Publications & Sites 
New restaurant coming to Western Springs
Updated: January 28, 2013 6:36AM
WESTERN SPRINGS — Davanti Enoteca, a new restaurant by Scott Harris, founder and chief executive officer of Francesca Restaurants, has chosen 800 W. Hillgrove Ave. as the newest location for this concept restaurant.
Davanti Enoteca serves simple Italian fare in a rustic wine bar setting. Prior to opening this new restaurant concept a few years ago, Harris and the team of chefs from Francesca’s Restaurants did their research. Although already experts for rustic, Italian cuisine in Chicago, the chefs traveled across the country, eating and tasting to discover how chefs nationwide defined this cuisine.
Inspired by their travels, in 2010 the team proudly introduced the new wine bar and restaurant: Davanti Enoteca in Little Italy. The concept has since expanded to San Diego, , Del Mar, Calif., and Scottsdale, Ariz. The Western Spring’s location will be led by longtime managing partner, Chris Elsey.
As for the menu, small plate starters include selections of vasi (jars of spreads) and boards (tableside presentations of dishes such as the mascarpone polenta and ragu of the day). Larger shareables will include pastas such as Uovo in Raviolo ‘San Domenico’ (giant ravioli, ricotta, egg, spinach), pizzas like Pizza della Fattoria (farmed egg, potato, pork belly, scallions, asiago, and béchamel) and entrées such as Spada Davanti (grilled swordfish, brussel spouts, pancetta, Calabrian chili).
The restaurant is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2013 or shortly thereafter.
