"An Italian Night Out"
"Three Aces"

It’s not only Rock and Roll and I like it.

I finally got a chance last week to dine at the newest Italian Taylor Street eatery Three Aces owned by my friends Anthony Potenzo (Jilly’s, Sushi Samba Rio, Gianiotti’s) and Lyle Aker (Five Star, Whiskey Sky, Whiskey Bar).

If you have ever eaten down on Taylor street then you know you can walk into a dozen restaurants serving the same traditional meals with Frank Sinatra or Dean Martin playing in the background. This is definitely not the case at Three Aces.

When you first arrive at Three Aces you’ll notice the sign. Not just any sign but a sign designed by the legendary Chicago artist Tony Fitzpatrick. Yes, not only can you see Tony’s work at the Art Institute of Chicago, MOMA in New York or in the Museum of Contemporary Art in Miami but now you can view it on Taylor Street. This alone should tell you your in for a great experience.

But there’s more, much more. When you enter Three Aces you enter Anthony and Lyle’s home. If there were beds in the back this is definitely what they’re apartment might look like. A huge bar with an extensive beer list, black booths, exposed brick walls, lighting salvaged from Joliet prison and rock and roll music playing throughout. If that doesn’t set the mood for the evening nothing will.

If your lucky you’ll be able to enjoy Executive Chef Matt Troost’s wonderful creations in one of the areas honoring literary giants Nelson Algren and Charles Bukowski. Or enjoy your Romano, sausage or braised chicken thigh pizzetta while sitting in the Tom Waits booth.

Anywhere you sit I’m sure you’ll enjoy the many delicacies Three Aces has to offer. Chef Matt Troost (Fianco) has created a menu that is to be enjoyed by all. His farm to table small plate Italian concept is a great way to share a meal with family and friends.

I went there to try the steak sandwich and ended up ordering the Arancini, which was lightly breaded, oozing with fontina cheese and served on a bed of braised oxtail. Then we moved on to the Pappardelle with the Bolognese sauce and the Pici, which is made in house and served topped with braised lamb, black olives, pine nuts and a cured egg yolk. As if this wasn’t enough we went on to order the Romano Pizzetta and finally the Steak Sandwich, which was drizzled with aioli and topped with caramelized onion and fontina cheese. Needless to say I couldn’t move when we were finished. What started out as I simple dinner ended up as a feast. Next time I'm going to order the burger. Looks good doesn't it?

Three Aces is definitely my favorite new hangout. If you love rock and roll and Italian food then Three Aces is the place you’ll want to be. So if your in the neighborhood stop by. You’ll eat like "the king", drink like "a writer" and be treated like a "rock star".

Three Aces is located at 1321 West Taylor St. in Chicago’s "Little Italy" (312-243-1577). They don’t take reservations and you can seat yourself. Just make sure you ask for Anthony or Lyle when you get there. To view there full menu and hours of operation visit Three Aces Chicago.com.

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