Eataly captures the heart of River North with ‘Valentine’s Day Taste-Around’

Chicagoans who came out for the Eataly pre-Valentine’s Day tasting event on Friday, Feb. 10, enjoyed delicious bites of Italian cuisine and fragrant vino at ten tasting stations across the marketplace. In the romantic spirit of Valentine’s Day, an Italian red wine and rosé were available for sipping throughout the tasting excursion.

On the second floor, visitors could start by tasting savory bites of two different pizzas, including pizza alla pala siciliana (topped with olives) and pizza alla pala funghi (topped with mushrooms). Salumi roses were served with a side of freshly baked focaccia bread. At the same counter, patrons enjoyed a rich and distinctive flavored chunk of Trentingrana cheese carved straight from the wheel. The cheese was served with a heartwarming love story about the cheesemaker who wanted to create a cheese that reminded his daughter of home.

Freshly shucked oysters were presented atop an ice-filled boat and could be drizzled with red wine vinegar and minced onions. A tangy and filling truffle ricotta agnolotti pasta dish teased the taste buds, along with a deep-fried risotto ball known as quattro formaggi arancini.

Patrons could top off with a refreshing cocktail by FEW spirits between bites that included the option of a lavender flavor or whisky.

Transitioning to sweet bites that began on the second floor, chocolate lovers could dip skewers of strawberries and marshmallows into a chocolate fountain.

Down on the first floor, two more decadent dessert stations attracted long lines that swept through the store, all the way from the front doors and around towards an eye-catching pastry counter lined with colorful desserts adorned with fresh fruits, drizzles of chocolate, and puffs of cream. For the tasting event, a rich chocolate mousse bite called cioccolato e lampone came topped with a sweet raspberry. To finish, foodies wanting a more hands-on approach to their tasting experience could fill their own cannoli.

For Valentine’s Day, those wanting to get their hands on a sweet treat for romance their Valentine (or themselves) with a spread of Italian meats, cheeses, pasta, and wine can head to Eataly and either shop their market, pick up a gorgeously designed dessert from Caffè Lavazza, or reserve a table at their restaurant “Vino &…” which features 100 bottles of Italian wine by the glass.

Looking to develop your wine palate to perfection? Next month from Wednesday, March 8 - Friday, March 10, Eataly is hosting Vino Camp: An Immersive Wine Experience that will boast three incredible ways to learn the art of fine wine:

• Sicilia Camp: A Private Dinner with the Winemaker
• Sicilia Camp: A Walk Around Food and Wine Tasting
• Sicilia Camp: A Wine Seminar in La Scuola

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