Bar Toma: Casual in Chicago

Bar Toma is a modern and casual yet inviting Italian spot located downtown just off Michigan Avenue on Pearson Street.  The cuisine varied from light dishes with citrus to your heavier items such as traditional Bolognese.  We started with the Fluke crudo done with capers, parsley, a touch of horseradish, and lemon.  This was topped with cucumber slices and served with warm flatbread toast points.  The Cristina salad was my personal favorite item we ordered.  A bed of spinach and frisee topped with hearts of palm, smoked garlic, olives, orange supremes, shrimp, and sliced avocado.  The dressing consisted of fresh lemon and olive oil.  A beautiful presentation and the light, fresh flavors almost had me licking the plate.  This could have been my entrée.

For the main course we tried the housemade gnocchi with Roman style oxtail ragu, shaved celery, pachino tomatoes, celery leaves, and Grana Padano.  This dish was excellent but still doesn't stand up to Nonna's. :)  For the pizza we selected the Dottore.  An airy, crispy crust topped with La Quercia prosciutto, arugula, and mozzarella was simple and yet delicious.

And don't forget to try their daily selection of housemade Gelato!

Bravo!