But I must say, after a visit this past Friday with my friend Kathleen--the restaurant abuzz with customers--Gioco is better than ever! We had cold asparagus and grilled calamari and beer and it was delicious! And the best part was when the new chef came out to say hello to us, more than once. He was really interested in what we thought of the asparagus--which was covered with crumbled hard-boiled egg and blue cheese. He wanted to know--so he kept asking until we'd formed an opinion. It was really good.

The calamari, although an appetizer, was really plentiful and perfect for a meal. And the bread with olive oil was devine.

New chef Gaetano Ascione told me he read my blog post about his recent arrival. He seems eager to prove himself. As far as I'm concerned, he has. And Gioco, despite anything anyone says, is a topnotch place and I'm proud to have it in the neighborhood, just a block or so from my house.

By the way, one of my neighbors said recently that Gioco had become a BYOB establishment. I asked our waiter if that could possibly be true, although we hadn't prepared for that if so. He told us that it was briefly BYOB as the restaurant transitioned their liquor license. So don't get excited. In any case, you won't go broke on the libations at Gioco.

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By Dennis Delaney from south loop
Posted: 11/14/2011 9:32 AM

I complained to Gioco's about the noise behind Gioco's. after complants I heard from my neighbors and my own. And when I went to eat there I was served the part of the strip that is usually thrown in with the trimings and I've never gottin over that Dennis

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By Dale Moyer from South Loop
Posted: 11/09/2011 1:44 PM

Dear Bonnie, When you and Kathleen decide to go back to Gioco's, how about giving me a head's up. I love a delicious meal!! Dale