The Caliterra Bar & Grille

07/26/07

Very Disappointed

by paws26 at Citysearch

I was visiting Chicago with my 16 year son for a few days to look at colleges and we wanted to have some good meals while we were there. We both like nice restaurants and good food so based on the reviews we thought this was a safe choice. We got off to a bad start when the waitress offered me a drink but neglected to offer my son even a soda. He was quite insulted. I also had to brush several crumbs off of the table after we sat down. I had looked up the menu prior to coming here to make sure we would like the choices and we were interested in an artisan cheese plate that was listed. I asked the waitress about it and she said that was no longer available. Another disapointment. She then told us the soup of the day was cream of mushroom and left us to review the menu. When she returned I asked for the mushroom soup as my first course, she then told me it was actually cream of spinach. I didn't want that. We ordered the tuna tartare as our appetizer, my son ordered the margherita pizza and I ordered the braised short ribs pappardelle. The tuna appetizer was very good as was the pizza. The short ribs were awful. The meat was cooked into a blob and the promised horseradish sauce was glopped on and unappetizing. The noodles were ok but there was no flavor.

The atmosphere was hotel stuffy and boring and we thought the place had no ambience. We regretted our choice and vowed to find a better meal the next night (which we did in Lincoln Park area).

All in all, not a good experience and not recommended.

• Pros: The pizza was good, the wine was good.
• Cons: Expensive for the food quality, poor service.

01/15/07

Good for Lunch!

by pjs2780 at Citysearch

My husband an I had lunch here today and really enjoyed it. Our server was sweet and attentive, the bread basket was filled with a delicious selection and a good variety of flavors and textures, and our entrees (mac and cheese [with shrimp, peas, and ham] and my orechiette [made without a cream sauce on request] with sausage and mushrooms) were both wonderful. We enjoyed our experience and would definitely consider returning!

• Pros: beautiful setting, good service, delicious food
• Cons: slightly expensive

07/12/04

Romatic Dining - bit pricey

by kranjan at Citysearch

If your looking for an excellent dining expereince that offers a unique mix of Italian with Californian cuisine this is the spot. Dim lighting and very formal setting makes this a good place for a romantic dinner or small group setting. Not great for large groups of people. Portions are a bit small, but expected. Don't miss trying out the cheese sampler at the end this is a fanstic chance to try a variety of cheeses with complimenting condiments & wines- highly reccomended!!

• Pros: Unique Menu, Selection Cheeses, Romantic Lighting
• Cons: , Small Portions