Filini: 221 N. Columbus Dr. Chicago, 60601

Filini is in the lobby of the Radisson Blu Hotel, which is in the famed Aqua Building in Chicago.

Very modern, open, airy, and pretty, with excellent food and drinks and good service.

We went here and sat in the bar when my parents and my brother and sister-in-law came to visit from L.A. in September. They stayed in a condo in the Aqua, so we went to Filini a couple times while they were visiting. We drank a lot of wine! Then we had a lot of food! It was really fun and a great experience.

We started with a cheese plate. David had a beer and Sarah had some sort of sparkling wine, which is all the rage with the young people these days, I’ve noticed.

Then we had the delicious creamy, cheesy artichoke and spinach dip with some flatbreads. Mom and I shared a bottle of Sicilian red wine.

We ordered a couple of pizzas including a margherita and a sausage, but this one rocked my world! It was sauteed exotic mushrooms, spinach, taleggio cheese, and truffle oil. It was the best thing I’ve eaten in a long time. I might have to go get one right now.

We finished the evening with some Italian cookies.

I love Filini and will go back soon!