Piccolo Sogno Due Opening Mid-June with New Patio

Grid View

• The entry will have windows to look into the main dining room
• The bar will seat about 10 with additional tables set around
• This cozy nook can be used for private dining
• Guests will enter the patio overlooking Carroll Street through the dining room
• This will be the 50-seat patio
• The main dining room will have windows looking onto Clark Street
• The room will be awash in chocolates and blues with nice lighting

At this point, it's no secret that Todd Stein has teamed up with Tony Priolo to be the exec chef at the forthcoming Piccolo Sogno Due. The new spot, which will be an Italian coastal seafood restaurant as opposed to a traditional Italian joint like its four-year-old predecessor, aims to open in mid-June.

When it does, guests will enter the 140-seat Due from a door set back about 10 feet off Clark Street and be greeted by a boxed-window foyer that allows a glimpse into the dining room. Before you hit the main space, pop off to the right for a glass of Sangiovese or cocktail at the 10-seat bar or one of the numerous tables in this section. The main dining room is actually broken out into three distinct dining areas, one of which that can be closed off for a private affair.

The room will look somewhat similar to the River West Piccolo Sogno with a chocolate and blue color scheme, wood-topped tables with white tablecloths, recessed lighting, sconces, wood molding and a mother of pearl wall covering. The entire south wall will comprise large windows that will flood the space with light, but it will also serve as the entrance to the patio. Yes, this spot will also have a patio.

The original Piccolo has arguably one of the best patios in the city, so to have a new Piccolo without a patio would be somewhat of a sacrilege. Unfortunately, this urban setting doesn't have much in the way of extra space, but fortunately the building is located next to a bridge. The team is currently building an approximately 50-seat patio that will hang over the closed-off Carroll Street overlooking the soon-to-open patio at Untitled restaurant.

The menu here will be somewhat similar to Piccolo Sogno, but with Stein's influence. While the menu is still being worked out, it will be seafood heavy and the kitchen will have a wood-burning overn for pizzas and other items. Also look for lobster and bisteca Fiorentina. Expect it to be approchable in that they want this to be more of an everyday spot and not one reserved for special occasions. And remember, it's more about the fish."If people want authentic Italian, they'll go to Piccolo," Stein said. "If they want fish, they'll come here."
· Todd Stein Leaving the Florentine for Piccolo Sogno Due [~EChi~]
· Untitled Restaurant, Lounge and Music 'Speakeasy' Coming [~EChi~]