Danishes and crisp cinnamon twists have a sugary-sweet scent that will induce you to gobble them up before you get to the bus stop.
An ideal lunch break during a day of boutique-cruising, the cafe offers three teensy tables for two, adorned with single flowers in skinny vases that ooze charming kitsch. Options range from the lighter, fresh mozz-and-tomato on a crispy roll to Mama Rossina's homemade meatball sandwich, dripping with delectable sauce...and neither will set you back more than $5. Just make sure your shopping's done before you celebrate with the homemade lasagna: It may be the stuff of dreams, but you're dreaming if you think you'll fit back into that dressing room.
You'll surely leave craving more, so take some home. Salvitto's happily prepares custom cakes, trays and other treats for your special occasions.
Reviewed By: Julia Steinberger
